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

Zhao Lei waved his hand and laughed, "Haha, Boss Deng, it's 110 yuan! But can you include the shipping cost?"

"Huh? Brother Zhao Lei, isn't it a bit too much to say that?"

"No, Brother Deng, that's not an exaggeration at all. You have to understand, once my two-story red brick house is built, it will be the most prominent landmark building in the entire Qingfeng Town! Its reputation will even radiate further."

Deng Changhai's eyes widened suddenly, and he exclaimed, "A landmark building?"

"Yes, that's right, a landmark building!"

Having been in the cement business for so long and dealing with both upstream and downstream sectors of the construction industry, this was the first time Deng Changhai had ever heard of this term.

Landmark building, just hearing that name makes it sound very grand and sophisticated!

I think it has great potential.

After thinking about it, the shipping cost wouldn't be more than a few dozen yuan, and he would still have a considerable profit left.

So he readily agreed: "Okay, Brother Zhao Lei, it'll be 110 yuan then, I'll cover the shipping!"

I'm really looking forward to seeing what your landmark building will be like after it's finished. When your house is completed, be sure to have someone let me know, I'll be coming to your housewarming celebration!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lei stepped forward and shook hands firmly with the other party: "No problem, Brother Deng. Only those with vision can accomplish great things. With this kind of ambition, you will surely become a giant in the construction industry in the future."

"Oh? Perspective? I have perspective too?"

"Brother Deng, you have a truly grand vision! You write big characters with a big pen, and you accomplish great things. Brother Deng, your day of great success is just around the corner."

"Yeah?"

"Brother Deng, don't worry. The fortune teller said I'm destined to have a benefactor. I met you today, Brother Deng, and you will be incredibly fortunate in the future."

"Oh my, Brother Zhao Lei, I've noticed it too. You're different from ordinary people in your words and actions. Well then, I'll take your good wishes with me."

"Okay, I've decided to pay you, little brother. I won't go with the usual 110 yuan; let's round it up to 100 yuan per ton. I'll cover the shipping; it'll be delivered to your doorstep in a week."

Zhao Lei's words were both profound and cultured, praising Deng Changhai so much that his mouth stretched to his ears, and he liked Zhao Lei even more.

After being showered with compliments by Zhao Lei, she was so pleased with herself that snot bubbles were practically bubbling out of her nose.

Acting on impulse, he reduced Zhao Lei's price by 10 yuan per ton.

It doesn't seem like much, but if Zhao Lei buys 7 tons, that's a full 70 yuan less.

That's equivalent to three months' wages for a worker at Jinxiu Textile Factory!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lei was overjoyed and gripped Deng Changhai's hand even tighter.

"Brother, I will remember your kindness. When my house is finished, I will definitely come to deliver the invitation in person and invite you to my wedding."

"Alright, alright, brother, it's a deal. We two brothers won't leave until we're drunk."

"Don't worry, Brother Deng, I'll make sure everything is arranged for you!"

The two then exchanged pleasantries for quite a while.

Qin Bowen, standing next to him, was holding an enamel teacup, his mouth almost touching the teacup.

what?

What is my brother-in-law doing?

How did you manage to tame such a big boss with just a few words?

They even reduced the price from 120 yuan to 100 yuan in one go, and even covered the shipping cost.

When did my brother-in-law become so eloquent?

The flattery was so blatant that I found it very enjoyable to listen to, let alone Boss Deng.

Aside from Qin Bowen, Lao Hei and several of Deng Changhai's men on the other side didn't have much more varied expressions.

They all looked as if they had seen a ghost, watching their boss and Zhao Lei clasp hands together like brothers.

Old Hei couldn't help but inwardly groan: Boss, you're so foolish!

How come I gave him so much less money after he just talked me out of his mouth?

Boss, you're a big shot these days, how come you got fooled by a guy in his twenties today?

But seeing Deng Changhai so happy, he didn't dare to provoke him and could only shake his head silently from the side.

Finally, Zhao Lei gave Deng Changhai a 500 yuan deposit and kept the order receipt. He then made an excuse that he had other things to do, and only then did Deng Changhai let him leave.

He then personally escorted Zhao Lei and Qin Bowen to the entrance of the black market.

The vendors outside the black market couldn't help but whisper among themselves when they saw that such a big boss as Deng Changhai had personally escorted out two unfamiliar young men.

"Isn't this General Manager Deng? I rarely see him in person."

"Yes, what's the background of these two young men? Judging from Boss Deng's attitude towards them, they seem to be very close."

"Yes, these two young men look unfamiliar to me. Are they related to Boss Deng?"

"I think so. Look how close they are, like two brothers."

Zhao Lei and Qin Bowen bid farewell to Deng Changhai and happily returned to the main street of Qingfeng Town.

After leaving the black market.

Qin Bowen couldn't hold back any longer and quickly asked, "Brother-in-law? You're amazing! That Boss Deng looks like someone you don't want to mess with, how did you manage to make him so happy with just a few words?"

Zhao Lei didn't hold back with his brother-in-law and directly taught him all his skills.

"Bowen, watch carefully and learn well. Your brother-in-law is teaching you real skills. Since you don't plan to go to university, you'll have to learn how to navigate social situations and conduct yourself in the future."

Seeing this, Qin Bowen quickly took out the Daqianmen cigarettes he had just bought from his pocket and lit one for his brother-in-law: "Brother-in-law, please explain it to me properly, I will definitely learn it well."

Zhao Lei gave him a look that suggested he was a promising student: "Hmm, not bad, you did very well."

You must remember this: people nowadays are very simple and honest. People like Deng Changhai, who have some status and position, really enjoy being praised in various ways.

But you can't be too vulgar with your praise; it has to be sophisticated. You have to flatter the right person, not the wrong one.

Qin Bowen widened his eyes and humbly asked for advice.

He wished he could go to the supply and marketing cooperative right now to buy paper and pen to write it down.

The method Zhao Lei taught him was a highly effective killer move in this era.

Because many people in the 1980s were simple, honest, and not good with words.

Forget about flattery; just avoiding saying the wrong thing and offending people is already considered good.

However, during the golden age of rapid development in the 1980s, grassroots individuals with some talent, like Deng Changhai, rose to prominence at an astounding pace.

What they lack is recognition.

At the same time, many companies and factories are short of talent.

As long as you're sweet-talking, hardworking, and cater to their tastes, these grassroots bigwigs really like young people like you.

As a time traveler, Zhao Lei heard too many stories of young people in the 1980s and 90s who went out to find work and were noticed by bosses and leaders because of their diligence and sweet talk, and were constantly promoted and supported.

He even married his daughter to a poor young man in order to bring in loyal talent for his family and his system.

However, such opportunities and trends became rare after 2000...