Chapter 31 - Bullshit
“I'm sorry, Xiaoloong.” Yang Jingjing felt very guilty.
While the manager had assured her it wasn't her fault, Yang Jingjing couldn't help but feel that… If only she hadn't followed them here and intentionally uttered those vexing words… Ultimately, she believed it was her actions that had muddled the situation.
He had come here solely to interview Zhang Xiaoloong, not his actual girlfriend. Although he had faced a minor setback yesterday, it wasn't a significant issue. Besides, it had merely been a misunderstanding. What right did he have to feel jealous of Zhang Xiaoloong?
There could be numerous reasons for the top scholar's absence. Regardless of the cause, she must have encountered difficulties. Instead of providing assistance, she had ended up causing inconvenience to the other party. This deepened Yang Jingjing's self-blame.
“It's not your concern. Even if the price remains the same as yesterday, I won't make the purchase,” Zhang Xiaoloong candidly stated.
“Why?” Yang Jingjing was curious.
“You can't blame me for being practical and honoring my word, can you?” Chen Yaru replied nervously.
“I cultivate crops to earn a living. Regardless of its scale, it's still a business. In business, a win-win situation is essential for sustainability. If you're consistently on the brink of financial loss, it's unfavorable. If Bian Er exploits me, I won't be able to sustain it,” Zhang Xiaoloong gently smiled at the two girls. “So, neither of you should blame yourselves. It was my impatience and a lack of understanding of my own foundation. I always aimed for the sky in one leap. In ancient wisdom, they say haste makes waste. Among farmers, there's a saying that taking overly large strides often results in breaking an egg…”
Pffft…
The two beauties spat at the same time.
Hearing him speak so candidly, no one could have anticipated that he would utter such inappropriate words in the end.
Following his remark, both of them directed their gaze toward Zhang Xiaoloong's lower body.
“Ahem, ahem, ahem…” Under the intense scrutiny, Zhang Xiaoloong felt awkward. He also realized it wasn't suitable to make such comments in the presence of the young lady. “I mean… those words were crude. I'll heed my father's advice. When I return, I'll personally gather earth and craft a few bamboo structures for plastic sheets. Once I have the means, I'll consider the glass greenhouse.”
“I can help!” Yang Jingjing promptly volunteered upon hearing this.
“Okay,” Zhang Xiaoloong responded with a smile, thinking that it would be a success if she didn't cause any trouble.
Chen Yaru overheard their conversation and felt a twinge of envy. Their recent exchange implied that this attractive reporter intended to accompany Zhang Xiaoloong back to Qinghe Village.
Although she understood that the two of them were not romantically involved, she couldn't help but sense a subtle threat from the girl.
According to her father, Chen Zhaomin, Zhang Xiaoloong was like a raw gemstone waiting to be polished. Now, someone had already begun the process of uncovering his potential. If she delayed, he might slip away into someone else's hands.
She wasn't concerned about the uncut gemstone. Every time she stood before this gentle giant, she felt an inexplicable sense of security. Even if he weren't a gemstone, he was a precious stone she wanted to embrace.
This sensation was rather peculiar. It felt as though there was a fragrance emanating from him, drawing her closer irresistibly. Once she caught a whiff, the temptation became impossible to resist, and she found herself inexplicably drawn closer.
“Using a homemade plastic sheet greenhouse to maximize light harvesting isn't ideal. If you engage a company for the task… The cost would amount to approximately twenty to thirty thousand,” Chen Yaru pondered briefly before continuing, “However, plastic sheet greenhouses only last about three years, whereas glass greenhouses can endure for three decades. If you're looking at a short-term endeavor, plastic is undoubtedly more cost-effective. But for a long-term investment, glass greenhouses remain the superior choice.”
“Given my current circumstances, even if I opt for plastic greenhouses through a company, my resources fall short. So, I can't consider the long-term investment issue right now. My immediate priority is addressing the present challenge,” Zhang Xiaoloong lamented.
“Actually, I have two potential solutions for the current predicament. Would you like to hear them?” Chen Yaru inquired slyly.
“What are the two options?” Zhang Xiaoloong's eyes sparkled, though Yang Jingjing remained on guard.
“The first option allows for installment payments, starting after the vegetables have matured. Given that there may be no income initially, we can begin calculating the repayment period three months later, or perhaps even six months. The weekly amount can be adjusted based on your sales performance. It's not a problem if it's a bit lower; we can extend it until it's fully paid,” Chen Yaru explained, observing Zhang Xiaoloong for his reaction.
Zhang Xiaoloong felt a touch of embarrassment. Although it was framed as installments, the terms were incredibly lenient. It was evident that the offer was made out of genuine concern, particularly with the clause that the repayment would depend on sales. As long as he claimed to be operating at a loss, he could indefinitely postpone repaying the money, essentially receiving it for free.
“In that case, we'll commence repayment in three months. However, I insist on paying the interest at the regular rate; it's a matter of principle,” Zhang Xiaoloong stated, understanding the difference between accepting a favor and receiving a substantial sum, such as a few hundred thousand yuan, for free. “I can't accept it otherwise.”
“No need to worry; I'll stay within the country's legal limits. I'll make sure you pay the highest permissible interest rate,” Chen Yaru assured with relief before adding a reminder, “And don't forget the two-thousand-yuan transportation fee. It falls under the same agreement as the interest—repayment in vegetables, not cash. Once a week. Do you remember this arrangement?”
“No problem.” Zhang Xiaoloong agreed readily.
“Aren't you curious about the second option?” Chen Yaru tried once more to entice him. “Compared to the first one, this approach carries fewer risks. You won't have to invest any money, and it can also simplify your business operations significantly.”
“Are you suggesting he marries you with his land?” Yang Jingjing quipped, half-joking and half-serious.
Zhang Xiaoloong chimed in quickly, “I think the first option sounds great. I'll repay the money as soon as possible.”
Chen Yaru didn't offer many comments and continued, “The second option involves our company selling all the vegetables you cultivate. Essentially, we'll establish a greenhouse. You'll manage the planting, including seeds and fertilizers, while both parties will share the profits equally. We can agree on a baseline price with you. If you can't sell at that price, we'll ensure you receive half of the profit anyway. If the market price exceeds the baseline, we'll split the higher profit equally. How does that sound?”
Zhang Xiaoloong fell into contemplation for a moment. In his mind, this alternative seemed feasible as well.
At first glance, it appeared that the other party was offering everything, even taking care of the basic sales. He would be solely responsible for cultivation but still receive half the profit. It seemed like a favorable deal for Zhang Xiaoloong.
Yet, Zhang Xiaoloong believed that the vegetables he grew were unique and couldn't be cultivated by just anyone. In essence, he felt that no one else could grow them and then hand them over for selling. In reality, the one benefiting the most would be Yuanbo. He wouldn't even owe any favors to the company.
“Let's proceed with the first option,” Zhang Xiaoloong stated thoughtfully.
“Alright,” Chen Yaru responded with a hint of disappointment, though she didn't push further. She blinked and said, “If there's nothing else, let's go inspect the materials. We can discuss your ideas after we examine the site. While the specific design will depend on the terrain, we'll do our best to accommodate your preferences. After the visit, I'll arrange for your return to Qinghe Village.”
“Ah? Why are you going to Qinghe Village?” Zhang Xiaoloong was puzzled.
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