Chapter 75

On the Way Home

Jiang Tiantian ran into Dazhu.

“Sister-in-law, I was just about to find you,” Dazhu said, appearing both shy and steady. “These past two days, I’ve learned how to operate all the equipment.”

“What’s the next step for me?”

Jiang Tiantian clapped her hands. “Perfect timing! Come with me.”

The two of them returned to the Tea family’s house.

Jiang Tiantian made two cups of tea and then took out her notebook, pointing at it.

“Since the village chief wants to collect and organize the historical and cultural stories of Chajia Village, we’ll start in that direction.”

“For the first phase, your task is to visit every elderly person in Chajia Village over the age of 80.”

“They hold the most knowledge. You need to guide them into sharing their stories.”

“Apart from recording videos, also compile a written version to submit to the village chief.”

After explaining, Jiang Tiantian looked at Dazhu and asked, “Got it? Any questions?”

Dazhu thought for a moment, then nodded and shook his head. “No questions.”

Jiang Tiantian patted his shoulder.

“Good job! I knew you could do it. Don’t be too nervous—I’ll accompany you for the first couple of visits. If any problems come up, we’ll discuss and solve them right away.”

Dazhu smiled, nodding sincerely. “Sister-in-law, I’m truly happy for Brother Jiuzhang and for our village.”

Jiang Tiantian teased him with a laugh. “Oh? So, if I weren’t doing things for the village, you wouldn’t be happy?”

“No, that’s not what I meant, Sister-in-law!” Dazhu quickly tried to explain.

“In my eyes, Brother Jiuzhang is an extremely disciplined man.”

“Ever since he went to the county for middle school, girls have been after him because of his looks.”

“But all these years, I’ve never seen him get involved with any girl. He always made it clear that he already had a fiancée.”

Dazhu chuckled, looking proud.

“Because of that, Brother Jiuzhang is still known as the ‘most unattainable cold-faced god’ in county high school history.”

“I believe that no matter who he marries, he’ll be loyal and give his wife a strong sense of security.”

He then looked at Jiang Tiantian and added, “That’s why I’m happy for Brother Jiuzhang—because it’s you. Everything he’s done feels truly worthwhile.”

Jiang Tiantian didn’t say anything after hearing this.

Internally, she thought that Dazhu was definitely Cha Jiuzhang’s number one fan.

In other words, if Jiuzhang had married an unreliable woman, Dazhu would probably feel sorry for him—maybe even resent her.

She picked up her cup and clinked it against Dazhu’s.

“Don’t worry, I know how great he is, and I’ll cherish him.”

Dazhu smiled knowingly at her words.

He took a sip of tea and said with certainty, “Sister-in-law, marrying him—you’ll definitely be happy.”

—-

After Dazhu Left

Jiang Tiantian continued scribbling in her notebook.

She wondered what kind of land Cha Chengye had arranged for her.

Thinking about it made her restless.

She got up and walked around the village, observing what each household was growing and how the crops were doing.

Just then, Sister Guifang returned from gathering matsutake mushrooms and was picking vegetables from her own garden for dinner.

Seeing Jiang Tiantian wandering around the fields, she called out, “Tiantian, what are you up to?”

Jiang Tiantian smiled and walked over. “Sister Guifang, I asked my family for a plot of land, and I’m thinking about what to plant. Just out learning and observing.”

Sister Guifang paused, looking at her in disbelief. “You’re going to farm?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be studying for the college entrance exam? Why are you suddenly thinking about growing vegetables?”

“Hehehe~” Jiang Tiantian grinned mischievously and whispered, “I found a batch of new vegetable seeds. The crops will taste way better than what we have now.”

She winked at Sister Guifang, coaxing her, “How about it? Want to plant some with me?”

While wandering through the fields, she realized that one acre was too small—she wouldn’t be able to plant many varieties.

If she spent two or three months growing a batch of vegetables on her own, the village wouldn’t start large-scale planting until next spring. That would be too slow.

Besides, many plots of land in the village were currently vacant, waiting for the next planting season.

She might as well strike now and rope in a group of people to plant alongside her.

Once the crops yielded results, the whole village would follow suit next year, and large-scale farming would take off quickly.

Sister Guifang looked skeptical. “Are you serious?”

“What kind of seeds do you have?”

She wasn’t entirely convinced, but if it didn’t cost anything, she didn’t mind trying a little for herself.

Jiang Tiantian made a fist and smacked her palm confidently. “You can plant whatever you want—grains, vegetables, fruits—I have better seeds for everything.”

She continued enticing her, “How about this? Go tell your friends. Whatever they want to plant this season, they can come to me and get free seeds.”

“I guarantee the crops will be of better quality and taste better than what you’re growing now.”

She leaned closer and whispered, “These seeds were really hard to get from outside. The supply is limited—it’s first come, first served.”

Sister Guifang, hearing there was a limited quantity, immediately said, “I’ll go tell them tonight.”

“Can they pick up the seeds from you themselves?”

Jiang Tiantian grinned. “Of course! Just let me know what you want, and I’ll set some aside for you.”

“Uh…” Sister Guifang looked at her available plots.

“How about some chives, water spinach, Chinese cabbage, and pumpkins?”

“Got it! Come by my house later to get them.” Jiang Tiantian agreed without hesitation.

As Sister Guifang walked away, Jiang Tiantian called after her, “Don’t forget to tell everyone—limited quantity, first come, first served!”

“I got it!” Sister Guifang waved back.

Scarcity creates demand!

Without a sense of urgency, people might not act quickly.

Looks like she’d need to make a trip to town tomorrow to buy some seeds.

Otherwise, where would she get them when people came asking?

—-

During Dinner

Cha Chengye returned and told her, “Tiantian, I’ve arranged a plot for you. In a couple of days, once your grandaunt’s family clears out the remaining crops, you can start planting.”

“That’s great! Thanks, Dad!” Jiang Tiantian beamed.

Cha Jiuzhang added, “I’ll help you when the time comes.”

Jiang Tiantian turned to him with a bright smile. “Really? Thank you, Brother Jiuzhang! You’re the best!”

Yes! A strong helper!

Cha Jizu, watching from the side, raised an eyebrow and silently scoffed.

Tsk…

A man who forgets his mother after getting a wife.

When they worked in the fields before, this guy never volunteered to help!