lerbook Chapter 145: Is it a measure to improve people's livelihood or a strategy to maintain public co
Chapter 145: Is it a measure to improve people's livelihood or a strategy to maintain public co
Shanghai, Cao Qingdi Sulfonamide Pharmaceutical Factory.
After returning to Shanghai from Fuzhou, Chen Zijun's first task was to inspect Cao Qingdi's pharmaceutical factory.
"Sister Cao," Chen Zijun said as he entered the pharmaceutical factory, "how is your plan to expand into civilian pharmaceuticals progressing?"
Cao Qingdi greeted him with a smile: "Zijun, you're back. Construction on the second factory has started, and it's expected to be operational in about a month. At that time, our sulfonamide production will triple."
Chen Zijun nodded: "Okay. We have enough sulfonamides for the military now. Next, we should focus on developing civilian pharmaceuticals."
"Understood," Cao Qingdi said. "I have arranged a special production line to produce civilian sulfonamides. Although the efficacy is slightly reduced, the price will be two-thirds cheaper than the military's. If the scale is expanded, the price can be reduced to one-fifth, making it as affordable as possible for ordinary people."
"That's not enough," Chen Zijun said. "I want sulfonamides to benefit the whole country. Not just Shanghai, but also Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, and even Fujian, Jiangxi, and Guangdong."
Cao Qingdi was taken aback: "Brother Zijun, you mean...?"
"We will establish a nationwide drug distribution network," Chen Zijun said. "We will set up distribution points in various provincial capitals to ensure that sulfonamides can be quickly transported to all parts of the country."
Cao Qingdi's eyes lit up: "That's a great idea!"
"Sister Huixin," Chen Zijun turned around, "how much funding is needed?"
Mo Hui thought for a moment: "Establishing a nationwide distribution network would require at least one million pounds. This includes setting up distribution points, transport vehicles, warehousing facilities, and staff salaries."
"I'd guess one million pounds." Chen Zijun nodded. "Approved."
Mo Huixin was surprised: "Young Marshal, you're so decisive?"
"Sulfonamides can save lives," Chen Zijun said. "This money was well spent."
Cao Qingdi looked at Chen Zijun, her eyes filled with emotion: "Brother Zijun, you..."
"Sister Cao," Chen Zijun said, "I, Chen Zijun, am not just a warlord; I also want ordinary people to live a good life. Sulfonamides can save countless lives; this investment is worthwhile."
Cao Qingdi's eyes filled with tears: "Zijun, thank you."
Seeing Cao Qingdi's moved expression, Chen Zijun continued, "Besides, our intelligence system also needs to expand in scale and network, so we can take this opportunity to do it together."
"Sulfonamides can save lives. I'm selling them at a low price. Even if many medicines are monopolized by powerful and wealthy people in various places, as long as some ordinary people can use them, we can save more lives. Maybe these people will become the pillars of the country in the future."
"I, Chen Zijun, have come this far; it's time for me to cultivate my reputation..."
……
Inside the pharmaceutical factory, Chen Zijun inspected the production workshop.
Workers are busy producing sulfonamides.
"Younger brother," Cao Qingdi introduced, "this is our first production line, specializing in the production of sulfonamides for military use. The second production line is currently being tested, specializing in the production of civilian sulfonamides."
Chen Zijun nodded: "Very good."
He walked up to a machine and watched the workers operate it.
"Where were these workers recruited?"
"Most of them are local Shanghai workers," Cao Qingdi said. "Some are recruited from Zhejiang and Jiangsu. We provide them with food and lodging, and their wages are higher than those in other factories."
"Okay," Chen Zijun said. "Workers are the foundation. Only when workers are doing well can the factory be run well."
Cao Qingdi nodded: "Understood."
……
Pharmaceutical factory office.
Chen Zijun sat on the sofa, looking at Cao Qingdi and Mo Huixin.
"Sister Huixin," Chen Zijun said, "you and Sister Lanzhi should work together to get the distribution network in place as soon as possible. I want to establish distribution points in at least the five southeastern provinces within a month."
"Understood," Mo Huixin said. "I will make the arrangements immediately. In addition, I suggest that Director Feng Yong transfer some personnel from the Labor Movement Bureau to form the basic network infrastructure, and at the same time recruit more medical professionals."
"Okay," Chen Zijun said. "You're in full charge of personnel. Tell Feng Yong to manage this network, and to make sure he and Sister Gui pay close attention. When it comes to making money and gathering intelligence, no one can do it better than these people from the underworld..."
Mo Huixin nodded: "Young Master, there's one more thing..."
"explain."
"The Japanese side has shown great concern about the influx of sulfonamides," Mo Huixin said. "Our intelligence indicates that Japanese conglomerates are closely monitoring the production and sale of sulfonamides. They may take action."
Chen Zijun sneered: "Let them come!"
"Young Marshal, sulfonamides are our core technology," Mo Huixin said. "What if Japan tries to steal our technology?"
"They can't steal it," Chen Zijun said. "Only Sister Cao knows the formula for sulfanilamide. The factory's production process is also kept secret. Even if the Japanese send people in, they won't be able to steal anything."
"Understood," Mo Huixin said. "However, I still suggest strengthening security."
"Okay," Chen Zijun said. "Have Shen Li send people to protect the pharmaceutical factory. Don't let any suspicious persons get away."
"yes!"
……
Outside the pharmaceutical factory, Chen Zijun stood at the entrance, looking at the factory buildings.
"younger brother……"
Cao Qingdi walked up to him. "Do you really want sulfonamides to benefit the whole country?"
"Yes," Chen Zijun said. "Sulfonamides can save countless lives. I, Chen Zijun, am not just a warlord; I also want ordinary people to live a good life."
Cao Qingdi's eyes welled up with tears: "You are such a good person."
Chen Zijun smiled and said, "Sister, please don't give me the 'good guy' card, I'm scared. I'm not a good person. I just don't want to see ordinary people die because they can't afford medicine."
Cao Qingdi grasped Chen Zijun's hand: "Little brother, thank you."
……
Outside Quanzhou, the 4th Division and its armored battalion were rapidly advancing south. They even left only a regiment to take over Quanzhou, without entering the city for rest and reorganization.
Yang Yanzhao sat in the armored vehicle, looking at the road ahead.
"Commander," an intelligence officer stepped forward, "Reconnaissance soldiers at the front report that no main enemy force has been detected in the direction of Xiamen. Zhou Qinian's remnants are constructing fortifications on the outskirts of Xiamen."
"Good," Yang Yanzhao said. "Full speed ahead. We must take Xiamen before the Japanese fleet arrives."
"yes!"
The armored convoy roared southward.
……
"Young Master," Mo Huixin said as she entered the study, "I've already arranged the distribution network."
"explain."
"My plan is to set up distribution points in four cities in the first phase: Hangzhou, Nanjing, Fuzhou, and Guangzhou," said Mo Huixin. "Each distribution point will be staffed with ten people to be responsible for the storage, transportation, and sales of the medicines."
"Okay," Chen Zijun said, "Let's get it done as soon as possible."
"Understood," Mo Huixin said. "In addition, Feng Yong and Sister Gui suggested that we start by acquiring local time-honored pharmacies, and then combine them with our Western medicines. This would allow us to quickly capture the market, directly treat the people, and reduce the monopoly and hoarding of these effective drugs by the powerful and wealthy..."
"Okay," Chen Zijun said. "They are professionals in this area. If you think it's reasonable, then use it. You are fully responsible for these matters."