Chapter 158: Intelligence is here! Xia Zhining looked at a group of plump little groundhogs basking in the sun, and her eyes suddenly lit up:

"Perhaps... these 'local residents' can find a solution."

"But, we'll have to get the whole family out, so it'll probably take some effort, and we'll have to pay them some 'hard work fee'."

Professor Ning immediately understood her intention and agreed without hesitation: "As long as the current irrigation problem can be solved, our base is willing to provide their family with 10 kilograms of newly cultivated water cucumbers and golden cherry tomatoes every week."

"Plus ten kilograms of specially supplied sweet potatoes! They're guaranteed to be the freshest and sweetest variety!"

Xia Zhining squatted down and gently poked a few chubby little kids lying on the ground sunbathing their bellies with a branch: "Hey babies, don't sleep anymore, it's time to get to work!"

"The precious grasses in Professor Ning's fields are dying of thirst. We need to find them a new source of groundwater, one that's clean and sweet."

Upon hearing this, the groundhogs stretched their paws lazily, rubbed their eyes, and then jumped up, speaking in unison:

[Leave it to us!]

[We are professionals in finding water!]

[I'll call the uncle from the next cave to help!]

Seeing his sister and the furries cooperating harmoniously, Ji Shuyun raised his lips slightly and said to Xia Zhining:

"Ningning, you take this 'groundhog exploration team' and help the professor find a water source. I'll go to Dazhuang Village and monitor the situation first."

He paused, then added softly, "Be safe and keep in touch."

Xia Zhining blinked at him, her eyes curved: "I know. Go ahead, we have an 'underground intelligence network' here!"

Under Xia Zhining's "translation" and command, the groundhog family fully utilized the advantages of being "underground natives."

They soon found a new water source on a lower slope. What's even better is that the soil here is loose and the water level is shallow, so there is no need for large-scale machinery to drill deep.

"Come on, just put the tubes down through their old holes!"

At Xia Zhining's command, several experienced groundhogs moved forward, like a well-trained miniature construction team, nimbly dragging the irrigation hoses and drilling into the network of caves they had already dug.

Xia Zhining communicated with professionals, conveyed instructions, and accurately directed the direction and depth.

The engineer in charge of pumping water was stunned for a long time as he watched the hose quickly disappear into the hole!

This is my first time working with an “underground” engineer!

Before he could digest this miraculous fact, a leading groundhog poofed out of another hole, slapping the ground with its little paws:

[It's done! You can pump the water now, stop staring blankly!]

The engineer started the water pump, and clear groundwater gushed out instantly. He could hardly believe his eyes:

"This... this is incredibly efficient! It literally saved us several days of work!"

Professor Ning pushed up his glasses and looked at the incredible scene before him, exclaiming sincerely, "Director Xiao Xia, your ability to communicate and cooperate with animals is truly amazing!"

"I can actually command the little guys to act as a construction team."

Xia Zhining felt a little embarrassed by Professor Ning's praise. She waved her hands and smiled, "I didn't do anything. It's just that the little ones are smart."