Chief Mei was a bit older than Zhao Hongyi. As soon as the door opened, he began to scrutinize Zuo Ling's family.
His gaze kept circling between Zuo Ling and Pei Nansheng's faces, especially when he saw Zuo Ling, his eyes showed inquiry, incomprehension, and confusion.
He was so worried about the lack of vegetables for the troops that he couldn't eat or sleep properly. He searched everywhere for planting experts, and someone introduced him to Researcher Tang.
After finally finding Researcher Tang at the shelter, and just as they brought him to the base, before they could even arrange food and lodging for Researcher Tang and his wife, they received food and two bottles of medicine from Zhao Hongyi, which were being sent back to the unit.
The truckload of fresh, tender vegetables caused a sensation throughout the entire base.
When many old folks heard about it, they disregarded their pride and argued fiercely over how to divide the food.
Sigh! No wonder they're like this, everyone's been lacking vegetables for too long!
Upon hearing the description of the family that grew vegetables from the young soldier who had returned, Researcher Tang and his wife blurted out, "It's Zuo Ling, it must be them."
Researcher Tang was so excited he could barely speak, “It’s her, it must be her. With her here, we have nothing to worry about.”
Professor Jin kept giving his wife meaningful glances, but it couldn't dampen Researcher Tang's excitement.
Having held a high position for many years, he had seen all sorts of strange and monstrous things. He knew there must be something wrong here, and since it concerned a major matter affecting thousands of people, he had to come in person.
"Hello, sorry to bother you so early in the morning. Didn't you get any rest?"
Everyone: "..."
It's almost 9 o'clock, and I still haven't gotten enough rest. Commander, you really know how to tease people.
Zuo Ling smiled but did not answer, and invited everyone into the courtyard.
It was too hot, so Pei Nansheng set up a sunshade in the yard, complete with tables, chairs and benches.
As soon as Chief Mei and Professor Jin and his wife entered the courtyard, their eyes were drawn to the small vegetable garden.
All the vegetables that could be picked have been taken, but the seedlings remain, lush and green, a truly delightful sight.
Chief Mei strolled around, looking at each row of trees and nodding as he went.
Tang, the researcher, wondered to himself, "How did Zuo Ling manage to grow vegetables so well in this hot weather?"
Zuo Ling and Pei Nansheng exchanged glances. With the bigwigs of the military here, it would be even more difficult to escape!
The waterfall was getting impatient. "Why are there always people coming to our house? It's so annoying!"
The snowy night was more perceptive than the waterfall; knowing the big shot was coming, it kept its mouth tightly shut.
Chief Mei not only looked at the vegetable garden, but also showed great interest in the container houses.
Yes, the house has been fitted with acid-resistant tempered glass, which serves as camouflage. There are sandbags and exercise equipment in the yard, and a row of bamboo planted in one corner of the wall—it adds a touch of charm. Peeking through the glass into the house…
Zuo Ling pretended not to see and refused to speak, inviting them into her home for a while.
After looking around, Chief Mei went to the shaded area and gestured for everyone to sit down and talk.
Even though it wasn't his territory, he acted as if he were the master, showing the imposing presence of a military leader.
Chief Mei spoke gently, but his words brooked no refusal:
"I heard the girl doesn't want to go to the army. She definitely wants to go, but you can set conditions."
"It's no use me going. I've already given you all the growth hormones. I learned my vegetable-growing skills from Aunt Tang. If you don't believe me, you can ask Aunt Tang."
Zuo Ling looked to Researcher Tang for help.
Avoiding Zuo Ling's gaze, Researcher Tang coughed twice, "I... can only say that the student surpasses the teacher. Under extremely hot conditions, I cannot grow vegetables to this extent. I'm old and can't compare to the innovative spirit of young people."
Zuo Ling: "..."
She might as well not have asked for help.
Professor Jin secretly gave his wife a thumbs up. Yes, we won't take the blame; let our daughter take it herself.
Who told her to be so disloyal, forcing us to pretend to be paralyzed to avoid trouble? It's a disgrace we'll never forget!
There's a hidden meaning in their words. I thought it would be a pleasant reunion between old friends, but Chief Mei and Zhao Hongyi are both shrewd people. They could tell at a glance that there was something going on between Researcher Tang and his wife and Zuo Ling.
Zhao Hongyi was a master at smoothing things over. "So you two are teacher and student? That makes things even easier. Teacher Tang has already agreed to guide the troops in growing vegetables. Perfect, you can be Teacher Tang's assistant. Teacher-student collaboration, what a wonderful story!"
Zuo Lingxin said, "With my limited education, how could I be worthy of being Researcher Tang's student?"
Researcher Tang was very modest:
"Not at all, not at all. There is no end to learning, and those who are accomplished are the best. Zuo Ling's planting skills are far superior to mine. I dare not presume to be her teacher."
Well said! Professor Jin was practically applauding and cheering for his wife.
Zuo Ling: "..."
What could she say? She had to shut up.
Chief Mei carefully observed the changes in Zuo Ling's face and, seeing her full of resistance, said:
"You understand the道理 (principles/reasoning), so I won't elaborate. In the face of a major disaster, no one can remain unscathed. Tianjin froze overnight, and Beijing fell in a single night. Without unity, how far can an individual go?"
Yes, how far can one person go?! The crowd pitied him, their expressions sorrowful.
Zuo Ling gritted her teeth and looked directly at Chief Mei: "Fine, I can help the troops grow vegetables, but I have conditions."
Chief Mei, Zhao Hongyi, and Professor Jin and his wife all breathed a sigh of relief, just as Zuo Ling said:
"I want a submarine, not too big, just enough to carry my family of five. I need to be able to train you, have fuel, and be able to circle the Earth at least twice. And no old ones, I need the latest model."
Everyone, including Pei Nansheng, was stunned. You really dare to say that!
Zhao Hongyi retorted, "Nonsense! Do you think you can just take a submarine whenever you want? You really dare to say that!"
Zuo Ling said with dissatisfaction: "You were the ones who made me make the conditions, and now that I have, you say I'm being unreasonable."
"Is that a condition? That's outrageous. Change it, find a different condition."
"No trade. I don't lack anything except a submarine. If we don't have one, I'm not going."
Zuo Ling had thought it through. Such a large city as Kyoto could be gone in an instant. If she didn't get her hands on the submarine, her life would be in danger.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
