Reborn in 1981, the first to get rich start with dairy cows.

Rural prosperity is definitely not something that can be achieved overnight. Li Shangen's words did not shake Shen Dong's resolve. He smiled and said, "Have you tried to get in through the county government?"

"No, how can we ask in the county? We don't know who to ask."

"Okay, I understand. I'll ask around tomorrow."

Back home, Shen Dong first went to the library to look up some information about Fuji apples.

It turns out I was wrong.

The Red Fuji apple variety was only introduced two years ago and is currently being tested on a small scale, so seedlings are extremely scarce.

If a production team wants to plant fruit trees, it needs to apply to higher levels, and ultimately the provincial fruit tree institute may have to allocate the trees.

Moreover, even if the province has it, you need to book in advance. In addition, the best time for high graft replacement is in March. If you go through the process to apply now, it will definitely be too late.

Unless Shen Dong knows someone in the Ministry of Agriculture and can directly contact them to try and obtain the title of "demonstration base", it would be much simpler.

But it is clear that the Red Flag Production Team does not meet the requirements.

What are we going to do now? We've already made all that boasting!

Careless!

Shen Dong gave a wry smile, rubbed his forehead, and looked somewhat troubled.

"Brother, what's wrong? You look so worried?"

"Sigh, I originally wanted to ask Grandpa for that kind of fruit, but I suggested it because it's not feasible right now. Now I'm worried, what should I do?"

Shen Min didn't understand, but she heard about the fruit. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Didn't you make jujube paste yogurt before? You can think of other fruit yogurts. Just grow whatever you need."

"I've thought about it, but to be honest, the fruit these days isn't very tasty, and there's not much usable fruit."

As Shen Dong spoke, he pulled his mind away from the library.

"So, anyone want some rubber bands?"

"Hehe, only half left!" Shen Min said smugly. "They bought all the hair clips, but there are still some rubber bands left."

"Great, you've taken the first step in your career!"

After Shen Min left, Shen Dong stretched and continued his research.

He quickly determined a feasible plan.

For quick results, you can plant the White Phoenix Peach, a type of nectarine. Plant it this year and it will bear fruit next year, and the price is quite good.

Besides peaches, there are also Kyoho grapes, both of which are fast-acting, and Kyoho grapes are not picky about the land.

Hawthorn can be grown long-term; it has a wide range of uses, is not particular about the land, and yields considerable profits.

After finalizing the plan, Shen Dong prepared to ask someone for advice the next day.

Upon arriving at the factory, Li Meiyu first reported on yesterday's sales performance.

Thanks to the positive word-of-mouth surrounding Jinru Yogurt, it sold out in just one day, which also helped other products from the factory quickly sell out as well.

When people mention Baotashan Dairy Factory now, their first reaction is keywords like "Shanghai" and "Golden Milk Yogurt," so everything they make sells very well.

"Based on yesterday's sales figures, will we be able to pay back the commune by the end of the month?"

"Yes, that's fine. I still have money to pay back at the bank, so I have a small surplus."

After hearing this, Shen Dong went to the workshop to find Hu Weidong.

"What's the situation at the Wushan Food Factory now? I heard it's shut down?"

"Yes, work has stopped!" Hu Weidong quietly leaned closer. "I heard Liu Gui got a bad beating and is borrowing money everywhere."

"Borrow money?" Shen Dong was taken aback.

"Yes, they lost a lot of money last time because of a problem with their formula. Apparently, the food factory wouldn't take responsibility and made them pay for it themselves. I heard that Yang Zhengjun even fell ill."

"ah?!"

Shen Dong was completely dumbfounded!

This is exactly what later generations called working at one's own expense!

"This... you can actually lose money yourself?"

Hu Weidong shrugged silently.

"Oh, right, if Director Yao or the purchasing station looks for me, just say I'm not here," Shen Dong remembered and gave them a brief instruction.

Since the food factory has stopped operating, it naturally won't buy fresh milk anymore. The purchasing station needs to find a way to get 1000 kilograms of fresh milk every day. Who can consume such a large amount of fresh milk now? Only dairy factories.

But will Shen Dong buy it?

That's absolutely impossible!

Without offering any explanation, they just want me to go back?

"I'm not being a jerk!" Shen Dong thought to himself.

"Okay, I understand." Hu Weidong smiled secretly.

Now that the plan was finalized, Shen Dong naturally wanted to find someone to ask him properly.

He had never been to the Agriculture Bureau before, but fortunately, Baotashan Dairy Factory had a great reputation now, and after he handed over his work permit, someone inside took him in.

"Station Chief You, I apologize for bothering you. I'm here on behalf of our production team to ask some questions about fruit cultivation."

You Changfeng is the head of the fruit tree station under the Agriculture Bureau. He looks to be in his thirties and always has a smile on his face.

"Oh, no bothering you. What does your production team want to plant?"

Shen Dong then recounted what he knew.

"White peach, giant beech, and golden star peach, Station Master You, are these alright?"

"Sure, but if you plant so many at once, the initial expenses will be considerable."

"That's okay. If you can get through the initial period, you'll reap the rewards later, and you'll be able to recover your costs."

After chatting for a while, Shen Dong said goodbye, as he needed to go back to his team for further discussion.

Currently, the team has planted apple and jujube trees. After listening to Shen Dong's plan, Li Shangen called over several team leaders to discuss it together.

"I think we should plant peach and grape trees instead. We can harvest them next year, which is very quick. That big golden star grape takes five years, and what if something goes wrong..." Li Youhai, Li Ying's father, spoke first.

"But Dongzi just analyzed that we only need to invest a total of 1,000 yuan over five years, and we can earn 3,000 yuan in five years. That's 2,000 yuan in 5 years!" As one of the team leaders and a family member, Shen Weimin naturally had to speak up for his nephew.

"But Dongzi also said that it's an estimate, not a certainty."

Li Shangen, smoking his pipe, didn't stop them. Opinions aren't so easily agreed upon; maybe they'll convince each other while arguing.

After a while, the situation did not improve, and the noise remained loud.

Shen Dong said, "I can guarantee that the hawthorn price will be higher than other purchase prices, ensuring everyone's profits."

"See, I told you, Dongwa's opinion was definitely right."

Li Shangen beamed with joy.

This is not just about having a few more acres of fruit orchards; it's about being able to foresee that in a few years, the Hongqi Production Team will be able to climb to the top position in the commune. At that time, every family will be able to afford meat and New Year's goods. Just thinking about it makes me happy.

The group was just bickering; there was no deep-seated hatred between them. Seeing that everyone was interested, Li Youhai stopped talking.

"Since everyone thinks it's okay, let's do it, and the bill will be paid from the collective handicraft factory."

Starting with the production of gift boxes last year, followed by income from vegetable purchases, and the fact that Li Shangen incorporated the team's dividends into the factory's initial setup, the handicraft factory had a considerable amount of money in its accounts.

"Aihui will handle all the expenses, ensuring that everyone receives their full share of the profits."

Tao Aihui nodded and smiled at Shen Dong.

Shen Dong felt a little uneasy, so he quickly made an excuse to leave.