Return to 1983 Hunting Xing'an Mountains

Chapter 472: Erning Zhenrenyi Furniture Workshop
Inside the room, tea sets were placed on the edge of the kang. Meng Quezi sat down and poured a cup of tea for Xu Ning. Zhang Jinbao saw it and knew at a glance that Meng Quezi was very satisfied with this uncle and cared about him. Otherwise, how could a father-in-law pour tea and water for his uncle...

Xu Ning sat down next to Zhang Jinbao, while his two apprentices sat on the stools next to the floor cabinet, listening to their chat with a smile on their face.

"Brother Bao's child is quite grown up now, right?"

"Oh, he's quite big now. He's already eight years old. He's a little late for school. He's just in the second grade."

"That's fine. You and your sister-in-law can relax a little while the child goes to school. Otherwise, it's hard enough to just keep looking after the child."

"Not at all! It's too much. This kid is always annoying me and it makes his mother's head hurt."

Zhang Jinbao had a rather rough life. When he was only fifteen years old, a flood washed away his house, parents, grandparents, leaving only his slightly disabled uncle to depend on.

His uncle got married very early, but his wife died during childbirth along with the child. So his uncle raised Zhang Jinbao as his own child. After more than a year, his uncle suddenly fell ill and was about to die. So he found ways to contact Liu Fenfang's cousin and sent Zhang Jinbao, who had just turned 16, to the Lao Meng's house. Less than half a year later, his uncle passed away.

So Zhang Jinbao has been living in Old Meng's house for nearly ten years. He became an apprentice at the age of 22. Meng Quezi originally wanted to give him money to return to Zhangjiatun to build a house and settle down, but the plan was not implemented because the situation was serious at that time. However, Zhang Jinbao is already 22 years old and still alone. What should he do?

Liu Fenfang introduced the daughter of her cousin to Zhang Jinbao. After they got married, they lived in Lao Meng's house for more than two years. It was not until the turmoil was over that Zhang Jinbao went out to the streets with his wife and children to make a living...

In Xu Ning's impression, among Meng Quezi's several apprentices, only the second apprentice Zhang Jinbao was the most grateful. He would take time out every year to come here several times, and he never came empty-handed. For example, this time he brought a rooster, pork hindquarters, ribs and spine, and there were also malted milk and biscuits on the counter.

"Bao'er, you and Erning can chat in the room. I'm going to the outer room to clean up the big rooster and stew it for noon. Let Erning eat it here."

"Okay, Mom, then Er Ning and I will drink less."

Meng Quezi smiled and said, "Erning doesn't drink anymore. Didn't you see that he doesn't smoke?"

Zhang Jinbao was stunned: "What? Have you learned it?"

"Of course! Brother Bao, I'm not bragging to you, but I will quit smoking and drinking if I say so, no matter how you persuade me, it won't work!"

"Hahaha, I used to think you were a ruthless person. Smoking is easy to quit, but drinking is not. I tried to quit two or three times but couldn't help myself..."

Xu Ning smiled and said, "Then you are not cruel enough to yourself."

Meng Yinhe said: "Brother-in-law, my second brother was very cruel. He killed two fugitives in Sandaohe."

"Ouch! Is that the one reported in the newspaper?"

"Well, don't you think it's powerful?"

"Amazing! Those two fugitives had lives on their bodies. How did you kill them?"

Xu Ning calmly recounted the process of killing Li Quan and Lao Ba. Although Meng Ziyan and Meng Yinhe had heard this countless times, they were still surprised when they heard it again, especially Meng Ziyan. Her eyes were shining, and the more she looked at Xu Ning, the happier she was...

Both she and Meng Yinhe had to call Zhang Jinbao brother-in-law. They used to call him Brother Bao, but later he married the daughter of Liu Fenfang's cousin.

So Zhang Jinbao and the old Meng family have two sets of relatives, one is his master and the other is his uncle.

The more Zhang Jinbao and his two apprentices listened, the more shocked they became. They had never expected Xu Ning to have changed so much. Not only had he quit smoking and drinking, but he was also able to endure hardships and go hunting in the mountains. The money he earned from hunting animals in half a year was more than what he earned from doing carpentry work in a year.

What's even more surprising is that Xu Ning and his companions dared to chase the murderer who was responsible for ten deaths, and even killed him. How cruel, bold, and capable they must be!
It was past 10 o'clock, and after talking about small things, Meng Quezi got straight to the point. He took out a draft book from the cabinet and said, "Bao'er, this book contains all the sketches that Erning said and I drew. There are combination cabinets, tea tables, round tables, dressing tables and folding chairs. They are different from what we made before."

Zhang Jinbao was stunned and said, "Dad, then I think it's appropriate?"

Before Meng Quezi could speak, Xu Ning said with a smile: "Why is it inappropriate? Brother Bao, let me put it bluntly, you grew up here, and my aunt introduced you to your wife. How close are our relationship? The things I've thought of may not be acceptable to others, but you must be right!"

Zhang Jinbao felt very comfortable after hearing this. He took the draft book with a grin and said, "Then let me take a look first..."

His two apprentices consciously leaned back and did not get close to Zhang Jinbao. Just now, Meng Quezi said that the drawings in the draft book were different from what they had done before, so they knew what it meant to avoid suspicion.

Zhang Jinbao looked down at the picture on the draft book, and became more and more fascinated. Meng Quezi and Xu Ning looked at each other and smiled. They both drank a sip of water. In the outer room, Liu Fenfang and Meng Ziyan were cleaning the rooster, cutting meat, and washing the spine...

"Dad, this combination cabinet is really novel. I can definitely make it with our technology, but it's our first time making it, and I'm afraid I can't grasp the size well..."

Meng Quezi smiled and said, "What's wrong with not being able to grasp the size? You've been working outside for a long time. Have you forgotten what I taught you in the beginning? What should I do if I can't grasp the size?"

Zhang Jinbao looked at his smile, his heart almost stopped, and he said hurriedly: "I will make a small one first! Then expand the size exponentially..."

"That's right. You have to study hard and not be too conservative. New things must have their reasons. Look at these two drawings of the combination cabinet and desk. Do you like them?"

"Rare! This desk is just a big board with two conjoined legs underneath. It looks simple and doesn't require that many steps."

Meng Quezi nodded: "Since you value it, then people in the city and the province must also value it."

Xu Ning took a sip of tea and changed the subject, "Brother Bao, this desk and tea table look simple, but they are almost the same as a normal desk. The remaining combination cabinets, wardrobes, and folding chairs are more complicated. If you do it by yourself, I'm afraid you won't be able to keep up later..."

Zhang Jinbao said: "It's okay, we have a cutting machine and an electric planer."

"You can't keep up with anything. If one company asks you to make a custom cabinet, you can handle it, but what if ten companies ask you to do it? What will you do?"

"How many ten can there be? At most three will come to me now. It will take me more than half a month to train two apprentices."

Xu Ning smiled and said, "Now that our living standards are gradually improving, those who have some money will definitely buy new furniture, especially couples who are about to get married. And among our peers, which family doesn't have two children? Some families even have six or seven children, right?"

"Yes..." Zhang Jinbao still couldn't understand what he said.

Xu Ning said bluntly: "If it really doesn't work, you can open a furniture workshop and hire people to cut materials, grind materials, assemble and paint, just like an assembly line. This way, it will be more efficient and you don't have to do it yourself, unless someone asks you to make custom furniture..."

"Opening a furniture workshop? I've thought about this before, but I have to buy a cutting machine and an electric planer, and I have to spend money to hire people. What if the furniture I make can't be sold..."

"How can it not be sold? Did you see the donkey parked outside the door? As long as there is market demand, it will definitely be sold. It's just a matter of how much profit you make."

Zhang Jinbao looked out the door and said, "Not bad, I was just wondering what's going on with this donkey-riding machine of yours, why is there a motorcycle engine installed on it?"

"It's easier to fix it this way. I got it fixed on the street. Now I have a repair shop in the city that specializes in fixing donkey riders."

"Ah, how much does one cost?"

"Five hundred dollars."

Zhang Jinbao nodded: "Five hundred is not bad. After all, it has an engine and a fuel tank. Besides, craftsmanship is valuable. I think this thing is pretty good. Did you buy it for five hundred?"

"No, I don't need to spend any money. This is a trick I came up with. Two friends on the street made them and gave me two as gifts." "Oh my god, you are really brave. You can even research this thing? Hey, if I make one, can it be cheaper?"

Xu Ning smiled and said, "It has to be cheap. If you mention the name Xu Ning, they will give you a 200 yuan discount."

"Hahaha, okay! Then I'll go buy one on the street after I finish my work here. It really works to mention your name. You can't break my legs, right?"

Zhang Jinbao really wanted to buy a donkey. Just now, he was so amazed when he saw Xu Ning riding a donkey. That’s why Xu Ning mentioned it. What does Zhang Jinbao want to do with a donkey? Of course, it’s to transport tools, cutting machines and electric planers. This thing is more convenient than a donkey cart and cleaner than a donkey. A donkey pulls everything it walks on, which is always dirty…

Xu Ning smiled and said, "Oh, no, your brother is famous, everyone should give him some face."

This made everyone in the room burst into laughter. Zhang Jinbao took a sip of tea and returned to the previous topic, saying, "Then you have given me all these drawings. I can't ask you for money."

"Come on, Brother Bao, let's just say one thing and give me an estimate of the price of these things. I'm thinking of buying two sets."

Zhang Jinbao frowned and said, "I really don't want money. Not to mention the relationship between us, just these drawings of yours are enough to pay my wages."

Meng Quezi said with a smile: "Bao'er, you don't want money, but I do. You should give me an estimate. There are five of us working..."

Hearing this, Zhang Jinbao looked up at the blueprint and said, "Chairs and stools are one dollar each, tables of any size are three dollars each, and combination cabinets are fifteen dollars..."

"Brother Bao, what are you asking for? This is not even the normal wages for your work, you are asking for too much!"

Zhang Jinbao said, "Erning, it's not that I don't dare to ask for a higher price. Do you know how much these blueprints are worth? If you put them in my hands, I can earn double or even triple the money in the next year!"

Xu Ning stood up with a frown and said, "Brother Bao, since you value the blueprints so much, let's talk about the blueprints. Don't you want to start a furniture workshop? I'll use the blueprints as a share and invest some money in you, and you can give me some shares..."

Zhang Jinbao was stunned for a moment, and said, "You can invest in the company with the blueprints, but if you invest money... and lose money..."

"I can't pay for it! You and my uncle Meng are so good at cooking, how can I pay for it?"

Meng Quezi said bluntly: "Bao'er, you are short of money, right? Don't worry, Dad will give you some."

Zhang Jinbao nodded seriously, and after a moment of silence, he said, "Even if I have enough money, it's not easy to open a furniture workshop in the city. I don't know anyone..."

Xu Ning grinned and said, "Brother Bao, I know him. What does this mean? The time is ripe. Have you visited the province? There are government-owned factories everywhere. But if you go to the alleys, you will see private workshops everywhere..."

"Ah! You can use connections, that's fine! Dad, then let's form a partnership. I don't have the confidence to run a furniture workshop by myself."

Meng Quezi smiled and said, "You are young, what are you afraid of? It's time to try your luck. I can rest assured that Er Ning will help you."

These words praised Xu Ning very highly, and Zhang Jinbao changed his opinion of Xu Ning after hearing them.

"Okay! Dad, then how should we divide the shares?"

Xu Ning waved his hand and said, "Brother Bao, don't be anxious. Let me think about this matter. We can talk about it later. Now let's talk about making furniture for me!"

Zhang Jinbao slapped his thigh and said, "Okay, if you want to do this, I'll ask for a high price!"

"Hahaha, okay!"

"A pair of chairs and stools is 5 dollars, a desk and a dining table are 6 dollars each, and a double-opening four-leaf window is 9 dollars..."

Elm doors, double doors, single doors for lower rooms, windows, kang piano cabinets, combination cabinets, four-opening wardrobes...

In addition to the beams, purlins, ceiling boards, and wall panels, the total cost is more than 600 yuan per set.

Xu Ning knew that Zhang Jinbao didn't ask for much, it was about 70% off the normal price, otherwise the cost of one room would be 200...

"Okay, I'll give you the money in two days."

"No, I'll pay you when I finish the work."

"Okay, we can't mess with each other."

Zhang Jinbao smiled and said, "Don't worry, I won't leave until I have cleaned up your house."

"Hahaha, Brother Bao, I feel much more relieved after hearing what you said, because normally my dad and his family have to go to work, and I have to go hiking from time to time, and there are not many people in my family who will do it..."

"It's okay. I took a month off on purpose. I can finish it. We are all family. If you have anything to say, just tell me directly. No need to be polite."

"Brother Bao, I have never been polite to you since I came in. You said you don't want money, but can I really not give you money? Carpentry is your skill to support your family. If I don't pay you, I'm just digging a hole for you!"

Meng Quezi smiled and said, "I don't need the money, but I still need Erning to help Yinhe in the future."

"Hey, Uncle Meng, Yinhe is my little brother. Even if you don't say anything, I have to help you."

Liu Fenfang walked into the room with a smile: "Erning is very kind and righteous. My dear, you should spend more time with Erning. He can give you advice and suggestions. If there is something you can't do, maybe you can ask Erning to do it."

"Okay, Erning doesn't drink alcohol now, so how about we drink tea instead?"

"to make!"

After they finished their tea, Xu Ning said, "The furniture workshop thing can definitely be done. Even if we don't have the formalities, you can just find a large yard in the city to make furniture and no one will check you."

Zhang Jinbao nodded: "Then I'll sort it out when I get back. I'll call you if there's anything. Then how do we three calculate the shares?"

"Brother Bao, look at how much shares my blueprint is worth."

"How can it be worth 10% of the shares..."

Xu Ning smiled and said, "Once the furniture workshop is open, I will draw a few more blueprints for you."

"What else? Then I'll give you 20%! This blueprint is innovative and creative. Although I have hands and feet, my brain is not as good as yours..."

"Hahaha, Brother Bao, just tell me how much money you need now."

Zhang Jinbao thought for a while and said, "If I really want to run a furniture workshop, I have to buy two cutting machines and an electric planer. I can make the rest of the tools myself. I also need to rent a factory, hire people, and buy materials. It will cost at least 5,000 yuan."

Xu Ning said, "I can't give you more than that, but one thousand yuan is definitely fine."

(End of this chapter)