In the sweltering summer of 1984, the scorching sun beat down on the asphalt roads of Hongqi Commune, while the sycamore leaves along the roadside grew even greener, their layers of leaves weaving a dense canopy that shielded passersby from the scorching heat. Inside the courtyard of the "Late Autumn Food Workshop," however, a bustling scene unfolded. Two newly added dough-kneading machines hummed, and workers in pristine white uniforms busied themselves methodically in the production workshop, kneading dough, mixing fillings, baking, and packaging. Every step was performed with practiced skill and efficiency, and the air was filled with the sweet aroma of sesame, jujube paste, and walnuts, attracting the frequent stops and glances of passing villagers.
Lin Wanqiu stood by the office window, holding a thick order book in her hand. Her fingertips traced the densely packed words on it, her eyes filled with joy and emotion. Since the local television station's special program aired, "Wanqiu Food Workshop" had become famous throughout the region overnight. Every day, distributors from the county, city, and even neighboring cities would call or come in person to place orders. The order volume had tripled compared to before, and the originally spacious production workshop seemed somewhat crowded. They had to temporarily hire twenty new workers just to barely keep up with the order volume.
"Director Lin, these are the orders we just received this morning. Please take a look." Li Xiulian walked into the office carrying a stack of orders, fine beads of sweat on her forehead, but her face beaming with excitement. "The department store in the city ordered 500 jin of sesame brittle and 300 jin of jujube paste cake, saying they'll put them on the food counter on the first floor for special sales; and the supply and marketing cooperative in the neighboring city also ordered 200 jin of hawthorn cake and 150 jin of walnut brittle, requiring delivery by next week!"
Lin Wanqiu took the order and carefully read through it, her smile growing wider. She recalled the "Chain Brand Operation Guide" in her space, which mentioned that media exposure could quickly enhance brand awareness and market recognition. Now it seemed to be true—although the food workshop's business was booming before, its main customers were still concentrated in the commune and county town. But now, the "Wanqiu" brand had gone beyond Hongqi Commune and gained recognition in a wider market.
"Xiulian, sort these orders out and categorize them by delivery date, prioritizing the urgent ones. Also, have Old Li in the warehouse check the raw material inventory to see if we have enough of commonly used ingredients like flour, sesame seeds, and walnuts. If not, contact the flour mill in the county and the farmers in our commune as soon as possible to deliver the goods. We mustn't delay production." Lin Wanqiu said, making marks on the order book as she spoke, her tone conveying competence and composure.
Li Xiulian nodded quickly, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it right away! By the way, Director Lin, Manager Wang from the county town just called and said he wants to sign a long-term supply contract with us and also wants to put our pastries into all the supply and marketing cooperative outlets in their county town for sale. When do you have time to talk to him in person?"
"A long-term supply contract?" Lin Wanqiu's heart skipped a beat. This was exactly what she wanted—a long-term partnership could not only stabilize the source of orders but also reduce the cost of raw material procurement and transportation, which would be very beneficial to the long-term development of the food workshop. She looked up at the wall clock and said with a smile, "I don't have any plans this afternoon, so let Manager Wang come over this afternoon. We can discuss the details of the cooperation with him."
Li Xiulian responded and turned to hurry out of the office, her steps light as if she were walking on air. Lin Wanqiu watched her retreating figure, her heart filled with satisfaction—since Li Xiulian became the workshop director, she had not only managed the production workshop in an orderly manner but had also learned to communicate and negotiate with customers, becoming her most capable assistant.
She walked to her desk, opened a drawer, and took out a yellowed notebook. It recorded every important milestone in the food workshop's history: the five yuan earned from selling sesame crisps for the first time, the first order of more than 100 kilograms, the first expansion of the factory, the first time receiving the title of "Outstanding Enterprise in the Region"... Every number and every event carries the hard work of her and Shen Tingzhou, and witnesses the growth of the food workshop.
"Wanqiu, what are you thinking about?" Shen Tingzhou walked into the office, holding a newly printed production report. Seeing Lin Wanqiu staring blankly at her notebook, he asked softly. He was wearing a light blue shirt with the cuffs rolled up, revealing his strong forearms. His face showed some fatigue, but he couldn't hide the smile in his eyes—recently, orders for the food workshop had surged. He not only had to help process orders and purchase raw materials, but also had to find time to go to the city to inspect the location of branch stores. He was busy every day, but he felt full of energy.
Lin Wanqiu looked up, smiled, and handed the notebook to Shen Tingzhou. "Look, it's really not easy for our food workshop to grow from a small operation to where it is today. Now we have so many orders, and our reputation is growing. Maybe we can even make the 'Wanqiu' brand available in Beijing and Shanghai someday!"
Shen Tingzhou took the notebook and carefully flipped through it, his eyes filled with emotion. He recalled when he had just returned to his hometown after his "resurrection," seeing Lin Wanqiu with her frail Nian'an living in a drafty mud-brick house, unable to even afford a decent meal, and felt a deep sense of guilt. Now, they not only had a spacious and bright house, but they had also established a well-known food shop, had a son and a daughter, and a happy family. All these changes were inseparable from Lin Wanqiu's resilience and hard work.
"Yes, definitely." Shen Tingzhou put down his notebook, walked to Lin Wanqiu's side, and gently held her hand. "Once our branch in the city opens, we'll continue to expand to the provincial capital, step by step. One day, people all over the country will be able to enjoy our 'Wanqiu Food Workshop' pastries."
Lin Wanqiu leaned on Shen Tingzhou's shoulder, feeling the warmth of his palm, her heart filled with happiness. She knew that with Shen Tingzhou by her side to support her, she would have the courage to face any difficulties she encountered.
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