Returning to the 82 Mountain Village: An Encounter with the Journey to the West Film Crew at the Beg

Zhou Fangyuan thought for a moment and said cautiously, "Uncle Wang, I think it would be better if we worked together and learned from each other in the early stages since we weren't familiar with the technology. Work points could be awarded based on attendance and effort."

"Once we've mastered the technology, we can consider dividing the work into smaller, separate areas. What do you think?"

Uncle Wang pondered for a moment, then looked at Uncle Zhao, who nodded: "Working together as a group and sticking together for warmth makes sense."

"The third thing," Uncle Wang held up his third finger, "is the seed from the first year. You said you have connections, that's good."

However, the team can coordinate the use of tools such as machetes and hoes for land clearing, as well as miscellaneous items needed for seedling cultivation and pest control, but there should be an explanation.

Is it a loan? Or will depreciation be deducted from future earnings? It's a small matter, but it's good to discuss it beforehand to avoid future gossip.

Aunt Liu then interjected: "Old Wang has thought things through. I, an old woman, can still wield a knife a few times when clearing the land, and I can take those two meticulous wives with me to do the delicate work of raising and caring for seedlings."

"Technically, we have experienced masters outside to guide us. We'll just have to figure things out as we go. If anything goes wrong, please point it out immediately."

Uncle Wang nodded to Aunt Liu, a look of approval on his face.

"With Aunt Liu's words, we can at least get started on the technical issues."

Uncle Zhao concluded by saying:

"What I mean is, we can't wait for the commune to reply before we take action. Once the land is settled tomorrow, I can organize those households to roughly clear out the selected plot, cutting down the miscellaneous trees and removing the rubble that needs to be cleared."

This is called "preparing supplies before the troops move," and it also shows the villagers who are watching that we're not just talking, we're really going to take action!

Once the commune's "guaranteed minimum" agreement is finalized, our land will be ready so as not to delay the festival.

These words, progressing step by step, from personnel, land, and systems to preliminary actions, brought the abstract plan down to solid ground.

Zhou Fangyuan was deeply moved. The elders were using all their experience and authority to lay a solid foundation for this plan!

The light from the kerosene lamp flickered, casting the shadows of the four people onto the earthen wall, swaying and intertwining, like a newly formed little alliance.

As Zhou Fangyuan left Uncle Zhao's house, the night was deep and the chill seeped into his bones. Yet, he felt a fire burning within him.

He knew that with Uncle Zhao's support, Uncle Wang's pragmatic efforts, and Aunt Liu's technical expertise, this matter could finally take root in their hometown.

He looked up at the night sky, where countless stars twinkled.

The village was silent, save for the occasional mooing of cattle in the distance.

Tomorrow will be a busier but more fulfilling day; the road home seems brighter.

With the rules set out at the small meeting of the four people in mind and that solid spirit, Zhou Fangyuan quickened his pace unconsciously.

In the distance, I could see a faint light, about the size of a soybean, shining from my own window; it was a kerosene lamp.

"It's so late, Mother should be asleep, but the light is still on... Is that my little sister?"

Pushing open the creaking courtyard gate, the door to the main room was ajar, and a sliver of light was leaking out from the crack.

Zhou Fangyuan quietly pushed open the door and saw his younger sister with her back to the door, carefully washing dishes by the light of a small kerosene lamp on the table and a little hot water.

She was still small, so she tiptoed and moved extremely lightly, skillfully and carefully, afraid of making any noise that might wake her mother in the inner room.

Hearing the door open, the little girl was startled and turned around abruptly, still clutching a wet bowl in her hand.

Upon recognizing Zhou Fangyuan, her eyes lit up instantly, as if two stars had fallen into them, but she immediately put her index finger to her lips, making a "shh" gesture.

She lowered her voice, her voice filled with surprise: "Brother! You're back! Keep your voice down, Mom just went to sleep."

Zhou Fangyuan's heart softened. He gently closed the door behind him, walked over, and lowered his voice, "You just got back so late? Why aren't you asleep yet? You can wash the dishes tomorrow."

"It's just one bowl, I'll wash it quickly." The little sister put the bowl into the bamboo basket to drain, wiped her hands with a rag, and looked up at her brother with undisguised excitement and curiosity.

"Hey bro, how did the meeting go? I heard... a lot of people have sided with you?"

She had obviously heard about what happened that night from the neighbors who had returned home earlier.

"Yeah, it opened, and it went smoothly." Zhou Fangyuan sat down at the table, looking at his sister's face, which was shining brightly under the light, and the fatigue of the day seemed to dissipate a lot.

"With the help of Uncle Zhao, Uncle Wang, Aunt Liu, and others, we discussed some specific methods."

"Really!" The younger sister sat down next to her brother, her voice still very low, but her joy was evident.

"I knew Guoguo could do it! Uncle Wang supports it too? That's wonderful! Uncle Wang is amazing at managing production! So... does that mean we can go to the back mountain to plant medicinal herbs soon?"

Her eyes were full of longing.

"We still need to do some preparations first," Zhou Fangyuan patiently explained to her.

"For example, the first step is to clear the selected land."

"Clean up? Do you mean cut down trees and dig up stones?" His big eyes lit up even more.

"Can I help? I'm really strong! I can carry huge bundles of firewood during labor class at school!"

As she spoke, the little girl clenched her fist tightly and gestured.

Zhou Fangyuan was amused by her earnest expression, feeling a warm glow in his heart. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

"You're still young, that's heavy work. Wait until you're a little older."

Now, your task is to study hard and help your mother with light chores around the house when you have free time, like washing the dishes today—that would be a huge help.

The young woman lowered her head a little embarrassed after her hair was ruffled, but then raised it again and said very solemnly:

"Don't worry, Mom, I will study hard and not let you get tired."

"You...you're out there, running errands in the village, don't overwork yourself."

The little girl was very thoughtful. Although she had a lot to say to her returning brother, she already knew how to care for others and only said words of concern.

"Yes, I know."

Zhou Fangyuan nodded, looking at his sister's clear eyes reflecting the flickering lamplight, and felt that all the hard work and worries were worthwhile at this moment of returning home late at night.

He took out the old bamboo box containing the seeds of the King's Sword from his pocket, gently opened it a crack, and let his sister see several small packets carefully wrapped in paper inside.

"Look, these are the medicinal herb seeds that we're preparing to plant. They were given to us by a very skilled old Taoist priest."

The little girl leaned closer, held her breath, and stared wide-eyed at the mysterious seed packet. Her little hands wanted to touch it but dared not, her face filled with awe and curiosity.

"These are the ones... They can grow medicinal herbs to cure diseases and also bring money to the village..."

"Yes, it all depends on whether we can take good care of them."

Zhou Fangyuan closed the bamboo box and carefully put it away: "It's getting late, go to sleep, you have to go to school tomorrow."

"Okay! You should go to sleep early too!" The little sister obediently stood up and blew out the kerosene lamp.

Moonlight streamed through the paper windows, casting a soft glow on the floor. The brother and sister groped their way back to their rooms in the dark.