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

Putting down the newspaper, Fang Wei suddenly had an inspiration and began to write down a title: "Protecting the Seeds of Tradition is Urgent".

Being elected as a national representative is certainly an honor, but he also needs to do some practical work and offer suggestions for economic development. He had previously written many reports that reflected profound issues and had been praised at numerous meetings.

Fang Wei couldn't sit still any longer. But having this topic wasn't enough; he needed to conduct research, otherwise it would just be wishful thinking.

the next day.

He took two drivers and began conducting research in his own county and surrounding counties and cities, and even went to other agriculturally developed provinces to conduct research.

After the trip, he gathered a lot of detailed data and worried that many "old seeds" would gradually disappear in the future.

This investigation report took quite a long time to complete, with breaks and revisions, and it wasn't until just before the Mid-Autumn Festival that it was sent to Beijing.

At this time, news came from Xiangshan that the negotiations between the Electrical Appliances Group and Cheng Loong Holdings were nearing completion. Both parties agreed that Cheng Loong Holdings would invest HK$7000 in the Electrical Appliances Group, acquiring a 20% stake in the company.

“Secretary Fang, when the company changes its status, it will become a Sino-Hong Kong joint venture. There’s no room for negotiation on that. However, because the foreign investment is relatively small, the company may not be able to obtain some preferential policies.”

Zhang Wenyuan returned to the cooperative with the draft contract, which needed the cooperative's approval to take effect.

Subsequently, the electrical appliance group company became a joint venture between the Yaoling Agricultural Cooperative and Zhenglong Holdings Group. The cooperative had full authority over the operation and management, while Zhenglong Holdings enjoyed the right to receive dividends and make recommendations.

In modern corporate terms, this means the cooperative holds a controlling stake.

"Old Zhang, go home and rest. I will hold a council meeting first thing tomorrow morning. You can explain the terms of the contract to everyone at the meeting."

Fang Wei glanced at it and felt that there was no major problem.

However, such important matters must be reviewed by the council and approved by the council before the contract can be formally signed.

"Okay, I'll come earlier tomorrow."

Zhang Wenyuan put down the draft contract and left the office.

The next day.

Fang Wei convened a board meeting to review the contract terms. Although Zhang Wenyuan had made thorough preparations before his arrival, some details still needed to be revised.

Zhang Wenyuan made a note and then hurriedly sent it to Xiangshan, instructing the negotiation team to continue communicating with Zhenglong Holdings.

After several rounds of back and forth, the two sides finally reached an agreement.

The contract was signed jointly by Jiang Shiyue and Zhang Wenyuan, and Fang Wei did not go to Xiangshan again.

However, he spoke with Jiang Shiyue on the phone, and the other party said that from the moment they signed the contract, they were all on the same side, and he would find a way to handle the future introduction of production lines, technology upgrades, and export sales.

That matter came to an end, and the commune began slaughtering pigs and releasing chickens and ducks to provide supplies for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Fang Wei and Fang Tao, among others, have been experimenting with cultivating honeydew melons, spending half the day in the experimental fields. The cooperative now cultivates more than twenty varieties of vegetables and fruits, which has become a new source of profit for the cooperative.

Have you heard anything about the awards you applied for?

Fang Wei worked for a while, then left the experimental field.

He went to the research institute with Fang Tao, and on the way, he casually asked about applying for awards.

"The paper has been published, but there's still no result regarding the award application."

Fang Tao wasn't in a hurry. This time, he had successfully cultivated the high-quality and high-yield [Yuxiang 083] corn variety. The achievement was revolutionary, and winning the award was only a matter of time.

Next, we can cultivate [Yuxiang 083] corn seeds in large quantities, and then promote them on a large scale, and their influence will become greater and greater.

"Hmm, I'll ask around for you when I have the chance."

Fang Wei didn't say anything, parked the car downstairs at the car research institute, and then went upstairs with Fang Tao.

The two arrived at the office, where Fang Wei reviewed the experimental records and expressed his approval of Fang Tao and his team's work.

Just then, someone came in and called Fang Tao to answer the phone, while Fang Wei wandered around the research institute. The institute now has over 50 people of various talents, although a small portion of them are retired, but they have achieved great success in all aspects of research.

When he returned to Tao Tao's office, the other party had already come back.

“Manman, I just received a call from the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences. They've extended an olive branch to me, wanting me to work there. They're very sincere; they even said they'd help me get a senior professional title, along with my job benefits and housing.”

Fang Tao smiled and explained that he had gone out to answer a phone call earlier; it turned out that another company was trying to poach his employees.

His scientific research achievements in recent years have been numerous, and his reputation in the industry has grown significantly. The Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences learned that he was being ostracized at his former workplace, so they did not hesitate to contact him.

The terms offered were quite good, including professional title, salary, and housing standards, all of which were very attractive.

"You should think about this yourself and discuss it with your family."

Fang Wei did not express an opinion. Such matters require personal consideration, and the choice is entirely up to one's own heart.

Tao Tao nodded and said nothing more.

Fang Wei then left the research institute and went directly to the bamboo ware factory to pick up Pan Lianhua. The two then went to the county town together.

School was closed this afternoon, and tomorrow is also a holiday for the Mid-Autumn Festival, so the two children won't start school until the day after tomorrow. The couple picked up Binbin and Xiaojie at the school gate and then went to a restaurant for lunch.

After finishing their meal, Pan Lianhua didn't rush back. She bought winter clothes for both children.

The next day.

Fang Wei took his whole family to the Yao village to celebrate the festival.

Grandpa, Sister, Taoist Sun, and their family of four arrived at the village in two separate vehicles.

"The village is still so lively!"

After seeing many tourists in the village, the old man couldn't help but sigh.

There have been significantly more tourists in the village these past few days than usual. Many people have bought some cured meat and dried goods to take home after visiting the Yao village.

The local specialties of the Yao villages are famous far and wide and have always been in high demand.

"After noon, there weren't many people around, since most people had to go home for the holiday."

Wang Songlin came over to greet his grandfather and then told him about the recent situation in the village.

In recent years, the number of tourists visiting the mountain has increased year by year. The village has also set up a song and dance troupe, which performs antiphonal singing and long drum dances every weekend and holiday.

In addition, there are knife dances, choral performances, and sacrificial ceremonies on certain festivals.

The village has guesthouses, and people also sell handicrafts and local specialties, which has gradually become an important source of income for everyone.

"Songlin, you did a great job."

As the leader, Fang Wei was naturally pleased to see this change. He chuckled and praised Wang Songlin, making the latter quite embarrassed.

We had lunch at Wang Songlin's house, and as is customary, everyone in the village would have a family dinner together in the evening. The two children looked on with anticipation when they heard that there would be roast suckling pig today.

They were also looking forward to the barbecue that night; after all, kids like to join in the fun.

After dinner, we went home and rested for a while.

Fang Wei met with Wang Songlin and the others to discuss several important matters.

“The township sent people several times to persuade us to give up our semi-farming, semi-hunting lifestyle. Actually, very few people go hunting now, but it’s one thing for us not to go, and another for us to promise to give it up.”

Wang Songlin raised some pressing issues and wanted to hear Fang Wei's advice.

“You did the right thing. There’s no need to make any promises to anyone. When they come back next time, just say that a relatively long transition period is needed, and that this problem will definitely be resolved within ten years.”

Fang Wei immediately realized the essence of the matter: he disagreed with moving the entire village down the mountain.

The Yao village not only paid for the road construction itself, but also got electricity and telephone service. It's impossible for them to give up the place where their ancestors have lived for generations.

The mountain is rich in resources, such as mountain products and various kinds of bamboo. In addition, with the gradual development of tourism, everyone's income is increasing day by day.

What good would moving down the mountain do? This is something we absolutely cannot do.

"Okay, Third Brother. I'm relieved to hear that. No one can force us to come down the mountain, right?"

Fang Wei's words reassured everyone, and Wang Songlin knew what to do next.

Anyway, if they disagree, as long as they don't get fooled, no one can drive them down the mountain.

night.

A grand bonfire party was held in the village, where the brothers and sisters sang and danced to celebrate the festival.

Of course, the food tonight was also very tempting, and Binbin and Xiaojie ate with gusto.

Fang Wei also loves the barbecue in the village, not to mention Grandpa and Pan Lianhua; this is the way of life ingrained in their bones.

Midday on the moon.

An older woman ran over and pulled the lotus flower. The lotus flower stood up and sang a song with her. Her voice was clear and bright, and the melody was melodious.

The two children were like they had discovered a new world; they had no idea their mother could sing so well.

Fang Wei also became interested and then danced a sword dance with one of the princes. The sword dance was purely a display of masculinity and strength, and the duet also showcased skills.

The two men's curved swords clashed repeatedly, each strike dangerous, yet each time they stopped abruptly at the crucial moment.

"Is Third Brother's swordsmanship really that good? How come I never noticed before?"

Wang Songlin was a little shocked. Pan Lianhua's singing voice was no secret; she was the village's "nightingale" before she got married. But this was the first time he had seen Fang Wei's swordsmanship in person, and it was definitely better than his own.

At this moment, Fang Wei and the prince finished their sword dance, and Fang Wei walked over, picked up the wine bowl, and drank it all in one gulp.

Then he sat down.

Pan Lianhua looked at Wang Songlin and said with a smile, "I taught Third Brother his swordsmanship, but I'm no match for him now, and I guess you're in trouble too."

Fang Wei possesses powerful perception, and with the added benefit of his personal attributes, learning these things is as easy as eating and drinking water.

"Songlin, come, come, let's drink."

Fang Wei was in a great mood today, and she and Wang Songlin drank three bowls of wine in a row, feeling completely relaxed.

Everyone ate and drank well, and didn't return to their rooms to rest until late at night.

Early the next morning, Pan Lianhua drove the two children to the county town. Binbin and Xiaojie had to go to school that day, and leaving early would allow them to make it to morning reading time.

Fang Wei slept a little longer and had breakfast before returning home with his grandfather, sister, and Taoist priest.

When he arrived at the office, Zhao Jinsheng and others were waiting for him.

"Secretary, Secretary Cui called this morning and told us to go to the breeding center to wait, as there are some things that need to be investigated."

The holiday had barely ended when a new situation arose.

Zhao Jinsheng explained that the region received a report that the cooperative had engaged in illegal or irregular activities during its cooperation with the Xinlin County breeding base.

The authorities now question the legality of this transaction and have ordered the county to conduct an internal investigation. A regional investigation team will also be sent over shortly.

Fang Wei's face immediately darkened, and he said, "A clear conscience fears no accusation. Let's go to the breeding center together."

Therefore, all the council members who were at home went to the breeding center with Fang Wei.

When they arrived at the breeding center, Cui Yiming and his group had just arrived as well.

"Let's have a meeting first. Everyone, please don't be nervous. Just say what you think. Our goal is to clarify this matter, not to target any particular person."

Cui Yiming set the tone, and then everyone went to the conference room.

The center's director sent over the agreement signed with the county at the time, as well as the financial statements for the last five years. The data best reflects the true situation and best explains the problem.

“Secretary Cui, I don’t know who reported this matter, nor do I know their purpose. The cooperative taking over the breeding base is a good thing for both parties. You can find the answer in the reports from previous years.”

Fang Wei was very familiar with the breeding center, so he was the first to speak, giving an example of the original breeding base's operation.

Before and after the cooperative took over, various data changed significantly, and the profits distributed to the county were much higher than the profits that the breeding base used to make on its own.

This shows that the county not only did not lose out by handing over the breeding base to the cooperative, but actually made a profit.

“Secretary Cui, the breeding base was practically defunct back then. They couldn’t sell their rice seeds. It was only after we took over that we were able to successfully cultivate the high-quality ‘Nanguang No. 3’ rice seed here.”

Zhao Jinsheng added a sentence, but Cui Yiming didn't speak. Instead, he carefully recorded the remarks of Fang Wei, Zhao Jinsheng, and others.

After Fang Wei and the others had finished speaking, he said:

“Someone reported problems with the breeding center, and the region took it very seriously, so we conducted a self-inspection first. According to you, this matter is not only not problematic, but it is also beneficial to the county.”

Next, I will arrange for someone to audit the past accounts and investigate the process of the agreement signed between the cooperative and the county. I hope you will not feel burdened and will cooperate fully.

Cui Yiming did not give a long explanation; he simply stated the ins and outs of the matter.

He then instructed his entourage to begin checking the accounts, before leaving the conference room and beckoning Fang Wei to a secluded office. (End of Chapter)