Let's go back to 2008, starting with a recreational fishing park.

After deciding on the four vendors with the best relationships, Jiang Xia realized there were still two spots left, and she didn't know who to give them to.

Giving this thing away could be an opportunity to make money in the village.

At this point, Jiang Jianguo suggested, "There are two spots left. Why don't we give one of them to Xiuju?"

"Xiuju?"

Upon hearing the name, Jiang Xia knew immediately who his father was referring to. This was a man with a tragic past.

To be honest, he should call Xiuju "sister-in-law".

A few years ago, her husband went to work in another city and broke his leg on a construction site. Because they couldn't afford treatment, he was left with a lifelong disability, making it impossible for him to work outside the home.

You have to understand that in those days, the main source of income for the villagers came from the women farming at home and the men working outside.

Being unable to work outside meant that Xiuju's family lost a major source of income.

The family's livelihood depended solely on the few acres of land in the village.

And because of her cousin's leg problems, Xiuju's sister-in-law usually does all the work on these few acres of land by herself.

In addition, they have two children who are still in school, so life is indeed not easy for them.

Jiang Jianjun sighed: "I think it's a good idea. We should help these impoverished households if we can."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xia also said, "I have no objection either, let's give Sister Xiuju a spot!"

With everyone in agreement, one of the final two spots was decided.

That leaves only one spot available.

Jiang Xia thought for a moment, then looked at his second uncle, Jiang Jianjun, and said directly:

"Second Uncle, on the day of the competition, why don't you have my aunt bring some toys over to sell? I see there are quite a few kids around here on Saturdays and Sundays."

"Besides, this stuff is different from selling food. You don't need to go through all the trouble of making it. You can just buy some wholesale and sell it directly. It's worry-free, convenient, and you can still make a good profit!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jianjun waved his hand immediately and said, "No way, what's the point of letting her sell anything? How can we, as family members, take up a spot!"

"Why can't I take a spot? You're the closest person to me in Qingshan Village, Uncle," Jiang Xia advised.

Jiang Jianjun was about to refuse when Jiang Jianguo exhaled a puff of smoke and said, "What? What are you dawdling about? Your nephew wants you, his uncle, to make some money. Just have Chunhua bring the toys over the day after tomorrow. Why are you dawdling like a woman!"

Jiang Jianjun felt somewhat helpless after his elder brother spoke up.

"No, brother..."

Jiang Jianguo glared at him: "No, no, you mean your nephew asked you to make some money, but you, the village party secretary, look down on such a small profit?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jianjun waved his hands repeatedly:

"No, no, no, brother, how could that be... I'm overjoyed that my nephew is letting me earn some money, how could I possibly complain about it being too little!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jianguo waved his hand and said, "That's settled then. Go to the city tomorrow and buy some toys wholesale. The day after tomorrow, have Chunhua bring the toys over."

Since his elder brother had said so, Jiang Jianjun didn't refuse and nodded in agreement.

Now, all the spots at the fishing spot are booked.

Jiang Jianjun didn't linger. After discussing the arrangements, he went straight back to the village. Time was of the essence, and he had to visit all the families he had booked.

If someone is unwilling to do it, it's easy to find someone else.

……

Meanwhile, Jiang Xia wasn't idle either. Since his cousin Xiuju's house was the closest to his, he decided to go and ask her in person.

In this way, Jiang Jianjun can visit one less place.

After telling his mother, Jiang Xia got on his electric bike and headed towards Xiuju's house.

In just a few minutes, he arrived at the front of a tiled house, a common sight in Shandong Province.

The tiled house is modern, with a large red iron gate, and looks quite nice compared to the old-fashioned mud-brick houses.

This was repaired a few years ago when her family was doing well.

Jiang Xia parked his electric scooter at the entrance and went straight up to knock on the door.

"Who is it? Coming, coming." A voice came from the courtyard.

A moment later, a thin-looking man opened the door from the inside.

This is Xiuju's husband, and also Jiangxia's cousin, named Jiang Lei.

"cousin!"

Upon seeing the person who had arrived, Jiang Xia greeted them.

"Xia?" Jiang Lei smiled warmly after recognizing Jiang Xia's face.

"Come in quickly, come in quickly."

Jiang Xia nodded and followed the other person into the house.

At this time, because their homes were close by and Jiang Xia had only recently graduated, they were already quite familiar with each other.

In terms of later generations, having lived in Shanghai for many years, he was truly not familiar with the other party.

As soon as he entered the house, Jiang Lei, leaning on a cane, limped around rummaging through drawers and cabinets.

Seeing this, Jiang Xia said to the other party:

"Don't bother, cousin. I'll just stay for a bit and then leave."

Jiang Lei ignored his words, took out a rusty tea canister, poured some tea into the teapot, and said:

"Why are you in such a hurry to leave now that you're here? Let me make you some tea."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xia, seeing that the other person had difficulty walking, had no choice but to get up and pick up the thermos from the ground.

"I'll rinse it, you sit down, bro."

Seeing this, Jiang Lei knew he was in trouble and didn't try to take it by force.

While Jiang Xia was pouring water into the teapot, he asked Jiang Lei with concern:

"How's it going, bro? How's your leg been lately? Still hurting?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lei sighed: "It's been several years. The pain is gone, but my leg is probably beyond repair."

"Brother, don't think like that. My sister-in-law takes such good care of you. Who knows, your leg might heal itself someday!" Jiang Xia comforted him.

Hearing this, Jiang Lei looked up and down at his legs, then sighed again: "I hope so, otherwise it will really be tough on your sister-in-law and the two children."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xia sighed. In Shandong Province, it is customary to inquire about someone's health upon meeting them. Now that he had finished his greetings, he did not want to discuss the other person's sad affairs.

Jiang Xia picked up his teacup, took a sip of water, and asked:

"Brother, where's my sister-in-law? I haven't seen her."

Jiang Lei took a sip of water and said, "She went down to the fields; she should be back soon."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xia nodded and directly told the other party the purpose of his visit: "Brother, you know I've renovated and reopened the reservoir that my dad owned, right?"

Jiang Lei nodded. "I heard from your sister-in-law that it's doing quite well, right?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xia laughed and said, "Just messing around. I couldn't make it outside, so I came back to find something to do."

Jiang Lei disagreed with this statement: "You're a college graduate. Even if you just find some work after you come back, you'll be much better off than us uneducated folks!"

"Well, it's just about making a living." Jiang Xia shook his head with a smile, then said, "Brother, I came here this time because there's something I need to tell you."

"Go ahead," Jiang Lei said, looking at Jiang Xia.

"Don't let your brother's current limp fool you. If there's anything I can do to help you, I'll never say no!"