1968: Started from breeding

Chapter 360 Boss, you know me well, I don't usually speak up!
As the train wheels rolled over the gaps in the rails, it finally came to a slow stop at the Kyoto station platform amidst swirling steam.

After getting off the train, the platform was bustling with a large crowd.

The three of them didn't have much luggage, and soon they got off the train carrying simple rattan suitcases.

Beneath my feet was the solid concrete of the platform, and in the distance, the towering eaves of the ancient capital stretched out before me.

I could hear a mix of announcements and the train conductor's whistles all around me.

After leaving the platform.

Lei Bailiang stopped and calmly looked at Su Wenchen's face.

His tightly pursed lips twitched, as if he wanted to say something, after all, he had returned as a member of a special communications team.

Even though they were already in Beijing, unless there were other orders from above, he was still going to follow Su Wenchen.

Seeing this, Su Wenchen smiled and said to Lei Bailiang.

"Uncle Lei, I know you must be anxious, so you should go to Babaoshan first!"

"I'll take Zhou Qiang to the institute to register first, and then we'll see how the institute arranges things. If the meeting is scheduled for later, I'll go there too."

Lei Bailiang opened his mouth, but finally his calloused hand landed heavily on Su Wenchen's shoulder, and he said in a deep voice.

"I'll go see my former boss off on his final journey!"

"Then I came back and devoted all my energy to the follow-up work."

Su Wenchen smiled and agreed.

"Alright, Uncle Lei, you've worked in the Ministry of Foreign Trade for so many years, I really need your help to collect information on all sorts of commercial technologies and equipment from abroad."

After the two parted ways at the train station.

Since this was a direct document from the institute, this was Su Wenchen's first time inside these red walls.

But before he could even take a closer look!
I was taken directly to the reception area, and someone followed me the whole time, leaving me no room to wander around.

The receptionist didn't ask any further questions. After comparing Su Wenchen's photo with his, they issued him a pass directly.

Then just tell them to attend the meeting at the State Planning Commission conference room at 9:00 AM on the 11th.

Duo Yu didn't say much, and given the serious atmosphere and the absence of any acquaintances, Su Wenchen didn't ask any further questions.

If he says something wrong, that would be bad, and Su Wenchen didn't want to cause trouble for himself.

After obtaining the pass, Su Wenchen was escorted out by security personnel.

His desire to wander around was successfully nipped in the bud, and all he saw along the way were the rooftops of a few houses and a few trees.

Emerging from within the solemn red walls, Su Wenchen shook his head and headed straight for the nearby Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Compared to the serious and austere atmosphere just now, the atmosphere at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry seemed more "down-to-earth".

He was no longer an unknown nobody.

The people here are clearly no strangers to this rising young official of the special economic zone.

The guards at the gate recognized him immediately, greeted him warmly, and let him through without asking any further questions.

Along the way, many people he passed greeted him warmly.

Su Wenchen felt that things were indeed more relaxed here.

This time, Su Wenchen didn't have to wait long before he was taken directly to the leader's office.

Knocked on the door.

A familiar and steady voice came through the crack in the door.

"Come in, Xiao Su!"

Su Wenchen went inside with the mushrooms wrapped in oil paper.

The first thing you smell is a faint scent of smoke and ink permeating the office.

The old leader took off his reading glasses and rubbed his temples.

Seeing Su Wenchen enter, a warm smile appeared on his face, and he got up and walked around the large desk.

Su Wenchen also greeted him respectfully.

"Boss, did I disturb your work?"

The old man waved his hand, his eyes gentle and kind.

"What do you mean by disturbing me? I'm just happy you could come."

However, looking at the package that Su Wenchen had placed on the coffee table...

He immediately changed the subject, sounding displeased.

"What's this? Why did you bring me something?"

Su Wenchen quickly unwrapped the oil paper package, revealing fresh white mushrooms inside.

"Boss, these are mushrooms grown by our own mushroom base in Fengxian County, special economic zone. They taste pretty good."

"The price isn't expensive; it's just a small token of my appreciation for adding a dish to your menu."

Clearly, Su Wenchen had considered what to bring for the elderly.

Too mainstream is not suitable, and something like the Golden Feather Chicken is too expensive, so it's not suitable either.

After all, eating a chicken that costs tens of yuan a piece would probably cause gossip if word got out.

In the end, Su Wenchen still felt that bringing something that wasn't particularly expensive but was relatively hard to buy would be more suitable.

Upon hearing that it was such a simple gift with a rustic charm, the old man's smile deepened, a genuine expression of satisfaction.

"That's great! I've read the report on the mushroom greenhouses you suggested for Feng County. They're quite profitable and will help fill the people's food baskets. That's excellent!"

"I appreciate this token of my appreciation."

Then he asked, "Is everything settled at home? How's your little one? I heard he came to visit you?"

Why didn't you bring it?

Su Wenchen's eyes dimmed slightly, and he shook his head.

“Ah Li is in the Special Economic Zone with her child. Now that I’m here, I can’t be with them anymore.”

The old man sighed knowingly and sat down on the sofa opposite him.

"That's how our work is; we often have to balance the 'big picture' and the 'small family,' and sometimes we end up neglecting one for the other."

"Your parents are helping take care of the kids over there, so you can rest assured. By the way, have you reported for duty yet regarding your selection for the 72nd Army?"

Su Wenchen nodded.

"Thank you for the recommendation. I just picked up my pass and was notified that there will be a meeting at the Planning Commission on the morning of the 11th."

The old man shook his head, a sigh appearing on his face.

"Do a good job, but this time it wasn't my suggestion!"

"It was my old boss who made the final suggestion to the higher-ups. He said that you have a different international perspective in diplomacy than others, and he hoped that you would join us so that you could help us fill in the gaps."

Su Wenchen never expected that it was the old man with his dying words who pushed him.

Thinking about tomorrow's memorial service, I fell silent for a moment.

Seeing this, the old man continued.

"Don't be too sad. Just do your job well and help the country develop. That will make the old leader happy."

"You should come along tomorrow to see them off on their final journey!"

"After delivering the goods, I will devote myself entirely to my work, which is why the meeting was scheduled for the day after tomorrow."

What are your thoughts on Plan 72?

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen leaned forward slightly, his expression becoming serious. He adjusted his mental state and spoke directly.

"Sir, actually, I came here today for two reasons. First, to pay you a visit and report on our work progress."

"Secondly, I have some thoughts to share with you regarding the '72 Plan' and would like to hear your opinion."

"The introduction of this plan is a major opportunity for the agricultural development of our special zone. I want to strive for more possibilities for the agricultural modernization of our special zone and even for the future of the whole country."

"Oh? Tell me more about it."

The old minister's eyes lit up; he was very satisfied that Su Wenchen had come proactively with a plan, rather than passively waiting for the task.

After all, when he was trying to poach people from his old boss, what he valued most was the proactive spirit the other person possessed.

He felt that opportunities for development couldn't be obtained by simply waiting, and even if they came, they couldn't be seized without taking the initiative.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and waited for Su Wenchen to continue.

Su Wenchen organized his thoughts and gave a concise report on the special economic zone's explorations over the past year in areas such as saline-alkali land management, golden pheasant breeding, and expansion of livestock farming.

It particularly emphasized the initial success of the "salt-alkali nemesis" bacterial group, the limitations on the scale of fast-growing chickens, and the deep processing potential of cash crops such as Dangshan pears.

After the introduction, Su Wenchen spoke sincerely.

"Leader, this large-scale technology import is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Whether the West will continue to impose restrictions on us is still unknown.

The old man waved his hand, interrupting Su Wenchen's initial preparations.

"Just tell me directly what your special economic zone wants to introduce! Do you think I don't know you?"

Tell me what you think, and I'll give you some advice!

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen revealed a simple and honest smile.

"Boss, you know me well, I don't usually speak up!"

"Our special economic zone does need to bring in a few projects this time."

Then Su Wenchen began to list the various projects he planned to introduce.

"The most basic thing is the fertilizer production line. Although our organic fertilizer industry is developing well."

"But in terms of increasing grain production, we have to say that chemical fertilizers are still the key."

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, the old man seemed to realize something and asked directly.

"I remember the Academy of Agricultural Sciences also built an experimental base in your special economic zone, didn't it?"

"I remember they just wanted to make organic fertilizer, so why isn't it working well?"

Su Wenchen shook his head.

"It's not that it's bad, but it's still not as good as chemical fertilizers. And why do we have to choose one over the other?"

"Since chemical fertilizers produce high yields but damage the soil, organic fertilizers produce slightly lower yields but can gradually restore the soil."

"Especially when combined with our alkali-remediating fertilizer."

"In the past six months, we have initially tested a relatively suitable fertilization program in our special economic zone."

"We use high-yield chemical fertilizers, combined with ordinary organic fertilizers and our special alkali-remediating fertilizers in a certain proportion."

"It is possible to grow high-yield grains without harming the land."

"Boss, this year's autumn corn harvest, in the experimental fields set up by the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the highest yield has reached 900 jin per mu."

"Snapped!"

The teacup the old man had just picked up fell to the ground instantly.

"What's the corn yield per mu (a Chinese unit of area, approximately 0.067 hectares) in your special economic zone this autumn? Nine hundred jin (a Chinese unit of weight, approximately 0.5 kg)?"

Are you sure you're not kidding me?

Su Wenchen has done a lot of unbelievable things before.

So this time, the old man didn't really think Su Wenchen was just making empty threats.

However, he still wanted to confirm whether he had misheard or if the other person had said something wrong.

Su Wenchen nodded with a smile.

"Sir, this information can be found at the Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Would I lie to you about this?"

"It's just that the cost of fertilizer is a bit high."

"Furthermore, this is not actually the limit. If it is combined with high-yield varieties, Dean Lin and the others said that it is possible to achieve a yield of over 1,000 per mu."

Su Wenchen wasn't too surprised by the yield from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

After all, with the improvement of varieties, yielding 1,000 jin per mu of corn is not a big problem.

After hearing Su Wenchen's confirmation, the old man picked up his teacup, took a sip, and calmed himself down.

He thought for a moment and said.

"So you want to import another batch of fertilizer production lines?"

"Xiao Su, to tell you the truth, the higher-ups have already convened a brief meeting with the leaders of our agriculture, chemical, metallurgy, and light industry departments regarding the introduction of the 72 Plan."

"Because of your Moon Rabbit two years ago, more than a dozen large fertilizer plants were built ahead of schedule for our agricultural sector."

"So it's not easy for me to get this on my end!"

Su Wenchen immediately felt wronged.

"Boss, but back then, none of the fertilizer plants that were built were for our special economic zone!"

"Moreover, the division at that time was based on provinces, and our special economic zone no longer belongs to Jiangsu or Anhui provinces."

"I might be willing to swallow my pride and ask for some fertilizer for my experiments, but I can't keep going back and forth every day asking for it!" "Besides, a good portion of it was traded for with our farm's Moonflower Rabbits!"

Looking at Su Wenchen's aggrieved expression.

The old man was also a little scratching his head.

"Didn't the special economic zones not exist yet back then?"

"How about I help you negotiate with the provinces? We can allocate a batch to you every year!"

Su Wenchen paused.

"How much is enough for each leader? If it's enough for our entire special economic zone, I certainly have no objection."

The old man said helplessly.

“That’s going too far. How big is your area? It’s enough for your entire special zone. You’d probably need to use up half a year’s production capacity of one of their factories.”

"There are only a few provinces and such a small amount of fertilizer. How can anyone agree to take half of it all at once!"

Su Wenchen immediately said.

"So, leaders, we're still producing too little; our country is too big."

"The first dozen or so measures are just a drop in the ocean!"

"I think we have to fight for it; chemical fibers and steel are definitely important."

"But I believe that agriculture is also the foundation of our country's lifeline!"

"What was the purpose of our country's founding? Wasn't the original intention to prevent others from bullying us and to ensure that everyone had enough to eat?"

"Don't you think so?"

Hearing Su Wenchen's words, the old man couldn't help but nod.

"You have a point."

"I'll try again at the meeting the day after tomorrow. You prepare accordingly and see if we can get it done."

"After all, our country has limited foreign exchange reserves, so I can't guarantee whether it will work."

Su Wenchen nodded immediately upon hearing this.

"I know, that's the second thing we need to introduce in our special economic zone!"

The old man couldn't help but interrupt him as soon as he finished speaking.

"A second item?"

How many items are you planning to introduce?

Su Wenchen immediately extended his little finger and smiled apologetically.

"Not many, just a few items!"

"The second thing we are going to do is to introduce an advanced poultry hatching environment control system."

“I talked about this with the members of the advance team from the United States a few days ago during the reception.”

“Their breeding farms already have an advanced poultry hatching environment control system.”

"We can precisely control the environment based on the different types of poultry, adjusting the temperature and humidity to the most suitable level at each stage."

"This will significantly increase the hatching rate of eggs compared to our current earthen bed incubation method."

"The biggest limitation to the expansion of our Bluewater White Feather Fast-Growing Chicken is the hatching stage."

"Then, the third thing we plan to do is to introduce a large-scale feed amino acid production line."

"To establish the first large-scale state-owned feed mill in China."

"These industrially produced feed amino acids can make up for the shortcomings of natural raw materials."

"To make the amino acid ratio in feed closer to the ideal needs of animals."

"On the one hand, this amino acid can increase the daily weight gain of pigs, poultry, fish, etc."

"On the other hand, it can also significantly reduce the amount of high-protein ingredients such as soybean meal in our feed formulation."

"This way, our fast-growing chicken farming can save a lot of feed costs in the later stages."

"The fourth thing we need to introduce."

The old man looked helpless upon hearing this.

"There's a fourth item?"

"So you're planning to have the entire special economic zone handle this whole introduction project, is that it?!"

"I brought you here to check for any shortcomings and make improvements, not to ask for exorbitant fees!"

Su Wenchen blinked.

"Boss, this is just me filling in the gaps and making up for any shortcomings!"

As he spoke, he held up a few fingers to measure.

"You see, agriculture, metallurgy, chemical industry, and light industry are all areas where we are lagging behind and urgently need to improve."

"We can't afford to miss us this time!"

"Besides, we only introduced four projects, how could we have contracted them out!"

The old man rubbed his head.

"The Ministry of Metallurgy submitted three projects, the Ministry of Light Industry submitted two, and the Ministry of Chemical Industry submitted two, but their chemical industry and our agriculture are actually considered one project."

"After all, their fertilizer production is also for our use."

"They want to establish a batch of advanced synthetic ammonia reaction towers and urea granulation towers."

"And then you added four more items to my list. How am I supposed to open my mouth?"

"Alright, just tell me the last one!"

"Anyway, one last thing won't make a difference."

Su Wenchen blinked and got straight to the point.

"In the end, it was actually the research station that needed it. They said that if we could import a batch of advanced automatic temperature-controlled fermenters and advanced foreign precision centrifuges..."

"These two are currently the most advanced equipment for cultivating edible fungi."

"With this equipment, our special economic zone can take the lead in promoting the development of edible fungi."

"Sir, the mushroom strains are not limited to fresh edible fungi like shiitake and oyster mushrooms."

"There are also fungi, and various yeasts."

"Leader, our Huang-Huai-Hai Plain is also a major wheat-growing region."

"As long as the fertilizer plant and feed mill in front can be established."

"With sufficient raw materials such as grain and meat, we can successively engage in the processing of various broiler chickens, fermented flour products, and even oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and alcoholic beverages."

"I am confident that within five years, my special economic zone will become the country's main chicken supply base and food processing center."

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

Clearly, after listening to this, he had understood Su Wenchen's development strategy for the special economic zone.

All four of these initiatives are centered around the single objective of food.

Fertilizer plants increase grain production, thus creating surplus grain as raw material for animal feed and further food processing.

The feed mill that will be put into production after the other party.

The scale of fast-growing chicken farming can undoubtedly be expanded rapidly.

With sufficient flour and meat, two essential raw materials, combined with post-fermentation bacteria, the fermentation industry—producing alcohol, soy sauce, vinegar, and monosodium glutamate (MSG)—is developed.

It can be said that most of the industries needed for food processing have been gathered together.

The elderly man had to admit that the other party's plan was indeed well-defined and highly feasible.

To be honest, putting aside everything else, this proposal really impressed him.

Unfortunately, this time he couldn't make the decision directly, mainly because the funds were limited, and there were four more projects at once.

I'm really not sure if he'll get a share.

After a pause, the old man spoke directly.

"Xiao Su, I really like your development plan for the special economic zone, but I can't decide whether it will come to fruition."

"So, when you get back, carefully prepare a detailed report based on your plan."

"Remember, the content must be substantial, highlighting the exploratory role of your special economic zone and the contributions it can make in the future."

"You can bring it out at the meeting the day after tomorrow."

"Whether it will work or not depends on what the higher-ups say, but you should be prepared that the funds are limited this time, so it's impossible to cover everything."

"As for negotiations with the United States, sovereignty-related issues are discussed by the leaders of both sides."

"The issues regarding the projects below were discussed by our preparatory team."

"But each department has a person in charge, so even if no projects are launched in your special zone this time, don't be upset."

"We still need to do a good job in receiving guests during this visit."

“You must remember that this is for the country. The 72 Plan is a national-level project. You must have a long-term vision and not just focus on your own little corner of the world.”

The old man said this because he was afraid that Su Wenchen would be disappointed and work with negative emotions, which might cause some accidents.

After all, with so many departments vying for this small amount of meat, he naturally had to give Su Wenchen a heads-up beforehand.

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen immediately assured him.

"Leader, rest assured, I can guarantee that even if our special economic zone doesn't get a single project."

"We certainly won't have any emotions."

"At most, our special economic zone will develop a little slower and contribute less to the country."

"The people are only suffering a little."

"Besides, even you, the official director of this special zone, say so, how could we have any feelings about it!"

The old man was speechless.

"Look, look!"

"She doesn't even have any emotions yet!"

"Alright, stop making that miserable face at me."

“Our department will definitely do its best to help you. Although I hold the title of Director of the Special Economic Zone Management Committee, it’s just a title.”

"However, I will definitely do my best to help you."

"Your special economic zone is at the forefront of exploration; it must pave the way and lay the foundation for the country!"

"So a few will probably be implemented, but the exact number depends on the leadership's decision."

"But let me remind you!"

"Even if these projects are implemented, you must not only meet the needs of the Special Economic Zone itself, but also look to the future and benefit a wider area of ​​land and people!"

"That way, the higher-ups will give you more consideration."

Su Wenchen instantly understood the old man's meaning and immediately assured him.

"Leader, I understand! I will definitely consider and prepare a plan from the perspective of the overall national interest!"

The old man nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this.

The two then chatted for a few more minutes about other issues within the ministry and some policy trends that needed attention.

Seeing that it was getting late and not wanting to disturb his boss from leaving get off work, Su Wenchen took the initiative to get up and say goodbye.

The old man personally escorted him to the office door.

"Xiao Su, go all out in the special economic zone! Let's make our agriculture and our country even more prosperous!"

"Definitely!" Su Wenchen answered solemnly again.

Stepping out of the heavy gates of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the afternoon sun in winter seemed somewhat chilly.

Su Wenchen felt as if a warm current had been injected into his heart.

To be honest, he did have the idea of ​​securing projects for the special economic zone this time, but he also put forward four projects at once, hoping to negotiate a better deal.

Unexpectedly, his former boss didn't suggest cutting one or two projects for him.

If all four major projects are implemented in the Special Economic Zone, then the development of the Special Economic Zone will undoubtedly be put on the fast track.

However, Su Wenchen also obtained a lot of information from the old man this time.

That's the project; many departments are keeping an eye on it.

If funds are limited, he still needs to think of ways to try his best to secure more for himself.

After all, their special economic zone is the main source of foreign exchange earnings, so what's wrong with taking a little more?

This is the only way to generate better foreign exchange earnings!

Su Wenchen even considered whether he could try to find a solution through Ronald.

If that doesn't work, we can set up some small production lines first and use them as a start.

(End of this chapter)