The last rays of late spring bathed the Hongqi Production Brigade in a warm golden glow. Wisps of smoke rising from the food workshop's chimney mingled with the fragrance of wheat swaying in the fields, creating a vibrant scene. But Lin Wanqiu's steps did not falter. While the eight supply contracts brought back by Shen Tingzhou had solved her immediate problem, the dormant saline-alkali land in the suburbs had already taken root in her heart, becoming a land of hope waiting to be cultivated.

"Tingzhou, let's go and take a look at that saline-alkali land tomorrow." After dinner, Lin Wanqiu put away the washed dishes and chopsticks, her fingertips brushing against a pot of lush green mint on the windowsill, her gaze fixed on the deep night outside the window. "The sooner we start, the sooner the land can be revitalized."

Shen Tingzhou was helping Nian'an check her arithmetic homework when he heard this. He looked up, his eyes reflecting the flickering light of the kerosene lamp, his expression gentle yet firm: "Okay. I've already spoken to the commune, and they've agreed to let us go and investigate first. As long as the technology is feasible, the contracting procedures will be completed quickly." He put down his pen, walked to Lin Wanqiu's side, and gently put his arm around her shoulder. "But improving saline-alkali land is no easy task. Are you prepared for hardship?"

Lin Wanqiu turned to look at him, a determined smile playing on her lips, her eyes gleaming with an indomitable spirit: "Since being reborn into this era, every step I've taken has been paved through hardship. Back then, when I separated from the family with Nian'an, we were penniless; when I started the food workshop, we lacked funds, technology, and sales channels, but didn't we still get to where we are today step by step? Saline-alkali land is difficult to change, but as long as we find the right method, there will always be a day when we can turn it into fertile land." She paused, reaching out to stroke Shen Tingzhou's slightly tired cheek, "But you, after running around to so many places, haven't even had a proper rest for a few days, and now you're going to come with me to do this again."

“How can doing something meaningful with you be considered a hassle?” Shen Tingzhou held her hand, the warmth of his palm soothing her skin. “If you want to lead the villagers to prosperity and make the food workshop a solid foundation, I will always be your strongest support.”

Chen Nian'an, standing to the side, looked up with his round eyes full of curiosity: "Mom, what is saline-alkali land? Is it land where crops can't grow?" He had grown into a ten-year-old boy with a tall and straight figure. His eyebrows and eyes had both the liveliness of Lin Wanqiu and the composure of Shen Tingzhou. At this moment, he held his arithmetic book and asked like a little adult.

Lin Wanqiu squatted down, ruffled her son's soft hair, and patiently explained, "Yes, saline-alkali land is soil with too much salt, making it difficult for crops to grow. But your father and I want to try to turn it into good land where we can grow wheat, grains, and vegetables, so that the food workshop can use ingredients that we grow ourselves in the future."

“Then I want to help too!” Shen Nian’an immediately raised her little hand, her face full of anticipation. “I can help water the plants, pull weeds, and even bring you lunch!”

Seeing her son's excited expression, Lin Wanqiu felt a surge of warmth in her heart. This once thin and timid child had grown into a sensible and considerate little man, becoming the softest worry in her heart. Meanwhile, Chen Nianxi, sitting on a small stool playing with a red ribbon, chimed in in her childish voice, "Sister, let's go too! Sister, help Mom look at the flowers!"

Nianxi just turned six this year. With her delicate and beautiful appearance, and her big eyes like clear streams, she is exceptionally lovable. Lin Wanqiu smiled and nodded, embracing the two children in her arms: "Okay, once the planting base is built, Mom will take you to see the crops sprout, blossom, and bear fruit."

The next day, just as dawn broke and the east began to lighten, Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou packed up, took their provisions and water bottles, and rode their bicycles towards the suburbs. A spring breeze caressed their faces, carrying the fragrance of earth, and the willows along the roadside sprouted tender green branches, swaying gently in the wind, as if bidding them farewell.

After cycling for about an hour, a vast expanse of land came into view. From a distance, the saline-alkali land appeared as a grayish-white color, forming a stark contrast with the surrounding verdant fields, like a forgotten, barren land. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the ground was covered with a layer of white salt frost, extremely hard underfoot, and occasionally a few withered yellow weeds could be seen, shivering in the wind, appearing particularly desolate.

Lin Wanqiu squatted down, reached out and grabbed a handful of soil. The soil felt rough and dry to the touch, containing tiny salt grains. When she released it, most of the soil slipped through her fingers, leaving only a layer of white salt stains. She frowned slightly, thinking to herself: the salinization is more severe than expected; improving it will indeed require considerable effort.

“This land is indeed troublesome.” Shen Tingzhou stood beside her, his gaze sweeping over the thousand acres of saline-alkali land, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity. “I’ve heard from the elders that the only way to deal with this kind of land is to scrape off the salt and alkali and build terraced fields, but the results are not very good.”

Lin Wanqiu didn't speak, but closed her eyes and focused her mind on entering the space of her ancestral jade pendant. The space was still vibrant with life; the modern warehouse was well-stocked, and the agricultural knowledge section on her skill panel shone brightly. She quickly browsed the information on saline-alkali land improvement, from irrigation measures to agricultural methods, from biological to chemical methods. Scenes flashed through her mind, and solutions gradually became clearer.

A moment later, Lin Wanqiu opened her eyes, her confusion gone, replaced by a confident gleam: "Tingzhou, I have a plan." She stood up, pointed to the saline-alkali land, and said in a steady voice, "Saline-alkali land improvement cannot rely on just one method; we need a comprehensive approach. We can first dig drainage ditches to lower the water table and drain the salt from the soil; then build terraces to raise the planting level and avoid areas where salt accumulates; then plant some salt-tolerant plants, such as alfalfa and sweet sorghum, to improve the soil using biological methods; finally, supplement with suitable fertilizers to adjust the soil pH. By proceeding step by step, this land can be transformed into fertile farmland in less than three years."

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