Twenty years of cold chain

Hu Shutong and Luan Pingxin originally planned to return to Mozi County for the Spring Festival. However, by the time Hu Shutong finished dealing with things in Mingjiang, it was almost New Year's Eve, and Luan Pingxin also had a lot of things to do.

Seeing this situation, the two had informed their families in advance, and planned to spend the New Year in their new house in Qingyan. Hu Shutong had been extremely busy lately, wishing he had three heads and six arms, as every matter was crucial to Tongxing's future and could not afford any mistakes.

At this time last year, they were still preparing for their wedding. Little did they expect that their first year of marriage would be even busier than in previous years. The vegetable transport to the south had been revolving around Hu Shutong for more than half a year. Just when things were finally settled, the issue of two plots of land made them feel like ants on a hot pan.

Luan Pingxin's side also had many major events this year. The Refrigeration Research Institute took another step forward on the road to corporatization. With the support of special technical funds, it was officially named "Qingyan Refrigeration". At the same time, it also had many projects from the municipal bureau and provincial department, especially in the field of pharmaceutical cold chain, which has become unstoppable.

Luan Pingxin knew that Hu Shutong desperately needed a rest; many times, he had to push himself because of the heavy burden on his shoulders. Going back to his hometown for the Spring Festival, aside from everything else, just dealing with a large group of relatives from the Luan family would be enough to give him a headache.

In that case, staying in Qingyan and taking a few days of leisurely annual leave would be a better choice.

Hu Shutong put down his things, washed his hands, and went to the kitchen. The two of them, one rolling out the dough and the other filling the dumplings, worked together. There was a pot of pork ribs and a pot of fish stewing over there. Luan Pingxin had also fried lion's head meatballs and boiled some bright red prawns. There were two cold dishes that had already been mixed on the side. The New Year's Eve dinner for the two of them was quite sumptuous.

Qingyan Refrigeration was closer to home, while Hu Shutong's journey home took forty to fifty minutes each day. However, no matter how late he returned, Luan Pingxin would never go to sleep first. When she felt the house was empty, she would turn on the old music box. Later, however, she became reluctant to listen to it, as the sound was sometimes hoarse and she was afraid that one day it would suddenly stop making noise. Yet, she couldn't bear to take it apart and repair it.

Hu Shutong was a very light sleeper, often waking up around three or four in the morning. He would then cover himself with a blanket, carefully walk to the balcony, and remain there for about half an hour without making a sound. Luan Pingxin understood that he couldn't think things through carefully during the day, and that a quick-witted guy like him was more likely to have flashes of inspiration in the quiet of the night.

Luan Pingxin once thought that if Hu Shutong had entered this field ten years later, everything he faced would have been much easier. Now, with better policies, more substantial subsidies, a more prosperous industry, and a more favorable entrepreneurial environment, with Hu Shutong's talent, if he started now, many people would have been there to help him pave a smooth path. Without so much industry experience, perhaps one's heart wouldn't be so burdened.

But on second thought, without so many years of accumulation, Hu Shutong wouldn't be Hu Shutong. He is in the industry but not just in the industry; looking at things from his own perspective, depth and keenness are not contradictory in him.

As night fell, fireworks rose outside the window, sometimes resembling a large dandelion, sometimes a cluster of pansies; if each moment were frozen in time, it would be like a sky full of stars. This reminded Hu Shutong of a night many years ago, a time of such beauty, a beauty that accompanied him throughout his life.

On the dining table, there was a bottle of red wine and six dishes. Perhaps it was the influence of the holiday season, or perhaps it was the hectic pace of the past few days, but seeing this scene filled Hu Shutong with a great sense of warmth.

Luan Pingxin looked at Hu Shutong, knowing that his thoughts were wandering again. This man, who was usually not very talkative, always made people's hearts ache when he was moved by emotions. She only knew that he was often alone, but she didn't know what kind of scenes unfolded outside.

After drinking two glasses of red wine, Luan Pingxin's cheeks flushed. Many memories flashed through her mind. Tongxing continued to strive upwards as always, and this institution, formerly known as the Refrigeration Research Institute, continued to delve into research as always. The industry continued to thrive as always, and the trend of development continued as always.

But one thing is no longer the same: this family we've been supporting each other through thick and thin. Home is a distinct marker, and everything belongs to you and me.

"Shutong, I don't want to hear words like cooperation, strategy, and partnership anymore. I don't want to be a bystander in Tongxing anymore. Your business is the business of this family. I don't want to see so many people coming to cooperate with me, listing a bunch of qualifications and thinking they are on par with Tongxing. I don't want to see them bringing me Tongxing's R&D center data for evaluation anymore, as if they want to compare me with you."

"Pingxin, what's wrong?" Hu Shutong could tell that this wasn't about a few drinks, but rather something Luan Pingxin had been holding back for a long time.

"I want to work with you on the technical aspects, just like before, without any distinction between us. Anyway, I want to thoroughly understand Tongxing. I want to know what's troubling you, what problems you need to solve. You have your connections, and I'm not just about compressors and condensers. Besides, who wants to see you come home every day looking like a rope-wielder who forgot to untie the rope!"

Before Hu Shutong could speak, Luan Pingxin interrupted, saying, "There aren't that many rumors about this. The industry is full of mergers and acquisitions, sharing technology everywhere. To put it bluntly, it's about networking and pulling people together to orchestrate some grand scheme. If you dare hesitate, I'll give you a bunch of contracts with other companies tomorrow!"

Hu Shutong blinked anxiously and blurted out, "Pingxin, please let me say something!"

"You thought the food was cold? Look, it's all here!"

As he spoke, Luan Pingxin slapped a note down in front of Hu Shutong.

One

It's astonishing at first glance; don't underestimate this small note, every word and phrase has a significant background.

It turns out she had already prepared a backup plan.

……

I've loved cold chain logistics for twenty years.