"Alright, let's discuss the exchange."
As she walked, Ding Yun had already casually surveyed the houses of various families in the village. She had to admit that the house she was currently looking at was indeed among the better ones in the village; there was nothing more to choose from.
She was simply too lazy to find fault.
So, she decided to ask for the price directly.
As for why she mentioned "exchange," it was because directly mentioning "buying and selling" was not favorable at this time, and "exchange" felt safer.
People exchanging what they needed, not engaging in profiteering.
"It's straightforward of you, young lady. I won't beat around the bush. This house alone cost a thousand yuan in materials.
When building the house, I had villagers help. Although I didn't pay them money, I did allocate some of my work points to them, and I also provided food and drink.
In our village, work points are equivalent to money!
Then there's the land fee. All these miscellaneous expenses, it wouldn't be unreasonable to say it's worth fifteen hundred yuan, would it?"
Village Chief Wang was also afraid of scaring her away or making her unwilling by asking for too high a price, so he genuinely didn't dare to ask for much. This price was just enough to break even for him. Even so, he spoke while looking at Ding Yun with some worry,
as if afraid she would show difficulty.
Ding Yun, at this moment, also felt a little relieved, relieved that she had boldly disguised herself and sold a batch of watches. Otherwise, she truly wouldn't have been able to come up with this sum of money. Because she had the means, her expression remained unchanged, and she nodded:
"This price is indeed fine. After all, the quality of the house materials is evident. So, Village Chief, how would you like to exchange? Will it be a full payment, or...?"
"You really want to buy, no, exchange?"
In the village chief's view, such a big matter should involve some consideration, some deliberation, some hesitation.
How could it be as straightforward as buying cabbage?
So, for a moment, he found it hard to believe.
He was afraid he had misheard.
"Yes, let's discuss it now. If there are no surprises, I'd like to move in today."
Ding Yun continued to state with certainty.
At this time, resources were scarce, and there weren't many good things on the market. Whether it was money or goods, Ding Yun believed she could provide them. Since she could provide them, why hesitate? Let's trade directly.
"Uh... well, you can move in first.
As for what specifically to exchange, I'll need to discuss it with my family. But you mentioned earlier that you could indeed procure bicycles and the like. Without ration coupons?"
Ding Yun could make decisions on her own, but Village Chief Wang couldn't. If he could only ask for money, he could decide himself. But since he could ask for goods, he naturally had to go back and discuss it with his family, and if possible, contact his youngest son to see what he lacked or wanted, and then discuss the exchange.
For this reason, he specifically asked again, not entirely reassured.
Ding Yun, of course, nodded in affirmation again.
After that, things became easier. It was nothing more than Village Chief Wang helping to open the door and letting Ding Yun move in first.
He himself, however, hurried home.
He rode his family's hard-to-come-by, old, second-hand bicycle and rushed to the county town to find his youngest son.
Both to inform him of this matter.
And to ask him what he wanted.
As for Ding Yun, she naturally began to sort out her luggage, tidy up the house, and so on. She also allowed the children who had followed her to play on the tricycle, as long as they didn't mess around or damage anything.
...
Three to four hours later, as dusk approached, Ding Yun finally settled her luggage and prepared to eat and wash up.
At the same time, news related to her
gradually spread throughout the village.
Everyone knew that the educated youth who had come here this time was someone with money. As soon as she arrived, she wanted to exchange for the new house that the village chief's family had recently built, and she even arrived on a new tricycle. For a time, there was much discussion among the villagers.
Some curious people even came over to watch.
Considering that she might not be leaving this place for the next few years, Ding Yun, after finishing her tasks, immediately and enthusiastically invited the onlookers, aunties, and children inside to sit and chat.
At the same time, she brought out some peanuts and melon seeds.
She distributed some to everyone.
Then, they naturally started chatting.
The villagers inquired about Ding Yun's news, and Ding Yun, in turn, inquired about the village's situation. Through their exchange, Ding Yun quickly learned about the village's overall state, most of the families, and the situations of other educated youths.
The village aunties and grandmas also knew that Ding Yun was not short of money and had connections, able to buy all sorts of good things.
Moreover, with peanuts and melon seeds to snack on, they chatted very happily. If they hadn't been thinking about going home to cook and serve their large families, they wouldn't have wanted to leave.
At this time, the village chief's family was also discussing.
Discussing what to exchange.
"I've already told you the situation.
The third son said he wants a television. A television alone would cost at least five to six hundred yuan. So, his intention is that if he can get a TV, he doesn't want anything else. If he can't get a TV, then bicycles or watches are acceptable.
If all else fails, a sewing machine or something similar would suffice.
When the new house was built, the third son contributed a full eight hundred yuan, so his demands are not at all excessive. None of you should have any other ideas.
This is what he deserves.
This time, the house is planned to be exchanged for fifteen hundred yuan. So, I've decided, no matter what, eight hundred yuan worth of items will go to the third son. If the TV is less than eight hundred yuan, the difference will be given to him in cash.
That leaves us with a seven-hundred-yuan share, right?
Now, you all discuss whether you want money or other items for these seven hundred yuan. That young lady told me she can procure items like bicycles, sewing machines, and watches. Although they aren't brand new,
the price will be a bit cheaper, and no ration coupons are needed.
So, everyone state your preferences."
After explaining the general situation, Village Chief Wang directly stated what he could decide and had already decided.
His eldest son, his eldest daughter-in-law, his second son, and his second daughter-in-law, although a little dissatisfied, were only slightly displeased, not unreasonable. So, after a moment of hesitation, they all nodded in agreement with this distribution.
And quickly began to discuss what to exchange.
"Let's get a bicycle. Our family's bicycle is too old and dilapidated. I don't even dare to give someone a ride, for fear that if two people ride it, the bicycle will break down."
"We need a sewing machine too. With a sewing machine, it would be much easier to mend and patch things at home."
"Yes, yes, a sewing machine is definitely needed. Xiao Lan will also be of marriageable age soon. Having a sewing machine as part of her dowry would be quite impressive. And this way, she'll have more confidence when she gets married."
"Watches are also great!"
"What are you dreaming of? People working in the fields all day, what do they need a watch for? It's a waste! If we're exchanging for a watch, it's better to get a flashlight, at least it's useful!"
"It's a shame we don't have electricity here yet. Otherwise, getting a TV would feel pretty good. If we got a TV, then our family would be the first in ten villages and eight townships to have a TV. How enviable would that be!"
"Does a TV not need electricity? Do you know how expensive electricity is now? Think about something useful, don't give me any of that flashy, nonsensical stuff!"
...