The issue of funding was truly what constrained her development.
Chen Zi'an said, "If you can get a loan, would you be willing to go?"
Upon hearing about the possibility of a loan, Su Xiaotian's beautiful eyes sparkled.
A loan was possible!
Getting a loan in the capital required seeking favors, but in Licheng, it might be more convenient.
"However, Uncle, I have no collateral in Licheng!" This was a very practical problem.
Even if Chen Zi'an had the authority to help her, he couldn't do it without collateral.
"You're setting up a branch factory in Licheng, you can use the main factory as collateral, and the banks in Licheng will give you the loan!" Chen Zi'an had already had this idea since arriving in the capital and learning that Su Xiaotian was building a factory.
Su Xiaotian fell silent for a moment.
It wasn't impossible, but if she lost it all, she would truly have nothing.
"Uncle, if this is possible, then I'll find someone to start building the factory in the second half of the year." Su Xiaotian was decisive.
"Have you found the right person?"
Su Xiaotian wouldn't have time to go oversee the construction herself.
Even for the initial factory setup, she needed someone reliable to help.
"I plan to ask Brother Mumu. If he's willing, that would be best. If not, I'll think of someone else."
She wondered if they could recruit someone from the university now.
It was unlikely. At this time, most university students hoped for stable jobs, and they probably wouldn't look down on working in a private factory.
Su Xiaotian pondered for a moment.
"I'll go!" Su Ciliang spoke up.
Both Chen Zi'an and Su Xiaotian were surprised to hear Su Ciliang say this.
"I've already graduated. My professor said that I could live in a different place for a while, which would be beneficial for my creative work, and that I shouldn't work in isolation."
Hearing Su Ciliang say this, Su Xiaotian felt it wasn't a bad idea.
However, did her second brother not plan to find a stable job?
Did he really intend to pursue a career as a freelance artist?
Freelancers weren't well-regarded in this era.
If her second brother gave up his assigned job, it would be too late to regret it.
Chen Zi'an said, "Ciliang, you can apply for a job at the cultural center."
Given Su Ciliang's abilities, it wouldn't be difficult to find a job in the cultural department in the capital.
Su Ciliang shook his head, "I plan to use a year to travel, observe, and reflect, and then continue my postgraduate studies next year."
"Postgraduate studies? Did they start postgraduate programs in the arts department?" Su Xiaotian asked in surprise.
Were postgraduate programs in the arts starting so early?
"Yes, next year my professor will be a supervisor for the postgraduate program, and I can continue to study under him!" Su Ciliang nodded. "As for work, it won't be too late to consider it after I graduate with my master's degree."
Su Xiaotian was very happy that Su Ciliang had such plans for his future.
Her second brother seemed fine now, but in reality, his future was the most unpredictable.
After all, it was difficult to say whether one could succeed in calligraphy and painting. However, with her second brother planning to pursue postgraduate studies, it would be feasible for him to stay and teach at the university or work in a cultural department in the future.
In the early 1980s, postgraduate students were still scarce talents, and there was no shortage of stable, good jobs.
"Since that's the case, then building the factory will have to trouble you, second brother," Su Xiaotian said with a smile.
Having someone she knew oversee it would be much better than hiring an outsider.
However, her second brother was an artist and couldn't be on the construction site all the time. She would still need to find someone else to be in charge.
Su Xiaotian remembered the retired soldiers mentioned by her great-uncle and said, "Great-uncle mentioned before that a few retired soldiers hadn't found jobs. I'll ask them later to see if they're willing to go to Licheng with you, second brother."
On this matter, Su Xiaotian had great confidence in Dong Yuanzhong.
If Dong Yuanzhong felt someone was worthy, then they were indeed worthy.
Su Ciliang hadn't expected Su Xiaotian to find someone else to accompany him.
Su Xiaotian noticed Su Ciliang's thoughts and explained with a smile, "Second brother, you're an artist. You can't be on the construction site all day. You just need to keep an eye on things from time to time, and others will handle the specific work arrangements."
Su Ciliang thought about it and realized it made sense, so he nodded.
Chen Zi'an smiled as he watched the siblings settle such a significant matter in just a few words.
"Then is this settled?"
That evening, after seeing Chen Zi'an and the others off from the capital, Grandma Su learned that Su Xiaotian planned to open a branch factory in Licheng.
Moreover, Su Xiaotian intended to take out a loan to build the factory.
Considering that Su Xiaotian already had tens of thousands of yuan in loans, if she took out more, the child might be crushed by debt.
After much thought, Grandma Su decided to discuss it with Grandpa Su.
"Old man, do you think we can take out those things from the cellar now?" Grandma Su asked tentatively.
Even though everyone said the policies had changed, she hadn't dared to think about those treasures before.
But now, as the situation was improving, Grandma Su didn't want Su Xiaotian to bear too much pressure, which led to this idea.
"Are you worried that Xiaotian will be too stressed by borrowing too much money?" Grandpa Su understood Grandma Su's thoughts.
In fact, it wasn't just Grandma Su; Grandpa Su was also considering this issue.
"Old man, what are your thoughts? Is it feasible?" Grandma Su urged.
"I think it's feasible, but it would be too difficult to bring those treasures to Licheng to sell," Grandpa Su said worriedly.
It wasn't just one or two pieces, but a chest full of gold!
Grandma Su also frowned. Yes, this problem was not easy to solve. The train wouldn't be safe.
"Old man, we're overthinking it. I don't think it's that big of a problem." Grandma Su remembered that the children could transport large quantities of goods back and forth, so perhaps there was a way to bring the gold to Licheng or Rongcheng.
The next day, Grandma Su and Grandpa Su convened a family meeting.
Since their son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons were all home, it was a good time to discuss this matter.
"Your father and I have something to discuss with you all. Please share your opinions!"
Seeing her grandfather and grandmother's serious demeanor, Su Xiaotian felt it had something to do with her, but she couldn't figure out what it was.
"Dad, Mom, just say whatever you need to say. What's there to discuss?" Su Lao Er said casually.
The couple planned to return that day, as the shop couldn't be closed indefinitely.
He was counting on the shop to make money and live a good life.
However, Su Laoda seemed to have guessed something and remained silent, waiting for Grandpa Su to speak.