Chapter 219: “quarantine Station”
“You’re not enlightened enough.” Gu Fu said faintly, “Leaders all say to look at problems with a developmental perspective. I didn’t know how to cultivate mushrooms before, that doesn’t mean I don’t now.”
Brigade Leader: You’re pretending now too.
However.
Those with technology are the bosses.
He said solemnly: “Do you really want to share the mushroom cultivation technology and lead everyone to earn money?”
The Brigade Leader has foresight and can see the prospects of mushroom cultivation.
……It will definitely enable everyone in the brigade to live good lives.
Gu Fu gave him a blank look, “Otherwise? Did I come to your house just to mess with you?”
What kind of person is he? He’s not someone who speaks without thinking. This old guy talks so annoyingly.
The Brigade Leader hurriedly said: “That’s not what I mean, I just feel……I dare not believe it, really dare not believe it.”
His expression was complex, “In these times, nothing edible is valuable. Mushrooms aren’t as good as pork, but no one dislikes them. If everyone masters this skill, there will be no worries in the future!”
After all, after those years of famine that they didn’t even dare to imagine, they were all scared out of their wits. They valued anything that could fill their stomachs more than anything else.
Gu Fu had also survived the famine. If not for his promising son, if not for their brigade being backed by endless mountains, his family would have had deaths too.
It was all from a few years ago.
At that time, grain was scarce nationwide, and they had heard news of a village where most people starved to death.
The people of Fengshou Brigade knew that relying on aid from above was impossible, so the youth in the village bravely ventured into the deep mountains to find food. Many died at the time, and only then did they bring back yams, fern roots, and other things that could fill bellies. With food, the village was preserved.
Filling bellies is more important than anything.
“Teach! As long as it’s grown, I’ll teach!!” Gu Fu thought of what happened during the famine years and said loudly.
It must be said that the Brigade Leader’s few words awakened his dead memories.
These mushrooms must be cultivated.
He even thought that if the entire brigade had cultivated mushrooms during the famine, those who died might not have died.
Unfortunately, time only moves forward.
The Brigade Leader grasped Gu Fu’s hand, “I represent the whole village thanking you! If this really succeeds, you will be the village’s great benefactor!”
Gu Fu pulled back his hand; his fingers hurt a lot.
Such brute strength.
He grumbled inwardly.
“I’m not.”
“Cheng Huai’s Wife is.” Gu Fu didn’t claim credit.
“She provided the technology, the spawn, and said she would help find sales channels……”
“What?” The Brigade Leader’s tone rose sharply, sounding a bit harsh, “Yu Bao’s mom is also helping find sales channels?!!”
His eyes stared tightly at Gu Fu.
Gu Fu was nearly deafened by the noise, rubbed his ears to relieve the discomfort.
“You’re the Brigade Leader, in charge of so many people, can you calm down……”
His ears hurt.
Coming to find this person today might have been a wrong decision.
“I can’t calm down at all!” The Brigade Leader’s face flushed with excitement, eyes gleaming, “What you just said……Cheng Huai’s Wife helping find sales channels, is it true?!!”
Gu Fu: “Of course it’s true. Would I lie? It was Third Son’s Wife who said it herself, just now!”
He’s not the kind of person who talks nonsense for face; every word he says is guaranteed true.
The Brigade Leader excitedly stood up, paced in place, his face full of cheap smiles.
“Old Gu, does borrowing cow dung from the neighboring brigade have anything to do with your mushroom cultivation?” he asked.
“Of course.”
The Brigade Leader looked at him apologetically: “I didn’t know.”
“Old Gu, I’ve wronged you.” He felt very guilty, “Before, when the educated youth talked about you, I didn’t speak up for you.”
Gu Fu looked at his appearance and felt uncomfortable all over, “You’re fine.”
“You not intervening was right; I didn’t suffer any loss. If you had, those educated youth would have escalated it, saying our brigade is targeting the educated youth group.”
He was very helpless, “Why would we target them? We’re not bored enough for that; with that time, better to plow two more mu of land.”
The Brigade Leader immediately said: “Who says not? They’re all people whose brains were ruined by studying!”
Heaven and earth can attest, their brigade treated the educated youth leniently enough, lending grain, helping build houses……no matter trivial matters, all solved. Who knew in the end they got accused of the brigade targeting them; several brigade cadres were depressed beyond measure.
“Don’t talk about them, talk business.” The Brigade Leader changed the topic, looked at Gu Fu seriously, “Old Gu, cultivate the mushrooms well. If you need any help, come find me. If I can help, I definitely will; if I can’t, I’ll still force it.”
Gu Fu: “……”
“No need for help for now, just telling you first. If smooth, we can start building the mushroom room in a while.”
The mushroom room has requirements too: build mushroom shelves, lay mushroom beds……very troublesome.
“Building a house is no big deal; there are plenty of people in the village. When the time comes, all listen to you; however you say to do it, we do it.” The Brigade Leader said directly.
He’s not greedy; he hasn’t thought of secretly learning the mushroom cultivation technology and keeping all benefits for himself; that’s not good.
It would look ugly too.
No need.
From another angle, if this really succeeds, wouldn’t the commune credit him?
Even if it’s not his doing, he’s Fengshou Brigade’s Brigade Leader; if the Gu Family can eat meat, he can drink the soup.
When one prospers, all prosper; easy to understand.
Gu Fu heard the Brigade Leader’s implication and said: “If the whole brigade raises mushrooms, the commune might establish an epidemic prevention station. If Dahai has ideas, he can prepare in advance.”
The Brigade Leader heard the implication in his words, eyes flashing with insight.
He patted Gu Fu’s shoulder, words full of joy, “Thanks, if you didn’t remind me, I wouldn’t think of it.”
“We’re all our own people; no need to be polite.” Gu Fu waved his hand.
None of the brigade’s cadres are fools; after so long, they could all see he had some connection with the people at the foot of the mountain, and knew……he secretly helped that old Mr. Qiao; they saw but pretended not to, didn’t even ask.
Gu Fu remembered their kindness and had long wanted to repay it; the mushroom cultivation gave him hope.
After finishing business, he stood up, planning to go home.
Just then, Gu Qingzhou came in holding the twins one on each side.
“Uncle Brigade Leader, I’m going to the county to send Yu Bao and Heng Bao; I want to borrow your family’s bicycle.”
“It’s parked there; here’s the key, push it yourself.” The Brigade Leader immediately gave him the bike key without a word.
Even the Brigade Leader’s Wife said nothing.
The Gu Family members are polite; they never borrow bicycles for free, don’t cause trouble for the Brigade Leader’s family; if they borrow, just lend it.
Gu Qingzhou thanked him, went over to unlock, put the twins on the bike, and pushed it out the door.
Knowing his grandson was returning to the county, Gu Fu couldn’t stay any longer and hurriedly followed with quick steps.
After they left……
The Brigade Leader’s Wife asked urgently: “What did you just mean talking to Cheng Huai’s dad? When will the commune establish the epidemic prevention station? What does it have to do with Dahai?!”
The Brigade Leader took out the cherished Da Qian Men, lit a match with a click, lit the cigarette, took a comfortable puff, exhaled smoke, and before his wife could thump him, slowly said: “What does it have to do with Dahai?”
He looked at his wife with a smile, mysteriously, “Once the epidemic prevention station is set up, I have seventy percent confidence to get Dahai in.”
The Brigade Leader narrowed his eyes, “That is, the commune’s epidemic prevention station is almost like entering a factory, better than an iron rice bowl; you say what does it have to do with Dahai?”
Everyone has selfish thoughts; for such a good thing, of course he wants it for his own son.
The Brigade Leader’s Wife’s face lit up with joy, her whole face glowing red.
“Dahai’s dad, are you serious?”
Her excited voice was off-key, but afraid to alarm neighbors, she suppressed it hard, “Is our Dahai going to get an iron rice bowl?!!”
The Brigade Leader pressed his wife’s shoulders, signaling her not to get too excited, “It’s only possible, not certain without unexpected changes; don’t get excited too early. Rest assured, I’ll keep watch; as long as there’s opportunity……”
No need to say the rest.
The Brigade Leader’s Wife knew that without fifty percent confidence, he wouldn’t say this; so, her son getting an iron rice bowl was almost nailed down!
She happily said: “Husband, you really have the ability! If Dahai really gets an iron rice bowl, then……”
The Brigade Leader guessed what she wanted to say and hurriedly interrupted: “Watch your words! Don’t say what shouldn’t be said, especially about the commune possibly establishing an epidemic prevention station later; don’t say it outside, be careful not to let it fly away like chickens and eggs.”
“Look what you’re saying; am I that talkative?” The Brigade Leader’s Wife was unconvinced.
The Brigade Leader looked at her with a half-smile.
Aren’t you?
Hilarious.
The Brigade Leader’s Wife’s smile was awkward, and she said: “……I definitely won’t say about this; it’s a lifelong matter for our son; I won’t ruin it with my mouth.”
The Brigade Leader saw she remembered, and his expression eased.
“Good that you know.”
He smoked half a Da Qian Men, extinguished it, carefully saved the other half, sauntered out the door to tell the other brigade cadres……about the mushroom cultivation.
Gu Qingzhou had just reached home door when he saw his mom coming toward him carrying a bamboo basket.
“Qingzhou, the eggs I’ve saved are in the basket; take them with you somehow.” Gu Mu instructed.
Gu Qingzhou took it, hung it on the bike handle, and secured it with his hand.
The basket was lined with straw, each egg wrapped securely; it wouldn’t break even on bumpy roads.
“Are they for us? Thanks, grandma.” Heng Bao sat on the front beam of the bicycle, hands gripping the handle, smiling brightly.
After speaking, he wiggled his little buttocks, turned to look at his little uncle, “Little uncle, let go; I’ll hold it.”
Gu Qingzhou hesitated, “Can you? It’s heavy.”
“I can; I know how to secure the basket.” Heng Bao was used to going between the city and the brigade with Lin Zhao, quite skilled at carrying things.
Gu Qingzhou saw his full confidence and said no more.
Try it first; he could see any situation and stop anytime.
Gu Mu added: “Your Third Sister-in-law took Qian Bao and Yao Bao back to get the bicycle. Go there now, go back to the county with her; be careful on the road, don’t drop your nephews, and don’t drop the eggs.”
She’d saved them for several days.
Gu Qingzhou: “……”
No mention of him at all.
At this time, Yu Bao considerately said: “Little uncle can’t be dropped either!”
Gu Qingzhou’s cold heart instantly warmed up.
He bent slightly, rubbed his face against Yu Bao’s.
“Thank you, little uncle.”
Yu Bao must be the warmest child in the world.
Damn, heart almost melting.
Heng Bao’s brain was especially quick today, saying: “We’re on the same bike; if it falls, we all fall, even the eggs will break.”
Gu Qingzhou looked at him, speechless.
“……You’re right.”
Gu Mu rubbed Heng Bao’s forehead, “For being so clever, your hair has grown; when in the county, have your mom take you to get it cut.”
“Okay!” Heng Bao touched his hair, felt it had grown, almost covering his eyes, responded cheerfully.
“Grandma, when Li Bao is better, don’t forget to have big uncle send him to my house.”
Before leaving, Heng Bao didn’t forget his good brother.
“Good.” Gu Mu said indulgently.
Gu Qingzhou saw them talking endlessly, shouted it’s time to depart, jumped on the bicycle, and left with two kids.
Just reached the Gu Family’s Third Branch door, and saw Lin Zhao pushing the dragon-phoenix twins out.
Her ladies’ bicycle had two children’s seats added front and back. Uncle Song helped weld them, made very sturdy. Worried Qian Bao and Yao Bao would bump their legs, wrapped them in soft urea bags, and added soft cushions; VIP treatment.
“Mommy, we’re here.” Heng Bao waved, voice clear and bright.
“I see you.” Lin Zhao locked the front door smoothly.
Da Huang and Amber obediently squatted at the door, looking up at their owner, waiting to see her off to the village entrance.
“Da Huang and Amber go too.” she said.
The dog kennel in the county yard was ready; time to take them, lest the two kids keep asking.
Hearing this, Da Huang stood up, tail wagging fast, eyes brightly looking at Lin Zhao.
Amber circled around Da Huang and Lin Zhao’s legs.
Lin Zhao made a depart gesture, “Go.”
At her command, the two dogs shot out like arrows off strings, running very fast.
Yao Bao sat in front, saw the dogs run off, kept urging, “Huang Huang, Hu Hu……”
In a hurry, she started using reduplicated words again.
“Chasing now, chasing now.” While speaking, Lin Zhao pedaled faster.
In the back seat, Qian Bao sat obediently, his little body securely fastened without discomfort. He held Xiao Jin in his bosom, worried Xiao Jin was scared, kept gently stroking its head, very lightly.
“Don’t be afraid; mommy’s taking us to the new home.” Qian Bao said softly.
Xiao Jin nestled in his bosom, tail tightly around his arm, black eyes watching the receding trees. At first a bit timid, soon its front paws rested on Qian Bao’s shoulder, looking around curiously.
Qian Bao used the tone mommy praised them with, said in a babyish voice praising Xiao Jin: “Xiao Jin is so good.
Xiao Jin’s round fluffy head nuzzled into his neck, making happy barking sounds.
Lin Zhao heard, corners of her mouth raised.
After raising so long, its courage had finally grown a bit.
……
Lin Zhao wasn’t home; Yun Jin had no heart to read or lie down, simply sat at the door waiting.
Far off he saw his sister’s figure, stood up and ran toward her.
“Sis, you biked here? So tiring. I said to go with you but you wouldn’t let me; with me here, you couldn’t be this tired, you’re sweating……” Song Yunjin nagged, took over the bicycle, greeted Gu Qingzhou, pushed Qian Bao and Yao Bao home.
Seeing Da Huang and Amber, he said: “Sis, you brought Da Huang and Amber too? Not coming back anymore?”
“Coming back.” Lin Zhao said, “Occasionally.”
After living in the county a while, she found everything convenient, then didn’t want to live in the village anymore.
Song Yunjin was very happy, “Living in the city is good, convenient.”
The group entered home.
Gu Qingzhou originally didn’t want to enter, planned to go straight back, but Lin Zhao glanced at him; he didn’t dare say no, obediently pushed the bike into the yard.
Parked the bike, scanned the yard’s setup, felt it was better than in the village.
Larger area, good layout, very new, looked comfortable.
Lin Zhao went into the house, came out with two big packages.
“Qingzhou, take these back. One package is materials for gluing matchboxes; give to Eldest Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law, tell them I’ll settle at the end of the month. The other is for parents: red dates and honey for mom, green brick tea for dad to try, leather gloves for you.”
These things were from lucky draws, overlapping with what Lin Shichang sent back; if asked, there was a source.
After speaking, without waiting for Gu Qingzhou’s reply, Lin Zhao sent him off: “Take the things and go back. If anything happens at home, come here to find me.”
Then turned and went back inside.
Back to the brigade, she didn’t mention the matchboxes, mainly because she was impatient with the back-and-forth.
Gu Qingzhou picked up the things, didn’t say what Lin Zhao didn’t like to hear, only voiced thanks: “Thanks, Third Sister-in-law.”
