novelraw Chapter 633 - 634: Where Does the Money Come From
Chapter 633 - 634: Where Does the Money Come From
Because earlier Zhao Xuran gave only a rough idea, Gong Ruini’s first thought was to find Cai Meina.
Is buying a house such a big deal that one person can handle it?
It’s not that Gong Ruini looks down on Gong Tao’s perspective, but a man’s way of looking at houses is different from theirs.
If Cai Meina were around, Gong Ruini wouldn’t worry. Her eye for things would probably prevent Gong Tao from buying a house he doesn’t like.
But only now did they realize that as soon as Gong Tao entered the city, he already fancied this house. At that time, they didn’t dare to speak of it; little did they know there would be a day when they’d learn the house was move-in ready. How could one not be happy?
"It’s a nice house." Cai Meina chuckled as she listened to her daughter and son hesitantly inquire about the house. "I originally planned to contact you once the house was renovated, but now there’s no way to wait until then."
Ah, what does that mean? Gong Ruwen didn’t understand why she’d say that. Is it really expensive to renovate the house?
Gong Ruini suddenly remembered something. Back then, to have money to print exercise books, she took all the household money, so they should be out of money now.
Even if they had money, they probably couldn’t afford a courtyard house. The price of a decent courtyard house isn’t cheap, especially near Zhuge Zhi’s place. Well-preserved ones are quite expensive, and with their parents’ money, buying one shouldn’t be possible.
Gong Ruini wouldn’t have thought Zhao Gang and his wife had money. Even if the elderly supported them a bit, they shouldn’t be so wealthy as to buy a house themselves and also lend money to their family.
But if it wasn’t them who lent the money, then who could it be? Gong Ruini really didn’t know.
"It was your Grandpa Zhuge who lent it." Cai Meina was also stunned that Zhuge Zhi was willing to lend them money; it shocked her.
Their family has a good relationship with Zhuge Zhi, but the money to buy a house is no small amount. How could it be borrowed just by saying it?
If the money was lent to Zhao Gang’s family, it wouldn’t seem strange to Gong Ruini, but her family seemed really odd.
After all, it’s no small amount. Gong Ruwen was also baffled, and what worried him more was, "Should we sell off some things?"
His father brought over some good timber and some gold and such; they should be worth some money, it’s worrisome.
Gong Ruwen really isn’t used to being in debt, especially such a large debt. It always makes him feel nervous about everything.
"No rush, Grandpa Zhuge said we should pay it back within five years." Cai Meina also wasn’t accustomed to the life of borrowing money; it always made her anxious.
But without borrowing money, that house simply couldn’t be bought. "That house is really in demand."
Thinking back to when they went house hunting and seeing many people also there to view houses, Cai Meina felt a surge of anxiety. "That good of a house, Ni Zi, you should have your dad take you to see it someday. You’ll definitely like it."
"It has a big yard where you can grow some grapes then."
"Then plant some vegetables, and there will be room to keep quails."
Buying a courtyard house to raise quails, Gong Ruini shivered. Only her own mother would think this way. Swapped to the future, she didn’t know how many people would criticize it—this really isn’t ordinary extravagance.
"And Aunt Zhan’s house is right next door. At that time, we could make a doorway and wouldn’t even need to go through the main gate to visit each other." This is what Cai Meina likes most.
Having been with Zhan Jing for so long really made Cai Meina feel like she had a sister.
And being neighbors with the Zhao Family, Gong Ruini really wasn’t keen. Although she knew the Zhao Family would become successful, the premise was they couldn’t always be together. What if one day, inadvertently, they offend someone?
Uncle Zhao and his family are quite generous, but Zhao Xuran isn’t that way. Gong Ruini used to think of clinging to his success, but after seeing him ruthlessly scheme against Zhao Guangran a few times, she got scared.
What if one day, this blade turns against her? Didn’t they say distant smells sweet, but nearby ones stink? To avoid future conflicts with Zhao Xuran, she should be careful in every way.
Now that the houses are bought together, it’s too late to regret. She can only face it, "We can grow vegetables in the future and save some money."
"Yes, that’s what I think too." Having spent a few years in the Northeast, Cai Meina wasn’t necessarily skilled at farming, but at least she could grow some vegetables.
"Then we could raise chickens, have a pond, and even raise fish and ducks in it."
"Come autumn, have your dad clear the fishpond; it’s the best fertilizer."
Poor dad, Gong Ruini wondered if Gong Tao knew his wife’s plans. This really isn’t ordinary hard work, but it could indeed save a lot of money.
Mainly, the supply of goods wasn’t generally abundant—many still required ration tickets. Though in a few years, this way of life would pass, being self-sufficient was still beneficial.
"But the house is a bit dilapidated and needs renovation." Regarding this house, Cai Meina was satisfied in every way, except for the fact this house was indeed quite run-down.
"It housed 72 families before, and it was all dirty and messy. No wonder the owner didn’t want to live in it—a lot of money is needed for renovations." Cai Meina didn’t know how much it would cost to renovate this courtyard, but thinking about it was heart-wrenching.
Cai Meina worried about renovation expenses, while Gong Ruini fretted over finding skilled craftsmen. Only by making the renovations both aesthetically pleasing and modern inside, like having plumbing adequately installed, could later work on modernizing the courtyard be easier.
Quality craftsmen were becoming fewer, and finding ones with such good skills wasn’t easy.
"Uncle Zhao is renovating his house too, right?" There really is so much to worry about. Isn’t Zhao Gang also around? Maybe he wouldn’t care about these things, but Hua Miaozhu and Zhan Jing wouldn’t ignore them.
Gong Ruini was sure Zhan Jing wanted to know how to refurbish the house—not to make it so good, but at least to have it look decent, not too shabby.
"Yes, they’re going to renovate, but they also have to wait for the money." Cai Meina felt a bit better, knowing that the difference wasn’t too much; otherwise, she’d honestly feel embarrassed.
Even the Zhao Family worries about money, so Gong Ruini just listened. Zhao Gang and his wife might lack money, but Hua Miaozhu should have some. The last time, Zhao Guangran mentioned that his grandfather’s issue was being rehabilitated, and there was compensation money.
Though the exact amount wasn’t clear, seeing that Hua Miaozhu only has one daughter, Zhan Jing, who else would she give the money to if not her? Even if Zhao Gang is strong-minded, Hua Miaozhu and her daughter must be considerate.
Cai Meina wasn’t foolish; she also realized this point, "We’re the ones without parents to rely on."
Not only did they have no parental support, but they also had to give money to them. Thinking about it all was exhausting for Cai Meina too.
Seeing Cai Meina’s mood suddenly drop, Gong Ruini knew she was contemplating a lot, but knowing didn’t make it easier to offer persuasion.
No matter how much consoling there was, it couldn’t withstand the disheartening news from the Gong Family. She could only hope Cai Meina would come to terms with it herself.
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