"Way to get rich? What can our farm brigade do? We only have grain here, nothing else. The people in the brigade are good at farming, but who knows anything else?"
Feng Xingtai shook his head. What Feng Yu said was simply unrealistic.
"Dad, don't you believe me? You said we have grain here, so let's process the grain. Things like soybean oil, flour, cornmeal, and sugar from beets (a food similar to radishes, used for sugar production in the north) are not too difficult. I'll get you the equipment, and as long as people aren't stupid, they can operate it after a few days of training. It's very simple."
The Soviet agricultural sector was declining year by year, and the corresponding grain processing enterprises were in a semi-shutdown state. Since Kirillenko could get the production lines for agricultural machinery, getting some grain processing equipment should not be a problem.
With the farm as a backing, grain processing has great potential. Although we might not make much money at first, the future will be better. As for sales, Feng Yu could come up with an idea to ensure the products sell well.
More importantly, Feng Yu had thought of a good way to stop people from borrowing money from his family and to help the villagers in the brigade get rich together.
"Are you serious? That equipment must cost a lot. Besides, our farm already has grain warehouses and grain departments that produce these things. Are you sure we can sell what we produce?"
"Don't worry about sales. I guarantee that as long as the products are produced, they will sell at a high price! The money for the equipment is not a problem, and it's not just our family investing; we need to raise funds!"
"Yes, raise funds! Tomorrow, we'll announce it over the loudspeaker. We're starting a factory to process grain. If anyone is willing to join, they need to contribute money to buy shares. The shares will be calculated based on the amount of money contributed, and dividends will be distributed at the end of the year according to the shares. One hundred yuan per share, with a minimum investment of one thousand yuan, and everyone in the brigade can participate!"
"At least one thousand yuan? That's a lot. There are many people in the brigade who can afford it, but few are willing to spend that much." Feng Xingtai still thought it was unfeasible. Many households in the brigade earned less than one thousand yuan a year, and after deducting living expenses, they could only save about one hundred yuan a year.
Although there were some wealthy people, who would invest in a grain processing plant? This kid was good in other areas, but when it came to agriculture, he was still lacking!
"Dad, don't you believe me? I'll get us more advanced grain processing machines from the Soviet Union. Our soybean oil yield will be higher than the grain warehouse's, our wheat flour will be finer, and our beet sugar yield will be higher. Do you think we can't make money?"
Feng Yu saw the doubt in his father's expression and added more to convince him.
"Soviet processing machines?" As soon as he heard this, Feng Xingtai believed it. In his mind, machines produced by the Soviet Union were definitely more advanced than domestic ones.
"That's right, Dad. Just wait to be the boss. After dinner, let's go to Dong Jun's house; we need the captain's support!"
Around eight o'clock in the evening, Feng Yu spent another half an hour convincing Wen Deguang, finally making him believe that this could work and that it could help the brigade make money.
The next morning, many people in the brigade were woken up by the loudspeaker. Many families had just finished the autumn harvest, and the grain was still drying in the yard. They were finally getting some rest, so why was the loudspeaker making so much noise so early?
"Attention, everyone in the brigade, attention. Good news, good news. Feng Xingtai plans to start a grain processing plant and is raising funds from everyone in the brigade. If you're interested, please come to the brigade office."
This message was broadcast repeatedly early in the morning, and everyone in the brigade heard it. Many didn't hear clearly but were curious and rushed to the brigade office to find out what was going on.
"Hey, Brother Feng, you're getting rich and starting your own factory, but you still say you can't lend us money? How about helping out a fellow brigade member? I just need three thousand, and I'll definitely pay you back in a few years."
"Right, Brother Feng, I don't need much either, just three thousand. We've known each other for so long, don't you know what kind of person I am?"
Feng Xingtai's face turned dark, and he didn't say a word. He knew these people all too well, which was why he didn't lend them money. They were so shameless, and their tone was so sarcastic. If they weren't in the same brigade, Feng Xingtai would have told them to get lost long ago!
"Uncle Song, Uncle Zheng, what do you need the money for?" Feng Yu suddenly asked.
"This... What's it to you, kid! Adults are talking, so don't butt in!" Song Deliang scolded.
"Definitely for mahjong again! Haven't you had enough of being caught by the police? You two troublemakers, get lost, or you won't get any relief money this year!" Wen Deguang shouted angrily. Why were these two grown men shouting at a kid? They were ruining the brigade's atmosphere!
Wen Deguang was the captain and had a lot of authority. When he spoke, the two men didn't dare to say anything. But they didn't leave; they stayed to watch the show. If Feng Xingtai wanted to raise funds for a factory, they would make sure it didn't happen!
"Everyone is here, right? Xingtai, tell everyone what's going on."
Feng Xingtai stood up and repeated what Feng Yu had taught him. He didn't mention the Soviet processing machines, only that he wanted to start a grain processing plant and that anyone who wanted to join should contribute money to buy shares. This was a shareholding system, and most private factories in the country were like this.
"Don't believe his nonsense. He's just trying to trick you out of your money. What shares? He'll just put your money in his pocket and then deposit it in the bank to earn interest!" Song Deliang shouted loudly.
"Right, Feng Xingtai is so rich. If he wants to start a factory, why would he need your money? Haven't you read in the newspapers about people in the south being scammed this way? Feng Xingtai is a big fraud!" Zheng Guangming added.
"You two, shut up! Spreading rumors is illegal! You're lazy and idle all day, and you have the nerve to talk about others? You're a disgrace to the names your parents gave you! Accountant Liu, get them out of here!" Wen Deguang was furious. He had organized this meeting, and these two saying Feng Xingtai was a fraud was including him as well.
Feng Yu, however, thought these two were being too cooperative. From now on, who would dare to borrow money from the Feng family? As soon as they asked, Feng Xingtai would tell them to buy shares, just like dealing with insurance salespeople by talking about Amway in the future.
Moreover, Feng Yu felt this was an opportunity for the villagers in the brigade, entirely voluntary and not forced. Those who joined would definitely make more money than farming, and those who didn't would regret it!
Although the two troublemakers were kicked out, many others left as well. They thought the brigade was going to distribute something good, but it turned out to be a money collection. A grain processing plant? It would be a miracle if it made money!
In the end, only seven people stayed, wanting to learn more. Among them was Liu Jichuan's father. Feng Yu silently vowed that as long as each of them could contribute one thousand yuan, he would ensure that they would each earn ten thousand yuan within three years!
~~~Kneeling for recommendations~~~