Chen Yu agreed, saying, "That's a good idea. I'll organize the villagers to collect the straw, and you can prepare the composting site." With that, he hurriedly left.

At the composting site, Lin Yue instructed the villagers on how to stack straw and add other materials. "Everyone, lay the straw layer by layer, then sprinkle some lime and human and animal manure on top. This will speed up the fermentation," she said as she helped. Her face was covered in dust, but her eyes remained focused and determined.

After a period of fermentation, the compost was finally completed. When the dark brown compost, exuding the fragrance of soil, was applied to the new crop fields, Lin Yue and the villagers breathed a sigh of relief.

However, soil issues are only part of the difficulties in planting new crops; irrigation problems are also becoming increasingly prominent. Due to the high altitude of the slopes, it is difficult to bring water sources there, and new crops often face water shortages during their growth.

Lin Yue and Chen Yu searched for water sources around the hillside, climbing up and down the slope, not missing any possible place where water might be found. One day, they found a spring on one side of the hillside, but the spring had a small flow of water and was still some distance from the new crop field.

"It would be great if we could divert the water from this spring into the ground, but that would be a huge undertaking," Chen Yu said, frowning as he looked at the tiny spring.

After a moment of contemplation, Lin Yue said, "We can use bamboo tubes as water pipes. Although it's rudimentary, it should be able to help." A hint of determination shone in her eyes; she was willing to try any method to solve the irrigation problem.

So the villagers sprang into action, cutting bamboo, making bamboo tubes, and connecting pipes. During this process, they encountered many difficulties, such as leaks at the joints of the bamboo tubes and the need to navigate around obstacles when laying the pipes.

A villager accidentally cut his hand on a bamboo stalk while connecting bamboo tubes, and blood flowed freely. Lin Yue rushed over and took out a strip of cloth she carried with her to bandage his hand. "Don't work anymore, go back and rest. It would be troublesome if this wound got infected," Lin Yue said with concern, her eyes filled with worry.

The villager smiled and said, "It's nothing, Miss Lin Yue. This little injury is nothing. We need to hurry up and get the water to the fields; the new crops are waiting for water." His simplicity and perseverance deeply moved Lin Yue.

Thanks to everyone's tireless efforts, the bamboo irrigation pipes were finally laid. Clear spring water flowed slowly through the bamboo pipes into the new crop fields, nourishing the thirsty crops. Seeing the new crops thriving again under the water's nourishment, the villagers cheered with joy.

However, the new crops also encountered pests and diseases during their growth. The originally robust sorghum and soybean seedlings developed strange spots on their leaves, and some plants began to wilt.

Lin Yue carefully examined the damaged plants, her eyes revealing a serious expression. "This should be a pest or disease. We need to quickly find out what kind of pest or pathogen is causing this, and then treat it accordingly." She picked up a spotted leaf and examined it closely in the sunlight, trying to find some clues.

Chen Yu flipped through agricultural books he had brought from the city, hoping to find a solution. "Several possible pests and diseases are mentioned here, but further observation is needed to confirm them," Chen Yu said, his brow furrowed.

The villagers gathered around, discussing the matter amongst themselves. Some said they had seen similar occurrences before, suggesting it might be a common local pest. So, they began carefully searching the fields for any trace of the pest.

After searching, they found tiny, green insects densely packed on the undersides of the leaves. Lin Yue recognized them as pests that specifically suck plant sap; if not controlled in time, the new crop would suffer severe damage.

"We can use some natural insect repellent methods, such as spraying a mixture of chili water and garlic water," Lin Yue suggested. The villagers immediately sprang into action, preparing materials and making the insect repellent. Carrying sprayers, they carefully sprayed the repellent in the fields, leaving no corner untouched.

Meanwhile, for any potential pathogens, Lin Yue suggests sprinkling wood ash around the plants, which can both kill bacteria and replenish potassium fertilizer to the soil.

During the pest and disease control efforts, villagers patrolled the fields daily, closely monitoring the changes in the new crops. Each time a new damaged plant was discovered, their hearts tightened. But through everyone's joint efforts, the pest and disease situation was gradually brought under control, and the new crops began to recover.

In this challenging process, Lin Yue, Chen Yu, and the villagers grew closer together. They faced difficulties together and devoted themselves to the growth of the new crops. Each person's character was revealed in the face of adversity, and each person's emotions took deep root in this land. They were not merely planting new crops, but striving for the future of the village, writing a story of resilience and hope on this land.

As time passed, the new crops, having endured numerous hardships, continued to grow tenaciously. Like a group of brave warriors, they gradually matured through their struggle against various difficulties. Lin Yue and the villagers also gained valuable experience and deepened their friendship in the process. They learned that as long as they were united, no difficulty was insurmountable. This hillside became their field of hope, embodying their expectations for a bountiful harvest and their yearning for a better life.

After a day of working in the fields, the villagers sat on the edge of the field to rest. Looking at the thriving new crops, an older woman said with emotion, "It hasn't been easy at all. If it weren't for Lin Yue and Chen Yu, and all of us working together, these new crops wouldn't be where they are today."

Another man smiled and said, "Yes, these new crops are like our children. Watching them grow little by little makes all the hard work worthwhile." Everyone nodded, their faces beaming with satisfaction. They knew that although many unknown challenges lay ahead, they already had enough courage and confidence to face them.

Lin Yue and Chen Yu looked at the villagers, their hearts filled with emotion. They knew that this experience of planting new crops had tightly bound everyone together, becoming an unforgettable memory in the village's development.

As the sun sets, its golden rays bathe the leaves of the new crops, making them shimmer. This field, brimming with hope, transforms into a beautiful painting under the setting sun, telling tales of the villagers' diligence and resilience, and foreshadowing the imminent arrival of a bountiful harvest.

The new crops continue to grow, and Lin Yue and the villagers continue to work diligently on this land, guarding their hopes and anticipating the day of harvest. They know that every difficulty is a test of growth, and every drop of sweat is a prelude to a bountiful harvest. On this land, their story continues to be written, full of vitality and hope.