Rebirth 70: I am a Koi

The smell of ink from the newspapers seemed to still linger in my nose. The negative news about Boss Zhou was like bombs, exploding his hypocritical business empire. My tense nerves could finally relax a little. I took a deep breath. The morning sun shone on me, warm and dispelling the gloom of the past few days.

"I can finally sleep well." I leaned on Bai Hanchuan's shoulder, feeling the rare peace.

He hugged me gently, resting his chin on the top of my head, and said in a low voice with a smile: "Yes, you have worked hard during this period."

Since Boss Zhou's conspiracy was exposed, the orders for the planting base have gradually recovered, even more than before. The employees are full of energy, with happy smiles on their faces, and the base is full of vitality.

"Jinli, I want to use this money to improve everyone's accommodation conditions." Bai Hanchuan pointed to the surplus in the account book, his eyes showing concern for the employees.

I readily agreed: "It's time to change it. The previous bed and bedding are too old."

So we bought a batch of new beds, quilts and some daily necessities. When Uncle Wang saw the brand new bed, he smiled from ear to ear, and all the wrinkles on his face were smoothed out. "This bed is so soft, better than the one at home!" He patted the mattress excitedly, like a child.

The other employees were all smiling and expressing their gratitude. Seeing their satisfied smiles, I felt extremely relieved. These days, everyone has contributed too much to the development of the base, and now they can finally live a better life.

In the evening, the sun sets and the golden afterglow fills the earth. I stand on the ridge of the field, looking at the lush green vegetable fields, my heart filled with hope. Bai Hanchuan walks up to me, points to the construction site in the distance, and says, "I plan to upgrade the irrigation system, which will improve efficiency and save water."

I nodded and was about to speak when I heard a noise in the distance...

The afterglow of the setting sun gilded the fields, and the breeze blew, bringing the fragrance of the soil and the smell of crops growing vigorously. I stood on the ridge of the field, looking at the thriving scene, and an indescribable sense of satisfaction surged in my heart. Bai Hanchuan pointed to the construction site in the distance, and his voice was full of excitement: "I plan to upgrade the irrigation system, so that it can improve efficiency and save water."

I nodded in agreement. The orders at the base have been increasing in recent days, and the existing irrigation system has been struggling. Upgrading the irrigation system can not only improve efficiency, but also better cope with future development needs.

Bai Hanchuan rolled up his sleeves and personally led the workers to install new water pipes and sprinklers. His tall figure looked particularly upright in the sunset, and the sweat on his forehead sparkled in the golden light. He guided the workers from time to time and patiently answered their questions. His every move exuded a calm and capable demeanor.

Aunt Liu came over with a basket of homemade snacks. Seeing Bai Hanchuan busy at work, she smiled and praised him, "Comrade Bai is really capable! Under his leadership, this base is getting better and better."

I took the snacks from Aunt Liu and exchanged a few words with her. After the last incident, Aunt Liu became more welcoming to us and often sent us some vegetables and fruits grown at home or made snacks.

While Bai Hanchuan was busy upgrading the irrigation system, I started to open a small garden in the base. I have always wanted to plant some flowers in the base, which can not only beautify the environment, but also provide a place for employees to relax after busy work.

I chose a vacant lot near the dormitory building, fenced it off, and started tilling the soil, sowing seeds, and watering the plants. I planted a variety of flowers, including colorful roses, fragrant jasmine, and fresh and elegant gardenias.

A few days later, the flower seedlings in the garden began to sprout, and the tender green buds broke through the soil, full of vitality and vigor. When the employees were resting, they liked to sit in the garden, smell the fragrance of flowers, chat about family matters, and their faces were filled with relaxed smiles. Uncle Wang was full of praise for this small garden: "Jinli is really clever and skillful. This garden is so beautiful, and it makes people feel happy just looking at it."

I feel very happy to see the staff relaxing in the garden. This small garden not only beautifies the environment of the base, but also provides a place for the staff to relax.

After the irrigation system was upgraded, the irrigation efficiency of the base was significantly improved and the water consumption was greatly reduced. I was filled with joy as I watched the evenly sprayed water mist moisturize the crops in the field. Bai Hanchuan walked over to me, gently put his arm around my shoulders, and said, "Everything is going in a good direction."

I snuggled in his arms, feeling this rare tranquility and happiness. Suddenly, Bai Hanchuan seemed to remember something and said, "I contacted an agricultural expert..." He paused, his eyes gleaming.

Nestled next to Bai Hanchuan, the afterglow of the setting sun shone on us, making us feel warm. He said he had contacted an agricultural expert, and I looked up curiously, "Agricultural expert? What kind of expert?"

"He is studying soil improvement and crop cultivation," Bai Hanchuan's eyes sparkled with excitement. "The base is developing well now, but if we want to develop in the long run, we must continuously improve our planting techniques. This expert is very experienced, and I believe his guidance will be of great help to us."

I nodded, and my heart was full of expectations. A few days later, the expert came to the base. His surname was Li, and he was an amiable old man. Although he was old, he was energetic and could talk endlessly about agricultural knowledge. Expert Li stayed in the base for three days, inspected the soil conditions on the spot, and proposed specific improvement plans and planting techniques based on the growth characteristics of different crops. He also conducted several training sessions for employees, explaining knowledge on soil improvement, pest control, etc. in an easy-to-understand way.

Uncle Wang listened very carefully and took notes in his notebook from time to time. He later told me: "Expert Li's explanation was really good. I have been farming all my life, but this is the first time I have heard such a systematic explanation. I really benefited a lot!"

I feel very happy when I see the eager eyes of my employees. Knowledge is power. I believe that through learning, they will be able to master more advanced planting techniques and improve yield and quality.

In order to celebrate the feast of knowledge brought by expert Li and to reward everyone for their hard work during this period, Bai Hanchuan and I decided to organize a staff dinner. The dinner was arranged at a farmhouse near the base. Everyone sat together and the table was filled with rich dishes, including fragrant braised pork, tender and delicious steamed fish, and the farmhouse's specialty - firewood chicken.

As the wine flowed, everyone spoke freely, sharing their experiences and feelings during this period. Uncle Wang raised his glass and said excitedly: "Since Jinli and Bai Hanchuan came, the base has undergone earth-shaking changes, and our lives are getting better and better! I toast to you!"

Aunt Liu also smiled and said, "Yes, in the past we farmed and depended on the weather for our livelihood, and the harvest was very unstable. Now that we have a base and scientific planting methods, our income is stable and our life is guaranteed!"

The employees raised their glasses to thank me and Bai Hanchuan for our contributions to the base. Seeing the smiles on everyone's faces, I felt extremely happy and satisfied. Although this period was hard, seeing the base flourish and the employees' lives getting better and better, all the efforts were worth it.

After the dinner, Bai Hanchuan and I walked hand in hand on the way home. The moonlight shone on the earth, and everything seemed so peaceful and tranquil. Bai Hanchuan suddenly stopped and looked into the distance with deep eyes, "Jinli," he called my name softly, with a barely perceptible solemnity in his tone, "I always feel..."

"I always feel..." Bai Hanchuan's voice brought me back to my senses. I looked up at him. The moonlight outlined his angular face, and there seemed to be a hint of worry between his brows.

"What do you feel?" I held his hand tightly. The warmth of his palm could be felt at my fingertips, but it failed to dispel the inexplicable uneasiness in my heart.

He was silent for a moment, then shook his head gently, "Maybe I'm overthinking. I've been too tired recently, and my nerves are a little tense." He raised his hand and ruffled my hair, his tone more relaxed, "Let's go, go back and rest early."

When I got home, it was late at night and I lay in bed but couldn't fall asleep. The sound of Bai Hanchuan's even breathing was right beside my ears. I turned sideways and looked at his sleeping face, but the uneasiness in my heart became stronger. Will Boss Zhou really give up? With his vengeful character, I'm afraid he won't swallow this easily.

During this period, we were busy with the base affairs, entertaining Expert Li, and organizing dinners, and almost forgot the existence of Boss Zhou. But he was like a poisonous snake lurking in the dark, and could give us a fatal blow at any time.

I quietly got up and walked to the window, looking out at the dark night sky. The stars dotted the sky, like twinkling eyes, watching this silent world. The breeze blew by, bringing a hint of coolness and making my thoughts clearer.

I remembered Boss Zhou's vicious eyes and the despicable means he had used before, and an ominous premonition came to my mind. No, I can't just sit there and wait for death, I have to prepare in advance.

I returned to the bed and gently pushed Bai Hanchuan, "Hanchuan, wake up."

He opened his eyes blearily, "What's wrong?"

"I can't sleep," I said. "I have a feeling that Boss Zhou won't give up. We have to come up with a plan."

He woke up completely, sat up, and turned on the bedside lamp. "You're right. I also think that things are not that simple. We have to prepare in advance, just in case."

In the next few days, we were calm on the surface and continued to carry out the base's work as planned, but secretly, we began to collect evidence of Boss Zhou's illegal activities and strengthened the base's security measures. I even used the space system to reserve some supplies in advance in case of emergency.

Life seemed to be back on track, the crops in the base were growing well, the employees were full of energy, and everything seemed to be thriving. However, the uneasiness in my heart was always lingering, like a tight string that could break at any time.

That morning, the sun was shining brightly, the birds were singing, and the flowers were fragrant. I was checking the accounts in the office when suddenly, a rapid knock on the door broke the silence. Uncle Wang ran in in a panic, his face pale, "Jinli, something bad has happened..." His voice was trembling, "Outside... There are so many people outside..."