"Not yet."
Shen Wuqiu quickly helped her put the fish on the weighing platform, weighed it, and gave it to her.
As a result, after she weighed herself here, one person after another came to ask her to weigh themselves.
Fortunately, the cats were well-behaved and stayed around the fish shed, not running around.
"Third Aunt, which one do you want?"
"Don't help me, I'll chase it over here and let your cat scratch it."
"Kitty, I want this one, hurry up and slap it."
"I want this one."
"I'll take both of these..."
"..."
So, during the few days I was selling fish at home, my cats were all busy and helped out with the business.
Because these few cats were so extraordinary, more and more people came to buy fish in the following days, and they were mostly young people. They came to see for themselves the cats from Shen Wuqiu's family who could help catch fish.
A note from the author:
Am I fat today?
Chapter 134
Linjiawan Reservoir is not large, but it has a lot of fish.
It took Shen Wuqiu and his family about ten days to finally get through to all the fish in the reservoir. The larger ones were all caught, some of the smaller ones were kept, and the rest were kept as fry and released back into the reservoir.
Because they were fishing and selling at the same time, Shen Wuqiu didn't know the exact yield. Only after reconciling the accounts did she realize that such a small reservoir had actually yielded nearly 10,000 catties of fish.
"This is nothing special." Mr. Shen was quite nonchalant about the yield. "When I contracted the reservoir, I asked people who dig fish ponds for aquaculture. The yield of traditional fish ponds is generally around a thousand catties per mu. Although the Linjiawan Reservoir is not big, it is still more than ten mu."
This time they did a dry-reservoir-style harvest. If you were to calculate based on what professional aquaculture farmers would do, 10,000 jin of fish wouldn't be considered a high yield.
“Then we can’t compare ourselves to the professionals, can we? They have specialized fish feed, while we’re just letting them fend for themselves.” Su Yunzhi suddenly interrupted him. In the past, she wouldn’t have said anything about this, but she was still bothered by the matter of the Dam Reservoir. Thinking about it made her angry for no reason. “Compared to the Dam Reservoir, the Linjiawan Small Reservoir is really nothing.”
"Why bring this up out of the blue..." Mr. Shen glared at her and muttered irritably.
"Tch~" Su Yunzhi snorted coldly, too lazy to say anything more to him, and turned to Shen Wuqiu and said: "According to this year's market, fish farming is quite profitable, but it can't be without someone in charge. I think you should hire a professional aquaculture worker. There's such a big reservoir on the dam."
Shen Wuqiu nodded. Of the fish caught from Linjiawan Reservoir, only 60% were sold, but the total amount was still over 100,000 yuan, which was indeed a good deal.
"I had wanted to turn the reservoir over there into a club before, but it was inconvenient because I was pregnant, so after releasing a batch of fish fry, I put it aside for the time being."
"A club? What's that?" Su Yunzhi was confused. "Besides fish farming, can this reservoir be used for these kinds of things?"
“It’s like a place to have fun.” Zhao Jiujiu picked up where she left off. As a businesswoman, her eyes lit up when she heard Shen Wuqiu say that. “So what kind of club are you planning to set up? I’ve been to the Dam Reservoir area. The surrounding environment is quite nice, but it’s a pity that it’s a backup reservoir. Otherwise, we could have set up a water park nearby.”
"Water parks are out of the question," Shen Wuqiu said, declining the offer. "These days, a lot of people like fishing, right? I'm just thinking the environment around the Dam Reservoir is pretty good..."
“A fishing club?” Zhao Jiujiu understood immediately, but she quickly thought of a new problem. “But this place is quite remote. I guess the people who come here to fish are all idle people from the surrounding area.”
“That’s why I’m planning to start a club.” Shen Wuqiu wasn’t in a hurry. Starting a business in the village isn’t something that can be done overnight. “People who want to fish can come and go anytime. Just like coming on vacation.”
“In that case, this project is quite large.” Zhao Jiujiu didn’t rush to express her opinion, but reminded her, “Although transportation is convenient now, our remote mountain village has neither mineral resources nor any attractive tourist attractions. It’s unlikely that anyone will come here to fish or take a vacation. Of course, I don’t mean to discourage you.”
Shen Wuqiu nodded, at least she knew that much. "I've considered the issue you mentioned before. However, attracting visitors isn't something that can be done overnight, and it can't be rushed. But I always feel it's a waste to leave such a large reservoir idle."
"Just do it your way." Gu Lingyu wasn't interested in these trivial matters and, like the other kids, kept yawning as she listened, but she still valued her partner's ideas. "If you have an idea, just do it. Our whole family supports you. You don't need to worry about anything else."
“Lingyu is right.” Mr. Shen was afraid that his daughter had no ideas, and that would worry him. Anyway, he was a man of action, and besides, young people should dare to think, act, and fight. “Anyway, we are old and can’t keep up with your young people’s thinking. Now that I have handed these things over to you, you can do whatever you want. Just think it over and do it. We will support you.”
Shen Wuqiu nodded. In this respect, her father's open-mindedness made her very gratified.
After discussing it with his family, Shen Wuqiu began preparing to start a fishing club. While releasing fish fry into Linjiawan Reservoir, he also replenished a batch of valuable fish fry into Bashang Reservoir.
Mr. Shen was never one to sit still. Now that he was in good health, he was always out helping Shen Wuqiu with chores, except when he was at home playing with his pets.
After the winter solstice, New Year's Day will soon arrive.
On the day before New Year's Day, Secretary Cao hosted a dinner party, specially sending Shen Yan to Shen Wuqiu's house to invite the whole family to have a meal at a restaurant in town.
Shen Wuqiu knew in her heart that Secretary Cao's dinner invitation was not for his own purposes, but she still had to give him face. However, if he invited the whole family, it was just a polite gesture; if they actually went as a family, it would be impolite.
After discussing it with Mr. Shen, Shen Wuqiu prepared to go with him. However, the cat didn't want to be separated from its partner for even a moment and insisted on going along.
Shen Wuqiu thought about it for a moment. Since wives are one, it seemed reasonable for the cat to come along.
So the three of them happily went with Shen Yan.
"I've been wanting to treat you to a meal, but I haven't had the time. I finally managed to find some time today... Oh, why didn't you bring your sister-in-law along?"
When Shen Wuqiu and his group arrived, Secretary Cao did not get up to greet them, but his attitude was still quite warm.
"Secretary Cao is too kind. We have relatives and friends at home, so my wife is taking care of the guests." Mr. Shen attends several such dinners every year, and he's become quite adept at saying polite things.
"You're being too polite with me. Just bring your family and friends..."
The group exchanged pleasantries and then sat down.
"Come here. Old Du, this is Shen Xiangle, the famous person from our Jingrong Village that I told you about. And these two, this is his daughter, Wuqiu. And the one next to Wuqiu is... Lingyu, surnamed Gu." As soon as Shen Wuqiu and the others sat down, Secretary Cao immediately introduced them to the middle-aged man wearing glasses next to him.
The middle-aged man called Lao Du immediately stood up and greeted Shen Wuqiu and the others one by one, "Hello."
Shen Wuqiu and the others also quickly got up and greeted the people, just like their father.
After the introductions, Secretary Cao called the waiter to order the food.
While everyone was ordering food, Shen Wuqiu subtly glanced at Lao Du across from her. Based on her work experience, it seemed that Secretary Cao's grand banquet for them today was to set up connections for Lao Du.
Sure enough, after they had eaten and drunk their fill, Secretary Cao got down to business.
"Old Le, Wuqiu, here's the thing: Old Du has been working hard on the development of our rural economy in recent years, helping many towns and villages to get out of poverty and become prosperous..."
"Old Cao, that's going too far. I won't accept that compliment." Old Du put down his wine glass and waved his hands repeatedly. "Poverty alleviation and wealth creation is your leaders' job. We're just following your central ideas at most. Mr. Shen, don't you think so?"
After a few drinks, Mr. Shen was a little tipsy. "Yes, yes, we just follow the Party's ideology. We wouldn't dare to take credit for this kind of achievement."
The two seemed to have found kindred spirits, and they clinked glasses as they talked.
Seeing her father's expression, Shen Wuqiu knew she had to take charge of the matter herself. Disliking beating around the bush, she looked directly at Secretary Cao and said bluntly, "Secretary Cao, please speak plainly."
"Tsk, Wuqiu is a straightforward person." Secretary Cao praised her with a smile, then took a sip of tea before carefully saying, "Since that's the case, I won't beat around the bush. Your Uncle Du wants to set up a Gesang flower base here."
After saying that, Secretary Cao looked at her again, seemingly waiting for her reaction.
Shen Wuqiu nodded her chin. "That's good."
"That's a good idea, but you need land to grow cosmos flowers, right?"
Shen Wuqiu understood. He looked at Secretary Cao and then at Lao Du, "Where are you planning to set up this Gesang flower base?"
Secretary Cao didn't rush to reply, but instead looked at Lao Du.
Old Du put down his wine glass and said unhurriedly, "I've checked the temperature here; it's perfect for growing Gesang flowers. If all goes well, we can enjoy the Gesang flowers for two seasons. As for where to plant them, I think the most scenic place is the terraced fields in the bay between your village and the two neighboring villages."
Unfortunately, in two of the three villages, the terraced fields were contracted out to individuals for oilseed rice rotation.
"Secretary Cao must have told you that we've contracted two-thirds of the terraced fields in this bay, right?" Shen Wuqiu was too lazy to beat around the bush with this group of half-drunk people, so she went straight to the point.
"I understand, I understand." Old Du nodded. "That's why I specifically asked Old Cao to help me make this connection. I wanted to discuss with you the matter of subletting this land again."
We've finally gotten to the point.
To be honest, Shen Wuqiu didn't oppose this; in fact, she even somewhat agreed with it.
Once the Gesang flower planting base is established, it will become a ready-made tourist attraction, which is not a bad thing for her. In addition, one of the Gesang flower blooming seasons is in May and June, which is also the season when bayberries ripen.
However, Shen Wuqiu didn't show much enthusiasm. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Have you inquired about the land subcontracting?"
Hearing her say that, Lao Du felt there was hope and immediately nodded, "I've already consulted them, don't worry. As long as it's not worth it on your end, we can sign the contract right away."
"Immediately?" Shen Wuqiu raised an eyebrow. "Are you in a hurry?"
Old Du smacked his lips. "Miss Shen is a straightforward person. I'll be frank with you. If you have no objections, I can start construction immediately. Miss Shen will be able to enjoy the beautiful Gesang flower field next May or June."
“Then…that won’t do.” Something touched a nerve with Mr. Shen, and he immediately said, “The rapeseed planted in the bay these days has already sprouted and will be ready for harvest in May or June next year.”
Old Du wasn't worried at all. "Don't worry, Mr. Shen, I will definitely compensate you for this loss."
"This isn't about compensation; isn't this a waste of resources?"
"..." The conversation hit a roadblock here.
Chapter 135
The sudden silence created an awkward atmosphere.
However, Old Du, a seasoned veteran, didn't seem embarrassed at all. His expression remained unchanged, and he didn't even blink, lowering his eyes as if deep in thought. After a moment, he looked at Shen Wuqiu again, "Miss Shen, it's like this, as for compensation here, it can be based entirely on your losses."
Shen Wuqiu raised an eyebrow but remained silent.
Old Du paused for a moment, then said, "How about this, we'll compensate you based on your rapeseed harvest, and I'll also cover next year's land contract fees. Or, if you have any other requests, feel free to make them."
“It’s not about money.” Gu Miaomiao didn’t want to speak. Before she came, Shen Wuqiu was afraid that she would say something out of line, and repeatedly told her to eat more vegetables and talk less. But she really couldn’t hold it in. “My dad said that the rapeseed has already grown. If you say you want to plant cosmos flowers, then all the rapeseed will be wasted.”
"Yes, yes, that's exactly what Lingyu meant." Mr. Shen, half-drunk, spoke with a slightly unsteady lisp. "Boss Du, we're not the kind of people who care about money. If you want to develop that flower business here, we'd be very supportive. But these rapeseed plants have all sprouted and are growing well this year. If you suddenly decide to plant flowers, what will happen to these rapeseed plants?"
"Yes, yes, I was being naive." Old Du nodded repeatedly, then frowned, looking somewhat troubled. "You truly care about these crops. But I can't delay here either. I won't hide it from you all, I've got the flower seed technology all ready. As soon as the land is turned over, we can plant them immediately. Brother, you and I are practically kindred spirits, you should know that we can't afford to delay this."
After drinking, Mr. Chen's mind went a little slow. It took him a while to understand what he meant. "So you think we'd definitely agree?"
"Everyone says you're an easy-going person, right..." Having his secret intentions exposed, Old Du looked a little embarrassed. He glanced at Shen Wuqiu looking at him, gritted his teeth, and continued, "I can tell you all are honest people, so I'll be frank with you too. This base is a project I applied for with the higher-ups. At the latest, someone will come to inspect the results next year, so that's why I..."
Shen Wuqiu was not surprised at all by this, but he was somewhat surprised by Lao Du's frank attitude.
After Lao Du finished speaking, Secretary Cao cleared his throat and added a few words: "In remote mountain villages like ours, we need people like you to drive development and boost the local economy, right?"
Then, Secretary Cao said to Mr. Chen, "Old Le, I know you're a genuine person. You haven't been idle at all these years since you contracted this land. Don't worry, Old Du is also a man of action. If you subcontract the land to him, he definitely won't waste it."
Now that things had been said to this extent, Mr. Shen understood what the other person meant.
In recent years, the government has been vigorously developing the township economy. For projects that invest and start businesses in rural areas, as long as they pass the review and complete the approval process, the government will also provide a subsidy.
Old Du is so eager to use this land to develop a Gesang flower base because he has already gone through the formalities and received the money.