C13 Borrow Money(part I)

Although she couldn't quite grasp the significant use her daughter had in mind, her affection for her led her to eventually agree to the request. She resolved to purchase the collection of treasures Mr. Xue had left behind, even if it meant borrowing money.

Soon after, Ms. Kung brought them an update. Zhou Qian poured a cup of tea for them and joined Ann Jue on the sofa to hear what she had to say.

Ms. Kung paused before speaking, "As Ann Jue mentioned, Mr. Xue's nephew is an uneducated farmer. I don't mean any disrespect to farmers, but his attitude towards educators is appalling! When I called him, he was about to have the scrap collector come over to sell off Mr. Xue's lifetime collection of books! I was livid. Ms. Zhang and I, who teach the same grade, went over and managed to convince him to keep the books. He didn't sell a single one. I also conveyed Ann Jue's interest to him. That man... well, he's quite the slick operator! When he heard someone was interested in buying the books, he started scheming. He spent ages in the house, even pulled out a calculator to crunch numbers, and finally quoted me a price!"

Ann Jue nodded, having anticipated this. She inquired, "How much is he asking for?"

Ms. Kung's brow furrowed, her face reddening with frustration. "He wants five thousand yuan! Can you believe it? That's... it's like he's asking for the moon! Mr. Xue's collection is extensive, but five thousand yuan could buy a whole houseful of new books! His asking price is outrageous!"

Zhou Qian and Ann Jue's eyes widened in shock. In the early nineties, their combined monthly income was only around 500 yuan. Five thousand yuan represented ten months of their salaries! They couldn't possibly save up that much money without foregoing all their expenses!

Yet Ann Jue remained composed, for she alone understood the true worth of Mr. Xue's collection and didn't consider the price exorbitant. However, for her family's current financial situation, 5,000 yuan was certainly steep.

"Ms. Kung, do you think this would work? I'd like to speak directly with Mr. Xue's nephew," Ann Jue said, sitting upright with a solemn and earnest tone, embodying the demeanor of a seasoned adult.

Ms. Kung hesitated, her first instinct was to refuse. She couldn't believe that a ten-year-old could convince a man in his twenties. Yet, something in Ann Jue's gaze inexplicably conveyed a powerful persuasive force. After a moment's thought, she said, "Alright, I can introduce you to him. But be warned, he's not the most tactful speaker, and as a young girl, you might be at a disadvantage!"

Ann Jue shook her head with a smile. "Don't worry about me. My dad will come along. All I need from you is to set up the time and place."

"Well, if that's the case... Alright then, wait for my call." Ms. Kung had never encountered a child so tenaciously passionate about books. She was touched and eager to help make this happen, so she agreed.

After Ms. Kung had left, Ann's father began to worry aloud, "Jue, this 5,000 yuan is really... beyond our means."

Zhou Qian looked distressed as she added, "I never imagined he'd demand such an exorbitant price. Even if he sold his trash, he'd likely not make more than a few dozen yuan!"

Ann Jue inwardly scoffed at the man's greed, which was as ugly as his actions. But it didn't matter to her. She was determined to make the purchase and wouldn't leave even the smallest bit for this short-sighted, petty individual.