Chapter 214 Resource Swap?

Chapter 214 Resource Swap?

The printing factory was originally an auxiliary facility of the base, not focused on profits but primarily serving the base. It only accepted external orders when there was surplus labor. The leadership had already instructed them to fully support Su Taotao’s initiatives.

Su Taotao didn’t need to make this trip herself, but she not only came personally but also brought products for them to try. The old factory director was over the moon and repeatedly assured her that they would fully support their factory’s production work and definitely not hold them back.

After sampling the coconut candy, Director Chen couldn’t stop raving about it: "Delicious! Even with my bad teeth, it’s incredibly flavorful."

Su Taotao casually inquired, "Director Chen, have you already arranged the Mid-Autumn Festival and year-end benefits?"

Director Chen nodded: "The usual—mooncakes, rice, oil, and the like. After all, these are the most practical."

Director Chen was a practical man, always looking out for his employees, and everyone admired him.

Su Taotao smiled and said, "What a shame. I was actually hoping to suggest a resource swap with you, Director Chen."

Director Chen, being a bit older, naturally wasn’t as quick to react as younger people: "Resource swap?"

Noticing Su Taotao sipping her tea, Xiao Lu jumped in: "Director Su was wondering if your factory might need coconut candy for employee benefits. If so, we could exchange coconut candy for packaging bags, which would save a lot of steps."

Su Taotao nodded: "Exactly. But since you’ve already got it covered, we won’t press the issue. Next year, if you need it, you can contact us in advance. We’ll let you get back to your work and take off now."

Director Chen took another bite of the coconut candy. Isn’t this candy way more flavorful than mooncakes?

They could still hand out mooncakes as usual, but tossing in a bag of candy as a bonus would definitely surprise the workers and maybe even boost their spirits.

"Hold on, Director Su. It’s doable, but we’re a small operation here. If we distribute a bag of coconut candy to everyone for Mid-Autumn Festival, wouldn’t the order be too small?"

Su Taotao waved her hand: "Big or small, every order is a good order for us. We’re grateful for your factory’s business."

Su Taotao had already risen to leave but then sat back down, leaning in and speaking in a hushed tone to the old director:

"Let me be frank with you. At the mid-year meeting, the higher-ups sent me to the capital to promote our products. You didn’t attend the meeting in the capital this time, but if you had, you’d know.

The taste of our coconut candy speaks for itself. There’s nothing quite like it on the market yet, and internal orders from affiliated units are piling up.

My main concern is that if we ramp up production too fast, we might run short on working capital. I’d hate to hold up your payments, so I thought of this workaround. Hope you understand, Director Chen."

Upon hearing this, Director Chen looked at Su Taotao’s sincere eyes and felt even more admiration.

"Director Su, you’re really sharp for your age. I’m impressed. If you ever hit a cash crunch, I can push the payment deadline past the holidays.

Your factory’s products see a surge during peak seasons like the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and New Year. Getting paid shouldn’t be an issue, right?"

Su Taotao had been waiting for this. She extended her hand and shook Director Chen’s lightly:

"Thank you, Director Chen, for your support. Rest assured, such a situation might not even arise. I’m just being cautious to avoid any issues later. It wouldn’t be sincere if I came to you for an extension when problems actually occur.

Although we’re both affiliated factories of the base, even brothers must settle accounts clearly. That’s the way, right?"

Director Chen nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, that’s the way. Director Su, though young, is very reliable. You’re sure to achieve great things in the future."

Su Taotao smiled: "Thank you for your kind words. I won’t take up any more of your valuable time. I’ll take my leave now."

Director Chen wanted to stand up to see her off.

Su Taotao stopped him: "Please stay. No need to be so formal among friends."

Director Chen watched Su Taotao’s retreating figure. He had heard some unfavorable rumors about her recently, but seeing is believing, while hearing is uncertain.

Only by meeting this woman in person can one realize that she earned her position as factory director through her skills, always considering the factory's interests. Those people are just judging her unfairly.

Director Chen had an idea and made a call, which was quickly answered:

"Hey, Old Deng, it's me, Chen."

...

"Right, didn’t you say you wanted to switch back to the original candy supplier a while back?"

...

"Yes, I’ve got a great factory to recommend. They’re just starting out, but I can vouch for them."

...

"I’ve got samples; I’ll bring them by after work for you to try, and then we can discuss in detail..."

...

Of course, Su Taotao had no clue Director Chen was helping her land a deal.

After taking care of three things in the morning, it was already past one.

She took Xiao Lu to a nearby spot, had a bowl of noodles to fill up, and then prepared to pick up Fu Yuanhang.

By the time Su Taotao arrived, they’d already eaten lunch. Mr. Tang was probably napping since he wasn’t in the living room.

Fu Yuanhang, who didn’t nap, was still hard at practice.

Old Wu was sewing clothes, keeping him company.

Old Wu was surprised to see Su Taotao arrive early and stood to greet her.

Su Taotao smiled and waved, signaling him to sit.

Fu Yuanhang had expected Su Taotao around three or four, and seeing her at this time, he whispered, "Sis, have you eaten?"

Su Taotao nodded and whispered back, "Yeah, I’ve got to head back today. There’s stuff to do at the factory this afternoon. I’ll catch the shuttle back on Sunday."

Fu Yuanhang nodded, "The teacher’s napping; I’ll leave him a note."

Fu Yuanhang wrote a note and handed it to Old Wu, "Grandpa Wu, we’re heading back now; we’ll be back on Sunday."

Old Wu, who could read lips, took Fu Yuanhang’s hand, saying, "Uh, uh, uh."

Fu Yuanhang followed him, turned back and said to Su Taotao, "Sis, hang on a sec."

Su Taotao, "Alright."

Soon, Fu Yuanhang came out, struggling with a big watermelon:

"Grandpa Wu left this for us and insisted we take it."

Su Taotao paused, then smiled and patted Fu Yuanhang’s head, "Did you thank Grandpa Wu?"

Fu Yuanhang, "Yes, I tried to give him money, but he wouldn’t take it."

Su Taotao said, "No worries, next time we’ll bring him something tasty."

After speaking, Su Taotao walked over to Mr. Wu, looked into his eyes sincerely, and said with a smile:

"Thank you so much. We won’t be polite, we’ll take it with us. See you on Sunday."

Mr. Wu understood, smiling so broadly his eyes crinkled, and he kept nodding, insisted on walking them to the door.

Once in the car, Xiao Lu was still driving, with Su Taotao and Fu Yuanhang sitting in the back seat.

"If we don’t take such a big watermelon, Mr. Tang and Mr. Wu won’t be able to finish it themselves. They’d have to give it to the neighbors, so it’s fine to take it. It’s the thought that counts.

By the way, isn’t Saturday your birthday? I’ll bake you a cake then, and another one on Sunday for you to bring over and let them taste."

In fact, Fu Yuanhang always looks forward to his birthday every year.

Because in previous years, on his birthday, Zhou Linglan would get up early to make him a bowl of "longevity noodles" with a poached egg, so he could go to school full.

That was also the happiest time of his year, even more special than New Year’s.

The happiness of New Year’s is for everyone, but the happiness of his birthday is uniquely his.

Su Taotao remembered his birthday, and that warm feeling of happiness returned.

He nodded with a smile: "Thanks, sis."

Su Taotao patted his head again: "No need to be so formal with family."

Fu Yuanhang nodded, then shook his head, but didn’t say anything more.

Just like Chenchen, he leaned towards the window, watching the seagulls soar freely, and smiled shyly.

...