"Peter, how will this money be exchanged?" Alvin Brown’s main concern was that the villagers wouldn’t be able to exchange the herbal medicines they had dug up for money.
Peter Brown chuckled, "I came prepared. The money is all in the bag. I’ll give it to my grandfather later. Ben Taylor and the others will count it, and my grandfather can pay the money."
With a smile on his face, Alvin Brown said, "Okay, I’ll help you with this." Coming to this point, he sighed and said, "Peter, you are offering a high price. If each family digs up an herb, they can earn 100 dollars. This can solve a lot of problems for them. Since you can afford it, I won’t ask you to lower the money."
"That’s how the price is set. Let everyone increase their income as well," Peter responded, unconcerned. He now was extremely needful of these herbs for refining Elixirs, which was effective for his cultivation improvement.
"Peter, I haven’t misjudged you. What a charitable act!"
With that said, Alvin Brown announced, "I’ll have people start leveling the land right away so that it’s as large as possible so that you can cultivate herbs."
Although this was a project that required venturing deep into the mountains, Alvin Brown was in high spirits and urged Peter to descend from the mountains.
Once they reached the foot of the mountains, Alvin immediately struck the ancient copper bell hanging from the village tree.
Soon, many villagers arrived in groups of twos and threes.
Alvin jumped onto a large rock and called out loudly to the people, "The village cadres should gather here first. We need to discuss something."
"Village Chief, what’s the matter?" A middle-aged man wearing a cloak asked with a smile.
"This is my grandson, Peter Brown. He’s made good fortune, establishing a large wine factory in Flower Creek Village and running a large company. I asked him to come back and help our fellow villagers. Today, he showed interest in Yellow Fruit Grass and Flying Flower Grass in our village. He plans to buy and cultivate these plants in the village. Each plant will be bought for 100 dollars. This is what Peter means to help you. From now on, all of you should go to the mountains to dig these two herbs. Once you’ve dug them, give them to Richard Brown to record, and then come to me for the money."
When they heard this, the crowd exploded. Everyone looked incredulously at Peter.
A plant that everyone overlooked now was bought by Peter for 100 dollars a plant. What was going on?
"The village cadres should also discuss this matter. Peter plans to develop in the village and lease some lands. Shall we agree? We need to make a decision on this matter. In addition, the herbs bought should be planted here first. We have to assign a plot of land for Peter to plant. My suggestion is that piece of land to the east of the village. Let’s discuss this."
On hearing this, Peter couldn’t help laughing. His grandfather’s handling of matters was indeed a bit chaotic. The village assembly and the meeting of village cadres were actually convened together.
"Where can find such good deal? Anyway, there is so much land in our village. It is beneficial to lease it to everyone."
"Indeed, he is buying our wild grass for 100 dollars a plant. He is obviously helping us. I think the good land should be given to him."
"If Boss Wang really plans to develop in the village, we can be hopeful."
The villagers were discussing.
Alvin was pleased and said to Peter, "Say something."
Peter glanced at the hopeful eyes of everyone, nodded, and jumped onto the rock, "My grandfather asked me to help you all. I couldn’t come up with a better idea for a while. These two wild grasses you think useless are actually two very useful herbs. Although I’m paying you 100 dollars per plant, it seems that I’m at a loss. But in fact, if I process it a bit, and sell it outside, I can still make big money. So don’t think I’m helping everyone for free."
The villagers laughed on hearing this. A villager said, "Anyway, I only know that I can get 100 dollars for one plant, and you’re able to make money is your ability. If we have nothing else to do, we should go to the mountains to dig money."
Everyone laughed again.
For the villagers, this was really a matter of digging for money.
Peter said again, "I really village. I want to lease that mountain on the way here. Whether it’s for cultivation or building, I will definitely invite everyone. I also need your help."
"Boss Wang, no question about it. You are a sincere person. We agree to your proposal."
Everyone expressed their agreement one after another.
The village cadres also agreed unanimously.
Alvin declared loudly, "Well, this is a collective decision. Once Peter starts to develop, don’t be jealous, thinking that I, Alvin Brown, am helping my grandson exploit you."
"Village Chief, what a way to say it. The whole village can hear it, everyone has expressed their opinions, who will blame you? I support this with both hands."
"Okay, that’s the decision. No one ever wanted to cultivate the ancient Stone Mountain. It was deserted. Even if it was given for free, no one wanted it. Now that Peter wants to lease it, we need everyone’s agreement."
Alvin did follow the collective opinion in his dealings.
"Who would want this mountain? I think it should be given to Boss Wang."
"Exactly, it’s just a barren mountain in our village. No one wants it even if we give it away for free. Why should we ask for money?"
At this point, Peter said, "Let’s do this. I’ve heard that in Flower Creek Village, such a barren mountain can be leased at 20 yuan per mu. I don’t want to take advantage of everyone. I’ll lease the entire barren mountain and the land in front of the mountain at this price. What do you think of this?"
"Boss Wang, this won’t do. You’re at too much loss."
"Yes, in this case, Boss Wang would be at a big loss."
Everyone shook their heads at the lease price proposed by Peter.
Alvin thought for a while and said, "What do you think of this? We lease the barren mountain and the land in front at the same price as Peter said, for a period of 70 years."
Everyone said that they were taking advantage of Peter.
Peter said, "Okay, we will draw up a contract and sign the words. After all, a verbal promise is not reliable. Also, I need your help. Please level the land for me today. Those who help will be paid 100 dollars a day. What do you think?"
Alvin waved his hand and said, "That’s the final decision. I guarantee to help you make the land a good one."
Now, the villagers were all excited. Every family followed Alvin’s request to help Peter prepare the land. The rest of them went to the mountains to dig herbs if they wanted to.
Green Water Village had never been so lively before. Everyone, carrying their backpacks, headed towards the mountains in small groups.