Reborn in 1979: I Raised a Fortune with Four Daughters

Chapter 46 Opening the Box of Inspiration

As a deafening, earth-shattering roar drew nearer, the massive, heavy steam engine, like a roaring beast, slowly pulled the long train into the station. The train arrived at the station on time.

Holding his ticket, Zhao Yuan strode confidently toward the ticket gate. The small station was unusually quiet, with a faint atmosphere of tranquility permeating the air. There were very few passengers; some were hurrying along, while others waited leisurely for the train to depart.

Upon entering the carriage, Zhao Yuan quickly found his berth—located on the lower level. The entire sleeper carriage was unusually empty, resembling a deserted wasteland. Apart from him, only a few other travelers were scattered in various corners.

After settling his luggage, Zhao Yuan sat quietly on the edge of the bed, gazing out the car window.

It is late spring, and nature, like a magical painter, has used its vibrant brush to depict a lively and dynamic scene. Outside the window, the dense forests are already lush and green, their intertwined branches forming verdant screens. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, as if whispering the story of spring. In the distance, the rolling mountains, against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, create a picturesque landscape.

Zhao Yuan gazed silently at everything, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up within him. He knew this journey would bring him many unknown surprises and challenges, but it was also brimming with hope and opportunity. On this vast and boundless land, countless landscapes awaited his discovery, and countless dreams awaited his pursuit…

Zhao Yuan looked out the window for a while, then turned his gaze back, took out a pen and a bag from his bag, and began to write the articles of association and rules and regulations for the fireworks export company.

Zhao Yuan had a clear plan for the fireworks export company. He quickly drafted detailed and specific articles of association and regulations. Every clause was carefully considered to ensure it was legally and ethically sound. He particularly emphasized the company's social responsibility in the articles of association, promising to donate a portion of the profits to local education and healthcare. The regulations clearly defined the rights and obligations of employees, as well as the strict penalties for violations.

Although fireworks can be very profitable, they are flammable and explosive products. If not managed properly, a single explosion can bankrupt a thriving factory.

Zhao Yuan deeply understood the importance of safe fireworks production, so he drafted a detailed set of safety regulations. These regulations clearly stipulated humidity and temperature controls for fireworks storage, as well as requirements for categorized storage. Zhao Yuan particularly emphasized fire prevention, theft prevention, and moisture control measures for the warehouse, and also specified the frequency of regular inspections and maintenance.

In the transportation phase, he proposed specific qualification requirements for transport vehicles and drivers, as well as transportation route planning and emergency response plans.

After writing down all the articles of association, Zhao Yuan reviewed them carefully from beginning to end. Once he confirmed that there were no problems, he folded the completed articles of association and put them into his bag.

Zhao Yuan continued to look out the window. The paper-cut window decorations in the room by the railway suddenly gave him an idea: why not collect various ethnic elements, such as paper-cutting, embroidery, and wood carving, and cleverly incorporate them into the packaging design of fireworks?

Another inspiration struck Zhao Yuan: to design a series of story-driven fireworks products based on the "Four Great Classical Novels" of traditional Chinese culture. Each fireworks design corresponds to a classic scene from one of the novels, such as "Daiyu Burying Flowers" from "Dream of the Red Chamber" or "Sun Wukong Thrice Beats the White Bone Demon" from "Journey to the West."

By designing exquisite packaging, fireworks can be combined with related storybooks, stationery, and other items to create large gift sets. This transforms fireworks from mere fireworks into cultural disseminators.

It was as if Zhao Yuan had opened a box of inspiration, with a continuous stream of ideas flooding into his mind.

Another option is to design a fireworks series called "The Language of Flowers," where each type of fireworks is packaged around a traditional Chinese flower, such as peony, plum blossom, or chrysanthemum. These flowers are not merely decorative; they also represent different auspicious meanings: peony symbolizes wealth and prosperity, plum blossom represents resilience, and chrysanthemum represents purity and nobility. When lit, the fireworks burst into blooms resembling the shapes of these flowers, accompanied by corresponding classical music. This design, which combines traditional floral culture with modern fireworks technology, has been well-received by consumers.

A "Time Tunnel" series of fireworks could also be designed, with each design representing a different era. For example, "Ancient Egypt" style fireworks could mimic the shape of a pyramid and release golden sparks upon explosion, symbolizing the glory of the pharaoh; "Victorian Era" style fireworks could be designed to depict a magnificent court ball scene, with the fireworks accompanied by the sound of a melodious waltz. Such designs would not only attract consumers of different ages but also allow people to appreciate the fireworks while experiencing the weight of history and the charm of culture.

Zhao Yuan envisioned designing themed fireworks based on traditional Chinese festivals, such as a Spring Festival series and a Lantern Festival series. Each series of fireworks would not only have a unique shape but would also incorporate festival elements and traditional cultural symbols. For example, the Spring Festival series could feature themes like firecrackers, red envelopes, and lanterns, while the Lantern Festival series could feature themes like lanterns, glutinous rice balls, and lantern riddles. These fireworks could not only be sold during the festivals but also serve as festive gifts, enhancing the cultural connotation and commemorative significance of the products.

......

Unexpectedly, Zhao Yuan wrote down his inspiration on paper and kept writing all the way.

The train came to a stop at a small station with a clatter.

Zhao Yuan stood up and stretched his limbs in the carriage.

Just then, a young man with long hair, who looked to be in his early twenties, came up and was clutching a picture book tightly in his hand.

Zhao Yuan immediately recognized that this was an artist. In his previous life, it wouldn't have been unusual for a man to have long hair, but in this day and age, a man with long hair was very eye-catching. Zhao Yuan couldn't help but take a few more glances at the young man.

The young man was holding a newly replaced sleeper berth metal plate in his hand, searching for his spot throughout the carriage. Hey, what a coincidence! He stopped right next to Zhao Yuan and plopped down on the lower berth opposite him.

After the young man sat down, he stared intently out the window, occasionally grinning at Zhao Yuan.

Seeing this, Zhao Yuan wanted to find something to talk to him about, so he started chatting with the young man.

Zhao Yuan asked the young man about his background out of curiosity, and only then did he learn that he was a painter who had come out to find creative inspiration.

This young man is named Zhao Xiaoqing. He has loved painting since he was a child, and this time he is going to Beijing to see an art exhibition.

Zhao Yuan was quite interested in the picture book in his hand, and the young man was also very generous, taking the initiative to take out the picture book to show it.

Hey, you know what, every picture in this album exudes a longing for freedom and dreams.

Zhao Yuan was immediately captivated by the paintings. In his previous life, Zhao Yuan had collected many famous paintings and had some expertise in appreciating them. Sure enough, the two began to talk about paintings.

Well, they had common topics and were about the same age, so in no time the two became such good friends that they could share a pair of pants.

Zhao Xiaoqing told Zhao Yuan that she had a dream: to hold her own art exhibition.

Zhao Yuan also told Zhao Xiaoqing that he was working on a fireworks export company, and shared some of the ideas he had on the train with her. Zhao Xiaoqing also gave Zhao Yuan a lot of good ideas.

......

The two chatted idly the whole way until they both started snoring. The clattering and rattling sounds outside continued.