PCJ – Chapter 168 Another Expression of Kindness

“Let me tell you, there are two main types of rice seeds: conventional varieties and hybrid varieties. Although conventional varieties have a lower yield, they have a shorter growth period and mature earlier. Hybrid seeds have a higher yield but mature later. My suggestion is to plant conventional varieties in your field. Although the yield is lower, they mature early. Then, your uncle and I can help you harvest the rice. Otherwise, if everyone’s rice matures at the same time and we harvest yours first, your aunt will definitely have something to say. Your parents are not at home…” Zhang Manyin was actually looking out for Zhang Jiaohua. Although the yield was lower, at least there would be no worry about not bringing the harvest home. After all, the whole family shared one rice thresher.

In past years, they had done double cropping together, exchanging labor among themselves. Now that Zhang Jiaohua’s parents had gone to Guangdong, this implicit relationship was broken. Originally, Zhang Jiaohua shouldn’t have planted this field, but he insisted on doing it, which seemed like he was taking advantage of his grandfather and uncle. This might lead to gossip.

However, Zhang Jiaohua had no intention of taking advantage of them. Last year, during the rice harvest, Zhang Jiaohua realized that with Jinhu and the others’ help, he could easily harvest more than an acre of rice by himself. So, he insisted on buying the higher-yielding hybrid rice seeds.

“The yield difference is several hundred pounds per acre! The fertilizer cost would be covered. No, I want to plant hybrid seeds,” Zhang Jiaohua said firmly.

“Jiaohua, if you don’t listen to me, and when the time comes for double cropping (early rice harvesting and late rice planting), if your uncle’s family refuses to help you, don’t regret it,” Zhang Manyin warned.

“I never planned to ask for their help. I can do it myself. I will plant hybrid seeds. The yield difference is significant!” Zhang Jiaohua was determined, and even an ox couldn’t change his mind. Seeing his determination, Zhang Manyin had no choice but to go along with him.

This time, Zhang Manyin was wise. He discussed this matter with Zhang Jiaohua on the way instead of waiting until they reached the seed company. Otherwise, if they argued there, he wouldn’t know where to hide his face.

“Alright then, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Zhang Manyin found that his patience had increased significantly. He carried a bamboo pole with two burlap bags tied to it. Zhang Jiaohua also carried a smaller bamboo pole with a burlap bag slung over his shoulder, containing some items, including a piece of cured wild boar meat and a few protective charms. Last time, after being hosted by Luo Yongming and escorted back by Luo Changjun, he had only a few house protection charms left from before the New Year. After the wolf incident, no one needed them anymore.

Zhang Jiaohua knew that Luo Changjun, being a policeman, faced some danger, so a protective charm was perfect for him. Unfortunately, Luo Changjun had left in a hurry that day, and Zhang Jiaohua hadn’t had time to make one for him. This time, planning to go to town, Zhang Jiaohua had made some protective charms the previous night. After buying the seeds, he would deliver them to Luo Yongming.

The seed company was doing brisk business. Good seeds were in high demand. Farmers lined up at the company’s door to buy seeds. Occasionally, some people with connections skipped the line and bought the popular seeds ahead of time. Those in line were angry but dared not speak out, as this was not their turf. The seed company employees, being government officials, didn’t care about the feelings of honest farmers and weren’t afraid of any commotion. Anyone causing trouble would be kicked out.

Finally, it was Zhang Manyin and his grandson’s turn. Zhang Manyin, who farmed five acres, bought conventional seeds for two acres and hybrid seeds for three acres. Initially, he had planned to plant four acres with hybrid rice, but he allocated one acre to his stubborn grandson. Zhang Manyin, an honest farmer, couldn’t express his feelings well but showed his love for his stubborn grandson in the simplest way.

Zhang Jiaohua bought seeds for more than an acre of rice field and, despite the salesperson’s impatience, also purchased some vegetable seeds. Although Zhang Manyin thought it was a waste of money, he didn’t stop him, knowing it would be futile.

In addition to rice seeds, Zhang Jiaohua bought cucumber, bean, long bean, bitter melon, loofah, winter melon, soybean, green bean, and other vegetable and legume seeds, spending over ten yuan in total. This made Zhang Manyin feel a bit pained.

Seeds were expensive, and farmers usually saved their own seeds. For them, these vegetables were for their consumption, and regardless of yield, the produce would always exceed consumption. Therefore, vegetable yield didn’t matter much. Taste wasn’t a concern either, as farmers who had just escaped hunger weren’t picky eaters.

“If you want to plant these crops, you could just dig up seedlings from the fields. Seeds from the company are incredibly expensive. This is a waste of money,” Zhang Manyin criticized Zhang Jiaohua’s wasteful behavior.

“Grandpa, don’t you see how much longer the cucumbers on this package are compared to the ones you grow?” Zhang Jiaohua pointed at the picture on the package.

“That’s just a picture. You’ll see when you plant them; they’re the same as ours. Besides, even if the yield is low, we can’t eat it all. Why need such a high yield?” Zhang Manyin said dismissively.

“Look at these peanuts. They’re huge! There are at least four peanuts inside each shell. The seeds cost only a few yuan, but my yield will double, and the seed cost will be recovered,” Zhang Jiaohua showed the peanut seeds to Zhang Manyin.

This made even the calmest grandparent angry. Zhang Manyin glared at Zhang Jiaohua, raised his hand for a long time but then lowered it, mumbling, “I can’t talk to you.”

“I’m hungry. I want dumplings,” Zhang Jiaohua said, seemingly oblivious to Zhang Manyin’s anger, looking around.

“I have no money,” Zhang Manyin, still angry, wasn’t in the mood to buy food for his mischievous grandson.

“I have. Boss, I want two bowls of dumplings,” Zhang Jiaohua walked to a roadside stall and sat down. There weren’t many cars on the street, so sitting by the road didn’t mean much dust. The stall owner occasionally poured a basin of water on the road to keep the dust down.

The dumpling stall owner looked at Zhang Manyin for a response, as children’s orders didn’t count without an adult’s approval.