Chapter 47: The Vote

As soon as the three of them walked in, the previously noisy meeting room quieted down significantly.

Wu Jun originally wanted to tally everyone’s opinions, but Xie Aiguo stopped him.

Since Xie Aiguo had yet to express his own stance, Wu Jun couldn’t quite figure out what he was thinking.

But whether Xie Aiguo supported it or not, Wu Jun knew he had to align with him.

After Xiao Jie took his seat, he scanned the room. “Has everyone finished discussing? Made your decisions?”

“We’ve discussed it.”

“We have too.”

“So have we!”

“Let’s vote!”

“Village Chief Xie?”

Xie Aiguo nodded. “Alright, let’s proceed with the vote. There aren’t that many of us, so we won’t bother with an anonymous vote. Just raise your hand—those in favor, raise your hand. Those opposed, keep your hands down.”

“Alright. Let’s begin.”

Jing Xi had kept her head down, but upon hearing the rustling of hands being raised, she lifted her gaze.

Hah.

Xie Aiguo, Liu Jianchang, and Zhou Ming all raised their hands, while the others remained still.

Five seconds passed, then Wu Jun and a few from the Qi family raised their hands as well.

Out of thirteen people, five had raised their hands.

Zhou Wenwu looked around, feeling confident in his victory.

But unexpectedly, in the next second, the two brothers from the Meng family and even Zhang Qiang raised their hands.

Zhou Wenwu turned to them in disbelief. The eldest of the Meng brothers muttered, “Sorry, Brother Zhou, but since the village chief and accountant have raised their hands, there’s no point in resisting anymore.”

Seven against five. Even if no one else raised their hand, the decision for Jing Xi to manage the finances was already set in stone.

But Zhou Wenwu never expected to lose so completely.

The remaining four households also raised their hands, leaving only him as the sole person opposed.

His face turned red with anger. Just moments ago, they had all agreed not to raise their hands!

Why did every single one of them end up voting in favor?

But now, his opinion no longer mattered at all.

Xie Aiguo surveyed the room. “Alright, with twelve votes in favor, it’s settled. This year, Jing Xi will act as the temporary accountant for the village, and the deposit will be entrusted to her.”

Xiao Jie and Liang Chen showed no surprise. They immediately finalized the purchasing contract with Xie Aiguo and Wu Jun on the spot, paying a deposit of 5,000 yuan upfront.

Zhou Wenwu, upon seeing the money handed over to Jing Xi, stormed out in anger.

As he reached the door, he expected someone to stop him—but to his shock, no one even paid him any attention.

With the money paid, receipts issued, and the purchase contract signed, most of Xiao Jie and Liang Chen’s work was done.

There was only one issue left to resolve—who would plant the radishes?

Xiao Jie reiterated, “As I said before, we will provide both the seeds and agricultural experts.”

Since no one in the village had grown white radishes before, many were hesitant about the risks. Particularly, the Long family’s rejection of damaged crops last year had left a lingering fear, making them unwilling to take the gamble.

But Jing Xi had a different perspective.

She could take the radish seeds into her special space, and after they had been enhanced, bring them back out—making them entirely different from the originals.

The only problem was that she didn’t have any land.

Unexpectedly, Liu Jianchang spoke up. “If no one else is willing to give it a try, I’ll do it. I don’t have much land, and I’m not sure about the exact yield of white radishes. But I can start with two acres, and if it goes well, I’ll expand next year.”

Xiao Jie nodded. “That works. Typically, one acre of radishes yields around 2,500 to 3,000 jin, possibly more. For your two acres, we’ll estimate a yield of 5,000 jin and provide you with an advance payment and seeds. If the actual yield is higher, we’ll purchase the surplus and settle the difference at the end of the year. If it’s lower, no worries—we’ll source the shortfall from elsewhere.”

“Alright!”

Xiao Jie then added another 500 yuan as an advance payment for the radish planting and clarified the cost of the seeds. Liu Jianchang agreed to the terms.

Since radishes were cheaper than the premium crops they had previously grown, the villagers’ reluctance to plant them was understandable.

But Jing Xi saw that Liu Jianchang had vision—he was securing a stable income regardless of the outcome.

The fact that he had never given in to the village gossip about having no sons, nor had he ever considered having another child just to have a boy, proved that he was different from the other villagers.

Other people’s opinions didn’t sway him—he had his own mind.

Jing Xi counted the 5,500 yuan, then had Wu Jun double-check it. Once confirmed, she placed all the money into a large kraft paper envelope and sealed it shut with glue.

Once the Long family representatives had completed the transaction, the unrelated onlookers dispersed, leaving only Xie Aiguo, Wu Jun, Xiao Jie, Liang Chen, and Jing Xi in the meeting room.

Jingxi said, “Since the village chief and Accountant Wu are here, I’d like to share my thoughts on today’s matter. First of all, I sincerely appreciate Mr. Long’s trust in me. Whether it was back when we first met by chance and he helped me find someone, or today, when he unexpectedly entrusted me with this responsibility, I am truly grateful.

The money that comes into my hands will not be short by a single cent. The way it is today is exactly how it will be when it’s distributed at the end of the year. I also appreciate the support from the village chief and Accountant Wu today—I will do my duty to the best of my ability.”

Xiao Jie raised an eyebrow. Her words sounded formal, but in reality, she was also making a point to Xie Aiguo and Wu Jun:

It was the Long family that insisted on me taking this job, not something I personally wanted. If you have any objections, take it up with them—don’t make things difficult for me.

Xie Aiguo chuckled. “Accountant Wu and I support Mr. Long’s decision as well. But to be honest, having Xiaojing take on this temporary accounting role is actually a good thing.

The village had promised you compensation before, but it was never fulfilled. This time, thanks to Mr. Long, you’ll have a chance to contribute to the village, and we won’t treat you unfairly. The compensation you’re owed will also be arranged as soon as possible.”

Xiao Jie raised his eyebrows again. Clearly, Xie Aiguo’s words were directed at him and Liang Chen.

Jingxi also understood what he was implying. “Then I’ll thank the village chief in advance.”

Once the formalities were done, she wasted no time in making her exit.

Xie Aiguo and Wu Jun tried to persuade Xiao Jie and Liang Chen to stay for a meal, but both refused, insisting on accompanying Jingxi to Liu Jianchang’s house to check on Liu Chun.

Xie Aiguo wanted to tag along but was rejected; they only asked Jingxi to lead the way.

And so, that was how things were settled.

On the way there, Jingxi laid out her conditions. “It’s simple—I’ll handle the money, but you are not to interfere in anything else I do, including my personal life.”

Xiao Jie responded, “Of course, no problem. Also, your agreed-upon salary will be paid on the last day of every month. You can collect it at our office in town—I’ll give you the address. If anything comes up, you can also find me there. I’ll be stationed in this area long-term.”

Jingxi agreed.

When they arrived at Liu Jianchang’s house, Liu Yan and Liu Chun were just about to head out and catch a ride to school, as the holiday had ended.

Seeing two young men as visitors, the two girls decided to delay their departure for a bit.

After they entered the house, Liu Chun hurried to prepare tea. When she learned that Liang Chen was the one who had contacted the police through Wu Xiaoni and helped rescue them, she was so grateful that she nearly knelt to bow to him.

Liang Chen quickly pulled her up.

Liu Jianchang and his wife were also deeply grateful and kept holding onto Liang Chen’s hands, asking about his well-being.

Jingxi stood on the side, noticing the way Liu Chun looked at Liang Chen—her eyes practically sparkling. Then she glanced at Liang Chen himself and couldn’t help but feel that these two actually had a bit of a husband-and-wife look.

One was tall, handsome, upright—a sharp, confident man with a hint of unruly charm yet a somewhat goofy side.

The other appeared simple, honest, and kind but actually had a sharp mind and a lively personality.

Their personalities were complementary—they were a perfect match!

When Liu Yan and Liu Chun mentioned that they were heading to town for school, Liang Chen immediately offered to give them a ride, saying he had his car with him.

In the end, Liu Jianchang and Zhang Rui invited them to stay for dinner, and after the four of them ate together, they headed back to town.

As they were leaving, Jingxi could practically feel Liu Chun’s excitement radiating off her.

This girl… could she have a crush?