By Jin Yuhan

"Lulu, do you still have any rapeseed oil? We're out at home!"

Early one July morning, Auntie Wang from Lanxi Village in Lubu Town, Yuyao, trotted into the "Lanxi Fengwu" Lubu Specialty Exhibition and Sales Center in the town center.

"It's been selling like crazy—it's all gone!" replied Chen Lu, the center's manager. "I'll put your name on the list and let you know as soon as a new shipment arrives."

Occupying about 180 square meters, the "Lanxi Fengwu" center has a local produce display area and a livestreaming studio. Its neatly arranged shelves are stocked with regional specialties such as dried bamboo shoots, crispy soybean candy, and colorful rice cakes.

Today, Chen Lu speaks confidently about the center's offerings. But just a year ago, she was shy, even hesitant to speak with fellow villagers. In June 2024, Chen graduated from university. At the time, she was preparing to study abroad, with everything already in place. But a trip home changed her plans.

The Dazhangdian Intangible Cultural Heritage Center in Lubu was nearing completion, and some of its spaces were available for public leasing. The blend of ancient architecture with modern cultural displays struck a chord with her. "It felt like an old friend in new clothes," she said—familiar, yet full of new possibilities.

Having spent her childhood in Lubu, she understood that the challenge mountain villages facing wasn't a lack of quality products, but the absence of good ways to bring them to market.

After serious consideration, Chen decided to give up her plans for overseas study. With her parents' support, she took on the role of manager at "Lanxi Fengwu".

At first, she spent hours each day traveling between Lubu and surrounding villages, introducing herself, building relationships with farmers, and sitting down with village officials to share her ideas. Gradually, people warmed to this young woman and began to understand the value of her efforts.

Today, all products sold at "Lanxi Fengwu" are sourced directly from local farmers at prices equal to or higher than the market average. After being processed and packaged, they're sold to visitors, boosting local incomes. Along the way, Chen Lu has grown more outgoing and capable, and she's found a growing circle of peers equally passionate about promoting Lubu's local goods throughout Ningbo.

"As the village grows, I grow too," Chen said with a smile. "It's an amazing feeling, to move forward in step with the place I call home."