The grain Jiang Qiao brought out was a mix of coarse and fine grains. Even so, it was still considered fine grain by today's standards. Although the autumn harvest was over, due to poor harvest and low yield, people in the city still didn't have enough to eat. The standard of two ounces of grain a day and two ounces of oil a month had never changed. This amount of food wasn't even enough for one person to eat for one meal. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that people were eating grass now.
Gu Zhengfeng glanced at what he had taken out and made a mental estimate. "That's about enough, Qiao'er, stop now."
Jiang Qiao glanced at him and asked, "Dad, should we separate out your friends and brothers?"
Gu Zhengfeng shook his head. "Even if you were to make some, it wouldn't be at this time. Wait until I get back, then make some more for me. Otherwise, people who don't know the details might think I'm keeping some for myself."
Jiang Qiao nodded knowingly. After the father and son finished packing, Gu Zhengfeng took Jiang Qiao to the army base and told the two men who stayed behind to take the grain and leave. He then took Jiang Qiao to the seaside.
Jiang Qiao didn't go empty-handed when she went to Zhou Songyuan's place. She also brought some food with her. Food was even scarcer by the sea, and the soil here was not as good as theirs. Jiang Qiao's plan was to sell and exchange the food, and to exchange it with Zhou Songyuan's team. This food was good for everyone to use to save their lives. She had to be grateful for the enthusiastic support these people had given them in doing business.
The Zhou Songyuan family was overjoyed by Jiang Qiao's arrival. They hadn't seen the little girl in a long time and were very happy to welcome her. The child had never caused them any trouble; on the contrary, they had received a lot of benefits from her.
Especially since Jiang Qiao arrived in a military vehicle, Zhou Songyuan was very curious about Gu Zhengfeng's identity. This was the same person who had delivered the letter before, and he wondered what the relationship was between this young girl and this soldier.
The couple had heard about Jiang Qiao's situation from their daughter. She had no parents, so how come a man suddenly appeared by her side? Could it be that this man had something on his mind about Jiang Qiao? Although he looked nice and was wearing a military uniform, you can't judge a person's character by their clothes.
Jiang Qiao was very pleased with the couple's suspicious yet caring eyes.
"Uncle, this is the child my father just recognized, so he came with me on this trip."
This time, Zhou Songyuan and his wife were surprised. "You just recognized each other? I was wondering why. You two really do look alike. This shows that you two are destined to be father and daughter. That's good. Having parents who love and support you will make you fearless when you grow up."
Now that they knew about Jiang Qiao and Gu Zhengfeng's relationship, Zhou Songyuan and his wife became even more sincere in their greetings.
Despite being suspected by others, Gu Zhengfeng genuinely respected the couple who cared about their child.
"Brother Zhou, Jiang Qiao, I'll stay here for now. Please take good care of the child. Oh, and I brought some things with me. You can discuss with Jiang Qiao what to do with them."
Zhou Songyuan was dumbfounded when he saw the grain that Gu Zhengfeng had unloaded.
He didn't believe Jiang Qiao had brought these things; they were most likely related to this Comrade Gu. But he couldn't understand why Jiang Qiao would bring them over.
"What, what's going on, Jiang Qiao—"
Jiang Qiao smiled and nodded. "Uncle, I was planning to discuss this with you. You see how well the villagers took care of me before, and I was thinking that since everyone's life is not easy, I was thinking of exchanging grain for what they have. But then I thought about it again, and I'm worried that if things get tough later, and we take these things out too early, they might not have any backup plans."
I've been thinking about how this grain could be a lifesaver for the villagers in a critical time, but I don't know the best way to handle it. So, I need your help to make a decision. That's all I can do to help.”
The couple exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes. To offer food to help others at a time like this required immense magnanimity. It was truly unexpected that Jiang Qiao and his daughter, strangers to each other, would go to such lengths to help them.
Zhou Songyuan wasn't a fool. He nodded but didn't say anything immediately. "Girl, let's discuss this later."
After seeing Gu Zhengfeng off, Jiang Qiao took out the grain that had been given to the Zhou family, along with the gifts she had brought.
People living by the sea should have plenty of seafood, but it can't be used as food. The situation here is only slightly better than their counterparts there; at least no one has died. However, those who are still suffering from edema are still suffering from it. After all, food is what fills the stomach, and nothing else can replace it.
Zhou Songyuan and Dai Chun didn't know how to express their feelings at this moment. They really couldn't refuse the things Jiang Qiao sent, because every single one of them was exactly what they needed right now.
Dai Chun sighed, patted Jiang Qiao's head, and said earnestly, "Jiang Qiao, I don't know what to say to you. The things you sent before helped our family a lot, and now you're bringing such a generous gift. I feel like we can never repay you in this lifetime. Do you know how expensive food is outside?"
Jiang Qiao understood Dai Chun's complicated feelings and said with a smile, "Auntie, this is all the skill I have for now, and I can only manage to procure this little bit of stuff."
I've heard about the price of grain outside, but even if it's expensive, can it be more expensive than your lives, or more expensive than our past friendship?
I don't usually socialize much, but I cherish everyone who has been kind to me. You were the first people to help me, and I will always cherish your kindness in my heart. As long as I have the ability, I will never forget the people of this place.
As I said before, it's best if everyone understands this; there's no need to publicize it. If I were to release something like this at this time, and outsiders found out, it would put me in a difficult position. They might even accuse me of speculation and profiteering. That's why I discussed with my uncle how to distribute food to everyone.”
Zhou Songyuan was quite open-minded. Since the favor was there, and they had already owed it, they might as well continue to owe it and repay it slowly in the future when the opportunity arose.
"Girl, I've thought this through. Let's not exchange grain for now. Let's stick to the old rules. We'll talk about this grain when everyone has run out of grain."
I'll have the accountant come over in a bit. We've done a good deed, so we should let people know. Girl, we can't just take this grain for nothing; after all, you also incurred some costs—”
Zhou Songyuan couldn't bring himself to say anything more. According to the black market price, their team couldn't afford it. If they paid the price based on the grain tax, it would be too unfair to the children.
Jiang Qiao smiled and waved her hand, "Uncle, listen to me, this grain will be temporarily held in your account. You can return it to me when you have surplus grain."
If you feel bad about it, and the team still has some extra money, then you can give it to me at the price you pay for grain.
We're all easy to talk to. I only think of them because they've been good to me. Otherwise, I would have sent them to the black market long ago. Why go through all this trouble? We don't need to say anything else.
What could Zhou Songyuan say? He couldn't say anything. This heavy sentiment made him feel somewhat guilty. When Jiang Qiao came, she helped them. It wasn't like what the child said.
He sighed and patted Jiang Qiao, "Girl, your uncle knows what he's doing. We'll start buying tonight. I'll talk to the other villages later and see if they have any surplus stock."
Jiang Qiao settled down in the fishing village, staying in the same old place. Although it was a bit run-down, she didn't mind because she had lived there before.
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