HPDBC Chapter 72 Sichuan Potatoes, Round and Rich
Chapter 72 Sichuan Potatoes, Round and Rich
We arrived at this place just as night was approaching.
Mu Ping treated Xu Liang to a meal and chatted with him all night. After settling him in, he planned to take him to visit the industrial park the next day.
……
After a night's rest, it was just dawn.
The morning fog was incredibly moist, covering the Dabashan Mountains in Tongchuan.
Potatoes grown in this way are of high quality.
In 95, there were no paved national highways in eastern Sichuan.
Only winding, gravelly mountain roads meander through the rolling green hills.
It's a real, cool breeze that hits your skin and instantly clears your mind.
Xu Liang woke up early, quickly washed up, and left the small house where he was temporarily staying.
Last night, we traveled all night, traversing mountain roads and winding through narrow paths, finally arriving at the entrance of the industrial park.
I saw Muping waiting by the roadside in the distance. After all the trouble, I was quite tired.
But after a good night's sleep, all the fatigue disappeared, and all that remained on my mind was the most important thing in this eastern Sichuan region: the selenium-rich potatoes from Tongchuan.
His purpose in coming to Tongchuan this time was very clear.
The first step was to conduct an on-site investigation of this long-rumored selenium-rich land and see for myself what makes the crops grown here so special.
Secondly, secure a stable, long-term, and high-quality potato supply.
The third party met with the actual person in charge of the industrial park to discuss cooperation and sign a supply agreement, paving the way for the potato snacks, crispy rice, specialty side dishes, and deep-processed ingredients for their county restaurant.
Having spent half his previous life in the catering industry, Xu Liangtai understood one principle well.
For home-style cooking and long-term catering businesses, meat and vegetables can be changed, side dishes can be adjusted, and dishes can be updated and iterated.
But potatoes will always be the most widely consumed, most consumed, and lowest-cost essential food in the Sichuan and Chongqing region.
Especially the local small potatoes in the Tongchuan Kongshan area, with their unique sandy selenium-rich soil, large temperature difference in the mountains, and moderate rainfall, produce yellow-fleshed small potatoes.
The starch ratio is perfect, and it's not hollow.
It is resistant to boiling, stewing, frying, and grilling.
Whether it's making crispy potato, wolf tooth potatoes, or side dishes for braised rice.
Whether it's braised pork belly, stewed pork belly, or side dishes, it's suitable for everything.
Back in the 1990s, ordinary farmers only knew how to bury themselves in farming, taking whatever harvest they could get and whatever they could sell.
There are no standards, no distribution channels, no concept of deep processing, and no brand awareness.
It's common for good things to rot in the fields and be sold cheaply at the market.
And this is precisely Xu Liang's greatest opportunity.
Mu Ping was already waiting in the open space by the entrance.
Compared to Xu Liang's composure, Mu Ping was clearly much more attentive, holding a crumpled notebook in his hand.
With a fountain pen in his pocket, wearing a simple work jacket and durable rubber boots, he was clearly well-prepared.
He specifically waited to take Xu Liang on a tour, to connect with him, and to communicate.
Upon seeing Xu Liang emerge, Mu Ping immediately stepped forward, his tone straightforward and direct, without any unnecessary formalities.
"Xu Liang, you're awake."
"Boss Qing had someone contact you early this morning, knowing that you were coming today to inspect the goods and discuss cooperation. The entire industrial park is open, including the planting area, storage area, sorting shed, and primary processing workshop. Whichever area you want to see, I will take you there."
"The main potato fields to look at are located on a large hillside behind the industrial park. The entire hillside is planted with potatoes in a continuous area. The potatoes are of uniform quality and are all under standardized management. They are not in the same league as the potatoes grown by individual farmers outside."
Xu Liang nodded slightly, his expression calm.
"Let's go to the fields first."
"First, we look at the raw materials, then we look at the storage conditions, and finally, we meet with Mr. Qing to discuss cooperation."
"The order cannot be messed up. Whether the product is good or not, the field has the final say. It's useless to just talk about it or look at samples."
Mu Ping nodded.
"No problem, we'll do it your way."
Without exchanging any more words, the two strode off along the cement path in the industrial park toward the contiguous planting area on the back hill.
The entire Tongchuan selenium-rich industrial park is planned in a very orderly manner, completely different from the scattered and disorderly private plots in the rural areas outside.
It was remarkable that such a large, contiguous piece of land could be provided in the 1990s.
Unified planning for breeding, fertilization, and management is simply impossible without support from the township government and a dedicated leader.
The person in charge of this industrial park is Boss Qing.
The boss, Mr. Qing, is not too old, just over forty. He is a native of Tongchuan, quick-witted, and has a forward-thinking mind.
They were among the first to recognize the advantage of the local selenium-rich soil, proactively contacted the township government, took the lead in transferring land, introduced improved varieties, and started large-scale planting.
In the past, no one cared about this mountainous area.
The mountain roads are difficult to travel, the land is on a sloping slope, and transportation is inconvenient, so the yield of crops is limited, and corn and sweet potatoes are the main crops.
They can barely make any money all year round. All the young people have left to work elsewhere, leaving only the elderly to live on their meager land.
It is precisely this hillside that others dislike that has loose soil.
With its high selenium content, good ventilation, ample sunlight, and fast drainage, it is a natural paradise for growing potatoes.
As they walked, Mu Ping explained the actual situation to Xu Liang, speaking frankly and never boasting.
"Boss Qing has had his eye on this land for three years."
"When we first started setting up the industrial park, there was tremendous resistance."
"The villagers don't know anything about selenium-rich soil. They just think that the hillside is difficult to cultivate and harvest, so they are unwilling to transfer their land. They feel uneasy about having their good land taken away."
"Some people say he's just messing around and wasting money. He should just have a peaceful life instead of doing all these fancy new gadgets."
"But once Boss Qing has made up his mind, he won't easily change it."
"We negotiated step by step, worked with each household one by one, signed agreements uniformly, paid rent uniformly, and gave priority to hiring local farmers. Only then did we gradually build up the entire industrial park."
"When we first started planting, the scale was small, the yield was unstable, and there was no market for potatoes. The potatoes we harvested could only be sold in small quantities at the town market. The price was low, it was labor-intensive, and there was serious overstocking. At the most difficult time, a whole warehouse of potatoes almost went bad."
Xu Liang paused in his steps.
"Back then, did you never think about making snacks or processing food?"
"I've thought about it, but I can't do it."
Mu Ping shook his head.
"First, nobody knows the recipe, nobody knows the standardized method. The potato preparation at street stalls is simple and crude, not presentable, and can't be sold at a high price."
"Secondly, without a stable customer base and fixed buyers, relying solely on individual sellers to sell in small quantities is simply not enough to absorb the large-scale output."
"Third, locals have a rigid mindset, only regarding potatoes as coarse grains or side dishes, never thinking that they can be a main product or a core industry for making money."
"To put it bluntly, the land is good and the resources are good, but nobody knows how to monetize it."
These words are extremely realistic.
This was a common pain point for rural areas throughout the 1990s.
They possess abundant local resources, yet they are starving despite sitting on a gold mine, lacking vision, ideas, and the ability to integrate channels.
After walking for a few minutes, the view opened up completely.
A vast expanse of fields stretches out, following the contours of the mountainside and arranged in layers.
The furrows are neat, and the row spacing and spacing are all uniformly planned, making it orderly and well-organized at a glance.
The entire field is planted with selenium-enriched small potatoes, an improved variety grown locally in Tongchuan.
April is a crucial time for potatoes to grow vigorously, with lush green vines and dense growth.
The leaves are thick and the roots are firm, showing no signs of disease, pests, or stunted growth.
Between the fields, you can often see farmers hired by the park, carrying hoes and farm tools.
They tended the field, loosening the soil, weeding, and clearing away twigs, each performing their duties in an orderly manner.
There are no fancy pastoral landscapes, only real land, crops, and hardworking farmers, full of the down-to-earth atmosphere of rural life.
Xu Liang walked directly to the edge of the field, bent down, and reached out to clear away the loose topsoil. His movements were practiced, quick, and efficient.
The soil is loose and moist, black in color, has a delicate feel, and is extremely breathable.
With a gentle dig, several round and small potatoes were revealed along the soil.
They are uniform in size, round and plump, with thin skin, natural color, fresh soil, and no deformities, cracks, or rot.
If you randomly squeeze one open, the inside of the potato is golden and firm, with just the right amount of moisture.
It is full of starch and has a natural sweet aroma.
Needless to say, you can make a judgment just by looking at the appearance, the soil quality, and the growth.
This batch of potatoes is of far superior quality to ordinary bulk potatoes sold in supermarkets.
Xu Liang casually wiped the dirt off his hands and asked a question.
The entire presentation went straight to the point, without a single wasted word.
How many varieties of potatoes are there in the park now?
When do they reach maturity?
What is the approximate yield per acre?
What are the standards for routine fertilization, pest control, and water control?
"What are the usual storage conditions? How long can it be stored? What is the acceptable rate of spoilage?"
What are the current prices for bulk wholesale?
A series of questions, professional and precise, all hitting the key points of doing business.
Mu Ping was prepared. He looked down and flipped through the notebook in his hand, answering each question truthfully.
"Currently, there are two main categories, both of which are improved varieties adapted to the local soil and water conditions."
"A type of early-maturing small potato, on the smaller side, with yellow flesh and thin skin, suitable for making snacks, frying, and baking, just like the one you need in your shop."
"A late-maturing, medium-sized fruit with firmer flesh, suitable for steaming, cooking, serving as a side dish, processing into starch, and making dried goods."
"Early-maturing varieties can be available in batches by the end of May, while late-maturing varieties will have to wait until mid-to-late July. This staggered ripening will prevent a one-time concentrated production that will result in unsold inventory."
"Uniform organic fertilizer is the main fertilizer, and the amount of chemical fertilizer is strictly controlled. This ensures that the selenium-rich soil is not damaged, and also ensures the taste and quality of the ingredients, reduces pesticide residues, and makes the food last longer."
"Insect control is mainly based on physical methods, wood ash repellent, and manual weeding. We try to avoid using strong pesticides, which is also a strict requirement of the boss."
"Under normal management, the yield per mu is stable, averaging around 5,800 to 6,200 jin. In years with favorable weather, the yield can even increase."
"There are well-ventilated storage warehouses built behind the park. They are cool, dark, and have controlled humidity. They can be stored at room temperature, and normal losses can be reduced to less than 10%, which is much lower than the losses from farmers storing their own cellars."
"Currently, we offer small-scale wholesale to individual buyers at 28 cents per pound. For large-volume, long-term purchases, we can offer 26 cents per pound."
All the data is clear and transparent.
After listening, Xu Liang instantly had a complete framework for the accounts in his mind.
Cost, output, cycle time, loss, and purchase price.
We've figured out all the suitable uses.
He knew very well that at a long-term wholesale price of 26 cents, the price-performance ratio of these high-quality selenium-rich yellow-fleshed potatoes was ridiculously high.
For these selenium-rich specialty agricultural products grown in mountainous areas, the purchase price at the place of origin alone would be several times higher.
With added packaging, branding, and regional labeling, it becomes a high-end ingredient.
In this era without premium pricing, high-quality products are completely undervalued, making it the best time for him to enter the market.
Xu Liang looked up at the entire potato field and slowly began to speak.
"I want to keep a long-term order for this batch of early-maturing potatoes."
"Stable, continuous, and uninterrupted supply."
"I want to standardize the specifications, keeping only these round, small fruits, controlling their size uniformly. Deformed, cracked, rotten, or shriveled products will all be rejected and will never be included in the supply."
"I run a food business, making specialty potato snacks, braised rice side dishes, and special home-style dishes. If the quality of the ingredients is inconsistent, the taste will be inconsistent, and the business will be unstable."
"This point must be stated definitively beforehand."
Mu Ping immediately replied, "No problem."
"The industrial park itself has a dedicated sorting area where specialists select, grade, and bag the fruit in different categories. Good fruit, inferior fruit, and damaged fruit are completely separated and will not be mixed together."
"The premium small fruits you want can be categorized separately for you, with priority screening and reservation. They won't be mixed up with those from ordinary buyers."
Secondly.
Xu Liang continued.
"The supply cycle starts from the end of May when new products are launched and continues throughout the year."
"During peak season, new potatoes are supplied in large quantities, while during off-season, we rely on warehouse inventory to supplement the supply. I don't care how you allocate them, I want to guarantee that I have enough fresh and qualified Tongchuan potatoes to use every day."
"What about the quantity?"
Mu Ping pressed for an answer.
"Give me a rough estimate of how many kilograms you need each month so I can report to Boss Qing and reserve production capacity for you in advance, avoiding the situation where the goods are all snapped up by others during the peak season."
Xu Liang pondered for a moment.
"At present, the county stores consume a stable 800 to 1200 catties of fresh potatoes every day."
"With the expansion of food stalls, the distribution of goods in surrounding towns and villages, and the introduction of new specialty meal sets, the usage will only increase, not decrease."
"Let's first sign a long-term agreement with a guaranteed minimum of 35,000 jin per month."
"If the usage increases later, I will notify you a week in advance. We can increase the dosage at any time, and you can adjust your production capacity accordingly."
A minimum of 35,000 jin per month is guaranteed.
When the number was mentioned, Mu Ping was clearly stunned for a moment, then his eyes lit up.
Don't underestimate this number.
Back in 1995, ordinary small buyers would only purchase a few hundred or a couple thousand kilograms at a time, while they would lock in a large, long-term customer with monthly sales of over 30,000 kilograms.
This is absolutely fantastic news for the entire Tongchuan Selenium-Rich Industrial Park.
This directly solved the sales pressure on a large portion of the early-maturing small potatoes.
You should know that when Boss Qing gritted his teeth and started large-scale planting, what he feared most was that the yield would increase.
If this leads to insufficient sales channels, a large amount of agricultural products will be stockpiled and rot, directly tying up the cash flow and affecting the entire industrial park.
Xu Liang's long-term, fixed cooperation is equivalent to providing the most reliable insurance for the core product categories of the industrial park.
"This amount is more than enough for me."
Mu Ping nodded immediately, his tone resolute.
"Our early-maturing hillside planting area alone can easily produce hundreds of thousands of kilograms per season, with a guaranteed monthly income of 35,000 yuan. There's not much pressure, and we can reliably ensure you have enough supply."
The two walked and talked in the field, discussing everything in detail, including specifications, sorting, supply volume, supply cycle, warehousing reserves, short-distance transportation, and delivery location.
After discussing the details of the planting area, Mu Ping took Xu Ping to the sorting shed, temporary cleaning area, and ventilated storage warehouse at the back.
Inside the sorting shed, several local middle-aged women were sitting and working, skillfully picking potatoes and packing them into baskets, with a clear division of labor.
Good fruit is packed into clean baskets, second-grade fruit is stored separately, and defective fruit is discarded directly. The process is simple but the rules are strict.
The warehouse is spacious with thick walls, windows that block out light, reasonable ventilation openings, and a dry floor. The bags of potatoes are neatly stacked, preventing moisture, stuffiness, and sprouting. The storage conditions far exceed those of ordinary rural cellars.
After a thorough on-site inspection, all the actual conditions were fully understood, and there was no false labeling, no exaggeration, and no falsification.
The goods are good, the land is good, the management is standardized, the staff is stable, and the production capacity is sufficient.
With this, the preliminary on-site investigation phase has been completely completed.
"Walk."
Mu Ping raised his hand in a gesture.
"Boss Qing has been waiting for you at the office building up ahead."
"Now that we've reviewed the details of the business, it's time for the two of you to discuss the price, sign the agreement, and finalize the cooperation terms in person."
"Boss Qing is very straightforward and pragmatic in his business dealings. He doesn't play games or beat around the bush. Just tell him your conditions and requirements directly."
Xu Liang responded with a faint "yes".
The two turned and walked towards the simple office building in the industrial park.
The office building is a two-story old-fashioned brick-and-mortar building with simple decorations, ordinary walls, and no luxurious furnishings. There is a private office on the first floor, which is where Boss Qing conducts his daily work and meets with guests.
Upon reaching the door, Mu Ping gently knocked.
"Boss Qing, Xu Liang has arrived."
A deep, resonant male voice came from inside.
"Come in."
Upon entering, the office is simply and plainly furnished.
A solid wood desk, two wooden chairs, and a row of simple wooden cabinets against the wall.
On the table were account books, reports, and planting ledgers.
You can tell at a glance that he has a down-to-earth and hardworking style.
A middle-aged man sat behind his desk, dressed in a dark Zhongshan suit. His face was calm, his eyes were sharp, and his demeanor was composed. He exuded a steady aura of someone who had been doing business and managing real industries for many years.
It is none other than Boss Qing, the sole person in charge of the Tongchuan Selenium-Rich Industrial Park.
Boss Qing looked up and his gaze fell on Xu Liang. He gave him a quick once-over and a proper look.
They were able to coordinate with Muping all the way, wait in advance, and accompany the team throughout the on-site inspection.
The young man who took the initiative to ask him to meet in person for a detailed discussion was definitely not an ordinary street stall owner.
Despite his young age, he exudes a calm and collected aura, with clear and logical speech and actions.
This person is clearly a pragmatic business talent who has a clear understanding of the business, manages it effectively, and is good at strategic thinking.
"sit."
Boss Qing gestured for a chair, his tone calm and direct.
"Mu Ping had already told me in advance."
"You run a restaurant in the county town, specializing in local home-style dishes and street snacks. Now you're using a lot of high-quality potatoes and you're eyeing the selenium-rich planting base in Tongchuan."
"You want to come and pick up the goods in person, and sign a long-term supply agreement, right?"
Xu Liang pulled out a chair and sat down, getting straight to the point without beating around the bush.
"That's right."
"I need a stable, long-term supply of high-quality Tongchuan selenium-enriched potatoes to be the core snacks and side dishes for my stores."
"We're here today for three purposes: first, to inspect the goods; second, to discuss the price; and third, to finalize the agreement."
"If the cooperation is suitable, it should be finalized on the spot, and the contract should be fulfilled as soon as possible, without delays, procrastination, or wasting the time of both parties."
Upon hearing this, Boss Qing's lips twitched slightly, clearly appreciating this straightforward way of discussing business.
These days, the worst thing about doing business is being slow and indecisive.
Repeated back and forth, empty promises, and wasted time and energy ultimately fail to materialize.
The more business owners engage in physical planting and source their goods from production areas, the more they prefer partners who are decisive and efficient.
"Have you finished looking at the fields, warehouse, and sorting area?" Boss Qing asked.
"I've read them all."
Xu Liang responded.
"I'm familiar with the soil quality, growth conditions, sorting standards, storage conditions, and production capacity. The goods are fine and meet my requirements."
"That's good."
Boss Qing nodded and went straight to the core of the price.
"Muping should have told you that for small wholesale orders, the price is 28 cents per pound for ordinary customers, and 26 cents for large and long-term orders."
"You have a guaranteed monthly volume of 35,000, which is large enough, and it's a long-term order that runs continuously throughout the year, not short-term reselling."
"I'll give you a special price: 24 cents a pound."
"We select the finest small fruits, sort them separately, prioritize supply, and reserve inventory for them. We will never mix substandard products into your shipment."
"Storage, maintenance, and grading will all be handled to the highest standards."
Two cents and four cents.
This offer is two cents lower than the price offered by long-term large investors.
It may not seem like much, but considering the monthly volume of over 30,000 jin, the price difference adds up to real money over time.
The monthly cost of goods alone can save 700 yuan.
Back in 95, an average worker's monthly salary was only three or four hundred yuan. This price difference was equivalent to the monthly income of two workers.
They showed great sincerity.
Hearing the price, Mu Ping knew that Boss Qing was showing his utmost sincerity and genuinely wanted to retain this long-term major client.
But Xu Liang did not agree immediately. He remained calm and composed and spoke slowly.
"The price is very reasonable, I approve."
"But I have three additional conditions. If you can make them clear and accept them, we will sign a contract on the spot, and the full payment will be settled quarterly. We will never delay payment."
"If you can't accept that, then let's each go about our own business and not force each other."
Boss Qing remained unmoved.
"you say."
Xu Liang presented his points clearly and logically, listing them out one by one.
"First, exclusive sorting standards."
I only need small, round, yellow-fleshed potatoes, with a fixed size and specifications. Each batch must be re-inspected by a designated person before shipment. I can conduct random checks at any time before loading. If the appearance is not up to standard, the entire batch will be rejected without any disputes.
"Second, short-distance delivery is implemented."
"The industrial park will handle the unified loading and deliveries twice a week directly to the door of my store in the county. The freight will be covered by you, so I don't have to travel back and forth to Tongchuan to pick up the goods, saving me manpower and time."
Third, priority supply rights for new products.
"I have the first priority to purchase potatoes from the park's research and development of new varieties, improved varieties, and upgraded potatoes with better taste. They will be supplied to me at the same price and under the same conditions."
The three requirements are neither harsh nor excessive; they are all reasonable demands for long-term and stable cooperation.
This ensures consistent ingredient quality, eliminates the hassle of traveling back and forth, and secures future sources of upgraded ingredients.
After pondering for a few seconds, Boss Qing immediately made a decision.
"I agree to all three."
"We have dedicated personnel to sort and manage the products, and we will create a separate file for you; we will deliver goods directly to the county town every week, with the transportation costs covered by the park; you will have priority in obtaining new and improved varieties, and this will all be written into the contract."
"Having worked in the production area for so many years, what I value most is a long-term and stable cooperative relationship."
"Farmers work hard to grow crops, and the worst thing they can do is to have their produce go unsold and unsold. If you can guarantee our production capacity and provide us with a stable sales channel in the long term, it's only right that I give up some profit and take on more service."
That's a very true statement.
Boss Qing has a long-term vision.
Even if you lose two cents per pound right now, it seems like you're losing out, but the benefits are significant.
In fact, it has a stable and continuous sales channel throughout the year, so the industrial park no longer needs to worry about unsold goods.
Farmers' incomes are stable, the base is operating smoothly, and the overall situation is becoming more and more stable.
A small potato may seem insignificant, but in the context of a large industrial layout, it forms the foundation of an entire industrial park.
After discussing the hard requirements, the atmosphere relaxed.
Boss Qing picked up the enamel teacup on the table, took a sip of tea, looked at Xu Liang, and spoke with a more casual tone.
"To be honest, many people didn't understand why I started this selenium-rich industrial park."
"Everyone says potatoes are worthless, and no matter how much you grow them, you won't make a big difference. It's safer to grow grains."
"Only I know that ingredients are neither high nor low, expensive nor cheap; it's just a matter of whether you know how to cook them and how to sell them."
"No matter how good a product is, if no one develops it, processes it further, or builds a sales channel, it will only ever be sold at the low price of raw materials."
Xu Liang replied, "That's right."
"The potatoes from eastern Sichuan have a naturally good foundation, but unfortunately they have been underestimated for so many years."
"In the eyes of ordinary people, it is just a side dish, whole grains, and cheap home-cooked food."
"But as long as you change the approach, change the mindset, turn it into a specialty snack, a signature main dish, or a processed product, the value will double."
"All the crispy potato dishes, wolf tooth potatoes, and rice crust base in my shop must be made with these selenium-rich small potatoes from the mountains."
"The taste, texture, and aroma are irreplaceable by ordinary potatoes."
Boss Qing's eyes lit up.
"Are you currently relying solely on potato snacks to attract customers to your store?"
"It's considered my core side job."
Xu Liang told the truth.
"Every evening when we set up our stall, the revenue from just potato snacks alone is comparable to the entire day's income of many small shops."
"Low cost, high repurchase rate, wide audience, loved by men, women, young and old, it has the most down-to-earth feel and is the easiest to attract customers."
Mu Ping added from the side: "The potato snacks from Xuliang have already made a name for themselves in the county. The taste is on a completely different level from the street stalls. They use high-quality ingredients, have a unique flavor, and have a lot of repeat customers."
After hearing this, Boss Qing couldn't help but sigh.
"You young people are really quick-witted."
"We have such good production resources, and we see potatoes growing all over the land every day, but we only think about wholesaling raw materials. We never thought of turning such an ordinary ingredient into a street-side bestseller and a store signboard."
"It seems that potatoes, these seemingly insignificant little things, can really make a big business."
"That's how it is."
Xu Liang spoke calmly.
"Produced in the mountains, it's a small, round potato that looks quite ordinary."
"Once the entire supply chain from production to processing to sales is established, even a small potato can generate huge profits."
This perfectly captures the title of this chapter—"Eastern Sichuan Potatoes, Round and Rich in Gold."
The old man gave Xu Liang a deep look, and his approval of this young man grew stronger.
Despite his young age, he has a clear mind, practical skills, and a long-term vision; he is definitely not someone to be underestimated.
"Now that the cooperation has been agreed upon, let's draft a written agreement."
Boss Qing picked up the pen and paper on the table. "Write down everything clearly: price, quantity, specifications, delivery, responsibilities, and breach of contract details. Make two copies, sign and stamp them. Follow the proper procedures so there's no suspicion between us."
"Okay." Xu Liang nodded.
Over the next half hour, the three parties worked together to draft the cooperation agreement clause by clause.
Contracts in the 1990s were simple and straightforward, without complicated clauses. The language was direct, the rights and responsibilities were clearly defined, and all verbal agreements were put on paper.
A minimum monthly supply of 35,000 jin (12,500 kg) of carefully selected selenium-rich small potatoes is guaranteed at 0.24 yuan per jin. Delivery is scheduled weekly, quality is guaranteed, new products are given priority, payments are settled quarterly, and the rules for rejection and returns are clear and straightforward.
After verifying that everything was correct, Xu Liang and Boss Qing signed, pressed their fingerprints, and affixed the industrial park's official seal.
A long-term, stable, and mutually beneficial supply partnership has been officially established.
After putting down his pen, Boss Qing put away the contract, and he seemed much more relaxed.
"Now, a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
"This year, the biggest sales gap in the entire early-maturing potato production area has been completely filled."
"From now on, you can rest assured about getting goods from Tongchuan. I'll treat you as my number one customer."
Xu Liang responded calmly, "It's just mutual benefit."
"I need a stable supply of ingredients, and you need a stable sales channel."
"As my store grows bigger and my product range expands, the amount of potatoes I use will only increase, and our cooperation will only deepen."
With that, all the important matters were settled.
The owner, Mr. Qing, offered to invite us to stay for a meal. He arranged for the park's canteen to prepare a few simple home-style dishes, all made with local selenium-rich ingredients, with potatoes as the main dish. It was a simple and casual meal.
At the dinner table, there were no business explanations, but rather casual conversations about local development, agricultural product sales, and the current state of the industry.
Boss Qing talked about the local terrain, soil, and climate of Tongchuan, the difficulties of farming in recent years, the helplessness of unsalable agricultural products, and the limitations and difficulties of rural development.
Xu Liang didn't hold back either, drawing on his experience in the catering industry to objectively analyze the advantages of local agricultural products and offer many practical suggestions.
For example, tiered sales, differentiated pricing, creating separate labels for niche and specialty ingredients, simple initial processing to increase added value, and connecting urban restaurants and grocery stores to open up terminal channels.
These basic business logics, which everyone understands, are still fresh and useful in this day and age.
The more Mr. Qing listened, the more alarmed and impressed he became.
Many problems that he couldn't understand, couldn't figure out, and couldn't find a breakthrough in were clearly explained by Xu Liang in just a few words.
After lunch, the relationship between the two parties was brought much closer, transforming from a simple supply cooperation between Party A and Party B into a long-term partnership based on mutual recognition and appreciation.
After the meal, Mu Ping accompanied Xu Liang on one last tour of the surrounding land plots.
Looking at the rolling potato fields.
Everywhere you look, there is lush greenery and vibrant life.
Beneath their feet lies the uniquely rich selenium-enriched soil, in their hands they have just signed a stable long-term supply contract, and behind them lies the steadily expanding restaurant and specialty snack business in the county town.
Xu Liang stood on the edge of the field, his gaze calm and his thoughts clear.
This trip to Tongchuan was far more fruitful than expected.
They have secured the best potato supply in eastern Sichuan, controlling quality at the source, minimizing costs, and ensuring a completely stable supply chain.
From then on, his shop served various potato side dishes such as crispy rice and crispy potatoes.
All of them use authentic Tongchuan selenium-rich small potatoes.
The quality of its ingredients far surpasses that of its competitors in the city, and the difference in taste creates a clear competitive advantage.
Others compete on their skills and seasoning.
He takes the lead from the very source of ingredients.
A tiny, round potato, rooted in the soil of the mountains of eastern Sichuan, holds boundless business opportunities.
Farmers rely on it to increase their income and become wealthy, and industrial parks rely on it to maintain stable operation.
Xu Liang, relying on this unassuming core ingredient, has continuously enriched the store's product categories, improved product reputation, and stabilized cash flow, gradually consolidating his catering foundation in the Sichuan-Chongqing county towns of the 1990s.
Round potatoes bring in a fortune.
The humble potato, nurtured by the mountainous land of eastern Sichuan, will eventually ride the wave of the times and, through reasonable planning and management, leave the mountain village, enter the county town, and reach a wider market.
It can be transformed into real wealth, supporting the local people and creating a lucrative and stable business.
In the afternoon, the sun gradually rose higher.
Xu Liang did not linger in the industrial park for long.
The cooperation was finalized and all matters were settled.
He needed to rush back to the hotel in the county town as soon as possible to implement the new supply agreement and the new food ingredients plan, and at the same time promote the production of rice in a tin can with crispy rice crust and potato snacks.
Mu Ping escorted him all the way to the entrance of the industrial park.
"I will notify you as soon as the first batch of new potatoes hits the market."
"Our warehouse stock of premium potatoes is ready for small-batch delivery at any time. If you need to restock urgently, just let us know."
"it is good."
Xu Liang responded, "If you want to expand processing or connect with more catering channels in the city, you can contact me anytime."
"I can connect you with resources, connections, and sales channels."
After saying that, Xu Liang turned around and embarked on his return journey.
Behind me, the entire field of selenium-rich potatoes in Tongchuan stretched out quietly under the sunlight.
A field of green seedlings, brimming with life, unassuming mountain farm produce.
In this era, a golden business opportunity of its own is quietly brewing.
Mu Ping stood outside the industrial park gate, watching Xu Liang's receding figure, and felt a deep sense of emotion.
He spent two years in the industrial park, witnessing firsthand how Boss Qing started from scratch, poured his heart and soul into supporting the entire planting base, and guarded the mountains full of potatoes day after day, yet still couldn't find a market.
Countless nights, he and Boss Qing sat at the warehouse entrance, looking at the mountains of potatoes and worrying, fearing that a year's hard work would end in losing everything.
But today, Xu Liang's arrival has completely eliminated the biggest hidden danger in the industrial park.
The long-term, fixed orders with monthly sales of 35,000 jin (12.5 tons) may seem like just a supply of catering ingredients, but in reality, they are providing a safety net for the entire Tongchuan selenium-rich industrial park.
From now on, the potatoes on the entire mountain will no longer need to be sold cheaply to small vendors, and there will be no more worries about unsold produce or rotting stockpiles.
"Boss Qing, this Xu Liang is really something else."
Mu Ping turned and walked back to his office. Looking at the man who was putting away the contract and deep in thought, he spoke sincerely.
Boss Qing looked up at the endless green potato fields outside the window and nodded slowly.
"It's not that they're not simple, it's that they have an incredibly sharp eye."
"We've been trapped in the mountains our whole lives, only able to see the land beneath our feet and the crops in our hands."
"He's different; he can see the business behind the crops and the opportunities in the times."
Holding the brand-new paper contract in my hand, the ink was clear and the red seal was bright and eye-catching.
In Boss Qing's eyes, this thin piece of paper was more valuable than anything else.
This is the first stable, long-term, and high-volume exclusive supply contract in the three years since the industrial park was established.
Before this, no one was willing to settle down in the mountains to buy potatoes, no one was willing to spend the cost to customize premium products, and no merchants were willing to settle accounts in full every quarter with zero arrears and zero outstanding debts.
Xu Liang was the first.
"With this cooperation, our base is completely secure this year." Mu Ping breathed a sigh of relief.
"It's not just about stability."
The boss, Mr. Qing, ran his fingers over the contract paper, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
"What he just said about potato processing, specialty snacks, ingredient grading, and connecting with restaurants throughout the city was all invaluable advice."
"We were sitting on a mountain of treasures without realizing it; it was Xu Liang who woke us up."
"A small Tongchuan potato can be more than just a side dish or a staple food."
"It can be a wildly popular street food, a signature dish in a restaurant, or even a packaged specialty product that can be sold outside of Tongchuan and beyond the rest of eastern Sichuan."
The tide of the times quietly surged in 95.
Beyond the mountains, the market economy is rapidly emerging, and countless ordinary people are seizing small business opportunities to rise up and completely change their destinies.
And this potato field, rooted in the Dabashan Mountains, has officially caught the wave of the times starting today, thanks to a contract.
On the other side, on the gravelly mountain road.
Xu Liang walked forward slowly.
The mountain road was rugged and bumpy, with dust flying in the wind, but he walked with ease and remained calm.
After several days of travel, traversing the mountains of eastern Sichuan, this long journey was absolutely worthwhile.
The catering industry, despite its many variations, remains fundamentally the same.
Culinary skills can be honed, flavors can be tweaked, and recipes can be optimized, but the quality of the ingredients is the true foundation of a restaurant.
From now on, every serving of wolf tooth potatoes, every pot of crispy potato, and every bowl of rice in his shop will use authentic selenium-rich yellow-fleshed potatoes from Kongshan, Tongchuan.
Other restaurants serve boiled potato noodles that are hollow and tasteless.
His potatoes are sweet, glutinous, flavorful, firm, and don't fall apart even after long cooking.
Unconsciously, the gap in taste preferences has been completely widened.
In the small county town of the 1990s, where numerous restaurants flourished and local eateries thrived, this was his unique and irreplaceable trump card.
The wind blows across the mountain path, carrying the fresh scent of soil and young seedlings.
Xu Liang looked up at the distant, rolling green hills, a slight smile playing on his lips.
In the fertile soil of eastern Sichuan, thousands of potato seedlings grow.
Farmers, however, have enough to eat and wear every year.
The industrial park is generating a large number of orders.
For Xu Liang, this was the perfect opportunity to establish himself in the catering industry and rise to prominence.
After dealing with these matters and saying goodbye to Mu Ping,
Xu Liang then boarded a large truck carrying fertilizer from the industrial park and headed to the county town.
Watching his good brother Xu Liang walk further and further away, Mu Ping was filled with mixed emotions.
Perhaps the person in front of me can stand at the summit, or perhaps he is a top figure in the culinary world.
However, Xu Liang harbored this ambition from beginning to end.