"What? Director Zou from the Municipal Management Committee is coming to Wanli Commune for an inspection, and General Manager Ye from the Municipal Aquatic Products Company is accompanying him?"
"Station Chief Wang, why didn't you give me a heads-up? I'm completely unprepared!"
Wang Jianguo had finished writing his report yesterday and had immediately found a car to rush back to Liuhe County early in the morning.
When leaders came for an inspection, no matter what, he would definitely return to inform the factory director and the Wanli Commune first.
Even in a rush, all necessary preparations had to be made; it was a matter of attitude.
However, upon hearing Wang Jianguo's words, Liu Fuchun was almost stunned. The Director of the Municipal Management Committee was coming to inspect his Wanli Commune, how could he not be nervous?
This was a favored figure among the municipal leaders. It was said that the current secretary of Liuhe County was a comrade-in-arms with Director Zou.
"Director Liu, I only received the notice yesterday. I spent the whole night writing the report, and I rushed back as soon as I got up this morning."
"Director Liu and his group's jeep will probably arrive at Liuhe County around 9:30 AM. They'll make a brief stop at the factory before heading straight to Wanli Commune. We'll gather at Shenjiaba Village at ten o'clock."
"You must organize the masses well. You must show that the villagers approve of our fish purchasing. Also, if there's anything you're unsure about, quickly ask that kid Chen Yang."
"Director Zou is probably interested in his idea of letting villagers contract wild ponds for aquatic farming."
Without even taking a sip of water, Wang Jianguo finished speaking and quickly rode his bicycle back.
He still had to arrange the tour for Director Zou and General Manager Ye at the food factory's aquatic products station.
"Alright, Station Chief Wang, don't worry. I won't let you down."
Liu Fuchun was an old hand. Since he had grasped the main points, he was no longer worried about other matters.
The villagers understood the fish purchasing situation at the aquatic products station clearly, and everyone was grateful. He only needed to guide them slightly, and they would surely speak highly of Director Zou.
As for contracting wild ponds for aquatic farming, he would have to consult Chen Yang carefully.
Since leaders were coming for an inspection, a plan had to be presented. They couldn't just have an idea without concrete measures.
How many wild ponds did each brigade in Wanli Commune have? What price would the collective contract them to the members? What kind of fish fry would be raised? Were there any technicians?
He needed to have at least a general understanding of these issues, otherwise, it would be deceiving the leaders. He couldn't let such a good opportunity to impress pass by.
What if Secretary Chen, on an impulse, hosted Director Zou, and Director Zou commented on the joint fish purchasing and contracted aquatic farming of Wanli Commune and the aquatic products station? He could at least earn some bonus points in front of Secretary Chen.
"Luo Wang, quickly compile the data on the wild ponds of the commune's brigades, especially Shenjia Brigade and Shenjiaba Village."
"The data for other brigades can be a bit vague, but the data for Shenjiaba Village must be precise. I need it immediately."
"Lan Ping, gather information on the most common types of fish in Liuhe River and bring it to Shenjiaba."
Liu Fuchun immediately got to work. How could someone who could discern the trends from Guangming Daily miss such a great opportunity to impress?
The entire Wanli Commune was instantly in a state of frantic activity. The commune cadres who were leisurely drinking tea in their offices were all assigned to gather information.
After reviewing the wild pond data compiled by Luo Wang, the organizational cadre, Liu Fuchun immediately rode his bicycle towards Shenjiaba Village.
This time, Shenjia Brigade and Shenjiaba Village were undoubtedly the top priorities.
And Chen Yang, he had to find this kid quickly and get a clear understanding of the plan for contracting wild ponds for aquatic farming.
Chen Yang was unaware that Liu Fuchun was looking for him. He had started collecting fish early in the morning. His father-in-law had been exhausted during his absence.
However, the volume of aquatic products purchased was gradually declining. The fish season in Liuhe River was nearing its end, and coupled with continuous fishing, catching fish had become significantly more difficult, which was inevitable.
Previously, the four brigades could collect twelve to thirteen thousand catties of fish daily. Now, the four brigades combined could barely manage seven to eight thousand catties. In a few more days, it would likely be even lower.
Chen Yang had also made preparations. By the end of the month, he would hand over the fish purchasing entirely to his father-in-law. Although there might only be about a thousand catties a day, it would still bring in a few hundred yuan in profit, which he considered a token of filial piety to his father-in-law.
"Chen Yang, let Fuhang deliver the fish. You need to come with me to the brigade headquarters immediately. Director Liu from the commune wants to see you!"
Just as Chen Yang returned with the fish loaded on his donkey cart and was about to enter his house, he was caught by the old branch secretary Shen Fuguo, who was waiting at the entrance.
"Old Branch Secretary, what's the hurry? I haven't delivered the fish yet."
Chen Yang was a bit bewildered as to why Liu Fuchun would suddenly seek him out. He didn't know that it was all because of him.
If he hadn't casually mentioned the joint fish purchasing by Wanli Commune and the aquatic products station, and the plan for aquatic farming, to Zou Chenguang, why would Zou Chenguang come for an inspection?
"How would I know what Director Liu wants? Hurry up, you kid, we can't keep Director Liu waiting."
Even though Shen Fuguo was in charge in Shenjia Brigade, he was quite intimidated by Director Liu, the commune director. In previous years, when completing commune tasks like building river dikes, he had been criticized by Director Liu quite a few times.
"If Director Liu wants to see you, then go. I've been covering for you for days, and nothing has gone wrong."
Seeing Shen Fuguo holding onto Chen Yang, his father-in-law had nothing to say. Well, he couldn't even get a day of rest.
He was helpless, but this was his son-in-law's business, so who else would do it if not him?
Chen Yang had no choice but to follow Shen Fuguo to the brigade headquarters. As soon as he arrived, Liu Fuchun immediately greeted him.
"Comrade Xiao Chen, we meet again."
Liu Fuchun warmly shook Chen Yang's hand. This made Chen Yang even more puzzled.
What was going on with Liu Fuchun? Why was he suddenly so amiable towards him?
"Hello, Director Liu? Is there something you need me for?"
Chen Yang glanced around. Although he didn't know what had happened, having lived two lives, how could he not tell that Liu Fuchun must have something to ask of him?
"Xiao Chen, that idea you mentioned last time about letting our villagers contract wild ponds for aquatic farming. Do you have any specific thoughts on it?"
"There are leaders from above coming for an inspection today, and I want to discuss this matter with you in detail, so we can report it properly to the leaders."
Liu Fuchun was direct and didn't beat around the bush. Although Chen Yang was young, his mind was very sharp. Liu Fuchun didn't intend to play any tricks with him.
"Director Liu, I definitely have ideas. Otherwise, I wouldn't have brought it up with you."
"It's not just wild ponds. We can also do aquatic farming in our paddy fields. We can plant grain on top and raise some swamp eels, loaches, and rice field fish in the water. When the rice matures, we can harvest both grain and fish, killing two birds with one stone."
Chen Yang said calmly. Upon hearing his words, Liu Fuchun clapped his hands excitedly.
This young educated youth is truly amazing!
Rice field fish, what a great name! Both grain and fish can be raised!