A Tale of Two Cities Supporting Xinjiang

This discussion lasted for more than half an hour.

Li Chao stood there motionless, not daring to slack off in the slightest, nor daring to make a sound to disturb them.

Finally, Researcher Lü raised his hand and patted the person next to him on the shoulder, ending the discussion.

Researcher Lü spoke, his tone much gentler than before, and his eyes showing a hint of appreciation. "Young man, you did a very thorough review after your last failed trial planting. You didn't just look for objective reasons, but also looked for problems in yourself and the plan."

Furthermore, you have a very thorough understanding of the climate and soil conditions of the Ninth Company. We all feel your sincerity in doing this.

Just as Li Chao felt a surge of joy, he heard Researcher Lü change the subject and become serious again: "However, agricultural planting is related to people's livelihood and cannot tolerate the slightest carelessness. Even the slightest mistake could render the herders' hard work futile, so we still have to be cautious."

Li Chao was immediately disappointed, but still pleaded, "Researcher Lü, could you give me a chance? Just one?"

"We can offer you the opportunity to try planting, and provide two types of seedlings suitable for cold climates: Malus spectabilis and Acer rubrum."

Researcher Lü paused for a moment, then stated the subsequent conditions: "However, we can only provide technical guidance and will not assume any risk of loss."

If the seedlings die again, or if other human and material costs are incurred, you will have to bear them yourself.

After all, this is a consideration of your lack of prior experience, and also to ensure that you take it seriously enough.

Upon hearing "not assuming any risk of loss," Li Chao's heart skipped a beat.

If he fails again, Li Chao will not only suffer economic losses, but will also completely lose the trust of the herders, and may even affect his work in Xinjiang.

But then he thought again that this was his only chance to turn the situation around and his hope to lead the herders to prosperity. Even if the risks were great, it was worth a try.

Li Chao immediately nodded in response: "Thank you, Teacher Lü."

I accept this condition.

I will bear all the risks. I will take good care of the seedlings and live up to everyone's trust.

Seeing his resolute attitude, the researchers also showed expressions of approval.

"Young man, since you are so determined, we will do our best to cooperate."

Here is the relevant information about the seedlings and a planting technique manual. Please go back and familiarize yourself with them first, then come back in three days to complete the formalities and pick up the seedlings.

"Okay, thank you, teachers!"

Li Chao's voice trembled with excitement as he quickly took the documents and carefully put them into his backpack.

As he walked out of the branch office building, he clutched the documents and technical manuals in his backpack tightly. He dared not delay and immediately decided to return to Jiulian that night to make preparations for the trial planting as soon as possible.

So he ate something simple and embarked on his journey back to the Ninth Company once again.

With a bellyful of thoughts, Li Chao hurriedly went to the home of the village party secretary, Aini Abudusai.

As soon as he entered, he got straight to the point: "Secretary Aini, I've secured a batch of cold-resistant saplings and would like to discuss with you the possibility of organizing the villagers to plant them together. This variety is frost-resistant, so the harvest is sure to be good."

Before Li Chao could finish speaking, Aini Abdusay slammed his pipe on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), saying, "Cadre Li, I cannot agree to this."

"Why don't you agree? These saplings are really reliable."

"Reliable?"

Aini Abdusai looked up at him, his tone full of disapproval: "What happened to that batch of fruit tree seedlings you introduced last time?"

A cold snap destroyed everything, causing several villagers to lose a lot of money. Now, who wouldn't be afraid to introduce new varieties?

I can't let everyone take that risk again.

That's different!

The last batch was due to my inadequate due diligence, but this batch will definitely be fine.

This is a specially made cold-resistant variety, capable of withstanding temperatures down to minus thirty degrees Celsius, so it can withstand even the coldest winters here.

"And I've already inquired; they've been planting it in Tacheng for two years now, and it's yielded a bumper harvest every year. The feedback from the locals has been excellent."

Aini Abdusa didn't buy it. He picked up his pipe again, lit it, took a puff, and said slowly, "Tacheng is Tacheng, and we are here. How can the climate be exactly the same?"

I don't care if it's customized or not; the problem arose last time, and I can't just organize the villagers to go through the same ordeal again.

Li Chao was extremely anxious, but he patiently persuaded him: "Secretary, this time I have really figured out all the details. I have visited the seedling cultivation base and contacted the technical guidance. There will definitely be no mistake like last time."

This is a great opportunity for herders to increase their income; it would be a shame to miss it.

No matter what Li Chao said, Aini Abdusay remained resolute, finally cutting off all communication: "Don't try to talk me out of it, I'm not agreeing to this."

"If you really think these saplings are good, plant them yourself. Don't drag the villagers into it."

Seeing that Aini Abdusa was completely unmoved, Li Chao felt a chill in his heart.

After leaving the village secretary's house, Li Chao stood at the door for a long time, stunned.

A gust of cold wind made him shiver, but it also cleared his mind considerably.

"Fine, if you won't organize it, I'll do it myself."

The saplings will arrive soon; we can't let them rot in our hands.

Before his emotions could sink any further, Li Chao made up his mind on the spot: he would talk to the herders one by one, go from house to house, and speak to them from the heart. He was sure that no one would be willing to give it a try.

Following this idea, Li Chao first chose to plant at the home of Sima Yi Maimaiti, a place he was familiar with. He quickly arrived at the gate of Sima Yi's house and gently knocked: "Uncle Sima Yi, are you home? It's me, Li Chao."

"Xiao Li, you'd better not mention the saplings anymore. I can't afford to suffer the same loss as last time."

"Uncle, I understand your concerns. What happened last time was all my fault."

Li Chao quickly took over the conversation and took the initiative to admit his mistake: "Last time, I didn't do a good job of the investigation and blindly chose a variety that was not suitable for our climate. I also didn't keep up with the subsequent management, which caused you such a big loss. The responsibility is entirely mine."

I later compensated you, but I still felt bad about it and kept thinking about finding a chance to make it up to you.