The Wizard's Journey Begins in a Courtyard House

Chapter 83 Agreeing on Renovation Details

After receiving Li Qin's affirmative reply, Master Sun immediately took out paper and pen and began to calculate.

The house renovation plan has been basically finalized, so the construction costs, material costs, and so on can be roughly calculated.

As an experienced master craftsman, I dare say that the estimated result will not differ from the final actual cost by more than ten yuan.

"Boss, I just calculated that the materials needed to renovate the house will cost around 210 yuan. As for the construction fee, it depends on whether you are in a hurry."

Two hundred and ten dollars is enough to buy a small house, but now it's just for building materials.

It sounds like a lot, but actually the price isn't that high.

This money also includes the cost of materials for building a kitchen outside.

Moreover, Master Sun promised Li Qin that all the materials were of good quality; even if they weren't top-grade, they were at least above average.

Li Qin could sense that Master Sun had no dark intentions when he said these things.

So he simply nodded and said;

"I have no objection to spending 210 yuan on materials."

Hearing that Li Qin had no doubts or suspicions whatsoever, Master Sun smiled.

For laborers like them, what they hope for most is to find an employer who is straightforward and trusts them.

This can avoid a lot of disputes and trouble.

Although I won't earn much more money, my mood is completely different when I'm working.

Li Qin gave Master Sun the impression of being a very good employer.

Little did he know, Li Qin simply didn't want the hassle.

Li Qin then continued speaking;

"Regarding the construction schedule, my idea is to do it as soon as possible, because I'm waiting to move into the house."

Upon hearing this, Master Sun's face showed a look of understanding;

"I understand what the boss means. Based on the renovation plan just now, I have roughly estimated that if I bring my apprentices to work together, it will take at least half a month."

Upon hearing that it would take half a month, Li Qin immediately shook his head;

"Half a month is too long. Can't we find a way to speed it up?"

After a brief silence, Master Sun nodded and then spoke.

"If we want it to be faster, we'll need more workers to work on all three rooms simultaneously, but that would increase labor costs..."

Although Master Sun didn't finish speaking, Li Qin already understood what he meant.

More people naturally mean more wages are needed.

Li Qin responded calmly to this.

"Don't worry about the wages. As long as you can get the house sorted out for me, I will pay you every penny of your wages."

Li Qin paused briefly at this point before continuing;

"If you can get the house ready for me within ten days, I can give each of you an extra five dollars for your work."

Upon hearing that Li Qin was willing to pay an extra five yuan, a glint of light flashed in Master Sun's eyes.

It's important to know that during that period, a worker's monthly salary was only about thirty yuan.

Giving an extra five yuan is not a small amount.

Master Sun knew very well that as long as he told Li Qin the conditions he had given, even some experienced workers would be willing to come and do the work.

"If that's the case, then I'll contact a few more experienced craftsmen to come together, and try to get the house done within ten days."

Master Sun assured Li Qin with a serious expression.

Li Qin didn't say anything, he just nodded.

"Master, there's one more thing," Master Sun said.

"Under normal circumstances, when we come to work, we need the employer to prepare lunch for us. It doesn't need to be anything fancy, just steamed buns made from mixed flour and pickled vegetables will do."

This isn't something Master Sun is making up; it's a rule passed down from ancient times.

Although we live in a new era, we must discard the bad habits of the old era.

However, such established practices cannot be changed overnight.

Li Qin knew this and could understand it;

Preparing lunch for the construction workers was no challenge for him at all.

He can prepare anything, from simple steamed buns made with two kinds of flour and pickled vegetables to large dishes of fish and meat.

But that's not how things were done.

After a brief silence, Li Qin said somewhat apologetically to Master Sun;

"Master Sun, I must apologize for this matter."

I'll be going to the countryside for the next few days to complete my tasks at the steel rolling mill, so I won't have much time to prepare lunch for you.

What I mean is this: when we settle the final wages, I'll give each of you an extra five yuan as a lunch allowance.

When Master Sun heard that Li Qin could not provide lunch, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

However, upon hearing that he would receive a five-yuan meal allowance, a smile immediately appeared on his face.

Even if they ate as much as they wanted, like steamed buns made from two kinds of flour and pickled vegetables, their lunch wouldn't cost more than a few cents.

Based on a ten-day work period, that's five cents a day, which is quite a lot.

As for their meals while they work, that's not a big deal.

When they come to work every morning, they can easily bring a few steamed buns and pickled vegetables from home;

If you want something hot, your family can even bring it over at the appointed time.

I believe that as long as I tell my family that I can charge an extra five yuan for meals at home, they will not have any complaints whatsoever.

In fact, given Li Qin's current wealth, he could easily have given the construction team more money, but things couldn't be done that way.

Whether he's buying or decorating a house, he's using Li Huaide as a shield.

If they continue to act extravagantly, their scheme will easily be exposed.

Then he won't be able to explain the source of his large sum of money.

At this point, the house renovation was basically settled, and the rest were just minor details.

After a brief discussion, Li Qin and Master Sun basically finalized the agreement.

"Boss, I'll contact someone when I get back, and we'll start working first thing tomorrow morning. But since we need to buy materials, you'll need to pay a portion of the money first."

The rest can be settled after the project is completed.

Master Sun put away a small notebook, which contained all the details and requirements of the house renovation that he had just discussed with Li Qin.

Construction companies usually receive advance payments, and the same is true in the modern world, so Li Qin didn't think much of it.

He took out two hundred yuan and handed it to Master Sun.

Originally, Master Sun wanted to say that he could just give him 100 yuan first, but he didn't expect that Li Qin would take the money directly before he could even speak.

This startled him.

However, a smile immediately returned to his face.

The more advance payment Li Qin gave, the easier it would be for them to carry out the construction.

So he didn't say anything more.

I immediately gave Li Qin a receipt for the payment.

Only then did he accept the money that Li Qin handed over.

"Then I'll leave these rooms to you, Master Sun."

After carefully keeping the receipt, Li Qin immediately handed the keys to the two rooms to Master Sun.

Without saying a word, Mr. Sun immediately took the keys.

Just then, Li Qin suddenly thought of those beasts in the courtyard, and then handed the house renovation certificate issued by Director Wang to Master Sun.

"Master Sun, the people in this courtyard are a bit complicated."

When you're working, someone might ask about it. You can take this out then to avoid some trouble.

Master Sun was taken aback at first, but then a look of understanding appeared on his face.

He did not refuse and put the certificate away.