If this had been said by someone else, the scene would have been full of boos. Even if no rotten vegetables or smelly eggs were thrown, they’d leave without sticking around to hear nonsense. Doubling the output per mu or something, aren’t you dreaming in broad daylight? But the one saying this was the formidable Captain Shuzhen who developed the cyclical integrated ecological farming—raising earthworms to feed chickens, ducks, and geese, then using their droppings to feed the earthworms, and using the worm castings to fertilize the fields. She achieved integrated farming and artificially grew mushrooms even before university. So naturally, after going to college and learning advanced skills, she’s even more impressive! Yes, that’s exactly right, no doubt about it! The community members, who had an inexplicable trust in her, all applauded and yelled enthusiastically, waiting for the day Captain Shuzhen succeeded! Their unwavering attitude made Liu Shouren, always ready to step in and help his foolish younger sister, break into a cold sweat and laugh helplessly. He carefully explained to the community members that their Captain Shuzhen was tired from traveling and pregnant. Her body wasn’t feeling very well, so everyone should disperse and let her rest before talking to the group later. Indeed, hearing this, the members stepped back and cleared a path for the tractor. They moved quickly, fearing even the slightest delay would disturb their Captain Shuzhen’s rest. The sharp-eared Liu Shouren overheard some of the older women in the crowd planning to bring Shuzhen some eggs and catch a chicken for her to replenish her body, saying that since the young couple had just returned from Beijing, they surely didn’t have supplies at home, and it was inconvenient for them and so on. Their thoughtfulness and warmth made Liu Shouren especially proud, showcasing the personal charm of his younger sister and the simplicity and kindness of the community members under his and his sister’s leadership! Since early morning, everyone had been busy killing chickens and cooking ducks, yet by noon, there was still no sign of her return. After a long time of eagerly waiting, Su Hongying, Qiu Fang, and Wu Yinghong finally lost their patience. Having prepared the meals, they informed Ning Jianshe, the head of the ’Children’s Regiment,’ planning to go out together to welcome her. Just as they were about to head out, they heard the sputtering sound of the tractor in the yard. The three sisters exchanged a glance and hurriedly, laughing, went out to meet her. Sure enough, they saw Shuzhen, whom they hadn’t seen in two years, sitting in the back of the tractor, grinning at them, "Second sister-in-law, Xiao Yue, Yinghong, I’m back. How have you been? Did you miss me?" "Missed you, missed you, missed you. Even dreamt about you. But you, heartless girl, didn’t come back once. You didn’t even write often! We finally wished you back. You’re staying for good now, right?" Su Hongying stepped forward, tears brimming as she grabbed her sister-in-law, her eyes overflowing with joy. She respected and loved her brother-in-law’s wife, generously doted on the nephews, and her own family also greatly benefitted from her sister-in-law’s intelligence and brilliance. This clever and considerate sister-in-law, whom she hadn’t seen in two years—how could Su Hongying not miss her? "Yes, yes, yes, I’m not leaving. I’ll stay at home with you and Big Brother and Second Brother. I’ll wait here to see my little niece born—until you’re tired of seeing me!" Shuzhen laughed as she hugged her second sister-in-law, then gently touched her slightly rounded belly: "Hello, Big Niece, I’m your aunt! Be good, don’t trouble your mom. When you come out, Auntie will play with you, buy you pretty dresses, and make you delicious food, okay!" "Auntie, what about Little Jiajia?" Although it had been two years, thanks to continuous reminders from her parents, brothers, uncles, and aunts, and new clothes and treats occasionally sent by Aunt and Uncle, Lian Jia wasn’t the least bit unfamiliar with her aunt Shuzhen. Hearing the tractor in the yard, the little one cheerfully dashed out, making quite a splash. With a combination of Lian Hai and Qiu Fang’s best traits, her adorable looks were simply unfair. Seeing her wide eyes full of expectation, Shuzhen immediately leaned down to touch her cheek and held her tender little hand: "Of course, we wouldn’t forget about our Little Jiajia. In fact, Aunt has prepared many gifts for you this time. There are food, toys, and pretty new clothes. Give Auntie a kiss, and Auntie will have Uncle give them to you later, okay?" Jiajia nodded, and her loud kiss landed on Shuzhen’s cheek. Then with wide eyes, she looked at Shuzhen seriously and said, "Auntie, our kindergarten teacher says honesty and trustworthiness are virtues, so you must keep your word!" Her adorableness immediately melted everyone around, and Lianshan instantly picked up the little one, ready to help her find her gifts. When his big niece’s moist kiss landed on his cheek, Lianshan’s tough heart melted instantly. He thought having a sweet and cute little girl, just like his wife, calling him "daddy" in a soft voice would be wonderful. Imagining a little girl calling him that made him hugely excited. One boy and one girl—what a perfect family! Jiajia, a well-behaved child who valued unity and politeness and was determined not to keep all the treats to herself, confirmed that her Uncle really intended to give her gifts. She quickly cried out in her tender voice: "Brother, Jianguo, Jiandang, An Ning, An Kang, come quickly! Uncle and Aunt are handing out gifts, with delicious food, fun toys, and new clothes!" With her shout, five kids scrambled out of the house, ranging in sizes. After politely greeting the adults, they eagerly looked at their cheerful uncle/big uncle. With his parents studying and spending most of his time with his second grandmother, Lian En, who rarely interacted with peers, felt his eyes weren’t enough! Were they the brothers and sisters grandma mentioned, the ones who would play with him? Little Lian En stepped forward, furrowing his little brows and tentatively grabbing the similarly small Ning Kang: "Brother, wanna play?" Ning Kang, though not any smaller in stature, was indeed the youngest so far and dreamed of becoming a big brother. Having finally found someone seemingly younger, he was a bit frustrated to be called "little brother" right away. However, seeing the milk beans offered, he figured he should accept them before considering who’s older. After downing the beans in one gulp, he loyally became Lian En’s little follower. Thought height determined rank? What a joke! Lian En sneered: consuming the gift I offered doesn’t mean you can back out. Despite being a few months younger, even if you were older, you’d better acknowledge your place, Little—cousin!
