Twenty years of cold chain

Chapter 32 A New Beginning

Mingjiang University's graduation ceremony always comes a little late, usually in mid-August, largely due to students struggling with their dissertations. Even with this late start, a small number of students still have to postpone their graduation each year.

Back in May, Hu Shutong's eligibility for postgraduate recommendation had been approved. He had previously been conflicted about this, but his recent interactions with his mentor, Pang, have made him completely abandon his current plans to find employment.

Finding employment after completing a cold chain logistics major isn't difficult; just look at the thirty-odd students in the class—all of them have secured jobs at large companies, and 80% have even stayed on at their internship companies. But pursuing further studies under Professor Pang's guidance is incredibly appealing, not only for the academic aspects but also for the extensive practical experience previously unattainable.

While pursuing his master's degree in food engineering, he will also participate in the construction of the South Suburb Logistics Park and work with top figures in the industry in the refrigerated food laboratory. He believes that the growth he will gain from this process will be the most valuable asset in his life.

This project in the refrigerated food laboratory is not something an undergraduate graduate can participate in. He still has so much to learn. The scale of the South Suburb Logistics Park is not something that can be handled simply by writing a few cold storage plans and having some knowledge of engineering materials and equipment.

Graduation means parting ways. The next day, we had a class dinner that lasted from noon until night. Then, the four of us from the dorm had a second round at a barbecue stall, drinking until 2 a.m.

As for their future paths, they had all been decided long ago. Jiang Zhipeng returned to Qingyan City to inherit the family business, Erqiu's family was relatively poor, so he chose a company with the best benefits, and Lao Chen also returned to his hometown to continue working on the projects that he had not yet completed during his internship.

People were not surprised by Hu Shutong's choice. Being valued by Professor Pang, no one else would choose to take a job at this time. Leaving aside what he could learn from him, given Professor Pang's connections, a higher and bigger platform in the future was inevitable.

Four years of university life have passed in a flash. People say the world is vast, and they talk about their bright futures; they say the world is small, and they immediately talk about all the encounters they've had. They firmly believe in both of these points. This industry is still very immature, and everyone believes they can make a name for themselves. And no matter where they go, they'll always be in this circle, so how could they not meet each other?

The next day, the dormitory was emptied. People took what they could and sold what they could. Hu Shutong moved to the graduate student dormitory. In just one night, everyone went their separate ways, and those they knew were no longer there.

For Hu Shutong, this is also a new beginning.

Graduating from undergraduate studies should have meant more free time, but upon closer inspection, my schedule is already packed. Next April is a major milestone, and there's still a lot to prepare before then, leaving me no time to relax.

The graduate student dormitory is a four-person room. Hu Shutong heard that his roommates were students from other universities who were coming to the University of Minnesota for further studies and would not arrive until mid-September. Hu Shutong first tidied up the dormitory, unable to concentrate. After dinner, he wandered around the campus alone, feeling empty and having nowhere to vent his feelings.

A short while later, the phone suddenly rang. Hu Shutong was quite surprised to see that it was Lin Xiang.

During the phone call, Lin Xiang mentioned that he had some business to attend to at Mingyuan University and was returning to Panzhu the next day. He asked Hu Shutong if he was free to meet. Hu Shutong had also been thinking about Lin Xiang's situation. When he arrived at the university gate, Lin Xiang had his car window open and was smoking. He had only called Hu Shutong after arriving at Mingyuan University.

If Lin Xiang hadn't shouted, Hu Shutong would never have been able to get to the car. In Hu Shutong's opinion, Lin Xiang's transformation was exaggerated.

At this moment, Lin Xiang looked every bit the businessman. His hair was styled with gel, he wore a black suit and white shirt, though his tie was slightly loose. His shiny leather shoes were almost reflective, and a long wallet sat beside him. This was a completely different person from the Lin Xiang that Hu Shutong remembered—the shirtless, greasy-shirt-wearing, and easily angered Lin Xiang.

"What kind of look is that? Do you see right through a slacker like someone trying to make a living?"

"No, no! What are you talking about? It just feels a little different from before."

Lin Xiang smiled, twisted and loosened his tie, and when he grabbed it forward, it was almost like a hula hoop, so he simply ripped it off. "You decide what we eat, but I can't drink anymore, or I'll hang myself at Mingyuan."

"Brother Xiang, what brings you to Mingyuan?"

"What else can I do? Negotiate with clients. If I turn one down, I'll talk to another. As long as I have inventory, I'll have a foundation, and someone will eventually be interested. Now that it's the off-season for fishing, I need to get out and work hard."

"What happened to that thing last time?"

"I sued them, but not long after, they formed an alliance, talking about resource complementarity and sharing. To be honest, they're all just transit warehouses, desperately trying to get their goods out of the way. It's a miracle they didn't fight tooth and nail! Who's complementing whom? This whole thing is just a backhanded tactic, making me look like I'm meddling. I have to say, they're really damn malicious!"

The two went to a noodle shop and ordered a large bowl of beef noodles. Before Lin Xiang could say anything, he slurped and coughed as if he hadn't eaten a full meal in many days.

Hu Shutong looked at Lin Xiang with newfound respect for this man who was secretly competing with him. It was hard to imagine that a seafood boss with both goods and warehouses would find a way out like this.

After finishing a bowl of noodles, Lin Xiang wiped his mouth, still seething with resentment. "Brother Hu, I'll say it again: fish can be worth much more. I came to Mingyuan this time to discuss direct supply business. Unlike before, when they had to send a truck to pick up the goods, I'll personally deliver them in a refrigerated truck. I'll use my own refrigerated truck to deliver goods to customers. Then, who will dare stop me from going out!"

Hu Shutong wholeheartedly agreed with these words. "Brother Xiang, how's your market research going?"

"There's great potential." Lin Xiang said resolutely. "The more upscale the hotel and restaurant, the more emphasis they place on freshness. You may or may not know what a buffet is. I went to a chain seafood buffet yesterday. The prices were outrageously expensive, but the number of customers was still considerable. This shows that there are plenty of people who will buy expensive items. In addition, high-end hotels also have a strong demand for seafood."

Hu Shutong nodded. "These high-standard restaurants also face difficulties. Seafood at the wholesale market is experiencing delays, and it's all resale goods, so the prices are high and a systematic supply can't be established. If you deliver directly from the shore, the products are reliable, and you can supply in bulk. Moreover, Shuangliu Cape has a rich variety of aquatic products, so I think it's feasible."

Hu Shutong's words greatly encouraged Lin Xiang, who then added, "Brother Xiang, when you're promoting yourself and want to gain more customer recognition, you should also work on your products. For example, the standardized processing of aquatic products, from harvesting to warehousing to transportation, will make it easier to impress people by presenting something that is standardized and systematic."

"Shutong, you might as well explain in detail."

Lin Xiang looked earnestly at Hu Shutong.

……