I became the Counterpart of the Winner in a Period Novel-Chapter 121 - 118: Big Brother Begins to Shine

Wow!

This time, it practically made all the villagers drop their jaws in surprise.

Some villagers regained their senses, unable to believe such a good thing could happen.

"Are they really distributing grain to us?"

"Is it true or not, everyone will know by tomorrow morning, won’t they? As for the distribution location, I don’t know yet, but tomorrow morning I’ll have someone notify each household. Uncles and aunties, remember to bring someone from home, otherwise I’m afraid you won’t be able to carry it back; right now I have no one to make home deliveries."

These humorous and witty words once again made the villagers feel even more favorable towards him.

The villagers started whispering among themselves again: "I think it’s true. Jian Guo is an honest person, he wouldn’t lie."

"As he said, we’ll know by tomorrow morning. Actually, even if they don’t distribute, we didn’t gain any benefits when Sun Heqing was in charge."

"But now there’s money. I still hope he distributes money."

"Has your brain been kicked by a donkey? If more than three thousand yuan were all given out, each household would only get thirty-five yuan, but just think, how much would ten kilos of rice cost at the food store? How much would two hundred kilos of sweet potatoes cost, or two packs of sugar? Expensive, and you might not even be able to buy them. People need to use their heads.

Let me tell you in secret, last time when Old Five’s family didn’t have food, they couldn’t get any from the food store either. With no choice, they couldn’t let the kids go hungry, so they sneaked to the underground market. After a lot of hassle, they managed to buy some grain, but it cost fifty cents per pound of rice, and it needed food tickets. They went through so much trouble and the prices were outrageous. I dare say, even if people got the money, most wouldn’t be able to buy grain. You can try if you don’t believe me."

"Uncle, I was just speaking offhandedly. Don’t take it to heart, I admit I was wrong, okay?"

"Everyone, quiet down, I seem to have heard different opinions. If anyone has concerns, you can stand up and express them. Does anyone?"

"How could there not be? But I clearly heard just now."

The man standing near Jiang Jian Country sheepishly moved towards the corner. He had indeed mentioned about the money earlier, but upon reconsideration, he thought it’s better to collectively bring it up as it’s more convenient and saves effort and money.

"Then I must have heard wrong. If, if anyone doesn’t want the grain but wants money instead, I can exchange money for everyone, but later if anyone regrets it and comes to me, I won’t be responsible."

Someone timidly raised a hand.

"This uncle, please speak: What would be the exchange method if exchanged for money?"

"I’ve listed a purchasing standard here: rice for ten cents a pound, no tickets; sweet potatoes for three cents a pound, no tickets; and salt for two cents a pound, with tickets. Two packs of sugar, brown and white sugar, are the same price, two yuan per pack, no tickets. So the cash exchange follows this standard."

The man’s mouth dropped in shock: "Jian Guo, don’t fool me. You can’t buy food at these prices."

Jiang Jian Country proudly thought: That’s because of my sister’s way of obtaining things, that’s why it’s so cheap.

"Uncle, like I said, whether you can buy it or not will be clear by tomorrow morning. Does anyone want cash instead of grain? Those who do, step up so I can have someone register you. If you don’t want grain, you can collect the money now. Any takers?"

Seeing Jiang Jian Country looking at him, the man quickly retreated: "I, I don’t want the money. I, I want the grain."

Seeing his change of stance, the others couldn’t help but laugh.

"Since there’s none, let me talk about the next matter. Regarding the grain, at this price, the total cost is less than a thousand yuan, leaving more than two thousand yuan in the public account. Does anyone have any good ideas?"

Everyone looked at each other, unsure about what the new leader was planning.

Honestly, when they first heard Jian Guo was taking charge, they had no expectations. But in such a short time, they unconsciously began to look up and expect things from this young man who they had watched grow up. Perhaps they were old now, and it was time to let the young ones have their chance, hoping the next generation could benefit from their shade.

"Since no one has immediate ideas, take your time to think. You can tell me anytime when you have something in mind. I do have a suggestion I’d like our uncles and aunties to consider."

There wasn’t a hint of authoritarianism; instead, he let them express their opinions, moving some of the older folks to tears. The future looked promising!

"Think about it, what materials do we use to build houses?"

A young man raised his hand and answered loudly: "I know this. Clay bricks, or directly using packed earth. And your newly built red brick house can use red bricks, and you can also use stones."

"Which one do you prefer?"

"Of course, red bricks, they’re grand and comfortable, I’m envious."

"What about everyone else?"

"Of course, red bricks."

"Red brick houses, I dream of having one."

"Auntie, you don’t have to dream anymore. I’ve decided to build a brick factory of our own, in our collective name."

"What?" Undoubtedly, this was the second big shock of the day.

It struck the villagers with excitement, red faces, or tear-filled eyes...

If distributing low-cost grain won him fifty percent trust from the villagers, this plan earned him a hundred percent trust.

Old farmers worked hard in the fields all their lives, themselves bearing hardship and toil was alright, but they couldn’t bear to see their children and grandchildren suffer the same bending labor. Deep inside, they yearned for their young ones to escape farming, but they just couldn’t find a way out.

But now, what did Jian Guo say?

He wanted to build their village’s own brick factory! That’s incredible. If sons or grandsons could work there, wouldn’t they become workers?

Some insightful villagers immediately began asking questions.

"Jian Guo, can you really build it?"

"Mr. Wang, I pledge on behalf of our family of three that when I, Jian Guo, say it, I’ll do it, and I won’t make empty promises to everyone. So, do you all agree to use the remaining money to build the factory?"

"Willing, of course willing. Jian Guo, from now on, you don’t have to report everything to us, just make your decisions. We trust you." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"That won’t do; this is our own factory, naturally, everyone has to nod in agreement. As for other village matters in the future, I will establish a leadership team as soon as possible. Any issues can be discussed with them; all matters, big or small, will be decided by vote. How does this sound?"

"Agreed!"

"Agreed!"

"No objections!"

"Jian Guo, the future of Qingshan Village depends on you."

"Uncle Li, the future of Qingshan Village depends on everyone."

"Jian Guo, do well and lead the younger generation to a good life."

"I’ll listen to Uncle Wen."

"Jian Guo, not sure what the recruitment criteria for the brick factory are?"

"What are the criteria for the new leadership? Will we qualify?"

"These are two different questions. The brick factory personnel will be discussed after the factory is built. As for the new leadership, I will open up selection. Anyone interested can sign up at the village committee, and those suitable after interviews will be appointed."

Coming home after a busy afternoon, he suddenly realized today was the moving day, and there was a warm potluck dinner in the evening. Jiang Jian Country felt a bit guilty for missing out on being part of the moving team.

Mrs. Jiang looked at him with sparkling eyes for the first time: "It’s alright, you mind your own business. Wenquan brought people to help. That kid is truly thoughtful."

Jiang Jian Country’s alarm bells went off: He only missed a day, and his mom had another son?