Starting with vegetable greenhouses in 1988

Chapter 309 Domestic Sales
Li Zhensheng's home in Daying Village.

The walls of the three north-facing rooms were a yellowish-brown, with black stains left from last year's rainy season still clinging to the base of the walls. Several strings of dried red peppers hung under the eaves, adding a touch of brightness to the house.

The east room was originally a place to store miscellaneous items. Later, when the eldest daughter, Li Hongying, grew up, there was really no place for her to live, so Li Zhensheng vacated half a space, set up an old wooden bed, and drew a blue cloth curtain, which became Hongying's living room.

With the curtain drawn, one side is the daughter's bed, and the other side is still piled with miscellaneous items. Occasionally at night, you can hear the rustling of mice in the pile of miscellaneous items.

As evening fell, Li Zhensheng returned from the vegetable greenhouse carrying a hoe. As soon as he entered the yard, he threw the hoe against the wall. With a loud crash, the hoe handle hit the earthen wall, shaking off several pieces of dry mud.

He entered the north room with a sullen face and threw the few crumpled pages of documents he was carrying onto the octagonal table.

"Dad, what's wrong? Who made you angry?" Song Da'e, who was wiping her hands by the stove, heard the noise and quickly walked over, her apron still covered in flour.

She was five years older than Li Zhensheng, and had more wrinkles on her face than the man, but she always had a gentle air about her.

Li Zhensheng sat down on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), pulled his old jacket draped over the back of the chair to wipe his sweat, and snorted, "Who else could it be? Our good nephew, Li Lao Er! He's really good at causing trouble. Just watch, this Sijiqing Company won't last long; it'll be bankrupt sooner or later!"

Song Da'e paused, holding the cloth in her hand. She walked to the table, picked up the document, squinted at it, and then put it down—she couldn't read either.

"Dad, what nonsense are you talking about? Li Zhe has expanded so many greenhouses, his company is thriving, and he's even given you work. You can earn a lot of money every month. Why don't you wish him well?"

"Big sister, it's not that I don't want the company to do well, it's just that this second son is causing trouble!" Li Zhensheng slapped his thigh, his voice rising slightly.

"Before, the cafeteria was free, and everyone worked hard and appreciated his kindness."

Now, it's all good. Eating in the canteen costs money. We farmers do hard labor, we get tired quickly, and we eat a lot. Who would work as hard as before?

Everyone has their own sense of right and wrong. This cafeteria fee may seem like it saves money, but it actually chills people's hearts! He shook his head, swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue, as if he still had a lot of dissatisfaction left unsaid.

Song Da'e was five years older than Li Zhensheng. They got married early. When they first got married, Li Zhensheng was still a bit childish and called Song Da'e "Big Sister". Later, he got used to calling her that and never changed it.

Knowing his temperament, Song Da'e went along with his words and advised, "It's not worth it for this. Even if the canteen isn't free anymore, the company pays high wages, and they said there's a meal allowance. It's much better than working elsewhere."

"Never mind what others do, we're taking their money, so we should do our part. At least Li Zhe calls you 'uncle'."

"This isn't just about the cafeteria!" Li Zhensheng pointed at the documents on the table, his anger rising. "Look at all these documents I brought back. They're all the company's newly established rules and regulations, a whole bunch of rules and regulations. I can't read a single word, how am I supposed to remember them all?"

"What does this say?" Song Da'e picked up the document again, ran her fingers over the paper, but still couldn't understand it.

Li Zhensheng leaned closer, glanced at the length of the document titles, picked up one with a long title, and said, "This one is called 'Greenhouse Planting Manual,' and the other is called 'Job Description.' You think I've been farming all my life? What kind of crop haven't I grown?"

So when you're old, you still have to grow vegetables according to these documents. What kind of situation is that?

"Alright, stop being angry." Song Da'e folded the documents and put them back on the table. "We're paid by them, so we'll do whatever they tell us to do. There's no need to be so picky."

I'll fry you two eggs. Have a couple of drinks tonight, get some sleep, and you'll forget all your worries.

Li Zhensheng swallowed hard, his eyes brightening slightly, and then instructed, "Add a few more eggs, fry them until they're nice and crispy, I love that flavor."

"Don't worry, it'll definitely suit your taste." Song Da'e turned and went into the kitchen, where the sizzling sound of oil being poured soon came from the stove.

Li Zhensheng calmed down a bit and got up to go into the east room.

He walked to the table and carefully lifted the red cloth covering it. Underneath was a black radio with a brand-new, shiny casing. It was the family's treasure—bought by his eldest daughter, Hongying, after she graduated from high school and became a substitute teacher at the village primary school, using her first three months' salary.

He gently pressed the switch, and a static hum came from the radio, followed by a news broadcast from Langfang Radio: "...With the continuous advancement of rural economic reforms, various regions are actively developing specialty agriculture, encouraging farmers to establish cooperative enterprises, and driving rural economic development..."

He leaned back in his chair, listening to the news, but his brow was still furrowed, and he was still preoccupied with matters at the company.

Just then, the sound of a bicycle bell came from outside the gate, followed by the creaking sound of the gate opening.

Li Zhensheng peeked out and saw his eldest daughter, Li Hongying, riding her bicycle into the yard, with his youngest son, Maodan, sitting on the back seat.

Li Hongying is a substitute teacher at the village primary school. Mao Dan is a primary school student there. The two of them work and go to school together every day. They also have a daughter who is a high school freshman in town. She usually lives at school and only comes home on weekends.

"Dad, we're back!" Li Hongying stopped the car and parked it against the wall. Maodan jumped off the back seat and dashed into the house. "Mom, I'm hungry. Is there anything to eat?"

"Almost done, almost done, the eggs will be fried soon," Song Da'e replied with a smile as she poked her head out of the kitchen.

Mao Dan exclaimed happily, "Oh, that's great! We can eat scrambled eggs now!"

Before long, Song Da'e had prepared dinner.

The family of four sat around the dining table, which was set with scrambled eggs, stir-fried shredded potatoes, corn porridge, and steamed buns made from a mixture of wheat and water.

Seeing that her husband's expression had not completely calmed down, Song Da'e said to her youngest son, "Dan'er, go and get your father's loose wine."

Mao Dan's eyes were fixed on the scrambled eggs on the table. He reluctantly responded, ran to get some loose liquor, and immediately sat back down at the table, his eyes still fixed on the eggs.

Seeing this, Li Zhensheng smiled helplessly and said, "Eat up, eat up, Maodan and Hongying. Your mother specially fried these eggs for you. Eat them while they're hot."

"Hey!" Mao Dan responded, immediately picking up a piece of egg with his chopsticks and stuffing it into his mouth, praising indistinctly, "Mom's fried eggs are so delicious!"

Li Zhensheng poured himself a glass of loose liquor and drank a few sips with some stir-fried shredded potatoes, but he was still thinking about company matters and put the glass down after only two sips.

After dinner, the younger son, Maodan, went back to his room to do his homework, while the older daughter, Li Hongying, helped Song Da'e clear the dishes. Song Da'e took the bowl from her daughter and whispered, "Don't bother clearing them, your father wants to see you."

Li Hongying was taken aback: "What's wrong?"

Song Da'e lowered her voice: "The company issued a document asking employees to study it. Your father is illiterate, so you go and explain it to him."

Li Hongying paused for a moment, then nodded: "Okay, I'll go right away." She walked into the east room and saw her father sitting on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), holding the "Greenhouse Planting Manual" in his hand, frowning as he flipped through it. She smiled and said: "Dad, I heard your company issued a document? Let me take a look."

Li Zhensheng glared at her. "You brat, you've come to see your father make a fool of himself too?"

Li Hongying pretended to leave: "Dad, if that's what you mean, then I won't care anymore. Anyway, it's not me who will be punished."

"Wait! How dare you talk to your father like that?" Li Zhensheng quickly called out to her, handing her the documents on the table.

"Look at this kid! He's just making a mess of things! Not only is the cafeteria no longer free, but he's also created all these rules and regulations, trying to teach us how to farm. I've farmed all my life, do I need him to teach me?"

Li Hongying picked up the document, glanced at the title, and flipped through a few pages. Her expression gradually changed, and her tone was filled with surprise: "Hey, Brother Zhe, you're something else! This company's system is so well-organized! Take the compensation for example, there's a base salary, performance bonuses, and subsidies. It looks even more professional than our school's."

"Why are you praising him, girl?" Li Zhensheng said with some dissatisfaction, picking up the "Greenhouse Planting Manual" and flipping through it. "Look at this, the sowing spacing, watering frequency, type and amount of fertilizer are all strictly regulated. They'll deduct money for even a slight difference. Aren't they just obsessed with money?"

Li Hongying put down the documents and patiently persuaded, "Dad, I know you are a skilled farmer. It's not good for you to suddenly follow the rules in the book."

"But the company needs to grow. Not everyone has the experience of yours. For example, the newly hired young employees haven't grown greenhouse vegetables before. They need a manual to learn from to ensure the yield and quality of the vegetables. Otherwise, if the vegetables grow unevenly, how will we sell them?"

Li Zhensheng was silent for a moment, then frowned and said, "I understand what you're saying, but I just feel awkward and uncomfortable all over."

"Dad, I know what's bothering you." Li Hongying looked at him earnestly.
"You've spent your whole life farming at home, going to work and coming home whenever you wanted, you're used to that freedom. Now that you're in a company, you'll be bound by rules, you'll be at six o'clock, and being even a minute late will be considered tardiness, you definitely won't be used to it."

The more the company manages you, the more uncomfortable you feel. You always feel it's not as free as farming at home, right?

Li Zhensheng looked up at his daughter and nodded: "Yes, that's the idea."

“Running a company is different from farming at home,” Li Hongying continued. “If there are many people in the company, and they all come as early or late as they want, how can we manage it?”
This is just like our school. If students' school hours aren't the same, some arrive early and some late, how can teachers teach? So we can't rely on self-discipline; we can only rely on a system.

Seeing that Li Zhensheng remained silent, Li Hongying added, "Actually, stricter company rules are a good thing for you. Think about it, only when a company is institutionalized can it grow and thrive, and only then can it last."

"That's how you stay and work for the company, earning a high salary. If the management is chaotic, the company won't last long and will go bankrupt. Then our family will still have to rely on those few acres of land to make a living. Will we be as well-off as we are now?"

These words struck a chord with Li Zhensheng. His expression changed, and he even forgot to light his cigarette. Yes, no matter how bad the system was, the company paid really well, and he didn't want to lose this job.

“Girl, you’re right.” He picked up the documents on the table and handed them to his daughter. “Then tell me in detail, and I’ll study hard so I won’t break the rules and get fined again.”

“Okay!” Li Hongying took the document and first opened the “Job Description”. “Dad, the company now implements an employee responsibility system. Each employee is responsible for two vegetable greenhouses. Performance is linked to the output of the greenhouses. If the output does not meet the target, the performance pay will be deducted; if the output is high, you can also get a bonus.”

Also, you need to sign in every day before work; being late or leaving early will result in a deduction from your pay. Please remember this.

Li Zhensheng sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), leaning slightly forward, listening intently, occasionally interrupting his daughter to ask a question.

Li Hongying patiently answered all her questions. When her father couldn't remember something, she would write it down in a small notebook, read it to him, and have him memorize it several times.

The father and daughter spent about an hour teaching each other, asking and answering questions, before Li Zhensheng finally memorized the key points.

"Dad, I'll review it with you again tomorrow. You'll memorize it all in a few days." Li Hongying closed the file, then suddenly changed the subject, "By the way, Dad, you just mentioned that the company is hiring a batch of clerical staff?"

Li Zhensheng paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "Yes, we need to hire accountants, cashiers, record clerks, and things like that. What's up?"

Li Hongying unconsciously touched her back with her right hand, her eyes darting around, and said in a low voice, "A friend of mine is looking for a job, I'm asking around for her."

Li Zhensheng stared into his daughter's eyes and frowned: "Girl, you can't lie to your father. You've always liked to touch your back when you lie since you were little, do you think I don't know that habit?"

Li Hongying was exposed, her face flushed, and she stammered, "Um... actually it's not my friend, it's me. I don't want to be a substitute teacher anymore."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhensheng suddenly stood up from the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), his voice changing tone: "Why? Being a teacher is such a good job, so many people would kill for it, why don't you want to do it anymore?"

His pride has always been that his daughter can become a teacher. When the neighbors in the village see him, they will always praise him, saying, "Your daughter Hongying is so successful." He always smiles from ear to ear.

“Dad, don’t worry, listen to me.” Li Hongying quickly pulled him down and made him sit down. “I’m just a substitute teacher. I have a lot of work and my salary is low. You can earn in a month what I earn in three or four months at the company.”

Moreover, substitute teachers are unreliable; they might be fired at any time. It's more stable to work for a company.

Li Zhensheng sat down, took a breath, and said earnestly, "Daughter, money isn't the most important thing. Being a teacher is a secure and respectable job! Besides, your cousin's company has a lot of rules now, and you might not be able to adapt if you come here."

“Dad, I’m not like you.” Li Hongying smiled. “I’ve been in school for so many years, going to school and leaving school on time. I’m used to a life with rules and regulations. I’ve seen these rules in the company, and I think they’re fine. There’s nothing I can’t adapt to.”

Our school has rules too, even stricter than those in companies, and the work is heavy but the pay is low. I've wanted to quit for a long time.

Besides, as long as I work hard, would my uncle and cousin ever mistreat me? What she didn't say was that the older teachers at the school always ostracized her and pushed all the dirty and tiring work onto her, and she had long been fed up with it.

When she went to Sijiqing Company, she didn't expect any special treatment, but at least no one would bully her.

Looking at his daughter's determined eyes, Li Zhensheng remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Alright, I'll ask your uncle tomorrow and see what he says."

He didn't mention looking for Li Zhe, firstly because Li Zhe was often not in the village, and secondly because he had developed a sense of awe towards Li Zhe at some point.

When Li Zhe saw him, he would always address him as "Uncle" and greet him with a smile, never saying a harsh word. However, he was just too afraid to speak to Li Zhe first.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Li Zhensheng got up and left home ten minutes earlier than usual, heading towards Sijiqing Company.

On the way, they met Ma Yuanchao, a fellow villager. They were initially a little awkward, but then smiled at each other…

……

Wan'an Town Canned Food Factory.

In early autumn, the weather in Langfang turned cool, and the leaves of the poplar trees at the factory gate fell to the ground, swirling in the wind and sticking to the faded red brick wall.

A white Volga sedan and a truck slowly drove up to the gate. Old Zhang, the gatekeeper, immediately opened the iron gate, smiled, and waved for the cars to go in.

The car drove in steadily, followed by a truck whose tires crunched over the gravel road, and the green tips of cucumbers were faintly visible in the bamboo baskets stacked in the truck bed.

Hearing the commotion, Director Xie came out of the workshop and saw Li Zhe and Wang Xiuying getting out of the car. He quickly went to greet them, saying, "Director Li, Auntie, you're here too!" He had visited Daying Village before and remembered Wang Xiuying.

"Thank you, Factory Director." Wang Xiuying responded with a smile, her gaze sweeping over the Wan'an Town Cannery. She had heard the name of this factory quite a bit these days, but this was the first time she had seen it. The factory was very large and clean, and the roar of machines could be faintly heard from the west side of the factory building.

Li Zhe said, "I invited my mother over today so she could cook some eight-treasure porridge for the factory workers, so everyone can taste it and give us their feedback."

Actually, when Li Zhe first persuaded Wang Xiuying to come, she felt embarrassed—she was afraid that as a rural woman, showing off her skills in front of the factory workers would make her a laughing stock.

Later, Li Zhe patiently explained to her: the canned eight-treasure porridge was originally intended to be produced by the factory workers. Letting them taste it first would make them more attentive during subsequent production.

Furthermore, by giving Wang Xiuying this opportunity to appear in public and let everyone know that she was the one who developed the eight-treasure porridge, and then by giving her a bonus in the name of "Good Taste" company, he could avoid gossip and accusations that he was abusing his power for personal gain.

She finally agreed and got up before dawn to prepare the ingredients.

Factory Director Xie said warmly, "That's great! We're in for a treat today. I heard from Director Li a while ago that your eight-treasure porridge is especially delicious, and I've been wanting to try it for a long time."

Wang Xiuying smiled and waved her hand: "Director Xie, you're too kind. Please give me your feedback later. If you think there's anything you don't like about the taste, I'll make changes."

"I'll have someone take you to the kitchen right away. The factory has gas stoves and big iron pots ready." As he spoke, Factory Manager Xie hurriedly called out twice towards the workshop, and soon several young workers in blue overalls ran over.

He pointed at the two people and said, "You two, help your aunt move the groceries from the car to the kitchen."

Wang Xiuying greeted Li Zhe and then followed the workers to the kitchen.

After settling Wang Xiuying in, Director Xie instructed the other workers, "Xiao Zhang, take a few people to unload the cucumbers and send them to Workshop No. 3. Remember to handle them carefully and don't damage them."

As the weather gets colder day by day, the harvest season for tomatoes and yellow peaches is over, and the factory is now mainly producing canned pickled cucumbers.

However, the harvesting period for pickled cucumbers is only about a month. Once this production season is over, the factory's production line will face the risk of "shutdown," which is an important reason why Li Zhe is eager to promote the research and development of canned eight-treasure porridge.

However, before officially starting production of canned eight-treasure porridge, Li Zhe had another, more pressing problem on his mind.

The current sales of "Good Taste" canned goods mainly rely on exports to the Soviet Union. The domestic market for canned goods has not yet been opened up. If a domestic market cannot be found as soon as possible, even if the eight-treasure porridge canned goods are successfully developed, subsequent production plans will be difficult to advance smoothly...

(End of this chapter)