"Wait a minute, Qiqi," Village Chief Sun said slowly, narrowing his eyes and smiling like an old fox. "We still need to think this over carefully..."

"Let's discuss this carefully!" Shen Qiqi responded readily, but secretly complained in her heart: What tricks does this old fox want to play again?

Village Chief Sun took a sip of his strong tea and said slowly, "Qiqi, your idea is good, but raising sponsorship isn't easy. Our village is poor and our reputation isn't great. Why would anyone give us money for free?"

Shen Qiqi's heart skipped a beat. This old fox was indeed not easy to deal with!

But she still smiled and said, "Don't worry, Village Chief! The mountain people have their own clever plans!"

Village Chief Sun gave her a meaningful look and said, "Okay, Qiqi, I'll trust you this time! But I have to be frank. If you can't raise the money, don't blame me for not warning you!"

"Don't worry, Village Chief! I guarantee that I'll complete the task!" Shen Qiqi patted her chest and promised, with an attitude of "who else but me?"

Lu Qing looked at Shen Qiqi's confident look and couldn't help but raise the corner of his mouth. This girl is really fearless!

He held Shen Qiqi's hand tightly, giving her silent support.

Coming out of the village committee, the smile on Shen Qiqi's face instantly disappeared, replaced by deep worry.

How easy is it to get sponsorship?

In the 1970s, supplies were scarce and information was blocked. Where could we find businesses willing to sponsor?

Lu Qing saw her worry, patted her shoulder gently, and comforted her: "Don't worry, Qiqi, we will find a solution together."

Shen Qiqi looked up at him. Yes, Lu Qing was here, she was not fighting alone!

The two walked silently on the way home, the setting sun stretched their shadows out.

Shen Qiqi's mind was racing, with all sorts of thoughts flashing through her mind like a revolving lantern.

Supply and marketing cooperative?

No, that’s too stingy!

The county department store?

The road is long and the hope is slim!

Suddenly, she had an idea!

"Lu Qing!" She stopped abruptly and excitedly grabbed Lu Qing's arm. "I got it!"

Lu Qing was startled by her and looked at her puzzledly: "What did you think of?"

Shen Qiqi smiled mysteriously, leaned close to his ear, and whispered: "...You know the one in the next village..."