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

Finally, Zhao Lei laid out the remaining 1200 yuan in front of everyone.

"Look, this last 1200 yuan is what I'll divide up myself. If you have any objections, feel free to say them now. If what you say makes sense, I can give you an extra 100 yuan."

The group burst into laughter upon hearing this.

"Haha, brother-in-law, how could I have any objections? You've considered everything so thoroughly. Without you, this hunt wouldn't have been a success at all."

"You've been our backbone the whole time, holding off the wolves in the valley hunt. I think 1200 yuan is too little. How about I give you another 20 yuan?"

Zhao Lei rolled his eyes at him, annoyed. "You brat, do you think I'd be short of your twenty yuan? Alright, if no one objects, it's settled. After the money is distributed, go back to the construction site and get back to work, and hurry up and finish fixing my house."

"Hehe... Okay, brother-in-law, whatever you say!"

After exchanging a few jokes, the group happily headed back to the construction site to get to work.

Zhao Lei couldn't possibly be unhappy; he was secretly overjoyed.

Earning 1,200 yuan from a single trip into the mountains set a new record.

However, such opportunities are rare and hard to come by again.

If I hadn't intercepted the wolf pack's stockpiled prey on the way, I wouldn't have made so much money. This is something that can't be replicated. Making thousands of dollars in one night is as difficult as climbing to the sky.

Life returned to normal.

As Zhao Lei watched the new red brick house take shape day by day, and looked at his three ex-wives and several children around him, he felt happy every day. The whole family was looking forward to moving into their new home as soon as possible.

After much anticipation, several days later, the new house was finally topped out, and Zhao Lei was finally able to put his mind at ease.

Zhao Lei went to Zhang Sangong to coordinate the remaining miscellaneous tasks.

The finishing touches require skilled craftsmen; ordinary helpers cannot get involved.

Zhao Lei then asked Qin Bowen to make a trip to town when they had some free time.

Qin Bowen had items he wanted to buy, and Zhao Lei planned to go to a hardware store to purchase the accessories first.

The two parted ways upon arriving in town, agreeing to meet again later at the gate of the Jinxiu Textile Factory.

A short while later, Zhao Lei walked into a hardware store.

The store was filled with light bulbs, wires, and switches—all in-demand items.

Behind the counter sat an old craftsman, twisting a piece of copper wire with pliers.

Zhao Lei stepped into the shop: "Sir, I'd like to ask about wiring and installing lights in my new house. How should the wiring be run? What accessories do I need?"

The experienced worker looked him up and sized him up: "Which brigade are you from?"

"Peaceful Production Brigade".

The experienced worker put down his pliers: "Your village has electricity now?"

Zhao Lei thought for a moment and replied, "The brigade installed utility poles last year, but the individual household lines haven't been installed yet. I'd like to connect to the power myself first. The brigade has already approved the paperwork. Please take a look."

Zhao Lei had previously asked his father-in-law, Qin Mancang, about how to get electricity, because it would be incongruous to still be using kerosene lamps in a newly built red brick house.

So I completed the approval procedures in advance and came here today specifically to purchase electrical wires and lighting fixtures.

After carefully reviewing the paperwork, the experienced craftsman pulled out a whole coil of electrical wires from under the counter: "In rural self-built houses, the wiring must first install a main switch, and then branch lines to each room."

Use incandescent bulbs for lighting, and install the switch in an easily accessible location near the door. Run the wiring along the wall as much as possible, and avoid dragging it directly on the floor.

If you want to do it yourself, I have all the wiring, light fixtures, and switches here. Just buy them and find someone you know who understands electrical circuits to help you install them.

Zhao Lei then asked, "Can appliances like washing machines and televisions also be plugged in?"

The old craftsman chuckled: "Oh, young man, you're quite well-off, aren't you? You're even eyeing refrigerators, color TVs, and complete sets of furniture."

Are you some kind of capitalist?

Zhao Lei laughed heartily at the old man's joke: "Boss, you really love to joke. It's all socialism now, there are no capitalists anymore. Don't label me like that."

"Hehe, young man, televisions and washing machines are items that only wealthy families in the city have. Very few households in our Qingfeng Town own them."

If you really want to buy home appliances, you have to go to the county town; for big-ticket items like refrigerators and color TVs, you need ration coupons to buy them. Washing machines are a bit more affordable, but they still cost three or four hundred yuan each.

Zhao Lei knew what he was doing, and immediately picked out and bought all the wires, light bulbs, and switches.

After asking a few more questions about wiring techniques and finding out all the details, I thanked the master craftsman and left the shop.

I had just pushed my old bicycle to the street corner when I bumped into someone.

The man was dressed in a clean white shirt, with his hair neatly combed and carrying a briefcase; he was none other than Li, the deputy director of Jinxiu Textile Factory.

Zhao Lei quickly pushed his cart forward to greet him: "Brother Li, what a coincidence! I didn't expect to run into you here. I was planning to visit you at the factory when I had some free time."

Deputy Factory Director Li recognized Zhao Lei and waved to him with a smile: "Zhao Lei! Long time no see!"

Zhao Lei propped up his bicycle, stepped forward, and shook hands with him: "Brother Li, what a coincidence to meet you in town."

Deputy Factory Director Li sized him up and down: "I heard you built a two-story red brick house, and I was thinking of coming over for a housewarming party when it's finished. Things must be going well for you lately?"

Zhao Lei replied with a smile, "It's alright, it's all thanks to Brother Li taking care of me. How was the fish that was delivered to the factory last time? Did you enjoy it at the canteen?"

"Satisfied, even the cafeteria workers say it tastes good."

Deputy Factory Director Li took the cigarettes Zhao Lei offered him. "Are you here in town to buy things?"

Zhao Lei pointed to the electrical wires and lights bundled up on the back of the bicycle: "Look, the new house is almost finished, so I came to buy some lights and wires."

"Wow, Lei Zi, these days even new houses have electric lights. You're pretty much at the forefront of society in our town."

"Hehe, Brother Li, you're joking."

"By the way, Brother Li, my house is all renovated. I'll be having a housewarming party. Are you free? I'd like to invite you to the celebration."

Deputy Factory Director Li frowned and pondered for a moment: "That depends on the specific time. I can't give you a definite answer right now."

Zhao Lei laughed heartily: "Oh, it's alright, we'll see when the time comes. If all else fails, I'll just go with Brother Li's schedule."

"How can that be? Lei Zi, I'll definitely be there when I have time. I'm telling you this: if something comes up and I can't make it, I'll definitely send you a gift."

Zhao Lei waved his hand: "Brother Li, you're being too polite."

Zhao Lei nodded, then suddenly remembered Jiang Xinyue's matter and took the opportunity to inquire, "Brother Li, I have something I'd like to ask you. Are you still hiring at your factory?"

Upon hearing this, Deputy Factory Director Li pondered for a moment: "We do recruit occasionally, but there's a severe shortage of work positions right now. Most of the jobs are inherited from their parents, and the employees haven't even settled their own children yet. Outsiders need special quotas to get into the factory, and I can't make that decision on my behalf."

Zhao Lei nodded in understanding: "I understand, thank you, Brother Li. I'll formally invite you in person once my house is completely finished."

"Sure, no problem, I love listening to you talk, young man."