"Everything is done according to your instructions, Mr. Zhou," a voice came from the other end of the line. "We've registered the crayfish brand trademark. However, I noticed that 'spicy crayfish' and 'thirteen-spice crayfish' have already been registered."
"In that case, let them have a small piece of the pie. This cake is so big, we can't eat it all ourselves. Have the chain stores been registered?"
"Yes, 'Qi Wei Crayfish' has been registered."
Yan Ruyu's plan was simple: establish flagship Qi Wei Crayfish stores in Zhonghai and then recruit franchisees nationwide. Her primary focus would be on supply and collecting franchise fees. However, it seemed there was a formidable opponent in Yangcheng, someone with aspirations who had preemptively registered dish names as trademarks.
Coincidentally, the Ministry of Agriculture was holding a green food selection event. She would find a way to get Qi Wei Crayfish selected, and then her family's business would be utterly insignificant, not even worthy of carrying her shoes. She'd show those who favored sons over daughters the power of women.
...
Zhang Tianxing held up the *China People's Daily* and said to Wen Qing, "I'll go to the agricultural bureau again. Let them see this article."
Wen Qing followed a few steps behind. "I'll go with you."
Zhang Tianxing nodded, and the two hopped onto a three-wheeled bike, heading for the agricultural bureau. Once he had money, he'd buy a car; it was too inconvenient without one at this time.
Along the way, Zhang Tianxing couldn't contain his excitement. Heaven was on their side; now the crayfish had a chance. Next, he'd have his uncle contract more shrimp ponds and prepare for the great crayfish farming venture. He would conquer the crayfish market here, and by the time he started school, things would be on the right track.
When one is in good spirits, time always flies. In the blink of an eye, the two arrived at the agricultural bureau.
They found the office, and the staff member in charge of registrations couldn't help but smile upon seeing Zhang Tianxing. "Boss Zhang, no need to rush. Whether the crayfish can compete isn't your problem."
Before the other could speak, Zhang Tianxing took out the *China People's Daily* and slapped it onto the desk. The staff member was startled, but upon closer inspection, his composure instantly broke. This was an unexpected development, beyond his control. Bureau staff were very sensitive to information published in newspapers, especially authoritative ones like this, which indicated the direction of national development.
He hastily told Zhang Tianxing, "Wait here. I'll go see our leader." He then quickly picked up the newspaper and ran out. Zhang Tianxing and Wen Qing exchanged a glance and found a place to sit.
In the agricultural bureau's conference room, the party group members were conducting a vote. Regarding the green food submission, the first six agricultural products had passed. The seventh was the crayfish application. The bald middle-aged man spoke first, "Let me say a few words. I've eaten crayfish twice. The taste is exceptionally good, and the size is uniform. My personal opinion is that it should be submitted for application."
A scholarly-looking man with four-eyes said, "My view is the opposite. To my knowledge, Zhang Ji Crayfish are all wild. That means their quality cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, my opinion is not to submit. Coupled with the recent crayfish food poisoning incident, it's best not to report it if we can avoid it."
The director and deputy director were at odds, and the room buzzed with discussion. Both had valid points, but reporting or not reporting were two entirely different concepts. Based on past experience, the director had the final say. However, an awkward situation arose: the majority recommended reporting, but the deputy director was leading the charge.
The director's face turned green. He had never imagined the deputy director would challenge him at this meeting. Even more preposterous was that he had the support of the majority. Actually, it wasn't surprising. The taste and service of Zhang Ji Crayfish had won them over. They believed Zhang Ji Crayfish were worthy of the title "green food." Furthermore, Yangcheng had no industry, no resources, and no scenic beauty. How else would they prosper and drive local development? To govern is to serve the people; if one cannot serve the people, one might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes. The bald middle-aged man, shedding his usual easygoing demeanor, stated clearly, "It must be reported. This could be an opportunity to change our county's development pattern."
Director Yang's eyes spun with anger. This could not be reported. A food poisoning incident had just occurred. If Zhang Ji Crayfish were reported as green food now, his political career would likely end. Therefore, such a thing absolutely could not happen. He had to admit, though, that Zhang Ji Crayfish did taste quite good. But being delicious wasn't a reason for selection. Anything that hindered his career must be avoided. It was better to forgo development than to make a mistake.
"Deputy Director Wei, how dare you! The group poisoning incident is not yet finalized. For the sake of public health and the county committee's honor, we will report for green food next year."
Hearing Director Yang's words, the bald Wei Wei slammed the table in anger. "Director, you are being foolish! If we report this, we only stand to gain, not lose. If there are quality issues, the health department is responsible. With four levels of investigation—ministry, provincial, departmental, and bureau—no one would dare to falsify. No one would dare to make mistakes."
Everyone present was startled by the outburst. What was wrong with Wei Wei today? Why were they arguing so fiercely over reporting this year or next? They couldn't understand. However, most people believed that Zhang Ji Crayfish were entirely innocent and had suffered unjustly because of Wang Pangzi. But everyone had stated their opinion, and the situation was at a stalemate when Staff Member Xiao Li burst in.
Director Yang, seeing Xiao Li barge in recklessly, roared, "Who let you in? Get out!"
Xiao Li ignored him and handed the *China People's Daily* to Deputy Director Wei Wei. "Something big has happened! Zhang Ji Crayfish is on the *China People's Daily*!"
Upon hearing this, Director Yang burst into laughter. "Heaven's net has a wide mesh; though its holes are few, it misses nothing. Zhang Ji Crayfish cannot escape! The *China People's Daily* has spoken out. Such a source of danger causing group poisoning incidents must not be let off."
Seeing the director like this, the others could only applaud against their conscience. This shameless man, who had happily eaten Zhang Ji Crayfish just days ago, sucking his thumbs until they were raw, and calling it highly nutritious. He was a typical example of someone who, after eating his fill, curses the cook. But what could they do? He was the director, so they applauded...