Era: I was a farmer at the foot of Yaoling Mountain

1 jin of [NX-232] seeds were sold for 25 yuan, and all the money was given to the Yao village.

At this point, the Xiatang Brigade announces that all [NX-232] flue-cured tobacco seeds are sold out, and there is no need to inquire further.

After finishing this matter, Fang Wei finally had time to go and take a look at the pig farm.

"Hey, Party Secretary, the sows at the pig farm have already given birth to piglets, why have you only come to check on them after all this time?"

When Fifth Uncle saw Fang Wei, he looked resentful.

He felt that Fang Wei no longer cared about the pig farm, otherwise why wouldn't he come to check on it for so long?
"I'm sorry, Fifth Uncle, I've been so busy lately, that's why I'm here."

Knowing his fifth uncle's personality, Fang Wei quickly apologized, and the other man's expression immediately softened.

He then toured the pig farm, which was bustling with activity again. Piglets began to be born in November of last year, bringing the total number of piglets to 1978.

Currently, the pig farm has 260 pregnant sows, 90 adult pigs, and 1978 piglets, totaling 2348 pigs.

"The number of pigs in the pig farm is a bit low, especially since there aren't enough pigs for the Lunar New Year this year. But we'll be able to recover in a few months once the piglets have grown up."

Uncle Wu said that last year, the main reason for the sharp decline in the number of pigs was the sale of a large number of improved breeds.

This batch of piglets will reach market weight in April or May of this year, and a new batch of piglets will be born by the end of May at the latest, which will significantly increase the number of pigs in the pig farm.

Fang Wei was also helpless because the team needed a lot of funds, so there was less material to allocate.

However, these are all temporary phenomena, and things will get better after this phase.

Two days later, he called the regional tobacco bureau and reported to the leader who had come last time, detailing the estimated planting area for the next season's [NX-232] flue-cured tobacco, which was approximately 20 mu.

The planting area far exceeded the leader's expectations. On the phone, the other party kept praising Fang Wei.

After all, growing flue-cured tobacco is different from growing staple food, and 20 mu is already a very large number.

After hanging up the phone, Fang Wei breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed he had completed the task assigned to him. However, maintaining the planting area for [NX-232] would be difficult; he would have to wait and see.

Two days passed.

Fang Tingting suddenly rushed back from the county, and the first thing she did upon entering the village was to go find Fang Wei.

"What's wrong, Tingting? Is something the matter that's causing you such a rush?"

"Manman, the factory is sending me to the regional cigarette factory for training. Aren't you surprised? When I heard the news today, I was completely stunned. Everyone said I'm so lucky."

Tingting is more lively than her brother, but also more naive.

Fang Wei didn't think much of it at first, but when he heard Tingting say that the factory manager had specifically asked her to go, he realized something was wrong.

A young woman who had only been working for a short time was not yet on the factory leaders' radar. The fact that the factory leaders specifically requested her to go for training must have been for a reason.

Thinking back to the fact that he had called the leaders of the local tobacco bureau just two days ago, he had some vague suspicions in his mind.

"Go there and study hard, okay?"

Fang Wei didn't say anything else, but offered a few words of encouragement to his niece.

Tingting then went inside to find a lotus flower. She and her aunt had a very good relationship and could talk endlessly with each other.

When it was time to eat, Tingting got up and left, refusing to eat there no matter what she was asked. Tian Guihua had cooked at home, and if she didn't go back to eat, she would definitely get scolded.

"Tingting is doing quite well at work; I heard the boss values ​​her a lot."

During the meal, Pan Lianhua mentioned Tingting's recent study trip and expressed her happiness for her.

They said that after the New Year, we would have to go to the region for a six-month training period. During this six-month period, we would stay at the regional cigarette factory, which meant that we wouldn't be able to go home for six months.

"It's good. Without the attention of leaders, you can only be a worker for life."

Fang Wei didn't say much. Right now, everything was still just his speculation, and there was no point in saying more.

The next day, the leader from the local tobacco bureau called, and after chatting for a while, he brought up Fang Tingting.

"I heard your niece is doing well at the county cigarette factory, so I was thinking of having her come to the regional cigarette factory for some training. If she likes it here, I can let her stay in the region. The key is whether you're willing to let her go."

This leader's surname is Zhu, and his given name is Zhu Minghui. He is the deputy director of the regional tobacco bureau.

Fang Wei never expected the other party to do this. Even though he had completed the promotion of [NX-232] without fail, it shouldn't have required the other party to do such a big favor behind the scenes.

"Thank you for your concern, sir! To be honest, I'm a little flattered. I wonder if there's anything I can do for you?"

"You're too kind, aren't you? But I like your straightforward personality. Secretary Fang, are you confident in developing a tobacco variety with higher yields?"

Zhu Minghui didn't mince words and directly stated his intentions.

This time, he promoted the [NX-232] tobacco variety, which received high praise and earned him an award. Since his current position is due to retire in two or three years, he needs to achieve even greater success to advance his career.

He had reviewed Fang Wei's resume and was deeply impressed by the remarkable achievements Fang Wei had made in agricultural breeding.

Since the other party can produce such an excellent tobacco variety as [NX-232], is it possible that they can produce even better varieties in the future?
He was looking forward to it.

Through Fang Tingting's incident, Zhu Minghui took the initiative to show goodwill towards Fang Wei, which was only the first step.

"I can't guarantee anything about this. Give me two years to try, and I can only say that I will do my best."

Fang Wei was still concerned about his niece's future, and he could sense that Zhu Minghui had no ill intentions towards him.

Although breeding is troublesome, it is not difficult for him.

It simply involves extensive screening. After selecting satisfactory varieties, planting them for one or two consecutive seasons will yield satisfactory seeds.

With the attribute bonuses, it's that awesome!

But he doesn't make absolute statements; he always leaves himself room for maneuver.

"Very good! As expected of Secretary Fang who came up with the Nanguang series. Here's what I'll give you: three years. I hope you can achieve something."

Furthermore, Fang Tingting's matter is unrelated to what we're discussing. Regardless of whether you succeed or not, I will help her with anything she needs.

Zhu Minghui was very pleased and placed high hopes on Fang Wei.

Moreover, he was very good at interpersonal relationships. Not only did he not use Fang Tingting to blackmail her, but he also promised to help her unconditionally.

"Thank you for your kind words, leader! I will work hard."

Fang Wei expressed her opinion, and the two then ended the call.

He didn't actually have many thoughts about it, and Zhu Minghui's actions did not arouse his resentment.

"In that case, we need to add another experimental field specifically for screening tobacco varieties."

After thinking it over, Fang Wei decided to conduct the screening experiment in the Yao village in order to avoid attracting attention.

the next day.

He went to the Yao village and discussed the spring planting production plan with Wang Songlin and others.

"We will continue to cultivate the [Nongyou 58] rice variety in Zhai Village. This rice variety has obvious advantages and is currently only produced in Zhai Village. In addition, I need 10 mu of dry land as an experimental field to try to cultivate new tobacco varieties."

Fang Wei is the head of the Yao village, and his word is law, so it is more appropriate for him to try to cultivate new tobacco varieties here.

The tobacco industry is very special. If you can maintain a good relationship with the tobacco bureau, then there are no restrictions on the planting of flue-cured tobacco.

Also, the current production volume of the [NX-232] is still somewhat low.

"The planting of cash crops is the same as in previous years: one season of peanuts, one season of soybeans, and one season of flue-cured tobacco."

The next step is to arrange a planting plan for cash crops. In fact, flue-cured tobacco can also be planted twice a year, as the local climate and natural conditions are not a problem.

However, continuous cultivation of tobacco fields can easily lead to root and stem diseases, so local areas generally practice crop rotation, planting only one season of tobacco per year.

"Does anyone have any further questions? If not, then it's settled."

Fang Wei finalized the production plan for spring planting and then adjourned the meeting.

In fact, the mountains are more suitable for growing flue-cured tobacco. Without the attribute bonus, the flue-cured tobacco produced in Yao Village would be of better quality than that from Xiatang Brigade.

"Third Brother, don't rush off. Let's have a few drinks tonight."

Every time Wang Songlin saw Fang Wei, he would urge him to drink, because Fang Wei had one good point about drinking: he never forced anyone to drink, and Fang Wei could drink as much as he wanted.

Fang Wei also wanted to talk to him about the experimental field, so he agreed.

“Songlin, when the time comes, you select a few people, and I will teach them tobacco variety breeding techniques.”

The two then went to Wang Songlin's house, where his wife cooked several dishes, and the two of them chatted and drank together.

Fang Wei brought up the experimental field and his plan to train several talents.

The mountains are really suitable for growing tobacco, and the [NX-232] flue-cured tobacco produced in the Yao village has received widespread praise.

He needed someone to take charge of his experimental fields on the mountain, which is why he said that. "It would be their good fortune to learn your skills, Third Brother. Leave this to me, and I'll send someone to learn from you after the New Year."

No matter what happens, Wang Songlin will always unconditionally support Fang Wei.

"Okay, we'll talk about it later."

Once Fang Wei had confirmed the matter of the experimental field, he stopped arguing.

Ultimately, this was just a minor matter; his main focus was still on cultivating rice varieties.

The next day.

Fang Wei went straight home after coming down from the mountain.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, he went home and called up Pan Lianhua to go to the county town.

Pan Lianhua took a fancy to a tabletop radio, but hesitated to buy it. Fang Wei asked why, since the radio didn't require a ration coupon due to its price.

"I brought enough money. If you like it, we can buy it."

There's a transistor radio at home, which my grandfather usually uses to listen to the news and weather forecast.

This desktop radio not only has more powerful functions, but it also serves as a decorative piece in the home, making it very pleasing to the eye.

Fang Wei kept persuading Pan Lianhua, and finally the two reached an agreement: buy it!
A radio like this costs over a hundred yuan. No wonder they don't require a ticket; it's far too expensive.

Buying such a large item was quite troublesome, and the two of them didn't rush to pick it up because they still needed to buy other things.

Fang Wei went outside and called the brigade, asking Zheng Hu to send a tractor to pick him up.

Afterwards, he and Pan Lianhua bought new duvet covers, pillows, and sheets, and also bought candy, melon seeds, sesame balls, and glutinous rice strips.

The couple needed to replace their pot, so they went and bought a large pot, along with salt and other seasonings.

After the team's tractor arrived, the two took their belongings and returned home.

"Lotus, Third Brother, you bought such a big radio? Will this one be easier to use? My little one often can't get any stations."

Grandpa was very interested in the radio he had bought and kept circling around it.

Fang Wei cleaned the top of the dresser, then placed the radio on it, plugged it in, and soon a piece of opera music came out of the radio.

It's an excerpt from "Shajiabang," which is what my grandfather loved to listen to.

Pan Lianhua gave Xiaobao a piece of candy. The little guy had the candy in his mouth, but his eyes were fixed on the bag in her hand.

"Little Bao, you can have the rest of the candy for the New Year."

Pan Lianhua put away the candy, melon seeds, and other things without hesitation. Xiao Bao was relatively well-behaved, but if Da Bao saw them, he would definitely steal them.

"Lotus, have you two had lunch yet?"

It was already afternoon, and the two of them hadn't had lunch yet, only some snacks in the county town.

The older sister quickly went to cook rice noodles for the two of them; it was already this late, so they just needed to eat a little something.

After finishing their rice, Fang Wei and Pan Lianhua went to the brigade headquarters and the bamboo ware factory, respectively.

The bamboo ware factory currently has no backlog of orders, and its production capacity has been greatly enhanced since the introduction of several new machines.

Of course, this is the perception of Fang Ping and others.

In fact, ever since Fang Wei designated the [Bamboo Ware Factory], the workers' skills have improved, the machinery and equipment have been operating at their best, and even Lin Hanyang has been constantly inspired in terms of design.

This is the power of attribute bonuses: increased labor productivity, improved yield rate, and almost monthly best-selling products.

Last year, the bamboo ware factory achieved a net profit of 195 million yuan, once again breaking the factory's record.

Fang Wei came to the office to pick up the newspaper. There weren't many documents available before the New Year, so he just habitually came over for a quick look around.

"Manman, I'm back."

Fang Wei was in the office for a while, looking down at the newspaper, when he heard Fang Tao's voice.

Fang Tao has family visit leave, which he can use during the Chinese New Year.

"Tao Tao is back! Come on, let's go home and chat."

Fang Wei was very happy to see his nephew. He then put away the newspaper and returned home with Fang Tao.

The older sister brewed a pot of tea and brought it over. Fang Tao drank the tea while talking about his work.

"I have now been assigned to the hybrid rice breeding research group, where we will focus on tackling the challenges of selecting hybrid rice breeding materials."

"Manman, your Nanguang series is also part of our research, and even your 'Hybrid Rice Breeding Technology Handbook' is an important reference book for us."

After joining the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fang Tao initially did odd jobs before recently being assigned to a research group.

Perhaps it's a coincidence, but he's now also working on breeding, specifically hybrid rice breeding.

Currently, many institutions across the country are researching hybrid rice, with the provincial agricultural research institute being a leader in this field.

"So we're in the same industry now? Tao Tao, work hard at your job, you're sure to achieve great things."

However, hybrid rice breeding requires patience and perseverance, especially in the selection of materials and varieties, which necessitates repeated comparative experiments.

The uncle and nephew now had something in common to talk about, and they chatted on and on.

When Pan Lianhua returned, the two were still discussing breeding matters.

"I'll go call my older brother and sister-in-law and ask them to come over for dinner."

Pan Lianhua then gave her sister a few instructions before calling Tian Guihua and Fang Ping over for dinner.

"Tao Tao, have you applied for housing?"

During the meal, Fang Wei asked Tao Tao about the room allocation issue.

Currently, workplaces implement a housing allocation system, but young people who have just started working generally find it difficult to get housing, or even if they do, the conditions are not good.

"We've already applied. My workplace needs to see our marriage certificate. Xiaoya and I plan to get the certificate after the New Year. I think we'll be able to get a large single room."

Tao Tao said that the housing conditions at the Academy of Agricultural Sciences are considered good. Young people who have just joined can get a large one-bedroom apartment if they get married.

Although it's only one room, it's quite spacious, measuring over 20 square meters. In addition, there's a separate kitchen and bathroom; the conditions are quite good.

Fang Ping and Tian Guihua were also concerned about this issue, and they were relieved to hear what Tao Tao said.

Fang Wei nodded and said nothing more.

Tao Tao's path will become wider and wider in the future. After all, the urban-rural gap will exist for a long time to come, and he will have better development opportunities. Of course, there is no need to stay in the countryside.

"Mom, when is Tingting coming back?"

Fang Tao turned and chatted with his parents for a few words, then asked his younger sister.

"She's coming back tomorrow and can stay a few more days at home for the Spring Festival. After the holiday, she'll be going to the region for training. Tao Tao, how long will you be staying this time?"

“My family visit leave is 20 days in total, so I can stay a little longer. Tingting’s workplace is pretty good. They sent her out for training not long after she joined, so maybe she’ll have a chance to become a cadre in the future.”

At this point, both Fang Ping and Tian Guihua couldn't help but look at Fang Wei.

They, including Fang Tingting, realized afterward that there is no such thing as love without a reason in this world, and there must be someone taking care of things behind the scenes.

Later, they heard that Fang Wei's [NX-232] tobacco variety had passed the national evaluation and received unanimous praise from the review committee.

Then, recalling the sudden visit of the regional tobacco bureau leaders, they naturally understood the mystery behind it.

Fang Tao, unaware of this, was secretly rejoicing that his sister had found a good job.

Had a meal.

The eldest brother and his family of three went back home; they still had many things to discuss. Parents also have to worry about their children's weddings, contributing money and effort; it's a very important event.

Fang Wei took a storybook and read two stories to the two children. Then Pan Lianhua took the two little ones to wash up and settled them down for bed.

Xiao Bao still sleeps with his older sister, while Da Bao sleeps alone.

After taking care of the two little ones, Fang Wei and Pan Lianhua finally had time to sit down and chat.

"Third Brother, will Tingting really stay in Xiangling City from now on?"

Pan Lianhua remembered what the man had said: that Tingting had a chance to stay in the region, which meant staying at the Xiangling City Cigarette Factory.

It would be great to go there; it's better than staying in a small county town.

A comparison with her brother Fang Tao reveals that the bigger the city, the more opportunities there are. Pan Lianhua genuinely hopes her niece will have a good life. (End of Chapter)