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As the meal came to an end, the two families had started to get to know each other better. Xiao Hu and Xiao Feng were hoping that Mao Na would stay longer, but Mao Weiguo wouldn't let go of the topic he had brought up with Hu Ruoyun about the sweet melon: "After dinner, you’re coming with me so we can have a good chat about this..."
Hu Ruoyun was already set to go to the county town, and Zhao Meirong and her husband had no reason to keep Mao Na any longer. They reluctantly saw the group off as they boarded the vehicle.
There were too many people, and not everyone could fit in. The driver, Xiao Wang, along with Zhang Qiang, was sent over by Chai Hongmin, who suggested, "I'll follow along with Village's 212 vehicle!"
After waving goodbye to those who came to see them off, everyone got into their respective cars.
Mao Weiguo noticed how organized Chai Hongmin was in his tasks and called him over to his car, saying appreciatively, "Xiao Chai, you’ve got the Deputy Position now, right?"
Chai Hongmin respectfully replied, "Yes, I've held the Deputy Position for a little over two years now."
Mao Weiguo continued, "Laogu Township has developed quite well in these past few years..."
Chai Hongmin could clearly sense a different meaning in his words and felt a surge of joy.
Meanwhile, Mao Na, Hu Ruoyun, and Zhang Xiuzhen were seated in the 212 vehicle belonging to Laogu Township's government. Zhang Xiuzhen, sitting in the front passenger seat, remarked, "Xiao Hu, you always say your family is poor, but it looks pretty good here!"
Mao Na, sitting next to Hu Ruoyun in the back seat, chimed in: "Tch! You haven't seen our old house; the roof was just mud and it was dark inside..."
Zhang Xiuzhen teased her: "No worries! If you’re dissatisfied now, it’s not too late to change your mind!"
Mao Na abruptly fell silent.
Hu Ruoyun added, "The house was only built last year; the previous one was really bad."
Zhang Xiuzhen said, "So when you two get married in the future, won't it still be cramped?"
Hu Ruoyun replied, "By the time we graduate, we probably won't be living at home anyway..."
Zhang Xiuzhen seemed satisfied: "Alright then, we’ll see when that time comes!"
Mao Na gently pinched Hu Ruoyun's palm.
Upon returning to Shengshi Jiayuan, Mao Weiguo repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Chai Hongmin and arranged for Zhang Qiang and driver Xiao Wang to head home for some rest. Watching everyone leave, the family went upstairs.
Mao Jie was watching television at home when he heard voices outside and rushed to open the door. Seeing Mao Na and Hu Ruoyun there, he asked in confusion, "Why are you all back so soon?"
Mao Weiguo replied, "I need to discuss something with Xiao Hu."
As he spoke, he motioned for Hu Ruoyun to follow him into the study: "Let’s talk about that sweet melon!"
Hu Ruoyun explained, "During summer vacation I interned at Jiangcheng Evening News. A colleague of Sister Lai Wen mentioned that her husband works at our Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences' Melon and Vegetable Research Institute. When he heard I was from a rural area, he told me about a new sweet melon variety they developed called 'Golden Powder Beauty.' It’s exceptionally sweet. To prove it to me, he even brought one from home—said it was from the first batch harvested in their experimental field—and asked if I wanted seeds."
The melon known as "Golden Powder Beauty" has a beautiful appearance, with a vibrant yellow-green skin adorned with vertical stripes. It tastes sweet and crisp, with a rich fragrance. Honestly, I've never had such delicious melons throughout my life.
I took some time to visit my sister Lai and her colleague at her husband's workplace. Her husband is an expert in breeding at the Melon and Vegetable Research Institute. He mentioned that the "Golden Powder Beauty" is a hybrid melon, a cross between a cantaloupe and a sweet melon. They were planning to conduct large-scale planting experiments at their base, so I suggested they consider our Annan for the project. They mostly agreed, but due to limited seed availability, we only received a quota of fifty acres.
Since this was not enough for a large-scale operation and we were unsure of the actual results, I hadn't mentioned it to you." Mao Weiguo was clearly very interested in this Jin Fen Sweet Melon: "You know, the adjustment of agricultural planting and breeding structures nationwide has become inevitable, but good varieties and projects are hard to find. If this variety is as good as it seems and suitable for our Annan, it could have significant investment value!
Don’t underestimate this small melon; if done right, it could become a major industry! I will arrange for people from the Agricultural Bureau to keep an eye on this. You need to pay attention and ensure it goes well."
With such serious instructions from my father-in-law, Hu Ruoyun had no reason not to respond earnestly.
Mao Na brought in two cups of water before leaving again. Mao Weiguo helplessly said, "Alright, we've finished discussing business; you two can go have fun."
Mao Na planned to take Hu Ruoyun to Li Shengnan's house. It seemed that Li Shengnan had emerged from the shadow of her divorce; upon seeing Mao Na and Hu Ruoyun arrive, she teased Mao Na, "Are you here to show off your black charcoal?"
Mao Na shot back, "Do we even need to show off?"
As she spoke, she picked up a red envelope to tease the little child in Li Shengnan's arms: "It's time for New Year's money; call me godmother?"
Li Shengnan's mother eagerly hoped for visitors to cheer up her daughter and brought over two cups of water: "Xiao Na, Xiao Hu, you two are about to graduate, right?"
Hu Ruoyun reached out to take one of the cups and handed it to Mao Na: "Not yet, Auntie; we still have more than a year left."
The elderly lady worried that they might leave soon and enthusiastically said, "You two are having dinner here today; Auntie will make dumplings for you..."
Mao Na and Hu Ruoyun readily agreed: "Sure! You start making the dough; we'll wrap them together later."
While they were chatting, someone knocked on the door. When they opened it, Zhang Qiang and Ouyang Xiaxue entered with their son.
The three women were like a lively performance as Hu Ruoyun happily chatted with Zhang Qiang.
Zhang Qiang said, "I'm being assigned down to Xipo Store Township as Deputy Township Head Li. The organization has already talked with me; I should receive the formal appointment after the two sessions."
Hu Ruoyun replied, "Congratulations!"
Zhang Qiang continued, "To be honest, I've been with County Chief Mao for almost two years now; I feel quite reluctant to leave. But County Chief Mao said I should go gain some experience outside and not stay tied to the office."
Hu Ruoyun responded, "Yes, if you want to move up again, you definitely need grassroots work experience and the ability to handle things independently. Xipo Dian may be lacking now and might be tough at first, but that's not necessarily a bad thing; it can actually lead to better results..."
Zhang Qiang acknowledged this: "I understand that. Thinking back on the changes over these past two or three years feels like a dream... Regardless of anything else, I have to thank you and Mao Na!"
Hu Ruoyun interrupted him: "People say that those who dwell on the past have immature thoughts; it seems we all have this flaw. What’s done is done; let’s look forward."
Zhang Qiang pulled Hu Ruoyun toward the kitchen while saying, "Let's have a smoke together..."
Mao Na protested, "Don't lead Xiao Hu astray!"
Ouyang Xiaxue disagreed, "Your little black carbon is quite perceptive; she has more tricks up her sleeve than Zhang Qiang. Who knows who might lead whom astray?"
Li Shengnan was in a good mood at the moment. With the two men absent, she grabbed Mao Na and asked, "Mao Ni, tell me honestly, have you two done 'that' yet?"
Mao Na was momentarily taken aback. "What do you mean by 'that'?"
Ouyang Xiaxue chimed in, "Stop playing coy! I don't believe you two haven't been together for 'that' yet!"
Finally understanding, Mao Na's face turned red. "You two women really have thick skin!"
The two women only grew more excited, urging, "Come on, tell us!"
Mao Na replied seriously, "Cut it out; we're both still students."
Li Shengnan and Ouyang Xiaxue responded in unison, "Pfft!"
In the kitchen, Zhang Qiang took out an envelope. "Yao Wei went south after leaving Annan. Before he left, he left me two thousand yuan for Li Shengnan as child support... I didn't dare to tell Ouyang Xiaxue and I'm not sure when would be the right time to give it to Li Shengnan..."
Hu Ruoyun suggested, "Just give it to Li Shengnan in front of everyone after dinner today. The more you try to hide it, the harder it will be for her to move on."
Zhang Qiang agreed, "Alright."
He then added, "By the way, Chairman Liu said you're still a shareholder at Liu's Food Company. Are you coming when Liu's Wild Vegetable Processing Plant opens?"
Hu Ruoyun replied, "I'm just a nominal shareholder. I don't manage or operate her company; I'm merely an advisor. If I can help, I will; if not, I won't ask..."
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