Chapter 91: Taking Care of Matters

Zhao Guoyang glanced at Sun Laogen beside him and continued, "Well, I never expected our village enterprise to enjoy the 'three years exemption, two years at half rate' policy like foreign companies."

"Still, for the first couple of years, could the corporate income tax be given some preferential treatment? For example, only charge 20% or something..."

Hearing this, Wang Hongqi immediately realized that this seemingly young Boss Zhao was actually quite knowledgeable. He furrowed his brow, then ultimately gritted his teeth and said, "Since you've brought it up, I won't embarrass you."

"How about this—regarding your factory's income tax, I'll go to the county and fight for you. Charging only 20% is unlikely, but halving it is quite hopeful!"

After discussing for so long, Zhao Guoyang hadn’t expected that after offering a series of preferential policies, Mayor Wang would also add a supplementary condition. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t much of a condition; he simply hoped that when Zhao Guoyang’s factory started hiring, they would give priority to the labor force from Sunjia Village.

As soon as Mayor Wang mentioned this, Sun Laogen’s eyes grew hot with emotion, nearly shedding tears. Clearly, Wang Hongqi had touched his heart, solving a major problem for him.

In fact, Wang Hongqi was well aware of Sun Laogen’s predicament. He had three sons; the eldest had just gotten married last year, nearly exhausting the family's savings. Now, the second son was almost at marriageable age, but reluctant to leave home for work and unwilling to remain a farmer, he hadn’t found a proper job. This had caused Sun Laogen so much worry that his hair had turned noticeably whiter.

Back in his youth when Wang Hongqi was sent down to the countryside, it was in Sunjia Village, and he and Sun Laogen were old acquaintances. Now, given this opportunity, he naturally wanted to look out for him.

As for Mayor Wang’s request, Zhao Guoyang readily agreed.

Seeing him nod, Monkey’s eyes darted with a quick idea. He enthusiastically turned to Sun Laogen and said, "Village Chief, if I remember right, Er Gazi is idle at home, isn’t he? He’s quick-witted and has a high school education. If he joins our factory and applies himself, he’s bound to do well..."

Monkey’s words immediately clarified things for Zhao Guoyang. He nodded with deliberate seriousness, "Yes, that’s right. Though our factory is still in its early stages and not yet in production, it’s necessary to reserve some key personnel."

"Right now, what we need most is a foreman responsible for production management. If your son truly has the capability and is willing to come, it would be a great thing!"

"He’s willing! Absolutely willing!" Sun Laogen’s face blossomed with joy.

Monkey, however, added, "Village Chief, Er Gazi has never really listened to you. You’d better ask for his opinion first!"

"Hmph, impossible! If that rascal dares not to come, I’ll break his legs myself!" Sun Laogen declared, pounding his chest.

"Since Village Chief is so certain, let’s settle it. When he arrives, have him familiarize himself with the equipment as soon as possible," Zhao Guoyang said, turning to Monkey.

"Alright, Boss Zhao, leave it to me!" Monkey nodded repeatedly.

With Zhao Guoyang’s decisive assent, the matter was as good as settled. Seeing that his second son now had a job—an actual 'foreman'—Sun Laogen was elated.

Zhao Guoyang’s straightforward agreement left Mayor Wang Hongqi feeling honored as well. He chatted with Zhao Guoyang for a few more moments, promising to persuade the other leaders upon his return, striving to secure even more preferential policies for their enterprise.

Zhao Guoyang thanked him profusely, expressing his gratitude. Despite only spending less than an hour together, Zhao Guoyang sensed that Mayor Wang was a bold and capable man, someone who was a pleasure to deal with.

After this round of negotiations, Zhao Guoyang and his companions saw Mayor Wang off. Sun Laogen, meanwhile, couldn’t stop grinning, insisting on inviting Zhao Guoyang and Monkey home for a meal.

Zhao Guoyang smiled and politely declined, saying that he and Monkey still needed to go back and adjust the machines.

Seeing their determination, Sun Laogen had no choice but to give up, though he still escorted them all the way to the intersection.

Once Zhao Guoyang turned away, Sun Laogen hurriedly pulled Monkey aside, secretly pressing a pack of cigarettes into his hand.

Monkey tried to refuse, but Sun Laogen nudged him with his elbow and whispered, "Take it, Uncle’s giving it to you. Just keep it. In the future, Er Gazi is bound to cause you trouble—please be tolerant!"

With Sun Laogen’s insistence, Monkey no longer protested and accepted the gift with a nod.

By the time Zhao Guoyang returned to Monkey’s house, it was already past five in the afternoon. Seeing the day growing late and knowing the car couldn’t be fixed that day, he borrowed Monkey’s old bicycle and rode home.

Anyway, with the village set to officially supply power tomorrow, he’d return for the first batch of goods, and could bring the bike back then.

...

When he arrived home, the family was just eating dinner. Surprised to see Zhao Guoyang, He Huifen quickly put down her chopsticks, hurried over, and took his hand, scolding affectionately, "Guoyang, you child, why didn’t you say you were coming home? Look, we didn’t even buy groceries. Go sit down, I’ll fry up a couple of eggs for you!"

After greeting his father, little sister, and little brother, Zhao Guoyang waved his hands repeatedly, "No need, Mom, I already ate outside. I rode a bike home, I’m exhausted—just going to lie down in my room."

Dragging his tired body into his room, He Huifen and Zhao Jingzhong exchanged confused glances: Did Guoyang really ride a bicycle all the way from Ninghai City?

After dinner, at their parents’ urging, Zhao Xiaojing and Zhao Xiaoyong quickly went to Guoyang’s room to investigate.

"Brother, did you really ride home from Ninghai City?" Zhao Xiaojing asked, amused, seeing her big brother lying on the bed.

Zhao Guoyang groaned, "Xiaojing, are you silly? It’s dozens of kilometers—how could I possibly ride all the way? I took a bus back, then went to Heima Township, and rode home from there."

"Heima Township? Oh, I get it! You went to see Brother Monkey!" Zhao Xiaojing, clever as ever, immediately guessed his whereabouts.

Hearing "Monkey," Zhao Xiaoyong perked up, "Brother Monkey, the skinny guy who catches crickets? Wow, I haven’t seen him in years—I really miss him!"

"You mean you miss him catching crickets for you," Zhao Guoyang said, annoyed.

"Hehe, both, both..." Zhao Xiaoyong, who feared his big brother most, answered sheepishly.

Seeing the two still acting like curious little kittens, Zhao Guoyang waved his hand, "Alright, I’m thinking. Go do your own thing. The final exams are coming up—study hard, don’t mess up your grades!"