Their heads were very close together, and he could smell the faint scent of jasmine in her hair.
"If we can identify the gene sequence that controls this cold resistance."
Zhou Xiaobai said excitedly.
"It can not only protect this variety, but also be applied to other crops!"
"But gene sequencing requires specialized equipment..."
Su Mingqiang frowned in thought.
"The Academy of Agricultural Sciences has a complete set of equipment."
Zhou Xiaobai's eyes sparkled.
"I can request to take the samples back for analysis; of course, you or Minister Wang can supervise the entire process."
Su Mingqiang hesitated.
According to regulations, samples of core varieties cannot leave the base, but scientific analysis does require specialized equipment.
"We can propose this to Minister Wang first."
He finally said,
"Perhaps we could arrange for experts from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences to work at the base?"
Zhou Xiaobai nodded.
"Great idea! This ensures both safety and allows for in-depth research."
The two exchanged a smile, and a tacit understanding was established silently.
As the collaboration deepened, Su Mingqiang discovered that Zhou Xiaobai not only had solid professional knowledge, but also an extremely serious work attitude.
She often verifies a piece of data repeatedly until she is completely certain.
Su Mingqiang deeply admired this rigorous scientific research spirit.
One afternoon, they disagreed while discussing the feasibility of organic farming.
"Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides will damage the soil ecosystem."
Zhou Xiaobai pointed to the soil sample under the microscope and said.
"Look at the number of these microorganisms; it's almost half that of organically grown soil."
Su Mingqiang shook his head.
"But organic farming requires more labor, making it too costly and unsuitable for large-scale production."
"Shortsighted!"
Zhou Xiaobai excitedly slammed his hand on the table.
"Soil health is the foundation of agriculture; current high yields are achieved by mortgaging future soil fertility!"
Su Mingqiang was startled by her sudden agitation, and then retorted defiantly.
Farmers want tangible benefits, not distant theories!
The two argued heatedly, neither willing to back down.
Finally, Zhou Xiaobai suddenly laughed.
"How about we do an experiment? We'll set aside a small plot of land, grow things using my organic methods, and see the results in three months?"
Su Mingqiang accepted the challenge.
"Okay, let's choose that corner plot in the eastern area. I'll personally manage the traditional planting for the control group."
And so, a small science competition began.
Su Mingqiang goes to that experimental field every day to record the growth of the two groups.
To his surprise, although Zhou Xiaobai's organic group grew slightly slower in the early stages, the plants were more robust and had significantly stronger disease resistance.
"So, have you given up?"
Three weeks later, one morning, Zhou Xiaobai proudly pointed to the cucumber seedlings that had already blossomed and asked...
Su Mingqiang carefully examined the leaves and stems and had to admit it.
"They are indeed healthier than the control group. But the yield..."
"The production figures will tell the whole story."
Zhou Xiaobai said confidently.
"Science is not afraid of verification."
Her confidence and persistence made Su Mingqiang begin to rethink his own ideas.
Perhaps agriculture really needs to change and needs a more sustainable development approach.
At the same time, their collaborative research and development of a new drip irrigation system has also made progress.
Su Mingqiang's practical experience and Zhou Xiaobai's theoretical knowledge were perfectly combined to design an intelligent system that saves water and can apply fertilizer precisely.
"This valve design is ingenious!"
Zhou Xiaobai exclaimed in admiration, pointing to an improvement on the drawing.
How did you come up with the idea of using this angle?
Su Mingqiang scratched his head.
"It's about observing how dew forms in nature... the angle at which the leaves are tilted seems to be optimal for water absorption."
Zhou Xiaobai looked at him in surprise.
"You're a natural researcher! This ability to observe and make connections is invaluable."
Such praise warmed Su Mingqiang's heart.
In Zhou Xiaobai's presence, he was no longer the "problem person" with a criminal record, but a valuable partner.
One night, a sudden downpour struck.
Su Mingqiang jumped out of bed, remembering that the drip irrigation system that had just been installed in the experimental field might not be able to withstand such a heavy rainfall.
He grabbed his raincoat and rushed out the door. As he ran through the rain, he saw a familiar figure already there.
Zhou Xiaobai was soaked to the bone and was struggling to cover the equipment with a plastic sheet.
Without hesitation, Su Mingqiang joined the rescue effort. The two fought side by side in the raging storm and finally managed to save the experimental device.
"Why are you here?"
After the storm subsided, Su Mingqiang asked, panting.
Zhou Xiaobai wiped the rain off her face.
"Hearing thunder reminds me of this equipment... We can't let our hard work of the past two weeks go to waste."
In the dim emergency light, her eyes sparkled, and her wet hair clung to her cheeks, making her look exceptionally beautiful.
Su Mingqiang suddenly had an urge to hug her, but he immediately restrained the thought.
"Thank you."
He said it sincerely.
"Without you, these devices would definitely be ruined."
Zhou Xiaobai smiled and shook his head.
"We're partners, aren't we?"
"partner..."
Su Mingqiang repeated the word, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.
Yes, they are partners, equal collaborators.
This relationship made him feel more grounded and confident than ever before.
After the rainstorm, the two became even closer.
Together they repaired damaged equipment, analyzed experimental data, and discussed the future of agriculture.
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