Her Cultivation Diary

Chapter 2166: Chapter 1845: Reimbursement or Not? (2)

It’s not the old dense atmosphere anymore, Aunt Zhang Hong remembers everything people say.

It’s strange—back in school, she’d fall asleep just looking at a book, and her memorization was a disaster.

But now, she’s got it down; she can remember for years whatever a young person casually mentions about their home.

In short, Aunt Zhang Hong boosted her confidence, pushed the jar of fermented tofu on the table, and walked into the rain with determination:

"I have a notebook, all recorded. I’ll sort it out later—Director Zhu, let me know when everything is arranged, and I’ll take the bus to the city!"

After a pause, she twisted her umbrella in the rain and turned back to ask:

"Will the bus fare be reimbursed? It’s been raining a lot; I might need to catch a cab in the city."

Everyone’s working hard to earn a living, so don’t underestimate the cost. Bus fares plus taxis in the city can add up to thirty yuan.

...

Aunt Zhang Hong is full of enthusiasm, while on the other side, Professor Song has already arrived at Tian Tian’s home with Vice President Chen and three students.

Thanks to recent road repairs, the main road is smooth, but once the car stops, they need to navigate the narrow, winding path through the fields to reach Tian Tian’s home.

Luckily, summer’s lush grass hasn’t been completely cleared from the field path; while it squishes loudly underfoot, at least it’s not mud-covered.

Since they’ve been earning, the house at Tian Tian’s home was renovated this year, with white walls and red steel tiles, which stand out.

Pointing ahead, Tai Xiaodong eagerly said:

"Teacher, look, those are our strawberry seedlings—fourth generation!"

Professor Song frowned slightly:

"How did you negotiate with them? In the growing season, if these strawberry seedlings are left to propagate, it’ll affect the next round of planting and cause losses for the farmers."

"Rest assured, teacher!" The three quickly promised: "When we negotiated, we agreed to give them this batch of strawberry seedlings. The trade-off was using the land as an experimental field, taking care of the seedlings, and we also pay them a salary!"

Otherwise, why would the funds get used up so quickly?

No matter the conflicts at Tian Tian’s home, they’re earning meticulously and diligently through labor. The detailed data supported the three’s theses.

In short, some investments are necessary!

Tian Tian had already received word about the visit; her umbrella was visible on the path, with Mrs. Tian following closely.

"Tian Tian, do you think the teachers will complain about our caretaking and not let us continue?"

Tian Tian reassured: "It’s okay; even if they don’t let us continue, we’ve done a great job, which builds rapport. We can buy some good seedlings later. Once we grow tasty fruit, we won’t need to go to Yunqiao Village; tourists will buy them right off the roadside."

Ultimately, everyone has their personal motives.

Mrs. Tian’s thoughts are simple; from childhood, whatever other kids had, apart from economic constraints, Tian Tian also had.

Can she really sever all ties with her family? Tian Ye is also striving hard.

On top of that, Sun Ziqiang’s excavator work isn’t daily, and currently, his mother’s plans sound more promising—planning to earn well from the family’s land...

In general, don’t even mention how difficult it is for a fair judge to resolve family affairs. When you’re personally involved, decisions often end up murky. Life goes on, as long as you don’t compromise your principles.

The couple built a new house at the gate, with helpers for heavier tasks, someone to look after the fields, and hot meals when they return home.

Her parents’ health isn’t great, so they need someone to care for them.

Thus, Professor Song and Vice President Chen still witnessed a happy family.

After exchanging greetings, Tian Tian quickly led the way, bringing everyone indoors:

"It’s raining heavily; the grass here is slippery. Please walk slowly..."

"No need," Professor Song waved his hand:

"At this crucial seedling stage, I have to walk around the strawberry fields and take a look."

Experienced, he pulled out two plastic bags, opened them up, and slipped them over his shoes.

He even handed over two to Vice President Chen.

Vice President Chen: Me??

He hadn’t planned to go into the field.

But being here, he too had farm experience, so he got himself ready quickly.

Grumbling along the way, "We should’ve brought a raincoat."

"No need," Professor Song chuckled: "Nothing can be done on rainy days; I’m just here to inspect."

After speaking, he decisively entered the strawberry field.

Strawberries are grown in furrows, and after a glance, he slightly frowned: the furrows aren’t deep enough.

They may hold up short-term, but long-term could be an issue. Drainage isn’t smooth enough.

But, initially, they didn’t expect such prolonged rain; it’s still manageable for now, so let’s see.

And the pre-rain protection—

Yan Ran explained: "Sir, we were prepared, but this batch of strawberry seedlings has remarkable resistance, so we thought we’d maintain them naturally..."

It has an experimental nature, hence no pre-rain protective measures were applied.

Professor Song nodded.

Actually, ever since the fourth generation hadn’t undergone significant degradation, he knew this mother stock had research value.

Looking at the wildly growing runners on the ground, he frowned:

"Later, remind the farmers. After the rain stops, they need to trim these weak runners."

"Yes, yes, yes."

The students were busy nodding—they had the expertise; excessive, weak runners result in less viable seedlings.

It’s standard management practice.

Qi Lin also added, "Don’t worry, sir. We’ve discussed these details with them; they execute everything meticulously."

Tian Tian seized the moment to say, "Professor Song, rest assured. My dad is at home splitting bamboo; when the rain stops, we’re setting up the mini greenhouse frames."

Though it’s the rainy season, you never know when a glaring sun might suddenly appear. In high heat and humidity, sudden scorching could harm even tough seedlings.

They’ll erect the mini greenhouses, preparing to cover with shade nets when needed.

Ultimately, fearing a job loss is one thing, but genuinely doing earnest farm work lies at their core.

Professor Song glanced at the students.

Each is a bit naive, but their accidental choices proved surprisingly suitable.