Chapter 131: A Complete Production Plan
Jiang Cheng’s drawing of the foreign exchange pie was something Director Lu really wanted to savor.
Wanting to eat it required considerable thought.
Director Lu quickly identified the key difficulties.
"Jiang Cheng, we’re located in the North, where we lack raw materials in the winter. Purchasing them from other regions would increase costs and prove unwise."
"Secondly, what exactly is the flavor that foreigners prefer? It’s not difficult for us Hua Xia people to make it, but making it so they like it is a bit challenging."
"Finally, we don’t have opportunities to interact with foreigners, so how do we sell it?"
Jiang Cheng listened attentively.
She immediately took out a sheet of paper and answered one by one.
"Director Lu, establishing the production line is not something that can be done overnight."
"For raw materials, it’s best to use northern cucumbers. Because of the temperature difference effect, northern vegetables have a crisp taste that better suits the foreign palate."
"As for the short planting period due to the northern cold, I’m not sure if Director Lu has heard of greenhouses?"
Greenhouses?
Director Lu shook his head and listened even more intently.
From Jiang Cheng’s eloquent explanation, Director Lu knew she had thought this through deeply.
"A greenhouse uses insulation materials and indoor heating facilities to ensure the temperature and humidity required for plant growth, allowing for vegetable cultivation even in winter."
Director Lu, surprised and thoughtful, questioned: "You make a good point. My wife grows some cilantro at home every winter, so it’s feasible. But what materials should be used?"
"If the material costs are too high, the local commune won’t agree."
Director Lu thought ahead, and Jiang Cheng nodded in agreement, saying to hold on a moment.
A moment later, Jiang Cheng returned with a pile of worn-out papers.
"In 1958, our country independently researched and designed a polyvinyl chloride production facility at the chemical factory. As far as I know, Hai City Chemical Factory produces at least 3.5 thousand tons of polystyrene annually."
"The materials for building the greenhouse would be plastic products, but these projects need support from above, which requires Director Lu’s own consideration."
"As for sales... I have some connections with Director Leng in foreign trade. At the next Canton Fair, if we truly have products, we might be able to secure a place."
Jiang Cheng finished speaking.
At the same time, she pushed a pile of prepared materials in front of Director Lu.
"I apologize, as I know my preparation isn’t thorough. Many are clippings from newspapers."
Apologize?
Who’s apologizing to whom?
Director Lu was speechless, stunned and wide-eyed.
Amazed by Jiang Cheng’s foresight, shocked by her effort behind the scenes.
This is a complete business line!
"You—- I——"
Director Lu stuttered for a while before finally organizing his words.
"When did you prepare all these?"
Jiang Cheng, calm and collected, pointed to various newspaper clippings on the table and said, "These were found while working at the recycling station, browsing old newspapers. I kept whatever seemed useful."
"As for the pickled cucumber matter, it was after seeing foreigners."
"After returning from the provincial city, I went to Xinhua Bookstore and found some materials. Combined with my own understanding, I thought it was feasible."
At this point, Jiang Cheng paused and seriously looked at Director Lu.
"Director Lu, this path isn’t simple. Although I explained it well, actually doing it is very difficult."
"I can speak fluently, but I’m not the one executing the work."
Director Lu interrupted Jiang Cheng.
"No need to say it, I understand."
Director Lu finished speaking with a smile and organized the materials on the table.
"Jiang Cheng, difficult or not, someone has to do it, right?"
"Was the Long March of twenty-five thousand miles difficult? Would you stop walking because it’s difficult?"
"In the bones of Hua Xia people, we aren’t afraid of difficulty!"
Director Lu collected all the materials on the table, carefully packing them into his briefcase, and set off, ready to embark on the effort.
Sitting in the chair, Jiang Cheng watched the highly proactive Director Lu, laughing and crying as she called out.
"Director Lu, haven’t you mentioned why you came to me?"
Director Lu, looking brave and fearless, suddenly stopped and slapped his thigh.
"Oh—- I forgot!"
Director Lu hurriedly turned back, looked at Jiang Cheng and said, "Jiang Cheng, our food factory acquired a new production line. It’s in D language. The person from Xinhua Bookstore said you know it, so I came."
"I do know it! Shall we go now?"
"That’s great!"
At that moment, Jiang Cheng packed her backpack and followed Director Lu.
Grandma Shen and the just-returned Shen Que quietly made way, listening to Jiang Cheng shout that she wouldn’t be back for dinner, waving goodbye.
Grandma Shen looked at Shen Que carrying a mess of things.
"Have you eaten?"
Shen Que shook his head.
"The meal’s still hot."
Grandma Shen carried a small stool into the house, while Shen Que paused at the door for a few seconds, his mind still echoing with Jiang Cheng’s eloquent talk.
She’s truly excellent!
A surge of motivation and pride rose in Shen Que’s heart, bringing a smile to his face.
Watching Shen Que foolishly smile while serving food, Grandma Shen sighed: A grown son is not to be kept in the house!
Jiang Cheng and Director Lu left, each on a bicycle, heading to the food factory.
As for why Director Lu didn’t take the car, he would tell you: to save fuel!
After arriving at the food factory, Jiang Cheng engaged in brief small talk and then directly immersed herself in the translation work.
She worked until eight in the evening.
After dining on a special meal directed by Director Lu, Jiang Cheng prepared to leave on her bicycle.
Director Lu, worried, specifically instructed two female workers to escort Jiang Cheng home together.
Jiang Cheng declined, but after expressing her gratitude, the three of them left the food factory.
The three chatted and laughed all the way to Alley Four-Five, where Jiang Cheng expressed her thanks again and the two female workers accompanied each other back to the factory.
Just when Jiang Cheng was about to push her bicycle inside, she suddenly heard movements behind her and prepared the chili powder.
"It’s me, Shen Que."
Shen Que’s back emerged from the shadows, two meters away from Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng breathed a sigh of relief, looked at Shen Que’s position and raised her eyebrows, asking, "You went to the food factory to pick me up?"
Shen Que felt a bit embarrassed but believed that what he did should be shared, to avoid misunderstandings.
"Yes, I exercised along the way."
Exercise... along the way?
Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but laugh.
"I thought you were going to say you were just passing by."
"The main purpose shouldn’t be mistaken."
Shen Que spoke earnestly, and Jiang Cheng’s smile widened, agreeing, "You’re right. I like your honesty, keep it up!"
Having said that, Jiang Cheng took the lead and entered the alley.
Behind her, Shen Que’s face was flushed red.
Did Jiang Cheng say she liked him?
Like him?
Shen Que selectively ignored the word ’honest’.
After cooling off outside for a while, Shen Que finally returned to the alley and entered the house.
"Why are you back so late?"
Grandma Shen asked, and Shen Que responded calmly, "I exercised."
"Oh—- okay then."
Grandma Shen turned her head and smirked: Don’t think I didn’t see Jiang Cheng come back first.
Rascal, your actions are decent enough.