Year: I planted trees in Saihanba

"Yes, it is because of this tree that I have always firmly believed that we can grow trees in Saihanba."

The sounds of summer carried a touch of melancholy.

My thoughts were pulled by an invisible hand, and I was suddenly transported back to when I first arrived at the dam.

At that time, the wind howled and the yellow sand filled the sky, and the entire Saihanba was like a desolate land forgotten by the world.

He and Engineer Chen were around the proudly standing "Wind-Suppressing Divine Tree".

They inadvertently discovered the tree roots buried deep in the sand.

Though those remaining roots are decayed, they seem like a silent cry from ancient times.

It stubbornly tells the story of the lush greenery that once stood here.

It also quietly planted seeds of hope and courage in their hearts.

That's why I've always persisted.

Summer squinted slightly, her eyes revealing a persistence that was hard for others to understand.

"At noon today, when I was chatting with Feng Cheng, he proposed a new direction."

Summer's tone carried a hint of excitement.

"His idea was to plant a patch of saplings transported from the dam around the Wind-Suppressing Divine Tree."

"Let's see if, with the help of the Wind-Suppressing Divine Tree, the saplings below the dam can also survive,"

As Xia Tian spoke, she couldn't help but look at Feng Cheng beside her, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

"I think his idea is very constructive and innovative."

"So this afternoon, the two of us went to the 'Wind-Suppressing Divine Tree'."

Xia Tian paused for a moment, then continued.

"We collected soil data from the surrounding area."

"So the two of us have to work through the night in the lab to analyze the data."

"I was thinking of coming over to say hello so you wouldn't worry."

Xia Tian patiently explained, her tone filled with enthusiasm and dedication to her work.

Zhao Tianshan listened quietly to Xia Tian's story, and nodded heavily afterward to indicate that he understood.

Looking at Xia Tian and Feng Cheng's tired yet determined faces, he felt a surge of admiration.

In this desolate Saihanba, he could only pay the highest tribute to the two men.

"Alright, Lao Zhao, you should get some rest. We're leaving now!"

After saying goodbye to Zhao Tianshan, Xia Tian left the dugout with Feng Cheng.

Outside the dugout, the wind and sand continued to howl, as if trying to swallow up the two tiny figures.

But Xia Tian and Feng Cheng did not back down at all, and resolutely walked together towards the old camp laboratory despite the wind and sand.

Night, silent.

In the old camp's laboratory, the dim light of a kerosene lamp flickered.

Summer and Feng Cheng's busy figures stretched out long, making them appear exceptionally focused.

The experimental table in front of them was piled with soil samples and various experimental instruments.

Every data point is recorded, and every soil sample is tested.

They poured all their energy into it, as if the whole world had shrunk to just them and the experiment before them.

Feng Cheng frowned, and the wrinkles on his forehead formed a deep frown.

He carefully placed the soil sample into the testing instrument.

His eyes were fixed on the dial, not missing a single subtle change.

He could keenly detect even the slightest tremor of the pointer on the dial.

Summer was recording data at lightning speed on the side.

The pen in my hand scratched across the paper, making a "scratching" sound, without stopping for a moment.

Occasionally he would pause to think, his brow furrowing slightly.

His eyes flashed with a thoughtful light, then he quickly continued writing.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead and slid down his cheeks, but he was completely unaware of it.

Time passed second by second, and the sandstorm outside the window gradually subsided, like a tired beast gradually calming down.

I do not know how long it has been.

The first rays of dawn are like golden threads.

When the rain gently streams through the window and falls onto the lab table.

They finally completed all the data analysis.

The two exchanged a glance, and a relieved smile appeared on their tired faces.

That smile held the relief of a night of hard work, and even more so, anticipation for the future.

The two of them stretched.

I stretched my body, which was a bit sore and stiff from not being active for a long time.

The joints made a "clicking" sound.

"Engineer Xia, is there anything wrong with this soil data?"

Feng Cheng handed his experimental data to Xia Tian, ​​his eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.

In the summer, I recalled the complete set of soil data from the Saihanba area, which was deep in my memory.

He carefully compared it in his mind and found that it was almost identical to the experimental reports in his hand.

He then nodded to Feng Cheng, his tone carrying a hint of certainty.

"There shouldn't be any problem."

……

"Alright, you've been busy all night, go get some sleep!"

Xia Tian said something to Feng Cheng, then, after tidying up the experimental data, got up first and left the dugout.

Although he hadn't slept all night, his eyes were still bright.

Feng Cheng fell into a deep sleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.

He was really tired; he had spent half the day riding a horse, traveling back and forth in Saihanba.

After returning, I stayed up all night again. Even someone made of iron couldn't withstand that.

However, summer is an exception to this "abnormal" weather.

He did the same work as Feng Cheng yesterday, but this morning...

He was still full of energy, and you couldn't tell the difference at all.

Looks like I stayed up all night.

……

Good morning, Engineer Xia!

Upon arriving at the new camp, Zhao Tianshan was preparing to lead the advance team in morning exercises when he saw Xia Tian and greeted her warmly.

"morning!"

Xia Tian greeted the advance team with a smile, her face beaming with a friendly grin.

"By the way, Lao Zhao, Feng Cheng is taking the day off today!"

Summer seemed to remember something else and said something to Zhao Tianshan again.

He just went to sleep!

Zhao Tianshan responded to Xia Tian's words.

At the same time, he was also very clear that Xia Tian and Feng Cheng hadn't slept all night.

"Alright, you guys go exercise, I'll go to the cafeteria to get something to eat."

Xia Tian gave the instructions and then walked towards the cafeteria.

Since the college students arrived at the dam, all the supplies have been moved to the new camp.

Besides the laboratory, the only place left at the old camp where they stayed during the summer was the only place they hadn't moved over.

After arriving at the cafeteria in the summer, he skillfully started a fire.

He moved swiftly, as if he were already very familiar with it.

He found a large cabbage and a potato, and secretly cut some beef from the supplies package.

With skillful hands, he quickly and efficiently prepared two dishes.

The aroma filled the cafeteria, making everyone's mouths water.

Wash the pot clean and find the steamed oat buns that Wei Fugui had prepared.

Place it on the steamer basket and start steaming.

Steaming hot vapor rises and envelops the summer.

After preparing the meal, Xia Tian would place the steamed buns on top of the stir-fried dishes.

They added more firewood to the stove to prevent it from going out.

This will save Wei Fugui from having to start the fire again when he makes breakfast.

After getting everything ready, Xia Tian picked up the food and headed towards the old campsite.

At this time, the college students in Bashang were still immersed in their dreams.

Unbeknownst to them, Xia Tian and Feng Cheng had been busy all night.

……