Starting with vegetable greenhouses in 1988

Chapter 269 Concentric
As noon approached, the sun climbed higher, and there were few people on the streets of Wan'an Town. Occasionally, a bicycle would pass by with its bell ringing, the sound fading into the distance.

A white Volga drove into the town government compound, its wheels crunching on the concrete before screeching to a stop under a tall sycamore tree, its shadow covering most of the vehicle.

The mayor's office is at the east end, with red brick walls and wooden doors and windows. Some of the paint has peeled off, giving it an old-fashioned feel.

Li Zhe got out of the car first, and with a quick tug, he unbuttoned the collar of his shirt, his young face showing a sharp and efficient look.

Jin Baiwan followed behind, his large belly stretching his dark blue shirt tightly. He took out his own handkerchief to wipe his sweat, muttering, "It's only the beginning of June and it's already this hot. When the dog days of summer arrive, won't people melt in the heat?"

Li Zhe laughed and said, "I'm planning to install air conditioners in the courtyard house in a few days. Why don't you install one too?"

"I'd love to!" Jin Baiwan put the handkerchief back in his pocket and tugged at the hem of his shirt. "But your sister-in-law can't bear to part with it. She says that thing wastes electricity and money. Forget it, let's wait until we earn more this year and talk about it next year."

The two chatted casually as they walked toward the mayor's office to the east.

After knocking twice, Mayor Chen's voice came from inside: "Come in!"

Pushing open the door, Mayor Chen was sitting behind his desk reading documents. Upon seeing them arrive, he quickly put down his pen and stood up to greet them.

"Li Zhe, Baiwan are here? Please sit down!" Mayor Chen's voice was loud and clear. His short, gray hair was neatly combed, with not a single strand out of place.

He bent down and pulled out two enamel cups from under the table, poured in freshly brewed jasmine tea, and the steam slowly drifted towards the roof, carrying the aroma of the tea.

As soon as Li Zhe and Jin Baiwan sat down, Mayor Chen pulled out a neatly folded document from the bottom drawer of his desk and handed it to Li Zhe: "You said a while ago that you wanted to make a movie about vegetable greenhouses, and the approval permit has been issued."

Li Zhe quickly took it with both hands, his fingertips touching the rough paper as he carefully unfolded it. It read "Approval Permit for Filming 'Love Story in the Greenhouse'", with a red official seal stamped at the bottom, the ink still glistening.

His eyes lit up, and he couldn't hide his smile. He looked up at Mayor Chen and said, "Thank you so much! This has really been a great help to us!"

Mayor Chen smiled and waved his hand, pointing to the half-person-high wooden box in the corner: "Don't rush to thank me. That's filming equipment I borrowed from the district cultural bureau. Take a look and see if it works. Let me know if you need anything else."

Li Zhe immediately stood up and walked quickly to the box. Jin Baiwan also came over, and the two of them lifted the lid of the box together. Inside, there was a soft cloth, a silver-gray Changjiang brand 16mm camera in the middle, and a tripod, an external microphone, and several rolls of film wrapped in kraft paper were neatly arranged next to it.

Li Zhe reached out and touched the camera body, then turned to Mayor Chen and asked, "Mayor Chen, how much does this equipment cost? We need to prepare in advance."

"Don't worry about the money." Mayor Chen picked up his enamel mug and took a sip of tea. "I've already spoken with Director Liu of the District Cultural Bureau. You can use it for now, and you can discuss the rental fee with the bureau when you return the equipment next time."

I'm too unsophisticated to know anything about these machines, so I won't get involved.

"No problem, you've thought of everything!" Li Zhe gently put the equipment back in the box and started making plans in his mind.

When I talked to Bai Yunsheng about filming before, I mentioned that vegetable greenhouses are highly seasonal, so we had to film the key moments according to the time period.

In June, when they were digging the foundation, we had to film the villagers wielding shovels and working.
Building greenhouses in July requires seizing the moment the frame is erected;

Seedlings are started in August, and close-up photos of the tender green seedlings are needed;
Transplanting in September requires careful handling of the seedlings;

In October, we'll be setting up the sheds and filming the process of covering them with plastic film and straw mats.

In November, the focus will be on photographing the fruits and vegetables hanging heavily on the vines...

Bai Yunsheng is a professional when it comes to filmmaking. Next time, let him talk to the district cultural bureau. He has the identity of a cameraman from Beijing TV, so things will definitely go smoothly.

Afterwards, Li Zhe and Jin Baiwan moved the equipment together.

Li Zhe carried the main unit of the film projector, Jin Baiwan carried the tripod and microphone, and Mayor Chen also came over to help carry the boxes into the trunk of the Volga.

After closing the hood, Li Zhe dusted off his hands and said to Mayor Chen, "Mayor Chen, it's been a while. I've booked a private room in town for lunch. Let's get together."

Mayor Chen waved his hand with a smile: "Boss Li, why are you being so polite with me? We're already acquaintances."

“It’s not just politeness.” Li Zhe stepped forward, his tone quite sincere. “As you know, we rented two production lines from the Wan’an Town Cannery and have already produced the first batch of canned goods. We were just about to report to you about our work.”

Without waiting for a reply, he opened the car door and ushered Mayor Chen into the car. Mayor Chen declined a couple of times, but got in anyway.

The car soon arrived at a restaurant on the west side of town. The restaurant had a small storefront with a wooden sign that read "Hometown Flavor" in red paint. The paint on the sign was a little chipped, and two strings of red lanterns hung at the entrance.

As soon as you enter, the aroma of food wafts over. Several jars of pickled vegetables are placed on the table against the wall, and something is simmering on the stove in the corner, bubbling and steaming, smelling like meat.

The waiter led the three into a private room, where a round table was set up and several New Year pictures were pasted on the wall, including one of chubby babies holding fish, exuding a warm and homely atmosphere.

Not long after they sat down, Li Zhe took out two bottles of Fenjiu from his bag. Jin Baiwan quickly took them, unscrewed the caps, and the aroma of the liquor immediately filled the air. He then filled all three of their glasses.

Soon, the dishes were served.

A plate of steamed sea bass rests on a white porcelain plate, sprinkled with bright green scallion shreds and bright red pepper shreds. The broth is clear and steaming, and the aroma of freshness fills the air.

Next to it was a plate of stir-fried bok choy, the leaves glossy and green, with a bit of tender white at the roots; followed by a large pot of radish stewed with mutton, the mutton glistening with oil, the radish stewed until soft and translucent, with a thin layer of oil floating on the surface of the soup.

There was also a steaming plate of chicken stew with mushrooms. The chicken was stewed until tender, and the mushrooms were soaked in the broth. Their glossy color looked very appetizing.

Li Zhe raised his glass and stood up: "Mayor Chen, this is a toast to you! Thank you for your continued support and care for us."

Li Zhe's influence was limited to the area around Daying Village, but Mayor Chen called a meeting of the village secretaries and asked them to help promote the vegetable greenhouses. Now, almost every household in Wan'an Town knows about Li Zhe's vegetable greenhouse project.

Mayor Chen also raised his glass and clinked it with his: "Why thank me? You're willing to teach the villagers how to grow vegetables in greenhouses so that everyone can make money. That's a good thing, and I definitely have to support you."

After saying that, he took a sip of wine, picked up a piece of chicken, put it in his mouth, and chewed it slowly.

After eating a few bites of food, Li Zhe brought up the cannery: "Mayor Chen, we rented two production lines from the cannery, and we've already made a batch of pickled cucumbers in the past few days. The brand is called 'Good Taste'."

As he spoke, he took out two cans of food from his bag. The cans were silver with the words "Good Taste" printed in green and a cucumber pattern on them.

Mayor Chen took the can and examined it carefully. Then he opened the lid, and a sour smell wafted out.

He picked up a piece of pickled cucumber with his chopsticks, put it in his mouth and chewed it. His brows relaxed: "It's sour enough, it cuts through the grease, and the flavor is just right! It goes perfectly with the mutton."

He then looked at Li Zhe, his face full of admiration: "You're really capable, kid. Whether it's growing vegetables in greenhouses or making canned goods, you can make money no matter what you do!"

Li Zhe and Jin Baiwan both laughed when they heard this, and then they toasted Mayor Chen a few more times.

After a few rounds of drinks, Li Zhe put down his glass and said seriously, "Mayor Chen, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

As you know, we've established Sijiqing Vegetable Company, and in July, all my greenhouses will be transferred to this company. I'd like to ask if you have any plans to invest in this company?

In fact, Li Zhe had already thought about it—for vegetable greenhouses to develop well, they cannot do without the support of the local government.

Mayor Chen initially helped him, perhaps because he genuinely wanted to do things for Wan'an Town and its people. But now, Sijiqing Company is developing faster and faster, and making more and more money.

In the second half of the year, not only the company's employees but also the cooperating farmers made money. You can't predict people's hearts; who knows if Mayor Chen might have other ideas?

Even if Mayor Chen himself has no selfish motives, his family members might still have objections.

Rather than letting this uncertainty persist, it would be better to let Mayor Chen join the company. Once he invests money, everyone will benefit, and future cooperation will be more stable.

Mayor Chen paused, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes.

He knew, of course, that Li Zhe could make a lot of money growing vegetables in greenhouses, and it would be a lie to say he wasn't tempted. But he was, after all, a town leader, and his position was what it was... "My position isn't quite right..." he put down his wine glass and said with some difficulty.

Li Zhe and Jin Baiwan exchanged a glance, and Jin Baiwan quickly replied, "Mayor Chen, you're right, your identity is indeed inconvenient."

However, if your family or relatives have spare money, they can also invest it in our company. This way, it won't affect you, and it can also provide your family with an additional source of income.

Mayor Chen's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands: "Hey, now that you mention it, I really remember someone! A relative of mine told me the other day that he saw other people making money growing vegetables in greenhouses and wanted to try it himself. He's really interested in this."

I'll go back and ask him. If he's willing, I'll have him contact you!

"That's great!" Li Zhe nodded with a smile. Only when everyone shares common interests can the relationship last longer.

Next, the three chatted about the development plans of Sijiqing Company and the progress of the first batch of growers building greenhouses. They drank one glass of wine after another, and the conversation became more and more congenial, and their relationship seemed to grow closer.

After finishing his meal, Mayor Chen didn't let Li Zhe see him off; he walked back to the town government himself.

Li Zhe and Jin Baiwan drove to the Wan'an Town Credit Union.

Li Zhe and Sun Liguo were closer, so Li Zhe had nothing to hide and directly told him that he wanted to invite him to invest in Sijiqing Company.

Sun Liguo hesitated for only a moment before readily agreeing.

He had witnessed Li Zhe's development firsthand—from a poor boy who needed a loan to build a greenhouse to a big boss who now owns a car and runs a company, all of which he earned by growing vegetables in greenhouses. He knew exactly how much profit was involved.

Moreover, Qian Duoduo from Luyuan Agriculture Company also invested in Li Zhe's company. He knew Qian Duoduo's identity and what it represented, so how could he possibly let this opportunity pass by?

At the same time, he felt a greater sense of gratitude towards Li Zhe—he knew that with Qian Duoduo's investment, even if he didn't invest himself, it wouldn't affect the development of Sijiqing Company.

But Li Zhe still extended an olive branch to him, and based on that alone, he knew he hadn't misjudged him: "Brother, I'm grateful for your help."

"Brother Sun, don't say that." Li Zhe felt quite pleased to see Sun Liguo being so straightforward. "You've helped me a lot more; we're mutually benefiting each other."

He knew in his heart that Sun Liguo and Mayor Chen were his benefactors when he first started growing vegetables in greenhouses. If it weren't for their help, his path wouldn't have been so smooth.

Now that I have the ability, I naturally want to help them out, give them some stable income, and ensure that our cooperation can last.

……

It was a little past four in the morning, and the sky was just beginning to lighten with the first hint of dawn.

In the rest room at the east end of greenhouse number 21, Bai Yunsheng rubbed his eyes, yawned, and slowly sat up. The wooden bed beneath him still had some warmth, and the coarse cloth mattress laid out last night was soft and had a freshly sun-dried smell, which was quite comfortable.

At the end of February this year, he and Wei Min came to Daying Village for the first time. He stayed in the greenhouse that night, but he still frowns when he thinks about how it was—the greenhouse was not cold, but it was damp and humid.

The fresh scent of vegetables mixed with the stench of manure was so strong that you could smell it even when you turned over in bed at night, and you stayed awake until dawn.

But this time it's different. In the newly expanded ten-acre greenhouse, brick and tile houses have been built on the east side of five greenhouses.

His room contained a wooden bed, a peeling wardrobe, and some miscellaneous items. The thick brick walls kept the greenhouse dry and free of odors.

I fell into a deep sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow last night, without even having a dream.

Although his eyelids were still heavy, Bai Yunsheng shook his head sharply—today was the first day of filming the greenhouse documentary, and he couldn't afford to delay.

He quickly put on a blue vest printed with 'Beijing TV Station', his gaze falling on the half-person-high box on the headboard.

This equipment was brought from town by Li Zhe yesterday afternoon. He said he had to pull some strings to borrow it from the district cultural bureau, and now it's all under his management.

He crouched down, and in the middle was the silver-gray Yangtze brand 16mm camera, with the markings on the body clearly visible; next to it, the tripod was neatly folded, and several rolls of film wrapped in kraft paper were stacked in the corner.

He spent half the night fiddling with it, and the lens and microphone were all set up. Now all he has to do is load the film and it's ready to use.

Bai Yunsheng carefully picked up the film, pinched the edge of the serrations with his fingers, and slowly pushed it into the camera slot. With a soft "click," the film was securely locked in place.

He then attached an external microphone, wrapped the cable around the camera body twice, and stood up while carrying the camera.

He looked thin, but his shoulders had developed calluses – when he used to shoot on location for the TV station, it was common for him to carry the equipment while walking. He walked steadily on the dirt road next to the greenhouse, and the camera didn't even shake.

Orange light shone through the window of the adjacent greenhouse number twenty-two as Bai Yunsheng carried his machine inside.

Old Li was bending over picking tomatoes, supporting the fruit with his left hand and holding the scissors in his right. With a quick snip of the blade, he placed the bright red tomatoes into the basket. He was very fast.

"Director Bai is here!" Old Li was the first to see him, straightened up, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and greeted him with a smile.

Everyone else stopped what they were doing and their eyes all fell on the camera he was carrying, their eyes full of curiosity.

Li Zhiqiang leaned closer, craning his neck to look, his fingers wanting to touch it but not daring to, and asked in a low voice, "Director Bai, is that the camera you're carrying?"

Bai Yunsheng shifted the camera to his shoulder and nodded with a smile: "That's right, this is for making movies. I'm going to make a documentary about all of us, recording everything from growing vegetables in greenhouses to harvesting vegetables. We'll definitely find it interesting to watch again in ten or eight years."

"Can you take pictures of us?" Lin Xiaohu squeezed in, rubbing his hands together and asking, his eyes sparkling.

"Of course I can, I've already turned on the camera, and it's captured you picking vegetables." As soon as Bai Yunsheng finished speaking, Lin Xiaohu became even more excited and even straightened his clothes.

"Director Bai, is this heavy? Let me help you carry it for a bit," Lin Xiaohu said, reaching out his hand.

"No need, no need, I can carry it." Bai Yunsheng waved his hand, then remembered something, "But if you have time, go to my room and get the tripod from the box. We'll need it to take a panoramic shot of picking vegetables later."

"Okay!" Lin Xiaohu replied crisply, then turned and ran outside. He returned shortly after, carrying a tripod.

Bai Yunsheng took the tripod, spread it out and stabilized it in three quick movements, placed the camera on it, and adjusted the angle.

The camera focused on the scene of Lao Li and his team picking tomatoes, capturing every detail from the moment they bent down to pick the vegetables to the moment the baskets full of tomatoes were loaded onto the truck.

Before long, the military green Liberation truck was loaded with vegetables and drove towards Beijing.

Not far away, Li Jiugang shouted at the top of his lungs, "Time to eat! Freshly steamed white flour buns and corn porridge!"

The group went to eat breakfast under the sunshade of greenhouse number three, and Bai Yunsheng also joined them with his camera.

Steaming white steamed buns filled the iron basin, while golden corn porridge sat in an enamel bowl beside them, along with a plate of pickled radishes, glistening with oil—a truly appetizing sight.

"Eating here is free, all you can eat!" Li Jiugang picked up a steamed bun and handed it to Bai Yunsheng. "Don't be shy, eat more. This machine looks quite heavy."

"Thank you." Bai Yunsheng took the steamed bun, took a bite, and the aroma of wheat and flour filled her mouth.

As he ate, he pointed his camera at the stone table, filming everyone wolfing down their food—in those days, such a meal was more common than in most families.

Lin Xiaohu asked curiously, "Director Bai, can we see this machine now? I want to see what I look like inside."

Bai Yunsheng swallowed the food in his mouth, smiled and shook his head: "We can't watch it now. We have to send the film back to be developed and edited to make a movie before we can watch it. Once it's done, I'll show it to everyone on a projector first."

"That's great!" Everyone was even more excited when they heard that they could see themselves on the machine.

(End of this chapter)