1968: Started from breeding

Chapter 351 Director! The advance team of the delegation is coming!

Just as the old man and Su Wenchen were talking.

A fisherman carrying a fish basket on his back, wrapped in a thick coat, rubbed his hands as he walked into the courtyard.

It seems they saw a jeep outside.

The fishermen placed baskets filled with small miscellaneous fish in their yards.

"Hey, we have another guest!"

"I've had a good harvest today, which should be enough to exchange for a lot of work points. If I take a few more from home, I should be able to buy a chicken from the farm's direct sales outlet to entertain guests."

Hearing the sound, the old man came out first and muttered something.

"What are you buying? Another troublemaker!"

"Just take a few small fish from your basket and boil them. Take it or leave it. This is all the old man can afford."

"Let them buy it themselves if they want to eat it!"

The fishermen were much more polite than the old man.

"Sir, I recently heard that a foreign president is coming over, so it's normal for them to come and investigate."

Just then, Su Wenchen came out from inside.

He exclaimed with immediate delight.

"Hey, Director Su, what brings you here?"

He quickly introduced it to the old man.

"Sir, this is Director Su! Not one of those people who came to ask questions."

"That's our Special Zone Director! Our feed mill and drying plant were all built under Director Su's arrangement, and he even opened a branch of the farm's direct sales cooperative here."

"So that we can all buy some farm products at cheap prices."

As he spoke, he quickly picked up the fish basket from the ground and carried it on his back.

"Director Su, please wait a moment!"

"I'll go and replace the small fish with the big ones, and then I'll buy a chicken and a big fish to treat you."

"Big brother, give me the work points you've accumulated earlier."

The old man next to him paused for a moment before he realized what was happening.

He quickly said to Su Wenchen.

"Oh, so you're the director of our special zone, young man!"

"Then we must treat them well."

As he spoke, he hurriedly walked into the house.

Upon seeing this, Su Wenchen quickly spoke up.

"Grandpas, please don't bother. I just came down to take a look and I'll be leaving now."

After saying that, he turned to look at the middle-aged man who had already picked up the fish basket and was about to exchange it for work points.

"I came down here today to see how you've fared this year."

"Looking at it now, your team is doing pretty well this year."

Upon hearing this, the other person immediately gave a simple and honest smile.

"Director Su, thanks to you, we've had a busy winter. Even the little fish by the lake have become treasures!"

"The women in the family also went to work at the drying plant."

"We've accumulated quite a few work points this winter alone."

"I'm planning to save up some more money to buy a bag of malted milk powder for the elderly in my family to try!"

Su Wenchen smiled and nodded upon hearing this.

"Alright, I understand your situation now, so I won't bother you any longer."

He then walked toward the jeep at the door.

At this moment, the old man ran out of the house with dozens of work point tickets issued by the special economic zone in his hand.

"Boss, why are you leaving?"

"I was just talking nonsense."

Su Wenchen smiled and waved his hand.

"Grandpa, it's alright. I just came down to see how you're actually doing."

"Now that I understand the situation a bit, I need to go check on other places, so I won't bother you any longer."

He then looked at the fisherman and said.

"You're going to the feed mill too, right?"

"I'm going there anyway, let me give you a ride!"

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, the other party quickly waved his hands repeatedly.

"Boss, this won't do!"

"This has made your car dirty. It's not far, I can walk there."

Su Wenchen waved his hand.

"Don't worry about it being dirty, get in! Since it's on my way, I'll give you a ride."

"I also have something else to ask you on the way here."

Hearing Su Wenchen say that, the man still cautiously placed the fish basket on the back seat.

Seeing this, Su Wenchen opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat, smiling as he said goodbye to the old man.

"Grandpa, you're leaving now!"

"Thank you for defending me so much earlier, but even if someone comes down to investigate in the future, we should just speak truthfully based on the actual situation."

"Now that we in the Special Administrative Region have learned about this policy, we'll see if it's good or bad!"

Seeing that Su Wenchen was really going to make the request, the old man, realizing he couldn't stop him, also spoke up.

"Then please wait a moment, sir."

He turned and ran into the house, and soon came out carrying a small basket of duck eggs.

"Sir, we don't have anything good to offer, but we must keep this salted duck egg."

Su Wenchen quickly declined.

"That won't do, we can't accept these things."

"Grandpas, you can keep it for yourselves."

After saying that, he gestured for Zhou Qiang to drive the car quickly.

Despite seeing this, the other party stubbornly shook their head.

"This is just a small token of our appreciation."

"And they're all from ducks raised at home, and I cured them myself!"

"Besides, you even gave us canned meat last time! This is just a return gift, so who can gossip?"

"As he spoke, he quickly passed it through the car window to his son sitting in the back."

After handing the basket in, he called out to the slowly starting car.

"Boss, if you have time to come over next time, I'll treat you to a meal again."

After saying that, watching the Jeep speed away, he couldn't help but say something.

"What a good official!"

"I wish all of them were like this."

When the jeep arrived at the newly built and operational feed mill.

The machines roared to life, and the air was filled with the distinctive salty and fishy smell of dried fish meal.

The jeep stopped at the supply and sales point in the factory area.

At this time, many people had some money in their hands, preparing to use the money they had just earned from selling miscellaneous fish to buy some New Year's goods so they could have a prosperous New Year.

Upon arriving at the destination, Su Wenchen headed straight for the back.

"Comrade, you should take the duck eggs back!"

"We can't take this."

However, upon hearing this, the other person simply used their sleeve to wipe the spot where they had just placed the fish basket for Su Wenchen.

Just get off at the exit lane.

"Director Su, the duck eggs are a small token of my father's appreciation. If I take them back, I'll definitely get a beating."

You should keep it!

Without waiting for Su Wenchen to say anything, he picked up the fish basket and ran towards the collection point.

Seeing the other person's actions, Su Wenchen could only smile and shake his head.

Originally, Su Wenchen did not plan to go to the feed mill after the man got out of the car.

After all, he had been here many times, and he had just learned some information about the feed mill from the man.

Overall, Li Kun kept a close eye on things, and the management committee would sometimes send people over, so the feed mill did not engage in any deductions or unauthorized price reductions.

However, while the production team below might not be very familiar with his vehicle, the factory workers, especially the security personnel at the gate, are quite familiar with it.

So, after a short delay, before the car had even started, a middle-aged man in blue overalls, followed by several other people, hurriedly ran out of the factory.

"director!"

"You've come!"

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen realized it was inappropriate to remain in the car.

Open the car door and get out of the driveway.

"Director Zhu, I'm just giving someone a ride on my way here."

How's things going at your feed mill at the end of the year?

Upon hearing this, Director Zhu of the feed mill spoke in a loud voice.

"Director, our feed mill can now process several tons of miscellaneous fish, shrimp, snails, clams, and the like every day."

"We directly follow the requirements, clean the fish, then boil it in high-temperature water for disinfection, and then dry and grind it into high-quality fishmeal protein feed."

"According to feedback from several of our farms, chickens fed fishmeal grow significantly faster than chickens fed only grain."

"At the same time, those fed fish meal will weigh about one pound more than those fed only coarse grains, and they will weigh at least four pounds when they are ready for slaughter."

After saying that, a smile unconsciously appeared on his face.

“Several farms are urging us to supply them every day. Director, these are all farms in our special economic zone. We don’t know how to supply them.”

"And now we've reached an agreement with the slaughterhouses in our special zone for chicken blood, intestines, and internal organs."

"We also handle the processing. After standardized disinfection and drying, it is made into pig feed and supplied to pig farms."

"It is said that they are all large white pigs introduced from our Blue Water Farm. In just half a year, they have already weighed more than 200 kilograms. The pig farm has also responded very well to this kind of pig feed made from chicken offal."

Hearing this, Su Wenchen smiled and nodded.

"It seems that your feed industry is developing well and you will take the initiative to expand. Keep up the good work, and you may even be able to establish a corresponding feed research and development department later."

"We will invest some human and material resources to further develop various feeds that are more nutritious and better for livestock."

"I think you have great potential in this area!"

At that time, there was basically no specialized feed available in China, and even large farms used a basic, coarse mixed feed such as soybean meal and corn.

Therefore, this feed mill in Peixian County can be considered the first large-scale feed production factory in China.

In fact, Su Wenchen set up the feed supply center of the special economic zone in Peixian County because he found that this was the only place in China suitable for developing the feed industry.

Large-scale feed production requires a stable supply of energy, raw materials, and sufficient market demand.

As of now, Peixian County is the only place that has all of these criteria.

Firstly, there's a coal mine right next door, so transportation costs are close to zero.

Although the main purpose was to supply the development of Shanghai and southern Jiangsu, Su Wenchen still discussed with both sides after taking office and obtained a lot more quotas back.

After all, exchanging resources for other things is definitely not as effective as keeping resources locally.

Another initial source of raw materials was Weishan Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northern China, which was right next to the feed mill. The lake's abundant fish, shrimp, and shellfish could greatly help the feed mill complete the initial accumulation phase at a very low cost.

As for market demand, coupled with the fast-growing chickens that Su Wenchen is currently breeding, and the special economic zone's policy of vigorously developing the breeding industry, it can be said that the feed market has no worries about sales.

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's optimistic words, the feed mill manager excitedly assured him.

"Director, we have already begun preparations for the research and development of subsequent feed formulations."

"However, the main difficulty at present is still the supply of raw materials."

"We have already started communicating with the neighboring Yutai County and Weishan County to set up purchasing points there."

Su Wenchen understood what the other party meant and interrupted directly.

"The supply of raw materials will definitely still rely mainly on our own aquaculture. No matter how big Weishan Lake is, if we fish indiscriminately, it will eventually be depleted."

"Therefore, if your feed mill wants to develop in the long term, you must find aquatic alternatives that can be artificially raised on a large scale."

"You must pay attention to this in advance, otherwise it will definitely be too late if you wait until all the aquatic products in the lake have been harvested before you start thinking about it."

In Su Wenchen's view, such a large lake area still has great development prospects.

On the one hand, we can now raise some fish and shellfish for feed, and on the other hand, we can also raise some large freshwater fish.

As for high-value-added aquatic products such as crabs and crayfish.

It's still too early. Even urban residents aren't particularly interested in eating crabs or crayfish at this time.

At this point, it's clear that they prefer to eat meat in large bites.

In another ten years or so, when most people can eat meat regularly, that's when the seafood industry will start to take off.

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words...

Although the factory manager felt that they could fish along the coast of Peixian for a long time, and after they finished fishing here, they could go to Yutai County and Weishan County next door to purchase more.

Isn't it a waste of money to raise them yourself?

However, since the leader had spoken, it had to be implemented as soon as possible, so he immediately nodded and said so.

"Yes, Director, I'll report to Director Li Kun right away!"

"Then we must immediately begin preparations for the breeding of our raw materials!"

Su Wenchen nodded.

"Alright, that's all for today. You can go back now!"

"The feed mill is doing quite well."

"You will also play a significant role in promoting the development of the aquaculture industry in the special economic zone."

Keep it up!

Seeing that Su Wenchen was about to leave, the other party immediately said anxiously.

"Director, aren't you going to come in and take a look?"

"I was thinking of treating you to a meal!"

"Our Director Li should be on his way too."

Su Wenchen waved his hand.

"Forget about the hospitality. Just tell your Director Li that things are going quite well in Peixian this year."

"The focus of future development can be slightly shifted towards aquatic products."

"After all, it would be really wrong to go hungry while living by such a big lake."

Seeing that Su Wenchen had made up his mind, he had no way to persuade him to stay, so he could only say...

"Don't worry, Director, I will definitely convey the message!"

Seeing this, Su Wenchen turned around and got into the car. "Let's go!"

"Let's go take a look at Fengxian County."

Soon the car drove along the newly built cement road between the two counties, and after approaching Feng County.

There are significantly more drainage ditches on both sides.

Moreover, compared to Su Wenchen's first visit, this time there was an additional gentle and pleasant scene along the roadside.

Rows of adobe and paper greenhouses with excellent thermal insulation stand on both sides of the road.

Since it was harvest season when Su Wenchen arrived, there were still quite a few bicycles and oxcarts parked along the roadside.

There were even several tractors from the branch farm parked on the side of the road.

A large number of people were gathered around the vehicle, working hard to load it.

Upon seeing this, Su Wenchen immediately had the jeep parked on the side of the road and then got out and walked over himself.

"Hey, young man, slow down!"

"If this gets damaged, it won't fetch a good price!"

"This truck is being delivered to the Xuzhou Department Store. They have high prices and require the goods to be in good condition."

As Su Wenchen walked over, he saw the old man standing on the truck, commanding the loading process with an imposing air.

The members of the cooperative, who were busy moving and picking, still had smiles on their faces despite being constantly criticized by the other party.

As for the old man directing traffic on the bus, he couldn't bear to look at him; his wrinkled face was already beaming like a chrysanthemum.

Seeing this, Su Wenchen walked over and said directly.

"Captain Ma, I heard your mushrooms are ready for harvest?"

"Looks like we've had a good haul!"

Upon hearing the sound and seeing Su Wenchen approaching, the old man in the car nimbly jumped out.

"Boss, you've arrived!"

"You know what, the people from this institute you found are really capable, even though we don't understand the principles behind their data-driven temperature control."

"But we did it the way they told us, and the mushrooms that came out were really plump."

Su Wenchen smiled when he heard this.

The Institute of Microbiology and the Academy of Agricultural Sciences joined forces to help cultivate this edible fungus.

If you do as others say, it would be strange if you didn't grow up well.

However, he still offered a reminder.

"We can't always help you; you'll have to rely on yourselves for the rest of the planting."

Upon hearing this, the other person nodded.

“You’re right, leader. That’s what our county director told us too, so we’ve already organized the younger students in our team who have gone to school to take notes.”

He excitedly took a freshly picked mushroom from a basket and said it to Su Wenchen.

"Look, the white mushrooms we've grown here are plump and beautiful!"

"Hehe, this year each family in our team will be worth at least thirty yuan more in work points!"

"Please wait a moment, sir, I'll have someone pick a basket of the fattest ones for you right away!"

After saying that, he walked into the greenhouse.

Su Wenchen also followed into the path.

"No need, no need. Your Director Shi sent us a basket this morning. I tried it at noon, and it tasted good with a strong mushroom flavor."

"You can keep them and sell them for money."

After lifting the thick straw curtain and entering the greenhouse.

Upon entering, a slight warmth and a faint aroma of shiitake mushrooms wafted over.

The temperature wasn't very high, but it was definitely warmer than the few degrees outside.

Layer upon layer of snow-white oyster mushrooms and plump button mushrooms grew on the wooden frame.

Upon seeing Su Wenchen follow him in, the old man in the greenhouse straightened up, revealing a smear of yellow teeth.

"Boss, look how good she is!"

"There are still many days left to harvest!"

"Moreover, the supply and marketing cooperative is urging us to deliver the goods every day, and even the people from the Shanghai Energy Bureau who are mining in Peixian County are doing so."

"They all came and ordered a batch from us, saying they'd use it for employee benefits."

"Thanks to you, leader, our team used to be one of the poorest production teams, just like the rest of the farm. During the Spring Festival, we could only have enough to eat, and a plate of radishes and cabbage was considered a celebration."

"This year, hehe, quite a few families in our team are planning to cut back on some meat to have a good New Year!"

Su Wenchen nodded, noting that the mushroom industry here was indeed developing quite well.

"Your situation is developing well. Keep up the good work, and things will only get better!"

After saying that, he lifted the straw curtain and was just about to get into the car.

The old man and a strong man then caught up with them carrying a basket of mushrooms.

Su Wenchen blocked his way.

"No, I absolutely cannot accept this."

"I already told you, your county director has already sent them to our unit."

The other party simply waved his hand and said...

"Our county's Director Shi is from the county government. This is a token of our appreciation from the Xiamagou production team. You must accept it, leader."

"Erzhu, hurry up and open the car door!"

He then forcibly loaded a basket of mushrooms into Su Wenchen's car.

He kept closing the car door before waving goodbye to Su Wenchen.

"Boss, next time you come, when we're less busy, we'll treat you to a proper meal."

Seeing this, Su Wenchen could only wave his hand.

"Alright, I'm going to check on something else. You guys get back to your work!"

"I won't disturb you anymore."

Since it was harvest season, Su Wenchen could tell that the other party was quite busy.

After the jeep started moving again, Su Wenchen turned around and glanced helplessly at what was behind him.

Even Zhou Qiang, who is usually not very talkative, spoke up upon seeing this.

"Director, what's there to worry about?"

"This shows that you've done a good job here."

"I used to be a bodyguard for many leaders in Beijing."

"A leader once said, 'It's easy to cover someone's mouth, but it's really hard to get them to open their mouths sincerely.'"

"I can tell that the two people in front of me are sincere."

Su Wenchen smiled when he heard this.

"Why do you like flattering people now?"

"This isn't like you."

Zhou Qiang shook his head.

"I'm not good at flattery, but I can easily tell whether someone is sincere or not."

"Whether it's malice or perfunctory, I can sense it if they talk to me or have contact with me at close range."

"That's why I was chosen by my superiors to be their bodyguard."

Su Wenchen was surprised to hear this.

"You still have this ability!"

"Can you sense my thoughts?"

Zhou Qiang shook his head.

"How could it be so magical? I can just sense some of the emotions in your words. For example, I feel that you are feeling more joy and happiness right now, Director."

"That's about it at most. If you could really sense other people's thoughts, wouldn't you be a god?"

Su Wenchen nodded.

"Then you're pretty good too!"

"This could be considered a natural talent for micro-expression analysis and psychology!"

"It seems our country has quite a few talented and extraordinary people!"

After he finished speaking, he glanced at the back seat.

"I was originally thinking of visiting other production teams in Fengxian County, but now it seems I should give up. Otherwise, I might end up bringing back a whole truckload of mushrooms."

"Anyone who didn't know better would think I went to buy some goods!"

"As for the rest, go back and have the office register it, settle the payment, and then send it to the cafeteria!"

"Just consider it a purchase for the cafeteria."

"Okay, Director!"

"Then where are we going now?"

"Back to the playing area?"

Su Wenchen checked the time and decided to go to Dangshan again.

The production team we just saw was there not long after Su Wenchen's car left.

The car from Fengxian County arrived.

As soon as Shi Yingduan got out of the car, she called out anxiously.

"Old Ma! Old Ma! Was Director Su here just now?"

"Director Su of our Special Economic Zone Management Committee."

Hearing the shouts, the old man came out of the greenhouse.

"Director Shi!"

"The leaders of the Special Economic Zone just left, about ten minutes ago!"

"Did something happen?"

Upon hearing that Su Wenchen had just left, Shi Yingduan waved his hand.

"It has nothing to do with us. They said that Director Chen from the Protocol Department had an urgent matter to discuss with the Director."

"Now that they've left our side, I'll give them a call back!"

"Your team's mushrooms seem to be doing a good job being managed!"

"Be careful when harvesting. This is our brand from now on. If anyone ruins our brand, don't blame me for dealing with them."

The old man patted his chest.

"Director Shi, we kept the pieces that were accidentally broken for ourselves."

"How can you just sell the broken pieces to city dwellers!"

"Our team is the strictest in this regard."

“Alright, I’m also taking on some pressure by placing the first batch of mushroom production in your impoverished communes.”

"You guys do a good job, and don't cause any trouble in this regard."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to explain it to Director Su. After all, it was Director Su who stepped in to get the Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Institute of Microbiology to help us."

The old man nodded directly.

"Director Shi, don't worry, this greenhouse is our lifeline right now."

"If anyone tries to damage our lifeline in this area, our team will definitely be the first to object."

"Alright, you guys get back to work!"

"I also need to reply to the Special Economic Zone office. I reckon I'll either go to Dangshan County or go back."

Su Wenchen was unaware of what happened next.

As he drove his jeep into Dangshan County, he saw that although the pear trees on both sides of the road had lost their leaves, their branches were still strong.

Su Wenchen could tell that the pear orchard here was indeed well taken care of.

However, before they had driven far, Su Wenchen saw that Wang Rongshan was already waiting at the intersection of the county town road.

Su Wenchen was a little puzzled. How did the other party know that he had come?
Was it Shi Yingduan who notified you?

When did the relationship between the two sides become so good?
However, he still gestured for Zhou Qiang to pull over.

As soon as Wang Rongshan saw Su Wenchen park his car, he excitedly reported it to him.

"Director, you've finally arrived."

“I received a call from the Special Administrative Region Office earlier, saying that you might be coming this way.”

Su Wenchen frowned upon hearing this.

If it was Shi Yingduan who notified him, he could understand and wouldn't say much. But if it was the Special Administrative Region Office that notified him...

Su Wenchen was very dissatisfied with this.

The Special Administrative Region Office was essentially his inner circle, which meant that his whereabouts were betrayed by someone close to him.

It would be strange if Su Wenchen were happy.

Seeing Su Wenchen's expression, Wang Rongshan immediately realized something and quickly explained.

"Director, it's a message from the office, there's something urgent to inform you."

"We couldn't get in touch with you. Finally, the people in Feng County said that you might have come here after you left there."

"So let me see if I can find you to pass on this message."

Su Wenchen's expression softened slightly upon hearing this.

"What's wrong? Can't you wait until I get back?"

Wang Rongshan dared not hide anything and spoke directly.

"The news came from the Protocol Department that the advance team of the presidential delegation has already set off."

"They arrived in Beijing on January 3rd and are expected to arrive here around the 5th or 6th."

"As required by the Protocol Department, we will make the necessary preparations in advance."

"To coordinate with their advance team and complete the details of the president's accommodation, transportation, security, communications and other aspects."

Upon hearing Wang Rongshan's words, Su Wenchen's expression also turned serious.

"So the advance team will arrive next week?"

"Alright, I'll go check out your county first!"

"How's the batch of Bluewater Golden Feathered Chickens I asked you to raise in advance?"

Wang Rongshan solemnly assured him.

"Director, rest assured, everything is being managed according to your requirements, and all of them exceed the 120-day feeding standard."

"Moreover, each one is very good-looking. I think even a phoenix would be no better."

Su Wenchen smiled and shook his head.

"You act like you've seen a phoenix before."

"Get in the car, we'll go to your free-range farm first, and kill a couple tonight to test them out. To be honest, I don't even know what they taste like yet!"

(End of this chapter)