The crisp, cool morning light of December couldn't dampen the lively atmosphere inside the commune's sideline production group's warehouse. Just as dawn broke, the wooden door was pushed open, and villagers poured in, carrying firewood and buckets. Their footsteps, laughter, and the crackling of firewood in the stoves created a vibrant morning symphony. Lin Wanqiu was already standing before the fermentation vats in the soy sauce group, her fingertips brushing against the glistening soybeans, her eyes filled with anticipation—today was the day to deliver the first batch of goods to the county supply and marketing cooperative. This carefully brewed soy sauce represented the villagers' hope for prosperity.

"Sister-in-law Wanqiu, I've soaked the soybeans in warm water for three hours as you instructed. Do you think it's alright?" Aunt Li, the head of the soy sauce group, came over carrying a basin of plump, soaked soybeans, her face full of seriousness. Lin Wanqiu took the basin, grabbed a handful of soybeans, and examined them carefully. Each bean was round and plump, not a single one shriveled. She smiled and nodded, "Aunt Li, they're soaked just right! Next, just like we practiced before, steam the soybeans until cooked, then mix them with flour to ferment. Remember, the temperature must be controlled at around 30 degrees Celsius; that way, the soy sauce will be fragrant enough."

Aunt Li readily agreed and gestured to the soy sauce team to carry the soybeans into the steamer. Steam quickly filled the warehouse, carrying the fresh aroma of soybeans. Lin Wanqiu then went to the pickled vegetable team, where Aunt Wang was leading everyone in selecting cabbages. The vibrant green cabbages were washed clean and stacked in bamboo baskets like piles of jade. "Wanqiu, look at these cabbages! They're freshly picked from the ground! If we pickle them with salt for three days using your method, plus chili peppers and garlic, they'll definitely be delicious!" Aunt Wang said excitedly, picking up a cabbage.

Lin Wanqiu said with a smile, "Aunt Wang, the cabbage you chose is excellent! When pickling, remember to sprinkle the salt evenly and press the cabbage down firmly so that the pickled cabbage will be crisp. By the way, let's make more kimchi this time. When we went to the county town last time, the stall owner said that kimchi is the most popular. Let's make more and take it to the market to sell."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Wang immediately became enthusiastic and directed everyone to start pickling vegetables. The warehouse was bustling with activity. Uncle Zhang from the cured meat group was leading everyone in rubbing salt onto the pork. Pieces of pork with alternating layers of fat and lean meat were rubbed with salt, peppercorns, and star anise, and then neatly hung on the drying rack, glistening in the sunlight. Aunt Li from the snack group was leading everyone in roasting sesame seeds. The aroma of sesame seeds mixed with the fragrance of peanuts was mouthwatering.

Shen Tingzhou arrived early as well, helping the snack team tend the fire. The fire roared, and the white sugar in the pot gradually melted, turning into a golden syrup. "Wanqiu, the syrup is almost done. Should we add the sesame seeds and peanuts next?" Shen Tingzhou asked, looking at the syrup in the pot. Lin Wanqiu went over, scooped up a little syrup with a spoon, and dripped it into cold water. The syrup immediately solidified into a block. She tasted it; it was sweet and crispy. She nodded in satisfaction: "Tingzhou, you can add them now! Pour in the sesame seeds and peanuts, stir quickly and evenly, then pour it onto a bamboo mat and cut it into small pieces while it's still hot. The sesame candy is ready."

Shen Tingzhou immediately did as instructed, pouring the roasted sesame seeds and peanuts into the pot and stirring quickly. The golden syrup coated the black and white sesame seeds and peanuts, emitting an enticing aroma. Nian'an ran in after school, his schoolbag on his back. As soon as he entered, he smelled the aroma of sesame candy. He ran to the snack box, his eyes sparkling as he looked at the sesame candy in the pot: "Mom, is the sesame candy almost ready? I really want some!"

Lin Wanqiu smiled and patted his head: "Almost done. Once it's cut into pieces, you can have some. But Nian'an, you need to help Mommy pack the sesame candy into the bag first, okay?" Nian'an nodded vigorously, took out his small towel from his schoolbag, wiped his hands, and prepared to help. Soon, the sesame candy was ready, cut into small pieces, and packed into an oil paper bag, looking delicate and delicious. Lin Wanqiu picked up a piece and handed it to Nian'an: "Try it, is it good?"

Nian'an took the sesame candy, took a bite, and found it sweet, crispy, and full of the aroma of sesame and peanuts. He squinted his eyes in satisfaction: "Mom, it's so delicious! It's better than anything I've ever had before! The kids in the county town will definitely love it too!" Lin Wanqiu looked at her son's happy face and felt a surge of happiness in her heart—she not only wanted Nian'an to have a good life, but also wanted all the children in the village to have delicious snacks and all the villagers to live a prosperous life.

After a busy day, the sideline production team finally finished delivering their goods to the county supply and marketing cooperative: 100 jin of soy sauce in earthenware jars, 50 jin of pickled vegetables in earthenware pots, 30 jin of cured meat hanging on bamboo racks, and 20 jin of sesame candy and 20 jin of peanut brittle in oil paper bags, all neatly stacked in a corner of the warehouse. Looking at their harvest, the villagers' faces lit up with happy smiles. Aunt Wang exclaimed excitedly, "Late Autumn, look how many good things we've made! We're sure to get a good price in the county! Our lives will be much better from now on!"

Lin Wanqiu said with a smile, "This is all thanks to everyone's hard work. Tomorrow morning, Tingzhou and I will deliver the goods to the county town. Once we get the money, we'll give everyone work points and pocket money so that everyone can have a good New Year!" The villagers were even happier to hear this and all said they would come early tomorrow to help load the truck.

The next morning, before dawn, Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, along with several strong young villagers, loaded the goods onto the cart. The cart set off in the morning light, heading towards the county town. The wind was biting cold along the way, but everyone's hearts were warm. Nian An had also come along; he sat in the cart, holding a bag of sesame candy in his arms, excitedly watching the scenery outside the window, hoping to see everyone buying sesame candy in the county town.

After more than an hour's journey, the carriage finally arrived at the county supply and marketing cooperative. Director Wang was already waiting at the door. Upon seeing the goods on the carriage, he immediately greeted them warmly: "Comrade Wanqiu, Comrade Chen, you've finally arrived! I couldn't wait to see your goods!" Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "Director Wang, thank you for waiting! These are all carefully made by our sideline production team. Rest assured, the quality is definitely not a problem!"

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