The brigade leader continued, "Regarding this 200 jin of grain, do you want coarse grains or refined grains? If you want coarse grains, we can give you more, including corn kernels, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, and the amount will be more. Refined grains are wheat flour and white rice, totaling only 200 jin. Girl, you should think it over carefully. This grain will last until the autumn harvest. I suggest you take more coarse grains, as they will keep you full longer."
Lin Qian thought for a moment and said, "Captain, I need one hundred catties of refined grain and one hundred catties of coarse grain."
Hearing Lin Qian's choice, the brigade leader sighed and said, "City kids like you just don't know how hard it is to earn work points in the fields. In previous years, when the educated youth first came, they were all like you, not really understanding the situation. At first, they chose a lot of fine grains, but later they earned fewer work points and didn't have enough food, so they had to come to the brigade headquarters to borrow grain. Our brigade's grain doesn't come from thin air; it's all grown by the villagers through hard work, and our grain reserves aren't plentiful!"
Lin Qian understood the deeper meaning in the brigade leader's words. She realized that the brigade headquarters and the villagers were actually reluctant to lend grain to the educated youth. After all, in those days, grain was an extremely precious resource. Moreover, lending grain would not only reduce the brigade's grain reserves but might also cause dissatisfaction among other villagers, affecting the harmony and stability of the entire village.
The brigade leader, outwardly serious, said, "Girl, you should know our rules here: grain can only be exchanged for work points. These work points aren't easy to earn; they come from real labor. You've chosen so much fine grain; you'll have to work harder to earn work points, otherwise, when the grain runs out, things will get tough." He then subtly hinted, "Of course, if you have other receipts or money, that's negotiable. After all, grain is scarce, and everyone has to find a way to solve the problem."
Lin Qian understood what the brigade leader meant. She nodded and said, "Brigade leader, I understand. I will work hard to earn work points."
The captain looked at Lin Qian with a hint of helplessness and worry in his eyes. He waved his hand and said, "Alright, go to the warehouse and get your food. Remember, you have to work hard in the future and earn enough work points to have food to eat."
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