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With so many people coming to the house, Grandma Qi is a little worried about how to accommodate them.
Seeing this, He Tiantian said, "Grandma, let's move the storage room to the woodshed in the backyard. That way, we can free up two rooms for Zhenghan and a few bodyguards. The room on the east side of the main house is for Uncle, so we can leave it for Uncle and Aunt Anna. Zhengmin and you will share a room, and Grandma, Grandma Lan and I will share a room. That should be just enough."
"There are no beds in the woodshed!" Grandma Qi said in distress, as there was not enough room for so many people to stay at once.
"It's alright, we'll go to Secretary Qi's house to borrow some later," He Tiantian said. "Secretary Qi's son and daughter are both away, and there are only two large beds available at home."
"Okay, that works too." Grandma Qi nodded. "It's still early, everyone hurry up and get ready."
He Jingyu helped pack things, while Wang Shuping took He Tiantian to the kitchen to cook.
Anna wanted to help, but she didn't know anything about rural earthen stoves, so He Tiantian kicked her out.
In the kitchen, only Wang Shuping and He Tiantian were present.
"Sweetie, you've grown taller and even gained some weight since you left." Wang Shuping was very happy, which meant her daughter hadn't been wronged!
"Yes, I've grown taller and fatter," He Tiantian said. "I ate so much there, of course I'd gain weight."
"Hehe, is it better over there than here?" Wang Shuping asked curiously. Having been isolated for too long, their understanding of the outside world was limited to radio broadcasts, but those broadcasts were filtered and could not represent the full situation abroad.
"Well, how should I put it?" He Tiantian pondered for a moment, then continued, "Actually, life in the United States is abundant in terms of both material and cultural aspects. It's just that you're in China, so I feel that being with your parents is the best place."
Uncle Wang looked on with envy, but was even happier when he heard his daughter's words.
"You're so sweet-talking," Wang Shuping said. "Actually, your father and I have thought about it and discussed it privately. If possible, we would like you to study abroad."
“That won’t do,” He Tiantian said. “Studying outside means not being able to come back all year round. Not only is the journey long, but the political situation is also tense. I’m not going.”
“Yes, if you go abroad to study, then your future with Huo Yingjie will be uncertain. The nature of his work dictates that his partner will require strict political vetting,” Wang Shuping sighed. “It’s just a pity that he’s always staying in the countryside.”
"It's okay, I can learn on my own," He Tiantian said with a smile.
“That’s the only way,” Wang Shuping said. She and her husband had received a complete formal education, but their daughter had only graduated from junior high school.
Ah, at such a tender age, they should be in school, eagerly absorbing all kinds of knowledge and enriching their learning, instead of working all day, toiling in the fields.
The value of young people lies not only in simple physical labor, but also in learning the knowledge of their predecessors step by step, and forming their own cognitive abilities and creative thinking.
"Mom, let's not talk about this now, let's hurry up and cook," He Tiantian said. "There's so much smoke in the house, let's not talk."
"Hehe." Wang Shuping chuckled.
The atmosphere at home is quite nice, but the atmosphere at the village branch is even more lively.
Qi Shuming brought over two baskets of peaches, and Zhao Dajiao quickly had them washed and placed in two basins before being brought up.
"Distinguished leaders, this is a peach orchard experimental field that our village established in response to the city's policy, with the support of two experts. This year, those dozens of peach trees have borne fruit. Please, leaders, have a taste and see what you think?"
Secretary Ma was taken aback, but was very pleased. This was their response to the province's policy, but no one expected to see results so quickly.
"Good, Qijia Village's work is in place, and the two experts are also very excellent and hardworking. By the way, where are the two experts?" Secretary Ma asked, wanting to know the specific situation.
Qi Dazhu looked at Qi Shuming.
Qi Shuming understood and said, "Reporting to the leader, Expert He has gone home now. I will call Expert He over right away."
"Shuming, hurry up and go," Qi Dazhu said. "Our peach orchard is so grateful to those two experts. Come, come, have a taste of these peaches first."
“Alright, let’s all try some,” said Secretary Ma, taking a bite of the pretty peach in his hand.
When everyone saw that Secretary Ma had taken the peaches, they all accepted them.
After everyone ate the peaches, their mouths were filled with a sweet and fragrant taste.
"Comrade Qi, these peaches are delicious!" Secretary Ma gave a thumbs up. "I've never eaten such delicious peaches before!"
"Yes!" everyone said, not just to agree with Secretary Ma, but because these peaches really did taste very good.
Seeing everyone praising him, County Chief Niu finally felt relieved.
These peaches are a top-quality new variety. They can not only fetch a good price, but also bring many benefits to Qijia Village. At the very least, the road construction project can now be finalized.
The county has a quota for road repairs every year, but which section to repair is not without calculation; it must be something that benefits the entire Taoyuan County.
Now, the peaches from Qijia Village have caught the eye of city leaders and become a political achievement for everyone from top to bottom. With the road repaired again, it will definitely be approved.
At this time, Qi Shuming arrived at Grandma Qi's house.
"Shuming, what brings you here?" Grandma Qi asked. With so many leaders around, Qi Shuming should be busy greeting them.
Qi Shuming smiled and said, "Third Aunt, the leader ate the peaches and wants to see Brother He and Sister Wang to ask about the peaches."
He Jingyu was so focused on seeing his mother that he forgot about his boss.
“Okay, I’ll go with you. Shuping won’t go; she’ll stay home and cook,” He Jingyu said. His wife was a very introverted person and didn’t like those kinds of occasions, so it was fine for her not to go.
Besides, there are many things to do at home, and I'm too busy!
He Jingyu followed Qi Shuming to the village branch.
When Secretary Ma saw He Jingyu arrive, he quickly got up, took a few steps, and extended both hands to shake hands with He Jingyu, saying, "Expert He, you've worked hard."
"It's not hard work, it's all for serving the people," He Jingyu said. They came here to support the agricultural and sideline industries in Huai City, and also to keep themselves away from the troubles in Nan City.
Secretary Ma was very pleased to see He Jingyu's humility and his impression of He Jingyu improved even more. He asked, "Expert He, could you tell me about these peaches? These peaches are so good, we should report them to the province as soon as possible."
“Sure,” He Jingyu said with a smile. The more the leaders valued it, the greater his and his wife’s contribution would be. They truly played a role in supporting the local agricultural and sideline industries, so they didn’t receive the city’s salary and subsidies for nothing.
"This way, please, Expert He." Secretary Ma led Expert He to the center so that He Jingyu could introduce himself.
Overseas Chinese in the United States returning to their ancestral homes to pay respects to their ancestors was a political task assigned by higher authorities, not their own achievement.
But this peach tree project is indeed a real achievement!
******
"Let Me Do It" - Lin Yuechu's latest online game masterpiece.
(To be continued.)
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