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

The next morning, Shen Dong was still woken up by his biological clock.

Once a person becomes self-disciplined, it's no longer willpower that wakes you up.

Today's breakfast was sorghum flour buns, a stark contrast to yesterday's white flour and meat buns.

Shen Dong ate the pickled vegetables with relish, but he choked a little.

After calculating the remaining grain coupons at home, I found that after spending 40 taels yesterday, there were hardly any left.

"I'll have a couple of days of free time next. I'll find some time to go and exchange some refined grains and wheat flour!"

I got on my bicycle and arrived at the factory, only to find a large crowd gathered around Lao Huang's place.

Once inside the factory, I locked the car and walked over.

"Good morning, Master Huang!"

Old Huang paused for a moment, then smiled and replied, "Good morning, Comrade Xiao Shen."

Shen Dong gestured towards the crowd, raised an eyebrow, and Old Huang immediately understood, frowning as he said, "They're all here to ask if the factory is hiring!"

"I told them we weren't hiring, but they just wouldn't believe me..."

"It's not that we don't believe it, we've all looked into it. In our commune, what textile factory, brick and tile factory, fertilizer factory, is as successful as our dairy factory now? They're all hiring, and you say our factory isn't hiring? Who would believe that?" When rural women start arguing, no one can beat them, especially since they have helpers.

"That's right. I've inquired, and our factory only has a dozen or so people. It's definitely not enough. Your leaders must have sold the factory's quota."

"Yes, if they don't give us an explanation, we'll go to the commune leaders..."

"Old Huang, take care!"

Knowing he was no match for him, Shen Dong immediately fled.

Walking through the factory, everyone greeted him warmly, but Shen Dong still keenly sensed the schadenfreude hidden in their smiles.

Shen Dong shook his head helplessly.

Do you think these people are ridiculous?

It's laughable, really. They thought no one knew about their plan and were smugly pleased with themselves, believing that increased production would lead to higher incomes. But in reality, like the Emperor's New Clothes, everything was part of Shen Dong's plan.

It's not laughable, but people of this era simply don't have a long-term vision. They don't understand the concept of "intellectual property rights" at all, and they don't realize how important a formula that can beat everyone else is. So all their thoughts and complaints are reasonable.

This is similar to when Shen Dong started working in his later years and encountered two leaders vying for power, requiring him to choose sides. He had no idea which side was right, so he could only rely on his intuition.

He didn't have to wait long before Liu Gui came over with a beaming smile. "Xiao Shen, come here, Director Yang is here. He'd like to have a chat with you."

Shen Dong followed behind him and noticed that his steps had become lighter, thinking that he might be hopping away soon.

"Xiao Shen, please sit wherever you like."

"I'm here today to discuss something with you, it's about the profit-sharing ratio. Here's what I'm thinking." Yang Yujun said with a smile, his tone carrying an air of official authority, though he said it was a discussion.

"The factory still owes a lot of money. Once everyone gets the hang of it, production increases, and profits naturally rise. But many people are complaining, feeling that we're giving you too much. I've been thinking about it, and you've indeed earned quite a bit recently. What do you think...?"

Shen Dong frowned, his hands clenched tightly in front of him, his knuckles turning white, and he said in a deep voice, "I wonder what the proportion you mentioned, Director?"

"One and a half percent! We originally agreed on one percent, but since you provided the recipe, I'll give you an extra half percent. What do you think?"

"No way!" Shen Dong jumped up excitedly, his hands trembling with anger.

"We agreed on a 50% commitment, how can you go back on your word?"

Yang Yujun's face turned cold, but he still patiently said, "Comrade Shen, this represents the will of all the employees of the dairy factory!"

"That's far too little! I could have done it in my own production team, but I came here to cooperate because the dairy factory is a part of my childhood memories. Now you're bullying me like this, how can you be so shameless?"

Yang Yujun used the excuse of drinking water to hide a hint of embarrassment behind the cup.

Taking the opportunity, Liu Gui also scolded, "Shen Dong, how can you be so selfish! Your aunt Tang Yue also works at the factory. You're sacrificing a little personal benefit for the collective good. How can you not understand this?!"

Shen Dong sat down with his hands in his pockets, head down, and said stubbornly, "I don't care! Even little kids know that a pinky promise is a promise that can't be broken for a hundred years. You guys are being too shameless."

"You..." Yang Yujun held down the angry Liu Gui, tapped the table, thought for a moment, and then spoke.

"Comrade Shen Dong, there's something you might not know. Master Yang Zhengjun and Aunt Liu only studied for one day, and they've already made a new kind of yogurt that's exactly the same as yours."

"So you... are no longer that important person, do you understand?"

Shen Dong suddenly realized what was happening, pointed at Liu Gui, and said fiercely, "Oh, so you were waiting for me here! You...I..."

Then he seemed discouraged and sat in his chair for a long time without saying a word.

"Xiao Shen, the factory still needs you, so if you agree now, this 15% still counts. If you still refuse, then things will get ugly, and we'll have to break off relations."

Yang Yujun resumed his gentle tone and offered his advice.

"Can't we add some more?"

"I've discussed it with Director Liu, and the commune will compensate you with some more grain and meat coupons. What do you think?"

"What else can I do? I can only accept it." Shen Dong accepted it helplessly, still speaking with his head down.

Yang Yujun and Liu Gui exchanged a glance and smiled.

"Xiao Shen, you'll be in charge of production from now on, so you can't let your emotions get the better of you." Yang Yujun then got up, walked over, and patted Shen Dong on the shoulder.

Shen Dong then raised his head, bit his lip, and said, "Director, I think since everyone has already figured out how to make it, I'll just leave it to me. I don't have a factory position anyway."

"Besides, it was originally under Chen Dong's jurisdiction, so it's reasonable for it to be under his jurisdiction again."

Yang Yujun looked incredulous and questioned, "Are you serious? You can't get emotional like this!"

"Really, I think it would be good to come and settle the profits every now and then. I can earn money and do other things at the same time, and everyone will be happy."

Liu Gui looked anxious, wanting to speak but not daring to.

He had brought up this suggestion when he met Yang Yujun that morning, but Yang Yujun, mindful of Shen Dong's abilities, didn't want to completely break off relations and refused. Now that Shen Dong had actually brought it up himself, he almost exclaimed "yes!"

Yang Yujun hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, but even though I'm not in charge anymore, you still have to help me solve any problems that arise."

Shen Dong nodded.

"Thank you, Comrade Shen. Go to Sister Li's place. We'll still give you 50% today, and 15% starting tomorrow." Liu Gui forced a smile and quickly told Shen Dong to leave.

"Oh, that's wonderful! Thank you, Director Liu. I'll be going now, Chief!"

With that, Shen Dong closed the door and left.

Yang Yujun gave a few instructions, emphasizing the need to increase production and ensure quality, before leaving as well.

Liu Gui burst into laughter alone in his office. He had finally gotten rid of this arrogant brat, who had embarrassed him several times. He was finally satisfied.

Walking to the window, I saw a few women still gathered at the door. Remembering something, I quickly went downstairs, and as I walked, I suddenly jumped up...