I couldn't take it anymore; when I went home for Chinese New Year, the family genealogy book ha

Time flies, and March has arrived.

The spring breeze swept across the fields, melting the last trace of snow and turning the willow tips by the river green.

The air was filled with the moist scent of thawed earth.

The year's plan starts in spring.

Spring farming in Jiangjia Village has officially begun.

However, this year's spring plowing is destined to be very different from the past.

That morning, the village committee's loudspeaker blared out for the first time ever.

With his slightly hoarse voice, village head Jiang Shunde summoned all the household heads in the village to the village committee compound for a general meeting of all villagers.

Villagers, carrying hoes and smoking pipes, came over in twos and threes, and the courtyard quickly filled with people.

People whispered among themselves, discussing the matter animatedly.

"What's going on? A major conference is being held so early in the spring?"

"I don't know, they're being so secretive. Could they be planning some big project again?"

"Who cares! Following Chenwazi is definitely the right thing to do!"

Amid the expectant gazes of the villagers, Jiang Chen, carrying a large megaphone, walked onto the makeshift platform erected at the entrance of the village committee.

He cleared his throat, and his voice, amplified by the loudspeaker, resonated throughout the entire compound.

Good morning, everyone! (Uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters)

"I've gathered everyone here today to announce something important!"

Jiang Chen paused, his gaze sweeping over the pairs of simple, honest eyes below the stage, before dropping a bombshell.

"I've decided to establish a brand new company, and its name will be [Jiang's Agricultural Development Co., Ltd.]!"

"Starting this year, our village's farming methods will be completely changed!"

The audience erupted in uproar.

"Run a company and farm? How do you even do that?"

Before everyone could figure it out, Jiang Chen unveiled an even more revolutionary plan.

"My plan is to implement a 'land-for-equity' system!"

"Simply put, we hope everyone can transfer their land to the newly established agricultural company, where the company will handle the unified planning, planting, and management!"

"In return, everyone will receive a guaranteed minimum rent each year, higher than the market rate, and at the end of the year, they will also receive an additional bonus based on the company's overall performance!"

The moment this plan was announced, the entire village meeting erupted in chaos!

Isn't this just the "large collective" system we had before?

Hand over all the land and let others farm it?

Will this... will this work?

A huge uproar erupted instantly!

The older generation in the village, in particular, all had furrowed brows, their faces filled with worry and confusion.

For them, the land is their lifeline!

It is the foundation passed down from generation to generation, the basis for our survival.

Entrusting your lifeline to someone else—it just doesn't feel right!

Jiang Chen looked at the restless crowd below the stage, seemingly having anticipated this reaction.

He raised his hand, signaling for everyone to be quiet.

"I know everyone has their concerns."

"Handing over the land might not be safe; we might go hungry!"

Jiang Chen's voice was full of power and confidence.

"But I want to ask everyone!"

"If you can't trust others, do you think you can't trust me, Jiang Chen?"

"Since I returned to the village, when have I, Jiang Chen, ever made anyone suffer a loss?!"

"Are the roads I repaired comfortable for everyone to walk on? Are the lights I installed bright enough at night? Has my logistics business brought any income to everyone?"

This series of questions, delivered with conviction, gradually quieted the previously noisy meeting room.

Yes.

The changes Chenwazi has brought to the village in the past few months since he returned are obvious to all!

Everyone genuinely benefited.

Jiang Chen pressed his advantage, continuing, "Our ancestors, generation after generation, have farmed the land, one family at a time. Facing the loess soil with their backs to the sky, they toil all year, and in the end, how much money can they possibly have left?"

"Times have changed, my uncles and elders!"

"Now the focus is on mechanization, large-scale farming, and scientific planting! Our outdated methods are exhausting and won't make us rich!"

"Only by consolidating the land can we install large machinery, implement scientific irrigation, and build our Jiangjia Village's agricultural products into a renowned brand, selling them nationwide and even worldwide!"

These words stirred the blood of many young people!

Village head Jiang Shunde was the first to step forward. He slammed his pipe on the ground and roared, "I'll sign!"

"Chenwa is right! If you just stick to those few acres of land, you'll never amount to anything!"

"My family's five mu of paddy fields and three mu of dry land have all been handed over to the company!"

With the village chief taking the lead, the atmosphere was immediately ignited.

"I'll sign too! If I work with Brother Chen, I'll have meat to eat every day!" Wang Dagou shouted, raising his arms.

My second uncle, Jiang Jianmin, has learned his lesson this time.

Although he was also hesitant, the thought of receiving rent and dividends made it much more worthwhile than farming himself.

His eyes darted around, and he quickly squeezed forward, loudly declaring, "I'll sign too! I fully support my nephew! For the future of Jiangjia Village, I, Jiang Jianmin, have an unshirkable duty!"

However, for every supporter, there is also an opponent.

Amidst the enthusiastic signing of contracts, an old and stubborn voice rang out.

"No!"

The crowd automatically parted to form a path.

An old man, leaning on a cane, with a wrinkled face but unusually stubborn eyes, walked out shakily.

He was the most senior and stubborn old man in the village, and Jiang Chen had to call him "Third Grandfather".

Third Grandfather walked to the front of the stage, tapped the ground heavily with his cane, and stared intently at Jiang Chen with his cloudy eyes.

"This land is what our ancestors left us! It's the root of us farmers!"

"If we give you that piece of crap company, what are we going to eat and drink now?"

"What if your company goes bankrupt one day? What will we do then?"

"I disagree! It's my land, and nobody can take it away! I'm going to cultivate it myself!"

Third Grandfather's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone's burning enthusiasm.

Many elderly people who were already hesitant began to whisper among themselves and nod in agreement after hearing this.

Yes, what if the company goes bankrupt and we can't get the land back?

Just then, an ambiguous voice rang out from a corner of the crowd, followed by a commotion.

"That's right! Third Grandpa is right!"

A distant cousin with a pointed face and monkey-like features jumped out and fanned the flames.

"I think Jiang Chen is like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken—he's up to no good!"

"He just wants to fence off all our land! Then, when the policies change, he'll resell it to developers in the city and build high-rises!"

"When the time comes, he'll just pack his bags, take the money, and leave. We'll have no one to turn to for help!"

"We absolutely mustn't fall for his tricks!"