Song Nianchu had to make a trip to the county’s cannery first for packaging, so she set off carrying food supplies, which made her load much lighter than usual.
When she arrived at the cannery, she immediately spotted the factory director standing at the entrance.
"Comrade Song, you’re finally here," the director said warmly as he hurried forward to greet her.
"Director, why did you come out personally?" Song Nianchu asked, surprised.
"I came out specifically to wait for you," the director replied with a smile as gentle as a spring breeze.
"Just for me?" Song Nianchu was taken aback.
She currently only had sixty orders a day—hardly enough to warrant such enthusiasm from the director.
"I won’t hide it from you. After you left yesterday, I originally sent someone to discuss a collaboration, targeting the state-run restaurant. They’ve introduced two new dishes that have become incredibly popular, and I noticed they’ve also started selling them in canned form. The glass jars were unmistakably from our factory. If I’m not mistaken, those two dishes at the state-run restaurant were your creations, weren’t they?" The director’s eyes gleamed as he looked at her.
"They’re produced by our village," Song Nianchu admitted without hesitation.
Since they were all in the same county, it was inevitable their paths would cross.
"I knew it! Yesterday, I stayed at the restaurant for a long time and noticed how enthusiastically customers responded to those dishes. But the restaurant had a purchase limit, so many customers settled for the canned versions instead. By afternoon, the restaurant had already put up a 'sold out' sign."
"Yesterday, you told me that orders would definitely increase, and I was skeptical. But after seeing it firsthand, I realized you weren’t exaggerating at all!" The director’s voice was brimming with excitement.
"So that’s why you personally came to greet me today?" Song Nianchu chuckled.
"Just trying to get on Comrade Song’s good side early. If you make it big someday, don’t forget about me!" The director’s gaze was intense.
"Director, you really have that much faith in me?"
"I never misjudge people. Come, let’s walk and talk." The director motioned for her to follow.
"Alright." Song Nianchu nodded.
Today, the director accompanied her throughout the entire packaging process. The workers quickly finished canning the products she needed.
Machine-sealed products were different—the jar openings were neatly sealed with transparent plastic, making them look far more upscale.
"That sealing process usually costs extra, but for Comrade Song’s sake, I’ll waive the fee," the director said with a smile.
"Then I’ll thank the director for your generosity." Song Nianchu didn’t hesitate to accept.
"No need for thanks. Just make sure all your future orders come to me." The director’s eyes sparkled.
"Don’t worry, as long as I have orders, you’ll be my first choice!" Song Nianchu assured him.
"Haha, then I’ll be waiting!" The director laughed heartily.
"..."
In the end, the director even personally escorted Song Nianchu to the entrance.
Only after she had walked far away did the Secretary hesitantly ask,
"Director, do you really believe that young girl can turn our factory around?"
"That girl may look young, but her actions don’t show any trace of inexperience. Either someone in her family is guiding her, or she’s naturally suited for this path. I have a strong intuition—she’s the hope for our factory." The director’s gaze remained fixed on Song Nianchu’s retreating figure.
"But what if your intuition is wrong?" The Secretary still felt it was unwise to pin such high hopes on a young girl.
"If I’m wrong, there’s no real loss. We’ll just consider it making a new friend." The director was pragmatic.
Their factory was already at rock bottom—what more did they have to fear?
"...Fair enough." The Secretary sighed softly.
"..."
Unaware of this conversation, Song Nianchu had already arrived at Manager Li’s office.
She presented the newly packaged cans for his inspection.
Manager Li examined them carefully—the seals were indeed airtight.
"Are you certain that with your improvements, these cans can last up to six months?" Mu Deyi double-checked.
"Realistically, the shelf life could be even longer, but to be safe, six months is the most reasonable timeframe." Song Nianchu didn’t want her reputation ruined over something like this.
"Six months is more than enough!" Manager Li’s eyes crinkled into slits as he grinned, scrutinizing the can in his hand. After a moment, he said, "Nianchu, I trust your word, so I won’t test the shelf life myself. Starting tomorrow, I’ll take two hundred cans of each variety!"
Song Nianchu’s face lit up at the quantity, but she quickly composed herself.
"Manager Li, even though the shelf life is extended, isn’t ordering so many at once risky for inventory buildup?" Song Nianchu preferred steady growth—she didn’t want a sudden surge in orders followed by six months of stagnation.
"Don’t worry, this amount won’t pile up at all. In fact, I’ve found a great new sales channel for you. If it works out, future orders could easily double." Manager Li spoke mysteriously.
"Then I’ll thank Manager Li in advance!" Song Nianchu expressed her gratitude repeatedly.
"No need for thanks. Your products are excellent and sell at a good price—it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement." Manager Li waved his hand dismissively.
"However, Manager Li, two hundred cans of each type is a lot. I won’t be able to deliver them all in the morning. Would it be possible to make a second delivery in the afternoon?" Song Nianchu asked tentatively.
"That’s no problem. Just deliver as much as you can in the morning, and bring the rest before we close for the day." Manager Li agreed.
"Great, then I’ll head back now to prepare the ingredients." Song Nianchu confirmed.
"Alright." Manager Li stood and saw her to the door.
"..."
After leaving the state-run restaurant, Song Nianchu hurried to the market.
Unfortunately, Mu Deyi had given her the usual amount of money for the day, and with the sudden increase in orders, she didn’t have nearly enough.
Luckily, the fish vendor recognized her and personally introduced her to the market manager, allowing her to purchase all the ingredients on credit.
After signing the agreement, Song Nianchu borrowed a handcart from the market and pushed the loaded cart back to the village.
This time, she didn’t go home first—instead, she headed straight for the village office.
Just as she reached the entrance, the work whistle blew.
Aunt Wu and the others walked out of the office together and froze when they saw Song Nianchu pushing the cart piled high with ingredients.
"A-Chu, why did you buy so much?" Aunt Wu exclaimed.
"Help me carry these inside first." Even with her strength, pushing such a heavy load had left Song Nianchu slightly breathless.
Besides, this cart was nowhere near as good as the one Mu Shi’an had made—it was like comparing heaven and earth.
"Oh, right!" Aunt Wu and the others quickly helped haul the ingredients into the courtyard.
Mu Deyi stepped out of the office and gaped at the mountain of supplies.
"Did you rob someone?" Mu Deyi stared straight at Song Nianchu.
