Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

Li Mei was stunned, then her eyes welled up with tears: "Okay! I'll go right now! He's incredibly lucky to have a brother-in-law like you!"

Qiu Weimin waved his hand: "Go quickly, don't be late."

The next morning, the green train bound for Kyoto was ready to depart. Several gleaming carts were stacked inside the carriages, all carrying goods carefully selected by the supply and marketing cooperative—the most eye-catching of all were more than a dozen baskets of braised duck from Guyun Town wrapped in oil paper, the duck skin gleaming with an amber light, and the aroma wafting straight into one's nose.

Qiu Weimin pulled his brother-in-law, Li Aiguo, aside and whispered, "Pushing the cart isn't like carrying sacks. You have to be three parts smiling and seven parts patient. Use the word 'please' when you speak, and don't have a stern face. If you do this job well, your sister can hold her head high at the factory!"

Li Aiguo thumped his chest loudly: "Brother-in-law, don't worry! I'm sweeter than the candied hawthorn seller!"

As soon as the train left the station, he immediately checked the goods, placing the fragrant braised duck, braised pork hock, and spiced eggs on the roof of the cart. After driving for two or three hours, when he was more alert, he pushed the cart into the carriage.

Seeing travelers coming and going everywhere, an idea struck him, and he immediately began to make arrangements:

"Dear fellow countrymen and comrades from the north and south—look here! Our Guyun Duck from Dongli County is having long queues in the streets and alleys of Beijing! If you haven't tried it yet, today is our grand opening! We've got a special cooperation agreement with the railway bureau to solve the urgent problem of hungry passengers on trains—authentic taste, reasonable price, and no food coupons required!"

Before he finished speaking, many people gathered around with smiles: "Let's give it a try!" They bought a duck wing and two pieces of duck gizzard for three or five cents. They were tender, savory and delicious, and even cheaper than at the department store by two cents. In the blink of an eye, the truck was empty.

These days, who travels by train without bringing their own food? The stir-fried dishes on board are outrageously expensive, but this braised duck is a perfect treat – satisfying, filling, and no tickets required! The train had barely gone halfway when the news reached the dispatch office – Qiu Weimin and several bureau leaders clutched the telegram, their eyes lighting up. This wasn't just selling ducks; it was clearly opening the floodgates to hundreds of jobs!

Immediately, he ordered the scribe to draft an official document and send it to the provincial newspaper: firstly, to show off to the higher authorities, and secondly, to take advantage of the momentum to recruit people—there were hundreds of openings, which the railway bureau couldn't possibly fill on its own, so they had to cast a wide net and look for people throughout the province!

In Guyun Town, An Ping was hunched over her desk checking the quarterly shipping orders, her temples throbbing. The phone rang, and she grabbed the receiver, her voice still a little hoarse:

"Hello, Gu Yun Duck Farm!"

"I am Zheng Ping from the Logistics Department of the Railway Bureau. The supply agreement I reached with Secretary He last time is now being placed—delivery every ten days. I will report the quantity, and the price will be based on the price set by Comrade Chen Yan. Payment will also be settled every ten days."

Anping quickly jotted down the numbers, put down her pen, and her head buzzed: This order was even higher than the steel mill's total orders for the first quarter! This much food in ten days? Did the whole train gnaw on duck legs for every meal?

She shook her head, banishing the distractions—the most pressing matter was to rush into the workshop immediately and shout at the top of her lungs: Add more people! Add more ingredients! Increase the heat! The first batch of goods must be loaded neatly onto the train first thing tomorrow morning!

Chen Yangang had just finished a meeting in the county and rushed back to the town to preside over a deployment meeting.

As everyone took their seats, and the teacups were barely set down, he began to speak:

"During this research trip, I had a heavy feeling on my mind—it's not that we lack resources or policies, it's that we're slow to think and hesitant to act! Just sitting at the door waiting for orders and instructions will inevitably leave us behind. We must proactively break through this impasse! I suggest immediately setting up a branch at the provincial capital's train station, creating the 'Guyun Ecological Flavor Pavilion,' focusing on duck cuisine experiences; then dispatching skilled personnel to surrounding counties, bringing samples, sincerity, and the unique advantages and preferential plans of our Guyun duck, to build the brand brick by brick!"

Before he finished speaking, a burst of applause erupted in the conference room.

He Yuzhu was walking towards the brick factory construction site when he heard a great commotion in the distance—under the scorching sun, men, women, and children were all working together: those laying sand and gravel were sweating profusely, those building kiln walls were carrying loads on their shoulders and by hand, and those transporting materials were pushing carts at high speed. Everyone was doing their job and working enthusiastically.

The factory's framework was in place, but the person in charge remained undecided. As He Yuzhu walked, he pondered: the selection of the factory manager should not only consider experience, but also the ability to handle responsibilities, remain calm, and lead a team.

He squatted down next to the kiln base and chatted with two technicians from the provincial capital.

He Yuzhu: "At this rate, when will we be able to start firing and produce bricks?"

Wan Shaoqing: "The kiln body was sealed in ten days, the fire was lit and tested on the eleventh day, and the first batch of finished products could be seen on the twelfth day."

He Yuzhu: "Can the quality of the bricks really withstand inspection?"

Wan Shaoqing: "The local clay mixed with rock powder has been repeatedly tested three times at the Provincial Building Materials Institute. It has passed all tests in terms of compressive strength, moisture resistance, and color uniformity."

He Yuzhu: "What about production capacity? Can it be stabilized in the first month?"

Wan Shaoqing: "In the initial assembly stage, the workers were still getting used to it, so the output was a little slow; after two weeks of adjustment, the average daily output immediately increased."

He Yuzhu: "Then I'll leave it to you and Comrade Wang Jianjun to keep a close eye on the technical side. As for management, I'll get the team in place as soon as possible."

Wan Shaoqing: "We handle all the technical work, but for things like scheduling and arranging shifts, it's still the commune cadres who are holding things together."

He Yuzhu: "Understood, the manpower will be in place in the next two days."

He walked around the field, and his understanding became clearer: the organization was still incomplete—the factory director, accountant, clerk, and recruitment team were all missing. Fortunately, the Red Star Commune had already selected more than 120 hardworking and reliable young people, both men and women, just waiting for a leader to take flight. But he wasn't sure who to choose.

As he pushed open the door, Lou Xiao'e was already setting out the bowls and chopsticks, waiting for him.

He Yuzhu: "You've been so busy these past few days, I'm so grateful for your hard work."

Lou Xiao'e: "What's a little tiredness? As long as I can help, I'm happy to."

He Yuzhu: "The brick factory is currently in dire need of someone in charge. You worked at the old factory for many years, so we'd like to ask you to fill in for a few months until a suitable person is found before handing over the reins."

Lou Xiao'e: "Going to the Red Star Commune?"

He Yuzhu: "Yes. If it's difficult, we'll think of another way."

Lou Xiao'e: "I am willing to learn and dare to try if I can do something practical for my fellow villagers."

He Yuzhu: "Then go find Comrade Wang Xiulan tomorrow morning and take the lead in organizing a recruitment ceremony to fill the vacancies."

Lou Xiao'e nodded in agreement—she had become quite familiar with Wang Xiulan in the past few days.

……

The next morning, the Women's Federation hung up banners on the main street of the county town and broadcast announcements on a loop: Two days later, an examination will be held at the No. 1 Primary School in the county. The brick factory will be recruiting its first batch of workers—requiring at least a junior high school education and ages between sixteen and fifty; dormitory will be provided, a ten-minute walk from the county town; the plan is to recruit twenty people, first come, first served, until all places are filled.

Lou Xiao'e stood at the entrance of the Women's Federation, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes: "What if I can't hold on over there by the pillar?"

She felt uneasy, afraid of showing weakness, afraid of betraying the trust of the masses, and even more afraid of embarrassing He Yuzhu in the county.

He Yuzhu patted her on the shoulder: "I've set up the business and secured the orders. You just need to take over the printing, assume your post, and lead the team. It's only a few months; consider it training."

Lou Xiao'e bit her lip: "If I do anything wrong, please don't yell at me."

He Yuzhu glanced at her sideways and smiled, "When have I ever yelled at you?"

Liu Qiang then hurriedly pushed the door open and came in:

"Secretary He, there's a joint meeting in the county at noon, and I still have to go to Qixing Commune for on-site research this afternoon." He turned and left after saying that.

He Yuzhu said to Lou Xiao'e, "I'll leave the recruitment to you. I won't be able to handle it these next few days."

Lou Xiao'e straightened her clothes and walked quickly toward the county women's federation.

As soon as he entered, Wang Xiulan greeted him with a beaming smile: "Comrade Lou, you're here! Registration is incredibly popular! In just half a day, we've collected over 130 registration forms. The public's enthusiasm is truly remarkable!"

Lou Xiao'e: "Our factory doesn't need that many. We'll select people for interviews after the written test."

The two chatted about job assignments as they walked. When Wang Xiulan heard that Lou Xiao'e was willing to take on the role of assistant factory manager, her eyes lit up—her daughter Gu Ting had been unemployed for almost a year. The county had only recruited workers once in Guyun Town, and the county government had not made any moves. She had tried to find a satisfactory job through connections but to no avail.

Lou Xiao'e then suggested, "Why don't we have Gu Ting come and help too? She can familiarize herself with the process as soon as possible."

Wang Xiulan nodded repeatedly: "Okay! I'll have her report to you tomorrow morning."

That evening, Wang Xiulan walked briskly into the house, a smile playing on her lips. Gu Yun immediately smiled and asked, "What good news have you stumbled upon today? You look as happy as if you've found a gold nugget."

Wang Xiulan: "We've really struck gold this time—Ting'er has a job!"

Gu Yun: "Grain Bureau? Post Office?"

Wang Xiulan: "It's much better than those two. The treatment is real, and the future is bright."

Gu Yun: "A pork station?"

Wang Xiulan pointed her index finger upwards: "Guess again."

Gu Yun was taken aback: "What new opportunities could there be in the county? I've been sitting in this office for ten years and haven't heard a single word about it."

Wang Xiulan asked with slight surprise, "Didn't Director Qin Feng mention this to you? The county has been making a lot of big moves lately."

Gu Yun shook his head with a wry smile: "I'm just a gofer, why would they tell me anything?"

Wang Xiulan lowered her voice: "Let me put it this way—if you follow this person, your words will carry more weight in the county."

Gu Yun was taken aback: "You mean...him?"

Wang Xiulan raised her hand and gently poked his forehead: "What nonsense are you thinking! I was talking about his wife—I heard she was just appointed as the director of the brick factory! This factory isn't a small operation; there's a big plan behind it. How could he not care about something that's family?"

Gu Yun slowly nodded.

Wang Xiulan cut to the chase and told Gu Yun directly, "Let Ting'er work as Comrade Lou's assistant. As long as she's willing to study and learn, she'll figure things out on her own over time, won't she?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Ting pushed open the door and entered the room.

Wang Xiulan looked up and greeted her: "Come with me to the Women's Federation tomorrow! I asked someone to get you this job—when you get there, be quick-witted, sharp-eyed, and quick-thinking, understand?"

Gu Ting was slightly taken aback, thinking to herself: What trouble could possibly happen at the Women's Federation? It's right under our noses, isn't it? But she understood the weight of her mother's words, nodded heavily, and didn't ask any more questions.

Lou Xiao'e had already finalized the agreement with the county's No. 1 Primary School—to hold the recruitment exam over Saturday and Sunday. The principal agreed with a broad smile, but upon glancing back and seeing Qin Feng standing at the door, a bead of sweat immediately appeared on his forehead: So this was the real "errand boy" in charge. It was best to play dumb; he could manage things however he wanted!