Chapter 70: Securing the Fertilizer

Xu Zhiquan remained calm as he glanced at Fourth Uncle Xu Zhilin:

“Don’t worry, Fourth Uncle. Tiancheng’s not that small—someone will sell us fertilizer.”

“Anything money can buy isn’t a big problem.”

“Stop fixating on Beishan. Let’s try the nearby towns. If that fails, we’ll go to Laicheng or even the provincial capital!””

Xu Zhilin frowned:

“Second Brother…”

“Our procurement budget is already tight. If we buy from out of town, transport costs will push us over budget.”

Zhang Yongqing spoke up:

“Time’s the real issue. The fields need fertilizer now!”

“If we wait for deliveries from afar, this crop could be ruined…”

“Who’s the jerk blocking our supply like this?”

Xu Zhiquan took a drag of his cigarette and said:

“Back when we secured those plots in North Mountain Joint Village, two companies wanted them. I offered the farmers and village committee extra cash to win the bid.”

“Now everyone knows about the highway tender—no wonder they’re jealous and trying to sabotage us…”

“Both companies have deep roots in North Mountain Joint Village. They can sway a few fertilizer plants and distributors. It’s not surprising.”

“They’re probably eyeing the South City highway bid, too…”

Fourth Uncle said, “So it’s clear. They deliberately intercepted our fertilizer shipment to wreck this batch of seedlings, right?”

Xu Zhiquan exhaled smoke:

“Doesn’t matter…”

“If we must, we’ll buy from out of town. Costs may rise, but we’ll secure these bids at any cost.”

Xu Zhilin protested, “Second Brother, that’ll cut into profits! We haven’t broken even on upfront costs…”

Xu Zhiquan replied, “Don’t panic. Business always has storms.”

“If this deal loses money, we’ll make it up later.”

Old Xu paused, then revealed a hint of irritation.

As the backbone of the family business, he knew he first had to calm Xu Zhilin and Zhang Yongqing’s frustrations.

He’d solve the problem afterward.

But even he was annoyed that they couldn’t buy fertilizer for North Mountain Joint Village without interference.

…

At that moment, Xu Chen emerged from the house.

“Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt, you’re back.”

They both greeted him with smiles.

“Chen, what brings you to the plant?”

Xu Chen chuckled, “I was free, so I came to learn.”

Fourth Aunt laughed, “Our future college student doesn’t need to learn farming!”

Xu Chen grinned and added,

“I heard inside you hit a snag buying fertilizer?”

Fourth Uncle took a drag and said, “Don’t worry, focus on your studies.”

Xu Chen laughed,

“Well, I can’t help with much, but I might be able to handle the fertilizer.”

Fourth Uncle froze and glanced at Xu Zhiquan.

Xu Zhiquan took a drag, then looked serious:

“Xu Chen, go on.”

Xu Chen frowned in thought:

“It’s a bit complicated to explain.”

“In short, I accidentally helped a fertilizer plant owner. They can supply what we need.”

Maternal Uncle Zhang Yongqing adjusted his glasses, excitement on his face:

“Really, Chen?”

Xu Chen nodded, “Really! I just called them.”

“Their distributor’s warehouse is in the West City Development Zone, not far.”

“They’ve just set up in Tiancheng, with full stocks of every type of fertilizer.”

“But Fourth Uncle and Maternal Uncle should inspect to confirm exact needs.”

“They can deliver free of charge—no extra transport fees!””

Fourth Uncle was speechless.

Fourth Aunt laughed,

“See what our college student can do!”

“Your uncle and Zhang Yongqing already hit three or four towns…”

“But Chen went straight to the distributor!””

Fourth Uncle looked solemn,

“Chen, you’re not joking? I was tearing my hair out over this!”

“Uncle, why would I joke?”

“I checked their plant. It’s a well-sized private fertilizer factory in Henan Province. Their products are legit!”

Fourth Uncle, moved, grabbed Xu Chen’s arm:

“Chen, you’re my lifesaver!”

Zhang Yongqing said,

“Mine too! Without new fertilizer, these seedlings would wilt!”

Xu Zhiquan laughed,

“That’s my son—always saving the day at the last moment!”

Xu Chen smiled,

“Let’s drive there now.”

“I’ve arranged it. First we’ll check what and how much fertilizer we need.”

…

Ten minutes later, the black Accord rolled out of the plant.

Fourth Aunt stayed behind to mind the plant.

Li Rui drove, Xu Zhiquan in the passenger seat, and Fourth Uncle, Maternal Uncle, and Xu Chen squeezed into the back.

Fourth Uncle and Zhang Yongqing had to come—one handles procurement, the other technical details.

As the boss, Xu Zhiquan took it seriously once he heard this was a local distributor of the fertilizer plant.

Direct contact with the regional distributor was far more reliable than scattered town vendors.

He’d even changed into a clean, roomy suit and washed up.

Xu Chen sat in the back, texting on his mobile.

Zhao Fengshou had already made the call.

Their Golden Wheat Ear Fertilizer distributor in Tiancheng was Liu Chi, with a warehouse twenty kilometers west of the city.

Earlier at the plant, Xu Chen and Liu Chi had cleared details over the phone.

Liu Chi had an office in the city but asked them to go directly to the warehouse in the West City Development Zone.

He was there checking stock and could arrange immediate loading.

…

Half an hour later, the Accord eased into a large warehouse complex.

A big warehouse stood ahead, a truck parked out front bearing the Golden Wheat Ear Fertilizer logo.

A chubby middle-aged man stood by the roadside, smiling broadly.

They parked, and everyone got out.

Xu Chen naturally stepped forward first:

“Manager Liu, right? I’m Xu Chen.”

The man before him was Liu Chi.

He eyed Xu Chen, surprised:

“Teacher Xu—I didn’t expect you’d be so young!”

Xu Chen smiled, unsure how to respond.

Liu Chi laughed, “Mr. Zhao told me to treat you well!”

“Thanks, Manager Liu!”

Xu Chen turned and introduced his father, Fourth Uncle, and Maternal Uncle.

Xu Zhiquan pulled out a business card and handed it over.

The card was freshly printed, bearing “East Morning Star Co.” and “Chenxin Nurseries.”

Liu Chi took it, smiling:

“So Mr. Xu is in nurseries—no wonder you need so much fertilizer!”

He pointed to the warehouse behind him:

“Mr. Xu, check what you need. I’ll arrange loading and dispatch right away!”

Fourth Uncle and Zhang Yongqing exchanged looks, their joy barely contained.