Back to 1980: Farming the Sea and Expanding the Island

At this moment, Technician Li finished his survey and came over. Hearing the group discussing greenhouse-related topics, he joined in.

"Building a greenhouse is not easy. Plastic is only one aspect; a sturdy frame is also needed for support."

"We need to make sure the windproofing and drainage are done well, and we also need to ensure the light and temperature..." As he spoke, he quickly took out a notebook from his pocket, picked up a pen, and sketched a rough draft on it.

Uncle Li and Lin Xuewu went over to take a look. The lines on the drawing were clear, and the dimensions and angles were marked.

Although the two didn't quite understand it, seeing that Xiao Li explained things clearly and drew things in a very professional manner, they immediately felt that this technician was very capable.

"Chuanzi, you think really fast."

Lin Xuewu patted Lin Chuan on the shoulder and said with emotion, "If this works out, it will be much better than your previous fishing."

Lin Chuan smiled but didn't say much.

At this moment, Technician Li put away the blueprints and looked at Lin Chuan seriously, saying, "Mr. Lin, I found a problem after the survey, and I need to discuss it with you."

"you say."

"The plot of land you originally chose may look flat on the surface, but it actually has a slight slope."

Technician Li pointed to the planned area, "When it rains, water will gather in the southwest corner. Greenhouses are most susceptible to waterlogging, which can easily lead to root rot and affect soil temperature."

As he spoke, he walked to another spot: "I suggest moving it about fifteen meters to the north. The foundation there is more stable, and there is a natural gentle slope that makes drainage easier."

"If we dig a shallow ditch, we can divert the water to the nearby depression."

Lin Chuan followed Xiao Li over, squatted down, and carefully examined the soil and terrain. Indeed, the soil here was more compact and sloped slightly to the east.

"Okay, I'll do as you say." Lin Chuan immediately made the decision. "You're the professional."

Mr. Lin was somewhat worried: "If we move north, it'll be too far from the well, and watering the plants will be..."

"This is easy to solve." Technician Li took out a plastic sheet from his toolbox, which unfolded to reveal a simple diagram of a drip irrigation system.

"A simple one can be made. Connect a plastic pipe to an elevated water storage tank, punch small holes in the pipe, and let the water slowly seep into the ground, which saves water and distributes it evenly."

Upon hearing this, Lin's father's eyes lit up instantly: "That's a brilliant idea!"

Lin Chuan looked at this technician Li with some surprise. He actually knew about irrigation systems. It seemed that he really was a key technician at the bamboo and wood factory.

She couldn't help but feel even more satisfied with him.

Next, Technician Li explained the design of the entire greenhouse in detail.

"Steel pipes form the main framework, bamboo is used for horizontal support, and an air layer is left between the two layers of film for insulation."

The foundation should be dug half a meter deep, filled with crushed stone, and compacted. Ground anchors should be buried around the perimeter and secured with steel wire to protect against typhoons.

"What's the maximum wind speed here?" Technician Li asked.

"There are strong winds on the river, some reaching level eight or nine," Lin Xuewu added. "Two years ago, during a typhoon, our fishing boats almost didn't make it through."

"Then we need to reinforce it," Xiao Li said, adding a few more strokes to the drawing.

"We need to add diagonal bracing and increase the depth of the ground anchors. It's better to do more protection than less."

Lin Chuan listened attentively, occasionally offering his suggestions or pointing out requirements and areas for improvement.

Whenever Lin Chuan made a suggestion, Technician Li would gradually go from patiently explaining to deep thought.

Then, he took out a pen and started calculating as if no one else was around, leaving Lin's father and the others looking at each other in bewilderment.

Uncle Li, Sun Tianshui, Li Dongcheng, and Lin Xuewu watched for a long time, but realizing they couldn't help, they said goodbye and returned to their boat to continue fishing.

As he was leaving, Sun Tianshui turned around and shouted, "Chuanzi, once the greenhouse is up and running, you absolutely have to let us come and see it!"

"Definitely!" Lin Chuan waved in response.

"Mr. Lin, what you said makes perfect sense. I think your idea is excellent."

"I'll redesign the plan when I get back," Technician Li said, sounding quite excited.

He never expected that he could learn this knowledge while handling business.

In particular, if we can address some details that we hadn't noticed before, our efficiency will definitely improve significantly.

"Sure, no problem," Lin Chuan readily agreed.

"Alright, let me check if all the building materials are available," Technician Li said with a smile.

After the building materials were inventoried, Technician Li made a list of the necessary accessories:

"There are some special connectors that we don't have on hand in our factory, so I have to go back and prepare them and bring them with me."

"How about I bring everything over in three days, and we can officially start work?"

"Thank you for your hard work," Lin Chuan said with a smile.

Technician Li waved his hand: "It's alright, I should thank you for what you said!"

I didn't expect you to know so much about these things. If you came to our factory, our factory manager would be overjoyed.

"I only learned it from books, how can it compare to your expertise?" Lin Chuan said with a smile, waving his hands repeatedly.

Technician Li toured the island again, confirming a few details with Lin Chuan. Seeing that it was getting late, he bid farewell to Lin Chuan.

Lin Chuan wanted to invite him to dinner to strengthen their relationship, but he politely declined.

Helpless, they could only row him to the ferry at Beishi Wharf before returning.

"This young Li, though young, is quite reliable in his work," the old man commented, puffing on his cigarette.

"Yes, they explain things clearly and are receptive to advice," Mr. Lin nodded. "Chuanzi, where did you find them?"

"They're from the county's bamboo and wood factory. I think they're probably key personnel there," Lin Chuan said with a smile.

Lin Chuan's house that evening.

After Lin Chuan finished teaching the literacy course, Wang Pusheng and Li Jianshe arrived unexpectedly.

After Lin Chuan asked for the reason, he learned that the two had come to inquire about the construction of the greenhouse.

"Uncle, building a greenhouse isn't actually that difficult; the key is being willing to invest." Lin Chuan explained all the information about the greenhouse to the two of them in detail.

"But the cost of building this greenhouse is too high. The material cost alone is 2,800 yuan, not even including the transportation and labor costs..." Li Jianshe's expression changed.

Lin Chuan knew about the greenhouse construction a long time ago, but Li Jiaye was neglecting his own work.

The gossip about him running around doing odd jobs for Lin Chuan every day had already reached his ears.

However, he scoffed at this and didn't care at all.

Those who can earn a few thousand yuan as laborers are just a bunch of envious and sarcastic people.

Every day when Li Jiaye returned home, his mouth was greasy and his belly was bulging.

It's so much better than his family's food that even his eldest daughter-in-law is green with envy.

He had no choice but to improve his meals every now and then to avoid any conflicts at home.

When Li Jiaye went back, he would tell Lin Chuanqian everything.

In the past, Li Jiaye would only listen to bits and pieces of information, and the explanations were always vague and unclear.

Today, Technician Li came over and explained things very clearly. He also has a clear understanding of greenhouses, so he can explain things clearly again.

When Li Jianshe heard about the greenhouse today, he couldn't sit still, so he came to ask for clarification.

Hearing Lin Chuan say that building a greenhouse costs so much money, I couldn't help but gasp in shock.

If they really build greenhouses with Lin Chuan, then all the money they make from fishing will have to be invested in them.

He hesitated for a moment.