Chapter 162: Shanwan Village Shakes All, Lu Qingshan Dares to Venture the World

The Beijing matters are settled, Lu Qingshan feels elated, but he hasn't forgotten to take time to report progress to the Ministry of Agriculture's Xiao Tian.

"Secretary Tian, all the procedures here in Beijing are completed." Lu Qingshan handed over the photocopy of the lease contract, "The matters Minister Lin is concerned about will definitely be handled according to the rules."

Xiao Tian took the document, flipped through it, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face: "Comrade Lu's efficiency is indeed high. Minister Lin said that once you open your business here, he will personally come to cut the ribbon."

Hearing that the minister would cut the ribbon himself made Lu Qingshan pleased inside, but he remained modest outwardly: "Minister Lin's presence would be our honor. However, the office building is still a shell; the renovation will likely be a hassle for a while."

"Don't worry about the renovation." Xiao Tian set the document down, pulled a business card from the drawer, "This is a renovation team under the Construction Department, specializing in government projects, with solid quality and fair prices. Go find their team leader Old Liu and tell him I introduced you."

Lu Qingshan took the card, silently marveling at the importance of connections. With Xiao Tian's link, many matters become much easier.

"One more thing." Xiao Tian lowered his voice, "Minister Lin asked me to tell you that the Beijing project succeeded, and there may be a bigger move next year. You should be ready."

A bigger move? A hint of doubt flashed in Lu Qingshan's eyes, but he didn't ask further. The current focus is to handle the matters at hand well.

Leaving the Ministry of Agriculture, Lu Qingshan headed straight to Fuqiang Hutong. Upon entering the courtyard, he saw Lu Xiaoyu feeding Jin Hu. The puppy had already grown to about half a human's height and wagged its tail excitedly at the sight of Lu Qingshan.

"Second brother, when will you return to Shanwan? I want to go with you!" Lu Xiaoyu hugged Jin Hu's neck, looking at Lu Qingshan expectantly.

"What are you going to do? Shanwan isn't as fun as Beijing." Lu Qingshan squatted and patted Jin Hu's head.

"I miss sister‑in‑law, and I miss Xiao Xue," Lu Xiaoyu pouted, "Besides, I have to learn to manage the factory; I can't just idle in Beijing forever."

That was indeed the truth. Although Lu Xiaoyu is young, his mind is sharp, and he should indeed start engaging in practical business early.

"Alright, then you come back with me." Lu Qingshan stood up, "But to be blunt, when you get to Shanwan you must work; you can't be a little princess like in Beijing."

"What little princess? I'm not that delicate!" Lu Xiaoyu said indignantly.

During dinner, Lu Qingshan told his parents about his plan to travel south for inspection.

"Guangdong? That far?" Wang Guilan set down her chopsticks, her face full of worry, "Qing Shan, aren't we doing fine now? Why go so far away?"

"Mom, please don't worry." Lu Qingshan placed a piece of braised pork into his mother's bowl, "I'm just going to see the market and learn about the southern situation. Reform and opening‑up have just begun, and the south is developing faster than our Northeast; I need to learn from their experience."

Lu Hua set down her teacup, thoughtful, "Qing Shan, your idea is actually good. When I was young I also stayed in the south; people there are indeed more open‑minded. But remember, being unfamiliar in a foreign place, you must be especially careful in your actions."

"Dad is right." Lu Qingshan nodded, "I plan to take Qingjun with me; having two of us will provide support."

Early the next morning, Lu Qingshan went to the train station to buy a ticket. Standing before the ticket window, looking at the dense train schedule, an inexplicable excitement rose in his heart.

In his previous life he had never left the Northeast, the farthest he went was Shenyang. Now reborn, he wants to see what the outside world is really like.

After buying the ticket, Lu Qingshan returned home to pack. Wang Guilan busied herself beside him, alternately stuffing medicines and dry food into the bag.

"Mom, I'm not going to a wilderness; they have everything over there," Lu Qingshan said, both laughing and sighing.

"Can things outside be better than at home?" Wang Guilan said irritably, "Besides, what if you can't adapt to the local climate? You must bring these medicines."

At three p. m., Lu Qingshan and Lu Xiaoyu boarded the train back to Shanwan. As the train set off, Lu Qingshan looked through the window at the receding Beijing city, feeling both reluctance and anticipation for the future.

They returned to Shanwan Village on the second afternoon. As soon as they stepped off, Zhao Dazhi rushed up to greet them.

"Brother Qing Shan, you finally made it back!" Zhao Dazhi was so excited he nearly jumped, "Everyone in the village talks about you daily, eager to hear news from Beijing."

"Uncle Dazhi, the Beijing matters are settled," Lu Qingshan patted Zhao Dazhi's shoulder, "Tonight I'll notify the heads of each factory for a meeting; I have important news to announce."

"Got it!" Zhao Dazhi nodded repeatedly, "I'll go notify right away."

At eight p. m., the food factory's conference room was packed. The directors and deputy directors of the three factories, plus several workshop chiefs, were all present. Even Lin Yue'e sat in the back row holding Xiao Xue.

Lu Qingshan scanned everyone present, cleared his throat, "Everyone, quiet down; I have a major announcement from my recent trip to Beijing."

The conference room fell silent instantly, even the usually talkative Liu Fugui held his breath.

"We secured an office building and a market in Beijing, preparing to establish a liaison office," Lu Qingshan said, and the room erupted.

"Is it real?" "Our village is opening a Beijing office?" "Brother Qing Shan, that's amazing!"

Amid the chatter, Li Jianqiang rose excitedly, "Brother Qing Shan, what's the exact location in Beijing?"

"It's on Jianguomen Outer Street, right next to Friendship Mall," Lu Qingshan's words made everyone gasp again, "Moreover, we will transform the market beside the office into a national specialty bazaar, selling high‑quality agricultural products from across the country."

Yao Bai'nian adjusted his glasses and asked cautiously, "Qing Shan, how much will this cost?"

"The plan is 700,000. We've already paid the annual rent," Lu Qingshan said the figure calmly.

The conference room fell dead silent; everyone was stunned by the astronomical figure. After a while, someone finally inhaled a cold breath.

"My goodness, 700,000!" Liu Fugui's eyes widened, "Brother Qing Shan, you're staking all our family assets on this!"

"Not just the family assets," Lu Qingshan smiled, "I also used an interest‑free bank loan. Rest assured, this investment won't go down the drain."

Wang Ming swallowed and said, "Qing Shan, what if we lose money?"

"We won't lose," Lu Qingshan said confidently, "Minister Lin of the Ministry of Agriculture personally supports this project, treating it as a national agricultural industrialization pilot. With state policy backing, a loss would be impossible."

Hearing the Ministry of Agriculture minister's support shocked everyone. Qian Jin stammered, "Brother Qing Shan, your connections are incredible, huh? You even know the minister?"

"Just a coincidence of fate," Lu Qingshan waved his hand, "Now back to business. After the Beijing office is established, there are new requirements for each of our factories."

"First, product quality must be strictly controlled; absolutely no issues. Beijing is the capital, and our products represent not only Shanwan Village but the entire Northeast's image."

"Second, be prepared to expand production capacity. Once Beijing's market opens, order volume will multiply."

At this point, Lu Qingshan paused, his gaze sweeping each person, "Third, and most important, I plan to take Qingjun to Guangdong and Hong Kong to survey the market. During that time, each factory must work harder, with no slack at all."

"Guangdong? Hong Kong?" Wang Ming nearly jumped from his seat, "Qing Shan, what are you planning?"

Lin Yue'e in the back row also furrowed her brow. She knew her husband had great ambitions, but hadn't expected such a big step.

"The south is developing rapidly now, especially Guangdong, where opportunities exceed our expectations. If we don't seize the initiative now, we'll be late after others go first," Lu Qingshan explained.

Li Jianqiang raised his hand and said, "Brother Qing Shan, if you go south, what will happen to our factories? Who will coordinate management?"

Lu Qingshan glanced at Lin Yue'e, gently saying, "Yue E will stay in the village to coordinate the factories; any problems go directly to her. Moreover, I'll be away at most a month and will return quickly."

After the meeting, most people excitedly discussed the Beijing office, but some whispered privately that Lu Qingshan might be taking steps that are too big.

Lu Qingshan walked alone around the workshop, watching the busy workers, listening to the machines' roar, feeling a mix of emotions. In his previous life he never imagined undertaking such a grand enterprise; now he must lead the whole village toward a broader horizon.

Back home, Lin Yue'e had already coaxed Xiao Xue to sleep. Seeing Lu Qingshan enter, she asked softly, "Qing Shan, are you really going south?"

"Yes, this opportunity is rare; I must go see it," Lu Qingshan took his wife's hand and sat down, "Yue E, the house and the factories will be a hassle for you during this time."

Lin Yue'e nodded; though her eyes held some reluctance, they showed more understanding and support, "Go without worry; I'm here at home. But promise me you'll stay safe and return early."

"I promise you," Lu Qingshan squeezed his wife's hand tightly, feeling a warm surge. With such a supportive wife, what else has he to worry about?

He stepped out of the house, Lu Qingshan raised his head to gaze at the stars in the night sky. The Beijing office, the southern inspection — this is merely the beginning of his grand plan. He wants the "Shanwan" brand to echo across the land, so that everyone knows that a remarkable Lu Qingshan has come from Northeast Shanwan Village.