1968: Started from breeding

Chapter 359 Preparatory Group for the 72nd Plan

After an unknown amount of time, a cautious knocking sound and Jiang Li's hushed voice came from outside.

"Wen Chen? Uncle Lei? Are you alright?"

"Dad, Mom, you two go back inside and keep an eye on Qi Jin. I'll go in and check on him."

The door was gently pushed open a crack.

Jiang Li walked in carrying a bowl of steaming hangover soup, and the scene before her made her heart tighten.

The pungent smell of alcohol hit me. My husband was slumped on the table, drunk and motionless, his clothes soaked with sweat.

Lei Bailiang sat blankly opposite him, his eyes red and swollen, staring vacantly at the wall, tears still wet on his cheeks.

Jiang Li sighed softly, put down the hangover soup, and quickly walked to Su Wenchen's side.

She first tested the temperature of his forehead; it was ice-cold.

Then, with great effort, she lifted his head slightly off the cold table, tenderly wiping away the remaining wine stains and tear tracks on his face with a handkerchief, and whispered.

"How old are you...don't you know your own health is important?"

Her voice carried a hint of reproach, but was also filled with deep heartache.

She turned to look at Lei Boliang, whose expression was blank, and softened her voice.

"Uncle Lei, you too... sigh, have some hot drink first to calm down!"

She called softly towards the door, "Dad, come in and lend a hand!"

"Ah Chen is drunk, help me get him to bed first."

Su's father appeared at the doorway, and upon seeing the scene inside, he sighed heavily.

He didn't say much, but silently walked over and first helped his son, who was drunk and unconscious, and whose body was heavy.

His gaze swept over the half-empty wine bottles on the table, over the grief-stricken Lei Bailiang, and a complex and unspeakable pain flashed across his cloudy eyes.

He said in a low voice, "Old Lei, you should... try to think positively. The dead can't be brought back to life."

"A bunch of us old buddies have been waiting down there for ages!"

"Let the commander also have a chat with his old comrades-in-arms!"

The last sentence was spoken in a very low voice, as if it were being said to Lei Boliang, or as if it were being used to convince oneself.

In a daze.

Su Wenchen felt as if he were struggling in a cold, dark abyss.

But suddenly a warm, soft touch gently brushed against his chest.

It was like the only light in the darkness, trying its best to pull him away from that boundless, sorrowful chill.

Su Wenchen felt a heaviness in his chest and subconsciously opened his heavy eyes.

All I could see was a little creature riding on my belly, constantly looking down at its chest for food.

Perhaps it was because they had been sucking on Su Wenchen's chest for a long time but still couldn't find the familiar food outlet.

The little guy seemed very dissatisfied, and kept shouting.

The baby's babbling sounds, like "Ah! Ah!", seemed to be a reminder to Su Wenchen to hurry up and serve the food.

Upon seeing this scene, Su Wenchen, who had just opened his eyes, felt his grief gradually soothed by the little angel before him.

Yes!

He has children and family!
Even the millions of people in the special economic zone are hoping that he will lead them out of poverty.

And their country's great rejuvenation is not yet complete!

He still has so many things to do!
However, this time, the passing of this leader did make Su Wenchen feel the urgency of time.

He knew that in a few years, one after another of the older generation would be unable to hold on and would pass away.

He wasn't really sure what would happen then.

After sorting out my feelings, I looked at the little rascal in my belly who was still stubbornly trying to find the food.

Su Wenchen found it amusing and lifted the other person up.

"You brat, what nonsense are you spouting!"

"If you tried to find food here, you'd be lucky to get any!"

Suddenly he was lifted into the air, and the little guy thought Su Wenchen was playing with him!
She immediately giggled, revealing two tiny baby teeth the size of rice grains.

Then he opened his arms, seemingly still feeling that takeoff sensation from before!

Hearing the commotion inside, Jiang Li lifted the cotton curtain and saw that Su Wenchen had recovered.

Jiang Li said softly.

"You two stop playing for a moment, I've cooked the porridge, get up, wash up and eat!"

"I should breastfeed him now!"

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen immediately left his eldest son aside and began to dress.

"You have no idea what that brat was doing just now, he kept sucking on my chest looking for food!"

Jiang Li walked over and helped the little guy put on his clothes while saying something.

"After dinner, go check on Uncle Lei in the guest room!"

"I think he was even more upset than you were last night!"

Su Wenchen nodded. He knew that for Lei Bailiang, it was not only the passing of his old leader, but also the disappearance of a spiritual monument in his heart.

It was a feeling of emptiness, of having no support.

After washing up

Su Wenchen ladled a bowl of hot porridge, added some refreshing side dishes to the tray, took a deep breath, and knocked on the guest room door.

"Uncle Lei, it's me, Achen. I've brought in some food."

There was a moment of silence inside before Lei Boliang's hoarse voice came through: "...Come in, the door isn't locked."

Su Wenchen pushed open the door and saw Lei Bailiang already sitting at the table. However, he seemed to have been drained of all his energy, and his eyes were red and swollen like walnuts. Yesterday's newspaper was scattered on the table, with the sad obituary right in front of him.

He had a worn-out notebook and a dried-out fountain pen beside him, seemingly trying to record or organize some thoughts, but ultimately to no avail.

"Uncle Lei, have something to warm your stomach. Here's some ginger and pear porridge."

Su Wenchen gently placed the tray on the table, trying to keep his tone calm and concerned.

"Although the dead cannot be brought back to life... we must continue the work that our old leader left unfinished."

Lei Bailiang raised his bloodshot eyes, glanced at the hot porridge, and then looked deeply at Su Wenchen, a complex expression in his eyes.

"I know, actually I had a feeling about it when the leader disappeared."

"But when the day actually came, I still felt a little sad."

"Don't worry, I'll rest and adjust for the next couple of days, it won't affect my subsequent work."

Su Wenchen knew he needed to give the other person some time to calm down, so he put down the hot porridge.

I was just about to go back.

The duty officer from the Special Economic Zone Office appeared at his door.

"Director, a telegram has arrived from above!"

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen immediately took the telegram and scanned it.

Upon seeing the above content, his pupils instantly contracted.

"Comrade Su Wenchen of the Special Administrative Region Management Committee is hereby appointed as a member of the preparatory group for the 'July 2nd Plan' project."

"We are required to cooperate with the 'Seven-Two Plan' preparatory group to comprehensively review the infrastructure in various parts of the country, assist in the introduction and implementation of projects, and draft plans for the introduction of projects."

"This project is a key project specially approved by higher authorities, and it concerns the national economy and people's livelihood. We hope that Comrade Su Wenchen will live up to the trust placed in him and go all out to lay a solid foundation for subsequent introduction negotiations."

"You must arrive in Beijing and report for duty no later than January 10th."

Looking at the names of the units on the telegram, and the details of the preparatory work for the "72 Plan," Su Wenchen was shocked.

He knew that this should be the first time that Western technology had been introduced on a large scale in their country.

Many subsequent projects were initially based on this 72 plan, which was later also called the 43 plan.

Because the specific project will definitely not be implemented until next year.

After all, the introduction of such a large-scale project cannot be prepared in just one or two days; it is only in the initial preparation stage.

He originally thought that the negotiations and cooperation between the two sides would mainly be conducted by the higher-ups, but he didn't expect that he himself would be selected for the preliminary preparation work of the 72nd introduction plan.

Su Wenchen didn't know if it was because of the alkaline rabbits, the golden-feathered chickens, or some other reason.

However, being able to participate is definitely a good thing for him.

With the experience gained from this introduction, he may even be involved in large-scale introductions after the reform and opening up.

Putting aside everything else, just the fact that we can secure some projects for them to implement in the special economic zone will help them solve many problems.

According to what he remembered, although a lot of advanced equipment was introduced this time, laying the foundation for the future, many pitfalls were also encountered.

There are many hidden traps within various contracts and cost traps.

It can be said that it truly taught the Chinese people at that time a lesson.

Furthermore, there is significant room for improvement in project site selection and talent development after the project is completed, especially from a future perspective.

But there's nothing we can do about it; after all, not everyone has the same God's-eye view as us.

When you can only grope your way forward, paying tuition is unavoidable.

At this moment, Lei Boliang, who was inside the house, also heard the commotion and came out.

Su Wenchen thought for a moment and handed the telegram to Lei Boliang.

"Uncle Lei, I'm going to Beijing. Your special communications team will come with me!"

After reading the telegram, Lei Bailiang gripped the edge of the telegram tightly.

If he can go to Beijing, will he have the opportunity to see his old leader off on his final journey?

He looked directly at Su Wenchen.

"When do we go? I'll arrange the train tickets!"

Su Wenchen thought for a moment.

"The document requires us to report by the 10th. It just so happens that the leader's memorial service is being held at Babaoshan on the 10th, so let's go there on the 9th!"

"Once it's over, I'll see if I can apply to see them off on their final journey!"

Lei Bailiang handed the telegram back and nodded directly. "Alright, thank you, Achen. I'll go arrange tomorrow's train tickets!"

"Spend some time with your family! You finally get to go on a business trip again."

Clearly, Lei Bailiang's initial frustration at being unable to return to Beijing due to the mission was greatly alleviated at this moment.
Su Wenchen returned to the living room.

My gaze lingered for a moment on the child's innocent, smiling face.

The little one is babbling and reaching out his little hand to his father, clearly wanting to experience the feeling of flying again.

Upon seeing the scene before him, a look of guilt flashed across his face.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Li seemed to realize something.

"What's wrong? Have you been assigned work again?"

"You can go ahead and do your work. We're going to be staying here for a month anyway!"

"We'll have plenty of time to spend with you later."

Su Wenchen reached out and gently touched the child's face.

"Ah Li, I need to go to Beijing to participate in the preparation work for an important project."

Jiang Li had actually anticipated this when she heard the knocking on the door earlier.

After all, her parents had been called away countless times like this when she was a child.

"I understand, go ahead! Qi Jin and I will wait for you to come back here."

Su Wenchen looked at the calm Jiang Li and said with a guilty expression.

"Ah Li, I'm sorry!"

As Su Wenchen rose through the ranks, he also realized that it's difficult to have it all. Being dedicated to his work can easily lead to neglecting his family!

Jiang Li smiled and shook her head.

"Don't apologize. I didn't come here expecting you to give up your job and stay with me forever!"

Su Wenchen hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Why don't you come to Beijing with me?"

Jiang Li thought for a moment, then shook her head.

"Let's not go. Seven pounds is still a bit too small. We shouldn't take him on the bus."

"Let's take him to see my dad when he's a little older!"

"Besides, you'll be busy with work, and I'll be watching over this brat all day long. He'll drive me crazy."

“Here, Mom and Dad can help me out a bit, but once I go to Beijing, I can’t count on you and Dad, you two busy people.”

"When are you leaving? I'll go pack some clothes for you."

Su Wenchen paused.

"The train is tomorrow afternoon!"

Hearing this, Jiang Li was a little surprised; she thought she was about to leave!

"Tomorrow? No rush. The way you looked just now, I thought you were leaving this afternoon!"

As she spoke, she looked at the child in her arms, who was making "ah ah" sounds and reaching out to Su Wenchen.

He immediately spoke to the little one in his arms.

"You little ingrate, I just finished feeding you and you're already switching to someone else!"

Then he handed the child directly to Su Wenchen.

"In that case, you can take him with you to work today!"

Su Wenchen shook his head, took the child with one hand, and put his arm around his wife with the other.

"My job today is to spend quality time with both of you!"

"You should eat quickly first, I'll take you for a walk around the area!"

"By the way, let me show you the results of my work this year."

Hearing Su Wenchen say that, Jiang Li's eyes lit up.

"Alright, you keep an eye on this kid, I'm going to eat first!"

The afternoon sun shone through the windows of the special economic zone's residential compound, illuminating the neatly arranged living room. A trace of home warmth remained, but it was already mixed with a hint of farewell.

Su Wenchen kept his promise, and this last short but precious time belonged entirely to his little family.

On this day, he took his family to see all aspects of the special economic zone.

In the saline-alkali land reclamation pilot area, the once barren land is now covered with a layer of pale green that still shows vitality in winter, which is the tenacious growth of winter wheat seedlings.

Su Wenchen quietly recounted to Jiang Li the amazing discovery of the "salt-alkali nemesis" bacteria.

It also tells the story of how this land has transformed from barrenness to hope, as well as his expectations and plans for the future special economic zone.

Jiang Li has been working in a grassroots commune for the past two years, so she has a deeper understanding of the effort her husband has put into it and the achievements he has made.

Although the little one couldn't understand, he was attracted by the open view in front of him and his father's steady voice. He stared curiously with his big eyes, looking around at the unfamiliar environment.

It seemed as if he was also surveying this battlefield that belonged to his father.

The warm winter sun shone softly through the whispers of the family.

Later, Su Wenchen took his wife and children to a mushroom greenhouse in Feng County and personally spent money to pick a lot of thick, plump white oyster mushrooms.

We then visited the pear orchard in Dangshan and enjoyed the golden-feathered chicken with its gorgeous plumage and unique flavor.

In the hilly area of ​​Xiaoxian County, I experienced the feeling of cattle herds everywhere, just like on a grassland.

Finally, we went to Weishan Lake and enjoyed the unique lakeside scenery!
The sun is westward.

The little guy, who had been playing with his father all day, had fallen into a deep sleep in his father's arms.

Jiang Li glanced at her watch, knowing that the brief, warm time would eventually come to an end.

After returning to the family compound, the atmosphere became quiet.

Jiang Li quickly and efficiently began packing the few changes of clothes and toiletries that she had secretly prepared into Su Wenchen's worn-out rattan trunk.

Silently and meticulously tidying up each item, her movements were gentle and slow.

It was as if they wanted to stretch out every minute as long as possible.

That evening, Jiang Li unusually took the initiative to send the child to Su's mother's room.

She spent half the night tossing and turning with Su Wenchen, seemingly trying to vent all her emotions!

It was just past noon.

The jeeps from the special economic zone arrived at the entrance of the family compound on time.

Upon hearing the sound, Su Wenchen opened the door, and Lei Bailiang's figure came into view.

He was no longer the dejected man he had been yesterday. Although the bloodshot eyes had not completely faded, his gaze had regained its usual firmness and composure.

They have clearly adjusted their mindset and are ready to take on new tasks.

Su Wenchen, dressed in a neatly pressed gray Zhongshan suit, carried a rattan trunk as he bid farewell to his family.

"Mom and Dad, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to take care of Ali and Qijin again."

Upon hearing this, Su's mother immediately retorted in an annoyed tone.

"Just like you had no trouble before, just like your dad when he was young, all you do is work all day long!"

“We’ve only been here for two days, and you’re already busy with work. I don’t know how you have so much work every day.”

Su's father frowned immediately.

"What nonsense are you talking about!"

"This is a national mission; how can you just shirk it?"

As soon as Su's mother saw what Su's father said, she immediately realized that she had said the wrong thing.

He muttered to himself.

"I was just saying!"

"Besides, I wasn't making this up. How could we call someone away as soon as we arrived?"

Su's father simply waved his hand.

"Alright! You shallow-minded fool, stop talking nonsense. You'll be happy if you do nothing and just stay at home all day."

After speaking, he looked directly at Su Wenchen.

"Youngest son, your mother and I are not unable to move around the house."

"You can focus on completing the tasks assigned to you by the country."

“I’m retiring from the brigade at the end of the year. I won’t go to the fields anymore. I’ll just help you guys look after your kids and enjoy life.”

Su's father understood perfectly.

There's not much point in me staying in my position in the brigade anymore.

The new pillar of the family has grown up.

He knew very well that as the third son's status rose, if the grandchildren were not managed properly, it could easily lead to future problems.

It was precisely for this reason that Su's father simply resigned from his post in the brigade, preparing to devote the rest of his energy to raising his grandchildren.

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen looked at his father's figure.

Although he looked a little hunched over, he was so reassuring.

It gives people peace of mind.

He wanted to say something, but after seeing the look in Su's father's eyes, he simply nodded vigorously, everything understood without words.

Finally, he gently stroked his son's tender little face and lightly kissed his wife's forehead with love and guilt.

Then he picked up the rattan trunk.

He strode towards the waiting jeep, his steps steady and firm, without the slightest hesitation.

He knew that he had taken his father's place and become the pillar of the entire family.

As Su Wenchen got into the car, the engine roared low, and the jeep began to move slowly.

The wheels rolled over the cold, dry ground, making a soft rustling sound.

Outside the car window, the outline of the special economic zone's family compound shrank rapidly in the rearview mirror. Su Wenchen watched as his wife, holding their son, stood frozen at the doorway, eventually being swallowed up by the corner and disappearing behind the somewhat desolate winter area.

(End of this chapter)