Chapter 92: Trade Proposal

Yang said thoughtfully, "That is indeed a line of thought. But what should we sell? We can't sell off our most advanced rocket launchers and anti-aircraft systems, can we?"

A sharp glint flashed in Li Mingyuan's eyes: "The Type 56 Gun Family and the 107 Rocket Launcher are the most suitable products."

"The Type 56 Gun Family? Isn't that the new weapon we are currently equipping in large numbers?"

"That's right," Li Mingyuan nodded, "but precisely because we have already mastered the mature production technology, the marginal cost is very low. And for jungle and mountain warfare in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, this kind of weapon is simply perfect—lightweight, durable, easy to maintain, uses universal ammunition, and adapts to harsh environments."

Yang began to take an interest in this idea: "What about the 107 Rocket Launcher? That is our trump card."

"It is precisely because it is a trump card that the demand is high," Li Mingyuan explained.

"The Middle East region has been in long-term turmoil; those small countries and local armed forces lack firepower support weapons the most. The 107 Rocket Launcher is portable, powerful, and simple to use; for them, it is simply a treasure they have been longing for."

Yang could not help but have his eyes light up: "You mean... we can use these weapons to exchange for oil, rubber, and non-ferrous metals?"

"Exactly so," Li Mingyuan said affirmatively, "one Type 56 Rifle for a few barrels of oil, one 107 Rocket Launcher for a few tons of rubber; this business, no matter how you look at it, is very cost-effective."

Yang stood up and paced back and forth in the office, thinking about this bold proposal.

"This idea is very creative, but it might be difficult to execute," he finally said, "I need to report it upward to see how the superiors view this issue."

Li Mingyuan nodded: "Of course, this kind of matter requires high-level decision-making. However, I believe that in the face of the current resource dilemma, this may be the most pragmatic solution."

Yang nodded solemnly:

"I will report it as soon as possible. By the way, everyone is celebrating the Victory recently; what are your plans? After all, the New Year is almost here."

"I plan to seize this period of time to solve some basic problems in the factory area," Li Mingyuan said, "for example, that idle land on the west side of the factory area; I want to reclaim it to grow some vegetables, at least so the workers can have fresh vegetables to eat."

Yang was somewhat surprised: "You also understand agriculture?"

Li Mingyuan smiled: "I come from the countryside, so I still have some understanding of farming. What's more, in a situation where resources are tight, being self-sufficient as much as possible is also a way to solve problems."

"Makes sense," Yang nodded in agreement, "then go ahead and arrange it; I fully support you."

After leaving the Military Industry Department, Li Mingyuan went directly to find Lou Changzhang and proposed the idea of reclaiming the idle land on the west side of the factory area.

After hearing this, Lou Changzhang looked confused: "Chief Engineer Li, you want to use that piece of land to grow vegetables?"

"Not just vegetables," Li Mingyuan explained, "I plan to build a small factory farm to grow vegetables, raise chickens, and raise pigs, to improve the factory area's self-sufficiency as much as possible."

Lou Changzhang scratched his head: "But... you are the Chief Engineer; how did you suddenly become interested in farming and raising pigs?"

Li Mingyuan smiled mysteriously: "Lou Changzhang, do you think the national supply of grain and meat will be sufficient in the next year or two?"

This question left Lou Changzhang stunned.

Based on his understanding of the current situation, the answer was clearly no.

Although the war was won, the country was waiting to be rebuilt, industrial construction required a large amount of resources, and agricultural production had not yet recovered.

"You mean... there might be a grain shortage in the future?" Lou Changzhang asked cautiously.

Li Mingyuan did not answer directly, but instead asked: "How many workers are there in the factory? How many people do their family members add up to? If we can solve part of the food problem ourselves, wouldn't it reduce the workers' life pressure and allow them to work with more peace of mind?"

Lou Changzhang was thoughtful: "Put that way, it does make sense."

"Besides," Li Mingyuan added, "that land is just sitting idle now; reclaiming it to grow something is a good thing no matter how you look at it."

Lou Changzhang was convinced: "Fine, I support this. Whatever resources and manpower you need, just ask."

Li Mingyuan was confident: "We don't need too much manpower; just find a few workers with rural experience first. As for resources, it's mainly some farm tools and seeds, which won't cost much money. The key is scientific planning so that this land can exert its maximum benefit."

Lou Changzhang asked curiously: "Chief Engineer Li, you seem to have studied this area quite a bit?"

Li Mingyuan smiled and did not answer:

"After the Spring Festival, the factory canteen will be able to eat fresh vegetables grown by ourselves."

……

After settling the matter of the factory farm, Li Mingyuan returned to the Siheyuan.

The courtyard was filled with a festive atmosphere; every household was preparing decorations for the New Year, pasting spring couplets, hanging lanterns, and children were chasing and playing, with laughter constant.

"Uncle Li is back!" He Yuzhu saw Li Mingyuan from afar and greeted him enthusiastically, "You're back quite early today!"

Li Mingyuan nodded: "The factory has slowed down production recently, giving everyone a few days off for the New Year."

He Yuzhu leaned in close and said mysteriously:

"Uncle Li, have you heard? Great news!"

"What great news?" Li Mingyuan asked curiously.

"Jia Dongxu's wife, that Qin Huairu, is pregnant!" He Yuzhu said excitedly, "This has made the Jia Family overjoyed; Jia Dongxu is walking as if he's floating, like he's drunk on strong white liquor."

Li Mingyuan was a bit surprised; he remembered that Jia Dongxu and Qin Huairu had only gotten married a short while ago, and he hadn't expected such good news so soon.

The two chatted for a while longer, and Li Mingyuan returned to his room.

As soon as he entered the door, he saw a letter on the table, sent by someone sent by Yang.

Opening the letter, Li Mingyuan's eyes quickly scanned the neat handwriting, and a satisfied smile gradually appeared on his face.

The letter stated that the superiors were paying high attention to the arms trade proposal he had put forward and were actively studying its feasibility.

At the same time, to thank him for his outstanding contributions during the war, it was decided to give him a special commendation on the eve of the Spring Festival; in addition to being awarded a Special Merit, he would also be allocated more authority and his treatment level would be raised.

"Looks like there's a chance," Li Mingyuan muttered to himself, "as long as we can open this gap, there is hope for the resource problem."

"First solve the resource problem, then industrialization, and then...." He whispered to himself, his eyes flashing with a firm light.

……

The next morning, the Siheyuan was bustling with activity.

A crowd gathered in front of the Jia Family's door, and Jia Zhangshi was announcing the good news with great vigor: "... Qin Huairu has been pregnant for three full months; the doctor said everything is normal, it's a big, healthy boy!"

The neighbors offered their congratulations one after another, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

"Congratulations, congratulations, Mother Jia!"

"Dongxu is blessed; he's going to be a father so soon!"

"Qin Huairu is beautiful; the child she gives birth to will definitely be beautiful too!"