Rebirth 70: I am a Koi

The knock on the door interrupted Bai Hanchuan's consolation. It was Village Chief Li who came in, with a look of anxiety on his face.

"Jinli, Chuanzi, something happened!" He said hurriedly, "Wang Laoer from the next village also planted our improved varieties, and he said the yield is even higher than ours!"

My heart sank. How could this be possible? We developed the improved variety together with Technician Sun. How could Wang Lao Er...

Bai Hanchuan frowned, "Uncle Li, is the news reliable?"

"It's absolutely true!" Village Chief Li slapped his thigh, "I saw it with my own eyes! The watermelons in his field are all bigger and sweeter than ours!"

I felt dizzy. Could it be that our technology was leaked?

Bai Hanchuan held me and said in a deep voice, "Uncle Li, don't worry, let's go and take a look first."

The three of us immediately rushed to the next village. From a distance, we saw Wang Laoer's field was full of people, all whispering and praising.

When Wang Lao Er saw us, he showed a smug smile on his face. "Hey, isn't this Boss Mu and Boss Bai? Why are you here to see my high-yield watermelons?"

I suppressed my anger, walked to the edge of the field, and carefully observed the watermelons. Indeed, these watermelons were bigger than ours and the colors were brighter.

I picked one, cut it open, and took a bite. It was indeed sweeter than ours, and the taste was more delicate.

"How is it, Boss Mu?" Wang Lao Er asked with a hint of provocation in his tone, "Do you accept it?"

I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. "Wang Laoer, how do you grow your watermelons?"

He smiled mysteriously, "This is my exclusive secret recipe, how can I tell you?"

I was even more confused. Could it be that he really found a better planting method than ours?

When I got back to the base, I immediately called a meeting of all employees.

"Everyone has worked hard recently," I looked at the tired faces, feeling guilty. "I know everyone has been working overtime to catch up with the progress, but health is the capital of revolution. I hope everyone..."

Before I could finish my words, I was interrupted by a young employee, "Boss Mu, we are not afraid of hardship, we just want to build the base well!"

Another employee echoed, "Yes, we believe that you and Mr. Bai will definitely lead us to success!"

Looking at their trusting eyes, I felt even more depressed. I couldn't let them down, and I couldn't let the base fall.

I walked to the window and looked at the fields in the distance, feeling confused. Suddenly, the phone rang...

Boss Liu's hearty laughter came from the other end of the phone, "Boss Mu, I tried your new watermelon! It's absolutely amazing! Even better than before!" I felt relieved and asked quickly, "Boss Liu, what do you think? Does it meet your requirements?" Boss Liu laughed, "More than meeting your requirements, it's beyond imagination! So, I'll add another batch of orders and double the quantity!"

I couldn't believe my ears, double the orders?

This is great news!

I immediately told Bai Hanchuan and all the employees the good news.

There was a sudden jubilation in the base, and the previous gloom was swept away.

In the next few days, Boss Liu's orders arrived as expected, and he also brought in more new customers.

For a time, the base's products were in short supply and we had to work overtime to produce them.

Although very tired, everyone's face was filled with happy smiles.

Seeing the base flourishing, Bai Hanchuan and I were very pleased. We decided to use part of the profits to improve the village's infrastructure.

Bai Hanchuan and I found Village Chief Li and told him our idea.

"Uncle Li, we want to use this money to help build roads and schools in the village. What do you think?"

Village Chief Li shook my hand excitedly, "Great! Jinli, Chuanzi, you are really the village's great benefactors!"

After the news spread, the villagers were full of praise for us. Looking at their simple smiling faces, I felt extremely satisfied.

However, when discussing specific construction projects, differences arose among the villagers.

Aunt Zhang said, "I think we should build the road first. If the road is not good, nothing can be transported out!" Uncle Li said, "No, we should build the school first. Children's education is the most important!" I watched everyone arguing, and suddenly a little uneasy arose in my heart... Bai Hanchuan shook my hand and whispered, "Don't worry, we will take care of it." I nodded, but at this moment, there was a sudden noise at the entrance of the village...

The noise was getting closer and closer, and a group of people came in, surrounding a young woman dressed fashionably.

The woman was wearing heavy makeup, carrying a branded bag, and looked very proud.

I recognized her. She was Wang Xiuying, my stepmother's niece.

Why did she come here?

As soon as Wang Xiuying saw me, she said sarcastically, "Hey, isn't this Boss Mu? You have a big business! I heard that you are going to build a road and a school for the village? You are quite generous!" I suppressed my displeasure and said calmly, "This is what we should do."

Wang Xiuying sneered: "What should be done? I think you want to win people's hearts! Do you have the final say on whether to build the road first or the school first? Do the villagers agree?" Her words aroused discussion among the villagers, and the voices of debate rang out again.

Aunt Zhang said, "That's right, why do they have the final say?" Uncle Li also echoed, "We should have a say too!"

I took a deep breath and said, "My dear uncles and aunts, I know that everyone has different ideas. Building roads is important because it facilitates transportation and promotes economic development. Building schools is also important because it allows children to receive a better education. We all want to contribute to the village, but our funds are limited and we can't do both at the same time. So, I want to hear everyone's opinions and we can discuss together to find the best solution."

Bai Hanchuan also said: "We respect everyone's opinions and will do our best to meet everyone's needs. We suggest that we first collect everyone's ideas and then vote. The minority shall obey the majority. This is the most fair and just way."

This proposal was approved by most villagers.

After statistics, it was finally decided to build the road first and then the school.

Seeing that the villagers reached a consensus, Bai Hanchuan and I both breathed a sigh of relief.

In the evening, Bai Hanchuan and I walked hand in hand in the watermelon field.

The moonlight poured down, giving the green melon vines a layer of silver.

I leaned on Bai Hanchuan's shoulder, feeling his warmth and strength.

"Chuanzi, thank you." I said softly.

"What are you thanking me for?" Bai Hanchuan looked down at me, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Thank you for always being there for me, supporting me, and encouraging me."

Bai Hanchuan kissed my forehead gently, "Silly boy, we are husband and wife, we should support each other."

The breeze blew, and the melon field was filled with fragrance. I looked up at the starry sky, and my heart was filled with happiness and hope.

"Chuanzi," I pointed to the distance, "Look, that star is so bright..."

The days are as sweet as honey, making people feel itchy inside.

The base is thriving, the new roads in the village are smooth and built, and the children's reading voices in the new school are even more pleasant to the ears.

I often stand on the edge of the field, looking at the green melon fields, and feel a sense of accomplishment in my heart.

Boss Liu came again today, and his hearty laughter could be heard from far away.

"Sister Jinli, Brother Bai, your business is booming!" He patted Bai Hanchuan's shoulders vigorously, his face full of joy.

"Thanks to Boss Liu." Bai Hanchuan responded with a smile and handed him a cup of tea. "This year's watermelon is especially sweet. Boss Liu, please try it."

Boss Liu took a big bite, and the juice overflowed. He praised it highly: "What a good melon! The sweetness and taste are amazing! I will order more this year!"

After seeing off Boss Liu, Village Chief Li also came. He said cheerfully: "Jinli, Chuanzi, you are really the great benefactors of our village! Now that the road has been repaired, it is more convenient for the children to go to school, all thanks to you!"

"Village Chief Li, this is what we should do." I said with a smile, "The most important thing is that we all work together to live a good life."

Late at night, Bai Hanchuan and I sat in the yard, looking up at the starry sky. The breeze blew gently, bringing the fragrance of the melon field.

"Chuanzi," I leaned gently on his shoulder, "What kind of challenges will be waiting for us in the future?"

Bai Hanchuan held my hand and said firmly: "No matter what the challenge is, we will face it together."

A cool breeze blew by, and I suddenly felt a little uneasy, as if something was going to happen.

Bai Hanchuan also frowned. He followed my gaze and looked towards the village entrance. There seemed to be a strange truck parked there...