Chapter 465 - 176: Nanaz, Do You Want to Sit or Lie Down?
The news that Su Zelin had a company car quickly spread around the campus.
There’s no need to hide something like this; after all, it’s a company car, not flashy enough to incite jealousy.
It could be that the employees spread the word, or maybe Zelin is just a popular figure at the finance college, known by many. Driving a Santana in and out of campus once or twice can easily make it onto the BBS.
A few days after getting the car, Su Zelin let Gray Wolf customize promotional digital store decals for the car.
People in marketing are used to doing this on their cars. At the same time, others can see it’s a company car, which doesn’t come off as too arrogant or overbearing; otherwise, it might attract unwanted attention.
Even the department tutor, Wu Zhirong, somehow heard about it and came to the dorm to joke with Zelin, saying he should lend it for a joyride when he has time. Of course, Su Zelin readily agreed.
In fact, after the Santana was brought back, the staff drove it more than he did.
Gray Wolf was the first to borrow it continuously for dating, then two other licensed staff in the tech department saw how easygoing Zelin was and took turns borrowing it. In the marketing department, everyone was a college student and also financially strapped, with none having a driver’s license. They dared not casually mess with such a luxury, so only the tech department borrowed it.
Thanks to the company car, Su Zelin’s prestige in the tech department was greatly enhanced, and his relationships improved.
In this era, few are generous enough to lend their small car to others so freely, especially a newly acquired one.
Three days later.
Finance college campus, specialized class.
"Monitor, I heard you got a car?"
Before class, Little Dot from dorm 501, who got the news, gossiped inquisitively.
Su Zelin was playing with a Hero pen, flipping it up and down, left and right.
Hearing the question, he flicked his right hand, the pen slid from the back of his thumb into his palm, spinning for several seconds before stopping, leaving the girls spellbound.
No one can match this skill, it’s practically flawless, but why was he often clumsy a few months ago?
Luo Xi and the other girls couldn’t understand, only Ding Linna knew the reason.
Back then, the weather was hot, and the girls liked wearing dresses. Now it’s winter, so the monitor’s pen-twirling skills returned to normal.
"It’s not my car, it’s the company’s!"
Su Zelin corrected seriously.
"A company car is even better, you don’t need to maintain it yourself. Maintenance isn’t cheap, even if you don’t drive it, you still have to pay insurance and road maintenance fees annually, and if you drive it regularly, you also need fuel and regular maintenance, all costing money!"
Luo Xi’s dad is a big leader in the finance department, so the class beauty is quite informed about cars.
"Really, even if you don’t drive it, it costs money?"
Milk Candy was quite shocked.
In this era, small cars weren’t widespread; many people didn’t know much about them, some hadn’t even heard of road maintenance fees.
The name of this fee is quite straightforward, as it is intended for maintaining roads.
It wasn’t until 2009 that the country abolished the road maintenance fee, replacing it with a fuel surcharge, which is actually just a different form of collection, but fairer.
Those who drive less or not much use less fuel, naturally spending less on road maintenance, and those who drive more have to pay more.
"Of course, insurance and road maintenance fees must be paid before you can drive on the road; otherwise, it’s a violation of traffic regulations!"
Luo Xi explained in a knowledgeable tone.
"Well, no matter how much maintenance costs, it has nothing to do with me. Small cars are so expensive, I probably won’t afford one in this lifetime."
Milk Candy shrugged, looking indifferent.
Jelly curiously asked, "Monitor, how much is your company car?"
"Including purchase tax, inspecting the vehicle, and registering it, it lands at around 130,000 yuan!"
Su Zelin’s casual tone shocked Jelly.
"130,000, oh my goodness!"
She stuck out her tongue and sighed, "Even if I have a salary of 700 yuan a month after graduation, and I save without spending a single cent, I can’t save 10,000 in a year. It seems small cars and I aren’t destined for each other!"
"No, Jelly, you will definitely buy a small car someday; everyone here will be able to in the future, according to Su Banxian!"
Zelin laughed, "It’s a simple principle; back when brick phones first came out, how much did they cost, and how many could afford them? But what about phones today? The same goes for computers, digital cameras, and motorcycles. Whether it’s phones, computers, digital cameras, motorcycles, or cars, these technological products will become increasingly accessible to ordinary people as technology progresses!"
"Yes, yes, even the salaries of Great Xia’s citizens are continuously rising. Think back to earlier times when ordinary people only earned a few dozen yuan a month; now, it’s multiplied several times over! The country’s only going to get better; there will be bread, there will be milk, and there will be phones, computers, and cars. Everyone should embrace the hope for a beautiful future, study hard, and strive for a well-off life soon!"
No wonder she’s the daughter of a big leader, Luo Xi has good foresight. She encouraged everyone.
"Haha, I also believe we’ll be able to drive small cars someday, but probably not for many years."
Ding Linna gave Su Zelin a flirtatious look, "Monitor, when will you let me experience it? Even though I can’t drive without a license, I’d be satisfied to sit in the co-pilot’s seat. I heard small car seats are very soft, right?"