Chapter 769: The valve core had been pulled out by someone

Lu Qiao glanced at the expressions of those present and steered the topic back to reality: "Let's go back to the pickle factory; it still has over five hundred workers. If the factory really goes under, what will happen to these people? With so many youths returning to the city, the employment issue is arguably the most headache-inducing problem for the leadership."

She paused, her voice softening: "Let me tell the leaders about something I encountered a few days ago... I parked my bicycle across from the department store and went in to buy some things. When I came out, I saw that the valve core had been pulled out by someone."

This was the first time Lu Qiao had encountered such a thing. She didn't even need to use Little Cangcang to investigate; she knew very well in her heart: either it was a prank by some street hoodlum, or... there must be a bicycle repair stall nearby.

She pushed the bike forward, and sure enough, there was a repair shed set up at the street corner not far away.

The owner of the shed was a man in his early thirties, looking every bit like a youth who had returned to the city.

At present, private business was not explicitly permitted, but the string of policy had already quietly loosened under the pressure of reality.

This person had most likely gone through the channels of the neighborhood office, obtained a letter of introduction, and set up a stall, which at least provided some income.

And the neighborhood office couldn't settle so many people either, so they could only turn a blind eye.

Lu Qiao recounted the scene to everyone: "I told him directly at the time that relying on pulling out people's valve cores to solicit business is not a long-term plan and also ruins one's reputation. You need to go to the neighborhood office to get formal procedures, whether it's a service station or a convenience station, and then practice your craft until it's solid and stabilize your stall; that is what you should be doing most."

She naturally knew in her heart that not just for the present, but for the next ten years or so, this craft of repairing bicycles would be a steady way to make a living.

Secretary Shi heard this and a look of approval appeared on his face; he admired Lu Qiao's pragmatic and insightful way of speaking.

Director Lu asked with concern: "You exposed him so directly, didn't he get angry with you?"

Lu Qiao smiled: "No, he was terribly embarrassed at first. Although he didn't admit it, he didn't refute it either. In the end, when the bike was fixed, he insisted on not taking my money, and when I left, he even whispered a 'thank you' to me."

Even Director Lin, who was on the side, looked at Lu Qiao with a smile in his eyes.

Lu Qiao took the opportunity to lead the topic back on track: "So I think, if we can produce qualified pickled radishes and ship them to Hong Kong, this is not only saving the urgent situation of the Shigang Commune, but also giving the pickle factory a hand. Once the factory is stabilized, we can slowly develop more products and solve more employment issues. This should be a matter of killing many birds with one stone."

Director Bai initially didn't take the matter of exporting pickles too seriously.

A small factory on the verge of bankruptcy, with Lu Qiao on one side, and that Miss Feng Zihan of the Feng family, who had nothing to do with the family business, on the other.

He trusted Lu Qiao, but how many orders could Feng Zihan get?

What if they couldn't be sold?

There were quite a few troubles involved in this.

But at this moment, looking at Lu Qiao with her bright, sparkling eyes, he changed his mind, his expression becoming serious: "Then tell me directly, what do you need us to do now?"

Lu Qiao felt a sense of emotion; as the saying goes, "The King of Hell is easy to see, but the little devils are hard to deal with." The people handling the specifics below often have layers of obstacles, but when you actually reach the leaders who can make the final decision, the logic is actually easier to explain.

She already had ideas in her mind and said unhurriedly: "The current Xiang Yang branch factory's core workers mostly transferred from the First Food Factory, and its management is still under the Foreign Trade Bureau. Since the pickle factory belongs to the First Food Factory, why don't you leaders first have an in-depth understanding with the comrades at the food factory about where exactly this small factory is stuck? Is it the pickle flavor, the high cost, or is it simply that they can't be sold?"

"No matter which one it is, even if all three are true, we can find a way. For example, the flavor. Why doesn't it taste good? Is it the raw materials, the recipe, or did a problem occur in the processing link? Finding an old master to taste it will give us a pretty good idea. I think this is the root; as long as the taste is made right, there will be a foundation for solving the cost and sales problems."

"That makes sense." Director Bai nodded repeatedly as he listened.

Everyone present was a pragmatic person who got things done. Since Feng Zihan was waiting for samples to place orders, then let's start working.

At this moment, Director Lu spoke up: "Exactly, I have something to discuss with Comrade Xiao Lu. Leader, why not let Xiao Lu assist in this trip? Today is Saturday, and she has time. I'll drive her to the Xiang Yang Food Factory; first, to see the situation of the branch factory, and second, to get to the bottom of the pickle factory."

Director Bai and Secretary Shi exchanged a glance, knowing that Director Lu wanted to convey the matters they had just decided to Lu Qiao, so they nodded in agreement.

Lu Qiao was a bit surprised; she hadn't been paying much attention to the movements at the General Bureau recently and didn't know what Director Lu wanted to say.

On the way to the food factory, Director Lu said to Lu Qiao with joy he couldn't suppress: "Actually, the main reason we came to find you today is for another matter. We got excited talking about pickles just now, so let me give you a heads-up now. The leaders of the General Bureau have held several meetings and decided to formally establish a new department. It's not a temporary agency, but a long-term one, directly under the General Bureau, and will be directly overseen by Director Bai and Secretary Shi."

He paused and said with a hint of excitement: "The tentative name is the Foreign Trade Development Department."

Foreign Trade Development Department?

Lu Qiao silently repeated this name in her heart.

No name is chosen casually; it must have its special significance.

After a moment of thought, Lu Qiao understood.

This name incorporates the word "development," which means that the country's thinking on foreign trade is undergoing a silent and profound shift.

It is taking a key step from passively executing plans to actively researching and exploring markets.

And this newly born department is the vanguard carrying this expectation.

The car was quiet for a moment, with only the low hum of the engine.

Lu Qiao looked at the street scene flashing past the window, the shadows of the plane trees flickering on her face.

Lu Qiao praised with a smile: "Director Lu, this name is truly well-chosen."

Director Lu naturally smiled too: "There is no official document issued yet, but you will definitely be a member of this department."

Lu Qiao blinked her eyes: "Am I changing my post again?"

Director Lu laughed out loud: "Then you are a brick; you'll be moved wherever you're needed."

The car stopped in front of the factory building bearing the Xiang Yang Food Factory sign.

The factory area was quieter than imagined. Only the side door was open on Saturday, and the old gatekeeper recognized Director Lu's car and waved them through.

No phone call had been made in advance.

But the old gatekeeper quickly called Old Min's office.

Hearing that it was Director Lu's car, Old Min thought it was just a work inspection, but he didn't expect Lu Qiao to get out of the car, and Old Min's face was immediately full of smiles.

Although this branch factory had already been separated from the Xiang Yang Food Factory.

But in fact, the roots were still the same.

Technology was shared, management methods were the same, and they would learn from each other. ===== CHAPTER 770 =====