Though seemingly delicate, she stood unfazed in the face of danger, even picking up a stool to retaliate. This was a far cry from the girl who would only cry at the slightest trouble.
Yet, this was the same face.
These questions had long weighed on Lin Feng’s mind, but he didn’t want to ask them, nor did he want to know the answers. He only knew that he didn't want to lose the Fu Wenwen he had now.
Cough, of course, as a partner…
A partner?
Lin Feng gazed at Fu Wenwen’s retreating back, suddenly unsure about the word.
“Lin Feng, look! Little berries! Can we eat these?” Fu Wenwen, as if discovering hidden treasure in the roadside bushes, excitedly ran over and presented them to Lin Feng, asking.
Lin Feng looked at the small black berries in Fu Wenwen’s hand and smiled. “These are called Solanum nigrum. They are edible, with a sweet and sour taste. But only the black ones are safe to eat. Those that haven’t turned black are poisonous!”
As soon as Lin Feng finished speaking, Fu Wenwen popped one into her mouth, her eyes narrowing in delight.
She of course knew this. With her plant-based abilities, she could tell just by touching them. But in front of Lin Feng, she had to maintain her persona!
She was a ‘clueless’ town girl, how could she possibly know about these little berries?
Lin Feng chuckled and confirmed, “You really like fruit.”
“Does anyone dislike it?” Fu Wenwen raised an eyebrow. Who in this day and age wouldn't like fruit?
“I was mistaken,” Lin Feng blinked and nodded.
“Lin Feng, can I discuss something with you?” Fu Wenwen remembered the loquat trees on the back mountain, glanced at Lin Feng, and said cautiously.
“Speak your mind,” Lin Feng looked at Fu Wenwen, signaling her to speak.
“Don’t we have a few fruit trees on the back mountain? I want to tend to them properly,” Fu Wenwen looked at Lin Feng. “I’ve already spoken to the village head, but he said I need to ask the village party secretary. I think if we manage them well, it could also benefit the village.”
“How do you want to do it?” Lin Feng asked, looking at Fu Wenwen.
“I want to use the village’s name to cultivate these trees. Besides, the fruit trees on the mountain are mature and bear fruit annually. As long as someone takes care of them, we won’t have to worry too much,” Fu Wenwen said.
“The village head is worried the villagers won’t agree, aren’t he? These few fruits aren’t even enough to go around,” Lin Feng knew about the fruit trees on the back mountain. They had once been his pantry. When he gave his food to Lin Xing and went hungry himself, he had relied on them to survive.
“How did you know?” Fu Wenwen nodded. Those few fruit trees were indeed not enough for the villagers.
“Others have had their eyes on them before, but it all came to nothing in the end,” Lin Feng replied. “However, perhaps with you, it’s possible.”
“Huh? Why do you think so?” Fu Wenwen was surprised. Things that others couldn't achieve, why was he so sure she could?
“You are the village hero!” Lin Feng laughed, reminding her. “Just propose it! I’ll speak to the village head, and it shouldn’t be a big problem. However, if you want someone to manage them, you’ll need to consider who.”
“I think Sister Cuihua and Sister Xiaohong would be good. We can assign it to them,” Fu Wenwen said with a smile. Lin Feng shook his head. “It would be better to assign it to Liu Qiang and the others than to them. The back mountain is not always safe. If those two women encounter wild boars…”
“You have a point,” Fu Wenwen nodded. She had indeed been thinking of them as herself. The back mountain was unsafe. Men might be alright, but what if something happened to the women…
“You are indeed thoughtful,” Fu Wenwen smiled. Discussing with Lin Feng was the right decision. Having someone to think alongside her offered a different perspective than thinking alone.
“You’ve already thought of it very well! Honghe Village isn’t outstanding among all the villages. The village head has always wanted to strive for the title of a civilized village, but because Honghe Village isn’t as populous or as vast as the neighboring Fengyang Village, it has been difficult to achieve,” Lin Feng told Fu Wenwen. “If you can increase the village’s revenue, the village head will surely support you.”
“Relying solely on farming, without other sources of income, our village has little chance of becoming a civilized village,” Lin Feng said pragmatically. “The amount of grain produced and handed in will also be a factor.”
“Okay.” With Lin Feng’s support, Fu Wenwen decided to ask the village head’s opinion as soon as she returned to the village.
After the reform and opening up in two years, she would directly lease all the fruit trees in the village and set up her own orchard to grow fruit.
Fu Wenwen and Lin Feng returned to the village chatting and laughing. The villagers who were about to head out for work saw them and all smiled.
“Fu Zhiqing, Lin Feng, you’re back!” Many villagers greeted them. Fu Wenwen and Lin Feng smiled and responded.
“Fu Zhiqing!” The village head’s voice came from afar. Fu Wenwen turned and saw the village head waving at her.
Fu Wenwen looked at Lin Feng. Lin Feng nodded. “Go ahead! I’ll handle Lin An and the supplies.”
Fu Wenwen smiled and nodded, then walked towards the village head.
The village head brought Fu Wenwen to his home. The village party secretary was already waiting there. Upon seeing Fu Wenwen, he stood up with a smile. “Our hero, I’ve heard so much about you!”
“Secretary, please don’t tease me! What hero am I? You people are the real heroes, silently contributing to the village. I’ve only done what I should have,” Fu Wenwen said with a smile to the village party secretary.
The village party secretary and the village head’s smiles deepened upon hearing Fu Wenwen’s words. “As expected of someone educated, you are so eloquent.”
“Secretary, what is it you need me for?” Fu Wenwen asked them with a smile.
“It’s about what you mentioned to me last time. The party secretary and I have discussed it, and we think your orchard project can proceed!” the village head said seriously to Fu Wenwen. “But can you guarantee that the fruits from those trees can be delivered to the supply and marketing cooperative?”
“Isn’t it the season for loquats now? How about I go and collect a bag later to show you?” Fu Wenwen immediately suggested. “Words are cheap, seeing is believing!”
“That makes sense! Then let’s do as you say. Go pick some back later, and we’ll send them over in the village’s name!” The village party secretary’s eyes lit up, and he smiled. “If they are willing to accept them, then it’s decided!”
“Alright,” Fu Wenwen smiled.
“Oh my! Young people certainly have ideas! We’ve been in the village for so many years and never thought of doing this,” the village party secretary laughed heartily, looking at the village head with great satisfaction.
The village head chuckled. “Indeed, someone so resourceful and capable is a treasure! Moreover, Fu Zhiqing is our village’s benefactor. The literacy class she teaches is so engaging; they attend without me having to call them; they go voluntarily!”
“Thinking back to the previous literacy class, I had to shout at the village entrance every day, and no one came,” the village head sighed helplessly.