Reborn in the 80s: My Whole Family Secretly Hears My Thoughts and Goes Wild with Success! - Chapter 90

“I actually asked my second sister-in-law about this before,” Shen Zhiqiu explained. “She said breastfeeding is good, but breast milk doesn’t guarantee complete nutrition. Babies need a wide variety of nutrients as they grow.”

“With the country’s family planning policy, most families will only have one child from now on. Naturally, parents will want to raise their children carefully, giving them the best in every way.”

She pointed at herself. “And there are plenty of people like me—either unable to produce breast milk or not producing enough. Formula can be a great alternative.”

“Mingyuan said infant formula has huge potential. Whoever seizes this opportunity first could become the industry leader in the future.”

“Lao Ye, I think Zhiqiu makes a lot of sense.”

Li Shuying grabbed Ye Yunlin’s arm and gave it a shake. “The dairy plant is about to be separated from the farm. If we don’t pivot, it’ll probably go under.”

“Zhiqiu, you and Mingyuan have really thrown your uncle a lifeline here.”

Li Shuying then filled Shen Zhiqiu in on the backstory.

“Economic reforms are happening everywhere now, and the old farm system just doesn’t fit anymore. The main office has decided to make each branch farm financially independent.”

“Your uncle’s Farm No. 4 is the worst-performing of them all. The leadership plans to spin off its smaller factories and focus solely on agriculture.”

“Your uncle offended one of the higher-ups, so they ‘promoted’ him to manager of the dairy plant—which has been losing money for years.”

Li Shuying sighed. “He came this time hoping to ask you and Mingyuan for help—maybe arrange a visit to the Guojing Dairy Plant so he could learn from them. But I think Mingyuan’s idea of pivoting is a solid path forward.”

“We can’t just stay stuck in place. We have to move forward. The road smooths out as you walk it, right, Lao Ye?”

“That’s easy to say, but how do we actually do it? Right now, we’re completely in the dark.”

Ye Yunlin had been silent, carefully considering Shen Zhiqiu’s suggestion. He finally looked up at her. “Zhiqiu, infant formula is for babies—it’s not something to take lightly. How do we handle the nutrients? And what about the equipment?”

“Uncle, Mingyuan and I thought about that too. He said we could analyze the composition and ratios of the foreign formula Ya Ya drinks now. Research labs at our universities are capable of that.”

“As for equipment, we’ll figure it out once we commit to the pivot. We’ll adapt as we go.”

Shen Zhiqiu laid out the advantages. “Uncle, your farm is right next to the pastures, with so many dairy cows—that’s a huge benefit.”

“And sales channels are ready-made—maternity wards in hospitals, maternal and child health centers. Hire a few aunties to help promote it, and people will definitely buy.”

“Once we build a good reputation, we won’t have to worry.”

Li Shuying grew excited and stood up, patting her chest. “Lao Ye, if you’re really going to do this, I’ll help you sell it. I’m about to retire anyway, and I was just wondering what to do next.”

“Yingzi, hearing you say that gives me confidence.” Ye Yunlin made his decision. “No risk, no reward! We’re pivoting!”

“When Xiao Wen comes tomorrow, I’ll ask her to borrow some books on the subject from her university library. I’ll study up these next few days.”

“Lao Ye, that’s the spirit!”

Li Shuying threw her arms around Ye Yunlin, stood on her toes, and planted a loud kiss on his cheek.

Remembering Shen Zhiqiu was still there, she suddenly felt embarrassed and pointed at Ye Yunlin. “Your uncle’s always had this kind of boldness, even when he was young. That’s what hooked me into marrying him.”

Shen Zhiqiu teased her with a grin. “Auntie, are you sure it wasn’t just because my uncle was so handsome?”

Li Shuying pretended to be scandalized and raised a hand playfully. “You little rascal, spouting such truths! Don’t I have any dignity left?”

Shen Zhiqiu hugged her arm. “Auntie’s a beauty too! You and Uncle are a match made in heaven.”

“That’s more like it.”

…..

The next day, while Shen Zhiqiu was helping Ye Yunlin and Li Shuying pick out gifts for the Yue family, Li Yan suddenly charged at her, fists raised.

Ye Jiawu saw it and quickly pulled Shen Zhiqiu aside. Li Yan crashed into the counter instead.

“Sister-in-law, what are you doing?” Shen Zhiqiu frowned, baffled by Li Yan’s outburst.

Since marrying into the Yue family, she’d barely interacted with Li Yan. Even when Li Yan had picked on her, she’d never retaliated or provoked her.

Li Yan jabbed a finger at her. “Shen Zhiqiu, was it you who talked Yue Mingde into divorcing me?”

“Sister-in-law, your divorce is between you and him. It has nothing to do with me.”

“I didn’t even know you two were getting divorced. How could I have ‘talked him into it’?”

Remembering how Wang Fengqin had given Li Yan that embroidered pouch, Shen Zhiqiu guessed, “Did Wang Fengqin tell you that?”

Li Yan didn’t answer, but her expression said it all.

“Shen Zhiqiu, stop playing innocent. I know exactly what kind of person you are! I wondered why Yue Mingde suddenly wanted a divorce—turns out you were meddling!”

“First, you seduced Yue Mingyuan, and now you’re after Yue Mingde too? Are you that desperate for men?”

“Watch your mouth!”

Li Shuying planted a hand on her hip and stepped in front of Shen Zhiqiu. “Where’s your proof before you sling mud like that? If you’ve got nothing, we won’t let you bully her for no reason!”

Li Yan’s face twisted in resentment. “I saw it myself that day—her and Yue Mingde all touchy-feely, laughing together. He’s always singing her praises, always defending her. If that’s not an affair, what is?”

“Sister-in-law, a dirty mind sees filth everywhere.”

Shen Zhiqiu couldn’t even be bothered to explain. She knew Li Yan wouldn’t believe her no matter what she said.

Li Yan was stubborn and judgmental—once she made up her mind, nothing could change it.

“Uncle, Auntie, Xiao Wu, let’s go.” Shen Zhiqiu tugged at Ye Yunlin and Li Shuying.

“No, you’re not leaving! You have to explain this to me today!”

Li Yan spread her arms to block Shen Zhiqiu’s path. “Why are you in such a hurry to run away? Guilty conscience?”

“So it’s true—you and Yue Mingde are involved! I knew he wouldn’t divorce me out of nowhere. He must’ve found someone else—but I never dreamed it’d be you!”

“Shen Zhiqiu, you’ve got no shame! No wonder you’re just a used-up—”

SLAP!

Shen Zhiqiu had had enough. She struck Li Yan across the face.

“Li Yan, you’re so vile—you’re just begging to be hit!”