Chapter 132 Group Meeting: The farm's core members held a meeting to discuss the birth of their children...
Shi Wan's heart skipped a beat again.
She looked away and began fiddling with the tomatoes.
Just then, the faint sound of a car engine could be heard.
Shi Wan walked to the window and saw Isabella's white SUV slowly drive in.
Isabella here?
To Shi Wan's surprise, two people got out of the car: Isabella and Su Qing.
Why did the two of them come together?
Just as she was wondering what to do and was about to go out to greet him, she saw Chen Xi's figure walk around from behind the car. His steps were quick and steady, exuding a clean and efficient feeling.
The mountain breeze couldn't wait any longer and ran to Chen Xi's side, rubbing against her leg eagerly and affectionately.
Chen Xi's expression softened considerably as she squatted down and patted Shan Feng's big head.
Since Shanfeng and Dahuang started patrolling together in shifts, Shanfeng has had her own time to rest and play. Chen Xi has seen her sprawled on the lawn playing with the cats more and more often.
Chen Xi was very satisfied. Just because the mountain breeze looked so comfortable, he knew he had to work hard on the farm.
“President Shi,” Su Qing looked up and saw Shi Wan come out, so she greeted her with a smile, “Isabella heard about the flesh and blood project and sent over some information. I just chatted with her about it.”
Xinglin followed Shi Wan to the door.
Isabella was wearing a green suit today, and her hair was slightly curled, making her look brighter. She was a little surprised to see Xing Lin, but she smiled and nodded to show goodwill before talking to Shi Wan.
“Wanwan, it’s been a long time,” Isabella said, her eyes brightening. “The studio has been quite busy lately. How have you been?”
"I'm fine," Shi Wan said, noticing her gaze. After exchanging pleasantries, she introduced Xing Lin to her.
Isabella only thought for three seconds before realizing, "Oh, this is your really amazing data engineer, right?"
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Xinglin. I enjoyed working with you before; you are very capable," Isabella said sincerely.
Although it was only a brief working interaction, she was deeply impressed by this person's abilities and even regretfully thought that if this person hadn't been Shi Wan's employee, she would definitely have tried to recruit talent.
Shi Wan only realized what was happening after hearing Isabella's words.
Although this was Xing Lin's first appearance in front of everyone, he had already had countless work collaborations with Su Qing, Isabella, and the others in the past.
To them, Xinglin was not a stranger, but a familiar colleague whom they had only heard of but never seen.
At this moment, Chen Xi also walked over. Today she was wearing simple military green cargo pants and a white T-shirt. Her short hair was neat, her posture was upright, and her eyes were sharp yet polite.
Shi Wan then introduced, "Xing Lin, this is Chen Xi, who recently joined the farm. He is our logistics supervisor, a veteran, and he came with Shan Feng."
She then turned to Chen Xi, "This is Xing Lin, my friend, who is also the farm's data engineer. He was on vacation when you arrived and only recently came back."
Chen Xi nodded to Xing Lin. "Hello, I'm Chen Xi. I'm currently in charge of farm logistics. If you need hardware support or logistics coordination for the data system in the future, feel free to contact me anytime."
Her voice was crisp and clear, with a distinct rhythm characteristic of soldiers.
Xinglin responded politely, "Hello, please take care of me when we work together in the future. You can also come to me directly if you need anything."
The group entered the living room.
Tangyuan, who was dozing off on the sofa armrest, raised her head when she heard the noise, saw so many people, and lazily meowed as a greeting.
But when he saw Chen Xi, he immediately jumped off the sofa, walked over with elegant steps, and rubbed against Chen Xi's trouser leg.
Although Chen Xi had only been at the farm for a short time, she always secretly fed them delicious food while keeping a straight face. The cats discovered that this human was "easy to bully," so they also liked to go and cuddle with her.
Chen Xi squatted down and skillfully patted Tangyuan's head. "Hello, farm manager."
Isabella, however, was completely captivated by the leisurely cats in the living room.
She looked at Tangyuan with a professional eye, "No matter how many times I look at him, I still think Tangyuan is so beautiful. His fur is so well maintained. Wanwan, you really know how to take care of him."
Su Qing walked naturally to the coffee table and spread out the folder she had brought. "Alright, alright, my partners, now that we've finished the pleasantries, let's get down to business. Shi Wan, Isabella is here this time to discuss the details of the 'Birth and Bone Project'. She has contacted several high-end pet salons and show catteries, and they have all expressed great interest in the project, but they require to see the complete product plan and quality control process."
Chen Xi took out her notebook from her backpack. "We need to clarify a few key dates for logistics. Also," she looked at Xing Lin, "when does the data system need to be put into testing? I need to arrange hardware procurement and network cabling."
In just a few minutes, the living room was transformed into an efficient work meeting room.
Shi Wan quickly got into the mood. She sat down on the single sofa, and Xing Lin naturally sat on the armrest of the sofa next to her.
This position allows me to participate in the discussion without putting pressure on Shi Wan.
“Let’s start with the product lines.” Shi Wan opened the folder Su Qing brought. “Isabella, I remember you mentioned three series before: basic nutrition, functional prescriptions, and fully customized. Do you have the specific framework yet?”
Isabella pulled a thick stack of documents from her bag. "This is the preliminary framework. The basic nutrition series is divided into six subcategories based on dogs and cats, adults and puppies, and size. The functional prescription series mainly targets common health problems, such as joint care, gastrointestinal sensitivity, and fur care. Full customization requires data support from engineers. Based on each pet's specific situation, big data algorithms are used to generate exclusive formulas, which are then finely modified manually."
Xinglin took the documents and quickly browsed through them. His reading speed was astonishing. A few minutes later, he looked up and said, "This framework is feasible. I can expand the database architecture of the customized system based on the existing farm's customer management system, but a few new modules will need to be added."
He looked at Chen Xi as he spoke, “In terms of hardware, we need at least two servers, one as an application server and the other as a database server. The network cabling must ensure a stable connection between the production area, the storage area, and the office area. In addition, I suggest installing temperature and humidity sensors in the cold storage and production line, and uploading the data to the system in real time.”
Chen Xi quickly jotted down notes in his notebook: "The server procurement cycle is two weeks, the network cabling can be completed in one week, and I will contact the supplier for the sensors, which should arrive and be installed within three days."
While listening, Su Qing made a budget estimate on her tablet. "These investments are not small, but the market research data brought by Isabella shows that high-end customized pet food has extremely high customer loyalty, and the average order value is five to eight times that of ordinary products. If we can win the orders from those top pet salons in Shanghai, we should be able to recoup these investments within six months."
Shi Wan interjected at the right moment, "Lin Yao and I discussed the packaging design and decided to make three tiers first. The basic version will use an eco-friendly cardboard box with a simple logo; the standard version will use a matte-textured gift box with a product instruction manual; and the premium version will be a wooden gift box with a layered design inside, and will also include a custom-made food bowl and a booklet. The price range will be from 198 to 1298."
As she spoke, she pondered and made revisions. "The basic and standard versions will be launched first, and the premium version will be launched after we have accumulated a certain reputation. In addition, the packaging will have enough space to put the traceability QR code. Xinglin, what information do you think this QR code should contain when scanned?"
Xinglin hardly needs to think. "Raw material batch number, production date and production line, quality inspection report number, storage temperature record, delivery route, recommended feeding method and precautions, and if it is a customized product, it also needs to display the exclusive formula number and basic pet information."
“Perfect,” Isabella said excitedly. “None of the traceability systems I’ve worked on in Europe are as complete as this. If we can really make it, it will definitely be a leader in the domestic market.”
The discussion was in full swing.
Shi Wan took the lead in setting the overall direction, Su Qing oversaw the commercial feasibility, Isabella provided professional support, Lin Yao was responsible for the visual presentation, Chen Xi ensured the implementation, and Xing Lin acted like a sophisticated processor, integrating everyone's ideas into a workable technical solution.
Tangyuan squatted on the coffee table, watching the people's heated discussion with curiosity.
He didn't quite understand the technical jargon, but he could sense the excitement and anticipation in the atmosphere.
The golden specks outside the window had somehow gathered by the window, their emerald green eyes peering curiously through the glass.
The discussion lasted for more than an hour, until Shi Wan's stomach suddenly growled.
She was taken aback, and subconsciously checked the time, only to realize that it was past lunchtime and everyone else hadn't eaten yet.
Xinglin stood up. "You guys continue chatting. I'll go cook. It'll be ready soon."
Shi Wan looked at all the details that had been discussed so far, "Let's finish this quickly, and then I'll go help out so we can eat as soon as possible."
No one seemed to have any objections; perhaps because everyone was genuinely hungry, they all spoke a little faster.
Dinner was prepared quickly.
Xinglin prepared five dishes and a soup.
Stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, braised pork belly, stir-fried potatoes, eggplant, green peppers, and green peppers, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and a seaweed and egg drop soup.
These are all home-style dishes, made with ingredients sourced from the farm. They are delicious and visually appealing, attracting everyone to gather around when they are served.
None of the people present were particularly outgoing, but the rich aroma of food in the air still brought smiles to their faces.
Su Qing picked up a piece of braised pork with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth. After chewing a few times, her eyes lit up. "This tastes just as good as what you get in restaurants. Your cooking skills are really good."
Xinglin smiled and served rice to everyone, saying, "I hope you're used to the food."
Isabella was a little clumsy with chopsticks, but she ate happily. "I've been abroad for many years, and what I miss most is the taste of home-cooked food. Wanwan, the benefits at your farm are amazing. Oh no, I wish I could move my studio into your farm."
Chen Xi ate relatively quietly, but at a fast pace, carefully tasting each dish.
"It's fatty but not greasy, lean but not dry, and the cooking time is perfect." Chen Xi also gave a thumbs up.
She decided to eat three bowls of rice today, and if necessary, she would run a few more laps.
Shi Wan ate her meal quietly, and Xing Lin naturally served her food, sometimes scrambled eggs with tomatoes, sometimes stir-fried vegetables, all of which were her favorites.
Tangyuan also came over, and Xinglin specially prepared a small bowl of unsalted shredded chicken for him, which was placed on the low stool next to him.
Shanfeng squatted at Chen Xi's feet, and Chen Xi would occasionally give her a piece of lean meat. Shanfeng loved eating human food the most.
When she was a military dog, her meals were strictly rationed and followed a recipe, so Chen Xi didn't dare to give her any food.
Now that Shanfeng has retired, Chen Xi dares to let her taste it from time to time, so that she can also satisfy her craving.
Otherwise, she would be such a pitiful little dog.
The atmosphere at the dinner table was relaxed and pleasant, and everyone chatted about the farm's affairs while eating.
Su Qing mentioned the newly opened production line in Zone 2. A new batch of people had been recruited recently, and management was a bit chaotic. However, the earliest batch of employees had already been trained and could now train newcomers.
Isabella shares the latest trends in the global pet market; with her extensive network and resources, she always stays up-to-date with the latest news.
Chen Xi continued to report on the progress of the logistics system optimization.
However, preparations were made to renovate some of the fences, because Xiao Dong and Xiao Xi are at the age where they have itchy mouths and often find a piece to gnaw on.
Chen Xi had already seen two or three pieces that had been chewed up and were in a mess.
Xinglin listened quietly most of the time, occasionally adding a word or two at crucial moments.
They don't talk much, but they're never absent.
After dinner, Su Qing and the others stayed for a while longer before saying goodbye.
After everyone left, the farm returned to its quiet state.
Night had completely fallen, and the stars twinkled in the deep blue sky.
Shi Wan and Xing Lin cleaned up the dishes together.
The two stood side by side again by the kitchen sink.
The chirping of crickets came from outside the window, mixed with the faint croaking of frogs from the distant fields.
"Thank you for today," Shi Wan said softly. "You've worked so hard to cook so many dishes."
“It’s not hard work,” Xinglin said, rinsing the dishes with the sound of running water. “I haven’t felt this way in a long time, being able to stand here like this, eating and chatting with everyone.”
There was a sense of precious satisfaction in his voice.
Shi Wan turned her head to look at him. Under the soft kitchen light, Xing Lin's profile was clear and gentle.
In the misty haze, he looked so real, so within reach.
“Xing Lin,” Shi Wan suddenly spoke.
"Hmm?" Xinglin turned his head, his eyes asking a question.
Shi Wan opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know where to begin.
In the end, she simply smiled and said, "Welcome back, it's really nice to have you back."
Xinglin's eyes curved into a smile, the light like fragments of a galaxy flowing gently within them. "Yes, it's so good to be back."
The dishes are washed, and the kitchen is clean.
The two walked into the living room, where Tangyuan was already curled up on the sofa, fast asleep and snoring softly.
"Then I'm going to rest," Shi Wan said. "You should rest early too. Just let me know if you need anything."
"Okay, goodnight," Xinglin said softly.
Shi Wan walked up the stairs and glanced back at the corner.
Xinglin was still standing in the living room, looking up at her with eyes as gentle as moonlight in the night sky.
She strode into the bedroom, closed the door, leaned against it, and let out a soft sigh of relief.
I'm still not very good at handling these kinds of scenarios...
Outside the window, Xinglin walked to the osmanthus tree, looked up at the starry sky, and unconsciously smiled.
This is the life he wants.
Ordinary, warm, and real.
Shi Wan is someone he wants to cherish and protect.
He will become her spear, her shield, and the soldier charging under her command, taking her wishes as his own and her dreams as his own, to protect her peace and happiness for a lifetime.
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