But everyone's face was filled with the joy of a bountiful harvest, and everyone was full of energy. Under the leadership of the brigade leader, they carried out the necessary actions in an orderly and efficient manner.
In those smiles, Wen Ruan saw everyone's yearning and pursuit of a better life...
Soon, everyone worked together to load the harvested fruit onto handcarts and began the most difficult task: transporting it out...
The night was pitch black, as if an endless expanse of thick ink had been painted across the sky, without even the faintest glimmer of stars. If the torches were extinguished, it would be pitch black.
Once the transport began, Wen Ruan was constantly on her mind. It was clear that Song Yan was also very worried about this part, running around with the team leader and constantly reminding everyone to pay attention to safety.
Suddenly! A series of faint lights came from afar, getting closer and closer, gradually converging into a huge light.
Wen Ruan was stunned by the scene. It turned out that the elderly and women from the brigade were coming with torches in their hands.
"Third Uncle, you... what brings you here?" Song Yan recognized the old man who was leading the group. He was over eighty years old and the most respected elder in the village. Song Yan had met this old man when he came to investigate before.
In his youth, he worked as a waiter in a large restaurant in the city. He was the most knowledgeable and wise old man in the village.
He never married and had no children. It is said that he was the third child in his family, and the younger generation in the village respectfully called him Third Uncle.
"Hey, don't underestimate us just because we're old, we're still very useful."
"You kids are busy working outside, how can we stay at home? How can we possibly sleep at home?"
"So, we old folks discussed it and decided that we should do our part to help you kids. We can't just lie on the kang (heated brick bed) and pretend we don't know anything."
“This is not a small matter concerning our own family; it is a major event that affects the entire village. No one is exempt; everyone must participate.”
“As long as he is a resident of this village, he cannot stand idly by.”
“Well, we’re not really cut out for heavy physical labor, but we can manage to carry torches and light the way for you kids…” Uncle San said with a determined look.
There were other elderly people like him standing nearby, constantly echoing his sentiments.
Wen Ruan looked closely at her third uncle. His head was covered with silver hair, and he had deep wrinkles on his forehead and around his eyes. His eyes were a little cloudy, and his hands were as big as fans. Each of his fingers was so thick that they looked like they were about to bend over. His skin was wrinkled like tree bark.
But this seemingly fierce old man uttered such warm words...
"Third Uncle, the weather is bad and the road is difficult to walk on. Be careful not to fall. If you light the way for us, we will worry about you and make sure you don't bump into anything. It would make us feel bad too."
“Oh, Director Song, you don’t need to worry about us. We’ve been through thick and thin for decades. This is a major event that concerns the whole village. Even if you let us go back now, we won’t be able to stay at home in peace…” Uncle San said earnestly.
The elderly people around them echoed their sentiments.
“Okay, that’s settled then. Everyone, get moving. We need to get these fruits to the intersection before dawn. We’d appreciate it if the elderly could help us light the way.” Song Yan nodded in agreement.
The torchlight flashed past Song Yan, and Wen Ruan could clearly see that there seemed to be some tears in his eyes.
Wen Ruan was also deeply moved by this scene...
With everyone's concerted efforts, they finally transported all the fruit to the crossroads just as dawn broke.
As dawn breaks, the earth seems to awaken abruptly. The sun, like a magician, gently waves its wand, restoring life to everything. The orange-red light shimmers like a raging sea of fire, rippling among the distant mountains.
And so, the convoy, carrying everyone's hopes, arrived as promised, accompanied by the morning glow.
Wen Ruan also stepped forward to help weigh and record the fruits. Finally, as the sun rose completely, all the fruits were loaded onto the truck, and everyone watched the vehicle drive away.
At the captain's call, everyone helped each other and walked step by step toward the village entrance, their faces full of joyful smiles, as if the fatigue of the whole night had disappeared.
All the fruit has been sold, and they can have a good year.
Back in the village, the children were overjoyed to hear about it, running around excitedly, shouting, "I'm going to have new clothes! I'm going to wear new clothes for the New Year!"
Wen Ruan smiled gently as she watched these scenes, then turned her gaze to Song Yan. At that moment, she suddenly understood the meaning of his perseverance.
Song Yan seemed to notice her gaze, looked up and looked back at her, and the two smiled at each other.
After everything in the brigade was settled, Wen Ruan and Song Yan prepared to return to the county town. He had been busy with the autumn harvest these past few days, and there were still many things to deal with in the county, especially the issue of "road repair," which required careful consideration. After all, the financial resources were very limited, and all aspects needed to be managed well.
Repairs are definitely necessary, but given the current conditions, what should be repaired first? How should it be done? Where will the money come from? These are all questions that need to be taken seriously.
"To get rich, build roads first." This saying is always applicable, regardless of the era. Song Yan had also pondered this question for a long time and had some ideas in mind.
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