Reborn in 1977

Chapter 397: No One Can Stop It (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

In this era, climbing trees is a basic skill in the countryside, for both men and women!

The five girls moved through the woods, first picking the fruits from the lower branches, then climbing up to pick the ones at the top.

They cooperated with each other, sweeping through the trees and clearing every fruit tree they came across.

Chen Fan strolled around below with his hands in his pockets, "It doesn't matter if some are not ripe, you don't need to pick them out and throw them away.

Adding a few unripe fruits to the wine can adjust the acidity."

As he spoke, he picked up a ripe persimmon from the basket, tore off the skin, and took a bite.

Mmm, sweet.

But not very.

And his mouth felt a little numb afterwards.

Chen Fan smacked his lips, wondering how persimmon wine was made.

Did it need to be peeled and seeded?

Never mind, he could try a few more times and he'd figure it out.

Next year, he could brew more fruit wine.

Liu Dan stood on a branch at the top of a tree.

Seeing Chen Fan eating a persimmon, she picked a bunch of grapes from the creeping vine, plucked one, and put it in her mouth, immediately grimacing, "So sour!"

Huang Ying and Jiang Lili, who were holding a cloth below waiting to catch the fruit, were speechless.

Silly girl, if they weren't sour, would they still be here?

The birds would have eaten them long ago!

Seeing Liu Dan's helpless expression, Yang Ju and Zhang Cuie stood aside and laughed.

Chen Fan was about to speak when he suddenly turned around and looked back.

Just then, Secretary Yang walked over from the side of the house.

Seeing them, he couldn't help but smile and say, "Ho, where did you all go?

You're all here picking fruit?

Is this fruit edible?"

Chen Fan walked towards him while laughing, "The edible ones have already been picked and eaten.

Those I took to the brigade headquarters a few days ago were like that.

These are all sour and can only be used for winemaking."

Secretary Yang looked at him curiously, "You can make fruit wine?"

Chen Fan took out a cigarette and handed it to him, "Just learning from a book."

Secretary Yang took the cigarette and shook his head in admiration, "You intellectuals are amazing.

If you gave me a book, I wouldn't be able to read it."

Then, he pointed in the direction he had come from, "We're about to go back, just saying goodbye."

Chen Fan accompanied him forward, "Perfect timing.

The yellow wine I brewed last time is ready to be opened.

You can all take some back to drink."

Secretary Yang grinned and laughed, "It's better to come at the right time.

Then we won't be polite."

Arriving at the front yard, Team Leader Zhang, Xiao Liewen, Ye Shubao, Zhang Juemin, and the brigade's accountant Li and security officer Luo were gathered around the twelve large wine vats under the covered corridor.

Zhang Wenliang and An Quan had been here many times and were tired of looking, so they were teasing the dogs and birds on the side.

Unfortunately, Duo Duo, Qiu Qiu, and the peregrine falcon didn't react at all, looking at them warily and preparing to summon the checkered keelback snake at any moment.

Team Leader Yang stood aside smoking, waiting to see them make fools of themselves.

Yang Xingxiu was clinging tightly to the railing, chatting with Gun Gun inside.

Unfortunately, Gun Gun just sat one meter away from the railing, holding bamboo in his hand, with two children in his arms.

The three big-faced cats looked at her, bewildered, as she kept chattering.

They couldn't understand at all!

As soon as Chen Fan arrived, he handed out cigarettes to everyone and said with a smile, "Wait a moment, I'll find a few jars to get you some wine to take back."

At this moment, Ye Shubao waved his hand, pointed at Zhang Wenliang, "Tell him where they are, let him go get them, you come over here, we need to discuss something."

Chen Fan was stunned.

Just as he was about to speak, several girls ran over from behind in a hurry.

Yang Ju: "I know where the jars are, I'll go get them."

As she spoke, she ran down the slope.

Zhang Cuie looked at Team Leader Zhang, "Uncle, I'll go help her."

After speaking, she also ran off.

Jiang Lili, Huang Ying, and Liu Dan were one step behind, so they went to the kitchen together to boil water for tea.

Team Leader Zhang and Team Leader Yang watched from the side, their eyes twitching.

Why did it feel like they were more diligent here than at home?

Chen Fan didn't notice at all.

He gestured and said, "If you want to discuss something, then let's go inside.

There's an electric fan inside, it's more comfortable to sit and chat."

Secretary Yang sat directly on the wooden railing of the covered corridor, leaning against the pillar, smoking and laughing, "No need, you have river breeze on the east side and big trees shading on the west side, it's better than inside the house, just let the river breeze blow."

The others were also straightforward, finding places to sit.

Some also sat on the railing, while others sat directly on the steps of the covered corridor.

Only Yang Xingxiu couldn't bear to leave Gun Gun, actually sitting on the base under the bamboo railing of the panda enclosure, still softly calling out to Gun Gun.

Chen Fan sweated a little.

He didn't dare to easily open the enclosure door and let her go in to play with Gun Gun.

Gun Gun would listen to him and definitely wouldn't hurt her, but there were too many bacteria on people's bodies.

If Gun Gun got infected, it would be troublesome.

So usually only he and Jiang Lili and the other four could go in to feed them, no one else was allowed in.

Since they were unwilling to go inside, Jiang Lili and Liu Dan carried out a square table together, and then moved a few benches, and Secretary Yang and the others moved over from under the covered corridor.

Chen Fan took out a cigarette, lit it, and left the remaining cigarettes on the table for them to take as they pleased.

Then, he looked at Ye Shubao and asked, "What's the matter?"

Ye Shubao crossed his legs, wiggled his butt, and said, "I was having dinner with two cadres from the commune just now, and they mentioned that our production team's sideline businesses are so prosperous now, and there's a policy from above to promote agricultural mechanization, asking if we have any ideas about buying a batch of agricultural machinery to support production."

As soon as Chen Fan heard this, he said with a happy face, "This is a good thing."

He turned his head and looked around at everyone, saying seriously, "If we had a few harvesters, how much labor could we save during the autumn harvest?

And threshers, rotary tillers, rice transplanters, tillage machines,…

If we had these machines, the production team's efficiency would definitely be higher, especially during the double rush, we wouldn't have to rely on manpower anymore!"

In the past, the production team didn't buy agricultural machinery, naturally because they didn't have the money, but now they had money, they could completely buy a batch of agricultural machinery back through the commune.

With these machines, the work that would take a month of exhausting labor during the double rush could be easily completed in a week, was there any comparison?

After a pause, he suddenly said, "By the way, don't buy combine harvesters, that thing is not suitable for this kind of scattered small farmland.

Large farms and plains are where they can play their role."

Ye Shubao chuckled dryly twice, "You can see clearly.

Back then, the commune really bought a combine harvester, but it couldn't move in the paddy fields.

It had to turn after only a few steps, wasting more rice than it harvested, especially since there were ditches everywhere here.

That big machine couldn't go anywhere, and in the end, the machine that cost several thousand yuan was only used once and had to be sold cheaply."

Team Leader Zhang waved his hand, took a puff of his cigarette, and frowned, "Of course we all know that agricultural machinery is better than manpower, but, you also heard what Lao Ye said, we don't know what kind of agricultural machinery is suitable.

Since buying that combine harvester, the commune's agricultural machinery station has almost become a tractor station.

If it weren't for a few rear-mounted rotary tillers, it would have become a transportation team, asking them is a waste of time."

As he spoke, he raised his head and smiled at Chen Fan, "So when we were discussing just now, we thought that you were knowledgeable, so we came to ask for your opinion, and also, after the machines are bought back, one is to have someone who knows how to drive them, and the other is to have someone who knows how to repair them.

In this regard, if the production team buys agricultural machinery, the commune will help ask for a few training quotas for tractor drivers, who can go to the county to learn agricultural machinery driving and maintenance.

But we are worried that the people selected may not learn very well, you understand cultural knowledge, you can even assemble engines yourself, and you can repair the large machines of the waterway transportation company, guiding them must be more than enough, so in this regard, we also have to rely on you to help."

Chen Fan nodded in agreement without saying a word, "Okay, I'll study it when the agricultural machinery is bought back, it shouldn't be a problem."

This kind of small matter really doesn't have much to say, isn't it just backing them up, it's much easier than holding a study class.

At this moment, Yang Ju and Zhang Cuie came up each carrying a pair of baskets, and then carried the baskets into the kitchen to wash the pottery pots.

Jiang Lili and the others came out of the kitchen, each carrying a teapot and teacup in their hands.

Three pots and a stack of bowls were placed on the table, pouring a bowl of tea for everyone, and then uncovering the pot lids to help the tea cool faster.

After they entered the house, Chen Fan continued to say, "I remember the newspapers often mentioned that from a few years ago, the higher-ups have been promoting rural mechanization, and Mr. Li personally gave instructions and deployments back then.

For such a big matter as buying agricultural machinery, will the commune and the county have any support?"

Although Lujiawan is not short of money now, no one will dislike having more money, save where you can.

Secretary Yang immediately said with a smile, "This is another matter. There's an inside story here that you're not quite aware of. Back when agricultural mechanization was being promoted, most counties across the country established their own agricultural machinery factories one after another, all wanting to build harvesters and rice transplanters. Gufeng County was no exception."

He took a puff of his cigarette, shook his head, and sighed, "After three or four years of effort, they finally developed a 'Worker-Peasant-3' harvester. Without a second thought, they produced 38 units in one go, intending to send them to the higher-ups as a tribute."

Chen Fan's eyes widened. Was the Gufeng County Agricultural Machinery Factory really that impressive?

He immediately asked, "Were they sent?"

"Sent my ass!"

Xiao Liewen said in exasperation, "That harvester hadn't even made it to the waterway dock before it stalled halfway. When they were sent to the communes below, they were constantly breaking down. Although they were a little better than that combine harvester, it was only a little bit. The time spent repairing them was longer than the time spent working. In the end, all 38 machines were returned to the agricultural machinery factory."

Chen Fan's expression immediately froze. Was it really that amazing?

They dared to send them as a tribute without even verifying them?

Team Leader Zhang continued, "From then on, the county agricultural machinery factory, like the waterway company's repair shop, became the county's agricultural machinery repair unit and never manufactured agricultural machinery again."

Secretary Yang tapped the table. "The problem now is that the higher-ups have special funds to support production teams in purchasing agricultural machinery. However, the local area has its own regulations. If the communes and production teams below want to buy products from large factories, they will also issue a consent letter to let them go ahead.

However, the money is all gone. Agricultural machinery purchase subsidies can only be used for agricultural machinery produced in this county."

At this point, everyone looked at Chen Fan expectantly. Even Yang Xingxiu, who had been teasing Gun Gun earlier, couldn't help but turn around and stare at him intently.

Seeing this scene, Chen Fan suddenly understood and said unhappily, "I get it. You came to me to discuss purchasing agricultural machinery as a pretense, and asking me to cover the agricultural machinery operators is also a pretense. The real purpose is to have me go to the county agricultural machinery factory to look at that batch of machines, right?"

As soon as he said this, Secretary Yang grinned, "Not a pretense, not a pretense. How could there be a pretense? We really want to buy agricultural machinery and also want to ask you to cover the operators."

As soon as he finished speaking, Team Leader Zhang took over and said with a hearty laugh, "But when buying things, who doesn't want to buy cheap and useful ones? You can even repair the large machines of the waterway company. If you can find out the problems with those agricultural machines, and then we buy them back, the depreciation price, plus the agricultural machinery subsidy given by the county, can save at least this much."

As he spoke, he held out his fingers to make a gesture.

Chen Fan's eyes flickered slightly, "1600?"

Secretary Yang immediately scoffed, "Why would I bother with this effort for 1600 yuan?"

Chen Fan's mouth twitched slightly. How arrogant!

Who was it who couldn't bear to part with even a single yuan back then?

Then he saw Secretary Yang also make a gesture, "16,000 yuan!"

Chen Fan's eyes widened instantly, "How is that possible?"

Even if it's used agricultural machinery, it shouldn't be able to save 16,000 yuan, right?

Secretary Yang immediately said, "I can give you an account. A brand new small tractor costs 3500 yuan. We have 12 small teams, and we need at least 3 or 4 machines to be enough. If we calculate based on 4 machines, that's 14,000 yuan. Plus the supporting rotary tillers, rice transplanters, and soil preparation machines, it's not a problem to calculate 5000 yuan per machine, right?"

Chen Fan thought for a moment, "It's a little expensive, let's calculate 4500."

He now also understands a lot about machinery and can roughly estimate the price.

Secretary Yang pursed his lips, "Okay, let's calculate 4500. Then 4 machines are 18,000 yuan. But buying used machines, first of all, you have to cut the price in half. Then these are problem machines that have been returned, so you have to discount them again. Let's say 2000 yuan per machine, is that too much?"

Chen Fan nodded, "About right."

Secretary Yang counted on his fingers, "The price difference here is 10,000 yuan. In addition, the county said that subsidies are only given for buying goods from the county agricultural machinery factory. As a result, this fund has been lying in the county for several years, waiting for designated use. However, the production teams that are willing to spend money to buy agricultural machinery would rather buy used goods from other places than want their new goods, so the money is still there.

If we go to buy machines from the county agricultural machinery factory, we will get a subsidy of 1000 yuan per machine, which means each machine only costs 1000 yuan. You tell me, isn't it possible to save 16,000, ah no, 14,000 yuan?!"

According to their estimated price of 5000 for a new machine, it would save 16,000, but Chen Fan lowered it by 500, and he almost didn't realize it.

After he finished speaking, An Quan held his teacup, took a sip, and said with a smile, "There are many tasks related to agricultural production. The two cadres of the commune are probably also carrying out the task of promoting agricultural mechanization. They suggested that Lujiawan buy agricultural machinery, and also hinted that we should buy that batch of problem machines from the county agricultural machinery factory, which is obviously intentional.

However, the key to this matter is still with Little Chen. If you can find out the problems and turn them into normal machines, then the agricultural machinery factory can be revived, the county's agricultural subsidies can be released, and the county's agricultural mechanization can continue to be promoted. Our Lujiawan can also get a batch of machines at the lowest price.

It is even possible to be cheaper than the price calculated by Secretary Yang. In addition to this, we can also establish a cooperative relationship with the county agricultural machinery factory, and have conveniences such as agricultural machinery maintenance, new agricultural machinery testing, and priority purchases in the future."

Chen Fan looked at everyone and said with a soft smile, "The words have been said to this point, what else can I say?"

Everyone was overjoyed when they heard this.

But Chen Fan quickly said, "Let me be clear, I can only promise to try, I can't guarantee that I can repair it."

He looked at Secretary Yang, his face full of seriousness, "An Ge knows the inside story about going to the waterway company to repair the thrusters. The main structure of their thrusters was not actually broken, only the auxiliary parts had a problem. It can be used by replacing a part.

Moreover, agricultural machinery is different from thrusters. If I can't fix it by then, don't blame me."

Secretary Yang immediately shook his head, "That won't happen, that won't happen."

Xiao Liewen also said from the side, "This is not a war, nor is it a matter of life and death. If the task cannot be completed, we will be held accountable, then no one will dare to carry out the task of the production team. I can guarantee this. With me here, no one can bully you."

Secretary Yang rolled his eyes at him, "Bah, who bullied him? I'll put the words here today. In Lujiawan, whoever dares to bully Little Chen is going against me!"

Chen Fan glanced left and right, and silently took a sip of tea.

They are all several decades old, and their acting skills are a bit lacking.

Seeing that he didn't respond, Secretary Yang found an excuse for himself and immediately coughed dryly, smiling at Chen Fan, "Little Chen, don't worry about this matter. Do whatever you can. It would be great if it works out. Even if it doesn't, it doesn't matter. At worst, we'll spend more money and buy agricultural machinery from other places."

Team Leader Zhang also nodded repeatedly, "That's right, that's right. After the agricultural machinery is bought back in the future, we will still rely on you to take care of those youngsters."

Secretary Yang also said, "Anyway, regardless of whether it can be done or not, I can give you the bottom line."

Chen Fan blinked and looked at him, "What bottom line?"

Secretary Yang pretended to be mysterious and leaned over, whispering, "Isn't your chubby little sampan going to get a set of boat handling machines? This set of machines is counted as agricultural machinery, and the brigade headquarters has reported it."

Chen Fan blinked. Was there such a good thing?

Then he asked with some hesitation, "Isn't this against the rules?"

Secretary Yang glared, "In Lujiawan, my rules are the rules!"

He laughed again, "Anyway, you can't get a boat license. Later, ask the waterway company to help get a license and register the boat under the name of Lujiawan.

With a license, not to mention the prefectural committee and the county seat, you can run freely throughout this vast Yangtze River area.

After that, this boat will still be for your use, for your exclusive use, and no one can touch it, just like your own boat."

After speaking, he patted Chen Fan on the shoulder and smiled, "How is it, am I being generous enough!"

Chen Fan immediately slammed the table, "I'm going to the county agricultural machinery factory, no one can stop me!"

… … … … … …

(Jiang Lili / Jiang Tiantian: Seeking monthly tickets!)

(The old photos of '77 have been repaired. After seeing so many, I feel that this one looks very much like the imagined Little Jiang. Release it in advance to ask for monthly tickets!)