Chapter 270: Chapter 270

Zhao Gang’s mood was indescribable when Gong Ruini said there were no results today.

"These woods are nice." Zhao Gang knew Zhang Ming came from a family of carpenters, and although he didn’t have the skills, he could identify good wood.

Zhao Gang liked to stroll around here from time to time because if there really was good wood, Zhang Ming would keep it.

Today’s gains were plenty again, and Zhao Gang was overjoyed. Once Gong Tao’s skills improved, he could have him make furniture.

With so much good wood paired with a skilled carpenter, this would be furniture that could be passed down through generations.

Zhang Ming certainly knew these were good woods, and he carefully ran his hand over them, "These are all good woods, but unfortunately, I can’t afford to buy them."

No money, the little salary he had was enough just to make ends meet for his family; where would he find the money to buy wood?

"Keep the good wood, it won’t lose value." Zhang Ming reminded.

"How much for these woods?" Zhao Gang wouldn’t miss out on such good wood and wanted to buy them all.

The current negotiation wasn’t about the price given at the recycling station, where wood prices were low; it was about the amount to give Zhang Ming.

This was the main point; if they weren’t generous enough, why would he leave such good things for you?

"Can you give me some food?" Zhang Ming lowered his head in thought. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ NovelHub(.)net

Zhang Ming wasn’t stupid. Zhao Gang, who often came to buy wood, definitely had money on hand, but where he got the money from, Zhang Ming didn’t care.

As long as something was exchanged for money, it was fine. In Zhang Ming’s view, if he could get money, he should be able to get food too.

Ah, food? Zhao Gang hesitated a moment; there was plenty of food at home, giving some wasn’t impossible.

But the issue was that giving money was much safer; Zhang Ming wouldn’t spread the word. Zhao Gang knew Zhang Ming’s family condition clearly, or else they wouldn’t have kept cooperating.

However, if food was given, and it fell into the eyes of someone with intent, that would be a huge problem.

Zhang Ming wasn’t in a hurry. He just waited for Zhao Gang’s response; this wasn’t a trivial matter, they had to give the other person time to consider.

"Food supply in the city isn’t very sufficient, there are many people in my family, and there’s not enough food."

"If possible, some jerky would do as well."

Zhao Gang thought for a moment; the food in the cellar had been dried before storage and could generally last awhile, but not forever.

"That’s possible, but how do we trade? I can’t just carry so much stuff to the county to find you." That would be too risky, and Zhao Gang wasn’t one to do risky things.

"My aunt’s place." Zhang Ming had already thought of a trading place; his aunt’s home was not far outside the county, quiet, and not much noticed.

So, this guy had already planned it out. Zhao Gang couldn’t stop smiling at Zhang Ming until Zhang Ming felt uncomfortable.

Zhang Ming knew that what he did wasn’t quite upright, but he didn’t have a choice. "With money, I could buy black-market food, but I don’t trust it; there was trouble a few days back."

Just as Zhang Ming considered buying high-price black-market food after much thought, he heard of someone getting caught dealing in black-market transactions, making him wary to trade.

With him being the sole earner in the family, he certainly couldn’t afford trouble.

"Black-market trade is dangerous." Zhao Gang was also taken aback, thankful he only collaborated with the factory and never with individuals.

Even though selling to individuals might fetch a higher price, the risk was higher; Zhao Gang certainly didn’t want to take that risk.

After quickly discussing the price and other details about the food, Zhao Gang prepared to take the wood back.

"Are you really okay with me just leaving ?" Only part of the payment was made this time; the rest of the items would have to wait for Zhao Gang to deliver them to Zhang Ming’s aunt’s place in a few days.

Zhang Ming was a bit anxious too; if Zhao Gang didn’t want to give the food, there was nothing he could do, but he trusted Zhao Gang. "I don’t believe you unless you never come here to buy things again."

That was convincing. Zhao Gang didn’t believe his integrity made Zhang Ming trust him; having some interests is better sometimes. "Yes, yes, definitely, I’ll transport the food over then."

Zhang Ming, having solved the food issue, felt a lot more relieved. Without money or food, one couldn’t really think about much else.

Zhao Gang hastily went to the side to transport all the wood back, "So, are you ready?"

Gong Ruini replied, "I’m ready."

Erya reluctantly looked at the room she hadn’t fully explored yet, but then glanced at the books beside her, "I’m ready too."

Today’s findings were abundant, making Erya finally understand why so many books seemed like a minor thing to Gong Ruini and them; it’s just about visiting more often, and if you have the money, you can buy a lot of books back.

Zhao Gang wasn’t particularly bothered by so many books, having bought more before; however, what puzzled him was, "Why did you buy these books?"

Zhao Gang noticed many of the books Gong Ruini bought were about agricultural science, not the kind Ni Zi would like.

"Just happened to see them; I thought Dad and Uncle could use them." Gong Ruini nonchalantly replied.

Zhao Gang’s mouth twitched. Making people who studied science read agricultural books, was she trying to tell them they’re just farmers?

Zhao Gang felt like crying; Gong Ruini, this little girl, was indeed a bit too cheeky and mischievous. But bringing these books back was still useful at least for suggesting some ideas to the village head later on.

Zhang Ming wasn’t surprised, glancing briefly, "Thirty pounds of books, two dimes a pound, that’s six yuan."

Wow, did she pick thirty pounds? Erya was dumbfounded; the books she picked weighed about thirty pounds, right?

Gong Ruini pulled Erya’s sleeve to signal her not to speak up. A truly naive child, someone was being generous with a discount, yet she still wanted to speak up; people were truly too honest back then.

"Uncle, I noticed a box I like; can I take it with me?" At the door, Gong Ruini remembered a box. Though there was nothing valuable discovered in it, the box with a compartment could be used to store things.

Especially since the compartment wasn’t small, this thing wasn’t of value, and bringing it back for storage, particularly when it’s inconspicuous, who would care.

"Sure." Zhang Ming watched as Gong Ruini hurriedly ran into the warehouse and came back with an unnoticeable wooden box, waving his big hand, "Take it."

Zhao Gang looked up at Gong Ruini, was there something up with the box? He had never seen Gong Ruini be so cautious with a box, was there something inside?

Thinking this, Zhao Gang became so excited he didn’t know what to do.

Seeing Zhao Gang’s excitement, Gong Ruini refrained from reminding him. Some things are more interesting when the person discovers them for themselves.

Gong Ruini was really looking forward to Zhao Gang’s surprised look when he got the box later.