Chapter 163 County Commendation Meeting
“Lu Zhiqing, if you have something to say, just say it directly. Don’t be so hesitant.”
Her smile, like the warm spring sun, made Lu Yanchen even more flustered.
Lu Yanchen took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but his palms were still sweating with nervousness.
"Bai Zhiqing, I just wanted to ask if you liked the food today? Was it enough? I noticed you didn't eat much, and I was worried you'd be hungry, so I'm sharing the chicken soup I made with you."
After saying that, he secretly regretted that the excuse he had come up with was so lame.
Bai Linlin blinked, her eyes full of smiles. "It's delicious! I just didn't have much of an appetite today. Thank you for your concern, Lu Zhiqing."
Her voice was soft, like a gentle breeze, which stirred a ripple in Lu Yanchen's heart.
At this moment, the other educated youths nearby heard the conversation between the two and started teasing them.
"Oh, when did Lu Zhiqing become so concerned about Bai Zhiqing?"
"Exactly, exactly. Why haven't we seen you care about us this much before?"
Everyone chimed in, making Lu Yanchen's face turn even redder, and he wished he could escape this awkward situation immediately.
Bai Linlin was also a little embarrassed by what was said, and gently scolded, "Don't talk nonsense, Lu Zhiqing was just showing normal concern."
But the educated youth were not about to give up, and continued to laugh and joke.
Just as the situation was getting out of control, the old educated youth leading the group came over and said, "Stop making a fuss, finish your meal and rest quickly, there's still work to do."
Everyone then stopped joking and started clearing their bowls and chopsticks.
Lu Yanchen glanced gratefully at the old educated youth, quickly finished his meal, and then left under the pretext of having something to do.
He returned to his dormitory, lay on his bed, and his mind was filled with Bai Linlin's every smile and gesture. He felt both sweet and troubled, unsure how to deal with his growing feelings for Bai Linlin.
Bai Linlin, on the surface, chatted with the other educated youth as if nothing had happened, but a strange feeling was rising in her heart.
Lu Yanchen's concern touched her heart, but the harsh environment of the educated youth settlement made her hesitate, unsure if this relationship could have a future.
However, a thought suddenly flashed through Bai Linlin's mind: whenever she thought about how Lu Yanchen's gaze was always fixed on Xu Zhili, and how his heart and eyes were only for Xu Zhili.
The glimmer of hope that had just arisen in her because of Lu Yanchen's gaze vanished instantly like a bubble.
On the other side, Xu Zhili and her younger brother went to rest after having dinner.
Xu Zhili saw that she had a moment of free time, and with a thought, she entered the space.
Inside the space, all the fruits and vegetables had ripened again, with abundant fruit hanging from the branches. The plump fruits bent the vines, and the tender green leaves swayed gently in the soft light of the space.
Xu Zhili walked into the tomato field and casually picked a few tomatoes.
In an instant, a sweet aroma wafted over, its rich flavor filled with natural sweetness.
She couldn't help but sigh, just as they always said, anything produced by this space is absolutely top-quality.
Looking at the bountiful harvest, Xu Zhili felt a sense of satisfaction, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.
Xu Zhili stood in the space, feeling the joy of the harvest.
She closed her eyes, focused her mind again, and gathered all her spiritual power.
As her thoughts shifted, the ripe fruits and vegetables seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, moving one by one and clump by clump towards the warehouse in an orderly fashion, and soon they were neatly stored inside.
"Master, Master, today's harvest is plentiful!"
The buds of the Tree of Life excitedly shouted, and the lush green leaves trembled with joy, as if cheering for this abundant harvest.
Xu Zhili smiled contentedly and nodded gently in response, "Yes, the harvest this time was indeed very good, thanks to your help in taking care of the fruits and vegetables in this space."
Upon hearing this, Ya Ya proudly straightened her "body".
"Of course, Master. I will work even harder in the future. The herbs are growing very well in the space, and the spiritual energy is getting richer and richer. Maybe next time they will be able to nurture even more precious treasures."
"Master, should we re-plan and expand the planting area?"
Xu Zhili pondered for a moment, then her eyes flashed with anticipation. "Okay, we'll do it your way."
The next morning, under the warm sun, Xie Yunce drove his military green jeep, kicking up dust all the way, and steadily drove to the Xiangyang Brigade.
He drove straight to the gate of Xu Zhili's house and stopped, the roar of the engine instantly making the surrounding area lively.
Behind the vehicle, a group of children jumped and skipped around, and many villagers who loved to watch the excitement also came forward, curiously observing this sudden scene.
Xu Zhili was busy in the yard when she heard the sound of a car approaching. She quickly put down what she was doing and hurried out.
The man standing beside the car stood upright, like a proud pine tree, exuding the unique fortitude of a soldier.
His sword-like eyebrows slanted upwards, exuding a heroic and flamboyant air. His deep, bright eyes were like shining stars in the night sky, filled with the vigorous energy of youth and the sharpness and decisiveness that had been honed through rigorous training.
Beneath his high, straight nose, his thin lips had strong lines, and the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, carrying a confident and composed arc.
His neat short hair further accentuated his competence and carefree attitude.
The military green uniform he was wearing made him look even more dashing and heroic.
When Xie Yunze saw Xu Zhili appear, a polite smile appeared on his face, and he said loudly, "Comrade Xu Zhili, the commendation meeting is officially starting today, and I have come to pick you up."
Xu Zhili glanced at the curious crowd around her, then looked back at her younger brother Xu Zhian in the courtyard with a hint of expectation on her face, and asked, "Okay, I'll pack up and leave. Can I take An'an with me? That child always likes to join in the fun."
Xie Yunze nodded without hesitation and readily replied, "Of course."
The auditorium for the commendation ceremony was packed with people.
A red flag was hung behind the rostrum, with golden tassels hanging down on both sides.
Xu Zhili sat in the third row near the aisle, with Xu Zhian sitting next to her.
"Please welcome Comrade Xu Zhili to the stage!" The voice from the loudspeaker echoed throughout the auditorium.
Applause erupted like a tidal wave.
Xu Zhili took a deep breath, stood up and walked towards the podium.
Her steps were steady, and the spotlight shone on her face, making it hard for her to open her eyes.
"Although Comrade Xu Zhili was just an ordinary educated youth in the Xiangyang Brigade, she assisted the public security organs in cracking a deeply hidden enemy spy case with her high vigilance and keen observation."
The county leader's loud voice echoed in the auditorium.
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