Chapter 103 Decoration

Chapter 103 Decoration

Chapter 103 Decoration
The next day, when Li Kailang went out, he found that all the residents kept their distance from him, fearing that he would come to borrow money.
Last night, the news that Li Kailang asked everyone to borrow money had spread throughout the courtyard. Everyone knew that he owed a lot of money and had to borrow money from others to make ends meet.

Furthermore, Aunt Zhao said that Li Kailang's family didn't even have a cup for drinking water, which refreshed everyone's perception and everyone tried to avoid Li Kailang as much as possible.

Everyone thought that Li Kailang almost pawned his house in order to buy a sewing machine and a radio.

Only Aunt Cui sent Cui Yuan over and gave him 5 yuan to help him get through the month.

These 5 pieces are very valuable to the Cui family.

Cui Yuan had only been working for less than half a month and could only earn a maximum of 9 yuan in salary. After buying food, there was actually nothing left.

These 5 yuan basically took out the Cui family’s savings.

5 yuan is enough for Li Kailang to live on his own and have a good life.

Li Kailang originally planned to refuse, but he couldn't refuse, so he had to accept it.

Seeing that everyone around him was avoiding him, Li Kailang thought that this was not a bad idea as it could also drive away those blind date candidates.

"Why not just make it bigger and renovate the house!"

Li Kailang’s house has been in use for almost ten years. Some of the wood is rotten and the walls are peeling off.

Thinking of this, Li Kailang rode his bicycle to the transport team.

Today, Master Zhang Jinwu also came back to the transport team. After three days of recuperation, some of his injuries have almost healed and he can work normally.

"Master, what is my mission today?" Li Kailang went straight to the office.

"Don't look at it. There is no task today. Wait for me to go out and arrange it."

Zhang Jinwu simply packed up the documents and went out with Li Kailang.

"Lao Zhang, you're back. How is your injury?" asked Master Zhao.

"It's okay, nothing serious. I'll start working from today." Zhang Jinwu replied.

"That's good. OK, tell me what tasks you have." Master Zhao didn't talk much.

"Ahem, there aren't many tasks today. These are the ones I have on hand. If you have apprentices, take them out to practice driving today!"

"I won't arrange any tasks. Masters with apprentices, please come up and take a look. You can choose for yourself."

After all the masters have made their choices, no task will be left.

"Senior brother, what should we do then?" Li Kailang asked Lu Wenjiang.

These days, Lu Wenjiang either had to go to the city for something or had heavy tasks to do. In any case, he could never get off work on time.

However, I still found time to visit my master.

"What else can I do? Just sit and wait for the end of get off work. I'm so tired now. If there's nothing good, don't call me." After saying that, Lu Wenjiang walked out.

Judging from the appearance, he obviously went back to the car to sleep.

This is also a benefit for the drivers. Workers from other workshops can rest together. They have cars to sleep in and quilts to cover themselves with.

But this quilt is just for covering and is not as good as the one at home.

"Wait, Brother."

"Why, what else?"

"Brother, do you know where someone can decorate a house?"

"Why, you want to renovate your house? I remember it's not time to renovate your house yet!"

"No, it's been used for almost ten years, some places are rotten, it's time to redecorate it, brother, do you know where someone can do it?"

"Ten years, that's true. As for where you are, I remember you live at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, right?"

Li Kailang nodded.

"That's not far. Go to Yard No. 80. There's a bricklayer there. He has a few friends who are in the decoration business. Just go find him!"

When the time comes, you can say that you were introduced by an acquaintance, and the price will be more reasonable."

"Brother, you are so familiar with it!"

"Nonsense, he also renovated my house, when the time comes, tell me the price and I'll help you check it out!"

The latter sentence is actually nonsense. Now, when people say that someone was introduced by an acquaintance, it doesn't mean that people would take advantage of the acquaintance like in later generations.

The clients of these decorators nowadays are either returning customers or referred by acquaintances. They also have some skills and their ancestors built houses for high-ranking officials.

Because of this, he was too embarrassed to go out and "sell" himself, which resulted in his family not being wealthy.

If we wait until next year or the year after, we may not even need money for renovation, but only food. However, food is much more important than money at that time, and money cannot buy food.

"Okay, go to sleep, brother."

With an idea in mind, Li Kailang immediately went to find Master Zhao.

"Master Zhao, Master Zhao!" Master Zhao turned around and saw Li Kailang shouting at him.

"Xiao Li, what's the matter?" Master Zhao asked.

"Master Zhao, can you take me with you when you go out?"

"Well! Xiao Li, what do you mean by this!" Master Zhao said seriously.

Li Kailang also realized that Master Zhao had misunderstood and thought that he had defected from the sect, so he hurriedly explained.

"If you want to leave, you should have said so earlier. This is causing a lot of trouble!" Master Zhao said unhappily.

"Master Zhao, why do you think so? I'm doing well under Master, why would I go out for no reason? Besides, Master Zhao, how could you think of such a thing?"

When the transport team has less work to do, some people will secretly follow the vehicle out and wait for the vehicle to come back before getting back on board.

The drivers have done this kind of thing many times, and Li Kailang couldn't understand why Master Zhao would think of this.

"That's true. Okay, get in the car." Master Zhao also knew that he had thought wrong.

After getting in the car, Master Zhao said, "After we leave the factory, I'll find a place to drop you off. You wait for me there around half past ten. Do you think this is okay?"

Li Kailang calculated the time and it was enough for him to finish his work.

"Okay! Listen to Master Zhao!"

Soon, Master Zhao stopped the car where the security guards of the steel mill could not see him. "Remember, wait for me here at half past ten."

"Don't worry!"

Only then did Master Zhao drive away.

Fortunately, this place is not far from Yard No. 80.

Outside the courtyard of No. 80 Nanluoguxiang.

This yard doesn't look very big, it should be a quadrangle with two entrances.

Seeing the gate open, Li Kailang walked in and shouted loudly:
"Hello, is anyone there?"

Soon, an old lady came out of the house with a hint of vigilance in her eyes.

"Comrade, who are you looking for?"

"Hello, I'm looking for the bricklayer here. I heard he lives here."

"You are looking for Engineer Han, right? He's in the middle of the main courtyard. I'll take you there." The old lady's attitude was obviously much softer.

"Sorry for your trouble!"

"No trouble, no trouble. No one has come to see Mr. Han for a long time. He has a family now, and they rely on him to earn money to support the family."

"But Mr. Han is too proud to go out and look around. He just waits for people to come to him, saying that this way he won't waste his craft." The old lady kept chattering.

"Mr. Han, someone is here to see you, open the door quickly."

The old lady shouted loudly, her voice was like a huge bell, and Li Kailang, who was standing nearby, was almost deafened.

Soon, the door opened and a middle-aged man about 40 years old walked out.

"I've told you so many times not to call me so loudly every time. It makes me look like I'm deaf." Mr. Han complained.

"Hey, you show off your ability. If I didn't call you like this, would you have come out? Okay, okay, I won't chat with you anymore. I'm here to find you, so go and chat by yourself." The old lady said and walked away.

"Comrade, what do you want from me?"

"I heard that you are a bricklayer. I want to renovate my house. I think you are an expert in this, so I came to see you specially." Li Kailang directly stated his purpose.

When he heard it was a business deal, Mr. Han didn't put on airs, "Please come in! Please come in! Let's talk about it in detail."

"No, I'm in a hurry. Why don't you come to my house and set a rule first!"

"Okay, wait a moment." After saying that, Engineer Han returned home and came out with a toolbox a short while later.

It should have the same function as Li Kailang's carpenter's tool box.

"Okay, you lead the way!" Han Gong followed Li Kailang out of the yard.

Arriving at the courtyard, Li Kailang took Han Gong to the east wing and pointed to the ear room.

"In addition to the east wing room that needs to be renovated, the other east ear room also needs to be renovated."

Then he entered the side room.

Engineer Han took a quick look at Li Kailang's room and measured the space. It was just a minor renovation and would be done in a few days.

"Please, show me the annex."

After opening the ear room, Engineer Han first saw the wood on the ground and the carpenter's tool box.

"This is?"

"I bought this, thinking I'd make something myself when I have nothing better to do."

"Let's go together!" said Mr. Han.

"That's not the case. I just do it when I'm bored. I can't compare it with you guys."

Li Kailang's carpentry skills are just mastered, which is far behind them.

"Did you make this?" Engineer Han picked up the small stool on the ground and looked at it carefully.

"Yes, it was my first time playing, and I was not very mature yet,"

"It's pretty good to be able to do this for the first time!"

Li Kailang's first creation was much better than the one he made before. What a talent!
"You're welcome. This is just a work of my own free time. It's not that good. Mr. Han, you should take a look at this room first."

Engineer Han also took a quick look and said, "This ear room is similar to the wing room, there are only some minor problems, it can be fixed in four or five days."

"Engineer Han, I'm not asking you to make any changes. I'm planning to redecorate." "Redecorate?" Engineer Han confirmed again. If he redecorated, he might make a lot of money. This would be a big job!
At this time, everyone's renovations are mainly small improvements, such as patching up the seams, and they will not spend a lot of money on renovations. Han Gong also has a preconceived idea.

"Comrade Li, I wonder how you want to change it?"

"This wing room only needs a little renovation. The main thing is my wing room. I plan to build a toilet and bathroom, open a skylight, and replace the walls and floors."

Li Kailang listed the places that needed to be changed one by one. The things later on were not big, the main thing was the toilet and bathroom, which were the difficult part.

"Comrade Li, this is not easy. The toilets and bathrooms need to be connected to the underground pipes. This needs to be reported to the street office. Even if it is reported, it may not be built."

Nowadays, underground pipelines are all planned, and sometimes even if they can be built, it depends on the specific location.

The location of Li Kailang's house is not far from the toilet, and the pipes can be connected to the toilet.

The pipeline can only be laid with the consent of the street office.

"I know this. If you can do it, then do it. If you can't do it, then forget it. Just try your best to do it."

Li Kailang didn't want to go to the bathhouse to take a shower, nor did he want to fight for the toilet early in the morning.

"Engineer Han, please do the math and estimate how much it will cost. Oh, and it would be best if you could get the electrical wires and water pipes separately."

The electricity and water bills are basically paid according to the units in the courtyard. A single electricity meter costs 50 yuan, and the water meter is about the same, but Li Kailang doesn't think it's expensive.

It’s mainly the water bill. With a bathroom and running water, Li Kailang’s water consumption will definitely increase significantly.

When the time comes, I will have to calculate together with the people in the yard. I am bound to be plotted against, and then there will be a lot of trouble. It is better to spend money and suffer less.

"By the way, Comrade Li, do you want to include the labor and materials, or the whole package without the materials?"

Package materials are building materials, and Li Kailang does not have any channels in this regard.

"All the labor and materials are included!"

"Okay, we have a rule here that the host has to pay for our lunch. I don't know if you will do that! If not, you will have to pay for the food separately!"

This made Li Kailang think for a while. Logically speaking, if meals were provided, he wouldn't have to pay for the meals. But then he thought again, no one would help.

Aunt Cui is old and the third aunt is pregnant. As for Qin Huairu, Li Kailang was afraid that if he gave her the money, Jia Zhang would swallow it all.

Not only did I lose money, but I couldn’t do my job well!
This place is not far from Yard No. 80, so it’s better to let them do it.

"Mr. Han, I won't provide meals. This place is not far from your home. Let your family prepare the meals. The meal expenses are what they should be."

"Okay, with such a large project, I can't give you an answer right now. How about this, I'll come over after get off work this afternoon and give you an answer?"

"Row!"

After the deal was settled, Mr. Han left.

Li Kailang didn't stay long. He went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some things while there was still some time.

Li Kailang plans to buy something else instead of oil, salt, sauce and vinegar this time.

Li Kailang has been here for such a long time, but he has never bought any clothes. He has accumulated a lot of cloth coupons and two ready-made clothing coupons, which is a good opportunity to buy some clothes.

As for the cloth coupons, I can only buy cloth and then ask the third aunt to help me make it. After all, the third aunt’s craftsmanship is pretty good.

Li Kailang came to the clothing store, where there were only a few types of clothes: Zhongshan suits, Lenin suits, braids, and work overalls.

Compared with the Lenin suit, the Zhongshan suit can modify the body shape as a whole.

Bragi is a Su language, which means dress.

As for the work overalls, Li Kailang had no use for them.

At this time, clothes cannot be tried on, so everyone will choose to buy a size larger. After all, it is difficult to alter them if they are too small.

Li Kailang took two larger-sized Zhongshan suits, handed the clothing tickets to the salesperson, paid 2 yuan, and then took them away.

After buying clothes, Li Kailang still had some time, so he went to the shoe store and bought some shoes.

Li Kailang had a leather shoe ticket in his hand, but he happened to have no leather shoes at home.

He bought a set of clothes, and even though he didn't wear them, Li Kailang felt that the effect would be very good if he wore them.

After all, it sounds like he looks good in anything with such a handsome face.

After buying it, Li Kailang did not stay for long. He put it into the ring in an empty alley and then rushed to the drop-off point.

Coincidentally, the car driven by Master Zhao also drove over.

After a day of nothing happening, I finally got off work.

Li Kailang rode his bicycle back to the courtyard and saw Han Gong waiting outside the yard.

"Han Gong, you're here. Are you done yet?"

Han Gong nodded.

"Okay, let's go inside and talk." Li Kailang and Han Gong arrived home.

When Mr. Han looked at the bicycle, he knew that Li Kailang was also rich, so there was no need to haggle over the price.

Mr. Han hates haggling over price the most. His prices are quite realistic. Besides, Li Kailang was introduced by an acquaintance, so his price cannot be too high.

Otherwise, people will tell others and you won’t be able to do this job for long.

"Mr. Han, can you tell me how much it will cost?"

Without further ado, Han Gong went straight to the point and picked up the paper to do the calculations in front of Li Kailang.

"It takes about 14 days to complete this job, including materials, labor, and food."

"The money is mainly spent on building bathrooms and toilets, as well as laying pipes. If pipes were not used, the price would be 70 or 80 yuan less."

"If you want to do this, I will help you report it to the street office, but the electricity meter and water meter are not included."

"By the way, this price is based on the materials I have. I can't get some of the materials. If you want other materials, you may need to prepare them yourself."

I heard that the price is quite reasonable. The main part is the construction of bathrooms and toilets, as well as the laying of underground pipes.

"What materials do you have? Let me see if there's anything missing."

Hearing this, Engineer Han reported the materials he planned to use. There was nothing missing, except cement.

"Why, Mr. Han, can't you get cement?"

"Comrade Li, you must be joking. All the big factories are building tube-shaped buildings now. How can they have extra cement for us?"

"Is that so? Fine then. Let me take care of the cement. You can calculate how much cement I need for two houses."

Engineer Han did a simple calculation and didn't dare to count it much.

“About ten bags will be enough!”

"Ten bags? Sure, I'll prepare them in advance when you need them."

"It will be available in two days."

"Row."

Li Kailang nodded, as if he had nothing to say, and suddenly an idea flashed in his mind.

"By the way, Mr. Han, do you have any gold bricks?" Li Kailang asked.

"Are you talking about the imperial gold bricks?" Engineer Han asked doubtfully.

Li Kailang nodded.

"That's not true!"

"Then do you know Yangshi Lei?"

"I know that. You want to ask him to help you renovate the house?" Engineer Han's heart tightened, thinking that Yangshi Lei was coming to steal his job.

He quickly continued, "You are unlucky. Yangshi Lei is very busy right now. Many people have come to him to renovate their houses. If you want to make an appointment now, you will have to wait until next year."

"Is that so? Forget it!" Li Kailang said helplessly.

Hearing this, Engineer Han breathed a sigh of relief. Yangshi Lei was also very famous in their industry, and he himself could not compare to Yangshi Lei in terms of skills.

Although what Mr. Han said was a bit exaggerated, it is really impossible to make an appointment with Li Kailang now.

After all, he is famous and his ancestors were royal servants, so everyone has heard of him to some extent.

Li Kailang didn’t think too deeply about it. He just wanted to get to know him. After all, he had a very good reputation.

"Okay, that's it. By the way, Mr. Han, can I build a loft in this house?"

Engineer Han looked up at the ceiling and thought it might be possible to make a storage attic.

"It's not okay for attics to be used for living, but it's okay for attics to be used for storage."

"Okay, let's arrange it this way. I may make some requests from time to time, so please bear with me."

"It's okay, you decide when to start the work!"

"As soon as possible!"

"Then tomorrow!"

"Okay, I'll pack it up tonight. By the way, I'll give you the money first."

As he said that, Li Kailang took out 150 yuan.

"Engineer Han, this is the advance payment. The money for installing the water meter and electricity meter will be deducted from this."

"Don't worry!" Mr. Han was also very happy. He paid so much money in the first installment, so he didn't have to pay for it himself.

Li Kailang was not worried that Mr. Han would run away with the money. In today's world, one needs a letter of introduction to leave the city.

Besides, even if you get the money, you may not be able to spend it.

This is the era of tickets. Even if you have money but no tickets, you can’t move an inch!

"Okay, then I won't keep you here."

After Mr. Han left, Li Kailang packed up his things. There was not much money left at home, so he just put his clothes, radio, and quilt into the ring. The whole house felt empty.

The most important thing was that my parents’ spirit tablets and photos were also taken away.

Looking at the several logs and sewing machine lying there, Li Kailang put them away directly.

The space in the ring is still enough to store these things, but in this way, there is no large space in the ring, only scattered small spaces.

Now the entire ear room is empty. Li Kailang will sleep here for the next half month.

(End of this chapter)