Seeing Shen Xiaogang's excited expression, Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou exchanged a smile. Shen Tingzhou patted Shen Xiaogang on the shoulder, his tone gentle yet expectant: "Work hard, and don't be arrogant. The planting base is the foundation of the food workshop; the quality and yield of the products depend on the control of the planting process. In the future, you should learn more from Master Wang, not only improving your own technical skills but also learning to manage the team and lead the workers to manage the planting base even better."

"I understand, Uncle!" Shen Xiaogang nodded emphatically, his eyes filled with determination. He secretly resolved to seize this opportunity and repay Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou's trust with concrete actions, living up to everyone's expectations.

In the days that followed, Shen Xiaogang worked even harder. He not only had to manage the blueberry greenhouse he was in charge of, but also assist Master Wang in handling technical issues throughout the entire planting base. Every day before dawn, he would arrive at the planting base to carefully check the crop growth in each greenhouse, recording data such as temperature, humidity, and soil fertility. When workers encountered technical problems they didn't understand, he would patiently explain and demonstrate. In the evenings, he would take out the agricultural technology books recommended by Master Wang and study them diligently until late at night.

One day, a large-scale pest and disease outbreak suddenly occurred in the strawberry greenhouses at the planting base. The leaves were covered with brown spots, and the fruit began to rot. The workers were in a panic, and even Master Wang couldn't find an effective solution. Shen Xiaogang was also very anxious looking at the diseased strawberry seedlings. He remembered reading about similar pest and disease cases in a book, so he spent the night researching and, combined with his own planting experience, finally found the cause—a fungal disease caused by excessive humidity and poor ventilation in the greenhouse.

He immediately reported his findings to Master Wang and Lin Wanqiu, and proposed a detailed solution: first, improve greenhouse ventilation to reduce humidity; then, disinfect the soil with quicklime; and finally, spray diluted Bordeaux mixture for prevention and control. Lin Wanqiu and Master Wang carefully studied Shen Xiaogang's plan and deemed it feasible, so they put him in charge of its implementation.

Shen Xiaogang dared not slacken his efforts in the slightest, personally leading the workers to ventilate, disinfect, and spray pesticides in the greenhouse. He stayed in the strawberry greenhouse every day, carefully observing the changes in the strawberry seedlings and adjusting the prevention and control plan according to the actual situation. After a week of continuous hard work, the pests and diseases in the strawberry greenhouse were finally effectively controlled, and the strawberry seedlings gradually recovered.

Looking at the revitalized strawberry seedlings, the workers all gave Shen Xiaogang a thumbs up, filled with admiration. Master Wang also praised Shen Xiaogang highly: "Xiaogang, you're really great! We owe you so much this time, otherwise our losses would have been huge. Not only are you technically proficient, but you also remain calm under pressure and come up with effective solutions. You're truly a promising talent."

Shen Xiaogang smiled modestly: "Master Wang, you flatter me. This is what I should do. Besides, I learned from you and from books. Without your guidance, I wouldn't have been able to solve this problem."

Lin Wanqiu was very pleased to learn that the pests and diseases in the strawberry greenhouse had been brought under control. She specifically praised Shen Xiaogang at the food workshop's regular meeting and awarded him a bonus. Shen Xiaogang was deeply moved as he received the bonus. He knew that this bonus was not only recognition of his work but also encouragement and expectation.

Seeing her son's transformation and achievements, Zhang Lan was overjoyed. She used to worry that he would be idle and have no future, but now, seeing him not only hardworking and reliable but also aspiring to be the deputy manager of the planting base and a promising young man praised by everyone, she felt proud wherever she went. She often cooked delicious food for Shen Xiaogang to take to the food shop, and never forgot to remind him to work hard and not let Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou down.

Watching Shen Xiaogang grow up, Grandma Shen finally smiled again. She often had Sister Li bring him fruit and snacks, and would frequently remind him to work hard and bring honor to the Shen family. Shen Xiaogang always listened respectfully, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew that his achievements today were inseparable from the strict requirements and careful guidance of Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, as well as the support and encouragement of his family.

That evening, Shen Xiaogang dragged his tired body home. Zhang Lan quickly served him a steaming meal: braised pork, stir-fried vegetables, and a bowl of nutritious chicken soup. Shen Xiaogang sat at the table, picked up his chopsticks, and ate heartily, his heart filled with a sense of peace and warmth.

"Xiaogang, are you tired from working at the food shop today?" Zhang Lan asked, feeling both heartache and relief as she watched her son wolf down his food.

Shen Xiaogang looked up with a satisfied smile on his face: "I'm not tired, Mom. Today we solved the problem of pests and diseases in the strawberry greenhouse, and we even received praise from Auntie. I feel very accomplished."

"That's good, that's good." Zhang Lan said with a smile, "Now that you're the deputy director of the planting base, you have to work even harder and perform well to strive for greater development in the future."

Shen Xiaogang nodded, his eyes resolute: "Mom, don't worry. I will definitely work hard and live up to your, Aunt's, and Uncle's expectations. In the future, I will also master the planting techniques and strive to become an agricultural expert like Master Wang, contributing more to the development of the food workshop."

Looking at the light in her son's eyes, Zhang Lan felt a surge of pride. She knew that her son had finally grown up and become a man with ideals and a sense of responsibility.

Meanwhile, Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou were discussing the future development of the food workshop at home. In the living room, the light was soft, and Shen Nianxi was asleep, a sweet smile on her face. Grandma Shen sat on the sofa, holding a needle and thread, mending clothes for Shen Nianxi, a kind smile on her face.

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