Chapter 171

Chapter 171

Xu Yuqing nodded without rebutting. The factory director's office was now crowded with people, all talking over each other in heated debate.

The quietest were Xu Yuqing and Little Lin standing in the corner.

The meat sauce recipe had been finalized but was rejected at the last minute. While Xu Yuqing showed no reaction, Little Lin and the others frowned, looking grave.

The jar of meat sauce sat on the table, delicious and fragrant.

Especially in an enclosed space, even after it was eaten, the jar still emitted its aroma.

Everyone knew how good it tasted, but making it was simply not feasible. At a price cheaper than the tripe cans, it was just some minced meat.

It seemed cheap, but the cost was too high.

The person who had glanced at the list couldn't help speaking up again, "Look, just for the oil alone, we'd lose money if we sold it for less than seventy fen per can. But pork costs only thirty fen per jin right now."

Factory Director Xu's expression turned serious.

This was indeed a problem. The sauce was incredibly aromatic and perfect for enhancing meals.

But ordinary families wouldn't buy it; one can could buy two jins of pork instead.

"Yes, it's too expensive. Our tripe cans sell for thirty-five fen each, and they're substantial enough for a meal. Ordinary families might be willing to splurge occasionally, but how long would this can last? How long would two jins of pork last?" Factory Director Xu shook his head, feeling particularly anxious.

Another staff member who shared his view nodded in agreement, "Yes, our Beicheng Canning Factory has worked hard to build its reputation. We can't let it slip away."

Just when it seemed there was no further discussion, someone spoke up. It was a bachelor surnamed Liang, who had divorced years ago and raised a child nearing ten years old.

Xu Yuqing had met him before and gave him a candy.

"Respected Factory Director, colleagues, let me say this: our canned goods aren't meant for impoverished families. They're primarily for those with a bit more means or those who want to save face or give gifts," he said slowly.

It sounded somewhat reasonable yet also a bit off.

Everyone frowned, looking at him.

"That's right. For example, my son and I get tired of canteen food and don't know how to cook. If I want to change things up, buying canned goods is the way to go. Also, with college entrance exams approaching, although a can costs around seventy fen, a spoonful per meal doesn't add up to much. This product is aimed at those who have money and want to eat well," he said carefully.

But as soon as he finished, someone immediately countered, "Wait! I disagree. In our socialist country, how many people have disposable income? We're all poor farmers. If we can't sell them, we'll lose money!"

He exaggerated his point.

Xu Yuqing pursed her lips, about to speak, but was interrupted.

"I agree with Comrade Huang. Although this product is good, it's not suitable now. We shouldn't take the risk," he said seriously.

Another person stood up, "I disagree! I support Comrade Liang's opinion."

Suddenly, the office split into two factions. Only Factory Director Xu, Xu Yuqing, and Little Lin remained unaligned.

Xu Yuqing looked at them in surprise, feeling helpless. She hadn't expected such a strong reaction. She glanced at Factory Director Xu, who clearly hadn't anticipated it either.

The group was extremely agitated. Xu Yuqing looked left and right, deciding to stay silent, joining the three others in becoming like quails.

Factory Director Xu's face darkened, "Enough! We're here to discuss, not argue. This isn't a place for bickering! Go back, and I'll think about it myself!"

With the leader angry, everyone fell silent and quickly left. Xu Yuqing followed Little Lin and the others out.

Factory Director Xu watched Xu Yuqing's back, wanting to call her but then closed his mouth. He decided to think it through himself first.

This matter couldn't be rushed.

Sigh.

Back at the lab, Xu Yuqing felt exhausted. All their hard work had gone to waste. She looked at Little Lin, "You've worked hard."

Little Lin was fine, looking at Little Ma and Little He, "We're okay, we're used to it. You, though, this is your first time."

The past two years of smooth sailing had almost made them forget previous rejections.

Xu Yuqing asked curiously, "Did you often face this before?"

"Yes," Little He nodded. "Before you came, we spent every day improving the lunch meat cans, only to be scolded each time for getting the taste wrong, and then we'd keep trying."

It was Xu Yuqing's tripe cans that saved them.

She hadn't realized they had faced similar situations before.

Still, this matter needed careful consideration. Not selling would be disastrous.

"Don't worry. If this doesn't work, we'll try something else. I have plenty of ideas," Xu Yuqing said, trying to stay positive.

They all knew her capabilities, but they still felt disheartened by the wasted effort, especially since the product was so tasty.

Xu Yuqing felt it was alright. The formula wasn't given away, and even Little Lin didn't know the exact improved recipe. This product would eventually prove useful.

She wasn't in a rush.

However, whatever they did next needed to be inexpensive, low-cost, and profitable.

The tripe cans were cheap because pig offal was very inexpensive, but Xu Yuqing suddenly had another idea.

"How many fish are there nearby?" she asked.

In winter, she often saw Yan's mother buying fish, saying it was cheap. Could fish be made into cans?

She wondered.

This way, we can still collect from the village and give the farmers some income.

As she thought about this, Xu Yuqing became even more eager, looking at Little Ma and the others.

The others exchanged glances. "There are definitely fish, but they have many bones and not many people like to eat them. The ones without many bones are expensive."

Xu Yuqing certainly knew this, but she had a way to turn the fish bones into something valuable.

"I know. I have an idea," she said calmly, her eyes flickering, not revealing any more details.

Little Lin looked over, wanting to ask, but seeing Xu Yuqing's enigmatic expression, he held his tongue.

Xu Yuqing didn’t linger. This matter couldn’t be rushed, and it wasn’t good to talk about it too early since she wasn’t sure of its success.

It was getting late, almost time to finish work. It would be better to go home for dinner than to stay here thinking aimlessly.

"Alright, let’s not think too much. The factory director is busy anyway. Let’s go back for dinner later."

She clapped her hands, calling everyone to pack up and leave together. After all, staying here wouldn’t help.

The three of them exchanged glances, agreeing that it made sense, and started packing up to head to the canteen for an early dinner.

The four of them walked out of the experimental workshop together. As they passed the office, someone inside noticed them, observing their relaxed demeanor with curiosity. How could they still be so carefree?

Xu Yuqing and the others didn’t notice the window as they reached the fork in the road. "I’ll head back first."

"Okay, be careful on your way," Little Lin said, his eyes dimming slightly as he watched her stride away.

Without looking, he knew she would be smiling as she rode her bike, eager to get home.

Standing there, Little Lin watched her until her figure turned the corner and disappeared.

Seeing Little Lin like this, Little Ma and Little He felt uncomfortable. They had been friends for years. Little He stepped forward and patted his shoulder. "Come on, if you really want her to be happy, forget about this."

She had never given him any hope, and she got married right away, in a military marriage no less. Everyone at the canning factory had been smitten with her.

Who dared to make a move? They should find their own partners.

But this guy was stubborn.

Little Ma agreed. "Yeah, and not to be harsh, but even if you two were together, you wouldn’t be able to handle her."

Though they hadn’t seen her husband often, one look at him showed that he was the only man who could match her.

The two friends’ indirect criticism only deepened Little Lin’s gloom. He lowered his head dejectedly. "I know. I just wanted to see her." If she were around, he wouldn’t dare act so freely.

He didn’t want to lose her friendship.

Little Ma patted his shoulder. "Come on, let’s go eat."

Little He grabbed his lunch box. "Let’s go. If we’re any later, there won’t be any food left."

The three of them slowly made their way to the canteen. Meanwhile, Xu Yuqing rode leisurely down the road.

The road back was wide, but usually, Xu Yuqing hurried home, worried about Xie Junli.

Now, looking around, she couldn’t help but marvel, "How beautiful."

Although the fields were empty, the mountains and blue sky were vast. Xu Yuqing rode along under the blue sky, feeling so good that she stopped to chat with familiar military wives she met along the way. "Sister Qian, why are you still outside?"

Sister Qian waved her hand, frustrated. "Ah, my naughty son has run off somewhere. I’m going to look for him. Have you seen him?"

A child? Xu Yuqing shook her head. Sister Qian’s son was well-behaved; he used to love drawing at home rather than playing outside.

Xu Yuqing pointed to the right. "Maybe he’s on that little path over there. There are always lots of kids playing there."

Sister Qian nodded. "Thanks, Little Xu! I’ll go look!"

Sister Qian seemed anxious. She usually insisted on chatting with Xu Yuqing about her husband when they met, but today she hurried off. Xu Yuqing pursed her lips, feeling a bit uneasy.

Shaking her head, she thought she might be overthinking it. It was probably just kids playing. Taking a deep breath, she pedaled home.

When she arrived, Xie Junli hadn’t returned yet. Xu Yuqing washed the lunch boxes and waited at the crossroads for Xie Junli. "Xie Junli! I’m here!"

Seeing a figure in the distance, Xu Yuqing waved, urging him to come over quickly.

Xie Junli was discussing official matters with Yu Wenyao when he heard her familiar voice. He looked over, surprised, and walked over quickly. "Why are you so early today?"

Xu Yuqing smiled warmly. "There wasn’t much to do at the factory, so I came back. Brother Yu, we’re leaving now."

Yu Wenyao nodded. "Alright, go ahead."

Xu Yuqing wanted to hold Xie Junli’s hand but remembered she shouldn’t. She stuck out her tongue sheepishly, and they walked side by side, chatting quietly about the day’s events.

Suddenly, they heard commotion ahead. A crowd had gathered tightly, and Xu Yuqing heard Sister Qian’s voice.