Back to 1980: Farming the Sea and Expanding the Island

Li Jianguo listened from the side, only half understanding, but he clearly understood the terms "scientific evidence" and "important reference value".

A smile couldn't help but spread across his face as he nodded repeatedly: "This is both Xiao Chuan's achievement and a blessing for Qingping Prefecture."

While the three chatted, the temporary dock in Beitan was already bustling with activity, and the helpers that Lin's father had hired were arriving one after another at the Sweet Water Well.

He first greeted the group, then took turns trying the sweet spring water. Without exception, everyone who drank it praised it highly, giving Lin Chuan a thumbs up.

He listened to Su Yanqiu and Lin Chuan discussing the island's terrain, but he didn't understand much of it. He just thought it was amazing, like a book written in the heavens.

Someone muttered under their breath, "Wow, they've even unearthed science while digging a well. Old Chen, do you even know anything about 'science'?" As they spoke, they tugged at a man next to them.

"You don't even know 'science'? Didn't you hear in the commune? Didn't you hear? This water is precious; we have to take it back to the county town for testing!"

"What is 'laboratory testing'? I heard Dr. Sun mention it. Is it the same as 'expectorant and cough suppressant'?" someone asked curiously at the table.

"It should mean the same thing!" The person who spoke earlier wasn't quite sure either.

Lin Chuan asked at the opportune moment, "Comrade Su, if we want to monitor this 'freshwater lens' long-term, how should we record the data? Should we measure the water level daily? How often should we test the water quality?"

Su Yanqiu gave him an approving look: "Good question."

Water levels can be measured and recorded at a fixed time each day, ideally in conjunction with the day's weather, especially rainfall.

In the initial stages, basic water quality indicators can be measured monthly. If possible, water samples should be taken quarterly for a more comprehensive analysis.

"That's great, thank you, Comrade Su!" Lin Chuan immediately took out his notebook and wrote it down.

At this time, the three old men also came ashore, and the others, led by Lin's father, began digging soil at the reserved shed location in the first phase of the burnt wasteland on the north side.

After inspecting the well, Su Yanqiu suggested taking a walk around the island. Lin Chuan led the way, accompanied by Li Jianguo.

There are no roads on the island, only trodden paths and overgrown weeds and reeds.

As Lin Chuan walked, he introduced his plans for Canhong Island: an outer green ecological protection belt, a middle planting and aquaculture plan, and the recycling of the island's water system.

They also discussed how to achieve sustainable development if sufficient funds were available in the future. Su Yanqiu and Li Jianguo nodded in agreement.

As he traveled, Li Jianguo became more and more satisfied. He thought to himself that if anyone dared to say that their poor place couldn't produce talented people, he would be the first to object when he went to meetings in the commune in the future.

Look, even the college students from the county admire him greatly!

Su Yanqiu truly admired Lin Chuan.

Lin Chuan mentioned many things that he hadn't thought of before. Although they weren't within his knowledge system, it didn't prevent him from understanding Lin Chuan's plan for the entire island.

Because he understood, he admired Lin Chuan even more, never expecting that Lin Chuan had such strong planning and coordination abilities.

Putting herself in Lin Chuan's shoes, Su Yanqiu felt that she could never have managed Canhong Island as effectively as Lin Chuan in making reasonable use of resources and being so thorough in all aspects.

If Lin Chuan's plan is followed, Canhong Island could truly become a gold and silver island in the future.

Lin Chuan spoke frankly and without exaggeration, but planning is just planning; it's something on a PowerPoint presentation. The focus should be on the greenhouse plot that is currently being excavated.

"I mainly want to try greenhouses and grow cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, and chives in the winter. In our area, there aren't many fresh vegetables in winter except for cabbage and radishes."

"If it works out, and we can get it on the market around the Spring Festival, we might be able to get a good price," Lin Chuan said with a smile.

Su Yanqiu listened attentively, asking questions from time to time. He greatly admired Lin Chuan's approach of adapting to local conditions and balancing immediate and long-term considerations.

"I think you can first get some salt-tolerant green manure and pasture seeds, such as sesbania and sadawan, and plant them in small plots on the edge of the island."

They can both improve the soil and serve as good observation samples, recording the growth of local tidal flats.

"Thank you for the reminder, Comrade Su," Lin Chuan said with a smile to Su Yanqiu.

Then, looking troubled, he said, "Your suggestion is definitely right, but I don't know where to get these seeds."

"Xiao Chuan, look at you. Comrade Su is from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences. How could the seeds you mentioned be difficult for him?" Li Jianguo interjected from the side.

Su Yanqiu looked at the two of them and laughed heartily, "No problem, I'll have someone send some seeds over later."

"Thank you so much, Comrade Su." Lin Chuan immediately thanked him with a big smile.

"Canhong Island is indeed a good place. I will list Canhong Island as a key target for investigation." Su Yanqiu looked at Lin Chuan and smiled.

After spending the last few days with them, Su Yanqiu felt that Qingpingzhou was a very nice place. The people there were simple and honest with a touch of cunning, but they were good at heart.

"Thank you, Comrade Su, for giving us this opportunity. We will definitely cooperate fully with the Academy of Agricultural Sciences," Lin Chuan quickly replied.

"I didn't say we'd set up a site on Canhong Island. It's just been listed as a key site for investigation. The specifics still need approval from the leadership," Su Yanqiu said with a smile.

"I understand, I understand," Lin Chuan replied with a smile. He was already certain that the pilot program on Canhong Island was a success.

Li Jianguo listened from the side, watching Lin Chuan converse fluently with the technicians from the county, explaining the plan clearly and logically. Su Yanqiu was also satisfied, knowing that things were going well.

He felt both proud and secretly impressed by the speed at which Lin Chuan had grown.

As it approached 10 a.m., the construction site for the greenhouse foundation was already bustling with activity.

The group divided into teams and began digging along the marked lines. Although the land had been burned, there were still some weed roots underground, making digging difficult.

The requirement is to dig half a meter deep. Although the soil here is sandy, the lower layers are still compacted.

When the pickaxe is swung down, sparks sometimes fly and a dull "thud" is heard.

"Hey! This place is awesome!"

"Give it your all, Lao Wang, didn't you eat breakfast?"

"Enough talk, watch me!"

The shouts, laughter, and the clanging of tools mingled together.

Lin's father also started digging, but every now and then he would look up and shout, "Over there, dig deeper! Use a ruler to measure!"

After Lin Chuan and his companions finished their tour of the island, around 10:30, a greeting came from the shallows to the north. It was Wang Haiyue's boat that had arrived.

Lin's mother and Wang Haiyue stood at the bow of the boat, which was piled high with pork, vegetables, and grain sacks. Shui Houzi and Li Jiaye went over and unloaded the items one by one.

Lin's father called over two helpers to a sheltered slope not far away.

They quickly built a simple triangular stove using several large stones and placed the dark iron pot from their home on it.

Shui Houzi and Li Jiaye came over to help, fetching water, washing, chopping vegetables, and starting a fire. The group got busy.

Simple ingredients gradually release their enticing aroma as they collide with hot oil and a spatula.

Large chunks of pork sizzled in the pan, releasing their fat, and the rich aroma of meat wafted on the river breeze, making the men on the construction site sniffle and work even harder.