"But even if the brigade agrees to help us investigate, we can't hold out too much hope."

"Every household has the food you lost, just in different quantities. Even if we find out that there's something wrong with the amount of food in one household, I think they'll be able to find an excuse."

"If he refuses to admit it, we can't force him to admit it and say he stole it and ask him to return the extra food to you. Don't you think that makes sense?"

Fan Huifang and the others were not surprised to hear Ma Jiquan's words.

If something is stolen from one family, people are sent to search all the houses, but others are generally unwilling to cooperate.

What Ma Jiquan said was just a formality and it was not realistic to implement.

What he actually wanted to express in a tactful way was that it was better to forget about it. It was definitely impossible to find out who stole it, so you just had to admit your bad luck and accept this fact.

But he was a little embarrassed to say such words.

"Captain Ma, you're right. I know it's very difficult to find out who stole something like this. Besides, even if the brigade sends people to check every household, people might not cooperate."

"I told you this this morning out of a rush. Now that I've been thinking about it all morning, I've finally come to terms with it. I'll just consider it a case of bad luck."

"Everyone in this world has their ups and downs, and it's hard for anyone to be an exception."

"So, you don't have to worry about us anymore. We will find a way to get our food rations this month. We are very grateful that you can lend us half a pound of rice today as an emergency measure. We won't trouble you any more!"

"I'm actually kind of embarrassed that you made a special trip here in the middle of the day!"

"Yes, Captain Ma, Huifang is right. We have to figure out our own food rations for this month. You have to take care of the production team's affairs every day, so we don't need to bother you with this little thing. No need to bother you!"

As soon as Deng Yuliang heard Ma Jiquan say that the brigade should send people to the production team to check every household, he knew that this would not work.

This is neither reasonable nor legal!

Why do you go to someone else's house to check if something is missing from your house when you have no evidence?

He was an educated young man who had studied for more than ten years and respected civilization and morality. He did not agree with this barbaric and useless way of doing things from the bottom of his heart.

So, seeing that Fan Huifang had also decided to give up investigating the matter, he immediately followed suit.

"Hey, you guys are all really knowledgeable people, and you're all so reasonable! I'm glad you can accept this, it makes me feel relieved!"

"You will have no food to eat for the second half of the month. As the production team leader, I will naturally take care of it."

"How about this? When we gather for work this afternoon, I'll ask everyone to lend us some food to help with the emergency. You can just pay them back later. Is that okay?"

"Sister Huifang, let's find a way to solve it ourselves."

After hearing Ma Jiquan's suggestion, Shen Xiaobei decisively whispered to Fan Huifang.

Fan Huifang looked up at her with some doubt, and she gave her an affirmative look.

"Captain Ma, let's find a way to solve it ourselves. We have six people, six heads, and twelve hands. I don't think we will really starve to death."

"Yes, Captain Ma, I agree with Huifang. We'll figure out the rations ourselves. Wenli, my three little sisters, what are your opinions? Please share your opinions!"

"I agree with what Sister Huifang said. We should solve it ourselves."

"I agree too!"

"What about Wenli, Kong Xiaomei, and you?"

"Since you all said so, how can I have any objection?"

"Then I have no objection."

All six people expressed their unanimous determination to be self-reliant, solve their own food problems, and not openly borrow from the members of the production team.

After hearing this, Ma Jiquan was obviously relieved.

If they openly asked everyone to borrow grain, he, as the production team leader, would definitely take the lead in borrowing some grain.

He is not stingy and unwilling to help others in times of trouble.

But there are actually several mouths to feed at home, and the three children are in the growing stage, so there is really not enough food at home.

I asked my daughter to send them half a pound of rice in the morning, but my wife complained a lot, saying that he was just pretending to be rich and generous even though he was poor!

Fortunately, his wife knew to consider his reputation as the production team leader in front of outsiders, so she lent the money even though she was reluctant.

Ma Jiquan chatted with everyone for a while before getting up and leaving.

As soon as he left, Fan Huifang couldn't wait to ask Shen Xiaobei: "Xiaobei, do you have any idea?"

"Yes, indeed."

"Oh, we're almost at the end of our rope. If you have a plan, tell us now. Don't just keep talking big and not delivering on your promises!"

"Don't worry, wait for me for three minutes. I'll go out and I'll be able to redeem it when I come back!"

"Hey, Xiaobei, where are you going?"

After Shen Xiaobei calmly said this to Kong Wanwan, who had a sarcastic look on her face, she immediately ran out, leaving everyone confused.