Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 722 Begging
Changing the distribution method is definitely not something the four leaders can decide behind closed doors. They need to convene a meeting of all the team leaders first, and only after unanimous approval can the decision be reported to the commune and implemented with the commune's consent.

However, given that the landmark meeting had just concluded, the precedent of Huaxi Village, and the fact that the commune's Secretary Qian, Director Jiang, and Deputy Secretary He were not conservatives, the report was highly likely to be approved.

Secretary Yang smoked a cigarette, pondering when to hold the meeting—before the Spring Festival or after?
There's no rush. We just finished calculating this year's dividends, so it's not too late to finalize it before next year's dividends.

Moreover, Chen Fan only provided a general framework; the specific details of each clause and item need to be carefully considered.

Should we ask Chen Fan to help us take a look?

He looked up at Chen Fan, who just then put down his teacup, looked up at him, and asked, "Uncle Yang, I received a telegram earlier saying that there was a problem with the down jackets at the garment factory. Has it been resolved?"

Secretary Yang blinked, still not quite understanding, when Ye Shubao, standing beside him, flicked off his cigarette ash and grinned, "It's all solved. It was just a problem with the lint leaking out. Liu Lu said it's related to the quality of the fabric."

We contacted Yunhu Cotton Mill, and Secretary Jiang sent several people over. After repeated trials and using two more layers of fabric, the down jackets produced afterward basically stopped leaking down.

Moreover, the first batch of qualified products were all bought by the cotton mill as welfare goods, and the price they paid was not low.

Seeing the wide smile on his face, Chen Fan asked with a smile, "How much did you sell it for?"

Ye Shubao made a gesture, his eyes narrowing into slits as he smiled, “The factory price is 40 yuan per piece, and that’s for the medium style. If it’s the long style, the kind that goes below the knee, it’ll be 60 yuan per piece.”

He took a drag on his cigarette and couldn't help but smack his lips twice. "No wonder you insisted on producing down jackets; they really are valuable."

Previously, we only sold duck and goose down, and it took a lot of bags to sell for 40 yuan. After washing and processing the down into down jackets, the price immediately increased many times over. Industrial products are indeed incomparable to agricultural products.

Chen Fan smiled without saying a word. If he couldn't double the price, why would he suggest that Lujiawan develop towards industry?

Take duck down as an example. Not to mention that there are not many places that buy duck down, even if there are, the price is only around 3 to 5 yuan per kilogram. The down content of a medium-sized down jacket is about 3 to 4 liang (150-200 grams), which is already a very thick garment.

If you switch to the thin down jackets common in Guangdong, the down content is even more pitifully low, probably only about one or two ounces.

Once made into down jackets, they sell for at least 50 yuan apiece in department stores, and can reach as high as 8, 90, or even over 100 yuan, with profit margins far exceeding those of ordinary clothing.

If Lujiawan can maintain this business and continue to produce high-quality goods, this single garment company could sustain Lujiawan's prosperity for half a century.

Not to mention other side businesses such as breeding farms and food factories.

Just as he thought of the food factory, Ye Shubao said, "Last month, Yunhu Machinery Factory delivered all the equipment the food factory needed, including the braising equipment and two canning lines."

We've tried to find out about the plastic bags you mentioned, but they're too expensive, and the permits are hard to obtain. We can't even guarantee the supply of raw materials, so it's simply not cost-effective. Therefore, we switched to canned goods.

Chen Fan laughed and said, "Canned goods are fine too. If they're done well, we might even be able to export them. But will there be any issues with the quality?"

Ye Shubao laughed heartily, "We wouldn't even dare to think about exporting it. We'll be very satisfied if it's well-received. The quality is definitely not a problem. We took your advice and invited several retired master craftsmen from the prefectural committee's food factory to come and give us guidance. We also bought professional testing equipment. There's definitely no problem."

Chen Fan nodded slowly, "That's good."

After they finished speaking, Secretary Yang said, "We've been working hard, and the town's industrial park is almost finished. Some of the workshops that were completed earlier have already started production. Would you like to go and take a look?"

Chen Fan thought for a moment, shook his head slightly, and smiled, "I won't go and see. As long as we keep the quality up, things will definitely get better and better in the future."

If nothing unexpected happens, he will gradually relinquish control of affairs in Lujiawan.

Under his planning, Lujiawan has laid a solid foundation. Now, in terms of agriculture, it cooperates with agricultural technology stations, with agricultural technicians stationed in the village to provide guidance. There are also many retired master craftsmen in the factory, all of whom were invited back from the prefectural committee. With them there, the quality will not go astray.

Furthermore, for a long time to come, it will be a seller's market. As long as there is production, there will be no fear of not being able to sell it. Therefore, Chen Fan will naturally have no place to use his skills.

For example, when he received a telegram saying that there was a problem with the clothing factory's production, he didn't pay attention to it or ask any questions, and in the end, the problem was still resolved.

Since Lujiawan can develop independently, he can also withdraw in the short term.

In the future, when it comes to crucial moments, it will be enough to help Lujiawan clarify its development direction.

……

Over the next few days, Chen Fan became very busy.

Just as in later generations, the period around the Spring Festival is the most frequent time for weddings in rural areas.

Moving to a new house is one thing, but with hundreds of households in the entire production team, and every single one of them having built a new house, who would still use that as an excuse to hold a celebration?
That would be asking for trouble.

But other issues are unavoidable.

The elderly celebrate their birthdays, babies turn one month or one year old, and there are also weddings and weddings for daughters, all concentrated in this period.

To put it bluntly, there are even more funerals in winter.

The reason is simple: for the elderly, every winter is a "hurdle". If they can get through a winter, they can live for another year. If they can't, that's it.

In Lujiawan, these days, when people hold weddings, Secretary Yang and others may not be able to attend, but Teacher Chen cannot be left out.

Chen Fan has to visit at least two places a day. In the morning, he goes to celebrate an elderly person's birthday, and in the afternoon, he goes to celebrate a baby's birthday. In between, he also has to go to another place for tea. The next day, he has to be the officiant for a couple's wedding. He is very busy.

Zhou Yali found it novel and was quite happy.

This went on for two or three days until Zhou Zhengdong came from the capital and things finally calmed down.

In the blink of an eye, it's already the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, the last day of the Year of the Horse.

……

Inside the cadre dormitory building of Yunhu Cotton Mill, in the Jiang family's small building.

In the study on the second floor, Jiang Lili held her sister's hand and said with a bitter face, "Sister, please come with me."

Jiang Tiantian glared at her irritably and continued looking at the book in her hand, "I'm not going."

Jiang Lili tugged at her and shook her, "Come on. Aren't you worried about me if I go alone?"

Jiang Tiantian snorted twice, "I was definitely worried last year, but now, look at yourself..."

As she spoke, she turned around and patted her sister's waist, saying, "You always carry a pistol at home. You've also mastered the kung fu that Xiao Fan taught you. I sparred with you yesterday and you even slapped me; my arm still hurts."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lili immediately grabbed her arm and started to roll up her sleeves, saying, "No, no, let me see, I clearly didn't use any force!"

Jiang Tiantian slapped her hand and said irritably, "You heartless bastard, I held back while practicing with you, and you still dare to slap me. If it weren't for your sister having some skills, I would have really been injured during the New Year."

Jiang Lili immediately grinned foolishly, raised her right hand and said, "I promise, there will never be a next time. Actually, it's because my sister is too amazing that I could only do my best and accidentally messed up."

Jiang Tiantian poked her forehead. "Hmph, you dare to do it again? I won't practice with you anymore. Let Xiao Fan practice with you instead." Then she added, "With your current skills and the gun you carry, what do I have to worry about? You and Xiao Fan have confirmed your relationship, so it's only natural for you to go to his house for a family reunion dinner. What would it make me to go? No way."

After saying that, he picked up the book again and pretended to be engrossed in reading it.

Jiang Lili pouted and snorted twice, "Stingy."

Jiang Tiantian's lips twitched slightly, and she ignored her.

After a few seconds, Jiang Lili's eyes darted around, and she tugged at her arm, whispering, "Sister, sister...?"

Jiang Tiantian sighed deeply, "What is it now?"

Jiang Lili chuckled foolishly, but her eyes held a complex expression. She said softly, "Sister, I want something from you. Can you give it to me?"

Jiang Tiantian sighed helplessly and turned to look at her, "What do you want now?"

Jiang Lili stared intently into her eyes and said softly, "I want your watch."

Jiang Tiantian's gaze froze instantly. The next second, a hint of panic appeared in her eyes. She quickly turned her head away, pretending to be nonchalant, "What... a watch?"

Seeing her expression, Jiang Lili sighed inwardly, then looked up and smiled, saying, "It's that pair of Shanghai watches that Mom and Dad prepared for you before. You didn't use them. Later, we gave the men's one to Xiaofan, and he's been wearing it ever since. I want the other one to make a pair."

After a brief silence, Jiang Tiantian took a deep breath, turned to look at her, and smiled, "Okay, I'll go get it for you."

He then decisively got up and walked towards his room.

She returned shortly after, holding a small box in her hands. She walked up to her sister, took a deep breath, and handed it to her with both hands, saying, "Here you go."

Jiang Lili took it, opened it, and found another women's Shanghai watch inside.

She glanced at her sister, then took off the plum blossom watch from her wrist. It was a gift Chen Fan had brought back from his first trip to the provincial capital. The two sisters each had one, and they always wore them except when showering or sleeping.

After changing her watch, Jiang Lili stretched out her arm to look at it, then pulled Jiang Tiantian to sit down, but didn't let go of her hand. Instead, she held her hands tightly and looked at her, saying, "Sister, thank you."

Jiang Tiantian smiled and tightened her grip on her sister's hand, saying with a smile, "You two sisters, why are you thanking me?"

Jiang Lili shook her head, took a deep breath, and suddenly her eyes reddened. "Sister, without you, I definitely wouldn't have made it through those three years in Lujiawan."

When I first went there, I didn't know anything, and no one taught me. They didn't even talk to me. I could only secretly read the letters you wrote to me every day and read your encouraging words, which is how I persevered.

Back then, I looked forward to the New Year every day because you would come to see me then.

I'd been waiting and waiting, and finally the New Year arrived! But when Xiaofan carried you home that day, I was terrified. Thankfully, you were alright in the end, otherwise I really wouldn't know what I would have done.

Hearing this, Jiang Tiantian's nose also felt a little sore. She quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears. "Alright, alright, it's all in the past now. Besides, you've met Xiao Fan. Things will definitely get better and better from now on. Don't cry."

Jiang Lili nodded, then smiled through her tears, "Mmm."

After a few seconds of pause, she took a deep breath and said to her sister, "Sis, you should come with me."

Jiang Tiantian paused for a moment, about to speak, when she heard her continue, "Sister, you know how many students Xiao Fan has. Last time, Liu Lu even stayed at his house for a few days."

Hearing this, Jiang Tiantian frowned slightly, "You're not jealous of them, are you?"

Jiang Lili quickly shook her head and said seriously, "I'm not jealous, and I won't lose my temper and make Xiao Fan angry, but they're not as well-behaved as they seem on the surface."

Jiang Tiantian's eyes flickered slightly. "You mean...?"

Jiang Lili nodded vigorously, "Yes, they all have ulterior motives towards Xiao Fan."

Jiang Tiantian frowned. "Really? I thought Liu Lu was quite honest."

Jiang Lili grabbed her hand tightly, her face unusually serious. "How could you not? Xiao Fan is so outstanding. If it were you, wouldn't you be tempted?"

Jiang Tiantian hesitated for a moment, instinctively wanting to nod, but the next second she suddenly realized what she was talking about, and glared at him, saying, "What nonsense! Xiao Fan is your future husband, why would I be interested in him? Don't say things like that again."

Jiang Lili chuckled a few times, "I was just saying."

Then her expression changed again. "But, sister, you can't be too careful. But you know I don't know anything. What if they win Xiao Fan's favor? Why don't you come with me?"

"Xiao Fan is not that kind of person. I think you're just worrying unnecessarily."

Although that's what she said, at this moment, Jiang Tiantian's expression finally softened a little. She hesitated for a while before nodding gently, "Okay, then I'll go with you."

The next second, she quickly added, "Just this once, don't come to me again next time. If you ask me, you should just get a marriage certificate with Xiaofan in Lujiawan. It's not formal, but it's recognized by outsiders, and it'll save you from all this messy stuff."

That's what she said, but she also knew that as long as Xiao Fan was still a cadre, she couldn't do that. That would be a mistake. Making a mistake unintentionally is one thing, but making a mistake knowingly is another. She couldn't cause trouble for Xiao Fan.

Upon hearing her sister's agreement, Jiang Lili immediately beamed with joy, "Thank you, sister."

Jiang Tiantian shook her head and stood up. "Since we're going, let's hurry up and change our clothes."

After saying that, he walked out.

Jiang Lili gripped her wrist with one hand, looked down at the watch she had just changed into, then glanced at the empty doorway. She took a deep breath, and a strange smile suddenly appeared on her face.

The two sisters were quick, changing their clothes and coming out almost at the same time.

Downstairs, Jiang Heng was sitting on the sofa drinking tea and reading the newspaper. Seeing that the two of them had changed into their outdoor clothes, he didn't think much of it. He pointed to the two gift boxes on the coffee table and said, "Take these with you. I heard from the deliveryman from Lujiawan that his uncle and cousin are spending the New Year there. Be warm and polite when you see them."

Jiang Lili skipped over, picked up the gift box with both hands, and said with a smile, "Thank you, Dad. I'll be careful."

Jiang Heng snorted twice and said to her, "I can definitely trust your sister. I'm talking about you, so don't be silly when you see people and don't even know how to greet them."

Jiang Lili pouted, "I'm not a child, I'm not that stupid."

Jiang Tiantian took two steps forward, took her sister's arm, and smiled at Jiang Heng, "Don't worry, Dad, I'll keep an eye on her."

Jiang Heng nodded and pointed outside, "Xiao Fan has arranged for the Lujiawan transport team to pick you up. The vehicle is outside. If you don't get off soon, I'll have to go up and call for help. You can follow them directly to Lujiawan later."

The two sisters nodded in unison, "Understood."

She then greeted her mother, who was busy in the kitchen, and they went out hand in hand.

(End of this chapter)