Chapter 235: "Sister, Don't Let the Good Stuff Go to Outsiders"

Since the government had been stockpiling supplies, Jing Shu’s family had no doubts about following that strategy. This gave the entire family confidence in Jing Shu’s plan.

After a family discussion, they decided on the following arrangement: Jing Shu's mother would contribute 1,500 virtual coins, taking a 20% share of the business. She would also provide another 1,500 virtual coins on behalf of Jing Shu’s grandparents, who would also hold a 20% share. Jing Shu would invest 1,500 virtual coins as well, but she would also cover the costs for fuel, coal, natural gas, electricity, and other utilities, so she would retain a 40% share. Finally, Aunt (静盼) would be responsible for managing the workers and overseeing operations, taking a 20% share.

Jing Shu’s uncle was astonished. He hadn’t expected the family to easily come up with so much virtual currency. Then again, they did give him a pig to raise. If they didn’t have solid resources, how could they afford to give away pigs?

Aunt was a bit taken aback as well, feeling as though she was receiving more than she deserved. “Labor is so cheap now. If I shout for help, I could feed people two bowls of porridge or noodles a day, and we’d have a line of people wrapping around the county. All we’re doing is collecting red worms and processing them into feed. It doesn’t seem like a 1,500 virtual coin job.”

Jing Shu explained patiently, “Aunt, this factory might not be profitable immediately. You’ll also need to provide workers with food every day, and the factory will take time to manage. We trust you because you’re family. But remember, even in business, everything must be accounted for. You will be in charge of personnel and management—whatever wages you choose to pay are up to you. You’ll be responsible for collecting red worms, processing them, and handling the accounts. I’ll send someone to collect the processed feed every few days. The profits will be divided into four shares once we start making money, and all transactions will be meticulously recorded.”

Her aunt was moved. “You’ve involved your grandparents too, and I’m really touched. Don’t worry, since it's also my parents' investment, I won’t cut any corners. I’ll handle collecting the red worms myself. That way, I know everything is done right.”

The family formalized the agreement, with Jing Shu, her mother, her grandparents, and her aunt signing the contract and stamping it with their fingerprints. Without wasting time, they went to scout a location for the factory, which was essentially a row of temporary houses.

The local government was thrilled to hear someone wanted to open a factory and hire workers. “These temporary shelters are just sitting empty. You can use them for free. I’ve heard you need equipment to cook and process the feed. We have everything you need—200 virtual coins for the lot.”

This equipment wasn’t for high-end production, but it would be more than sufficient for their needs—turning red worms into feed for poultry and livestock. The factory didn’t need to be fancy, just functional.

With the equipment and location secured for 200 virtual coins, the next task was to hire workers.

“We can start after the second day of the New Year. We'll need to hire around eight strong workers,” Jing Shu said.

Aunt bit her lip. “That means we’ll need to let Qiao Lian’s family leave after the New Year. We can’t afford to feed everyone once the factory opens.”

Eight hours of work, no holidays, and two meals of porridge or noodles a day were considered excellent conditions in Wuxian, where food was scarce. Even though a meal of porridge might only cost 0.5 virtual coins, it was a rare luxury for many families. Aunt’s family had grain left over from last year, and the pigs they had raised had brought in income, so the cost wasn’t too high. Over half a year, feeding the workers would cost about 1,600 virtual coins.

But the potential profits far outweighed the costs. Aunt’s family would come out ahead in the long run.

That afternoon, Aunt gathered the extended family and explained the situation. “Qiao Lian’s mother, after the New Year, you’ll have to leave. Once the factory opens, the grain we have will need to go to the workers.”

Qiao Lian’s mother, with a wrinkled smile, replied, “You’re making things sound so formal, dear in-law. Don’t worry, I’ve already thought of a plan. Since you’ll all be busy, my husband and I can stay to look after Qiao Lian. And my three sons can help out in the factory. We’re all family—why hire outsiders when we’re here to help?”

Qiao Lian discreetly kicked her mother under the table, embarrassed by her forwardness.

Second Aunt chimed in, “This sounds perfect, sister! Why let outsiders benefit? Let our family help out instead!”

Jing Shu narrowed her eyes, curious to see how Aunt would handle this. This was a test to see if her investment was going to the right people. She wasn’t particularly concerned about the money—her family needed to prove that they could stand strong and thrive.

Aunt smiled. “The factory isn’t just mine; it belongs to my parents, my brother, and my niece, Jing Shu. We have strict rules and contracts in place. The equipment is manual, so you’ll need to work eight hours a day processing the red worms—grinding, cooking, and compressing them. As long as you can meet the daily quota, you’ll get your meals. If not, you don’t eat. Anyone still interested?”

Only Qiao Lian’s oldest brother spoke up, promising he could handle the work. Aunt agreed, “Fine, as long as you meet the quota, you're in.”

Cousin Li Yun pushed his mother, “Come on, Mom. If you don’t work, we won’t eat.”

Second Aunt hesitated but finally agreed. “Alright, count me in.”

With that settled, Aunt still needed to hire six more workers, and she would have to be selective.

That evening, dinner was much more extravagant than breakfast, thanks to the food Jing Shu's family brought with them.

Originally, the plan was just to have porridge for dinner, and Aunt’s husband had pulled out some pickled vegetables, frozen pears, and a cold dish. But with so many people around, the pears and other items quickly disappeared before Jing Shu’s family could even see them.

“Well, looks like we’ll just have to cook something else for dinner ourselves,” Jing Shu sighed.