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A month later, Yu Zhenglai, director of Chengde Forestry Bureau, Qu He, director of Weichang Forestry Bureau, and Su Ning, deputy director, accompanied Li Gong, a technical expert from the Ministry of Forestry, to the dam to inspect the results of the tree planting.

Engineer Li, in his fifties and wearing thick glasses, is a nationally renowned forestry expert.

As soon as he arrived at the dam, he went straight to the tree planting area and squatted down to carefully examine each tree.

After looking at it for a while, Engineer Li stood up, patted the dirt off his hands, and looked rather unwell.

"Director Yu, Director Qu, Deputy Director Su," Engineer Li said directly, "To be honest, the survival rate of this batch of saplings will not exceed two percent."

"What?" Qin Xuemei exclaimed first. "Impossible! Engineer Li, we water it every day and take good care of it. The leaf growth rate is very high!"

“Yes, Mr. Li,” Meng Yue said. “Look at these seedlings, their leaves are all green, so why is the survival rate so low?”

Engineer Li shook his head. "You are college students, you understand the theory, but you lack experience. In high-altitude desert areas, you can't just look at the leaf emergence rate when inspecting saplings. Look..."

Then he squatted down and pulled up a sapling with fairly green leaves. “On the surface, the leaves are green. But look at the root system. The main root is only a dozen centimeters long, and there are almost no lateral roots. Roots like this can’t penetrate deep into the soil, and once the topsoil dries out, the sapling will die.”

He then pointed to another area, "Look at these seedlings, they're planted too shallow. Saihanba is windy, and the root system isn't strong; a strong wind can uproot them all."

Engineer Li stood up, clapped his hands, and said, "In general, the method is wrong. If you use this method, the survival rate will be good if it reaches two percent."

The college students were dumbfounded.

They worked hard for a month, their hands developed calluses, and their faces peeled from the sun, only to be told that "the survival rate is no more than two percent".
At this moment, Feng Cheng spoke up in a low voice, "Engineer Li, the survival rate you mentioned doesn't include the ones I planted, right?"

Engineer Li looked at him and asked, "How many did you plant?"

“Five hundred,” Feng Cheng said. “So far, two hundred and eighty have survived, with a survival rate of over fifty percent.”

"Oh?" Engineer Li became interested. "Take me to see it."

So, the group moved to the plot of land that Feng Cheng was in charge of.

Li Gong squatted down to inspect, and sure enough, the saplings planted by Feng Cheng had well-developed root systems, were planted at the right depth, and were carefully mounded with soil.

"Yes, these seedlings are indeed quite good." Engineer Li nodded. "But don't be too happy yet. They look like they've survived now, but the real test is yet to come in Saihanba. Summers are dry, winters are bitterly cold. Only those that can survive a year will truly be viable."

"If you have 280 of these, and you can keep 100 of them, then you've succeeded."

Despite this, Feng Cheng's results still impressed Engineer Li.

While everyone was discussing the matter, Zhao Tianshan stepped forward and took the initiative to admit his mistake, saying, "Leaders, the tree planting was not effective this time, and the responsibility lies with me. As the captain of the advance team, I failed in my management duties, and I request to be punished."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Wu Yansheng suddenly stood up and blurted out, "No! The responsibility lies with me!"

Everyone looked at Wu Yansheng in surprise, but Su Ning's face was full of mockery.

Wu Yansheng straightened his chest and said, "I'm a forestry professional, so I should be responsible for the technical aspects. The low survival rate of the seedlings is due to my incorrect methods, and I'm willing to take full responsibility!"

That was well said. Yu Zhenglai and Qu He both nodded in agreement, feeling that Wu Yansheng was responsible.

But Wu Yansheng's next words took a different turn: "However, leader, I want to clarify one point. We plant trees using scientific methods, digging as deep as necessary and watering as needed. As for why the survival rate is low, I think it's because the conditions in Saihanba are too unique, exceeding the scope of theoretical analysis."

"Moreover, there's a reason why Feng Cheng's seedlings have a high survival rate. There's a pond next to his plot of land, which is rich in groundwater and has moist soil. If I were given that plot of land to cultivate, I could also achieve a high survival rate."

This statement is ostensibly an attempt to take responsibility, but in reality, it's a way of shirking it, attributing the low survival rate to "special conditions" and claiming that Feng Cheng's success was "due to the terrain."

Yu Zhenglai listened attentively, saying, "Comrade Wu Yansheng, it's good that you took the initiative to assume responsibility. Young people shouldn't be afraid of making mistakes; what's scary is not daring to admit them. Your willingness to stand up shows that you have a sense of responsibility."

Qu He also said, "Yes! Although the results weren't ideal this time, everyone tried their best. Let's learn from this experience and improve next time."

Just as Wu Yansheng was about to gloss over the matter, Su Ning spoke up.

"Director Yu, Director Qu, I have a different opinion."

Su Ning took out the blue work log and opened it: "I have recorded Comrade Wu Yansheng's behavior over the past three months here. I'll read a few of them to you."

He cleared his throat and began to read:

"July 3th..."

"On April 25, Wu Yansheng rode a horse to direct others to work, but did not do any work himself. Only after Zhao Tianshan criticized him did he reluctantly start working."

"On April 28, Wu Yansheng deliberately uprooted twelve saplings that Feng Cheng had already planted, for absurd reasons, which constitutes deliberate damage to the country's vegetation."

"On May 3, Wu Yansheng belittled Feng Cheng's experience during a group discussion, calling it a 'homemade method'."

"On May 10, Wu Yansheng had a dispute with Sui Zhichao because Sui Zhichao 'did not listen to professional guidance'."

"On May 15, Wu Yansheng altered the tree planting plan without authorization, resulting in a survival rate of less than 5% for the saplings in the plot he was responsible for."

As he read through the list, Wu Yansheng's face grew paler and paler.

After reading it aloud, Su Ning closed the logbook: "Director Yu, Director Qu, this is not a work mistake, it's a matter of character. Wu Yansheng is not incompetent, he is dishonest. His 'taking responsibility' today is just another performance."

Yu Zhenglai took the log and looked at it, then frowned: "These...are they all true?"

“It’s absolutely true,” Zhao Tianshan said. “There are witnesses for every single one of them, and it can be verified. Moreover, the leaders of the Forestry Bureau have given him many chances, but he has repeatedly failed to correct his ways. A month ago, he promised the Forestry Bureau that if the success rate in the area he was responsible for reached 8%, he would pass the test, and if it was lower than 8%, he would voluntarily leave Saihanba.”

Yu Zheng looked at Wu Yansheng and asked, "Comrade Wu Yansheng, is there anything else you want to say?"

Wu Yansheng panicked, "Director Yu, I...I admit some of my actions were inappropriate. But I was truly doing it for the job, to ensure the trees survived. I..."

"That's enough." Yu Zheng waved his hand. "Your problem isn't about your methods, it's about your attitude."

Su Ning, standing nearby, added, "Director Yu, I suggest that Wu Yansheng be sent back to school, and all his performance records be transferred to the school. This kind of person is not suitable to work in Saihanba."

"Return it to the school?" Yu Zhenglai hesitated. In his eyes, college students were all treasures. "Isn't this... too much of a burden?"

“It’s not a big deal.” Su Ning said firmly, “Saihanba is a battlefield, and what’s needed are soldiers, not actors. Keeping someone like Wu Yansheng around will only damage the team and affect the overall situation.”

Wu Yansheng panicked completely. "Deputy Director Su, please give me another chance! I will definitely change! I will definitely change!"

Yu Zheng thought for a moment, then sighed, "Comrade Su Ning is right. Wu Yansheng, you should go back. Saihanba is indeed not suitable for you."

Seeing that the matter was settled, Qin Xuemei suddenly stepped forward, "Director Yu, Deputy Director Su, I plead for Wu Yansheng. He's our classmate. Although he has problems, his crime doesn't warrant being sent back to school, does it? Can we give him another chance?"

Meng Yue chimed in, "Yes! Wu Yansheng is very capable professionally, but he has some personality issues. We can help him change."

Su Ning looked at them and said, "Comrades Qin Xuemei and Meng Yue, do you mean that if Wu Yansheng leaves, you will follow him?"

Qin Xuemei was taken aback. "I...I didn't mean that."

"So what do you mean by this?" Su Ning's tone turned stern, hurling accusations one after another. "Are you here to plant trees, or to form cliques? Wu Yansheng has problems, and instead of criticizing him, you plead for him, even threatening the leadership with 'leaving together'? What kind of behavior is this? This is disorganization and lack of discipline!"

Qin Xuemei blushed. "Deputy Director Su, I didn't mean any threat..."

"No threat?" Su Ning stared at her. "So what you just said was, 'If Wu Yansheng leaves, we'll leave too,' right? Let me tell you, Saihanba doesn't lack people, and it certainly doesn't lack people like you who engage in technological bullying and form cliques! You can leave if you want, you can leave today!"

These words were so harsh that both Qin Xuemei and Meng Yue were stunned, their eyes reddening.

Yu Zheng tried to smooth things over, saying, "Comrade Su Ning, don't get so worked up. They're just classmates..."

“Director Yu, friendships cannot supersede principles,” Su Ning said firmly. “I’m making this clear today: Saihanba needs people who are hardworking, capable, and upright. People like Wu Yansheng must be dismissed. Anyone who feels they are not suitable can leave with us. Saihanba does not welcome hypocritical college students!”

The audience was silent.

Wu Yansheng knew there was no hope, so he lowered his head and stopped talking.

Yu Zheng looked at Qu He, who nodded helplessly.

“Then let’s do as Comrade Su Ning suggests.” Yu Zhenglai made the decision. “Wu Yansheng, pack your things and come down the mountain with us today. We will transfer your performance record to the school.”

Wu Yansheng was taken away.

Qin Xuemei and Meng Yue stood there, their faces extremely grim.

They didn't expect Suning to be so ruthless and tough.

But they didn't dare say anything like "let's go together." If they actually left, it would be an admission of hypocrisy and of "technological bullying."

They simply can't afford that hat.

Moreover, deep down, they knew that Su Ning was right.

Wu Yansheng does have problems; they were too concerned about their friendship with their classmates and neglected their principles.

Watching this scene, Engineer Li nodded to Su Ning: "Deputy Director Su, you did the right thing. In forestry, the worst thing is to have people with bad intentions. Trees can be replanted if they die; but if people's hearts are corrupted, they can't be saved."

"Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Li," Su Ning said.

After the inspection, Yu Zheng called Su Ning aside and said, "Su Ning, were you too strict today? You made those two female students' faces turn white."

“Director Yu, there are some things that need to be made clear,” Su Ning said. “Saihanba is such a tough place. If the team is not pure and the hearts are not united, nothing can be accomplished. Why was the Anti-Japanese United Army you were in so difficult back then? Wasn’t it because there were too many scumbags mixed in with the team? Today I’m setting the rules in stone so that no one will dare to challenge them in the future, and only then can we truly work together with one heart.”

“You’re right,” Yu Zhenglai sighed, “but… the method could be gentler.”

“It can’t be softened.” Su Ning shook his head. “On the battlefield, being merciful to the enemy is being cruel to yourself. Saihanba is also a battlefield, and the same principle applies.”

Yu Zhenglai looked at Su Ning and suddenly laughed, "You really have the temperament of a soldier. Alright, this matter is over. Wu Yansheng is gone, and the dam is one less nail, which is a good thing."

“That’s a good thing.” Su Ning nodded. “Now we can plant trees with peace of mind.”

The two walked back to the camp.

Qin Xuemei and Meng Yue were still standing there when they saw Su Ning coming over, so they quickly lowered their heads.

Su Ning glanced at them, said nothing, and walked straight over.

Some lessons must be learned by them.

Some rules must be established from the very beginning.

The road ahead for Saihanba is long; this is just the beginning.

Suning knew that his job was to be a good guide.

Lead this team well, and cultivate this grove of trees.

Let's turn deserts into oases, and let our youth be without regrets.

……

With Wu Yansheng gone, the Saihanba campsite was indeed much quieter.

No one rides a horse and points fingers anymore, no one pulls up other people's saplings, and no one forms cliques or makes strange remarks.

When everyone is working, they just work; when discussing technology, they just discuss technology. It's much simpler now.

But Qin Xuemei and Meng Yue were holding back their anger.

“Deputy Director Su went too far,” Meng Yue said as she dug a hole for him. “In front of so many people, he called us ‘hypocritical college students’ and told us we could ‘leave whenever we wanted.’ Who could stand that?”

Qin Xuemei didn't speak, she just swung the shovel forcefully.

“And then there’s Wu Yansheng,” Meng Yue continued. “He did something wrong, but does that warrant being sent back to school? And having all his past conduct recorded and transferred—isn’t that ruining his future?”

"Stop talking," Qin Xuemei finally spoke up. "What's the use of talking? He's the bureau chief, he has a big mouth, and we can't win an argument with him."

"I'm just so angry." Meng Yue slammed the shovel into the ground. "What's wrong with us college students? We came here in response to the call to action, we also want to contribute to the country. Why are we being treated like this?"

Sui Zhichao leaned closer and said, "Meng Yue, don't be too angry. To be honest, Wu Yansheng really went too far. Although Deputy Director Su is strict, he's right. Saihanba is a place for getting things done, not for playing tricks."

“But he can’t condemn us all with one blow!” Meng Yue protested. “He categorized us all as ‘hypocritical college students,’ that’s not fair!” “Then let’s prove him wrong.” Qin Xuemei straightened up and wiped her sweat. “Let’s plant the trees and make them grow, let’s create an oasis. Then let’s see if he still calls us ‘hypocritical.’”

These words resonated with everyone.

Sui Zhichao nodded, "That's right! Let's put our all into making these trees survive! Let's make some pride for us college students!"

Chengde tough guy Na Da Kui chimed in, "That's right! We're no worse than anyone else!"

Although Yan Xiangli didn't say anything, he clearly became even more enthusiastic about digging the hole.

Shen Mengyin said softly, "But...planting trees is really difficult! Engineer Li said the survival rate is no more than two percent."

"We have to do it, no matter how difficult it is." Qin Xuemei said firmly, "No matter how difficult it is, can it be more difficult than the Red Army's Long March? Can it be more difficult than the Chinese People's Volunteers fighting the American devils? If they can do it, so can we!"

These words boosted morale, and everyone stopped complaining and focused on their work.

But everyone was determined to make a name for themselves in Saihanba and show that the strict Deputy Director Su that they were not "hypocritical college students" but people who were truly there to get things done.

……

The day to send the letter arrived in the blink of an eye.

Due to the inconvenient transportation in Saihanba, letters are usually delivered only once every one or two months.

Every time a message arrived, the camp was like a festival.

That afternoon, Captain Zhao Tianshan returned from the bureau carrying a large bag of letters.

"You've received your letters! You've received your letters!" Zhao Tianshan spread the letters out on the cafeteria table. "Those whose names are called, come and collect them!"

Everyone immediately gathered around excitedly.

"Sui Zhichao! Send three letters!" Zhao Tianshan shouted.

Sui Zhichao ran over excitedly: "One letter for my parents, two for my girlfriend!"

"Meng Yue! Fifteen letters!"

Meng Yue took the letter and knew from the envelope that it was sent by her boyfriend in Wuhan.

"Da Kui! Send one!"

"Ji Xiurong! Two letters!"

"Yan Xiangli! Five letters!"

"Shen Mengyin! Three letters! From Shanghai, her handwriting is so elegant."

Everyone received a letter, and their faces beamed with smiles.

In a harsh place like Saihanba, letters from home are the greatest comfort.

Finally, Zhao Tianshan picked up the last letter: "Qin Xuemei! One letter!"

Qin Xuemei was stunned for a moment; she knew no one would write to her...

After all, her father had remarried and didn't know she was in Saihanba, so it was impossible for him to write to her.

My classmates and friends have all just graduated and gone their separate ways, so they don't have time to write letters.

She walked over with a puzzled look and took the letter.

The handwriting on the envelope was unfamiliar; it wasn't from home or a classmate.

Feng Cheng left dejectedly, but he was already used to it.

His parents died young, and his former lover has also passed away. There is no one left in the world who cares about him, nor is there anyone he cares about.

He will probably never receive a letter from anyone in his lifetime.

Qin Xuemei ran to the laboratory with the letter in her hand, wondering who would write to her?

She carefully opened the letter, and the first line stunned her:
"Xuemei: It's like seeing you in person. I am Wu Yansheng."

Qin Xuemei's heart raced, and she continued reading.

Wu Yansheng wrote a lot in the letter.

It describes his feelings after leaving Saihanba, his longing for Xuemei, and his unrequited love over the years.

"Xuemei, you may not know, but I fell in love with you the first day I saw you in college. You are so outstanding and beautiful, like a pure white snow plum blossom blooming in the deepest part of my heart."

"I'm actually going to Saihanba for you. I knew you were going, so I signed up without hesitation. I want to be with you, to be by your side, and to shelter you from the wind and rain."

"Although I have left Saihanba, my heart is still there, because you are still there. Xuemei, I want to tell you that if you accept me, I will love you for the rest of my life and never leave you. If you do not accept me, I will grow old alone and never talk about love again."

Upon seeing this, Qin Xuemei's tears fell.

She finally understood why Wu Yansheng was so good to her and why he always protected her.

It turns out, he really had always liked me.

At the end of the letter, Wu Yansheng also wrote:
“My father has arranged a new job for me in Beijing. Although I’m leaving the forestry system, I’m still an officer, and my file in Saihanba has been sealed away. No one can access it casually, so it has almost no impact on me. My future is still very promising. Xuemei, if you’re willing, I can find a way to transfer you back to Beijing. It would be great if we could work and live together in Beijing.”

“I know Deputy Director Su has a prejudice against you, but don’t take it to heart. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t understand emotions, doesn’t understand young people, and certainly doesn’t understand science. Don’t let him affect you.”

"Xuemei, I'm waiting for your reply. Whatever decision you make, I will respect it."

After reading the letter, Qin Xuemei cried for a long time.

She was moved by Wu Yansheng's sincerity and deeply touched by his words, "If you don't accept me, I will grow old alone."

She wiped away her tears, took out paper and pen, and began to reply.

"Yansheng: I received your letter and was very touched. I never imagined that you liked me in college. I never imagined that you came to Saihanba for me."

"You said that if I don't accept you, you will grow old alone. How could I bear to let you grow old alone?"

"I accept you. I want to be with you."

As she wrote this, Qin Xuemei blushed.

She bit her lip and continued writing:

"I cannot answer your question about being transferred back to Beijing right now. I want to stay in Saihanba forever and make sure the saplings survive. This is my responsibility and my wish."

"Yansheng, wait for me. We'll discuss the future once things start to look up here."

After writing the letter, Qin Xuemei carefully sealed it and affixed a stamp.

She walked out of the lab with the letter in her hand, feeling both sweet and apprehensive.

……

The atmosphere in the cafeteria, however, was heavy.

Old Wei's hands trembled violently as he held the letter.

The letter was sent from his hometown in Henan Province. It was mailed two months ago and only arrived now.

"Old Wei, what's wrong?" Zhao Tianshan asked.

Old Wei wept uncontrollably, “My mother… my mother is gone. The letter said she passed away two months ago. I… I didn’t even get to see her one last time…”

Everyone was silent.

Zhao Tianshan patted Lao Wei on the shoulder, "Lao Wei, please accept my condolences."

Feng Cheng also comforted him, "Old Wei, try to think more positively."

"Waaah..." Old Wei wiped away his tears, "I always said that once the forests of Saihanba were planted, I would bring her to come and see it. I never thought... I wouldn't live to see it."

These words made everyone feel bad.

Old Wei is a cook; he's been working in the dam area for a year now.

His mother is in his hometown in Henan, and he has always wanted to go back to visit her, but Saihanba is short-staffed, so he is embarrassed to ask for leave.

Little did I know that this delay would be our last.

“Old Wei, you should go back,” Zhao Tianshan said. “Go home and take care of the old man’s funeral arrangements and observe the mourning period.”

"I'm not going back." Old Wei shook his head. "The letter was sent two months ago. If I go back now, I won't be able to catch up with anything. It's hard to be both loyal to my country and filial to my mother. If she knew I was planting trees for the country, she would understand."

He wiped away his tears. "I'm sorry to my mother, but I can't let down the salary the country pays me. I have to keep planting this tree. Besides, I have to support my family; my younger siblings still need me to send money home."

Everyone looked at Lao Wei with a heavy heart.

Feng Cheng was especially saddened. Looking out at the desolate desert, he suddenly didn't know what he was fighting for.

Is it for this desert where crops can never grow?

Or is it for people like Lao Wei who have given up their families, their kinship, and even the chance to see their parents off in their final days, all for a belief that may never be realized?

"Feng Cheng, what's wrong?" Zhao Tianshan asked.

Feng Cheng shook his head. "It's nothing. I was just wondering, is what we're doing worth it?"

“It’s worth it.” Zhao Tianshan said with certainty, “Feng Cheng, think about it. If Saihanba can really become an oasis, block the sandstorms, improve the climate, and allow future generations to live a good life, then all the hardships and toil we have endured today will be worth it.”

"But...can it really become an oasis?" Feng Cheng doubted for the first time. "It's been three or four years, and I haven't even managed to grow a hundred trees."

"Yes, we can." Zhao Tianshan grasped his hand. "We definitely can. As long as we don't give up, we'll be able to one day."

Looking at Zhao Tianshan's determined eyes, Feng Cheng felt a little better.

Perhaps, this is what faith is!
Even knowing it's difficult, we still do it.

Even knowing that failure is possible, we still persevere.

Like Lao Wei, even knowing that he wouldn't be able to attend to the funeral if he went home, he still continued to cook in Bashang.

Like them, knowing that it's difficult to grow even one tree, they still want to plant ten thousand, one hundred thousand, one million trees.

This is probably the spirit of Saihanba—never admitting defeat, never giving up, and never admitting defeat.

As night deepened, Qin Xuemei lay in bed, thinking about Wu Yansheng's letter, feeling a sweet warmth in her heart.

Old Wei was in his dormitory, silently shedding tears as he looked at his mother's photo.

Standing by the nursery, looking at the tenacious saplings, Feng Cheng felt a renewed sense of hope.

Meanwhile, in his office at the Weichang Forestry Bureau, Su Ning was studying a new report about the possibility of introducing drought-resistant tree species.

Everyone has their own worries and their own beliefs.

But the goal is the same: to turn this desert green.

Let this land be reborn.

...(End of chapter)