Chapter 75

A two-bedroom, one-living room apartment? Master Xia hadn’t made up his mind yet, but Aunt Ren was instantly moved.

The reason for her excitement wasn’t anything else; it was the house promised by Chen Geng.

To be honest, although the housing conditions of the Xia family were still quite tight, in the city of Shanghai, they could already be considered relatively spacious. This was a "large house" with one bedroom, one living room, and over 30 square meters. Although three generations, six people, lived in one apartment, the eldest son and his child lived in the bedroom, giving the eldest son’s family of three their own private space. Compared to countless families in Shanghai who had to sleep in the same room with their parents and children and had to sneak around to do intimate things, this was much better.

Although the second son had to sleep in the living room with Master Xia and his wife at night, the second son currently had no girlfriend, so it could at least last for two more years.

If the old couple could get a house in Haizhou, the current apartment could be given to the children. Although it was still small, it would be enough for the three of them. At least until the child got married, there wouldn’t be much of a problem. The little grandson was still young, so they wouldn’t need to change houses for over ten years.

As for the second son, once the old couple moved to Haizhou, he could stay in the dormitory at the factory for a couple of years. If that didn’t work, they could rent a house for him. The old man earned about 250 yuan a month, and after moving, he could earn around 100 yuan a month. Adding the retirement pension of the old couple, they could earn about 500 yuan a month, which was enough to rent a house. After saving for a few years, they could buy a house for the second son as a wedding home, thus settling both sons.

Although personal housing in Shanghai wasn’t open for purchase, private housing transactions had never stopped, and everyone was used to it.

Aunt Ren was moved, but Master Xia was still hesitant. From Haizhou to Shanghai, although not far, it wasn’t close either. Most importantly, once he moved to Haizhou, seeing his children and grandchildren wouldn’t be as convenient.

People, once they get older, yearn for family even more. Comrade Xia, on one hand, wanted to take advantage of his current ability to lay a foundation for his two sons, but on the other hand, he was reluctant to leave his sons and grandchildren.

Puffing on his cigarette, Master Xia was indecisive.

Is this not enough? Chen Geng was a bit surprised, but it didn’t matter. He had prepared for this possible situation. Smiling, he said, "Teacher, since you’ve heard about our 212 Jeep modification business, you can imagine how successful it is, right?"

Master Xia nodded. Indeed, the 212 Jeep modification business was in Haizhou. Since he knew about it in Shanghai, it must be very successful.

However, he was curious why Chen Geng was telling him this.

"We receive at least 400 to 500 modification orders every month, but our factory’s maximum capacity is only 200 vehicles. With such a large market, we definitely need to expand our production. Additionally, many units in Haizhou want to learn this technology. So, while expanding our scale, we will also provide standard modification parts and technical training to these units. This is a long-term business. Given the current number of 212 Jeeps in the country, this business can last at least 10 years, don’t you think?"

"Of course," the old man nodded firmly. "10 years is definitely not enough."

"Exactly. That means, for at least 10 years, funding will not be a problem for our company, enough to support our business transformation. If everything goes well... there shouldn’t be any problems... I plan to set up a power research institute in Shanghai next year. It will focus on engine, transmission, and transfer case research. I will apply for land from the city to build residential buildings with balconies, kitchens, and bathrooms for our institute."

Chen Geng held up five fingers. "Teacher, if you come to help me and sign a five-year advisory contract with our unit, you can retire after five years if you want, or you can work as a technical advisor at the power research institute in Shanghai. But whether you retire or work as an advisor, I will definitely give you a three-bedroom, two-living room apartment within two years. What do you think?"

A three-bedroom, two-living room apartment?!

Master Xia and Aunt Ren’s breathing became heavy. Aunt Ren’s eyes even turned red: If Old Xia stayed in Haizhou for five years, he could not only return to Shanghai but also get a three-bedroom, two-living room apartment in Shanghai?!

In an era where people worked their whole lives for a house, no one could refuse such an offer. Master Xia was no exception. The three-bedroom, two-living room apartment made his voice tremble. "Chen, are you serious?"

A three-bedroom, two-living room apartment, with a kitchen and bathroom, even a department-level official couldn’t get one. With a slight modification, it could become a four-bedroom, one-living room apartment, enough for his family of six. For this house alone, he would work for five years, even without pay, he would still do it!

"Of course, as long as you agree, I’ll show you the contract later. All these terms can be written into the contract," Chen Geng said. "If I can’t fulfill them, you can sue me, and the court will rule in your favor."

"No, no, no need to sue, no need to sue..." The old man waved his hands, unable to speak coherently.

At this point, the old man had no more hesitation. Just working in Haizhou for five years, with a large salary every month, and getting a three-bedroom, two-living room apartment upon return, was a great deal. Not going would be foolish!

Do it!

Must do it!

Waving his hand, the old man was about to speak when Aunt Ren suddenly asked, "Chen, if your master brings a few skilled old masters, can you change the three-bedroom, two-living room apartment to two two-bedroom, one-living room apartments? We can even pay the difference."

The old man was surprised by his wife’s request but immediately nodded. "Yes, Chen, can you change it to two two-bedroom, one-living room apartments? We are willing to pay the difference."

If they could get two two-bedroom, one-living room apartments, both the eldest and second son would have their own homes. As for the old couple, the one-bedroom, one-living room apartment near the factory would be enough. This would solve the housing problem for three generations. In Shanghai, people lacked money, but they lacked houses even more. If there was a chance to get a house, they would do anything to get a bigger one.

Because of the great temptation of two houses, even the usually reserved old Master Xia lost his composure.

Chen Geng smiled and nodded. "Sure, Aunt Ren, you reminded me. Since it will take some time to build the houses, I’ll gather everyone’s opinions to see if we should focus on larger or smaller apartments. But rest assured, your family will get two houses, no problem."

"Chen, thank you, thank you so much," Master Xia and Aunt Ren thanked him repeatedly. Aunt Ren was quicker, pushing Master Xia and urging him, "Hurry up, while your old friends are still at home, go ask them."

Without a word, Master Xia got up and left. In the face of a house, who cares about composure?!

Aunt Ren smiled and saw Master Xia off, then turned to Chen Geng warmly. "Chen, watch some TV, I’ll cook for you. I’m famous in the factory for my braised pork ribs. Wait a moment, it will be ready soon..."

Without waiting for Chen Geng’s response, the old lady started cooking in the corridor kitchen.

...

Chen Geng expected Master Xia to bring a few people, but he didn’t expect so many. Seeing Master Xia return with nearly 20 people in less than an hour, Chen Geng was stunned. What’s going on?

Before Chen Geng could speak, a familiar but forgotten old master, around 50 years old, eagerly asked, "Chen, is it true? Is the 212 Jeep really modified by your factory? Are you really planning to build a research institute and houses in Shanghai?"

Before he could finish, a 60-year-old old master with thick calluses on his hands interrupted, smiling almost flatteringly. "Chen, I’m Old Niu from the casting workshop, specializing in sand molds. Do you remember me?"

Old Niu from the casting workshop? Chen Geng immediately remembered. He raised his thumb and smiled. "Of course I remember you. You’re the best sand mold maker in our factory. My master said all the engine cylinder sand mold makers in the factory were trained by you. Your skills are top-notch!"

"Hehe..." Hearing this, the old man rubbed his hands, a bit embarrassed. "So, Chen, what do you think..."

"Old man, I would be honored if you could come and work as our technical advisor!" Chen Geng stepped forward and shook the old man’s hand. "If my master hadn’t left so quickly, I would have asked him to bring me to you."

The old man waved his hands, his face flushed with excitement. "How embarrassing, how embarrassing..."