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A special person also came to deliver the supplies this time: Old Liu, the cook from the Forestry Bureau's canteen.

Old Liu is in his fifties and is a long-time employee of the bureau.

He came up here mainly to see Feng Cheng.

"Feng Cheng! Feng Cheng!" Old Liu shouted as soon as he got out of the car.

Feng Cheng ran over from the nursery, "Master Liu? What brings you up here?"

"I brought you some good food!" Old Liu unloaded several large bags from the car. "Your aunt made this for you: cured meat, pickled vegetables, and fried noodles. Enough to last you all winter!"

Feng Cheng was very touched. "Master Liu, thank you so much. You went to all this way to deliver it."

"Don't mention it." Old Liu patted him on the shoulder. "You're all alone on the dam, who else would care if we didn't?"

Then he looked at Feng Cheng, and then at the college students around him, "Feng Cheng, have you settled your personal life yet?"

"Personal issues?" Feng Cheng was taken aback. "What personal issues?"

"It's about finding a partner!" Old Liu said. "You're twenty-eight already, it's time to settle down. Look at these college students, is there anyone you like?"

Feng Cheng was somewhat amused and exasperated. "Master Liu, I'm focused on planting trees right now, I haven't thought about those things."

"How can that be?" Old Liu exclaimed anxiously. "Settle down and start a family first, then build a career. Your father married your mother before you were born. You can't stay a bachelor your whole life!"

“I’ve found a girl I like down below the dam. She’s beautiful. She’s well-built, has a big bottom, and looks like she’ll be able to bear children. If you agree, I’ll send the betrothal gifts over another day, and they’ll send the girl up to you. You can consummate your marriage that very night.”

Feng Cheng quickly waved his hand, "No, no, no, Master Liu, please don't do anything rash. I really have no intention of getting married right now."

"Why?" Old Liu asked, puzzled. "Have you taken a fancy to these female college students? Let me tell you, college students won't do. They're too thin and don't have the strength to work. You need to marry a strong woman who can work and have children."

“It’s not a matter of whether I like it or not,” Feng Cheng explained. “Master Liu, my father gave his life for this land and for the war against Japan. Now I just want to fulfill his last wish and make the trees survive. I really have no other thoughts.”

Old Liu fell silent when Feng Cheng mentioned his father.

Feng Cheng's father, Captain Feng, was a veteran leader of the local Anti-Japanese United Army. He died young while fighting against the despicable Japanese devils, and his head was chopped off by those damned Japanese devils.

Old Liu was Captain Feng's old subordinate, and they had a deep bond.

At first, I didn't like Feng Cheng, but after hearing about his relationship with Captain Feng, I started to treat Feng Cheng like my own son.

“Your father…” Old Liu sighed, “If your father knew you were like this now, he would be both happy and heartbroken. Happy that you have inherited his business, but heartbroken that you have suffered so much.”

“I’m not suffering,” Feng Cheng said. “Planting trees on the dam is my parents’ wish, and it’s also my wish. Master Liu, I appreciate your kindness, but let’s talk about getting married later.”

Looking at Feng Cheng's determined eyes, Old Liu knew he couldn't persuade him otherwise.

"Alright... Since you've made up your mind, I won't force you. But remember, if anything happens, you must tell me. Your father is gone, but I am your father now. I absolutely cannot let you suffer any injustice."

"I know, Master Liu." Feng Cheng's eyes were a little red. "Thank you."

Old Liu patted him on the shoulder and turned to help unload the goods.

Feng Cheng felt a warmth in his heart as he watched his retreating figure.

He knew that Old Liu was genuinely good to him.

Ever since he learned that his father was Captain Feng, Old Liu had treated him like his own son.

He kept this kindness in his heart.

But right now, all he really wants to do is plant trees.

There's no time to worry about anything else.

After the supplies were unloaded, the truck was about to head down the mountain.

Before leaving, Old Liu told Feng Cheng, "Take good care of yourself. Eat and drink well. I'll come see you again next spring."

"Take care on your journey." Feng Cheng waved goodbye.

The truck drove away.

The dam area has returned to calm.

With four more people, the campsite became a bit more lively.

Ji Xiurong worked very diligently, sweeping snow, heating the kang (a traditional heated brick bed), and helping in the kitchen, without stopping for a moment.

Da Kui followed behind her, wanting to help but afraid of bothering her.

Shen Mengyin and Sui Zhichao quickly integrated and worked alongside everyone.

Seeing all this, Su Ning felt a little comforted.

Although there were four more people, supplies became even more scarce.

But with many people, there's strength, and winter will be easier to endure.

Little did Suning know that this winter would be more difficult than they imagined.

The preparations I made couldn't prevent unexpected situations...

Are those people in the camp ready?

Winter has arrived in Saihanba.

The real test for these people has only just begun.

……

As winter deepens, the work on the dam continues.

Meng Yue and Qin Xuemei were responsible for processing the new batch of seeds delivered from the dam area.

Following the method they had learned, they put the seeds into cloth bags and buried them in the snow to preserve them.

This allows the seeds to complete vernalization at low temperatures, increasing the germination rate.

"The seeds need to be stored for more than 30 days," Qin Xuemei said while burying them. "When they are taken out in the spring, they can be sown directly, which will greatly improve the survival rate."

"I hope it will work," Meng Yue said. "The survival rate of the trees we planted is too low. If we don't improve our methods, we really won't be able to explain ourselves."

Ji Xiurong took over Yan Xiangli's job and was in charge of meteorological observation.

She records the temperature, humidity, and wind speed twice a day, morning and evening.

Although I felt very upset, I worked very hard.

"Today's low temperature is -35 degrees Celsius, with a northwest wind of level 4," she wrote neatly in her notebook. "The temperature is expected to drop further tomorrow."

Zhao Tianshan led everyone in physical exercise, and every morning at six o'clock sharp, they would gather together by blowing a whistle.

"Come out, everyone! Get some exercise! Health is the foundation of everything. How can we plant trees if we freeze?"

Although everyone was shivering from the cold, they all obediently came out and followed Zhao Tianshan to run and do exercises.

After running a few laps, I felt warm and didn't feel so cold anymore.

"Captain, your method really works!" Sui Zhichao said, panting. "After running, I feel warm all over."

“Of course,” Zhao Tianshan said. “When I was in the army, we trained like this in winter. The colder it was, the more we had to move, and that would warm us up.”

Although the weather is getting colder and the environment is getting harsher every day, everyone's spirits are getting higher and higher.

Perhaps it was the cold that actually fueled my fighting spirit.

"We can't let this little bit of cold weather bring us down!" Da Kui often said this.

"Yes! We must overcome the cold and grow a forest!" Shen Mengyin was also very enthusiastic.

Seeing all this, Su Ning felt very gratified.

These young people definitely have a strong competitive spirit.

……

That day, Chef Wei announced that he would improve the meals.

"We're making dumplings today!" Old Wei said. "I brought flour, pork, and cabbage from down below the dam. Let's have a good meal!"

"Making dumplings?" Everyone was excited.

In a place like Saihanba, being able to eat dumplings is a big deal.

Flour is precious, and pork is even more precious; we can't usually afford to eat it.

"I'll knead the dough!" Sui Zhichao volunteered.

"I'll chop the filling!" Da Kui rolled up his sleeves.

"I'll roll out the dough!" Ji Xiurong said enthusiastically.

The girls washed and chopped vegetables, while the boys kneaded dough and minced meat. The canteen was bustling with activity, just like during the Chinese New Year.

Suning also got involved; he was in charge of making dumplings.

To my surprise, he wrapped them quickly and well, making each dumpling look like a neat little ingot.

"Deputy Director Su, you can make dumplings too?" Qin Xuemei was very surprised.

"I learned it in the army," Su Ning said. "During holidays, the army would make dumplings. I've been doing it for over ten years."

Everyone chatted while wrapping the food, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

The dumplings are cooked and served piping hot.

Everyone sat together, looking at the table full of dumplings, and couldn't help but swallow their saliva.

"Wait!" Meng Yue suddenly said, "Today is a day brimming with revolutionary youthful energy. I propose that everyone must recite a line of poetry before we can eat dumplings!"

"Recite poetry?" Sui Zhichao scratched his head. "I can't."

"Just say whatever you feel," Meng Yue said. "I'll go first... 'The wind and snow are cold on Saihanba, but youthful passion turns into spring!'"

"Great!" Everyone applauded.

When it was Sui Zhichao's turn: "I... let me think... 'Dumplings smell delicious, they warm the whole body!'"

"Haha, is this considered poetry?" Shen Mengyin laughed at him.

"Why doesn't it count? It rhymes!" Sui Zhichao protested.

Then everyone spoke.

Na Da Kui said, "Planting trees is not difficult; we will surely turn the desert into green mountains."

Ji Xiurong said, "Although winter is cold, there is warmth in my heart."

Shen Mengyin said, "Southern girls are not afraid of hardship, and they are busy planting trees in Saihanba."

When it was Qin Xuemei's turn, she thought for a moment and said, "The plum blossoms proudly in the cold, dedicating her youth to the frontier."

"Well said!" everyone praised.

Finally, it was Feng Cheng's turn.

Feng Cheng waved his hand, "I'll pass, you guys eat."

"No, no!" Meng Yue insisted. "Everyone has to speak! Feng Cheng, you're a veteran, you have to set an example!"

"I really don't know how..." Feng Cheng said, looking troubled.

"Say anything you like," Zhao Tianshan said. "Old Feng, don't spoil the fun."

Feng Cheng thought for a moment, took a deep breath, and slowly recited:
Why are my eyes always filled with tears?
Because I love this land so deeply.

This is a poem by Ai Qing.

Feng Cheng recited it very slowly and with great emotion.

He thought of his three years of dedication to this land, of his deceased lover, and of his unfulfilled dreams, and his eyes truly welled up with tears.

Everyone fell silent, deeply moved by Feng Cheng's affection.

"Okay..." After a long while, Meng Yue said softly, "Feng Cheng, you're absolutely right."

"Let's eat dumplings," Feng Cheng said, lowering his head.

Everyone picked up their chopsticks, ready to start eating.

At this moment, Qin Xuemei suddenly said, "Wait, there's one more person we haven't mentioned yet."

"Who is it?" Sui Zhichao asked. "Deputy Director Su." Qin Xuemei looked at Su Ning, "Deputy Director Su, why don't you say something too?"

Everyone looked at Suning.

Many people actually think that Su Ning, being a former soldier, might be uneducated like Zhao Tianshan and unable to compose poetry.

That's why no one mentioned him earlier, not wanting to embarrass him, after all, Su Ning is their top leader.

But Qin Xuemei and Meng Yue insisted on bringing it up, clearly to retaliate against Suning.

Meng Yue chimed in, "Yes, Deputy Director Su, you should say something too. You're the leader, you should set an example."

Su Ning glanced at them, knowing they wanted to see him make a fool of himself.

But he wasn't angry. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Okay, then I'll write one on the spot."

He put down his chopsticks, pondered for a moment, and then slowly spoke:
"The desert sands stretch to the horizon, where youthful passion and blood have been poured out."

With a shovel, a thousand layers of soil are stirred up, and saplings are planted, adding ten thousand points of green.

Fearless of bitter cold and scorching heat, my will is even stronger amidst swirling winds and snow.

When spring returns next year and the weather warms, we will be delighted to see Saihanba transformed into green mountains.

After the poem was finished, the cafeteria fell silent.

Everyone stared at Su Ning in shock.

They never expected that a deputy director with a military background could write such a good poem on the spot.

“Deputy Director Su…you…” Qin Xuemei opened her mouth, not knowing what to say.

"Everyone, hurry up and eat your dumplings! They won't taste good if they clump together." Su Ning picked up her chopsticks and took a dumpling.

Everyone then realized what was happening and picked up their chopsticks.

But everyone has a new understanding of Suning.

This Deputy Director Su is no ordinary person.

……

While eating dumplings, Meng Yue and the other girls huddled together and whispered among themselves.

“Look at Feng Cheng, his hair is so long, and he has a scraggly beard. He looks like a wild man,” Meng Yue whispered.

“Yes! He’s a pretty handsome young man, he’d definitely look better if he dressed up,” Shen Mengyin said.

"How about... we get him drunk today and help him clean up?" Ji Xiurong suggested.

"Get them drunk? How?" Qin Xuemei asked.

“Drink with him!” Meng Yue said. “When a girl offers him a drink, he’ll feel awkward refusing. If he drinks a few more times, he’ll get drunk, right?”

After discussing it, the group decided it was feasible.

So, Meng Yue raised her glass and said, "Feng Cheng, let me toast you. Thank you for taking care of us all this time."

Feng Cheng quickly stood up. "Meng Yue, you're too kind."

"I'll drink it all, you can drink as you like." Meng Yue downed her drink in one gulp.

Feng Cheng felt bad about not drinking, so he downed it.

Then, Shen Mengyin also raised her glass, "Feng Cheng, I'd like to toast you too. You taught me a lot in Bashang."

"Of course." Feng Cheng drank another cup.

Ji Xiurong, Qin Xuemei... the girls took turns toasting.

Feng Cheng felt embarrassed to refuse and drank one cup after another.

He wasn't a good drinker to begin with, and after only a few drinks, his face turned red and he started slurring his words.

"I...I can't go on..." Feng Cheng waved his hand.

"The last cup!" Meng Yue refilled the glass. "Feng Cheng, this cup is a toast to your deep affection for Saihanba!"

Looking at the glass of wine, Feng Cheng recalled the poem he had just recited, and his heart warmed. He took the glass and said, "Good! For Saihanba!"

Drink it all in one gulp.

After finishing the drink, he was completely exhausted; his body slumped to the side and he collapsed onto the table.

"I'm drunk!" Shen Mengyin said.

"Quickly, help him back inside," Qin Xuemei said.

Na Da Kui and Sui Zhichao quickly helped Feng Cheng back to his dormitory and put him on the bed.

Su Ning and Zhao Tianshan both saw through the college student's intentions, but they exchanged a half-smile and did not stop him.

"What do we do next?" Sui Zhichao asked.

"You all get out, we girls will handle this." Meng Yue shooed all the boys out.

The girls took out scissors, combs, and razors, ready to "make up" Feng Cheng.

"Let's cut hair first," Qin Xuemei said. "Who will do it?"

Everyone looked at each other, but no one moved.

“I don’t know how!” Shen Mengyin said. “I’ve never cut anyone’s hair before.”

"I don't know either," Ji Xiurong shook her head.

Meng Yue picked up the scissors, hesitated for a long time, and didn't dare to cut. "How...how do I cut this?"

Seeing their reaction, Qin Xuemei took the scissors and said, "Let me do it."

"You can?" Meng Yue asked.

"Give it a try," Qin Xuemei said. "I've cut the hair of Wangcai, the dog in our village, before."

"Pfft... Xuemei, you're so mean."

"Hmph! Actually, I'd rather give Director Su a haircut, a full shaved head."

"That's right! I believe there will definitely be opportunities in the future."

Qin Xuemei carefully cut the scissors, trimming little by little.

The other girls watched from the sidelines, not daring to utter a sound.

After getting a haircut, I shaved my beard.

This is even more difficult. Although Feng Cheng is drunk, he can still move, and he might accidentally scratch his face.

“I’ll do it.” Ji Xiurong picked up the razor. “I’m the one who shaved my dad’s beard.”

Ji Xiurong carefully applied soap suds and gently scraped.

Feng Cheng frowned slightly in his sleep, but did not wake up.

After working for almost an hour, I finally finished.

The girls were stunned by Feng Cheng's completely transformed appearance.

"This...this is Feng Cheng?" Shen Mengyin couldn't believe it.

"The changes are tremendous!" Meng Yue exclaimed.

"So energetic!" Ji Xiurong exclaimed.

His long hair was now a neat short haircut, and his beard was cleanly shaved.

Feng Cheng's features were revealed: thick eyebrows, a high nose, thin lips, and sharp angles.

Although he's tanned, he's really handsome.

"Wow, Feng Cheng is so handsome! He's no less handsome than Director Su!" Meng Yue exclaimed.

“That’s right! With a little tidying up, they’re just as good as our college students,” said Qin Xuemei.

Then they covered Feng Cheng with a blanket and quietly left.

……

The next morning, Feng Cheng woke up with a splitting headache.

He sat up and felt something was wrong; he felt a chill somewhere.

I suddenly touched my hair and realized it was shorter.

He touched his chin again; the beard was gone.

"What's going on?" He quickly got out of bed and found a broken mirror.

He almost didn't recognize the person in the mirror.

"This...this is me?"

Just as he was standing there dumbfounded, Zhao Tianshan pushed the door open and came in: "Old Feng, what should we do... eh?"

Zhao Tianshan was also stunned, looking Feng Cheng up and down: "You...who are you?"

"Captain, it's me, Feng Cheng."

"Feng Cheng?" Zhao Tianshan walked closer and exclaimed, "My God, it really is you! How... how did you become like this?"

"I don't know either." Feng Cheng smiled wryly. "I got drunk last night, and this is how I was when I woke up this morning."

Zhao Tianshan laughed heartily, "Great news! Look how energetic you are! Now that's good, no one will call you a savage anymore!"

As the two were talking, the others came over.

Everyone was stunned when they saw Feng Cheng.

"Feng Cheng? Is it really Feng Cheng?" Sui Zhichao couldn't believe it.

"You look pretty handsome after you've tidied yourself up," said Da Kui.

The girls were also peeking in from outside the door, secretly laughing.

Feng Cheng was a little embarrassed and angry. "Who did this? Who cut my hair?"

"I don't know!" Meng Yue feigned ignorance. "Maybe you cut it yourself last night?"

"How can I cut my hair if I'm drunk?" Feng Cheng didn't believe it.

“That’s what the Snail Fairy cut,” Shen Mengyin said with a smile.

Feng Cheng had no choice but to let it go, since he couldn't do anything about it.

But from that day on, the people on the dam stopped calling him "Old Feng" and started calling him "Comrade Little Feng".

Although Feng Cheng was angry, he was actually quite happy inside.

Looking at his clean and neat appearance in the mirror, he felt that he did look much more energetic.

Perhaps it's time to change things up and start afresh.

Just like Saihanba, although it is a desert now, it will one day become an oasis.

The same applies to people; as long as they don't give up, they will always be renewed.

Winter continues, but the atmosphere in Bashang has become much more relaxed because of this "renovation".

Looking at the completely transformed Feng Cheng, everyone felt that this winter might not be so hard to endure.

As long as we are united and persevere.

Even the coldest winter will eventually pass.

Even the toughest hurdles can be overcome.

This is the spirit of Saihanba.

This is the most valuable asset of this group of young people.

...(End of chapter)