Jiang Cheng’s drawing of the foreign exchange pie was something Director Lu really wanted to savor.
Wanting to eat it required considerable thought.
Director Lu quickly identified the key difficulties.
"Jiang Cheng, we’re located in the North, where we lack raw materials in the winter. Purchasing them from other regions would increase costs and prove unwise."
"Secondly, what exactly is the flavor that foreigners prefer? It’s not difficult for us Hua Xia people to make it, but making it so they like it is a bit challenging."
"Finally, we don’t have opportunities to interact with foreigners, so how do we sell it?"
Jiang Cheng listened attentively.
She immediately took out a sheet of paper and answered one by one.
"Director Lu, establishing the production line is not something that can be done overnight."
"For raw materials, it’s best to use northern cucumbers. Because of the temperature difference effect, northern vegetables have a crisp taste that better suits the foreign palate."
"As for the short planting period due to the northern cold, I’m not sure if Director Lu has heard of greenhouses?"
Greenhouses?
Director Lu shook his head and listened even more intently.
From Jiang Cheng’s eloquent explanation, Director Lu knew she had thought this through deeply.
"A greenhouse uses insulation materials and indoor heating facilities to ensure the temperature and humidity required for plant growth, allowing for vegetable cultivation even in winter."
Director Lu, surprised and thoughtful, questioned: "You make a good point. My wife grows some cilantro at home every winter, so it’s feasible. But what materials should be used?"
"If the material costs are too high, the local commune won’t agree."
Director Lu thought ahead, and Jiang Cheng nodded in agreement, saying to hold on a moment.
A moment later, Jiang Cheng returned with a pile of worn-out papers.
"In 1958, our country independently researched and designed a polyvinyl chloride production facility at the chemical factory. As far as I know, Hai City Chemical Factory produces at least 3.5 thousand tons of polystyrene annually."
"The materials for building the greenhouse would be plastic products, but these projects need support from above, which requires Director Lu’s own consideration."
"As for sales... I have some connections with Director Leng in foreign trade. At the next Canton Fair, if we truly have products, we might be able to secure a place."
Jiang Cheng finished speaking.
At the same time, she pushed a pile of prepared materials in front of Director Lu.
"I apologize, as I know my preparation isn’t thorough. Many are clippings from newspapers."
Apologize?
Who’s apologizing to whom?
Director Lu was speechless, stunned and wide-eyed.
Amazed by Jiang Cheng’s foresight, shocked by her effort behind the scenes.
This is a complete business line!
"You—- I——"
Director Lu stuttered for a while before finally organizing his words.
"When did you prepare all these?"
Jiang Cheng, calm and collected, pointed to various newspaper clippings on the table and said, "These were found while working at the recycling station, browsing old newspapers. I kept whatever seemed useful."
"As for the pickled cucumber matter, it was after seeing foreigners."
"After returning from the provincial city, I went to Xinhua Bookstore and found some materials. Combined with my own understanding, I thought it was feasible."
At this point, Jiang Cheng paused and seriously looked at Director Lu.
"Director Lu, this path isn’t simple. Although I explained it well, actually doing it is very difficult."
"I can speak fluently, but I’m not the one executing the work."
Director Lu interrupted Jiang Cheng.
"No need to say it, I understand."
Director Lu finished speaking with a smile and organized the materials on the table.
"Jiang Cheng, difficult or not, someone has to do it, right?"
"Was the Long March of twenty-five thousand miles difficult? Would you stop walking because it’s difficult?"
"In the bones of Hua Xia people, we aren’t afraid of difficulty!"
Director Lu collected all the materials on the table, carefully packing them into his briefcase, and set off, ready to embark on the effort.


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