As for Zhang Qin and Wu Chunmei, they could wait until the busy farming season was completely over before going. Otherwise, if too many people arrived at once, they probably wouldn't have enough space.
"Brother Zhang." Lin Qi looked at the balding man in front of him, smiled, took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, drew one out and offered it to him, then took out a lighter to light it for him before lighting one for himself.
"Your lighter is quite unique." The man smiled as he looked at the lighter he was about to put away.
At this time, everyone basically used matches, and lighters were quite rare.
"If Brother Zhang likes this, you can take it to use." Lin Qi generously handed over the lighter.
"Oh, how can I accept this?" The man said so, but he took it with delight and put it in his pocket.
"You're here for that batch of equipment, aren't you? To be frank, it has arrived, but it's being held back by the higher-ups, who say there's a problem. Alas, it's not that Brother Zhang isn't helping, it's just that I'm powerless in this matter. Why don't you go ask our leadership about the situation?"
Having received a gift, the man was naturally happy to pass on some information.
Lin Qi's eyes flickered when he heard his words, and then he smiled and said, "Thank you, Brother Zhang."
He was no stranger to this kind of soliciting bribes. In those days, if you threw a brick, you were sure to hit several incompetent leaders who were good for nothing but caused trouble.
As the saying goes, it's easy to deal with the king of hell but hard to deal with minor devils. Everything that needed to be greased had to be greased, otherwise, tens of thousands of yuan worth of equipment would just be left to rust?
After stubbing out the cigarette in his hand, Lin Qi turned and went to the office of the stationmaster of the cargo yard.
When Stationmaster Zhou heard him mention the batch of equipment, he knew who it was. He frowned immediately: "Your equipment was imported irregularly and may need to be confiscated."
Lin Qi quickly produced all the procedures: "Stationmaster Zhou, this batch of equipment of mine is completely compliant. Here are the receipts and invoices issued by the other party, as well as the waybill. Every cent of tax due has been paid. This cannot be faked."
Knowing that they were making things difficult for him was probably for money, Lin Qi did not hesitate. He handed over the prepared money along with the invoices.
"Just a small token of my appreciation."
This batch of equipment was originally scheduled to arrive two days ago. However, after he had inquired for two consecutive days, he guessed that the other party might have seen that the recipient was a small company and intended to delay it. Therefore, Lin Qi changed his approach.
Logically speaking, the equipment could be bought within the province, but the policies in the north were not as lenient as in the south. Without a permit, it was impossible to buy.
Logically speaking, Chen Lishu could also obtain a permit by finding Li Zhiwei or Chen Guoping. However, the favor was always used up, and it was best to solve problems with money rather than asking for favors. Therefore, Chen Lishu would rather spend more money to have Lin Qi go to the south to purchase the equipment.
Stationmaster Zhou did not even look at what he handed over. He didn't touch the money at all and threw back a sentence: "There has been a regulation since the beginning of the year that prohibits private enterprises from competing for interests with state-owned enterprises. You've openly imported so much equipment, isn't this clearly going against the policy?"
"Stationmaster Zhou, there is a certain difference between our township enterprises and private ones. Moreover, we are all farmers. It's not easy for us to work. Besides, this equipment hasn't even been put into use yet, so how can it be competing for interests? Aren't we working here to create revenue for our superiors and pay more taxes to the province?"
Everyone was groping in the dark at this time, and policies were constantly changing. If the higher-ups really pursued the matter, those below would not be able to explain themselves even with mouths.
"It's no use for you to tell me all this. The goods definitely cannot be given to you, and not only can they not be given to you, but they will also be confiscated. It's already good that you're not being fined. Hurry up and leave." Stationmaster Zhou said, swatting him away like a fly.
The higher-ups had already given the order. Hongyuan Construction Company would definitely not be able to take this batch of goods.
He was going to confiscate goods worth tens of thousands of yuan for the company?
But Lin Qi also saw that Stationmaster Zhou's attitude was so resolute that reasoning would be of no use. As for other things, perhaps he thought the amount was too small?
Lin Qi thought for a moment, collected the things on the table, and as other staff members entered, he said something and turned to leave.
"How is the arrangement on that end?"
In the office, Zhu Shasha's meticulously manicured fingernails slid across the cup on the desk as she looked up and asked Jiang Chengyi.
Jiang Chengyi chuckled: "Don't worry, it's just a matter of saying a word."
Seeing his relaxed demeanor, Zhu Shasha's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly: "I don't want any mistakes to happen in the process."
"Don't worry. Since I'm going to make a move, I won't just do this one thing. Besides that batch of equipment, there's a big gift waiting for her." She was just a woman from the countryside who thought she was quite capable. Killing her would be as easy as lifting a finger.
"I heard that your uncle might be getting promoted soon?"
When this was mentioned, Jiang Chengyi felt happy, but he didn't show it at all: "As a family member, I haven't even heard about it. Who told you?"
The old man had specifically instructed that no one should speak about it to outsiders until a definitive confirmation was received. Not only should they not speak about it, but they should also try to remain low-key.
Seeing that he wasn't saying anything, Zhu Shasha didn't press further. However, she naturally hoped for the Jiang family to do better. This way, cooperating with Jiang Chengyi would be more flexible in terms of policies and even reduce many unnecessary troubles.
On the other side, Chen Lishu couldn't help but happily exclaim when she saw Li Xiulan standing at the door: "Mom, why didn't you let me know in advance when you were coming? I could have come to pick you up."
"Mom said that Sister-in-law, you are far along in your pregnancy and your body is heavy, so it's the same who picks you up." Gu Xingping said as she carried a large bag of things into the room and sat on the sofa as soon as she put the items down.
"It feels like Mom has moved all the things from home. I'm exhausted."
"You child, I have two jars of jam in here. Be careful not to break them, or I'll deal with you." Li Xiulan couldn't bother with anything else and quickly opened the bag on the ground to check. She only relaxed when she saw that nothing was damaged.
Chen Lishu: "Mom, you must be tired from the car ride. Why don't you go to my room and rest for a while? I'll have Sister Xiaoyue make you some food."
"Hello, Auntie. My name is Zhao Qiuyue. You can call me Xiao Zhao or Xiao Yue." Zhao Qiuyue smiled and introduced herself to Li Xiulan.
"So you're Xiaoyue. Lishu has mentioned you. You're a good child."
Li Xiulan nodded, took out the things from the bag and handed them to her: "These are all from home, mushrooms, wood ear fungus, and things like that, as well as cured sausages I made myself. Buying things here is expensive, and eating our own things is more reassuring."
After putting the things away with Zhao Qiuyue, she was old, and coupled with the fatigue of sitting in a train for a whole day and night, she was persuaded by Chen Lishu and Gu Xingping to go back to her room for a nap.
In the evening, Gu Xingdong and Gu Xingye entered the house almost one after another. The small living room was instantly crowded.