32: Chapter 32 A Scent of Beans, Ten Thousand Pounds of Orders

The Deputy Factory Director of the Steel Plant nodded repeatedly: "It's much more tender than what I usually eat, and the bean flavor is just right."

Li Dakang watched the surprised expressions of the group, feeling secretly pleased, and explained: "This is tofu specially made in Zhengjia Village, Guantian Township. The water quality there is exceptional, and with our ancestral brine-solidifying technique, the resulting tofu is exceptionally fine and tender."

As he spoke, the second dish was served—Fish Head Stewed with Tofu.

A large silver carp head lay in the milky white soup, surrounded by trembling cubes of tofu; amidst the rising steam, the savory aroma of the fish and the fresh fragrance of the tofu intertwined, whetting everyone's appetite.

"This dish..."

Director Zhao of the Machinery Factory scooped up a spoonful of soup and blew on the steam: "The fish soup is delicious, and the tofu is even more superb after absorbing the broth."

Secretary Chen Bin chimed in at the right moment: "To ensure everyone could taste the freshest tofu, Brother Li went to the village early this morning to pick up the freshly made batch and specifically asked the chef at Hongbinlou to prepare it using the most authentic method."

Hearing this, everyone felt a bit more appreciation for Li Dakang's thoughtfulness.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere in the private room grew increasingly harmonious.

Li Dakang seized the opportunity to steer the topic toward business: "Director Wu, I heard that your textile factory has over twenty thousand workers; the daily consumption of ingredients in the canteen must be quite large, right?"

He poured a glass of wine for Deputy Factory Director Wu and asked in a casual tone.

Deputy Factory Director Wu sipped his wine, his eyes narrowing slightly: "It's certainly not small. Why, does Township Head Li have an idea?"

Li Dakang smiled: "I was thinking, if the textile factory's canteen could use the tofu from our Guantian Township, the workers would surely be able to eat with more satisfaction. Our tofu not only tastes good, but it's also completely additive-free; it's truly a green food."

Secretary Chen Bin interjected: "Brother Li has just taken office, and he is determined to increase income for the folks in the township. Deputy Factory Director Wu, as a leader among municipal enterprises, your textile factory should take the lead in supporting the development of the township economy."

Deputy Factory Director Wu set down his wine glass, his gaze shifting between the two of them. Having understood the situation, he nodded readily: "Since Section Chief Chen has spoken, this matter is certainly no problem. However..."

He paused: "What about the price?"

Li Dakang had been prepared: "Ordinary tofu on the market is forty cents a catty. Our quality is better, but considering a long-term partnership, we can offer a wholesale price of thirty-six cents."

This price made the leaders present nod inwardly; improved quality at a discounted price was indeed very sincere.

Deputy Factory Director Wu pondered for a moment: "Then let's tentatively set it at three thousand catties per day. When can Township Head Li start supplying?"

This question made Li Dakang look troubled: "The earliest would be next month. To be honest, the road conditions in our township are too poor, and the tofu is particularly delicate; under current transport conditions, it's hard to guarantee it will arrive intact."

"So, we plan to repair the main road in the township first, which will ensure the quality of supply." He added, a determined light shining in his eyes.

Deputy Factory Director Wu nodded understandingly: "Alright, then I'll wait for the good news from Township Head Li; contact me as soon as the road is repaired."

Seeing the textile factory take the lead, other leaders also expressed their stance: The Deputy Factory Director of the Steel Plant wanted two thousand catties, the Machinery Factory wanted one thousand five hundred, and Section Chief Zhou of the Food Processing Plant, despite producing bean products themselves, still decided to order one thousand catties...

Calculated this way, the total daily order volume reached ten thousand catties.

Li Dakang was overjoyed, but maintained a restrained smile on the surface, exchanging contact information with each leader one by one, promising to contact them for supply as soon as the road was repaired.

As the banquet neared its end, the waiter brought out a fruit platter.

Deputy Factory Director Wu wiped his hands and said to Li Dakang: "Township Head Li, the tofu from your township is indeed good, but with a production volume of ten thousand catties a day, can you guarantee the quality?"

This question went straight to the core.

Li Dakang answered calmly: "Director Wu, rest assured. We are currently using family-style workshop production, so our capacity is indeed limited. However, the township has already planned to build a Bean Products Factory, introducing modern equipment to expand scale while maintaining the essence of traditional craftsmanship. The quality will only be better than today's sample, never compromised."

Deputy Factory Director Wu nodded with satisfaction and asked again: "How will you solve the transportation problem? Tofu cannot withstand long-distance bumps."

"We are currently researching a specialized fresh-keeping transport solution."

Li Dakang was confident.

"The preliminary idea is to use specially made anti-vibration containers, combined with low-temperature preservation. Once the road is repaired, the transport time will be shortened, and the quality will be even more guaranteed."

This exchange left a deeper impression of Li Dakang on the business leaders; this young township head not only knew how to network but also considered practical issues quite thoroughly.

...

After the meal, everyone said their goodbyes one after another.

As Deputy Factory Director Wu was leaving, he patted Li Dakang on the shoulder: "Township Head Li, it's a good thing for young people to have ideas, but you also need to take care of your health. I see bloodshot eyes; you must have been staying up late."

Li Dakang smiled and nodded: "Thank you for your concern, Director Wu. The conditions in the township are limited, and many things have to be done personally, but I'm used to it."

The last to leave was Secretary Chen Bin.

Li Dakang saw him to the entrance of the restaurant and said sincerely: "Brother Chen, thank you so much for today. Without you acting as the intermediary, this wouldn't have been possible."