Reborn in 78, I made my fortune by working in the mountains, supporting three families on my own.

My brother-in-law is about to build a new house, which makes everyone even more envious!

Qin Bowen asked, "Brother-in-law, how did you win over my sister? My sister has a bad temper and speaks bluntly. Besides being good-looking, she doesn't have any other redeeming qualities."

Zhao Lei laughed: "Hehe, Bowen, have you recently set your sights on a girl and want to ask me for advice on how to woo her?"

"Hey brother-in-law, your skill in pursuing girls is second to none in our brigade. Whether it's my sister, Sister Xinyue, or Dr. Su, aren't they all beauties from all around?"

My brother told me that back then, so many young men lined up to pursue them. I just couldn't understand it—how come all those outstanding young men lost to you?

Zhao Lei suddenly said in a serious tone, "It's very simple, it's actually just one word..."

"What character?"

"handsome!"

"Pfft, hahaha!"

Qin Bowen burst into laughter, "Brother-in-law, you're really shameless. I reckon this is the real secret to making all three of your sisters-in-law fall for you."

The two brothers chatted and laughed all the way.

Twenty minutes later, the two arrived in Qingfeng Town.

Based on the information provided by Wang Guohua and after making numerous inquiries with Qin Bowen, Zhao Lei finally found the black market next to the warehouse in the back of the Jinxiu Textile Factory.

When the two brothers arrived at the black market, they found it to be packed with people and extremely lively.

Qin Bowen was particularly curious, looking around curiously.

"Brother-in-law, this place is quite secluded. Nobody usually comes to the back of the textile factory."

"Can we not keep it secret? These things can't be done openly."

"Brother-in-law, you're right."

The two had only taken a few steps when they noticed that all the customers and vendors around them were looking at them.

Or perhaps they felt the two looked unfamiliar, so they couldn't help but be very wary.

Not long after, a burly man with a dark face walked over.

"Brothers, have we come to the wrong place?"

Zhao Lei and Qin Bowen looked up and saw that the newcomer was tall and burly, both over 1.8 meters tall.

However, unlike others, this person was burly and looked like someone not to be trifled with.

Seeing that Zhao Lei and his companion ignored him, the burly man blocked their path.

Zhao Lei then frowned: "Are you talking to us?"

"Heh, who else could you be? This isn't a place just anyone can come to. If there's nothing else, please leave!"

As he spoke, the burly man raised his hand to shoo the man away.

Zhao Lei waved his hand, took out a letter of introduction written by Wang Guohua from his pocket, and handed it to the other party: "Brother, we were introduced by Boss Wang from the red brick factory. We are looking for Boss Deng."

The burly man took the envelope Zhao Lei handed him, glanced at it, and then nodded: "Come with me, I'll take you to see Boss Deng. This place is different from ordinary markets; you can't just wander around aimlessly here."

"Alright, then I'll trouble you to lead the way, brother."

Zhao Lei and Qin Bowen followed the burly man through the black market.

The merchants and customers who had been eyeing them warily earlier all looked away and went about their own business.

Zhao Lei thought to himself, "It seems the management here is very strict; ordinary people really can't get in."

But then he thought about it again and felt relieved.

No matter what, it's illegal to do black market trading openly these days, so these people who make a living from it definitely have to be extra careful.

At the same time, Zhao Lei was very understanding, since there was a shortage of supplies at the moment, and many things required receipts and approvals before they could be officially purchased.

Even if the other party has the goods and you have the money, it still won't work; you must use a permit.

This has led to many manufacturers and suppliers having products they dare not sell or being unable to sell.

People have some money and want to improve their living conditions, but they can't buy it.

This led to economic stagnation during the era of egalitarianism.

When goods cannot circulate, the economy cannot function, which leads many people to suffer hardship without any improvement in their lives.

However, as a reborn transmigrator, Zhao Lei knew that this situation would not last long.

By the end of this year, the country will embark on the path of reform and opening up and economic recovery under the leadership of an elderly man from Sichuan.

Before long, Zhao Lei and Qin Bowen, led by the burly man, arrived at a rather spacious shanty.

As soon as the group entered, someone immediately came up and asked, "Old Hei, what are they doing here?"

"He was recommended by Mr. Wang, the owner of the Sun Red Brick Factory. This is the letter of recommendation."

As he spoke, the burly man called Lao Hei handed the letter to another middle-aged man.

After several twists and turns, Zhao Lei finally met the Boss Deng that people were talking about.

This is a well-off middle-aged man wearing leather shoes, dress pants, and a neat white shirt.

He was sitting behind an old desk, holding Wang Guohua's letter of recommendation in his hand.

After looking at it for a while, he said to Zhao Lei, "You were introduced by Wang Guohua, are you here to buy cement?"

Zhao Lei nodded neither humbly nor arrogantly: "That's right, Boss Deng, your procedures here are quite complicated. I have to overcome many obstacles to see you."

Upon hearing this, Deng Changhai immediately laughed: "Hahaha, young brother, you're quite amusing. Come, come, since you were introduced by Wang Guohua, you're a guest. Lao Hei, get a stool for the two brothers and make some tea."

"Okay, boss."

The burly man named Lao Hei brought over a long bench for Zhao Lei and his brother to sit on, and also brought over two enamel mugs.

Zhao Lei didn't stand on ceremony; he picked it up, blew on it, and took a sip of tea.

He breathed a sigh of relief: "Ha, Boss Deng, your tea is quite good."

"Haha, young man, I wouldn't normally offer tea to just anyone. It's just that I really like you as soon as we met, and we clicked."

As soon as he said this, all of Deng Changhai's men turned to look at Zhao Lei.

Old Hei was even more puzzled.

What's wrong with the boss today?

Why is this different from usual?

In the past, Deng Changhai always greeted guests with a bandit-like air.

Old Hei remembered his boss telling them that when dealing with those arrogant, unsuspecting customers, the more assertive and bold you are in setting prices, the less they'll dare to object, and that's how you make a fortune.

Old Hei had seen Deng Changhai use this trick before, and it always worked.

But something seems off today?

This left him completely baffled.

But he soon found the answer.

Because when Zhao Lei and Deng Changhai were talking, Zhao Lei's aura was in no way inferior to that of his boss.

The two chatted and laughed, occasionally bursting into laughter, which made Lao Hei and his men gasp in surprise.

Because such a scene is truly rare, they are all people who have transitioned from underground gangsters, and they naturally carry a bandit-like air about them.

Ordinary farmers were terrified when they saw them.

Despite being dressed as a farmer, Zhao Lei possessed an aura no less imposing than that of some leading cadres.

the other side.

After a brief chat, Zhao Lei and Deng Changhai got straight to the point.

"Boss Deng, Brother Wang probably mentioned in the letter that I'm here to buy cement..."