PCJ – Chapter 330 The Best of Both Worlds

The reason why Deng Junshan is so eager to promote tea production and expand tea output is mainly because tea has become an important source of tax revenue for Xintian County. Farmers selling tea need to pay transaction taxes, specialty taxes, and stamp duties under various names. A significant portion of the farmers’ tea income goes to Xintian County. This not only allows them to meet the county’s annual tax revenue goals but also provides financial resources for the county. Xintian is a typical agricultural county, where agriculture dominates the economy. Tea has now become the most important part of Xintian’s agricultural industry.

Luo Changjun felt a bit conflicted, but he was reluctant to give up such a rare opportunity. He knew that getting this position as deputy county head hadn’t been easy and that it would require effort.

“County Head Deng, although Zhang Jiaohua is just a child, he’s very determined and not an ordinary person. You should be aware of the Meishan Water Master. Zhang Jiaohua is someone who has truly inherited the Meishan Water Master’s knowledge and possesses extraordinary abilities. So, I suggest that when it comes to developing the tea industry, we avoid using overly aggressive methods.” Luo Changjun explained Zhang Jiaohua’s situation to Deng Junshan.

“I see. I was wondering how such a young child could be so powerful. Rest assured, after the lesson from last time, I won’t use any coercive methods. Besides, the current situation doesn’t allow us to. Zhang is the only person in the whole of China who knows how to make bamboo tube black tea. I’ve heard that the municipal tea factory has already sent the bamboo tube black tea to the International Agricultural Expo. If it wins even a bronze award, the county wouldn’t dare touch him. The county strongly recommended you for this position in the hope that you could handle this issue properly. No matter how powerful Zhang Jiaohua is, he is still one of our own from Xintian County, which is our greatest advantage. Even if we don’t reach a deal, Xintian will still be the hometown of bamboo tube black tea. That alone will benefit the county’s tea industry. If I can use a superior strategy, why would I choose an inferior one?” Deng Junshan quickly reassured Luo Changjun.

Deng continued, “Xintian County doesn’t have mineral resources or an ideal geographic location, but we do have tea. Other than tea, I can’t think of another way to quickly improve the livelihood of our people. So, the burden on you is heavy. Moving from public security to government work is a huge challenge for you personally, and I hope you can overcome the difficulties and adapt quickly.”

“County Head Deng, I will adapt as soon as possible,” Luo Changjun replied, though he was still conflicted. He didn’t know how to face Zhang Jiaohua. After all, he had reached his current position thanks to him. Now the county was clearly eyeing Zhang’s bamboo tube black tea, leaving him stuck in the middle, unsure of what to do. Nevertheless, Luo was determined to complete the tasks given by the county, but he also vowed not to do anything that would harm Zhang. After all, Zhang treated him like family, and he intended to do the same in return.

Meizi’ao Village

Zhang Jiaohua had become an exemplary student, never late or leaving early. Having his parents at home made a difference, and everyone almost forgot that he was still a Meishan Water Master.

Ding ding ding…

Ma Lishong was striking an old piece of copper at the entrance of the school cafeteria. A swarm of kids rushed out of their classrooms. Zhang Jiaohua grabbed a basketball and headed toward the cement playground. In his hands, the basketball seemed to come to life, bouncing around in various ways.

Mute followed closely behind Zhang, along with the second-grade basketball team. Even Liu Wenbo, who usually couldn’t stand Zhang, quietly followed along. Unable to outperform him academically or on the basketball court, growing up with such a talented classmate made for an unremarkable childhood. The little kids often shot disdainful glances at Zhang, who played basketball with joy, creating a strange scene typical of childhood.

Zhang Yuanbao also ran out with a basketball, dribbling as he made his way to the court. Despite having to retrieve the ball over ten times farther than others, he never tired of the task.

Sometimes, life can be frustrating. You might work ten times harder but still not achieve as much as someone with a fraction of the effort. It wasn’t just Zhang Jiaohua—Mute, too, had received a basketball from him but didn’t dare take it home. He played for a short while after school each day. Though Zhang Yuanbao started practicing later, his total practice time exceeded Mute’s by several times, yet his basketball skills remained woeful. Without talent, hard work alone isn’t enough, just as you can’t expect to carve an embroidery needle from a tree branch.

A black car pulled up beside the road next to the elementary school playground.

Luo Changjun opened the passenger door and got out. County officials tended to prefer sitting in the front passenger seat.

“Jiaohua,” Luo called, waving to him.

“Uncle Luo!” Zhang Jiaohua tossed aside the basketball and quickly ran over.

“Your basketball skills are impressive,” Luo said with a smile.

“Uncle Luo, have you been to my house yet?” Zhang asked.

“Not yet. I figured you were still at school,” Luo replied.

“Then I’ll go home with you,” Zhang said as he ran to grab his backpack.

Zhang Yuanbao and Mute also eagerly followed, with Yuanbao eyeing the car, obviously wanting a ride. Mute was no different.

Liu Wenbo glanced at the car too, but he knew he wouldn’t be invited, so he shot a disdainful look at Zhang and the others. “What’s so great about riding in a car?”

“Uncle Luo, don’t you have work today?” Zhang asked curiously.

“I’m working right now. Coming to Meizi’ao is part of my job,” Luo replied with a smile.

“Did someone do something bad in our village?” Zhang thought Luo was still in the criminal investigation unit.

“No, my job now isn’t to catch bad guys anymore,” Luo laughed.

“What do you do now?” Zhang scratched his head.

“I work at the county government now. I’m responsible for tea production across the county,” Luo explained.

“Oh, so you’re a ‘tea official,'” Yuanbao chimed in, quickly giving Luo a new title.

Luo laughed heartily, “Yes, I’m a tea official.”

“Is this because of bamboo tube black tea again?” Zhang wasn’t an ordinary child.

Luo nodded, “Not entirely. The county wants to expand tea cultivation and revive tea processing. Your bamboo tube black tea has already established a good reputation for Xintian County’s tea. Now, naturally, it’s the right time to focus on tea production. Of course, the county hopes to cooperate with you on a series of projects. Although I’m here on behalf of the county, I made it clear to the leaders that everything will be based on your willingness. What happened last time will not happen again.”

Zhang Jiaohua stayed silent.

Zhang Yuanbao and Mute, riding in a car for the first time, were beyond excited.

“Jiaohua, this car doesn’t bounce at all! It’s way more comfortable than a tractor,” Zhang Yuanbao whispered.

Mute, seated in the middle, began to feel a bit carsick after a few bumps on the mountain road.

“Jiaohua, I feel dizzy and kind of like I want to throw up,” Mute’s face had turned pale.

The driver quickly pulled the car over. “Deputy County Head Luo, the kid seems to be carsick. Should we let him get out here?”

“Jiaohua, I want to get out. The car may not bounce, but it’s not as comfortable as a tractor. It’s too stuffy,” Mute said as he fumbled with the door, unable to figure out how to open it. Zhang Jiaohua hadn’t ridden in such a car before either.

Luo hurriedly got out and opened the door for them. “Step out for some fresh air. He might just be carsick.”

Yuanbao complained, “What a shame. Getting carsick on your first ride.”

Mute, feeling embarrassed, said, “Jiaohua, I’ll just walk back.”

“That’s fine,” Zhang Jiaohua nodded.

Mute still felt woozy but gradually recovered as he slowly walked back to the village.

“Jiaohua, are you and Yuanbao feeling carsick?” Luo asked.

“I’m fine,” Zhang replied, shaking his head.

“I’m fine too,” Yuanbao said, still excited.

Once they reached the farm, Zhang Youping and Liu Qiaoye warmly welcomed Luo Changjun. However, upon hearing the reason for his visit, their expressions turned a bit awkward.

“This is tricky. Jiaohua is already working with the municipal tea factory. Director Zhao helped him a lot in the beginning. We can’t just turn our backs on him now. That’s not something we’re willing to do,” Zhang Youping said bluntly.

“I understand. The county sent me here to work on this issue, but it’s not easy for me either. Don’t feel pressured. The county doesn’t plan on forcing you to agree. But since we’re all from Xintian County, we naturally want the county to grow and prosper. I took on this task in hopes of finding a solution that benefits everyone. Jiaohua can continue his cooperation with the municipal factory, but he could also collaborate with the county on other things, such as tea cultivation and farm improvements. Perhaps if a product similar to bamboo tube black tea could be developed, it would resolve the issue.” Luo Changjun had some ideas.

“I can’t make that decision. It’s up to Jiaohua to decide,” Zhang Youping said, looking at Zhang Jiaohua.

“There’s no rush. For now, the priority is tea cultivation. The county plans to double the tea-growing area. This won’t be easy. Not only do we need to expand the tea fields, but we also can’t reduce grain production. That means we’ll have to plant tea in unused mountainous areas,” Luo said, showing he had done his homework.