1968: Started from breeding

Compared to lunchtime, the atmosphere at the evening banquet was much more relaxed and pleasant.

Neither side brought up any unpleasant topics this time; they mainly just enjoyed the food and shared their international experiences.

The next day.

The biting wind still carried the chill of late winter, but the horizon had already begun to show a faint pale white.

The massive presidential plane had completed its pre-flight checks, and the deep roar of its engines was particularly clear in the quiet morning breeze.

The moment of parting has finally arrived.

Su Wenchen stood at the front of the farewell procession, still wearing his neatly pressed gray Zhongshan suit, but the fatigue on his face had been replaced by a calm sense of accomplishment.

Beside him, core members of the Special Economic Zone Management Committee, heads of the four counties, Lei Boliang and others stood straight, their expressions respectful and solemn.

"Director Su!"

The president's voice came through the translator clearly.

"Thank you for your warm reception and sincere cooperation in the Huang-Huai-Hai Special Economic Zone."

"The changes on this land are truly impressive, especially the achievements made in such a short period of time."

“Our consultants speak highly of your governance techniques and results.”

His gaze swept over the demonstration scene of saline-alkali land transformation not far away.

"Your planting of hope in a land of despair is one of the greatest miracles created by humankind."

"I look forward to our future collaboration!"

Su Wenchen grasped the other person's hand with neither arrogance nor servility, and a humble yet confident smile appeared on his face.

"Mr. President, you flatter me."

"It is our honor to let you see our efforts and initial results in the fight against saline-alkali land."

"The door of our Huang-Huai-Hai Special Economic Zone is always open to partners who have goodwill and seek equal and mutually beneficial cooperation."

"We look forward to our preliminary agreement bearing fruit as soon as possible, benefiting the people of both places."

The president nodded and waved goodbye in front of the cameras.

After Su Wenchen said goodbye to the president.

Ronald strode over to Su Wenchen, shook his hand quickly, and spoke rapidly but with great enthusiasm.

"Su! Remember our agreement! Once the cooperation agreement is signed and the first batch of alkali-remediation fertilizer is loaded onto the ship, you must notify me immediately!"

"Only I can ensure that the publicity effect of this 'great victory' is maximized!"

He deliberately repeated the Hinayana terminology he had learned from Su Wenchen.

"Oh, and there's also news about the Golden Feathered Chicken auction. Don't forget about the friends I introduced!"

Su Wenchen smiled and replied, "Of course, Mr. Ronald."

We will never forget our friends!

Finally, the VIPs boarded the gangway one by one, and the cabin door slowly closed.

The massive engine roared as it began to glide and accelerate on the runway, finally soaring into the gray-blue sky and flying towards its next stop, Hangzhou.

In the cold wind, Su Wenchen stood still, gazing up at the direction where the plane had disappeared for a long time.

The sun finally pierced through the clouds, and golden rays bathed this land that had experienced poverty and salinity, but is now brimming with vitality.

The biting wind no longer seemed so piercing; a vast, heavy calm enveloped him.

After a brief period of fatigue comes an even stronger sense of exhilaration.

Relieved?

This is indeed a bit much for Su Wenchen, but it is by no means the end.

Look back.

Su Wenchen took a deep breath of the icy air mixed with the smell of thawing soil.

He shouted to the people around him in a low but unusually clear voice.

"Comrades, you've worked hard these past few days. Once you get back, arrange for the duty personnel to be on duty. You'll have a three-day holiday starting tomorrow!"

"Take a good three-day rest. Meet in the conference room promptly at 8:00 AM three days from now!"

"Expansion plans for the alkali-controlling rabbit farm, production increase plans for the special fertilizer plant, and preparations for the Golden Feather Chicken auction."

"This is just the end of our reception work; for our special economic zone, it's just the beginning!"

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words...

A huge chorus of agreement immediately erupted from the surrounding crowd.

Their future prospects are even brighter, so even though they are a little tired, everyone is full of energy.

Late autumn of 1974, Huang-Huai-Hai Special Economic Zone.

The autumn sky over the special economic zone was exceptionally blue. In front of the newly built International Trade Center building, the smooth and wide roads were bustling with traffic, including many imported cars with black license plates.

Almost all of them are vehicles used by business representatives from various countries stationed in China or by buyers who have come specifically for the trip.

A unique aroma, a blend of fresh feed, fermenting microbial fertilizer, and a hint of industrial scent, wafts through the air—a distinctive scent of progress unique to the booming special economic zone.

Compared to when it hosted the US president three years ago, the changes here are nothing short of earth-shattering. The towering tanks of the large fertilizer plant reflect a metallic sheen in the sunlight, and the supporting railway branch lines busily handle supplies.

In the distance, the well-planned new industrial park and newly built residential buildings have begun to outline the beginnings of modernization.

At this moment, in the multi-functional hall on the top floor of the International Trade Center, which took three years to complete.

The star of this remarkable event is the inaugural "Oriental Treasures" Annual High-End Auction.

Su Wenchen did not initially choose the special economic zone for the auction of the golden rooster.

One is a special economic zone from three years ago. Although it has experience hosting presidents, only the area near the reception hall is suitable.

Other places were still in the development stage, and the other place didn't have much funding at the time.

Therefore, Su Wenchen chose Hong Kong Island for the first year's Golden Feathered Rooster auction.

After three years of development, their special economic zone has already established a preliminary foundation.

In the past three years, their export volume of alkali-curing fertilizer has increased rapidly, although they cannot spend all the foreign exchange earned.

However, they still received a large rebate in RMB, which is why they have developed so rapidly in the past three years.

So it wasn't until the development was nearly complete, after the International Trade Center was finished, that things really took place.

Su Wenchen then applied to have the Moon Rabbit and the Golden Feathered Chicken auctioned together in the Special Economic Zone.

The auction hall was decorated in a way that was both solemn and business-like.

The deep red carpet silenced the footsteps, and soft lighting focused on the main stage.

A giant electronic screen is playing a series of videos showing golden pheasants running nimbly through the orchards, their feathers reflecting a dazzling golden light in the sunlight, and close-ups of professional chefs preparing them into exquisite dishes in a star-rated kitchen. The backdrop features a prominent bilingual (Chinese and English) sign that reads "Blue Water Golden Feathers: A Taste Legend."

The entire auction, from the stage to the electronic screens and backdrop, was almost entirely modeled after the International Trade Centre on Hong Kong Island at the time.

Unfortunately, there weren't any truly innovative designers in their country at that time, so Su Wenchen felt it was best to learn from them first.

After all, he doesn't understand architectural design and can't be of any help.

Although the auction had not yet started, the hall was already packed.

Although this is only the first edition, it has been held several times in Hong Kong Island before, and the products have already been market-tested.

This is also why the first edition was overcrowded.

The front row was mainly occupied by high-end clients, primarily representatives of large hotel chains and Michelin-starred restaurants from the United States, Western Europe, and Japan.

Dressed in expensive suits, they intently perused the auction catalogues in their hands, which detailed the number, age, weight, main feeding records, and flavor profile predictions for each chicken.

The open areas in the back and on both sides are occupied by smaller restaurant owners who are looking for a bargain, creating a tense yet expectant atmosphere.

The flashbulbs of cameras were constantly flashing, recording this commercial spectacle.

When the time comes.

A host dressed in a dark Zhongshan suit walked onto the main stage and skillfully began the event in both Chinese and English.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first annual auction of Oriental Treasures in the Huang-Huai-Hai Special Economic Zone!"

"This year's auction is divided into two special sessions: 'Oriental Flavor Treasures' and 'Oriental Moonlight Elegance'."

"First of all, I would like to thank all our partners for their support of Oriental Treasures over the years."

"Without further ado, let's begin our first show of the year, 'Treasures of Oriental Flavors'!"

"This year, we will continue to uphold our brand philosophy of 'high quality, rare quantity, and exclusive high-end products,' and present the finest golden-feathered chickens of the year."

"Next, please present our Lot 1, number TQ-75001, a 22-week-old male poultry with the title 'Star of the Dawn Orchard,' weighing 3.6 kg. The estimated flavor profile is 'rich fruity and woody aroma with a complex floral finish.' The predicted meat quality is: top-quality marbling, rich in elasticity..."

As the host introduced the chicken, a golden-feathered pheasant with a graceful figure was slowly pushed to the center of the transparent display cage.

Its posture is proud, its red crown stands upright, and its eyes are alert.

Soft murmurs and the sound of bidding paddles flipping immediately arose from the audience.

"Starting bid: $1000! Bidding begins now!"

As soon as the auctioneer finished speaking, paddles were raised one after another.

"...1100...1200...1300"

The auctioneer spoke quickly and clearly, his eyes keenly capturing every gesture of raising a paddle.

“Mr. Charlie of the Ritz Hotel in France, $1500!”

"Oh! The Hotel Okura in Tokyo, bid $1800!"

"Hilton Group... $2000!"

As prices soared, each chicken sale was accompanied by applause and gasps of surprise.

Since this was the first auction held in China, and it was held in a special economic zone that had been gaining popularity but also facing constant controversy in recent years, quite a few leaders and cadres from various regions came to see what was going on.

Now look at these foreigners, spending thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars just to buy a chicken to take home and eat.

Many officials, upon seeing this, wondered if these foreigners were mentally ill.

Even if this chicken is delicious, there's no need to spend so much money on it!
With that money, you could eat so many regular chickens. Wouldn't it be better to save it and eat it slowly?

They truly couldn't understand what these foreigners were thinking. (End of Chapter)