PCJ – Chapter 201 Mobilization of the whole village

Zhang Dechun also came carrying a hoe, followed by his son Zhang Shunlin, who seemed reluctant.

“Dad, do we really need to ingratiate ourselves with Jiaohua? No matter how capable he is, he’s just a little kid. How can we rely on a kid for the formal employment issue? Besides, helping him contract the horticultural field was already a big favor. Isn’t he satisfied?” Zhang Shunlin grumbled.

“I really doubt you’re my son. How can you be so clueless? Does it matter if Jiaohua is an adult or a child? Director Luo from the town comes to our village frequently, do you think it’s just because he likes Jiaohua? Every time he comes, he tries his best to please Jiaohua. If you can’t see this, it’s like your eyes are on a pig’s head,” Zhang Dechun was so angry he almost slapped Zhang Shunlin but held back, considering the other villagers nearby. He wanted to save face for his grown-up son.

Seeing his father angry, Zhang Shunlin didn’t argue anymore but clearly didn’t believe his father’s words.

“Forget it, I won’t say more. Just help me today. Don’t act like this. If we get this job done well, I won’t ask you for anything else in the future. I don’t care whether you get the formal employment or not,” Zhang Dechun sighed. He had worried so much about this son. But his son wasn’t very promising. Even now, the formal employment issue still required his father’s intervention. Other substitute teachers who started with him either passed the exam or secured a position. There were only a few left in Gezhuping Town who hadn’t secured formal employment like Zhang Shunlin.

“Alright,” Zhang Shunlin reluctantly agreed.

Luo Changjun was amazed to see the villagers of Jiaohua’s village coming to help without being called, “Your villagers are truly remarkable. They come to help without needing to be asked. In town, neighbors help each other, but not to this extent.”

“Director Luo, that’s how it is in our village. If anyone needs help, we don’t need to be asked, everyone helps as much as they can. But there are always a few selfish people who aren’t willing to help others,” Zhang Jiwang was referring to the few households that didn’t come.

“Uncle Jiwang, let’s not talk about those people. If they don’t come, they don’t come. Even without them, can’t we still plant these seedlings?” Zhang Qigao said quickly, not wanting to expose the village’s issues to Luo Changjun, an outsider.

Zhang Dechun, being a shrewd person, walked up to Zhang Jiaohua, “Jiaohua, why didn’t you tell me you were planting seedlings today? I almost didn’t know. I just heard Dumb shouting around the village, so I came with Shunlin. Shunlin, go help everyone plant trees. I’ll have a word with Jiaohua.”

“This isn’t Jiaohua’s fault. He didn’t know the seedlings were arriving today. These are high-quality fruit tree seedlings imported from another region by the county. I have a friend at the Agricultural Bureau, and I asked him to keep an eye out. As soon as he got the news, we managed to get a batch and sent them to Jiaohua. So, this was a bit sudden. But the technician from the Agricultural Bureau said the seedlings can be kept in the shade for a day or half a day without any problem,” Luo Changjun explained with a smile.

“They can’t be kept. The temperature is high now. Every extra hour affects the survival rate. We need to plant them quickly. But Jiaohua, your reservoir is dry. It’s my fault; I’ve been so busy with Shunlin’s employment that I forgot to remind you,” Zhang Dechun casually mentioned Zhang Shunlin’s employment issue. It seemed natural, but he was testing Luo Changjun’s response. He didn’t want to directly ask if Luo Changjun had inquired about Shunlin’s employment.

Luo Changjun understood perfectly, “Secretary Zhang, I inquired about Zhang Shunlin’s employment. Given his situation, he meets the conditions for formal employment. A year or two ago, this wouldn’t have been a problem. But now, the county strictly controls staffing. Substitute teachers must pass an exam for formal employment. Have Zhang Shunlin prepare well for the exam arranged by the District Education Committee. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll find another way. I’ll ask my friend to keep an eye on it.”

Zhang Dechun understood that Shunlin’s issue was mostly settled and thanked Luo Changjun profusely, “Thank you so much, Director Luo. Shunlin, come here.”

He called Zhang Shunlin over and said, “Shunlin, I mentioned your issue to Director Luo before. He’s been concerned about it. Prepare well for the District Education Committee’s exam. Director Luo promised to help you.”

“It’s mainly because Zhang Shunlin meets the conditions. But he needs to take the exam. I’ll ask my friend to help. Secretary Zhang, please take care of Jiaohua’s matters in the future,” Luo Changjun straightforwardly told Zhang Dechun that he was helping Shunlin mainly because of Jiaohua.

Zhang Shunlin was overjoyed, “I’ve been preparing for the exam. But I knew I couldn’t pass it on my own. Director Luo, thank you so much.”

“Don’t mention it. Now that Jiaohua calls me uncle, I’m half a relative of Meizi Village. Helping each other is natural,” Luo Changjun waved with a smile.

“Shunlin, go to the pig farm warehouse and see if there’s anything we can use as base fertilizer. Planting the trees without base fertilizer might make it hard for them to grow,” Zhang Dechun considered Jiaohua’s issue as his own now.

Zhang Shunlin immediately ran off, as fast as a hundred-meter sprint. Zhang Jiaohua wanted to say something but didn’t have the chance.

Zhang Shunlin ran straight to the warehouse, which was slightly ajar. He pushed the door open and was shocked by what he saw, exclaiming, “Oh my God!” before his legs gave out and he collapsed to the ground.