The promotional phrases included: refreshing, brain-boosting, odor-removing, mold-eliminating, and health-related.

In fact, she had modeled it after the packaging of commercial sanitary incense.

Jiang Weidong nodded, “It looks good. There’s nothing that needs changing; just add a name. As for what it should be called, we’ll need to discuss it with the brigade leaders.”

Originally, Lin Shu wanted Brother Lu Dage to take the samples to the brigade and consult with the leaders.

Since Jiang Weidong and the second sister were here, they decided to have Xu Erzhu go to the brigade to invite the secretary, the brigade leader, Brother Lu Dage, and the production team leader for a discussion.

Soon, the secretary and others arrived, but the production team leader did not come because he was less educated and not very literate.

With spring sowing finished, the secretary and brigade leader were relatively relaxed, having recently been busy with the commune’s fund-raising and electricity issues for each village.

They were struggling with money.

The secretary hoped that Lin Shu and her family would make money from producing incense.

Previously, Brother Lu Dage suggested that the brigade should run the factory, with incense makers receiving work points and salary subsidies, and all the profits going to the brigade or the production team.

However, after some thought, the secretary realized that if it was just about earning work points for the brigade, it might not effectively motivate the workers.

It was like the barefoot doctors who were paid only in work points; they might just go through the motions when treating villagers.

If they were allowed to earn consultation fees, they would be more attentive, hoping to earn more.

Old Man Lu might not show favoritism, but Zhang Peijin certainly did.

The secretary felt that the same principle applied to the incense-making team.

Moreover, it was hard to say it outright: why should Lin Shu contribute to the brigade for free?

The brigade should offer her some benefits or recognition, right?

If it were just work points, Lin Shu might not be motivated to develop new formulas.

If the Lu family received dividends, Lin Shu would be more invested, as a successful sale would mean profit for her too.

The secretary decided to give the brigade leader a heads-up, to avoid being blocked later when he brought it up.

The brigade leader, who had a lower level of education and limited vision, couldn’t see the long-term benefits.

When the secretary mentioned giving dividends to the Lu family, the brigade leader was momentarily confused and tentatively asked, “Secretary, do you think we could also get a share? Even if it’s not much…”

The secretary gave him a stern look, “What are you thinking? The formula and technology are from Lin Shu, and the work is done by the incense-making team. We haven’t contributed anything, and you’re thinking of sharing the profits?”

The brigade leader was too embarrassed to bring it up again.

The secretary continued, “If the incense-making proves to be profitable, at least half of the money should go to the collective. Whether we distribute dividends to the workers or not…”

“Improving the conditions of the brigade will benefit us all, won’t it?”

When the commune workers’ scores rise, it not only boosts the commune’s image but also brings pride to the entire county.

Improving the brigade’s conditions means that when we need electricity, we have more money than other brigades, right?

After hearing this, the brigade leader understood and agreed with the secretary’s point of view.

The two of them followed Brother Lu Dage to the Lu family home.

As soon as they entered, they noticed significant changes.

Although the weather had warmed up, and normally there would be more mosquitoes, the Lu family’s house, due to the aroma of chrysanthemum from incense-making, had hardly any mosquitoes.

The secretary’s confidence in earning more money increased by another 20%.

The brigade leader, however, kept sniffing and said, “Hmm, this scent is quite pleasant!”

They first exchanged pleasantries with Jiang Weidong.

Without Lin Shu’s connections, it would be very difficult for them to meet the director of the steel plant.

Not being part of the same system and having no personal connections made meetings quite challenging.

Knowing that Jiang Weidong helped with the molds, both were very grateful and repeatedly thanked him, offering to buy him a few drinks.

Jiang Weidong was very friendly to Lin Xia’s family and relatives, showing no airs.

However, in front of the brigade cadres, he naturally had the demeanor of a unit leader, making it clear that he wasn’t easily swayed.

He also gave the impression that it was a privilege for people to interact with him.

The secretary and the brigade leader inspected the sample incense and praised it incessantly.

“This is no worse than what you buy outside; in fact, it smells even better.”

Moreover, the incense from the Lu family looked more uniform and delicate, indicating fine craftsmanship, a clear sign of Brother Lu Erge’s handiwork.

The brigade leader felt that the full work points were well-deserved.

Before the spring planting was finished and the wheat harvest began, there wasn’t much work for the commune members.

Even strong laborers earned only seven or eight work points a day, but Brother Lu Erge and his team earned full points.

This was considered an investment in a side business, which was necessary.

Seeing the finished product, the brigade leader felt that the investment was worthwhile!

The secretary was also very satisfied.

Originally, Lin Shu suggested giving full work points and salary subsidies to the incense-making workers, similar to how accountants were treated, with profits considered as part of the brigade’s earnings.

Now, the brigade leader directly expressed the secretary’s intent: “After considering this, since you initiated the incense-making, any changes in formula or other adjustments will need to come from you. The brigade will benefit from this as well.”

If it weren’t for policy restrictions, they could completely bypass the brigade and run the business independently.

Therefore, they wanted to reciprocate the favor and not be too rigid or obsessed with so-called policies.

The brigade’s secondary business is quite flexible, with decisions made by the brigade leaders.

Incense-making team members would still receive full work points without additional subsidies.

However, after deducting costs, the profits would be split evenly.

Half of the profits would go to the Lu family, and the other half to the production team.

The production team’s share would be divided into three parts: one part would be added to the production team’s total income for member dividends, another part would be kept for purchasing fertilizers and other necessities, and the final part would be kept by the brigade.

The brigade would be responsible for providing various policy supports.

Lin Shu was surprised by the brigade’s generosity.

Many brigades would rather keep a side business entirely for themselves, without sharing anything with the initiator.

Lu Family Brigade was truly different.

Lin Shu thought, “No wonder I’m always willing to think about and plan things for the brigade. It’s because they are so good-hearted; I can’t help but return their kindness.”

Since the brigade had made this decision, Lin Shu didn’t suggest asking for less.

She said, “We’ll cover the salary subsidies for the incense-making team.”

While not providing subsidies would also be acceptable—after all, full work points are already much better than for other members, and incense-making is easier than working in the fields—offering bonuses would still be necessary to motivate the workers.

The secretary and brigade leader were pleased to hear this.

Lin Shu’s understanding was exceptional; she knew exactly what needed to be done without them having to explain.

With the profit-sharing settled, Lin Shu showed them the packaging design and asked the secretary and brigade leader to come up with a name for the factory and the incense.

Factory and incense names?

The secretary suggested “Jasmine Incense,” the brigade leader proposed “Red Lantern Brand,” and Brother Lu Erge suggested “Harvest Brand.”

They ended up suggesting names of other products, even cigarette and fertilizer brands.

The brigade leader laughed, “Alright, our cultural level isn’t enough. How about we ask Factory Director Jiang for help?”

Jiang Weidong smiled, “I don’t have much experience in this area either. If it comes down to it, we could use names like ‘Struggle Brand Sanitary Incense’ or ‘Unity Brand Sanitary Incense.’”

The secretary slapped the table enthusiastically, “Unity Brand is good!”

They wanted their secondary business to embody unity!

The name was meaningful and had a hidden significance, making it a great choice!

Lin Shu and Brother Lu Dage and the others came to their senses and all agreed it was a good name.

With the brand name decided, they turned to naming the factory.

The brigade leader and secretary were a bit embarrassed, as it was just a brigade-run factory with only three or four workers.

Brother Lu Dage said, “Let me offer a suggestion: let’s call it ‘Lu Family Village First Incense Factory.’ We might even have a second or third one in the future.”

“What about the third factory?”

Jiang Weidong said, “The incense-making process is too simple; we could aim higher.”

Fang Dihua suggested, “Then let’s call it Lu Jia Zhuang No. 1 Factory. The full name would be ‘Lu Jia Zhuang No. 1 Chemical Factory, XX County, XX City, XX Province.’”

Old Man Lu had gained a lot of knowledge from attending the model workers’ conference in the city.

Regardless of whether it was leaders or representatives from large factories, their speeches sounded impressive.

They spoke about first factories, main factories, and branch factories with confidence.

At night, when he couldn’t sleep, he often talked with Fang Dihua.

Hearing the old man’s frequent mentions, Fang Dihua had memorized those details.

Brother Lu Dage stared at his mother in astonishment, “Wow, you really know how to boast!”

A chemical factory!

Jiang Weidong said, “We could call it a Chemistry Factory.”

In that era, “chemistry” was a very sophisticated and mysterious term for people in the countryside—something they found impressive but didn’t fully understand.

The secretary felt a bit self-conscious, but seeing Jiang Weidong’s confident demeanor made him feel petty.

What’s to be afraid of!