Era: I was a farmer at the foot of Yaoling Mountain

As the weather gradually warms up, all agricultural units in Yaoling have officially begun spring sowing.

After the Spring Festival, the provincial foreign trade department signed a purchase contract with the company for the "Nanguang No. 5" rice seeds. These seeds are entirely for export and will not be sold domestically.

With large export orders secured, all the paddy fields in the production units will still be used for rice seed cultivation this season, including varieties such as [Nanguang No. 4], [Nanguang No. 5], and [Nongyou Boutique 016].

The rice planting base also grows these three varieties of rice, partly to provide sufficient raw materials for the production of [Yaoling Rice], and partly because [Nanguang No. 5] has the highest yield among all rice varieties.

Various large machines entered the fields, and the tilling speed was very fast.

Turning the soil, drying the fields, and fertilizing are all part of the preparations for the upcoming rice transplanting. All production units have implemented centralized seedling cultivation, with the work proceeding simultaneously, creating a bustling scene everywhere.

Fang Wei made a tour of various units and then received a meeting notice upon his return.

This had basically become the norm; he packed his things and went to Chenzhou, then took a train straight to the capital.

The main topics of this meeting were issues related to agriculture, rural areas, and farmers, as well as deepening reforms, while also encouraging the vigorous development of the private sector.

Starting from this year, a wave of people "going into business" swept across the country, with people from all walks of life venturing into commerce. For a time, news about "peacocks flying southeast" was everywhere.

When he returned to the commune, Cai Tong and others were still busy with spring planting on the front lines.

Meanwhile, various production units reported that many young and middle-aged people resigned this year to work in coastal cities.

"Secretary, we are now living in a great era of upheaval, with all sorts of changes that are dazzling."

night.

Fang Wei, Cai Tong, and others were eating in the cafeteria. After a few drinks, Cai Tong couldn't help but reminisce.

Since the allowance of private companies, society has been in a state of excitement. Everyone dreams of getting rich, and starting a business is a hot topic. Anyone with a bit of ability wants to try their luck for this dream.

"What, Mr. Cai, are you tempted too?"

Fang Wei clinked glasses with one of the company's vice presidents, then smiled and asked in return.

"What's there for me to be tempted by? Aren't we always at the forefront of the times? I'm very satisfied with the current situation."

Cai Tong laughed heartily, making his stance clear.

The company's management team enjoys excellent compensation; even in coastal areas, it would be difficult to find such well-paying jobs. As for starting his own business, he had never even considered it. He had spent his entire life working in agriculture and knew how complex the industry was.

The staff composition of Yaoling Agriculture has remained stable, and there has been no large-scale resignation so far.

Fang Wei smiled and nodded, then changed the subject.

No one drank much, since there were many things to do the next day, and the party ended after everyone had eaten their fill.

When he got home, he saw Pan Lianhua talking on the phone, so he took a shower first.

"It was my sister-in-law who called. She said she didn't want to stay in the provincial capital anymore and wanted to come back."

Tian Guihua went to the provincial capital to support her husband's work. She had previously thought that being close to her son would allow the family to see each other more often.

As a result, Fang Tao was even busier than Fang Ping, frequently going on business trips, sometimes disappearing for one or two months at a time. As for their daughter Tingting, well, there's no word from her all these years; she's probably staying abroad and never coming back.

Tian Guihua increasingly wanted to return to the village, and Fang Ping shared the same sentiment.

"Lotus, what's your opinion of Lin Hanyang?"

Fang Wei knew what his elder brother was thinking; a change of leadership at the furniture company was inevitable.

He recently learned about Lin Hanyang's situation indirectly and intends to promote him.

Pan Lianhua had a good impression of Lin Hanyang. She told the man her opinion and then fell silent.

Next, the rice transplanting work in each unit was completed quickly, and what remained were the daily management matters. Cai Tong and others then returned to the provincial capital one after another.

Fang Wei and Pan Lianhua also went to the provincial capital. He planned to adjust the management of the furniture company, but he needed to do some research beforehand.

On the evening of their arrival in the provincial capital, Fang Wei, Pan Lianhua, and her elder brother and sister-in-law had dinner together.

Fang Ping and Tian Guihua looked noticeably older. Tian Guihua and Pan Lianhua chatted incessantly, while the two brothers drank silently, saying very little.

"Third brother, I've made up my mind. I've decided to give up the manager's position. You know me, I'm not very educated, I've gotten to where I am today through my skills and sheer hard work."

I often feel overwhelmed these days. The furniture company has seen almost no growth in the past two years; it's just stuck with its old ways. These days, management is all about being younger and more professional. I think I'll just go back to my hometown.

Fang Ping drank quite a bit of wine, then put down his glass and spoke his mind.

Making this decision was not an easy thing for him. He had poured a lot of effort into the bamboo ware factory and the furniture company that followed, and he was reluctant to leave it now.

But for the future development of the furniture company, he knew he should step down.

“Brother, the furniture company’s poor performance these past two years isn’t solely your responsibility; it’s related to many factors. However, I also think you should take a break. You’ve had a tough time these past few years.” Fang Wei didn’t try to persuade his brother to stay. Unlike Zhang Wenyuan and Cai Tong, his brother had essentially reached the point where he had no room for further advancement.

For the furniture company's development, changing leadership is inevitable, but Fang Ping must also be properly placed.

Fang Ping's contribution to building the furniture company into such a large scale is undeniable.

"Third brother, I plan to settle down in the village. I don't want to stay in the big city."

Fang Ping reiterated his stance, stating frankly that he was unwilling to hold a sinecure at Yaoling Industrial and simply coast along.

He has a rather stubborn personality, so Fang Wei didn't try to persuade him, but simply said that the matter needed to be discussed at a company meeting.

the next day.

Yaoling Agriculture held a joint meeting, which was also attended by the management of furniture companies, including Panlianhua.

There are several agenda items for the meeting, which need to be reviewed one by one.

"Fang Ping, the general manager of the furniture company, has expressed his desire to retire to headquarters. Here, on behalf of the company, I would like to express my respect to him and thank him for his many years of dedication to the furniture company."

Back then, the production brigade established a small workshop-style bamboo ware factory. Lacking funds and technology, it was entirely Fang Ping who led a group of people to develop it through manual labor.

Fang Wei first mentioned that Fang Ping planned to resign as general manager of the furniture company, then reviewed the development history of the bamboo ware factory, and highly praised Fang Ping's important role in the development of the furniture company.

Then they were the first to express their acceptance of Fang Ping's resignation.

The next question was who would succeed him. Pan Lianhua and the furniture company's senior management spoke one after another, and everyone strongly recommended that Lin Hanyang take over as the furniture company's manager.

Cai Tong and several vice presidents all agreed with the proposal, and Fang Wei made the final decision to let Lin Hanyang take over.

Fang Ping also attended the meeting today. He was very satisfied with the result. Afterwards, all the staff from the furniture company left the meeting room.

Only Fang Wei and the management of Yaoling Agriculture remained in the room. They still needed to discuss Fang Ping's final destination. Given Fang Ping's age, he wasn't old enough to retire so early and could continue to contribute his expertise.

"Secretary, what are Manager Fang Ping's requirements?"

First and foremost, everyone should respect the wishes of the parties involved, so Cai Tong asked a question.

“He wants to leave the provincial capital and return to his village, so we can forget about giving him an important position at Yaoling Agriculture. I suggest that he be given the title of non-executive director, whose main responsibility would be to inspect the various production units, report any problems he finds, and propose rectification suggestions.”

Fang Wei planned to give his elder brother a sinecure, similar to an inspector or researcher.

The salary is the same as that of the vice president of Yaoling Agriculture, but he doesn't have any real power.

“I agree! Manager Fang Ping has made great contributions to the development of the furniture company, and he deserves this treatment. From now on, he can live in the village and only need to come to the company to report once or twice a year.”

Cai Tong was the first to express his support, and no one else had any objections.

The proposal was passed at the meeting and will take effect upon board approval.

Next, everyone discussed the personnel arrangements for the furniture company. Lin Hanyang was appointed as the manager of the furniture company, and a deputy factory director was transferred from the bamboo ware factory to serve as the deputy manager of the furniture company.

Then a new deputy director was appointed to the bamboo ware factory, and the personnel adjustment came to an end.

Fang Ping quickly completed the handover of his work, and he and Tian Guihua returned to the village with Fang Wei and his wife.

"It's better to come back!"

Fang Ping returned home and felt incredibly relaxed. Over the years, he had worked tirelessly, often losing his appetite and sleep, fearing something might go wrong.

Once the burden was lifted off my shoulders, my whole state of mind changed.

Tian Guihua doesn't want to work for the time being; she wants to rest for a while. They're not short of money, and their children are grown up; they just want a peaceful life now.

Fang Wei then had an office prepared for Fang Ping in the office building, and Inspector Fang officially took office. Fang Ping was very satisfied with this arrangement; there was no performance pressure at work, and his time was very flexible.

No one in the entire Yaoling Agriculture Group, including the furniture company, had any objections to this arrangement. This was the treatment Fang Ping deserved, and no one would be envious.

A few days later, the car the company provided for Fang Ping arrived. Because his job was to conduct inspections, the company provided him with an SUV to make it easier for him to go to the countryside.

Fang Ping had already obtained his driver's license in the provincial capital and was now an experienced driver, but the company still assigned him a driver.

A few days passed quickly.

That morning, Fang Wei was handling official business in his office when he suddenly received a call from Cai Tong.

"Secretary, the edible oil market has undergone drastic changes, with foreign capital investing heavily in acquiring domestic edible oil companies. The company is assessing the impact of this on crops such as soybeans, peanuts, and rapeseed, including the impact on their seeds."

As reforms deepen, foreign investment is also pouring in in large quantities.

The domestic market for staple grains remains closed, but the markets for other cash crops, including edible oil, are gradually opening. (End of Chapter)