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

"Thank you for your hard work. Call me if you need anything."

Zhou Fangyuan nodded, unaware of the subtle lingering affection in his eyes, and turned to leave.

Watching his departing figure disappear into the porch, Liu Zhihan finally breathed a sigh of relief, turned around and sat down, her fingers unconsciously tracing the spot where Zhou Fangyuan had just mended it.

Under the light, her cheeks seemed a little rosier than before, whether due to the light or some other reason, it was hard to tell.

Night had fallen, and the courtyard of Qingyang Palace was quiet.

As Zhou Fangyuan walked back to his residence on the bluestone slabs, his mind was only on the preparations for tomorrow's filming, completely oblivious to the subtle atmosphere that had just occurred under the lights.

What he felt was still a sense of peace and fulfillment based on working together and helping each other.

This trust made him feel satisfied and at ease.

For another person, this sense of security may have been subtly mixed with a gentle ripple that they themselves were unaware of.

Back inside, Ma Dehua was soaking her feet. She casually asked, "What have you been busy with again?"

"The costume department had some work to do, so I went to help out."

Zhou Fangyuan gave a simple answer and picked up the washbasin.

Ma Dehua chuckled and didn't ask any further questions, only remarking, "Our team is really down-to-earth; the capable do more work, and those who do more work become more capable."

This statement may be crude, but the principle is sound.

As Zhou Fangyuan washed up, he recalled how he had grown in the film crew, from solving prop problems to coordinating and communicating, and supporting each other in these small ways. He realized that he had indeed been growing in terms of both "labor" and "ability".

Every solid effort not only solves the problem, but also fosters a deeper, more familial sense of trust and belonging.

The next day, after finishing work, Li Hongchang called out to Zhou Fangyuan in the corridor of the side hall.

"Fang Yuan, come here for a second, I have something to tell you, it's good news."

Director Li held a notebook in his hand, his expression one of relaxation after finishing his work.

Zhou Fangyuan strode over and asked in confusion, "Director Li, you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, about that matter you asked me to inquire about, there's been a response regarding the use of barren mountains to grow medicinal herbs back home."

Director Li got straight to the point, opening his notebook to reveal some key points.

Zhou Fangyuan perked up and immediately focused.

"I asked a few old friends who work in agriculture, forestry and local government."

Director Li looked at his notes and spoke very frankly.

"It's unrealistic and there's no rule to just get the approval from Hunan directly for you."

However, I've clarified the path for you, identified the key points, and given a general idea of ​​where things should go.

He continued speaking clearly and logically:

"First, there's no problem with the policy. The country is now encouraging the revitalization of the rural economy and the development of diversified businesses using idle collective land, which is explicitly advocated."

Your barren mountains, as long as they are collectively owned and not contracted out to individual households, meet the definition of "idle resources".

Second, the key breakthrough lies in your commune.

As long as the leaders in charge of agriculture in the commune think that this is a reliable thing, beneficial to the collective, and the risks are controllable, they have the full right to approve your brigade to carry out a "pilot project for medicinal herb cultivation" in the designated barren mountain area.

A written approval will be issued; with that, it's like a royal decree, ensuring everything is legal and compliant.

Zhou Fangyuan nodded repeatedly, thinking to himself that this was indeed the case, and that the key lay at the grassroots level.

Director Li continued, "Third, how exactly to do it. You need to have your family members, or wait until you get back, communicate with the production team and brigade cadres to get their support."

Then, prepare some materials—it doesn't need to be thick, but it should clearly explain the matter:

Why do you want to grow medicinal herbs? What do you plan to grow? What are your initial plans? What kind of support do you need?

Take this, along with the brigade's letter of introduction, and go to the commune to find the deputy director or cadre in charge of agriculture to formally report.

At this point, Director Li closed his notebook, looked at Zhou Fangyuan, and his tone became more serious:

"Remember, when reporting, your posture must be correct. The core message is this: This is in response to the call from higher authorities to utilize idle resources and explore a new way to increase income for the collective."

Don't let anyone think that someone wants to contract the mountain land to make a fortune.

When collective interests are prioritized, cadres are more likely to support the project, and the risks are reduced.

Zhou Fangyuan took a deep breath and etched these words firmly into his mind.

This is not just information, but also a valuable "methodology for doing things".

"And..." Director Li pulled a slip of paper from his notebook and handed it to Zhou Fangyuan.

"This is a comrade-in-arms of an old friend of mine. He works in your regional administrative office. His surname is Chen. He is not directly in charge of agriculture and forestry, but he is very familiar with local policies and conditions."

If... I mean if, when you are communicating with the commune, you encounter some policy provisions that you are unsure about, or you need to understand a more macro-level situation, you can try calling them for advice.

Note that you should inquire about policies and seek information; never make any requests for favors or favors.

Just mention my name; he knows you're a colleague in my crew, so he'll be polite.

This is to have a backup plan, like having a consultation available. Understand?

Zhou Fangyuan took the slip of paper with trembling hands, looking at the name and organization on it, feeling its weight in his hands.

This is not just a way to contact someone, but also a great deal of trust and a source of confidence that may come in a critical moment.

He was very clear about the implications of Director Li's words; this was not a resource for "going through the back door," but rather a think tank resource for "clearing up policy blind spots."

"Director Li, I... I really don't know how to thank you!" Zhou Fangyuan's lips trembled slightly.

"I will definitely use the directions you gave me on this note in the right place, and I will absolutely not cause you or Comrade Chen any trouble!"

Director Li waved his hand, a smile appearing on his face.

"No need to thank me! It's a good thing that you care so much about things back home. As members of our crew, we not only need to make good films, but we also need to be upright and responsible in our conduct!"

I saw you as someone who gets things done, which is why I asked these questions for you. I've given you directions, but whether you can actually get there depends on you and your fellow villagers.

He patted Zhou Fangyuan on the shoulder:

"Hurry up and organize your idea into a presentable 'suggestion' following the path I just described."

If you need your writing polished, you can consult Teacher Dai.

It's important to be mindful of the appropriate boundaries when dealing with grassroots officials. Many veteran members of the production crew have experience in this area, and we can discuss that with them.

Once everything is ready, I'll find an opportunity to go back and get things moving.

"Yes, Director Li! I'll get it done as soon as possible!"

Zhou Fangyuan nodded vigorously, his heart filled with an unprecedented sense of clarity and motivation.

The fog lifted, revealing a mountain path before him, though still requiring a strenuous climb, but with clear directions and well-defined passes.

After saying goodbye to Li Hongchang, Zhou Fangyuan stood in the courtyard of Qingyang Palace in the twilight, clutching the note in his hand.

The distant mountains were like dark eyebrows, and for the first time, the remote, desolate mountains in his heart seemed to connect so vividly with the road beneath his feet.

He knew that what he needed to do next was to prepare the most convincing "blueprint" for this crucial "report".