My 1995 Small Farm.

The sun came out early the next morning, just as expected.

The sky showed signs of clearing up.

And now it is already July in the Gregorian calendar.

In other words, it has been more than half a month since it started raining after the wheat harvest.

After several days of continuous flood control efforts, the situation has gradually stabilized thanks to the availability of all necessary supplies and the orderly deployment of personnel.

In recent days, Chen Ling has been traveling between several dangerous sections of Chenwangzhuang, Jinmen Village, and Yangtougou, coordinating water pumps, inspecting dikes, and reassuring villagers.

The twenty diesel water pumps he brought were like twenty tireless water dragons, pumping water from inside the dike to drain floodwater day and night.

The mountain of life jackets and sandbags gave everyone peace of mind.

The tents, generators, and medicines that came from Hong Kong Island and the provincial capital were a timely help.

This gave the flood control command posts in several villages the appearance of a "command center" for the first time.

By the morning of the sixth day, the rain that had lasted for nearly ten days finally showed signs of abating.

to today.

Although the clouds were still thick, a grayish-white light shone through their edges. The sunlight was not strong and was also grayish-white.

But finally, there were signs that the weather was clearing up.

Chen Ling stood on the dam of Chenwangzhuang Reservoir, watching the water level slowly recede.

Since last night, the water flow from upstream has decreased significantly, and with the pumps working at full capacity, the water level inside the dam has dropped by nearly 30 centimeters from its highest point.

The muddy river water was still turbulent, but it no longer had the frenzied, all-consuming momentum of the previous days.

"We've made it through the toughest phase."

Engineer Zhou pushed up his glasses, a tired smile on his face.

This water conservancy expert from the city hadn't left the dam for days and nights. His eyes were sunken, but his spirits were much more relaxed.

"Boss Chen, you laid a good foundation with the initial reinforcements, and with the timely arrival of supplies, we've finally... stabilized."

Chen Ling nodded, and the tension that had been building up inside him eased slightly.

"Engineer Zhou, you've all worked hard these past few days. Go back to headquarters and rest for a while. I've had some porridge made," Chen Ling said.

Engineer Zhou waved his hand: "It's alright. Let me check the flood discharge channel again. The sky hasn't completely cleared up yet, so we can't be careless."

As he spoke, he picked up his tool bag and walked down the dam.

Chen Ling watched him leave, then turned and led the little white calf that had been quietly following beside her.

This snow-white behemoth has been accompanying him on his travels lately, walking through mud and lying outside the work shed at night, like a loyal guardian.

Sometimes she would take turns with Little Green Horse.

It was covered in mud, but its eyes were gentle and calm as it nuzzled Chen Ling's hand with its head.

"Let's go home, Little White."

Chen Ling climbed onto the cow's back and gently patted its neck.

The little white calf strode along the muddy slope towards the village.

The little blue horse and the little water buffalo emerged from the nearby bushes, following on either side with light, agile steps, completely devoid of the subtle anxiety they had shown in the previous days.

The only pity is...

The wild yellow chrysanthemum has not yet appeared.

Chen Ling thought the continuous rain would force him out.

It seems there's still something missing.

But he no longer wanted it to rain.

"Ah Ling is back?"

Wang Susu peeked out from the kitchen, still holding a spatula in her hand: "Just right, the food will be ready soon. Dad went to call Rui Rui and the others."

"Where did Rui Rui and the others go?"

Chen Ling asked as he took off his raincoat and rain boots.

"He's in the back mountain, playing with Afu and Ashou."

Wang Susu laughed and said, "Go in and take a look. Those two boys are quite something now."

Curious, Chen Ling left the farm and went to the back mountain.

The sight before him startled him slightly, then a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.

At the foot of the mountain behind, a stream flows slowly.

Beside the small stone bridge, beyond the bamboo grove.

Kang Kang and Le Le are riding on the backs of A Fu and Ashou, one on each side!

The two little ones, dressed in the light yellow jackets newly made by Wang Susu, looked like two round egg yolks. They sat steadily on the tiger's broad and soft back, their little hands tightly gripping the thick fur behind Afu and Ashou's necks.

Afu and Ashou lay motionless on the ground, letting their two little masters "control" them.

Occasionally, it would turn its head and lick the child's calves with its rough tongue, making Kang Kang and Le Le giggle.

Rui Rui and Xiao Ming were directing from the side: "Kang Kang, move forward a little! Yes, hold on tight!"

"Lele, touch Ah Shou's ears!"

The two tigers were as docile as two gentle big cats.

Although they are big cats, their indulgence and patience towards children is truly rare.

You should know that Afu and Ashou are the absolute kings of the mountains and forests; even ordinary livestock would go weak in the knees at the sight of them.

"Dad!" Kang Kang, with his sharp eyes, spotted Chen Ling and immediately waved his little hands on Afu's back. His body swayed, startling Wang Cunye, who was standing next to him, so much so that he almost cried out in surprise.

Ah Fu, however, was very perceptive. With a slight adjustment of his back muscles, he stabilized the little guy's body.

It even glanced back at Chen Ling, its eyes seemingly filled with a hint of smugness, as if saying, "Look how well I've taken care of my little master."

Chen Ling strode over, scooped Kang Kang off the tiger's back, and lifted him high: "Good lad, the rain just stopped, and you're already riding a big tiger again?"

Kang Kang hugged Chen Ling's neck, grinning from ear to ear: "Daddy! Kitty, Meatball!"

With Wang Cunye's help, Lele slid off Ashou's back, stumbled and fell to Chen Ling's legs, looking up at him with her little face: "Daddy, ride the kitty! It's so much fun!"

Chen Ling squatted down and hugged both children into her arms, feeling a warm and comforting sense of security welling up inside her.

The fatigue from the past few days was largely relieved by the children's laughter at this moment.

"Lingzi, you didn't see it."

Wang Cunye chuckled as he put away his pipe: "These two little rascals are getting more and more steady on their feet. Just now they were chasing Little Iron Egg all over the yard."

Then they got bolder and bolder, and even dared to run outside the farm.

I still want to ride that Bull Demon King today...

Your mother and I were startled, but thankfully these two big cats came over and stopped them.

Gao Xiulan smiled and chimed in, holding a dry cloth to wipe Lele's little hands: "That's right, Afu and Ashou are very intelligent and know that they are their little masters, so they spoil them. It's just that these two little rascals are too bold."

Chen Ling smiled and pinched her son and daughter's chubby cheeks: "They're like me, bold."

Just then, footsteps and a familiar shout came from the path outside the orchard: "Lingzi! Are you home?"

It was Han Chuang's voice.

Chen Ling hurried over to greet him. He saw Han Chuang wearing an old raincoat, his trousers rolled up to his knees, his feet covered in mud as he walked in, but he had a smile on his face: "The rain has finally stopped. I've been wanting to come and find you for a long time. This rain just won't stop!"

"Chuangzi? What brings you here? Isn't the factory busy?" Chen Ling asked in surprise.

Then I took him into the farm.

"Busy! Of course I'm busy!" Han Chuang took off his raincoat and hung it under the eaves, rubbing his hands as he walked into the living room.

“No matter how busy I am, I have to come and see you. I heard that you have Hong Kong stars and foreign aid here, and the whole county knows about it! My parents heard the news in town and insisted that I come and see you and bring you something.”

As he spoke, he pulled out several glass bottles from the woven bag he was carrying: "The factory's new fish sauce is made with fish from your farm, have a taste! And this, my mother pickled some salted duck eggs herself, saying it's to help you get some nutrition."

Wang Susu quickly accepted the food, saying, "Chuangzi, you're too kind. Please sit down and eat."

"I've already eaten!"

Han Chuang waved his hand, but Chen Ling still pressed him down onto the stool and stuffed a pair of chopsticks into his hands.

"Your sister-in-law made these pancakes? Then I won't be polite, I've been craving them!"

He took a big bite of the pancake and mumbled, "Lingzi, you have no idea how people in town are talking about you now."

They say you're "influential to the highest levels of government," that even the biggest bosses in Hong Kong listen to you; they say you're "skilled at controlling animals," keeping tigers to guard your house and water buffalo that can foresee natural disasters; and they even say you have "supernatural medical skills," able to cure diseases from maggots… the stories get more and more fantastical!

Chen Ling was both amused and exasperated: "The villagers just love to gossip."

"you do not say!"

Han Chuang took a sip of porridge and pressed down on his flatbread: "But you really brought honor to our area this time in flood control. I heard that the county has already nominated you to be a model of flood control and disaster relief. After the rain stops, maybe even the province will send someone to commend you!"

Chen Ling didn't care much about it: "Fame is not important. As long as people are safe and the village is saved, that's better than anything else."

Han Chuang nodded emphatically: "That's right! Being honest is the most important thing. By the way, I sent samples of your premium canned goods to some wholesalers in the south, and guess what?"

"Selling well?" Chen Ling raised an eyebrow.

"It's more than good!"

Han Chuang's eyes lit up: "They replied! They said they've never tasted canned apricots with such a rich and mellow flavor! They placed an order for 5,000 cans, at the retail price of 3.5 yuan, just as you said, and they'll buy them all! They even asked if they could supply long-term, and they'll take as many as they need!"

Hearing this from the side, Wang Susu exclaimed with delight, "Really? That's wonderful!"

Chen Ling wasn't surprised, he just smiled and said, "The quality is there, and those who know their stuff will naturally pay a price. But Chuangzi, we can't rush this, we need to stay calm."

The first batch of 5,000 cans was delivered in accordance with quality and quantity, building a good reputation.

We'll discuss the rest once the orchard's yield stabilizes.

"understand!"

Han Chuang patted his chest and said, "Lingzi, don't worry, I'll keep an eye on the factory, there won't be any problems!"

The two chatted about factory matters for a while longer before Han Chuang hurriedly took his leave.

The factory is really busy; he only managed to squeeze in this time.

After seeing Han Chuang off, Chen Ling returned to the back mountain and saw Kang Kang and Lele pestering Afu and Ashou to ride them again.

This time, Wang Susu didn't stop her; she just carefully stood by her side.

Chen Ling walked over and looked at the excited little faces of the children sitting on the tiger's back, and he was in a great mood.

"The sun is still grayish-white today. Tomorrow, we should be able to see sunlight. The bedding is all wet," Wang Susu said softly.

"Mmm." Chen Ling put his arm around her shoulder. "It will clear up."

As expected, the rain stopped completely over the next few days.

Although the sky was still often overcast, it was no longer the endless, suffocating rain.

The flood control work has entered a stable period of consolidation.

The dangerous sections of the dam have been reinforced, and the water pumps are continuously pumping water, causing the water level to drop steadily.

Patrol teams organized by each village patrolled day and night, but the tense atmosphere had eased.

Chen Ling was finally able to spend more time at home.

He noticed that the animals in his house seemed to have "grown" a bit after not seeing them for a few days.

It's not about physique, but rather that kind of spiritually rich "composure".

Heiwa and Xiaojin no longer need to keep a close eye on the children; they seem to be able to distinguish which play is safe and which needs to be stopped.

Little Iron Egg is still lively and active, but he chases chickens and ducks less often, and spends more time following behind Rui Rui and Xiao Ming like a little follower.

The most worry-free thing is those few water buffaloes.

Once the weather stabilized, they fully reverted to their docile and diligent nature.

Chen Ling tried having the Bull Demon King pull a cart a few times to transport sandbags from the dam back to the village to repair the courtyards of each household.

This big guy is strong, has a steady pace, and is just as efficient as a tractor.

Moreover, it seems to be quite intelligent, adjusting its pace on its own when encountering muddy or difficult terrain, without needing to be scolded or whipped.

When the village elders saw it, they all exclaimed in amazement, "Fugui's ox is even smarter than a person!"

Kang Kang and Lele, on the other hand, grew almost as fast as they were exposed to the wind.

She can walk steadily now, and can even jog to chase butterflies.

His language skills have also improved by leaps and bounds, from simple words like "daddy," "mommy," and "food" to short phrases like "Afulai" and "horse-riding horse," his sweet little voice is so endearing.

Their favorite game is still "riding the big cat".

Afu and Ashou have completely gotten used to their two little masters' "abuse," and sometimes they will even lie down on their own and nudge the children with their heads to signal them to come up.

Chen Ling once saw Lele riding on Ashou's back, clutching a handful of green grass in her little hand, trying to feed it to Ashou.

Ah Shou turned his head, sniffed, and actually opened his mouth, very gently taking the grass leaf from the child's hand and chewing it slowly.

Lele was so happy that she danced around and almost fell. Ah Shou immediately steadied herself and gently wrapped her tail around the child.

The scene left Chen Ling stunned for a long time, and then he felt a strange, indescribable feeling.

……

That day, Chen Ling returned to the courtyard in the village.

This place was previously used by the Zhao Dahai and Shanmao families.

Now that they've gone to the forest farm, there aren't many people here anymore, so they've all planted vegetables.

The vegetables in the garden are growing exceptionally well.

The cucumber trellis was laden with tender green cucumbers, the tomatoes were beginning to turn red, and the peppers were growing densely.

Chen Ling picked a few cucumbers and tomatoes, preparing to make a cold dish for dinner.

Just as I was about to go back inside, I suddenly heard the sound of a car coming from the front yard.

He walked to the front yard and saw a jeep parked at the gate.

The car door opened, and Zhao Dahai and Shanmao jumped out of the car, both covered in mud, but with smiles on their faces.

"Fugui, more good news!"

"What good news?" Chen Ling went up to greet him.

"People from the provincial government have arrived!"

Lynx said excitedly, "It's not the flood control headquarters, it's a team of water conservancy experts! They heard that our village managed to harvest wheat in time and organize flood control effectively despite the terrible weather, so they came down to investigate and learn from them!"

Chen Ling was taken aback: "Expert team? At this time?"

"Yup!"

Zhao Dahai rubbed his hands together: "The person leading the team is a professor surnamed Sun, who speaks very kindly. They toured around the dam area and visited our supply warehouse, praising it repeatedly. They've gone to the village committee now; the Party Secretary asked me to call you over."

Chen Ling thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I'll go change my clothes. I'll go right now."

He returned to the farm, quickly washed up, and changed into a clean Zhongshan suit.

Wang Susu straightened his collar and said softly, "Come back early, I'll stew fish for dinner."

"Okay." Chen Ling lightly kissed her forehead, then turned and left. (End of Chapter)