Lin Wanqiu didn't immediately agree, but instead thought about it seriously. She knew that the recipe was their core competitive advantage, and handing it over to a food factory would mean sharing their secret. But she also understood that the production volume of handmade products was limited, and if she wanted to help more villagers get rich and truly open up sales channels for her pastries, cooperating with a food factory was the best choice. She looked at Shen Tingzhou, who gave her an encouraging look and said softly, "You make the decision, I support you."
With Shen Tingzhou's support, Lin Wanqiu felt more confident. Looking at Factory Director Zhou, she said sincerely, "Factory Director Zhou, I'm happy to consider the cooperation. However, the recipe is the culmination of our sideline production team's hard work, and I need to discuss it with the villagers. Furthermore, I hope that during the cooperation, the quality of the pastries can be guaranteed, and that we won't cut corners just because of large-scale production. Also, I hope that we can give priority to hiring villagers from our Hongqi Production Brigade to work in the food factory, so that they can also have a stable income."
Factory Director Zhou was surprised that Lin Wanqiu not only had good judgment but also cared so much about the villagers. He admired her even more: "Comrade Lin, rest assured, we will definitely guarantee the quality; that's the bottom line for the food factory. As for hiring the villagers, as long as they meet the requirements, we will definitely give them priority. You can come to me anytime you've discussed it with the villagers." As he spoke, he took out a business card from his pocket and handed it to Lin Wanqiu. "This is my contact information. You can call me if you have any questions."
After seeing Director Zhou off, it was already dusk. The lanterns at the entrance of the supply and marketing cooperative lit up, their dim yellow light casting warm and peaceful shadows on the ground. Director Wang looked at Lin Wanqiu, his tone full of admiration: "Comrade Wanqiu, you're truly remarkable! Not only have you led the villagers to prosperity, but you've also managed to negotiate a partnership with the county food factory. You're sure to have a bright future!" Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "Director Wang, you flatter me. I just want everyone's lives to improve."
Shen Tingzhou hitched up the carriage and loaded the remaining pastries and money onto it. Nian'an was already yawning with sleepiness, but he still insisted on putting the account book into his schoolbag. Lin Wanqiu carried her son into the carriage, covered him with a thick quilt, and said softly, "Sleep if you're sleepy. I'll wake you when we get home." Nian'an nodded, leaned against Lin Wanqiu's chest, and quickly fell asleep, a satisfied smile on his little face.
The carriage slowly drove away from the county town, heading back along the country road. The night wind was a bit chilly, but it couldn't dispel the joy inside the carriage. Shen Tingzhou gripped the reins, occasionally glancing back at the mother and child inside, his heart filled with peace. He knew his mission would soon be over, and once the doubts from back then were cleared up, he could finally relax, stay home, and live a good life with Lin Wanqiu and Nian'an. He whispered, "Wanqiu, after I finish my mission, I'll help you manage the side businesses. Let's build the Red Flag Production Brigade into the richest village in the commune."
Lin Wanqiu leaned against the carriage, watching Shen Tingzhou's retreating figure, her heart filled with anticipation. She knew Shen Tingzhou's mission was fraught with danger, but she believed in him, believed he would return safely. She whispered, "I'll wait for you, wait for you to come back, and our family will never be separated again." The carriage moved forward in the night, the sound of the wheels rolling over the road like a hopeful melody for their future.
It was late at night when they returned to the Hongqi Production Brigade. The villagers, hearing of their return, rushed to the village entrance to greet them. Aunt Li, holding a freshly steamed sweet potato, handed it to Lin Wanqiu: "Wanqiu, you must be exhausted. Have a sweet potato to tide you over." Uncle Zhang, busy helping Shen Tingzhou carry things, muttered, "How did sales go today? The villagers are all waiting for good news."
Lin Wanqiu looked at the villagers who had gathered around her, her heart filled with emotion. She held up the banknotes in her hand and said with a smile, "Fellow villagers, I have some good news to share. Our pastries sold exceptionally well today, totaling 165.8 yuan and 50 jin of grain coupons! In addition, Director Zhou from the county food factory talked to me about a collaboration. If the collaboration is successful, we won't have to make pastries by hand anymore, and more villagers can work at the food factory!"
Upon hearing the news, the villagers erupted in excitement. "That's wonderful! Wanqiu, you're a true hero to us!" "With the cooperation of the county food factory, we'll never have to worry about sales again!" "If I could work at the food factory, that would be fantastic! I'd have a stable income!" Everyone chattered, their faces beaming with happiness, and the entire village entrance became a sea of joy.
Looking at the scene before her, Lin Wanqiu secretly vowed: she must finalize the cooperation and ensure that all the villagers could live a good life. She knew this was just the beginning, and many more challenges awaited her in the future, but she was not afraid because she had Shen Tingzhou's support, the trust of the villagers, and, most importantly, a heart that wanted to change her destiny and pursue a happy life.
Shen Tingzhou stood to the side, watching Lin Wanqiu surrounded by the villagers, his eyes filled with tenderness and pride. He knew that choosing to stay by her side was the best decision he could have made. He gently stepped forward, took Lin Wanqiu's hand, and whispered, "Don't overwork yourself, get some rest. There's a lot to do tomorrow." Lin Wanqiu nodded, leaning against Shen Tingzhou, feeling the warmth of his hand, her heart overflowing with happiness.
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