Rebirth 1977 Great Era

Chapter 1267 The Secret Recipe Gathering Celebration Banquet, News of the Rich Woman Xiao Peng (Two Chapters Combined)
Just as everyone was marveling at the company's generous benefits, a tall, thin young man wearing glasses suddenly stood up, nervously clutching the hem of his clothes: "Director Fang! I have a family heirloom recipe... which I would like to donate to the company!"

The private room fell silent instantly, and all eyes were on him.

Fang Yan was also taken aback, then asked:

"What recipe?"

The boy's face turned bright red, and he spoke rapidly:
“My great-grandfather was a pharmacist in the Qing Dynasty court. This prescription is called ‘Fuyang Yin’. It uses Morinda officinalis, Cistanche deserticola, and Mantis egg case as the main ingredients, supplemented with Polygonatum sibiricum that has been steamed and dried nine times to strengthen the body… Back then, the princes in the capital relied on it to prolong their lineage!”

Everyone realized what was going on; it turned out to be a prescription for aphrodisiacs.

At this moment, the boy pulled out a rough-edged notebook from his pocket. The pages were yellowed, clearly indicating that it was an old item.

Chu Qiaonan explained to Fang Yan in a low voice:

"His name is Zhou Zhensheng, and his family has been involved in traditional Chinese medicine-related industries for five generations."

Working in a related industry?
In other words, they may not practice medicine, but they work in related industries.

Fang Yan took the notebook and examined the formulas closely, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

This prescription is extremely particular about the roles of the principal, assistant, and adjuvant herbs!

The mantis egg case is processed with salt to remove its dryness, and the polygonatum is steamed and dried to become sweet and neutral. This avoids the drawbacks of promoting fire and damaging yin, and also subtly aligns with the principle of seeking yang within yin.

Fang Yan looked up and asked, "Have you tried this prescription in clinical practice yourself?"

Zhou Zhensheng nodded emphatically:
"Last year, after an epidemic broke out in the countryside near Beijing, many men were weak. I prepared thirty doses of medicine according to a prescription, and after 70% of them recovered, their wives became pregnant!"

Upon hearing this, Lao Hu immediately made the decision:
"If this formula is really as effective as you say, we could repackage it into an oral liquid or capsules and supply it exclusively to the Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian markets. I guarantee it would sell even better than that Japanese 'Life Essence'!"

"Don't even mention giving away your recipe. I'll give you a percentage of the profits. I'll split whatever we sell with you proportionally. We'll talk about the percentages after we finish eating."

A collective gasp filled the air.

Divide into?

No one expected Lao Hu to act so swiftly and decisively! The other new trainees whispered among themselves, and several of them, who had family secret recipes, were already itching to try them out.

Upon hearing the word "division," Zhou Zhensheng's eyes instantly lit up like a blazing fire. He was stunned for a moment before reacting, his voice trembling:

"Mr. Hu... are you telling the truth? I can get a share of the profits from this formula?"

Old Hu picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork, chewed it with relish, and nodded with sauce still sticking to the corner of his mouth.

"Of course it's true! Our company never mistreats talented people. If your formula can be made into a product that meets international standards, you'll get a share of every bottle sold."

"Don't worry, we'll use the highest industry standards for the proportions, and we'll sign a contract with everything clearly written down. You'll definitely not lose out."

As soon as he said that, the gasps in the private room grew even louder.

One by one, the people who were moved put down their chopsticks.

A boy in a blue shirt next to Chu Qiaonan quietly tugged at his sleeve and asked in a low voice, "Qiaonan, my family has a prescription for treating rheumatism, passed down from my grandfather. Could you tell Director Fang and President Hu about it?"

Immediately, someone else chimed in, "My family has a prescription for a medicinal pill to regulate the spleen and stomach. It was very effective for me when I was a child!"

Seeing this, Song Jianzhong immediately put down his chopsticks, came over, and patted Zhou Zhensheng on the shoulder:

"Brother Zhensheng, you've hit the jackpot! Working for the company from now on, you'll not only learn new skills but also earn commissions, which is much better than us graduating and working at the hospital for a fixed salary!"

He turned to Fang Yan and smiled, "Brother Fang, although I don't have any family recipes, I'm quick and efficient. I'll take a look later and see if there are any secret recipes the company needs. I'll make sure everything is clear!"

Fang Yan smiled and waved his hand, glancing at the eager crowd, and said, "Don't rush, the company welcomes all valuable formulas, whether they are family heirlooms or self-developed. As long as they are clinically proven to be effective and can meet international standards, they can cooperate with the company."

"Hmm... For something like Zhensheng, we'll share the profits; if we don't have the means to verify it yet, the company can provide a lab and funding, and we can do the research together."

"As for statistics, forget about it. We'll discuss it one-on-one later. I won't try to lower your price or reveal your secret formula."

Fang Yan knew what Song Jianzhong was up to. He wanted everyone else to submit their work first, and then Fang Yan would select the best candidates. Although it was for the company's benefit, it was still a bit unfair.

It's best not to do things that will damage one's image, even if it's in a dialect.

When Song Jianzhong heard the dialect say this, he could only scratch his head.

Jin Shiyuan put down his teacup, stroked his beard, and nodded:

"What Fang Yan said makes sense. The essence of traditional Chinese medicine is hidden in these old prescriptions and proven formulas, and we must explore them carefully."

“A few days ago, I found a teacher’s notes. I’ll organize them and see if there’s anything in them that can improve the current processing techniques.”

"That's wonderful!" Old Hu replied. "Old Jin, your notes are a treasure! What we lack now in making traditional Chinese medicine are these genuine things passed down from our ancestors."

"I think if you have time in the future, you can talk to our classmates about these ancient methods more often, so that they can use their brains and maybe come up with some new techniques."

Upon hearing Lao Hu's words, Jin Shiyuan smiled and nodded, saying:

“Okay, I was going to teach in the graduate program anyway.”

Master Haiteng chimed in, still holding the unfinished cup of flower tea: "I also have a recipe for a medicinal wine used in the countryside to treat sprains and bruises. It's been used for over a hundred years back home. Villagers down the mountain who sprain their ankles only need to rub it twice to see results. I'll have someone copy the recipe when I get back. You can make some for the officers when you have your free clinic tomorrow. They're prone to injuries during training and missions, so this will come in handy."

The old monk was quite magnanimous; he donated all the prescriptions he had for free.

Fang Yan bowed to him and said repeatedly:
"Master, your virtue is truly admirable!"

Then he said:

"Why don't you come to the school and give a lecture to our class sometime? I really admire your skills."

The old monk was taken aback. At this moment, Professor Yue Meizhong also spoke:
"Yes, that's right. We were just planning to invite teachers from other schools to give lectures. Master Hai Deng is an expert in medicine, so he can also tell us about things we don't know."

Upon hearing Yue Meizhong's invitation, Master Haiteng glanced at his nephew. Seeing Fan Changting nod, he then clasped his hands and uttered "Amitabha," before agreeing.

"Okay, then I'll definitely go and tell you about what I encountered while traveling all over the country."

This made everyone even more excited.

I'm looking forward to my life in the upcoming graduate program.

Of course, some people with the recipes were busy organizing their thoughts, wanting to explain them in detail to Fang Yan later.

Those without a prescription are also thinking about learning more from professors so they can produce their own research results as soon as possible.

Looking at the lively scene, Lin Xueqin suddenly remembered something, moved closer to Fang Yan, and whispered to him:

"Director Fang, my master has a book called 'Records of Flying Needle Treatments,' which records many cases of using needles in combination with secret medicinal patches to treat acute illnesses, especially sudden headaches and stomach aches, which can be relieved with just one needle and one patch."

“I’ll go back and talk to my master to see if I can get this out.”

"I feel that they should be used together; it should be a good product."

Fang Yan was taken aback. Good heavens, is it really that amazing?

He knew that the "Pediatric Flying Needle" of the Li family in Cangxia, Fuzhou, had been passed down for a century and had a significant effect on pediatric related diseases; the Flying Needle combined with blowing medicine therapy in the throat department of JB District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital could effectively treat throat problems caused by upper respiratory tract infections and was listed in the local intangible cultural heritage list; and the Tie family's Flying Needle in Zhengzhou was painless to insert and quickly achieve Qi, and had outstanding effects in treating diseases such as facial paralysis and lumbar and cervical spondylosis.

I never expected that Liu the Flying Needle Master from the capital would also have some amazing skills!
“That’s exactly what we need!” Fang Yan immediately agreed. “Tell your master that if he’s willing, we can use it in the military first. We also have orders from the military.”

"We'll give him a share then too."

Old Hu, who was standing to the side, also nodded:
"This is good. Let's not give this good stuff to foreigners for now. Let our soldiers use it first. One injection and one patch can cure the disease. This method is truly miraculous!"

"But it requires skill in needle insertion, right?" Old Cheng reminded him from the side.

Lin Xueqin scratched her head awkwardly:
"There are some requirements..."

Seeing that the atmosphere had gotten this far, she decided to contribute something herself, but she didn't seem to have much to offer, so this was the only option.

This is the herd mentality, and of course, this behavior should be encouraged in dialects.

“Don’t be afraid of requests. There’s strength in numbers. We’ll definitely come up with a solution,” Fang Yan said from the side.

Zhao Xiwu said:
"Yes, when it comes to technological research and development, you have to have the mindset of speaking your own dialect!"

The atmosphere at the next dinner table was even warmer than before.

They ate and discussed at the same time.

Zhou Zhensheng was surrounded by several people who had the prescription, asking him about the details of verifying the prescription, and it was unclear whether they wanted to use it.

The professors then gathered together to discuss how to combine traditional methods with factory techniques.

The twelve new members gradually became familiar with everyone.

Old Hu smiled at Fang Yan:

"Look, this is our company's advantage. We have people who understand traditional Chinese medicine and people who understand technology. When we encounter problems, we can come up with solutions as soon as we discuss them. Our company's future is definitely bright."

Fang Yan smiled and nodded, knowing that the time for reform and opening up was drawing ever closer.

Such a good opportunity will be hard to come by again.

It takes the right timing, the right location, and the right people to bring together so many people.

Next, Fang Yan went to find out about the families here. The people who brought their families today were basically professors from the school, as well as Meng Jimin and Zeng Luquan.

Some people were meeting Fang Yan, the leader, for the first time, so they still had to go and greet him.

Fang Yan turned his gaze to the family members at the table, first raising his glass to Meng Jimin's wife:

"Sister-in-law, Lao Meng mentioned before that you were busy at the Air Force General Hospital. Your presence today makes this banquet truly lively. Lao Meng is able to focus on research and development at the research institute thanks to your support. I must toast you."

Old Meng's wife put down the chopsticks she was using to serve food to her daughter, smiled, and raised her teacup in return:

"Director Fang, you're too kind. It's a blessing for Jimin to work under your guidance. He used to always talk about how you were his benefactor, and that the research institute has a great atmosphere where he can get things done. Now he's even pursuing a master's degree. As his family member, it's only right that I take better care of the family."

As she spoke, she patted Meng Jimin's arm:

"From now on, work hard at the research institute and don't let down Director Fang and General Manager Hu."

Meng Jimin smiled. His wife didn't manage anything at home; his parents did all the work. Fang Yan's words were clearly a dig at his wife. Good buddy...

His wife was clearly trying to brush it off and get away with it.

But things are fine as they are now; his status in the family has clearly improved.

Next, Fang Yan chatted with the other family members for a bit, becoming familiar with them.

Time flew by and it was already 8 p.m., by which time everyone had almost finished eating.

Many people started drinking tea and chatting. Those who practice martial arts in the local dialect have a large appetite, and of course, the others also have a large appetite, especially since today's meal tasted quite good.

Fortunately, Lao Hu ordered a large quantity of food, so to avoid having to ask for extra dishes, he simply asked the kitchen to increase the quantity and charge the extra amount accordingly.

Sometimes, adding extra food can be a bit awkward.

Whether they are serving guests or eating.

Today's move to increase the amount of [something] was absolutely the right one.

After the group finished eating, there were still some dishes left on the table.

In China, the best way to entertain guests is to leave a little food on the table.

If everyone finishes eating, it means that most people are probably still hungry.

If there's too much left, it's a waste.

Today's approach maintained the decorum of hospitality while avoiding the embarrassment of extravagance, making it more practical than those who deliberately pursue a "table full of leftovers" spectacle.

Fang Yan stood up and said:

"Alright, it's getting late, I think we should call it a day?"

Everyone agreed to stop talking, then stood up and walked outside. Lao Hu's assistant, Xiao Lin, went to settle the bill first, and the hotel also prepared desserts and fruit for them after the meal, one small bag for each person.

The main ones are Lao Hu and Fang Yan; one is like a high-level VIP, and the other is like a "top salesperson."

They rarely come to eat at our restaurant; they usually order takeout. The restaurant manager decided to give them some face, and they even emphasized to the guests that this treatment was only given to Fang Yan and Lao Hu.

After seeing off the guests, the hotel manager personally came over with two brocade bags printed with gold foil patterns, his face beaming with a warm smile, and handed them to Fang Yan and Lao Hu:

"You two are truly honored guests here! These are freshly prepared mung bean cakes and roasted chestnuts from the kitchen, all made today. Please take them home for a late-night snack. And next time you come, we'll always reserve the best private room for you!"

Old Hu laughed and took it, then handed one to Fang Yan, deliberately shaking the bag as he did so.
"Well, I've gotten some good stuff again! But manager, that's not right of you. Next time our company people come, you have to prepare a couple more plates for them, or I'll get angry with you."

The manager quickly replied, "Of course! Mr. Hu, if you've said so, next time your company comes here, I'll have the kitchen prepare extra snacks to make sure everyone enjoys their meal!"

These days, only high-end hotels offer such excellent service.

The waiters in other places all seemed indifferent, as if they didn't care whether they ate or not.

Everyone has now witnessed the different service attitudes.

Then everyone walked out. Some people had come by bus, and Lao Hu had Xiao Lin drive them back. But one car wasn't enough, so Fang Yan also had An Dong drive them. That was enough, so they had to walk back. Luckily, it was less than a kilometer away.

After saying goodbye to everyone, I watched the car drive away.

Only Fang Yan Sophia, Lao Hu, Lao Cui, the Tao family father and son, Master Hai Deng, and Lao Fan and his nephew remained at the scene.

The Tao family, father and son, lived upstairs, so people could simply go upstairs.

Old Hu arranged it, and the two of them are living here now.

Therefore, Master Haiteng and Lao Fan traveled with them.

"Let's go for a walk back!" Fang Yan called out.

After saying goodbye to Lao Tao and his son, Fang Yan and his group embarked on their journey home.

On the way, Lao Hu saw what Fang Yan was holding and asked:

"Can that 'Fuyang Drink' formula really be made into a product?"

He said in dialect:

"It needs to be verified step by step. If it succeeds, the market will definitely be large. As long as the dosage form is perfected and tested according to international standards, we should be able to capture a share of the market."

There will always be a market for aphrodisiacs.

Unfortunately, some of their previous products were not compliant with market regulations in certain areas and could only be sold in limited locations. If this product can pass verification, it will truly fill this gap in the puzzle.

As they walked back, chatting, Fang Yan suddenly remembered Xiao Peng, who had come with Lao Fan, and asked:

"By the way, Lao Fan, what's the situation with Xiao Peng now? Is he in Hong Kong by now?"

Old Fan said:

"Yeah, he's settled down there already. He even sent me a telegram saying he'd come back before the Lunar New Year. Damn, it makes me so angry. When we came out together, we talked about building up the country, but he just went and started dating a widow."

Fang Yan laughed and said after hearing this:

"I heard that Liu Yu has also made investments in Guangzhou and Beijing, so it can be considered that he is contributing to the construction of our motherland!"

Old Fan shook his head:
"This kid really doesn't want to take any detours!"

At this moment, Lao Hu asked Fang Yan:

"Are you planning to start with Xiao Peng? What kind of moves are you going to make?"

Nodding in dialect:

"Well, Liu Yu still has business in Taiwan, right? I was thinking about whether we could get our products into that market too. Of course, we'd have to rebrand them, otherwise we wouldn't be able to get in."

The dialect comes to mind when I think of the 1980s and 90s, when the market in Taiwan was quite large, especially for Hong Kong films, which basically made money in Taiwan.

However, the control over mainland content is quite strict there. For example, their film "Once Upon a Time in China" couldn't be shown in Hong Kong and could only be screened in mainland China.

Similarly, even if their medicine sells like hotcakes in other places, they can't get into this area.

Unless it's a reskinned or counterfeit product.

As one of the Four Asian Tigers, such a large market still offers great potential.

Liu Yu has business over there, so it's certainly possible for her to make this happen.

With Xiao Peng mediating, Fang Yan believed it was a very feasible plan.

Old Hu's eyes lit up instantly after hearing Fang Yan's plan: "Rebranding and entering the Taiwanese market? That's a brilliant idea! They're very receptive to traditional Chinese medicine health products there. If we can get them in through Liu Yu's channels, I guarantee they'll sell even better than in Southeast Asia!" He paused, then hesitated, showing some concern:
"But wouldn't changing the skin be too much trouble? If we get caught, it will ruin our reputation."

Fang Yan continued walking without stopping, saying:
“We don’t need to completely change the brand. We can register a new brand in Hong Kong first, make slight adjustments to the formula, and also make the packaging new to avoid the ‘mainland R&D’ label. Then we can use Liu Yu’s trading company in Taiwan as an agent. This way, it’s compliant and we can also use her channels to distribute our products in pharmacies and department stores.”

Old Fan said:

"Then I'll send him a telegram and explain the situation?"

Fang Yan thought for a moment and said:
"No need to explain clearly. Let's send the plan to the professional manager over there first, and then have him arrange a meeting to discuss the pros and cons."

"We also agreed on the profit sharing with them."

Old Fan nodded, and then Old Hu said:

"However, I feel that Liu Yu might refuse..."

"Why?" Old Fan looked at Old Hu. They were talking just a moment ago, why did he suddenly start saying discouraging things again?

Lao Hu said:

“The market there is indeed large, but Liu Yu’s business mainly involves textiles and daily necessities. If she suddenly becomes an agent for health products, it might arouse suspicion.”

"If they suspect that we are involved, they might just kick Liu Yu out as well."

“If she loses that market, she’ll be in big trouble.”

"This is no small risk! No matter how good Liu Yu and Xiao Peng's relationship is, it's unlikely they would take this risk."

Hearing this, everyone nodded.

Fang Yan suddenly thought of a common practice in later generations, and he said:

"Why not have Xiao Peng register a health product company there as an 'individual investor' first, and then get the products from the new brand in Hong Kong? This way, the supply chain will be smoother and it will be less likely to expose any flaws."

"Liu Yu is just an intermediary to make the connection. How Xiao Peng sells the products afterwards has nothing to do with Liu Yu."

Hearing this, Lao Hu was taken aback.

He looked at Fang Yan with some surprise, not expecting that he could come up with such a method.

To Lao Hu's surprise, after careful consideration, he realized that it was indeed very feasible.

He stared at Fang Yan for two seconds, then suddenly clapped his hands and said with some surprise:

"What's wrong with your brain? This 'indirect bridging' trick is brilliant! Xiao Peng registers the company in his own name, and Liu Yu just acts as a middleman without getting involved. This avoids suspicion of 'mainland connections' while still getting our products into the Taiwanese market. It's a win-win situation!"

"In this way, all the risks are spread out. Xiao Peng's new company is an independent entity, and Liu Yu's trading company is just an intermediary. Even if some minor problems arise later, they will not affect her main business in Taiwan."

"Moreover, Liu Yu and Xiao Peng are actually a team. She understands the business rules there and is much more adept at registration and finding channels than us 'outsiders'."

"A genius!" Old Hu gave Fang Yan a thumbs up.

This brain can do anything!

Old Hu is so glad he tied the dialects together back then; he's got some serious brains!
Fang Yan smiled and didn't seem to care much. Isn't this a common, basic practice in later generations?
PS: The basic chapter of 6000 words has been updated. Monthly votes will be tallied later.

(End of this chapter)