Li Long and Tao Daqiang drove the horse cart to the Sugar Factory. After calling Section Chief Hu, the gatekeeper let them in.
"Xiao Li, you delivered right on time." Hu Changke was delighted. "I'll call someone over to settle up now."
Section Chief Hu called someone over to count the supplies, check their quality, then calculate the payment.
Once Li Long had collected the money with his slip, Section Chief Hu said with a smile:
"Xiao Li, we haven't dealt with each other much, but you've helped me out both times. Here are a few bottles of syrup. I know people around here like dipping their zongzi in white sugar or syrup, so take these home to eat. And if there's anything else you have in mind, just tell me."
Li Long actually did have something in mind. He said:
"Section Chief Hu, there really is a small favor I'd like to ask."
"Go ahead. If it can be done, I'll do my best." Section Chief Hu's smile faded a little.
"Well, here's the thing." Li Long noticed his expression, but he didn't change his mind. "We keep a few pigs at home—you could call us a specialized pig-raising household. I heard you just dump the Sugar Residue after extracting the sugar. Since I brought the horse cart this time, I'd like to take a cartload home..."
"That's hardly anything." Section Chief Hu smiled again. "Tell you what, I'll make a call... Your cart won't hold much anyway. I'll authorize a few sacks for you. Fill the cart, then fill a few sacks too. It's going to be dumped regardless, so if you take it away, that's putting waste to use. Whenever you want more, just come and get it..."
As he spoke, Section Chief Hu picked up the