Coal Money (Tong dao)

Coal Money

Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Hebei China

The top layer's no good.

Too many stones.

- It's used for electricity? - Yes.

Lots of people from Shaanxi here.

You guys are so greedy.

You've taken over lnner Mongolia.

There's big money in mining.

Not that much.

The only mines left are the ones the Mongols don't want.

You're making loads of money though.

That's why people come here.

There are so many trucks, you can't get in.

You're raking it in!

It's just starting to come in.

How much land have you got?

- Eight hectares. - Underneath here?

What did it cost you?

How much?

65 million yuan.

Now it's worth 1 00.

You made your money back?

I only had that underground mine to begin with.

Can't you take any more from the bottom?

We're not allowed to.

The layers are too weak.

That's why it's an opencast mine.

Are there other layers underneath?

- Yes. - How many?

Three, but we can't get to them.

How thick's the second one?

A bit less than two metres.

Private mines aren't allowed, right?

I only buy mines with state permission.

If you dug out the second layer,

you'd make a fortune.

- Where are you taking your coal? - To Tianjin.

To the port?

Are you going to Baotu?

No, to Tianjin too.

Where did I put the ticket?

It's 46. I've got 51.

And I've got 52.

50's already gone down.

Is 46 loading up?

46 offered me 1 20 yuan to jump the queue.

But I kept him back.

I'll look into it after lunch.

Better not mess with you when you're hungry.

Hello?

Yes.

What?

What's up?

Yes, I kept him back.

So what?

What did you say?

Talk louder.

Go on then, I'll let him through.

I told him to wait until after lunch.

Who did he call?

He went through someone else?

Yes, it was me. I kept him back.

- We go down there. - Down there?

Go on, there it is.

Wind your window up.

Come on, wind it up.

Are there lots of big lumps?

Maybe 70%.

About that.

Don't shake it about too much on the way

or it'll be dust when you get there.

- Yes, should be 70%. - Between 70 and 80.

Looks like they didn't use dynamite.

Why would they?

No point, it's crumbly.

There are lots of lumps.

Big lumps.

Not too good.

Shit!

Numberplate H23893, here's your pass.

Number 221 82.

23939, another 1 5 yuan.

- 1,01 5 yuan. - That's OK now.

Got any more?

You're kidding me!

Thanks anyway.

That didn't cost you enough.

Show me your driver's licence.

Where are you going?

Look how you're driving!

Pull over there!

Stop!

I said stop!

Take his licence and his pass.

Where do I pay the fine?

I don't give a shit.

- How much? - Thirty-five.

Thirty-five tonnes.

Are you going through the Yunwu Yu toll?

Give me the money.

All done?

Got the receipt?

- Want some water?. - Get two bottles.

I need it to get out of Shanxi.

Look at this mess.

It's all fucked up.

Where are you?

Are you at home?

I've arrived. It's me, old Meng.

Get a move on.

What's the price like?

Got to get out, it's too hot.

What do you want for your coal?

It's worth 770, 760 with the stones.

I've no room to bargain.

So what am I supposed to do?

He won't take it.

We'll see with him, but don't ask for too much.

I'll find out and then decide.

If you want 900, do your own negotiating.

So what do I need you for?.

I made your name!

What am I paying you for?.

Has he gone?

Do you know the price?

What is it?

You selling somewhere else?

Where?

That's miles away.

Never mind, I'll sell it here.

It's OK here.

Is it more than 700?

How much?

How much is it in Lingshu?

790?

Shit, it's crazy over in Lingshu.

You can't haggle here.

All right then. Call me back.

He said 790?

Yes, it's 790 in Lingshu.

- Where? - Lingshu.

Tell me your price and we'll unload.

Ask him his price and we'll unload.

How much do you want?

We can't ask for too much.

What will you pay?

Lingshu's much further away.

How much did you say?

I didn't say anything.

790? Call it 770. 20 yuan less.

Otherwise you go to Lingshu.

770?

All right.

Hurry up and unload.

We'll weigh it and unload.

Let's go.

All right, let's go. Fuck.

We'll weigh it there.

Don't worry, I'm not going to cheat you.

My weighing machine's more accurate than Tie Yun's.

It's easier and it's not as far.

Let's go.

Come with us.

- Do your sums quickly. - I know.

Do you want to try for 800 in Lingshu?

Are you going there?

Should we have a go?

800 in Lingshu.

If we do, that's 1 0 more for me.

You're never satisfied!

What a fucking shit job.

20,000.

- You owed him 30,000. - Why?

It was 29,940, wasn't it?

No! 29,946.

Take it easy!

We round up to the nearest hundred,

that's the rule.

Don't push it! I'm nice to you!

I take you for lunch, I always foot the bill.

- You think I'm rich? - Tell me how much you've got.

I'm not earning a lot with this coal.

- You're selling it for 900. - Why not 1,000?

Poor you!

You'll never sell at that price.

I'm telling you the truth.

It won't work.

Ordinary coal's about 7 40 or 750.

But there are too many stones in yours.

That's not true.

Come off it, it's obvious.

Find some way to get another 1 0 for it.

I would if I could, damn it!

If he gives you another 20, I'll be happy.

I've got to go, the traffic's bad.

It's your fault for loading up shit coal.

Did you see that white truck yesterday?

He flogged his for 770.

He didn't have to hang around.