After several days of repeated trials, Lin Wanqiu finally finalized the recipes for several pastries and produced samples. The peach shortbread was golden and crispy, the sesame cake was sweet and soft, the mung bean cake was refreshing and delicious, and the jujube paste cake was sweet but not greasy. Each one had its own unique characteristics, making them all mouthwatering.
That morning, Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, carrying pastry samples, boarded the sideline business group's carriage and headed to the county supply and marketing cooperative. Nian'an went along too; he wanted to see for himself whether his mother's pastries would be approved by Director Wang.
The carriage traveled along the snow-covered dirt road, its wheels crunching over the snow. Nian'an sat in the carriage, lifting the curtain to gaze curiously at the scenery outside. Sunlight streamed through the window, warming his face.
"Mom, do you think Director Wang will like the pastries we made?" Nian'an asked with some worry.
Lin Wanqiu patted his head and said with a smile, "Don't worry, our pastries are so delicious, Director Wang will definitely like them. Even if there are areas that need improvement, we can adjust them gradually."
Shen Tingzhou also smiled and said, "Nian'an, don't be afraid. With your father and mother here, there will definitely be no problem."
The carriage traveled for over an hour before finally arriving at the county supply and marketing cooperative. Director Wang was already waiting at the entrance, and upon seeing them, he immediately greeted them warmly: "Comrade Wanqiu, Comrade Shen, you've finally arrived! I've been eagerly awaiting your pastry samples these past few days!"
Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "I'm sorry to have kept Director Wang waiting. These are some samples of pastries we made. Please try them." As she spoke, she took out a box containing pastries from her cloth bag and handed it to Director Wang.
Director Wang took the box, opened it, and saw four kinds of pastries neatly arranged inside, each emitting an enticing aroma. He picked up a peach shortbread, took a bite, and his eyes lit up immediately: "Excellent! Excellent! This peach shortbread is so well made! Crispy, sweet, and not oily or greasy at all, it's better than any peach shortbread I've ever had!"
Next, he tried sesame cake, mung bean cake, and jujube paste cake. With each one, he couldn't help but praise, "Fantastic! Each one has its own unique characteristics, and the texture and taste are impeccable! Comrade Wanqiu, you guys are truly amazing!"
Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "Director Wang, you flatter me. We went through many trials before finalizing the formula. If you think it's suitable, we can start supplying goods next month."
"Perfect! Perfect!" Director Wang said excitedly. "I'll finalize the supply details with you right now. We'll order 200 jin of each type of pastry first, and if they sell well, we'll increase the order!"
Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou were overjoyed upon hearing this. Nian'an jumped up excitedly, "Mom, I told you, Director Wang would definitely like it!"
Director Wang looked at Nian'an and said with a smile, "Little friend, your mother is really capable. You should learn from your mother and become a capable person in the future."
Nian'an nodded vigorously: "I will! I will help Mom make pastries and help Dad with chores from now on!"
Emerging from the supply and marketing cooperative, the sun shone brightly, warming her skin. Looking at the supply contract in her hand, Lin Wanqiu felt a surge of accomplishment. This was another sideline business she had expanded into, following soy sauce, pickled vegetables, and cured meat, and a significant step in helping her fellow villagers prosper.
Shen Tingzhou held her hand and said with a smile, "Great, Wanqiu, we've taken another step forward."
Lin Wanqiu nodded, her eyes full of anticipation: "Yes, things will get better and better for us in the future. Once the pastry business is stable, we'll open a tofu shop and teach the villagers how to make tofu and vermicelli, so that everyone can earn more money and live a better life."
Nian'an ran ahead, a peach shortbread in his hand, humming a tune as he ate. Watching her son's cheerful figure and listening to her beloved's words beside her, Lin Wanqiu's heart was filled with happiness. She knew that although there would be many challenges ahead, as long as their family worked together and had the support of their fellow villagers, there would be no difficulty they couldn't overcome.
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