Raising Cubs in the 1950s [MTL]

Chapter 51-55

Chapter 51

Time always passes quickly, never stopping for anyone. On this day, Hong Chuan handed over the document issued from above, and after skimming through it, Zhang Jianjun understood its purpose. The document outlined the implementation of planned grain procurement and supply. What must come will come, and no one can escape it.

As a staff member at the grain station, Zhang Jianjun had firsthand experience. Apart from the difficulty in collecting grains, the amount and quality of grains being sold at the station gradually decreased. With the land reforms and the liberation of rural productivity, grain production had increased compared to before. However, due to the development of urban construction and industrialization, the demand for grain was increasing each year. Yet, factors such as free trade and speculative merchants led to reluctance among farmers with surplus grain to sell, as they awaited higher prices. This resulted in numerous difficulties in grain procurement. The existence of such a situation led to an imbalance in the supply and distribution of grain, thus prompting the introduction of this document.

Although some people were discontented with this document, it was inevitable. Organized places such as schools and government offices had to purchase grain through organized means. Ordinary citizens would receive grain purchase permits to buy grain. It could be seen that they were entering an era of planned grain supply.

"Have you heard? From now on, you'll need a permit to buy grain at the grain station, or else they won't sell it to you."

"I heard. It's really troublesome. If you go late, the grain might all be gone."

"That's why you have to line up early in the morning. If you can't get in line, then you'll have to buy grain from the black market. But the prices there have skyrocketed, and we can't afford much!"

Opinions varied after the implementation of planned supply, but it was understood that it was a necessary measure. Families with rural relatives became popular again, as having land at home meant they could grow their own food, which was better than relying on purchases!

Zhang Jianjun had a general understanding of the subsequent developments. However, if he wanted to have extra grain, he needed to show everyone that he had previously contributed grain. Therefore, he converted more than half of his monthly salary into grain and other provisions, leaving enough for himself and his son's daily consumption and storing the rest in the small courtyard in the city. They had previously dug a hidden cellar and purchased several large jars for storing grain. He would come and go every day, occasionally carrying grain in his hands. It didn't take long for everyone to know that he had grain.

Zhang Jianjun worked as an accountant, and in addition to his work at the grain station, he had part-time jobs elsewhere. Units with good relationships with the grain station or those in need of accounting assistance would ask for Zhang Jianjun's help. Although it wasn't frequent, he would receive some benefits or goods each month instead of money. That was the result of Zhang Jianjun's insistence on not accepting money, only goods.

"I mean, seriously, people worry about not being able to buy grain, but we work at the grain station. How could we not get any?" Da Zhu and Zhang Jianjun were close, so Da Zhu naturally knew what he was up to. When he saw Zhang Jianjun returning with an oil bottle, he couldn't help but ask.

"Well, we were scared of starving before, right? During our escape, there were times when we couldn't even have a meal for two days. When you're starving, you'd stuff dirt in your mouth if you had to. Besides, Xiao Jun is growing up, and his appetite keeps increasing. If I don't store some grain, he'll go hungry! I'm his father, so I naturally have to plan ahead for him. It's because we were scared of starving!" Zhang Jianjun put down the oil bottle and explained to Da Zhu.