Chapter 901: Li Long's Misjudgment: Have Flattened Melon Seeds Become Valuable Again?

(Only one chapter today.)

Bai Xiu Ming had timed his call precisely; while there was still a supply of melon seeds, the flat-mouthed variety enjoyed far greater consumer acceptance, so he wanted to purchase more from Li Long.

Bai Xiu Ming's food company had its own fixed raw material suppliers, but ever since acquiring several dozen tons of flat-mouthed melon seeds from Li Long, their market share had surged, and distributors were frequently calling to rush orders.

But to be honest, those raw material suppliers had all stated they could not provide these flattened melon seeds; it wasn't that they couldn't flatten them, but rather that they deemed it too troublesome—since one could simply scoop the seeds from the melons, dry them, and sell them directly for money, why add an extra step and go to such trouble? Moreover, it carried risks; if pressed improperly, the large seeds could be crushed outright, and who would bear that loss?

Although the food company had told the raw material suppliers that if they could flatten the melon seeds, the price was negotiable, even allowing an increase of eight mao or so per unit.

But those raw material suppliers were unlike Li Long, who had lived two lives and seen similar products in the future, giving him the courage to attempt it; they simply felt the endeavor unnecessary and thus refused.

Therefore, Bai Xiu Ming decided it was best to approach Li Long directly.

"Manager Bai, let me tell you, we won't be harvesting melons here for at least another half month, but sunflowers are nearly ready for harvest; would you be interested? The sunflower seeds here in Northern Xinjiang are large and plump, benefit from long hours of sunlight, and are exceptionally fragrant."

Sunflower seeds could not compare in price to melon seeds; local grain and oil companies and the Grain Bureau purchased sunflower seeds at basically seven or eight mao per kilogram, while second-hand dealers paid slightly more but never exceeded one yuan, generally ranging between eight and nine mao.

One mu of land yielded about 170 to 180 kilograms of sunflowers, translating to a gross income of around 150 yuan, far inferior to last year's melon seed harvest.

Using melon seeds as a reference, Li Long believed the market for sunflower seeds in Northern Xinjiang was too small, hence the prices could not rise; in the interior regions, where the market was larger, prices should be somewhat higher.

"Sunflowers?" Bai Xiu Ming pondered before saying, "Sunflower seeds aren't worth much; our region also has high yields, with a maximum price of just over one yuan per kilogram, and even for exceptionally high quality, at most two yuan."

"Rest assured, the quality will definitely be exceptional!" The price Bai Xiu Ming offered somewhat surprised Li Long; if it could reach 1.5 yuan, then planting sunflowers would be worthwhile.

In fact, according to Li Long's thinking, even one yuan would be better than selling locally.

Actually, Bai Xiu Ming wasn't particularly interested in sunflower seeds; in his view, Li Long's ability to flatten melon seeds was quite distinctive, especially since his own food company's production areas lacked such goods, but what was there to do with sunflower seeds? They were naturally flat anyway, lacking any special feature.

"Alright, then I'll come over to take a look when it's time to harvest melon seeds," Bai Xiu Ming said, "The quantity of this year's melon seeds shouldn't be small, right?"

"Rest assured on that point, the quantity will certainly be substantial," Li Long replied, detecting that Bai Xiu Ming's primary focus remained on melon seeds, adding, "But we still need to wait a while; the melons in the fields aren't ripe yet."

"Very well, I'll come over in half a month; as I said before, our previous cooperation was good, so I hope this time will be even better; the price will definitely satisfy you, but you must prioritize me for this product."

"Don't worry, don't worry, we'll definitely reserve them for you first," Li Long said with a smile.

Bai Xiu Ming's concerns were not unfounded; just a few days after his phone call, Dong Zhi Chao and Ye Lanlan set out once again.

This year, due to the roasted nut factory's initial misjudgment and the sales department's concealment of the situation, the market they had originally occupied was seized back by Bai Xiu Ming's food company.

Upon post-event analysis, the factory's leadership was quite angry; clearly, a highly favorable situation had been ruined by their own subordinates' chaotic actions, which was obviously intolerable.

Therefore, as the melon harvest approached, they sent Dong Zhi Chao, accompanied by Ye Lanlan, to Northern Xinjiang to find Li Long, hoping to purchase another batch of flattened melon seeds, and if possible, to buy out the entire local stock outright.

Dong Zhi Chao still felt somewhat embarrassed, so upon arrival, he first sought out the Prefectural Supply and Marketing Cooperative.

Unlike Bai Xiu Ming, Dong Zhi Chao had previously stayed in Northern Xinjiang and understood the local social structure and organizational setup; since Li Long had operated under the name of the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative, Dong Zhi Chao believed it wiser to approach Li Long's superiors rather than Li Long himself, reasoning that once the upper-level relationships were secured, Li Long, being within the organization, would inevitably obey his leaders.

After navigating through several layers of connections, Dong Zhi Chao actually managed to locate a deputy director of the Prefectural Supply and Marketing Cooperative.

Upon hearing that Dong Zhi Chao wished to purchase melon seeds, the deputy director immediately stated that it was not yet the season.

Dong Zhi Chao naturally knew it wasn't the season, so he explained that he had purchased ten tons out of the several dozen tons of large melon seeds sold by the Prefectural Supply and Marketing Cooperative that summer.

Now, he hoped to sign a long-term sales contract with the Supply and Marketing Cooperative.

The deputy director was naturally delighted; wasn't this performance delivered right to his doorstep?

Last year's harvested melon seeds had remained unsold until this year before finally being disposed of.

If the contract could be signed early this year, the Supply and Marketing Cooperative could assign tasks to its branch cooperatives below, allowing them to purchase melon seeds without hesitation.

The deputy director agreed very readily, especially since Dong Zhi Chao was presenting a contract for fifty tons.

However, he specifically noted in the contract that all melon seeds must be flattened, with none unpressed.

The deputy director, being knowledgeable in the trade, shook his head urgently after reading this contract:

"How is this possible? After scooping melon seeds from the melons, some are naturally flat while others are unpressed; how could they all be flat-mouthed?"

"This summer, all the ones we purchased from that person named Li Long at the supply cooperative in Maxian were entirely flat," Dong Zhi Chao said, "Those melon seeds of his came straight from your warehouse, including the subsequent forty tons he sold to others, which were also all flat."

The deputy director wondered to himself, Did I remember incorrectly?

He immediately summoned the person responsible for purchasing melon seeds at that time to inquire.

"No, no, the melon seeds we purchased included both flat and unpressed ones."

Dong Zhi Chao was somewhat at a loss; this differed from what he had expected, so he reconfirmed that the goods received by both himself and the other food company consisted entirely of flat large melon seeds.

The deputy director was also somewhat surprised; what exactly was going on here?

Only Director Qian knew about Li Long disposing of those several dozen tons of melon seeds; for Director Qian, several dozen tons of melon seeds were no major issue, so there was no need to mention it at a meeting, hence this deputy director remained unaware of how those melon seeds became flattened.

Ultimately, this contract was not signed.

The deputy director of the Prefectural Supply and Marketing Cooperative felt quite regretful, thinking it a pity, but he lacked the capability to flatten several dozen tons of melon seeds, and since Li Long was clearly under Director Qian's purview, he did not feel it appropriate to intervene actively.

After leaving the Prefectural Supply and Marketing Cooperative, Dong Zhi Chao and Ye Lanlan remained unwilling to give up, so they went directly to the farmers growing melons, hoping to purchase exclusively flat melon seeds from them.

Apart from the Fourth Small Team, nowhere else had farmers growing melons who knew about, were conscious of, or had experience in flattening these melon seeds.

Thus, Dong Zhi Chao and Ye Lanlan encountered setbacks once again.

Helplessly, they finally had no choice but to travel to Maxian again to find Li Long.

Upon arriving at the purchasing station, Dong Zhi Chao asked Gu Gu Bo Yuan with a forced smile about Li Long's whereabouts, and Gu Gu Bo Yuan told him Li Long was not present.

Dong Zhi Chao assumed Li Long was avoiding him, hiding from him.

But since he did not know where Li Long lived, he could only shamelessly wait.

Li Long was indeed absent; he was currently at the Kuitun Agricultural Machinery Factory, discussing with Factory Director Du the matter of ordering two machines.

"The inter-tillage machine you mentioned has already been produced; frankly, it isn't selling as well as this harvester," Factory Director Du said, somewhat dissatisfied.

"Of course it isn't selling as well as the harvester," Li Long said as a matter of course. "The inter-tillage machine is used starting in May and June; you produced it in July and August, so it would be strange if it sold well."

"This product depends on next year, and you must promote it; you can't just produce it and leave it sitting in the factory waiting for someone with a keen eye to specifically come here to buy it."

"We did promote it," Factory Director Du said, his face turning slightly red, "In nearby rural areas, we drove small four-wheel tractors equipped with the inter-tillage machine to show people, and we also promoted it to those who came to buy harvesters."

"You should take this inter-tillage machine directly to the Shicheng Agricultural Machinery Factory or the Autonomous Region's Agricultural Machinery Factory for bundled sales," Li Long clearly perceived that what Factory Director Du and his team called 'promotion' would effectively accomplish nothing, so he casually suggested, "You could even establish a permanent representative there, offering the factory a certain rebate, say ten yuan for each inter-tillage machine sold; that way, when people buying tractors see your inter-tillage machine, they might purchase both together."

Bundled marketing, common in later generations, was honestly quite a novel sales approach in the present era.

Factory Director Du pondered that this idea could actually work; although their factory had gained some minor reputation now, it still lagged far behind those large factories producing and selling tractors, and moreover, others came here primarily to buy harvesters to earn money during the harvesting season, so asking these people to buy inter-tillage machines was indeed somewhat difficult for them.

"Let's give it a try." Director Du was impeccable when it came to taking advice.

"That machine for flattening watermelon seeds you helped me develop last time—produce another three to five units for me." Immediately after offering Director Du a highly feasible suggestion, Li Long made his own request.

"Three to five units? Did the original one perform well?" Director Du asked with some curiosity.

Although the factory's production capacity was currently tight, to be honest, squeezing out the space to manufacture three to five of those small machines for Li Long posed no problem.

After all, Li Long had solved a major problem for him; this much face certainly had to be given.

"Excellent." Li Long gave an affirmative evaluation. "The efficiency is very high, and it's very convenient to use." "Alright then, I'll pull some people off other tasks to work on this for you. It should take about a week; come pick up the goods in a week."

"Understood, I'll come in a week." In truth, Li Long could have settled this matter with a single phone call, but he came over also to deliver some goods to his second brother, Li Li Anguo's household.

Since his own family was living well, it was only natural to want his relatives to live well too.

Ever since Li Li Anguo's family moved into the large courtyard house, their happiness in life had increased significantly. Although they still carried some debt, having no other major expenses meant they were saving money quite quickly. In Li Li Anguo's estimation, within two or three years, they would have saved enough to repay Li Long.

After that, they would be free of debt and unburdened; since they did not need to contribute much toward supporting their elderly parents, their pressure was minimal.

In truth, among siblings, the eldest often struggles, and the youngest often struggles; ironically, the middle children, like those in the Li family, often have it easiest.

The eldest bears the responsibility of raising their younger siblings in place of their parents. The youngest carries the family's hopes. Conversely, middle children like Li Li Anguo neither bear the responsibility of supporting their parents nor carry the weight of the family's expectations.

Although they receive less attention, they also do not have to shoulder excessive responsibilities.

In his previous life, Li Jianguo had paid close attention to Li Li Anguo's family circumstances. He would rather eat less fine grain himself than fail to support his brother.

In this life, Li Long felt the same; thinking that since his own family had prospered, there was no way he could let his second brother live in such penury.

All in all, no matter what, Li Li Anguo's family was getting by reasonably well.

After all, belonging to the working class and receiving state-supplied grain rations made them far better off than ordinary peasant farmers.

Having lived two lives, Li Long's emotional bond with his second brother's family was not particularly deep; thus, after delivering supplies to them and sharing a meal, he returned to Maxian.

Li Long had not expected Dong Zhi Chao to come looking for him.

However, since he had arrived, it was impossible to truly hide and refuse to see him.

Therefore, when Dong Zhi Chao brought Ye Lanlan to the procurement station again, Li Long received them in the reception room.

"Comrade Xiao Li, we previously had quite a significant misunderstanding. To be honest, although your procurement station is small, you have run it quite impressively." Although Dong Zhi Chao needed a favor from Li Long, his tone still retained an air of superiority; even while seeking help, he maintained a slightly condescending demeanor:

"Let me tell you, you must pursue a premium route; you cannot just buy up everything."

Seeing Dong Zhi Chao unable to hold back his speech, Ye Lanlan tugged at him.

Dong Zhi Chao remained somewhat oblivious and intended to speak further.

Sun Jia Qiang brought in tea, placing cups before everyone, effectively interrupting Dong Zhi Chao's words.

Li Long smiled and said:

"Manager Dong, Assistant Ye, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"

Although he knew Li Long was pretending ignorance, Dong Zhi Chao also realized that since he now needed a favor from others, continuing to put on airs of superiority might mean this business deal would truly fall through.

Having been immersed in the business world for decades, he might not be able to bend and stretch flexibly, but at least he knew how to assess the situation and timing, distinguishing clearly within the nuances of conversation.

Upon hearing Li Long's words, Dong Zhi Chao's mind raced; realizing it was unlikely he could suppress this young man, he immediately changed tactics, smiling as he said:

"Comrade Xiao Li, we can be considered old partners. Our last cooperation was very pleasant, so this time we have come hoping to renew our former alliance and deepen our collaboration."

"Manager Dong, I am quite busy; let's speak plainly." Li Long gave no face whatsoever, saying directly, "What exactly do you want?"

Such a blunt question left Dong Zhi Chao unsure how to respond.

He turned his head to look at Ye Lanlan.

Ye Lanlan had no choice but to steel herself and speak:

"We wish to purchase fifty tons of those flattened watermelon seeds. I wonder if Boss Li can supply such a large quantity? Furthermore, this year's price is also open to negotiation."

Li Long smiled. This was exactly within his expectations; truly, good wine needs no bush. After he flattened the watermelon seeds and sold them to the factories of Dong Zhi Chao and Bai Xiu Ming, who processed them further before selling to the market, they were certainly accepted by the public.

Otherwise, neither Bai Xiu Ming nor Dong Zhi Chao would have come seeking raw materials from him.

It seemed his decision to order the watermelon seed flattening machines from Director Du was a wise one.

Of course, having already promised Bai Xiu Ming, he could only offer his apologies to Dong Zhi Chao here.

"Manager Dong, I apologize, but I have already signed a contract with another factory. These watermelon seeds must be supplied to them first; moreover, they offered a relatively higher price, making it difficult for me to refuse. So, I am truly sorry; perhaps we can cooperate again in the future."

These few words made Dong Zhi Chao so angry he wanted to curse.

Wasn't it simply that the other party offered a higher price? Why bother with such high-sounding rhetoric?

In truth, before coming to find Li Long, he had mentally prepared himself. Previously, Li Long had begged him to help purchase these watermelon seeds, offering a price that was truly not high. He had not valued these items back then; after all, as the manager of the procurement department, while he might not have commanded the winds and rains or taken whatever he desired, he at least held great power, controlling the fate of many.

Therefore, his dismissive attitude toward Li Long at that time was understandable.

He simply had not expected that times would change, and now it was his turn to beg Li Long.

But what could be done? The market had shifted from a buyer's market to a seller's market; previously, he was the grandfather and others were the grandsons, but now that the positions were reversed, he could not bear it.

"My apologies, Manager Dong, Assistant Ye." Li Long spread his hands and waved them. "Putting aside the fact that the watermelon seeds have not yet been flattened, even if they were, we already have priority clients.

The other party reserved their share long ago, also for fifty tons. Even if we added up the production from several surrounding counties, this is all we have; so, I am truly sorry, and I can only express my regret to you."

"We can increase the price!" Ye Lanlan knew Dong Zhi Chao would certainly not speak words of compromise, but since the factory had insisted before their departure that this deal must be secured, she could not help but interrupt, "Boss Li, how about three yuan per kilogram for the flattened watermelon seeds?"

Li Long smiled.

He did not even speak, yet Ye Lanlan knew the price she offered was too low.

However, she did not have the authority to offer a higher price; Ye Lanlan turned her head to look at Dong Zhi Chao.

Dong Zhi Chao was no fool; he knew that at this moment, even if the price had to be raised slightly, he needed to support his subordinate. Even if Li Long was essentially extorting them now, they had to accept it.

"How about three yuan fifty?" Dong Zhi Chao's words landed with weight.

"Manager Dong, I am not afraid to tell you, the price the other party offered me is exactly three yuan fifty. But for the same three yuan fifty, I will sell to them, not to you. They supported me at a critical moment; at this time, I will certainly stand by them first."

Li Long's words made Dong Zhi Chao feel his face burning.

Although it was clearly his own misjudgment and erroneous decision-making, having Li Long state it outright made Dong Zhi Chao feel a slight sting of shame and anger.

He really wanted to slam the table and walk away.

Worst case, I just won't buy any!

However, the situation from visiting several counties and cities over the past few days made him realize that if he wanted to buy this kind of melon seed, he could only look for Li Long.

There was truly no other way anywhere else.

If there's a chance in the future, I must make this young man pay!

But for now, he could only swallow his pride and go beg him.

"Comrade Xiao Li, how much did that household you mentioned purchase? For the remainder, we'll still buy at three yuan fifty; see how many tons we can get? If that doesn't work, I'll raise the price!" Dong Zhi Chao knew that if he returned from this trip without securing anything, his position as Purchasing Manager would likely be jeopardized.

Li Long chuckled.

Seizing the initiative had not been easy. (End of Chapter)