But she didn't back down. A gentle smile still played on her lips as she responded with neither arrogance nor servility: "Deputy Director Liu is absolutely right. A cautious approach is indeed the best policy. However, as the village chief often teaches us, as rural children, opportunities don't come easily. We must learn to seize every opportunity that could change our destiny. Today, everyone here is a prominent figure. I sincerely hope that through my efforts, you will all remember me and our little-known Fengtai Village. Only in this way can our isolated and backward little village usher in the dawn of development."
"I believe that whether it is me or any other villager in the village, we will have the same thoughts and actions in such a situation."
Her words revealed a firmness and confidence. She did not back down at all because of Deputy Director Liu's public accusations. Instead, she cleverly turned the topic to the future and development of the village.
Seeing this, the village chief quickly smiled to ease the atmosphere and blamed himself, saying, "I was inconsiderate. I was so focused on getting the village back on track that I might have asked too much of the children."
Upon hearing this, Director Chen glanced sharply at Deputy Director Liu, feeling rather dissatisfied with his actions. He then took the initiative to take over the conversation, "It's a good thing that young people have drive and dreams. I think this kid has unusual insights and courage."
His statement drew echoes from those around him. Deputy Director Liu's face became quite embarrassed. He obviously did not expect that he would be in an isolated and helpless situation.
Afterwards, the group parked their vehicle at the entrance of the village and chose to walk deeper into the village.
The little incident just now seemed to have been forgotten by everyone, replaced by curiosity and anticipation.
Everything seemed exceptionally peaceful in the village. The villagers were both awed and curious about the visit of these foreign leaders. Some continued to work silently in the fields, while others chose to stay at home and minimize going out to avoid disturbing this rare tranquility.
Xu Qinghe welcomed the stage that belonged to her. She talked as she walked, from the planning and layout of the village houses to the dazzling array of vegetables in the supply and marketing cooperative, to how the villagers devoted their efforts and used the most traditional farming wisdom to carefully care for each crop. Her description was detailed and vivid, which made everyone present nod in praise.
However, Deputy Team Leader Liu seemed to be the only exception.
He seemed to be deliberately looking for flaws along the way. No matter what Xu Qinghe introduced, he could find problems in it, raise all kinds of questions, and try to find imperfections.
For example, when Xu Qinghe proudly introduced the vegetables, Deputy Team Leader Liu immediately countered, "These vegetables are scattered across different farmers, with varying planting scales and varieties. How can we ensure a consistent and stable supply to the supply and marketing cooperative? Also, I heard you're using natural manure. If it's not thoroughly cleaned, wouldn't it make the city workers sick and affect the normal operation of the factory?"
Xu Qinghe's lips curled up slightly, her eyes filled with gentleness. Her smile was warm yet reserved as she responded, "Deputy Team Leader Liu, you are truly far-sighted. If you could generously donate and help us purchase high-quality seeds, that would be fantastic. As for the fertilizer issue, if you truly have concerns, we certainly welcome your donation of fertilizer. After all, we country folk are relatively isolated from the news, and life is difficult. Earning money is hard. How can we be as well-off and worry-free as you are?"
Everyone present was quick-witted. Even without pointing out the irony implied in Xu Qinghe's words, it was enough for anyone with a discerning eye to understand. Her few understated words silently accused Deputy Group Leader Liu of being alienated from and ignoring the suffering of the people.
As soon as the words fell, before Deputy Team Leader Liu could open his mouth to argue, someone in the crowd stepped forward and said sternly, "Old Liu, what you're saying doesn't sound right. What else can we farmers use to farm the land if not manure? Back when there were no chemical fertilizers, didn't everyone work so hard to get by? Besides, compared to chemical fertilizers, natural manure is more in line with natural laws and nourishes the land. I'm afraid you've forgotten your roots by saying this."
Another person also agreed: "That's right, it's fine to say it in private, but if this gets out, do you still want to wear the hat of the deputy team leader on your head?"
Although everyone seemed to be talking and criticizing each other, their true thoughts were difficult to guess.
Deputy Team Leader Liu is usually sharp-tongued and has made many enemies. If this trivial incident today is blown out of proportion and he is accused of despising farmers and provoking conflicts, the consequences will be unimaginable.
Deputy Team Leader Liu noticed the subtle change in the atmosphere and quickly tried to redeem himself. He put on an awkward smile and explained, "Oh, I'm just thinking about the health of the city workers. I was so anxious that I didn't think before I spoke. Don't take it personally!"
At this moment, the crowd fell silent. Only Xu Qinghe sniffed softly, a barely perceptible grievance laced in his voice. "It's precisely because of Deputy Group Leader Liu's high standards and strict requirements that it's become so much harder for us farmers to get ahead. The vegetables sent to the supply and marketing cooperative are all carefully selected and of the highest quality. We silently bear the cost of those that are slightly inferior. We're all human beings, so we don't mind eating inferior food, but the residents of the city must enjoy the best, and even have to endure the questioning of Deputy Group Leader Liu..."
As she spoke, she gently wiped away the almost invisible tears from the corners of her eyes. Her pitiful appearance made people feel a little pity for her.
Director Chen of the community witnessed this scene and felt deep sympathy in his heart.
Seeing Deputy Team Leader Liu attacking such a weak girl early in the morning, he had already felt dissatisfied.
So, he said, "If Deputy Team Leader Liu holds such a disdainful attitude toward us rural people, then why don't you leave first? Our original intention was to invite you all to conduct a joint investigation and seek opportunities for cooperation to bring greater benefits to urban workers, but it's clear that Deputy Team Leader Liu is not willing to participate, and we won't force him!"
The others present were also confused and puzzled by Deputy Team Leader Liu's sudden abnormal behavior today.
It was clearly a friendly visit and exchange, but he chose to target a young girl. Isn't this obviously making the work of the village chief and the community difficult?
Most people chose to remain silent, which was their greatest cultivation and politeness. After all, giving the other party some face was also leaving a way out for themselves.
However, Deputy Team Leader Liu was not someone who would give up easily. He thought to himself that after all, he had not seen the true face of the small workshop with his own eyes, and he had to find out the secrets inside.
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