1968: Started from breeding

Chapter 342 Establishment of Special Zones in Two Provinces?

Section 1, Meeting Room.

A full map of the four counties was laid out on the conference room table.

Su Wenchen was still discussing the subsequent planning of the saline-alkali land with Hou Guozhong and Cao Jiwen.

Hou Guozhong looked at the places Su Wenchen had drawn on the map with a pencil and immediately started calculating with a notebook.

"Director, aren't you marking out too much land? Our rabbit population can only reproduce three more times by the end of the year at most."

"Although the breeding rate increases exponentially as the process progresses, according to our internal calculations, the final scale will reach a maximum of around 50,000 birds by the end of the year."

"Moreover, based on previous experiments, the worst we can do to treat this saline-alkali land is to use over 100 kilograms of fertilizer per acre to see any initial results."

"In other words, by the end of the year we can only complete the treatment of 10,000 to 20,000 mu of saline-alkali land at most."

Su Wenchen put down the pencil in his hand and shook his head.

“I know what you mean. I don’t mean to completely remediate all of these newly included saline-alkali lands.”

"Leaving half of it out for comparison is the only way to show how effective our land management is!"

He pointed to a spot on the map as he spoke.

"If we take control of the saline-alkali land on both sides of the abandoned Yellow River channel, then this entire area on both banks will be ours."

"It's less than five kilometers from Huangkou Station on the Longhai Railway. Once that happens, all our farm's produce can be transported through Huangkou Station."

"This is much closer than the 40 kilometers to Tongshan Station."

For Su Wenchen, this was all preparation for the future, because now everything is under a planned economy, so there's not much need to calculate economic costs.

Whether it's a long-distance or short-distance trip, the government provides the transportation capacity.

However, things changed after the reform and opening up. At that time, state-owned enterprises also needed to participate in market competition. If there had been a train station next to the farm, the problem of cargo transportation would have been much more convenient.

However, Hou Guozhong still hesitated.

"This requires too much land. Won't the local authorities object?"

"Even if we don't have it now, Director, it wouldn't be good to ruin our relationship later!"

Su Wenchen thought for a moment about the development speed of their farm, then shook his head and said.

"As long as we develop fast enough, they won't have any objections, and they might even thank us for driving the development of this area."

Thinking about how the four counties ahead each had their own agendas regarding their farms.

Su Wenchen felt that with such a level of unity, it would be difficult to develop without their participation.

However, this is actually a good thing for him.

Once their farm develops further, they will definitely need the surrounding counties to develop supporting industries.

The fact that the four counties are not of one mind is a good thing for him.

If you truly stand together through thick and thin, it becomes harder for him to ask for a price!

Just as the group was discussing it...

There was a knock on the door.

"Director, Deputy Director Guo sent someone to inform us that the director from Jiangsu Province has come in person."

"It's right over at the construction site!"

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen was immediately disappointed.

"Is it just them? No one from the neighboring Anhui province came!"

Hearing Su Wenchen ask this question, Zhou Qiang shook his head.

"They shouldn't have arrived yet, otherwise Deputy Director Guo would have reminded them!"

Su Wenchen nodded and spoke directly to the two people in the conference room.

"Let's go! Let's go greet them."

"It's a pity only one company came!"

However, when Su Wenchen walked out of the area, he unexpectedly found two rows of cars.

One of the elderly men was wearing an old-fashioned military uniform, while the other was wearing a normal white shirt.

When he walked over, the two were still insulting each other.

"Old Song, you're quite agile! You came all the way from Feicheng so early."

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming here? I could have arranged for the locals to give you a proper welcome!"

Upon hearing this, the other party snorted coldly. Director Song, wearing a white shirt, snorted coldly.

"Likewise, old Xu, didn't you also come from Nanjing?"

"As for hospitality, I dare not accept your hospitality. I'm afraid you'll leave me there and sneak over here yourself!"

"Do you think I don't know you? You seem carefree on the surface, but you're actually quite cunning."

Hearing this, Director Xu, who liked to wear old military uniforms, retorted without backing down.

"Give me back my reputation for being wicked!"

"Who has as many thoughts as you? Don't think I don't know what you're thinking! I'm telling you, it's impossible!"

After speaking, he pointed to the various construction equipment and engineering corps soldiers that had already begun to enter the site.

"See? They've already sent us a document asking us to assist in the construction of Blue Water Farm."

"You definitely don't have a chance, so I think you should just go back to where you came from!"

"So as not to waste your time."

Director Song remained unmoved after hearing these words.

“I’m not going to talk to you. Besides, our province has also received the message that we should fully cooperate with Lanshui Farm to complete this reception task.”

Especially when he looked at Su Wenchen who was coming over, he gave him a meaningful look.

"And Lao Xu, you can now directly manage a farm belonging to the ministry? You're treating it like a farm belonging to your province!"

"Tsk tsk! If you ask me, if we stay here any longer, we'll be devoured by you sooner or later."

Upon hearing this, Director Xu immediately bristled and glared.

"Bullshit! When did I ever say that!"

The two were arguing.

Su Wenchen also came over at this moment, and he quickly stepped forward to interrupt the two's argument.

"Gentlemen, I am Su Wenchen, the farm director. We are all guests who have come from afar, and it is our farm that has failed to provide adequate hospitality."

Before Su Wenchen could finish speaking...

Director Xu walked directly toward Su Wenchen and slapped his shoulder heavily with his fan-like hand.

Without even exchanging pleasantries with Su Wenchen, he went straight to the point.

"Hey kid Su, don't listen to his nonsense. He just wants you to move. Let me tell you, the roads in Su County are so bad that even a donkey cart would fall into a ditch if it tried to get there!"

You mustn't fall for their tricks!

Upon hearing this, Director Xu immediately retorted angrily.

"I'm right here, and you're already spouting such nonsense!"

"What do you mean that donkey carts in our area have to overturn into ditches? Go and see for yourself how one of them overturns."

"Director Su, don't listen to his nonsense!"

“Our old revolutionary base area in northern Anhui is indeed not as well-developed in terms of transportation as they are here, and it is indeed a bit poor now, but the people in our old revolutionary base area are not afraid of hardship and are all looking forward to you building the Second Branch Farm!”

"I'm not like him, trying to outsmart you. I'll just say it straight: you can pick whatever you want, as much as you want, I'll give you!"

"I have only one requirement: your farm's employees must be recruited from our local area, as long as they can achieve self-sufficiency."

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen was genuinely surprised that the other party was so direct, not beating around the bush at all. After a pause, Su Wenchen led the way inside.

"Both leaders, we've already come all this way!"

"This isn't the place to talk business. Why don't we go to the conference room to discuss this?"

"Although our main task now is to carry out foreign affairs reception work, our original intention in establishing the farm here was to help this area get rid of poverty!"

Hearing Su Wenchen say this, Director Xu nodded.

"You're right. Although foreign affairs reception work is important, we must not forget our original purpose."

Soon, Su Wenchen led the leaders from the two provinces into the conference room.

After walking into the conference room, Director Xu looked at the map spread out on the table and the various plans written on the blackboard at the front.

Curious, it peered out to observe.

Su Wenchen was also a little embarrassed.

"Please forgive us, leaders! This came so suddenly that we didn't have time to prepare, so things are a bit chaotic here."

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, the other party immediately waved his hand.

"Hey, that's more like how you do your job!"

"Those meeting rooms that are so clean and tidy that there isn't even a speck of cigarette ash are obviously not used much."

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen first gestured for both groups to sit down.

He also spoke to Ren Dachuan, who had come over after hearing the commotion.

"Old Ren, go check if they still have any herbal tea at the cafeteria. Go get a pot."

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, Director Song immediately waved his hand.

"Director Su, there's no need to go to such lengths for this kind of hospitality!"

"Just tell me directly, have you ever thought about setting up a branch farm in northern Anhui?"

“We will definitely cooperate fully with you. I can even transfer several engineering regiments from the provincial military region to help you take charge.”

"Our support is definitely greater than theirs!"

"What do you mean 'bigger than us'? We're just the first batch of reinforcements! Xiao Su, if you need anything, just say so, and we're ready to help anytime."

Seeing that the two were about to start arguing again, Su Wenchen knew that this was a call for him to express his opinion.

However, this matter was actually very difficult for him, because if he took sides even slightly, he would offend the other side.

He was well aware that both of them were actually focused on foreign affairs reception.

For a reception of this scale, the highest-ranking local leader is usually invited to accompany the guests.

Given Su Wenchen's current rank, he wouldn't be able to sit at the first table.

Since I am not of a high enough rank, I can only ask someone of a high enough rank to step forward. Obviously, the only people of a high enough rank to sit at the first table are the two people in front of me.

Although neither of them said it explicitly, Su Wenchen was well aware of the impact this matter would have on the two of them.

Seeing the look in their eyes that urged him to express his opinion, Su Wenchen knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch.

Even if it's a good thing, if it's not handled properly, it can easily create hidden dangers in the future.

So after a moment of contemplation, Su Wenchen spoke slowly.

"I know how much the two leaders value our farm, and we feel very honored!"

Hearing this, the two were clearly dissatisfied, especially Director Xu, who spoke directly.

"Don't be like Old Song, just speak plainly, why all the flowery language?"

Upon hearing this, Director Song, who was sitting opposite, glared at the other person, but didn't say anything more.

He clearly wanted to see Su Wenchen's attitude.

Upon seeing this, Su Wenchen immediately unfolded the map and pointed to the two areas.

"Fine!"

"Then I'll be more direct, leaders. I think our region can definitely develop in tandem with both sides."

"If our two provinces work together, it will be easier to get this area out of its current state."

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, Director Song squinted and first examined the area on the map.

"That's interesting. This young man has quite an appetite. He wants to devour the land and resources of two provinces." Su Wenchen said directly without changing his expression.

"Director Song, you've misunderstood me. I'm only doing this for the sake of the people in the northern part of our two provinces."

"Oh! Then I'll have to hear how you're thinking about us!"

Su Wenchen quickly organized his thoughts and then spoke slowly.

"As you two leaders know, regardless of which province we're in, the development in the northern part of this region is generally quite average."

“Especially in the four northernmost counties, due to the influence of the old course of the Yellow River after the previous breach, there is a large amount of saline-alkali land in the counties, which makes it impossible for many communes to be self-sufficient.”

"We often need assistance from our superiors."

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, Director Song raised an eyebrow.

“You’re right, but it was definitely an extra burden for us before.”

"But don't you have that kind of rabbit manure that can help treat alkaline soil?"

“Once this is restored, it will no longer be a burden, but land that can produce food.”

Su Wenchen shook his head.

"Director Song, putting aside the issue of the scale of alkali-tolerant rabbit control, even if the control is successfully completed, how does Director Song plan to develop it?"

Upon hearing this, the other person was taken aback, and then asked with some confusion.

"What do you mean, how should it be developed?"

"Isn't it enough to just grow food? Why do you still want to develop industry?"

Su Wenchen also knew that many leaders at this time were from military backgrounds. Although they had both military and political power in local areas, they were not very good at developing the economy.

So he simply shook his head.

"I'm not good at developing industry, but our farm is quite capable of developing animal husbandry!"

"Our farm is doing quite well in terms of the development of the aquaculture industry in our country."

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, Director Xu simply waved his hand.

"You don't need to be modest, your Blue Water Farm is indeed a leader in the development of the domestic aquaculture industry."

"But what does this have to do with us? Stop deliberately changing the subject."

Clearly, although Su Wenchen kept trying to steer the conversation elsewhere, the two were still most concerned about the issue of foreign affairs reception.

Su Wenchen knew that simply changing the subject wouldn't be very effective, so he directly stated his thoughts.

"I understand what you two mean, so I think you can definitely consider cooperating with each other to develop this northern region."

“We can definitely develop this area into the livestock center of East China.”

"We have many advantages that other places don't have right now."

"First of all, the transportation here is good, connecting four provinces. It is very convenient to travel north or south."

"Secondly, developing the livestock industry requires a large amount of grain. Although the conditions here may not be particularly abundant right now, we have great potential."

"These saline-alkali lands will become ready-made granaries in just a few years. Especially with the introduction of our fertilizer industry, grain production will definitely increase gradually in the future."

"Especially since our neighboring provinces of Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu and Anhui are all major grain-producing provinces."

"With the introduction of the fertilizer industry and the treatment of saline-alkali land, our grain output will definitely increase."

"Once our people have achieved basic food and clothing security, their demand for various types of meat will definitely increase."

"By then, this region will no longer be a burden to our two provinces, but rather a source of strength for us!"

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, the two leaders fell into a brief moment of contemplation.

After Su Wenchen's analysis, they also felt that if grain production really did gradually increase in the future...

Developing the aquaculture industry does indeed have great potential, and both of them are well aware that the biggest problem limiting the aquaculture industry is the supply of food.

However, with the gradual introduction of the fertilizer industry and even the start of contact with the United States, both of them knew that the introduction of various industries would definitely become more frequent in the future.

In this situation, the development of the aquaculture industry does seem to have some potential, if this impoverished region in the north can truly be transformed into an aquaculture center.

This would effectively balance the province's pattern of prioritizing the south over the north, which would undoubtedly be a very good development opportunity.

If it actually succeeds, that seems to be much more important than just showing your face.

After all, the most important aspect of this foreign affairs reception work is still the Lanshui Farm.

In terms of merit, it certainly doesn't compare to one's own tangible political achievements.

Thinking about all this, the two of them couldn't help but feel a little tempted.

But after glancing at each other, they felt a pang of sadness.

They couldn't help but feel a little regretful.

I should have come last night.

Obviously, given that both of them knew this, there was no way to ignore the other side.

Thinking of this, Director Xu from Jiangsu Province couldn't help but speak up directly.

"Stop beating around the bush, just tell me what you want!"

"What do we have to give up on both sides, and what can we get in return?"

"I heard before I came that you were very eloquent, and now that I see it, it's true. I'm even tempted by your words."

Although Director Song on the other side wasn't as direct, he conveyed the same meaning.

Upon seeing this, Su Wenchen immediately revealed a wronged expression.

"Leader, I'm doing this all for the sake of the people in our two provinces!"

"If we cooperate, both sides will benefit; if we separate, neither side will benefit."

"Think about it, you two. If our farm doesn't take the lead, how will you two negotiate? Who will be convinced by whom?"

"At that time, everyone will definitely be thinking about the development of their own county. If this leads to disunity and division, wouldn't it easily result in a mess?"

Hearing Su Wenchen say this about himself, the county leaders sitting behind him were speechless.

However, considering how the others had behaved here before, he didn't have the heart to refute them.

The two leaders were also aware of the issue Su Wenchen raised, as this was also the biggest reason for cross-provincial collaborative development.

After all, who doesn't have some selfish motives?

At this point, introducing a department that is not under the management of either side to coordinate development can indeed provide some guarantees.

However, this is mainly because they all understand that Blue Water Farm possesses the technology.

While both provinces have farms, their livestock industry development lags significantly behind that of other regions.

However, Director Xu finally confirmed with Su Wenchen.

"Don't try to bluff me, you haven't told us what we're going to invest in yet!"

Although he was somewhat tempted by the future development direction Su Wenchen mentioned.

But that depends on what you have to give up.

Only by weighing the costs and benefits can we determine whether this battle is worth fighting.

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen immediately responded.

"It's definitely a small matter for the two leaders. The main thing is that our two places need to make some investment in infrastructure."

"In particular, the transportation network connecting our four counties and the surrounding areas to the other two provinces needs to be initially improved."

"As for the rest, apart from the portion of saline-alkali land allocated to us, there has been no other investment."

Hearing this, the two looked at Su Wenchen with some surprise.

Is that all?

After all, investing in infrastructure in four counties was not a particularly high requirement, even though they hadn't planned to do so before.

After all, the road's completion has indeed facilitated the development of their local area.

Su Wenchen replied with a smile.

"Both leaders, I've always said this is for the development of our region, why would I deliberately bring up anything difficult!"

"Just like these saline-alkali lands, they were brought together and put under the responsibility of our farm because we had to handle foreign affairs reception work."

"Furthermore, the two leaders can take this opportunity to propose to the higher authorities the establishment of a joint development zone for the management of saline-alkali land in the two provinces."

"In this way, everyone can contribute their efforts to develop this area, especially in the work of receiving foreign presidents."

"Our farm is still a relatively young unit, and we still need the two leaders to help us a lot in this area."

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, the two exchanged a glance.

Should we come forward together?

It seems there's no better way. They clearly know from the conversation just now that it's unrealistic to force Su Wenchen to take sides directly.

Establish a joint development special zone?
Although there is no precedent, it doesn't seem like we can't take this opportunity to give it a try.

After all, both sides are contributing two impoverished counties that are in need of relief, so the cost is not high.

At present, it seems there is no better solution.

Therefore, in the face of this situation, Director Xu spoke first.

"Old Song, what do you think?"

"Let's make this clear first: joint development is fine, but neither of us is allowed to trip each other up first!"

Director Song snorted coldly.

"That's what I should be saying. As long as the higher-ups have no objections, Anhui Province has no objections either!"

"However, it's a joint special zone between two provinces! I don't know if the higher-ups will approve such a new thing."

Director Xu waved his hand.

"There are only four counties in total, and it's not a foreign-related matter. How could the higher-ups possibly refuse something like this?"

"Alright, that's all for today. We'll see what they say later!"

"Let's talk about it then!"

Clearly, although I didn't get what I wanted today, it wasn't a complete loss either.

After exchanging a few more polite words with the two leaders, and after seeing both groups off,

Su Wenchen leaned back in his chair with a sense of relief.

Hou Guozhong asked curiously upon seeing this.

"What's wrong, Director? You seem to be under a lot of pressure!"

"You haven't made any requests, which is a bit unlike you."

Su Wenchen waved his hand.

"What do you know? We only had the opportunity to make requests to the two provinces this time because of the foreign affairs reception."

"If it weren't for this diplomatic reception, we most likely wouldn't have even seen them."

"The gap is still too big."

Su Wenchen knew very well that although their farm was now at a high level, it still had to be compared with other organizations.

Moreover, this was the first time he had faced something that required him to take sides and express his opinion.

Although he avoided the risk of taking sides by integrating the four counties into two special zones in two provinces.

However, this also made him somewhat restrain his initial smugness.

Otherwise, no matter which side he offends today, it will create some hidden dangers for the branch. Even if he is fine for the time being because of foreign affairs reception, who can say for sure what will happen in the future!
I need to be more careful in the future!

The farm needs to develop faster!

This way, he will have a solid foundation to talk to local leaders.

However, Su Wenchen believes that as long as this goes smoothly, the farm will have enough foundation to develop under his management, and it will definitely be able to take advantage of the market opportunities brought by reform and opening up!

(End of this chapter)