Witty Wife, Better Life

Chapter 630: Chapter 620 Price

The next morning, Shen Yunfang went to see Director Bai again.

This time, the gatekeeper didn’t stop her. When he saw her, he even greeted her enthusiastically, leaving Shen Yunfang feeling unexpectedly flattered.

However, the old gatekeeper’s words cleared up Shen Yunfang’s confusion, "Here comes our dear lady. Director Bai told me this morning when he came to work, if you come, no need to make a call, just go straight in to see him."

With a wide smile, Shen Yunfang waved at the elderly gatekeeper and walked towards the city government building.

"Hehe, I’ve been waiting for you." Upon hearing the knock, Director Bai looked up, saw it was Shen Yunfang, and welcomed her with a chuckle as he rose from his seat.

"Judging by Director Bai’s smile, you must have some good news for me," said Shen Yunfang, who entered the office with ease and sat down next to him on the sofa at his gesture.

After exchanging pleasantries for a moment, they got down to business.

"Yesterday afternoon, I reported to the city leaders about your plan to lease land in our province. The city leaders are also supportive of this matter. After all, you are a teacher at the Agricultural University. You are more professional at scientific farming. The city leaders also hope that through you, we can inspire a large number of farmers, letting them know that a good life isn’t limited to moving to the city to become workers; diligent farming can also lead to prosperity," Director Bai explained while sitting on the sofa.

Shen Yunfang listened with a smile, somewhat prepared for such a result. After all, the land had only been distributed to the farmers a year or two ago, and though many were tasting the sweetness of farming for the first time, few were bold enough to lease land on a large scale like she did. To most farmers, leasing ten or twenty acres a year seemed remarkable. Most farmers were still eager to head to the city, seeking jobs that offered steady wages rain or shine. Therefore, presenting herself as a role model seemed quite inevitable.

"Director Bai, you flatter me. Though I graduated from the Agricultural University and now teach there, I truly dare not claim to be a professional in front of the experienced farmers. What I know is merely book knowledge, which really can’t compare with the experience of the farmers," Shen Yunfang humbly responded.

"Hehe, you are neither arrogant nor impatient; Xiaoshen, you really are a good comrade. But haven’t you heard that excessive humility is arrogance? So let’s not stand on ceremony. After consulting the leaders yesterday, I organized an emergency meeting with the various department heads to discuss the specific leasing price for your land. The final decision was: fifteen yuan per mu per year, not a penny less. However, if you also take on that barren hill, we can give you some discount," Director Bai said, watching Shen Yunfang’s reaction closely.

To express slight dissatisfaction with the price, Shen Yunfang frowned and asked, "How much of a discount can you give me?" In fact, she thought the price was already quite favorable, but if she could get even more benefits, who wouldn’t want that? Negotiation worked that way; one must not fully reveal their true emotions and had to strike a balance in their stance.

"Originally, the annual lease for that hill would be at least seven thousand yuan. However, our city’s leaders know you are a military spouse. In Z Province, military and political affairs have always been integrated. The city leaders specifically mentioned that it’s rare for a military spouse in Z Province to start a business, especially in agriculture. The city government must offer full support with a green light all the way. Therefore, when we discussed the lease price, we took the leader’s opinion into consideration and appropriately reduced the price for the barren mountain. The annual lease fee is set at five thousand yuan, which can also be regarded as our department’s support for the military and military spouses," Director Bai said cheerily. In truth, when he reported the matter to the leaders, he hadn’t thought so much about it, but after understanding the leaders’ intentions, he knew what to do.

From his own perspective, he wanted to give the people some discounts where possible. Although the country had started reforms and opened up, many farmers were still held back by old ways of thinking, hesitant and moving forward tentatively. He was also keen to establish a role model in the entire province that could motivate the vast majority of farmers to vigorously develop Z Province’s agriculture.

Upon hearing his words, Shen Yunfang immediately displayed an expression of pleasant surprise. "Director Bai, I truly appreciate the recognition from you and the city leadership. However, I must clarify that my bidding for the land is purely a personal act, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the military or my spouse." It was essential to make jurisdictions clear.

"Hehe, of course, I understand, I understand."

"Then that’s excellent. The price is very reasonable. So, I’ll need to trouble Director Bai to assist with the follow-up matters." Shen Yunfang finalized the matter, "Director Bai, I’m truly grateful for the huge discount you’ve managed to secure for me. I’m not sure when you’re available, but I would like to express my gratitude in person."

That was an invitation to a meal.

Upon hearing her words, Director Bai’s smile instantly turned serious, "Comrade Shen, I don’t care how others do things, but there’s no need for such insincere formalities with me. If you truly want to thank me, then just cultivate the land well, produce more grains. That way, more common people can have enough to eat, and that will be enough."

Shen Yunfang was deeply moved by Director Bai, never expecting such luck in meeting a good official.

Naturally, she then extensively praised Director Bai’s integrity and lofty principles.

Afterwards, Director Bai dispensed with the formalities and immediately called a subordinate to take Shen Yunfang to inspect the site in person.

This individual was a scholarly man in his thirties, not tall, around five foot seven. Through introductions, she learned his name was Wang Kai, and he was a capable worker.

Of course, they couldn’t have Wang Kai escort Shen Yunfang in a government vehicle or on a bicycle for the land survey, so they added Director Bai’s driver to their team.

Shen Yunfang glanced at her watch, noticing it was nearly eleven o’clock. She couldn’t let the staff stay hungry while accompanying her to examine the land. So, upon leaving the city government compound, she instructed the driver to find a decent-looking restaurant, where she insistently pulled the two men in for a lunch.

During the meal, Shen Yunfang gained a preliminary understanding of Wang Kai. He seemed like a talent fit for progression within the system, skilled in conversation, adept at reading people. Although she couldn’t discern his true thoughts, on the surface, he appeared to value her greatly. As for the driver, a man in his forties exuding stability, he would scarcely speak unless necessary at the table. Only later did she find out that the driver was a retired military man, which immediately made him seem more familiar to her.

After satisfying their appetites and having grown somewhat closer, the driver then drove them both towards the outer suburbs. Passing a short distance close to the military district, they reached their destination.

Wang Kai gave Shen Yunfang a general tour of the area and the hill. Shen Yunfang asked the driver to circle around the land and hill she was interested in. Since it required a detour, the entire loop took roughly an hour and a half.