Back to 1980: Farming the Sea and Expanding the Island

The next morning, the thin mist had just dissipated from the river like a light veil.

Wisps of smoke were already rising from the chimneys above Jiangxin Village, like a light ink painting slowly unfolding between heaven and earth.

Su Yanqiu stood by the window of the house, gazing at the hazy river surface and the faint outline of the mudflats outside.

A gentle breeze swept by the river, carrying a slight chill.

He then took out his notebook from his canvas satchel, turned to a new page, and methodically sorted out his work ideas for the day.

The work outline I prepared yesterday is clearly listed in the notebook:

Key points of the research in Qingpingzhou.

I. Types and distribution of mudflats: intertidal zone, salt marshland, and sandbar.

II. Comparison of existing crop planting structure and output.

III. Local farmers' understanding and willingness regarding the development of tidal flats.

IV. Evaluation of potential observation site locations.

The last one is circled in red.

Looking at the red circle, Su Yanqiu couldn't help but recall the director's earnest words before she left the county agricultural science institute.

"Yanqiu, this is a national-level task assigned by the province. It's a crucial battle to ensure the food supply. You must take it seriously and investigate it carefully."

The location must be carefully chosen, it must have observational value, the site selection must be scientific, and multiple considerations are essential.

We've secured two observation points; this is both an opportunity and a responsibility. I will allocate the most suitable personnel to you when the time comes.

Su Yanqiu knew what the director was implying: observation on a deserted island, exposed to wind and sun, harsh conditions, and limited subsidies.

When several young technicians in the county heard that they would be stationed on the deserted island, they all made excuses to refuse, which is why the county assigned him to go to the countryside for research.

"Comrade Su, breakfast is ready!" Li Jianguo's voice came from outside.

The table was set with thin porridge, pickled vegetables, and mixed flour steamed buns.

Lin Chuan was already there. Upon seeing Su Yanqiu enter, he immediately stood up and nodded politely, "Good morning, Comrade Su."

"Good morning," Su Yanqiu replied with a smile, her gaze lingering briefly on Lin Chuan's face.

His first impression of the young man was that he was calm and composed, with clear eyes, unlike many villagers who were hesitant or curious when they first met him.

The three sat down to eat, and Li Jianguo first exchanged pleasantries about the weather and the journey.

Su Yanqiu then got to the point: "Captain Li, I have two missions to undertake this time."

First, we'll provide routine agricultural technical guidance, checking on our team's crops and discussing solutions to any problems we encounter.

He paused, his tone becoming slightly serious, "Secondly, it's a research task assigned by our superiors."

Our county is located near the river and the sea, with abundant tidal flat resources. The country is now paying attention to this and wants to select some representative sites.

Establish long-term "tidal flat management observation points" to collect data and lay the foundation for future scientific development.

Li Jianguo said "Oh," seemingly understanding but not quite, but he could tell it was something that "the higher-ups valued."

He immediately replied, "This is a good thing! Comrade Su, just tell me how the team needs to cooperate."

Lin Chuan paused slightly in his chopsticks, but remained expressionless as he continued drinking his porridge.

Su Yanqiu looked at Lin Chuan and asked in a calm tone, "I heard that Comrade Lin Chuan is in charge of managing Canhong Island?"

"Yes." Lin Chuan put down his bowl and replied simply, "It's also a task from above. I've been assigned to manage a deserted island for a thirty-year period."

"Any progress?"

"A fresh water well has just been drilled, and the land is being cleared and prepared."

"Sweetwater well?" Su Yanqiu raised her eyebrows slightly.

The discovery of sweet water on a deserted island in the middle of a river surrounded by saltwater is a geological phenomenon in itself that is noteworthy.

"How's the water quality?"

"The water is very sweet, and tastes even better than the well water in the village. If Comrade Su has time, he might as well go and take a look, and while he's at it, help us analyze the geological conditions there."

Lin Chuan spoke naturally, pretending to be casual, as if it were just a casual remark.

Su Yanqiu nodded, keeping it in mind, but did not immediately express her opinion.

While it is certainly unusual to find sweet water on a deserted island, whether it can be used as a provincial-level observation point requires further consideration.

"Okay, I'll go take a look when I have the chance. Today, I'll visit the team's farmland as planned."

In the morning, the warm sunshine gradually dispelled the slight chill brought by the river breeze.

Accompanied by Li Jianguo and Lin Chuan, Su Yanqiu walked towards the North Embankment.

The winter wheat in the fields has begun to be sown after the autumn harvest.

Several elderly farmers were resting on the edge of the field when they saw the team leader leading a young man in a Zhongshan suit and wearing glasses. They all turned to look at him with curiosity.

"This is Technician Su from the county agricultural research institute, who came here specifically to guide our production!" Li Jianguo introduced loudly.

Su Yanqiu walked to the edge of the field, squatted down, gently picked up a clump of soil to examine it carefully, and then carefully observed the condition of the wheat seeds.

He then asked several questions and explained the reasons in detail. The farmers gathered around and listened attentively, nodding repeatedly.

Lin Chuan stood to the side, listening attentively, occasionally jotting down notes in his small notebook.

During the break, Aunt Liang and several other women came over carrying water bottles. Seeing Lin Chuan, Aunt Liang greeted him with a smile, "Little Chuan's here too? You should learn a lot from Comrade Su!"

She turned to Su Yanqiu and praised him: "Comrade Su, don't underestimate Xiao Chuan just because he's young, he's very capable!"

A while ago, he led us to a clam nest on the mudflats and also figured out the fishing season for perch in the river. Everyone benefited a lot from it!

"Exactly," another aunt chimed in, "the Canhong Island that his family leases is known as a godforsaken place."

Hey, he actually managed to make sweet water! I heard it's even sweeter than sugar water!

Su Yanqiu took the bowl of water from Aunt Liang, thanked her, and then asked, "Did Canhong Island not have water before?"

"That's right! Years ago, some people in the team went to dig, but all they dug out was salt water, which was undrinkable."

Everyone says Xiao Chuan is well-read and knows feng shui! Aunt Liang said with great enthusiasm.

Li Jianguo added with a smile, "Xiao Chuan graduated from high school and is the only high school student in our village."

Su Yanqiu looked at Lin Chuan, who just smiled sheepishly and said, "I was lucky, it was just a coincidence."

At this moment, someone else chimed in: "Xiao Chuan is quick-witted. I heard he's planning to build some kind of 'greenhouse' on the island to grow cucumbers and tomatoes in the winter!"

We never imagined we'd have fresh vegetables to eat in winter!

"Greenhouse?" Su Yanqiu caught this key word.

Film mulching cultivation technology is just starting in China, and it is a cutting-edge topic even in agricultural research institutes. How could a young man from Jiangxin Island be planning it?

Moreover, greenhouse technology is more commonly used in the north, but it is still very rare in the south.

Lin Chuan explained, "I saw this new technology in a book and wanted to try it out. However, the cost is quite high, so it's still in the preparation stage."

Su Yanqiu nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

But in her heart, her evaluation of Lin Chuan improved even more: this young man not only dared to think, but also seemed to have the ability to put his ideas into practice.

Leaving the northern polder fields, they arrived at the area where the sideline production group was located. Under several thatched huts, women were skillfully weaving reed mats and willow baskets.

Su Yanqiu checked the growth of the willow trees used for basket weaving and gave several pruning suggestions.

Wang Fengmei was among them, weaving baskets while listening intently to their conversation.

Seeing Su Yanqiu looking this way, she deliberately raised her voice, not too loud and not too soft, just loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Oh dear, some young people these days have such unrealistic ambitions. They've just made a little money and they're already thinking about building greenhouses and buying big boats, and they even want to take out loans!"

"Are those loans so easy to get? What if we lose money? Not only will we lose everything, but we don't want to drag the whole production team down with debt!"