Time Travel: Volume 1! Starting from a Small Mountain Village

"Long Zhiqing, you're really here!"

As soon as the driver, Xiao Wang, entered the room, he saw the familiar figure and greeted him with a warm smile, his tone tinged with joy. The machinery factory's revival was largely thanks to Long Zhiqing; even Director Xu treated Long Zhiqing with utmost courtesy, let alone Xiao Wang himself.

Moreover, in the past, the machinery factory was on the verge of bankruptcy. Now it's different. Not only have they kept their jobs, but Director Xu has even arranged Mid-Autumn Festival benefits for them. You should know that the rice, flour, and cooking oil they received were equivalent to half a month's wages—something they wouldn't have dared to dream of before. Those who know the inside story are all grateful to Long Zhiqing.

Hearing the voice, Long Lifan looked up and saw it was the driver from the machinery factory. She immediately smiled and said, "Comrade Wang, what brings you here? Did Director Xu need something from me?"

Her first thought upon seeing Comrade Wang was that the machinery factory wanted to see her. Now that she was, after all, an employee of the factory, and as an outstanding employee, she should be aware of this. After all, she didn't have to go to work and still got paid; such a position was rare elsewhere.

"No, I'm here to restock." Driver Xiao Wang shook his head, then said with a smile, "I heard from Director Zhang that you came to the commune, so I came to say hello."

"I see!"

Long Lifan nodded slightly, realizing she had been overthinking things. Of course, she couldn't be blamed for overthinking; it was mainly because Director Xu had visited the Dongwan Brigade so frequently that she subconsciously assumed he wanted to see her whenever she saw anything related to the machinery factory. She guessed Zhang Chaoyang was suspicious of her earlier words and had specifically inquired about her from Comrade Wang, which was how Comrade Wang learned she had come to the commune.

But she hadn't expected Director Zhang to inquire about her from Comrade Wang, since she hadn't known Comrade Wang would be delivering goods to the commune today. Now, she could only pray that Comrade Wang hadn't said too much; if Director Zhang found out she was using someone else's name to intimidate her, how would she negotiate?

Fortunately, Comrade Wang didn't stay long; he had to deliver goods to other places, so after a few casual words, he left. However, as soon as he left, Director Zhang approached with a smile and said:

"You're Long Zhiqing, right? I've thought about your request carefully, and I think it's very reasonable. First, the eggs you sent are very large. Second, your Dongwan Brigade is a well-known impoverished village in the commune, so you really should get some extra compensation. After all, our supply and marketing cooperative is here to serve the masses. How about this, in addition to subsidies like cloth coupons, we'll give you some extra industrial coupons as compensation? What do you think?"

He had clearly observed Comrade Wang's attitude towards Long Zhiqing, and it was obvious that it was the kind of obsequious behavior a subordinate would show to a superior. Could Long Zhiqing really be just an employee? Now he was even more certain that Long Zhiqing definitely had some kind of background.

Director Zhang was indeed overthinking this. Comrade Wang did have a bit of an ingratiating intention, but his feelings were more of heartfelt gratitude and respect.

"Well... alright!" Long Lifan was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. We hadn't even started talking yet! And you've already agreed? She immediately lost interest, but since Director Zhang was willing to compromise, then her goal had been achieved. She nodded in response.

According to Zhang Chaoyang's current subsidy plan, the supply and marketing cooperative buys an egg for about 4.9 cents. Long Lifan thought this was very reasonable, considering that the eggs they delivered were quite large.

"Captain, I'll be going now!" Since the deal had been reached, Long Lifan saw no need to stay any longer. Feeling no sense of accomplishment from successfully negotiating, she said goodbye to the others and left, feeling bored.

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Compared to Long Lifan's calm departure, Lin Guodong and the others were overjoyed, because Long Lifan's intervention had successfully secured more benefits for the brigade. They secretly calculated the difference: a few extra cents for a hundred eggs, over time, would add up to a considerable sum. Only after handing over the duties to Director Zhang did they ride back to the village in an oxcart.

September in northern China is a time of fluctuating temperatures, with large differences between day and night. The temperature may be low in the morning, but by noon, the sun blazes fiercely, hanging high in the blue sky, with countless rays of intense light shooting straight to the ground like arrows, baking the earth to a scorching heat.

A winding dirt road, like the veins of the earth, meanders through the vast fields. On either side, lush trees stand tall, bringing a touch of coolness to the sweltering late summer. Occasionally, the crisp chirping of cicadas breaks the silence, adding a touch of life to this tranquil afternoon.

At the end of the dirt road, an oxcart slowly approached, its wheels creaking softly against the road. Old Chen, on the cart, leisurely puffed on his pipe, letting the oxen graze at a leisurely pace, as if time itself had slowed and stretched out. He listened intently to the conversation of the three people on the cart, afraid of missing a single detail, his face shifting between shock and delight.

"Long Zhiqing is truly a lucky star for our village!"

Accountant Zhou patted the satchel on his chest and said with emotion. Inside the bag was the money from selling eggs. This was the first time the brigade had earned income through a sideline business, which was of great significance.

"yes…"

Lin Guodong and Party Secretary Miao exchanged a glance and nodded in unison. They were thankful that the educated youth Long had happened to be at the commune that day, and that they had run into him. Otherwise, even if they had pleaded until they were hoarse, Director Zhang might not have agreed to raise the price.

Thinking of the good days to come, their faces beamed with happy and content smiles. Sunlight filtered through the trees, illuminating their faces and amplifying their satisfaction.

From that day on, Old Chen from Dongwan Brigade became a regular at the commune. Every few days, he would drive his oxcart, loaded with eggs, slowly towards the commune. Of course, the brigade leader would always arrange for a few people to accompany him. Lin Guodong and several village cadres watched as the money in the brigade's account increased day by day, their faces always beaming with satisfied smiles.

The news that the chicken farm had started selling eggs quickly spread among the commune members. As a member of the Dongwan Brigade, this joy was contagious, causing them to speak more gently. Neighborly harmony improved, and conflicts decreased significantly. Whenever the oxcart passed by, the members would cast joyful glances, as if the cart carried not only eggs but also their hopes and dreams for the future.

Time flies, and it's already the end of September.

That day, Long Lifan was taking a break at the chicken farm, surrounded by two little mongrel dogs, Zhaocai and Laifu, who were frolicking happily. When a figure approached, the two puppies immediately let out a fierce, yet endearing, warning. Long Lifan gave a soft whimper, and they immediately quieted down.

These two puppies were Wangcai's offspring. After three months of growth, they had grown rapidly and weighed over ten kilograms. Long Lifan brought them to the chicken farm and kept them there at night to prevent anyone from causing trouble.

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Zhao Cai and Lai Fu perfectly inherited their mother Wang Cai's intelligent and perceptive nature, seemingly understanding their duty to guard the chicken farm. Aside from the few staff members, they would give a cute but fierce warning when anyone else approached, demonstrating their loyalty and courage. After calming Zhao Cai and Lai Fu down, they looked at the figure and greeted them with smiles:

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"Captain, what brings you here!"