As Zhang Jianshe finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room froze.

All eyes instinctively fell on Zhang Wenshan.

"Don't worry," Zhang Wenshan said firmly, meeting everyone's gaze. "I will no longer associate with them."

"I'm afraid they might do something bad behind my back," Xu Xiulian said first, her tone filled with deep concern.

Only a few days had passed when these vengeful ghosts, drawn by the scent of death, came swarming over.

Zhang Jianshe thought for a moment and said to his daughter and son, "From now on, be more careful when you go in and out."

"If they dare to come, I'll deal with them." Zhang Fengxia curled her lip, swung her fists a few times in the air, and said fiercely.

Zhao Qiang, who was in her arms, also waved his hand, saying, "Take care of them."

The childish words instantly broke the silence in the room, and everyone smiled.

"It's alright, we'll postpone the trip to town tomorrow," Zhang Wenshan reassured him. "They can't cause any trouble."

He didn't take Li Dong and his group seriously.

If he truly had the ambition to make a fortune, he wouldn't have stayed in the village for over half a year after the land was distributed, making a living by gambling.

"What? Business isn't good?" Zhang Jianshe asked, looking puzzled.

"It's hot, and it's hard to catch things in the water. I just bought enough wire to fix up the cage properly."

Zhang Wenshan revealed the plan to everyone in public, so that everyone wouldn't be anxious.

"Besides, it seems like the Toad Pond project is about to be finalized."

"That's right, this is important." Zhang Jianshe slapped his thigh and nodded repeatedly. "None of the dozen or so frogs in the pond have run away. The Party Secretary and the team leader are watching them every day. You can't let them down."

"Build!"

Just then, Wang Tieshan's voice came from outside.

"Is Shanzi at home?"

"I'm here." Zhang Jianshe hurriedly replied and got up to greet him.

The others in the room were momentarily at a loss, as it was the first time ever that such an important figure as the brigade leader had come to their door.

Only Zhang Wenshan yawned lazily before slowly strolling out.

"Sorry to have kept you from eating." Wang Tieshan chuckled as he stepped into the courtyard, his gaze falling on Zhang Wenshan. "But there's nothing I can do about it. Whenever I ask you, you're either hiding in the mountains or running off to town."

"Well, what can we do if we don't work hard enough to feed the team?" Zhang Wenshan replied with a smile, gesturing for them to try. "I made some boiled shrimp and crab today, would you like to try some?"

"No..." Wang Tieshan wanted to decline, but he was also very curious about the unfamiliar word, "What does 'blanched' mean?"

"You'll know once you try it," Zhang Wenshan winked at his father.

"Let's go, let's go." Zhang Jianshe understood and pulled the brigade leader into the house. "This kid's cooking, I must say, the flavor is really different."

The table hasn't been cleared yet.

Xu Xiulian quickly served a bowl of shrimp and crab, which was originally intended for her third daughter.

Nobody's a fool.

We were related by marriage, and in the past, my son was unreliable, so I couldn't bring myself to approach him.

Now that my son is doing well in school and we've reconnected through Hama Pond, I'll definitely have to treat him well.

"Don't bother, don't bother, I'll just take a look." Wang Tieshan said politely, his gaze falling on the table. "It's just boiled water, what's the flavor?"

"Put this on and you'll have it."

Zhang Wenshan deftly chopped the scallions and prepared the dipping sauce.

Wang Tieshan couldn't help but look at him with surprise and doubt: "You kid have this skill too?"

"I learned it from my master." Zhang Wenshan put down the dipping sauce bowl and continued to subtly bolster the credibility of his claim of having a renowned master.

"Oh, I'd better try it."

Wang Tieshan's interest was piqued. He laughed, grabbed a shrimp, roughly tore off the shell without removing the head, shoved it into the bowl, and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Um!"

He raised an eyebrow, couldn't resist picking up another one, this time dipping it even more thoroughly, and nodded as he ate.

"Tsk, it smells so good!"

It's just as good as any deep-fried shrimp, and unlike the dry shrimp you usually cook at home, it's not tough at all. It also doesn't have a muddy taste, making it perfect for pairing with drinks.

"Want me to pour you some wine?" Zhang Wenshan made a gesture as if to get the wine.

"No, I have important business this afternoon."

Wang Tieshan waved his hands repeatedly, but his smile deepened. He wiped his mouth and said seriously.

"The team has already decided to build the toad pond. I'll make the decision for you. You'll get regular work points, no subsidies, and you won't have to do any hard work. We're going to a meeting later."

"Thank you so much." Zhang Wenshan felt relieved and smiled sincerely.

Collective industries traditionally keep accounts based on work points.

Generally, technical guidance can earn an extra five to ten points per day. Using this extra amount to get introductions and certifications from the team is like a windfall.

These days, identity verification and investigations into relationships with people at the grassroots level are very strict.

Having a stain left by the original owner of the body, obtaining a fishing and hunting permit would require a huge price to pay, but cutting some work points would make it possible, which is no different from picking up money directly.

"No need to thank me, I should be the one thanking you."

Wang Tieshan grabbed another crab, ate it with a broad smile, and oil glistened at the corners of his mouth.

"I went to the town with the Party Secretary several times. The higher-ups really praised us for our efforts in managing this Hama Pond."

He even patted his chest and guaranteed that once the harvest was complete, he would help us connect with export companies and pharmaceutical factories to place orders.

Upon hearing this...

The Zhang family members straightened up a bit, their faces filled with disbelief, astonishment, and shock.

How did Hama Pond receive such recognition from above?

The town also helped connect them with foreign trade and pharmaceutical orders.

"Isn't this just picking up money?" Xu Xiulian blurted out involuntarily.

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Zhang Jianshe quickly glared at his wife.

"Haha! You're right, it's like finding money." Wang Tiezhu laughed heartily, looking at Zhang Wenshan, "But whether you can find this money or not depends entirely on you."

"You can rest assured." Zhang Wenshan straightened his back, patted his chest loudly, and said half-jokingly, "If I can't raise him, you can sell me to pay off your debts!"

"How much are you worth?" Wang Tieshan nodded upon hearing this. "You're someone who can handle things. I think you're pretty confident."

"That's right." Zhang Wenshan asked tentatively, "There's another matter. Can our village secure any foreign trade assignments?"

The chances of success for the Xikouyingzi route seem slim at the moment.

If Zhao Dezhu were truly capable, he wouldn't have hesitated over fifty yuan; otherwise, future cooperation would likely be fraught with difficulties.

We still need to have a double guarantee.

What do you mean?

"The supply and marketing cooperative had a foreign trade task of purchasing shrimp and crabs, so I sold some with their fishing team."

"What!"

Wang Tieshan gasped sharply, nearly choking on the crab meat in his mouth. He quickly looked down and saw that the shrimp and crab in the bowl were almost gone.

"Is this something that can be acquired under foreign trade orders?"

"Don't worry, these are all the leftovers," Zhang Wenshan reassured him.

"Damn it, that scared the hell out of me." Wang Tieshan let out a long breath, licked his lips, and couldn't help but pick up another one. "The foreign trade task is not easy to handle."

"My master taught me how to catch them with cages. There are several families in our village who can't farm and are struggling to make ends meet. I was thinking of getting them involved."

Zhang Wenshan revealed his plans.

Most of the impoverished households in the village are elderly people without children, or people with disabilities. Some were left behind during the construction projects of that time, and some have honorary plaques hanging in their homes.

Despite receiving annual assistance from the village, they could barely make ends meet, and after the land was distributed, they found themselves even less able to provide enough.

If we can unite them, even if they are affected by the turmoil next year, they will most likely be unharmed.

Although this idea is somewhat utilitarian, its benefits are also substantial.

Moreover, there might be unexpected gains.

"Good lad."

Upon hearing this, Wang Tieshan froze on the spot. After a moment, he slammed his hand on the table, grabbed Zhang Wenshan, and eagerly walked out.

"Let's go, to the brigade headquarters for a meeting right now. This matter can't be delayed for a moment!"

Zhang Wenshan was pulled so hard he stumbled and struggled to turn his head.

"Sister, take the traps away and bring them to the brigade."

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