Rebirth in 1980: The Farm Wife Makes a Comeback
Chapter 342: All Exchanged for Land

Chapter 342: Chapter 342: All Exchanged for Land

"No, let’s sign," Qin Xiangnuan stuffed the newspaper back into Jian Zhiqing’s arms. Things had gotten to this point; there was no point in haggling any further. An arm can’t twist a thigh, after all. She didn’t say it out loud, but what she was actually waiting for was the increased compensation after this incident.

Last time, the whole Capital City found out about this incident. Even in their village, everyone was talking about it. Otherwise, why would she buy a house in the alley? Why would she wait? She was waiting for just such an opportunity—only, it’s somewhat too cruel.

Not long after, the staff arrived. Qin Xiangnuan wasn’t feeling too energetic—doing exercises had almost driven her crazy recently. She just wished this exam would end soon. With the summer vacation ahead, she could finally relax a bit, no longer needing to spend every waking hour solving problems. She wondered just how much money she could get if she sold all the papers she had done as scrap.

"How do you want to be compensated?"

One of them asked Jian Zhiqing and Qin Xiangnuan directly. Between them, they had three properties. Once these were all acquired, this issue would essentially draw to a close. Although this resolution wasn’t particularly elegant, at the very least, it would achieve the final goal.

Jian Zhiqing didn’t speak. He stuck to the same line he always had—everything depended on Qin Xiangnuan; whatever she desired, he would follow. After all, he bought the property to accompany Qin Xiangnuan.

"We..." Qin Xiangnuan touched her forehead, still feeling somewhat headachy from all the studying.

"I want to know, what kinds of compensation are there?"

In her past life, she knew the compensation was quite generous, but she didn’t know the specifics; it seemed to include houses and land.

"That’s how it is," a staff member took out a thick stack of documents, "Let me explain. First, based on the square footage, you’ll receive property. With these three properties, you could get around six houses, plus tens of thousands of yuan. If you don’t want the money, you could get one more house."

Jian Zhiqing, hearing this, remained unmoved. The frightening rate of exchange—one for two properties—really was terrifying, especially considering the low value of those old houses. They used to compensate with just one property, but now with an additional one, probably because of that old lady who jumped off the building. Without being able to help it, he sighed once again, still without speaking, waiting for Qin Xiangnuan’s response.

To obtain four properties in one go—this girl really hit the jackpot. Who would have thought that she could get four properties in return for what was bought for less than 20,000 yuan? Even he was basking in the reflected glory. But what’s the use of so many houses? His own Siheyuan was still empty, uninhabited. And living there, what could one do with a cold stove and a deserted ambiance?

To be honest, suddenly acquiring four properties made Qin Xiangnuan’s hands go soft. In the Capital City, owning one property was already not easy, let alone four. In the future, when land here would be worth its weight in gold, wanting to buy a property could cost an arm and a leg—literally.

But, she didn’t actually want so many properties. These houses would be old in the future. What was she to do with old houses? She intended to prepare a wedding house for her big brother, but she didn’t know if she could afford a good one after so many exchanges. She also considered buying a Siheyuan for her big brother cash, but she learned that people have become smarter—no one was selling anymore. Even if there were sellers, she didn’t have that much money, and even if she saved enough money later, the owners wouldn’t sell.

She remembered what Teacher Wang had said, mentioning that compensation could also be in land. Some people wanted land to grow vegetables and sell.

"Can we choose land?" She tentatively asked the staff, "We have a house, no need for so many. I’d like the land instead; our family comes from a rural background, and we’re not used to not having land to work."

The staff member pondered, probably conflicted. Everyone else was exchanging for houses; who would exchange for land? But since she proposed it, they would naturally nod, as it was indeed possible to exchange the houses for land.

"How much land would you like to exchange for?" The staff asked again, hoping to settle the matter today. Before the end of the year, the road construction should start; the work is scheduled for next year. It’s not a small project, and they have put their reputation on the line for it—if it doesn’t go well, it will be a real disgrace.

Qin Xiangnuan discreetly tugged on Jian Zhiqing’s sleeve.

Jian Zhiqing nodded at her, signaling "It’s your call."

Qin Xiangnuan took a deep breath, understanding that Jian Zhiqing’s "It’s your call" meant that he would go with whatever she decided.

If she chose land, Jian Zhiqing would want land; if she wanted houses, Jian Zhiqing would follow suit and want houses.

Qin Xiangnuan raised her head, thought a bit in her mind, organized her language, and then said, "I want to exchange everything for land. How much land could that be?"

"All of it?" The staff member was taken aback. He had thought she would exchange for three houses and some land, but as it turned out, she wanted all land.

"Yes," Qin Xiangnuan confirmed with a nod, "This Siheyuan is our own, so we don’t need any more houses. But we do want to farm. We could eat the vegetables we grow or sell them. If we could exchange for land, we would convert all to land; there are too many houses, and our family wouldn’t be able to live in all of them."

"Please wait a moment, I need to consult with our leadership," the staff member felt the matter was significant and wasn’t sure how to respond nor make the decision.

"Sure," Qin Xiangnuan pointed towards the living room, "We have a phone at home that you can use."

"Thank you, no need."

The staff member took a brick-sized mobile phone out of his bag, put it to his ear, and started talking.

At this time, owning a big brother mobile phone was exorbitantly expensive, and not many people could afford to use one. Qin Xiangnuan, however, didn’t feel too strongly about these big brother mobile phones—mainly because in her past life, mobile phones developed so quickly that eventually, smartphones could replace computers. Moreover, the turnover of new models was rapid. As for what they eventually turned into, she didn’t know; she only had one that cost 100 to 200 yuan, tiny ones that could make and receive calls.

For the successful people of that time, they would always carry a big brother mobile phone with them, using it while eating, drinking tea, or negotiating. Placing it on the table was like placing a chip of wealth and power—granting them considerable success in business and respect from many people.

Qin Xiangnuan also thought of those who would place their big brother mobile phone in a shining, polished briefcase, tucked under their arm. Taking it out, they would extend a long antenna and spend one yuan per minute on a call, shouting in a crowd, "Hello! Hello! I can’t hear you; please say it again," attracting countless envious glances. People of that era were simple and never concealed their admiration for others.