Chapter 10

"Yunxuan, can your specialty crop be widely promoted?" Secretary Wang asked as soon as they entered the study.

"It's difficult, very difficult. First, there aren't enough seeds. They were all brought back by classmates from abroad, and the supply is strictly controlled. If we want to cultivate them ourselves, it will take at least a few more years. Second, there's the issue of future market sales. Currently, the demand is high due to low production, but if supply exceeds demand in the future, prices will inevitably plummet, and farmers won't make much profit," Liu Yunxuan explained.

Actually, the hardest part was the seed issue. There were no seeds from abroad; they were all ordinary seeds soaked in space water.

But he couldn't say that. If the amount was small, it could be explained away, but with a large amount, the source would be hard to cover up. If the space was exposed, he would be in serious trouble.

"Ah, I understand what you're saying. Our country is a major agricultural nation. Although the total national output has increased in recent years, the majority of our population is still farmers. The state has been supporting agriculture in recent years, hoping to help our farmer brothers in this area," Secretary Wang said solemnly.

"Leaving a large company to dedicate yourself to agricultural development is commendable and shows great courage. If you encounter any policy issues, you can come to me directly. Within the legal framework, I can provide support. I only hope that you can continue on this path, and while developing yourself, help more farmers become prosperous," Secretary Wang expressed his expectations. It was also an indirect assurance for him to act boldly within the province.

"Don't worry, I've discussed it with Mingyuan. We'll start with our town as a pilot project. We'll see how far we can expand based on our capabilities," Liu Yunxuan nodded and said. "For now, I'm mainly growing early-ripening watermelons, and then some Korean cabbage for kimchi. If we can find a market, we'll sell to Korea. If not, I have a pig farm, and the cabbage can be used to feed the pigs."

"That's a good approach. It's always good to have a backup plan. When your cabbage is ready, I'll have my brother Minghua help you contact foreign trade companies to find a market," Secretary Wang said.

"Xuanzi, don't worry. My brother doesn't like politics; he just loves making money. When the time comes, there won't be any problem with the cabbage's market," Wang Mingyuan finally had a chance to speak.

The three of them talked for a while longer before parting ways to rest. The next day, Wang Mingyuan had planned to take a day off to accompany Liu Yunxuan to the zoo, but he was scolded by the old man and had to go back to work.

Liu Yunxuan politely declined Wang Mingyuan's offer to accompany him, knowing that a large company always has various matters to attend to and didn't want to inconvenience him.

When they were about to leave, Wang Minghua loaded a lot of cigarettes and alcohol onto the pickup truck. Seeing that Fangfang liked abalone, he also packed several large boxes.

Liu Yunxuan didn't refuse, and Secretary Wang praised him for being genuine and not putting on airs.

They didn't spend too long at the zoo with Fangfang, as the pickup truck was loaded with many valuable items. They took Fangfang home with a promise to bring her back again soon.

When they returned home, Da Huang and Banli ran out first, circling around Liu Yunxuan and Fangfang, wagging their tails. With the help of the space water, their hearing was very sensitive, and they could hear Liu Yunxuan's car from far away. Everyone was used to it by now.

"Wow, did you rob a tycoon? You brought back so many good cigarettes and alcohol. Tsk, tsk, even six-headed abalone," Zhao Yan, who was also at home, said as he watched the boxes of cigarettes and alcohol being unloaded.

"These are all from Wang Mingyuan's family. When you leave, take some alcohol and abalone for Uncle Zhao. There's too much for us to eat," Liu Yunxuan said. These were aged wines that couldn't be bought on the market.

"What does this kid's family do? How can a town mayor be so rich?" Zhao Yan asked.

"I know, I know. Grandpa Wang is a big official, often on TV," Fangfang said. The little girl thought Secretary Wang appearing on the news was like being in a TV drama.

Liu Yunxuan briefly explained Wang Mingyuan's family situation. He had just met them, so he didn't know much in detail. This information shocked the whole family. A provincial party secretary was a figure they only saw on TV. Zhao Yan was quite envious that Liu Yunxuan could drink and eat with him.

At that moment, a car horn sounded outside. Liu Yunxuan looked out and saw that Wang Mingyuan had driven over.

"Xuanzi, I figured you'd be back around this time," Wang Mingyuan said.

"Hey, look who's here, it's the son of the big official," Zhao Yan teased. Before, they didn't know Wang Mingyuan's identity and just thought he was a regular town mayor. Wang Mingyuan often came to eat, and they were all quite familiar with him.

"Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to hide it from everyone. The old man doesn't allow me to use his name. No one in the city knows my identity," Wang Mingyuan apologized.

He had to explain. They were all friends, and it wasn't right to hide his identity.

"Alright, as long as you remember to share the good stuff with your brothers," Zhao Yan said, not pressing the issue.

"No problem, it's all from my brother, and there's plenty at home," Wang Mingyuan said readily.

Zhao Yan had brought a large rooster from the county, and with the small yellow mushrooms he had picked, the dish was delicious.

"Tsk, this rooster is so flavorful. The meat is tender, and the soup with mushrooms is great," Wang Mingyuan said with a sigh.

"Haven't you heard? When the son-in-law comes home, the little chicken is scared to death. That's what this dish, chicken stewed with mushrooms, is all about," Zhao Yan said, acting as if Liu Yunxuan was clueless. The two famous dishes of Northeast China, braised pork belly with pickled cabbage and chicken stewed with mushrooms, were always delicious.

"Xuanzi, do you think it's a good idea to raise a few roosters now, to have them ready for the New Year?" Zhao Yan asked.

"It's a good idea. My mother bought over ten chicks a few days ago, all for raising and eating during the New Year. You can take a couple when the time comes," Liu Yunxuan said.

"Xuanzi, how about we start a chicken farm? Raise more roosters and sell them during the New Year. We could make a good profit," Zhao Yan suggested.

"That sounds good. There's plenty of space on the back mountain for a chicken farm," Liu Yunhai agreed.

"We can consider it. We should raise both roosters and egg-laying hens. The price of free-range eggs is also quite high," Liu Yunxuan thought for a moment and said.

Of course, Liu Yunxuan had more in mind than just a chicken farm. He wanted to lease the entire back mountain, plant some fruit trees, and let the chickens roam freely.

The back mountain they were talking about was the mountain behind the village, which had no specific name. The village's name, Kao Shan, was derived from this mountain.

"Is the back mountain leased by anyone?" Liu Yunxuan asked.

"No one has taken it. A few years ago, someone wanted to plant an orchard, but the cost was too high," Liu Yunxuan's father said, as he knew more about village affairs.

Liu Yunxuan briefly explained his plan, and Wang Mingyuan was the first to support it. This would be a good thing, as it would increase the income of the villagers. It would also count as one of his political achievements.

"Boss, leasing the mountain, starting a chicken farm, and buying fruit trees will cost a lot of money. Can we afford it?" Liu Yunxuan's father asked worriedly.

"It should be manageable. I plan to cooperate with the village. Like growing watermelons, I'll provide the capital and operate it, taking 80% of the shares, while the village will have 20% as a dry share. If we need more money, we can take out a loan. With the current support for agriculture, such loans should be easy to get," Liu Yunxuan said.

The reason he only gave the village a dry share was that he didn't want to have too many people interfering in the future.

"If you're really serious, write up a plan. Once the contract is ready, I'll take you to the provincial capital to get the loan," Wang Mingyuan said.

"Alright, let's decide on this. I'll talk to the village chief tonight. Since it involves the village, we'll see if they agree," Liu Yunxuan concluded.