Starting with vegetable greenhouses in 1988

Chapter 267 Backer
In the evening, in the backyard of No. 7 Suzhou Hutong, the sun had already sunk behind the eaves.

The wind was a bit cool, and it felt really nice on my face, unlike the dryness of midday.

Jinzi lay on the stone path in the middle of the yard, its tail sweeping the ground idly, stirring up bits of fine dirt.

The flames circled around it, occasionally nuzzling the gold with their little heads, while its fluffy tail wagged happily.

Coal Ball squatted by the wall, squinting at the two dogs playing, occasionally raising its paw to paw at the air, as if joining in the fun.

In the study in the east room, Li Zhe sat at his desk, scribbling on a leather notebook with a Hero fountain pen in his hand. On the open page, several lines of dish names were already neatly written, with the supply quantities from different channels clearly marked in the blank space beside them.

June is almost here, and the weather is getting warmer day by day. Vegetable yields in state-owned farms and seedling greenhouses in the suburbs of Beijing are increasing. With more vegetables on the market, prices are naturally going down.

Although he was reluctant, Li Zhe knew very well that he had to lower the price in advance.

He was looking down at the vegetable price list for June, his pen scratching across the paper. This price adjustment meant that all sales channels had to follow suit; different varieties of vegetables and different times of harvest required different prices, so a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn't work.

He carefully marked in his notebook: cucumbers were 50 cents a pound, tomatoes were 60 cents, spinach was 8 cents, lettuce was also 8 cents... He checked each number several times, just in case he wrote it wrong and caused trouble later.

Currently, only 365 Vegetable Store still accepts foreign exchange vouchers; all other channels accept RMB payments.

Li Zhe thought that with the large-scale market launch of seasonal vegetables in July, vegetable prices would drop again, with most vegetables falling to just a few cents per kilogram, which would greatly reduce Li Zhe's profits.

Li Zhe had already spoken to Jin Baiwan in advance, instructing Jin Baiwan to be responsible for purchasing vegetables to make up for the insufficient production of greenhouse vegetables. Even in the summer, he was to ensure the normal supply of several major sales channels.

Foreign hotels are the main suppliers of his vegetables. These hotels offer high prices for vegetables, so even if he buys vegetables from the market and supplies them to the hotels, he still makes a profit.

Even if there is no profit, or even if there is a slight loss, Li Zhe will still supply the goods.

When doing business, you have to think long-term and not just focus on immediate profits. Even if you don't make money occasionally, you can't stop supplying vegetables and you have to build up your reputation.

Just then, a commotion arose outside, mixed with Jinzi's excited shouts. Li Zhe stopped writing, listened intently, and Jinzi's reaction didn't seem like she was seeing a stranger, but rather like she was meeting an acquaintance.

Sure enough, a moment later, Tan Jingya appeared at the door of the north room. She raised her hand and knocked on the door, her voice quite gentle: "Mr. Li, are you there?"

The door to the north room was already open. When Li Zhe walked to the door, he saw Tan Jingya standing at the bottom of the steps, carrying a net bag with "grocery store" printed on it. She looked quite pretty.

She was wearing a light blue dress today, with a small pearl hair clip at the neckline, but her eyes looked a little tired, and her bangs were a bit messy.

"Sister Tan, why are you back so early today?" Li Zhe stepped aside to let her in, his gaze sweeping over the net bag in her hand, the yellow paper package seemingly containing cooked food.

"I'm taking a break today. I left Manager Wang in the shop to keep an eye on things and I'm sneaking back." Tan Jingya lifted the net bag in her hand. "I remember you still have some good wine in your shop. I just bought some side dishes on my way here. I'd like to have a couple of drinks with you tonight."

Li Zhe was a little surprised, then smiled and said, "Great! I was just wondering what to have for dinner, your arrival is perfect."

"You go ahead with your work, I'll go back to my room to change my clothes, then I'll go to the kitchen to cook." After saying that, Tan Jingya put the net bag on the kitchen counter and turned to go back to the west wing.

A short while later, Tan Jingya came out in a change of clothes—a light gray knit sweater paired with black trousers, showing off her shapely figure.

She went into the kitchen, washed her hands, took out the sliced ​​beef and tripe from Shuxiangju, put it on a plate, and then made a sauce and poured it in.
I washed the romaine lettuce, chopped a few cloves of garlic, poured oil into the pan, and with a sizzle, the aroma of garlic filled the room.

She quickly stir-fried the vegetables, blanched and chopped the spinach, mixed it with the soaked vermicelli, and drizzled it with sesame oil and vinegar. Finally, she took out an oil paper package from the net bag, opened it to reveal sliced ​​donkey meat and tendons, and arranged them on a platter.

When she brought the dishes into the living room, she saw Li Zhe bending down to put a videotape into the VCR.

"Manager Wang told me you love donkey meat, so I specially went to that old-established shop in the market to buy some. Their donkey meat is especially fragrant." Tan Jingya placed the dish on the table, her tone a little cautious.

"You're so kind." Li Zhe straightened up, holding a videotape in his hand. It was the Hong Kong film "Royal Sister" starring Michelle Yeoh. "I rented it a few days ago and haven't watched it yet. Let's watch it together today."

"Great! I often hear you and Manager Wang watching videotapes, and Manager Wang always laughs so hard. I've been curious for a long time." Tan Jingya set out the bowls and chopsticks one by one, standing by the coffee table a little reservedly.

Seeing this, Li Zhe smiled and gestured for her to sit down: "Sister Tan, please sit wherever you like, don't be shy. What would you like to drink? Baijiu, red wine, or cola? I have all of those here."

Tan Jingya thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up: "We're happy today, let's have some baijiu (Chinese liquor), it goes perfectly with donkey meat."

"Sure." Li Zhe took out the bottle of Fenjiu from the cabinet, unscrewed the cap, and a rich aroma of liquor wafted out.

He filled both glasses to the brim and handed one to Tan Jingya.

Tan Jingya took the wine glass with both hands and raised it to him: "Mr. Li, let me toast you first. If it weren't for you buying the shop this time, our restaurant's business would definitely have been affected. I will always remember your kindness."

After saying that, she tilted her head back and drank it all in one gulp. The spicy liquor slid down her throat, making her cough twice.

Li Zhe also raised his glass: "Sister Tan, don't say that. We're business partners, just helping each other out. If it weren't for you managing the shop so well, business wouldn't be so good."

Tan Jingya put down her wine glass, her eyes a little red: "Don't say that. I know very well that without your support, our Shuxiangju business wouldn't be able to go fast or go far. From now on, I will do whatever you say without hesitation."

The two ate and drank, while a movie started playing on TV. Looking at the skyscrapers and bustling traffic of Hong Kong Island on the screen, Tan Jingya put down her chopsticks, her gaze drifting slightly: "If Hong Kong Island is this lively, America must be even more prosperous, right? No wonder so many people want to go abroad..."

Li Zhe knew she was thinking about what happened last year, so he tentatively asked, "Has Boss Ji contacted you since he went abroad? How is he doing now?"

Tan Jingya shook her head, picked up her wine glass and took another sip, her tone quite indifferent: "We're divorced, living in different places, what's the point of keeping in touch? Whether he's doing well or not has nothing to do with me anymore."

Seeing her dejected expression, Li Zhe asked again, "You've been divorced for a while now, haven't your family been urging you to find someone else?"

Tan Jingya gave a bitter smile and picked up a piece of spinach and vermicelli with her chopsticks: "I've finally figured it out. Marrying a man who lacks responsibility is pointless, just like Ji Hongbin and I, we ended up getting divorced anyway."

I'm quite content with my life now. I can earn some money by running Shuxiangju, and I don't have to depend on others. I don't plan to look for another job.

At this point, she changed the subject and smiled, "Right now, all I'm thinking about is making more money with you, Mr. Li. As long as you don't mind me holding you back."

Li Zhe took a sip of tea and steered the conversation to work: "Speaking of making money, vegetable prices will drop again next month, and the vegetables in the greenhouses will only last until the end of June. In July, I suggest buying vegetables directly from the Chongwenmen Market, where the prices will be more favorable."

When you have time, talk to Manager Wang and see what dishes the restaurant needs, then make a list in advance.

He figured that the summer vegetables Jin Baiwan bought were for hotels catering to foreign guests, while Shuxiangju was his own business, so there was no need for an extra procedure; it would be cheaper to buy directly from the market.

Tan Jingya nodded and said seriously, "Okay, I'll talk to Manager Wang tomorrow and tell him to go to the market to buy whatever vegetables the store is missing. I promise it won't delay business."

Li Zhe added, "Seasonal vegetables will be on the market soon. Although this can reduce the restaurant's costs, it will also be a test for us."

Previously, Shuxiangju's business was good, partly because it attracted customers with off-season vegetables. Now that seasonal vegetables are available, our biggest advantage is gone.

At this point, it all comes down to the quality of the food and service; we must be extremely strict about those.

Tan Jingya nodded solemnly: "I understand. As the old saying goes, you only find out who's been swimming naked when the tide goes out."

If Shuxiangju's business remains good when seasonal vegetables are available, then it's truly good, and it will also show whether I, as the manager, have real ability.

Don't worry, I will definitely take good care of things at the store.

After discussing work, the two turned their attention back to the movie. On TV, Michelle Yeoh played a policewoman who was skilled in combat, fighting off the bad guys. Tan Jingya watched with wide eyes and couldn't help but exclaim, "This policewoman is amazing, brave and cool, even more capable than men!"

Li Zhe smiled and said, "That's how movies from Hong Kong are; they're always made to look lively."

After a few drinks, Tan Jingya's cheeks flushed, and her eyes became a little dazed.

She suddenly remembered something and said to Li Zhe, "Boss Li, I've discussed it with Manager Wang. From now on, we'll take turns working the night shifts. He'll work Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and I'll work Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. That way, we can both take a break and not have to stay up so late every day. I get off work early the day after tomorrow. What would you like to eat? I'll make it for you."

In fact, Tan Jingya used to focus all her attention on the restaurant business, thinking that as long as she did her job well, that would be enough.

After what happened at the shop, she realized that it was foolish of her to be so close to Li Zhe, this "great god," without knowing how to maintain the relationship.

As long as you get along well with him, the restaurant issues are no big deal.

If she had Wang Jianjun's confidence, she could definitely have handled the shop matter properly.

Ultimately, she had no powerful backing and couldn't withstand any storms; she had to bear it all on her own. Now she's realized that instead of working herself to the bone, it's better to find a reliable backer for stability.

Li Zhe hadn't expected this to change Tan Jingya so much. After thinking for a moment, he smiled and said, "It's been a while since we've had dumplings. How about we make some?"

Tan Jingya readily agreed: "Sure! What kind of filling would you like? Meat or vegetarian?"

"Beef and scallion dumplings, I guess." Li Zhe doesn't like any other vegetarian dumplings besides chives and eggs.

"Okay! I'll go to the market first thing tomorrow morning to buy fresh beef, I promise you'll have enough to eat." Tan Jingya's eyes lit up, and the restraint on her face lessened considerably.

Just then, the movie reached a thrilling fight scene, and Michelle Yeoh delivered a flying kick that knocked the bad guy to the ground, her movements swift and elegant.

Both of them were captivated. Tan Jingya watched intently, admiring the heroic, brave, and independent policewoman in the film—but she knew in her heart that as good as the movie was, it was ultimately fake.

……

5 month 29 day.

At seven o'clock in the evening, the aroma of food from each family's meal filled the corridors of the tenement buildings on Guangqumen Inner Street.

The Chen family's house is on the second floor.

A dim light bulb hung in the middle of the ceiling, making the small living room warm and cozy—the "Fu" characters pasted on the wall for the Spring Festival had curled up at the edges and were covered with some soot.

Chen Shuping, wearing a faded blue apron, had just put the last plate of stir-fried carrots on the table. Stray hairs stuck to her forehead were soaked with sweat and clung to her face.

"Mom, Huijing, dinner's ready!" She wiped her hands and called into the inner room, her voice a little hoarse—since her husband had gone back to Daying Village to help his nephew rent a cannery, she had become the pillar of the family.

Every day after get off work, she cooks and washes dishes, and also tutors her son. Fortunately, Mrs. Chen is still in good health and can help with housework and mending clothes. Although she is busy, things are not chaotic.

The family of three had just sat down at the table when there was a knock at the door.

"I'll go open it!" The chubby boy's eyes lit up, and he rushed over on his short legs. He opened the door, and immediately grinned, "Dad! You're finally back!"

Li Zhenguo, standing at the door, was wearing a gray work jacket with dust on his trouser legs. He was carrying a net bag printed with "Beijing Canned Food Factory" in his hand. His face showed signs of fatigue from the journey, but the smile in his eyes was impossible to hide.

"Slow down, don't fall." Li Zhenguo rubbed his son's head and handed him the net bag: "Here, your second brother specially bought you some sweet cakes, they're still warm, try them quickly."

The chubby boy took the net, brought it to his nose, and smelled it; the sweet fragrance filled his nostrils. He looked up and asked, "Where's my second brother? Why doesn't he come in and sit for a while?"

“Your second brother is busy going back to his own hometown. I asked him to come up, but he said he’ll come see Grandma again next time.” Li Zhenguo smiled as he stepped into the house. Seeing Grandma Chen, he quickly stepped forward and said, “Mom, it’s been a while. Are you still in good health?”

"You're still in good health, sit down and rest for a while." Old Mrs. Chen also stepped forward, staring at his cheeks: "You've lost weight in just a few days, you must have been busy in the village. Shuping, go and fry a few more eggs, make a dish for Zhenguo!"

"Mom, no need to trouble yourself." Li Zhenguo quickly waved his hand and took out an oil paper package from the net bag: "Li Zhe knows you love to eat crystal pork knuckle, so he specially went to the braised food shop to buy it. You can just cut it up and eat it, saving you the trouble."

Chen Shuping walked over and took the canvas bag from her husband's shoulder. "How did you get back? You must be exhausted on the way." She reached out and dusted off the dust on her husband's coat, her eyes full of heartache.

"Not tired at all." Li Zhenguo grinned, his tone tinged with pride: "The cannery has been open for a few days. My second son had some business in Beijing and hadn't been able to go. He went to the cannery this morning, and this afternoon he drove his car back to Beijing, so I hitched a ride with him."

"Oh, you're even riding in a car now?" Chen Shuping couldn't help but laugh. "This is really enjoying the treatment of a leader. It's much more comfortable than taking the bus, isn't it?"

“That’s right, that car is so comfortable, much more stable than a long-distance bus, not bumpy at all.” Li Zhenguo smiled until his eyes crinkled into wrinkles.

"Huijing, go get your dad a bowl of rice." Chen Shuping said, picking up the pork knuckle from the net bag and walking towards the kitchen. As soon as the little fat boy heard there was meat, he ran to get the bowl and chopsticks, almost knocking over the small stool next to the table.

A moment later, Chen Shuping came out with a sliced ​​crystal pork knuckle and placed it in front of Old Madam Chen: "Grandma, this is a gift from your future grandson-in-law. Please have a taste."

"Good, good, good." Grandma Chen smiled so much that her eyes narrowed into slits. She picked up her chopsticks and put two of the thickest pieces of meat into the little fat boy's bowl. "Huijing is growing and studying is tiring. He should eat more meat to nourish himself."

The chubby boy, his mouth stuffed full, mumbled, "Thank you, Grandma!"

At this moment, Li Zhenguo took out a cylindrical can from his canvas bag, with a green trademark printed on the can.

Chen Shuping glanced at it and asked in surprise, "Oh, why did you take another can of food? You've worked at the Beijing cannery for so many years, you've eaten a lot of canned food all year round, haven't you gotten tired of it yet?"

Li Zhenguo handed over the canned goods, his eyes filled with pride: "This is different. This is canned goods produced in our own factory. Look at the label, it's our own brand."

Chen Shuping took it and examined it closely. The can was printed with the three bold characters "好滋味" (Good Taste) on it, with a brightly colored pickled cucumber drawn next to it. "'好滋味', wow, that's a really good name, it sounds appetizing."

She stroked the canned food box, a little surprised—she hadn't expected Li Zhe to actually set up a cannery.

"Of course, how could we not put our heart into our own products?" Li Zhenguo took a sip of warm water and continued, "The cannery has been rented, and the second son has also registered a proper cannery company called 'Good Taste Canned Food Company.' All the paperwork is in place."

"This company is run by the second son alone?" Chen Shuping put down the can, her tone full of surprise.

In her memory, Li Zhe used to be a vegetable greenhouse grower who dealt with soil every day. How did he suddenly start a company?

“It’s not run by one person, but by several partners. The second son is the major shareholder, and he makes most of the decisions about the factory,” Li Zhenguo explained, his tone revealing approval of his nephew.

“When my second son said he wanted to start a canned food business, I was worried. I thought it was too big of a leap for him—he was doing just fine selling vegetables in greenhouses, why bother with this? Now I really understand, this kid is quick-witted.”

"What do you understand? Tell me, let me hear it too." Chen Shuping asked curiously, still holding chopsticks but forgetting to pick up any food.

Li Zhenguo put down his bowl and said seriously, "The second brother used to sell greenhouse vegetables that were out of season. When it was cold, he could sell them for a high price and make a lot of money. But now that the weather is warmer, the seasonal vegetables are all ripe, so the price of off-season vegetables has dropped, and the profit has fallen sharply."

But the second son isn't in a hurry at all. Do you know why?

He paused deliberately, looking at Chen Shuping and Old Lady Chen's curious eyes, before continuing, "Because he now owns a cannery! When seasonal vegetables are in season, he can harvest them and make them into canned goods, which also makes him money."

Selling greenhouse vegetables in winter and canned goods in summer, they manage to do both without any problems—how clever!

"Hey, that makes perfect sense!" Chen Shuping suddenly realized and couldn't help but exclaim, "That second son is really something. His business is growing bigger and bigger. He's much better off than us who are stuck with a fixed salary."

The couple hadn't seen each other for a while, so they ate and chatted, talking about everything from the cannery production line to the latest happenings in the village...

Grandma Chen sat beside her, chopsticks in her hand, but didn't move much. She just listened quietly, her eyes seemingly pondering something, and occasionally nodded.

The chubby boy was completely absorbed in his food. He quickly finished the rice and meat in his bowl and kept reaching for the braised pork knuckle on the plate, wiping the oil from the corners of his mouth and then sticking it back on.

The family reunion dinner was enjoyed in a harmonious and happy atmosphere...

(End of this chapter)