Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Wang Fucheng had barely finished speaking when Wang Yong also began to complain:
"Master, you don't know, in the past, every order our factory received was obtained by begging and pleading. It's no exaggeration to say that it embodies everyone's hard work and sweat."

"Now, thanks to my mentor's help, I've received so many orders out of nowhere. This should have been a very happy thing."

"It's just that the factory's production capacity can't keep up. I really don't dare to accept these orders until this problem is solved."

"The feeling of looking at delicious fatty meat but not daring to eat it really makes me feel conflicted."

"I... feel terrible..."

A hint of surprise flashed in Wang Chengpeng's eyes. He looked at the father and son in front of him, who were acting so wildly. Was it really necessary to make such a big fuss over such a small matter?
He gestured for Wang Yong to stop his performance, and Wang Chengpeng finally spoke:

"Uncle, you said I'm a technician in the factory, how could I possibly care about something like not having enough raw materials?"

"However, if we're planning to improve the factory's production efficiency, I do have some ideas on that."

"Either increase enrollment or upgrade the machines; both methods can be effective to some extent, and I recommend using them together."

Nodding slightly, Wang Fucheng acknowledged Wang Chengpeng's statement.
"Okay, I'll have Yong'er prepare for the expansion of enrollment after I get back."

"As for upgrading the machine, there's no rush. Let's wait until your skills have improved."

"Since Cao Deming and Tao Zhiyuan both said that, your university grades should be secure. After all, they wouldn't specifically seek out people who failed to get into university for interviews."

"When you go to school for further studies, you'll definitely be able to make this machine even better."

"Hey, our factory produced a college graduate technician. This is something other factories can only envy."

The establishment of Dapeng Sugar Factory was ahead of its time, just as the establishment of village-run collective enterprises was being encouraged, and countless village-run collectives sprang up like mushrooms after rain.

However, most of them are small-scale operations. They haven't even started selling their products yet, let alone making a profit. They are nothing like Dapeng Sugar Factory, which has already started normal production and operation.

In addition, college students are a rare commodity these days, so Wang Fucheng's words were quite true.

Little did he know that Wang Chengpeng had already prepared a plan on how to upgrade the machine.

Even though Wang Fucheng had great confidence in Wang Chengpeng and felt that he could definitely handle the matter, he only dared to say that he would wait until Wang Chengpeng went to school to study before taking action.

Considering that the early appearance of semi-automatic equipment might not be a good thing for Wangjia Village, Wang Chengpeng ultimately decided to leave the blueprints gathering dust on the bookshelf.
We'll just wait for the right opportunity to use it in an emergency.

Upon hearing Wang Fucheng's praise, Wang Chengpeng did not deny it, but instead patted Wang Yong on the shoulder and said:

"If it weren't for Director Wang's keen eye that recognized my meager abilities, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to serve our sugar factory."

"As for the other matter concerning raw materials, although I am just a technician in the factory and don't know much about this, I still think it should be a small matter that can be solved by developing production."

"Planting 1,000 mu isn't enough? Then plant 10,000 mu!"

Hearing Wang Chengpeng's boastful words, Wang Fucheng could only manage a wry smile:

“Good nephew, you may not know much about the situation in our Wangjia Village.”

"In fact, I originally planned to include sugar beets in our village's production plan for next year as a major planting target."

"Even if we reclaim some more wasteland and have the entire Wangjia Village grow sugar beets, I'm afraid we still won't be able to meet the demand for these orders."

Faced with Wang Fucheng's complaints, Wang Chengpeng asked somewhat strangely:
"Who says only our Wangjia Village can grow sugar beets?"

"If Wangjia Village isn't enough, then there's Zhoujia Village, Zhaojia Village...?"

"As far as I know, in addition to the grain rations and public grain contributions, some of the crops grown in the village are also sold for money."

"If we buy them at a high price, surely they won't want to grow sugar beets?"

“If they think it’s unreliable, we can just sign the acquisition contract with the commune as a witness, and that will solve the problem.”

"I don't know much about such trivial matters, but with your abilities, it shouldn't be a difficult thing for you."

Snapped!
After hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Wang Fucheng actually slapped his thigh and stood up, muttering to himself:

"How could I not have thought of that... How could I not have thought of that..."

Taking a deep breath, Wang Fucheng finally calmed himself down and bowed to Wang Chengpeng to express his gratitude.
"It has to be my eldest nephew. His thinking and mind are far superior to those two blockheads in my family."

"We need to prepare for this as soon as possible, otherwise it will be difficult once the production plans for each village are finalized and the seeds and fertilizers are purchased."

"Yong'er, you stay here and help your master install the TV. I'll go to other villages to check on things now. I'll head out first."

Seeing Wang Fucheng hurriedly preparing to leave, Wang Chengpeng timely reminded him:
"Uncle, when you go to negotiate, just give the market retail price, but don't give too much."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng's voice became somewhat meaningful:
"Sometimes, it's not about giving more money."

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's reminder, Wang Fucheng was immediately taken aback, then seemed to snap out of his daze and said:
"This...this almost caused a problem if you hadn't told me."

"I originally thought the sugar factory would make money, and I planned to spend a lot of money to get this done."

"Now that I think about it, spending too much money can actually cause more trouble. It's better to just pay the market price."

"You know, we buy in large quantities, so the price is usually 20% or 30% lower than the market price. Even if we only pay the market price, it's still a huge profit for other villages."

Thinking this, Wang Fucheng quickened his pace, and at the same time, he thought to himself:

Fortunately, I asked Wang Chengpeng this time; otherwise, a good thing might have turned into a bad thing.

Wang Fucheng has only reached a dead end. As the year-end commune activities progress and he has more contact with other villages, he will eventually come up with a solution.

But even if the method is good, it can backfire if not implemented properly.

Envy isn't just something that exists within a village; it also exists between villages.

When the purchase price of sugar beets is too high, it will attract the attention of other villages, and some things may not be able to be kept secret.

Even if they couldn't pose a threat to Dapeng Sugar Factory, no one wanted to invite trouble.

That's why Wang Fucheng specifically instructed everyone to keep this year's exchange rate a secret when distributing dividends at the end of the year, and to tell the public that it was still the same as last year's exchange rate.

Better safe than sorry!
Watching his father's departing figure, Wang Yong awkwardly stood up, walked straight to the television, and said:
"Master, although my father has passed away, he instructed me to install a television for you."

"Look where you want this TV installed, I'll install it for you right now."

He patted the television through the cardboard box, and a deep, resonant sound came from inside, indicating that the contents were quite sturdy. Wang Chengpeng waved his hand, signaling to Wang Yong that he didn't need help.

“I can do this myself. You might not even know how to install it properly, and it would be a shame if you messed it up.”

"If you're not busy, go back first. If you really need help, Zhu Hong is much more efficient than you at work."

Wang Yong, who was looked down upon by Wang Chengpeng, was unconvinced, but after glancing at the disassembled television set, his expression returned to its docile state—he really couldn't handle this big machine.

And that antenna mast that looks like a tree branch looks simple; you just need to install it and connect some wires. But if you want the best signal, you still have to spend some time adjusting it.

Thinking this, Wang Yong seemed to remember something and suddenly spoke:

"Master, it's good that you don't need any help."

"I suddenly remembered that I have some things to do at the factory. It's almost Chinese New Year, and I need to prepare some benefits for the employees who have worked hard all year. I'll be leaving now."

Watching Wang Yong leave in a hurry, Wang Chengpeng was speechless. It's just installing a TV set, what's so scary about it?

With that in mind, he looked around the main room and quickly found a suitable place to put the television on the cabinet.

There are power outlets provided here, and they are positioned perfectly to face the seating area, allowing the whole family to eat and watch TV at the same time.

After setting up the television, Wang Chengpeng unpacked another large package, grabbed the power cord, and went to the top floor.

After a simple wiring process, a cable signal line was hung straight down from the ceiling and quickly installed on the television's signal port.

sizzle...

With a crackling sound of electricity, the television quickly emitted a cacophony of noise.

The tiny black and white squares quickly formed a lively picture.

However, the TV signal seems to be a bit weak, with a lot of water ripples in the image, which greatly affects the viewing experience.

Not only that, the sound was also very noisy, with a constant electrical hum.

Just as Wang Chengpeng was about to ask Zhu Hong to come and help him with the debugging, Wang Meiyan, who was on winter vacation, ran out of her room following the sound.

Upon catching sight of the large object on the table, Wang Meiyan exclaimed in delight:

"Brother, we bought a TV?"

While pleasantly surprised, her pretty little eyebrows furrowed:
"Brother, did you buy a fake? Why isn't this TV as clear as the one I saw at Uncle Wang's house before?"

Wang Chengpeng pulled Wang Meiyan in front of the television, pointed to the bright red star logo on the computer case, and said:

"See this sign? This is a genuine Red Star television set, a rare find that's hard to buy even with a ration coupon!"

"Red Star TVs are made by Shanghai Radio Factory No. 18, a nationally renowned brand, a large state-owned factory, with excellent quality. How could they be fake?"

"The TV itself is fine, it's just that the signal is a bit problematic."

"I was just about to go upstairs to adjust the antenna, could you keep an eye on the TV for me?"

"Tell me if the TV becomes clear, and tell me if it becomes unclear."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Chengpeng hurriedly ran to the top floor.

Looking at the antenna that had already been installed, Wang Chengpeng directly pinched the antenna pole and rotated it slightly to the left.

At that time, there were few tall buildings in the countryside, and there were not many other households living near Wang Chengpeng's house. It was practically a detached house, so usually all that was needed was to adjust the direction of the antenna.

After the antenna was moved, before Wang Chengpeng could ask any questions, he heard Wang Meiyan's voice from downstairs:

"Brother, do you not know how to fix it? The TV is getting blurrier and blurrier."

"And that voice, it was like needles stabbing into my brain."

Wang Chengpeng immediately turned the utility pole back to its original position and said:
"If the noise is too loud, just turn the knob that controls the volume."

"I'm adjusting the antenna now. Let me know when the program is clear."

As the two continued to communicate, the programs on the television began to change, constantly oscillating between clear and blurry.

About two or three minutes later, Wang Meiyan's happy shouts came from downstairs:

"Great! This is the spot! The view is crystal clear!"

Wang Chengpeng showed no sign of coming downstairs and continued shouting down:

"If this channel is clear enough, try changing it."

Clearly, Wang Meiyan was getting a little too excited. When she switched to another channel, the screen started displaying static again, and she immediately started shouting upstairs:
"Brother, I'm not very familiar with this channel."

This simple antenna has this drawback: it is extremely susceptible to signal interference, and even a slight change in orientation can cause a change in the signal.

No matter how Wang Chengpeng rotated the antenna, there were always a few stations where the sound was intermittent and the images were blurry.

"Forget it, forget it." Wang Chengpeng waved his hand downstairs. "As long as the CCTV and provincial stations are clear, that's fine. As for the ones that aren't clear, just listen to the sound!"

Thanks to Wang Chengpeng's good memory, he quickly found the best position from the previous debugging results and immediately fixed the antenna mast in place—the antenna was positioned in this position to ensure that most stations could be seen clearly.

When Wang Chengpeng returned to the main room, he found Wang Meiyan already engrossed in watching TV.

Although the video occasionally flickers, the host's clear and articulate voice can be heard perfectly.

Seeing this, Wang Chengpeng picked up the "TV Program Guide" that Wang Fucheng had brought with him and said with a smile:
"There's 'The Red Lantern' tonight, so we can really enjoy it."

But he immediately frowned again, perhaps because he found the television too novel. Looking at Wang Meiyan, she seemed to want to hug the television and stick her eyes right up to the screen.

This behavior is unacceptable and can easily damage your eyes.

Thinking this, Wang Chengpeng walked directly to Wang Meiyan and gave her a flick on the forehead:
"It's not like you can't see it, why are you standing so close?"

“If you ruin your eyesight, I won’t buy you glasses; I’ll just leave you blind.”

Wang Meiyan playfully stuck out her tongue and made a face at Wang Chengpeng. She didn't disobey him, only muttering that it was too far to change the channel, before obediently sitting down to watch. (End of Chapter)