Free Web NovelChapter 278: Chapter 278: Getting Things Done
When so many people suddenly arrived in the village, as the village chief, Zhu Ziqiang naturally had to come over and ask about it.
Upon learning that there was going to be a major construction project, and they were even going to build a two-entry courtyard house, Zhu Ziqiang’s expression became a bit complicated.
He used to have the best conditions in the village, with two tile-roofed houses, but ever since these people arrived, compared to them, he had become a downright pauper.
"Construction has already started," seeing them working enthusiastically, Zhu Ziqiang rounded the site and directly approached Kai Yuan, "How big of a house are you planning to build?"
Having purchased so many materials and with so many workers here, the scale of the project surely wouldn’t be small.
He was also entrusted by the villagers, hoping to see if he could pick up some work for them here.
"My mother-in-law did buy several mountains here, so we need to arrange for people to take care of them, hence the house needs to be bigger," Kai Yuan said with a straight face, "We’ll first build a two-entry courtyard, and expand later if needed.
Village Chief Zhu, the environment in our village is really nice here, it’s a great place to live."
"Of course, our place has mountains and water; as long as you’re diligent, you won’t starve.
But everyone’s life isn’t great; earning some cash is tough. You see, you need people for work here too, I wonder if you could look after the folks from our village?"
Zhu Ziqiang knew how to seize the opportunity and quickly stated his intentions.
"So that’s what it is," Kai Yuan had already mentally prepared for this. Since they’re going to be in one village, it’s only right to look after each other, but helping proactively and being made to are different matters.
"The work here is quite hard, as you’ve seen. Besides having to overturn the earth, building the house is also heavy labor."
"That’s alright; these are poor families, and the last thing they lack is strength.
These days are tough. Besides the village harvest, there’s little left after paying taxes.
To find temporary work in the city, most bosses wouldn’t take on people they don’t know. Occasionally getting a gig, the earnings are also limited.
Rest assured, as long as you give them a chance, I guarantee they will work earnestly."
Kai Yuan asked, "How many people from our village can come?"
Zhu Ziqiang’s voice was a bit anxious, "Our village has only about a hundred people, with thirty to forty strong laborers."
Even so, he included this number somewhat falsely, essentially reporting everyone in the village aged ten to fifty.
Kai Yuan said, "Building this house will take around ten days of work. I can speak with them, share some tasks, but with so many people, the speed will increase significantly; it might just be a few days of work."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Ziqiang beamed, "That’s already quite good. Even one more day of work means more income; when someone falls ill, they’ll have some respite."
They’re on the verge of poverty; such a rare opportunity to earn money, he believed the villagers wouldn’t want to miss it.
Bai Suihe glanced at the mountains ahead, tugging at Kai Yuan, "Using so many people in such a small area seems inappropriate."
Zhu Zhiqiang wanted to counter but couldn’t deny the validity of their words, "... Take as many as you can; I promise I will find you people to work."
Bai Suihe said, "Chief, actually I have a task here that requires a long-term commitment."
Zhu Ziqiang’s eyes brightened, "Please go on, madam."
"There are several mountains here. We plan to plant fruit trees and raise some livestock, which require manpower. But we don’t know the villagers well and not sure whom to hire; could the chief introduce a few people to start?"
"What about the wages?"
"Similar to the employees in county town shops, though it might be heavier work," Bai Suihe wasn’t aware of the local wages, so she spoke vaguely.
Yesterday, they had already discussed how to utilize the other mountains by planting fruit trees, not just to have additional income and prevent wasting resources, but also to hide the mines behind. Until they could protect themselves, they wouldn’t openly exploit them.
"How hard could the work be?" Zhu Ziqiang was getting tempted—a job as a village chief only occasionally provided some minor benefits but came with countless trivial issues.
If there was a long-term job, the whole family’s life could improve.
Moreover, he realized that this couple seemed relatively kind and shouldn’t mistreat their workers.
He couldn’t step forward directly, but he still had sons at home, and he was determined to get his family involved.
"The villagers are all skilled workers, especially at farming and managing livestock.
Fruit trees can be handled, but livestock isn’t easy to manage."
Zhu Ziqiang feared that if they didn’t manage well or the livestock got sick, the owners would be upset.
"Don’t worry, we won’t have too many," naturally, Bai Suihe understood the chief’s concerns—having amassed wealth, along with livestock, does have its logic.
"Then that won’t be a problem. I’ll call people over for you right away." Zhu Ziqiang was eager to get back and handle this.
"Chief, wait," Bai Suihe stopped him.
Zhu Ziqiang’s mood swung dramatically, fearing Bai Suihe might change her mind again.
"It’s not just us who have moved into the village; there are several other families too. If you’re looking for work, you could approach them as well."
Gathering all village people here would only breed resentment.
Zhu Ziqiang nodded, "Thanks for the reminder, madam. I’ll visit them later. Rest assured, I’ll reserve the most diligent hands for you."
"Also, there’s another matter. As you can see, there’re many people here working. I want to find a few diligent women to help with boiling water and cooking meals; do you have any recommendations?"
"I do. My wife and daughter-in-law are both diligent; I’ll have them come over and help right away," Zhu Ziqiang eagerly agreed. Even without pay, getting a meal here is a significant benefit.
"I trust you, chief. How about you arrange four people to come over first, okay?"
Zhu Ziqiang immediately agreed and hurried off, needing to rush back home quickly and mobilize his whole family.
Kai Yuan said, "The madam is kind-hearted."
"Since there are so many people working for us, we must ensure they have water to drink." Bai Suihe had seen the workers directly scoop up water from the stream to drink. "Drinking untreated water isn’t good; it can cause illness."
"But they’re used to it," Kai Yuan himself had often drunk untreated water before and didn’t find it problematic.
However, throughout the journey, Bai Suihe hadn’t touched untreated water and didn’t allow those around her to drink it. Kai Yuan had grown accustomed to it but thought there was no need to force everyone to change.
"If you offer them boiled water, they probably won’t accept it."
Bai Suihe sighed, "Now that it’s cold, it’s better for everyone to drink some hot water than cold."
