Mi Xaing 'er smiled and said, "I still need the help of the two village chiefs."
Help?
Yes.
She was an extremely smart person. She knew that in order to survive, one had to adapt to the current situation. She was just an 18-year-old village girl with no background. How could she not need help if she wanted to make a name for herself in a difficult environment?
However, there was nothing wrong with this. A successful person had to know how to "use people wisely". This was the greatest wisdom and ability.
Bai Changxi kept his composure and smiled. "Let's talk slowly. Uncle will help you."
His tone was indeed "Bai Abacus" who knew how to conduct himself. It made people feel comfortable when they heard it.
Mi Xaing 'er stood up respectfully. "I would like to ask the two of you to help me get some herbs in the mountains."
Xu Dongsheng's brain was not as fast as Bai Changxi's. He asked in a daze, "Who's sick and wants to get some herbs?"
She shook her head. "I mean, I want to get more herbs."
He purposely emphasized the word "many".
Xu Dongsheng could not sit still. "What do you mean? I don't really understand."
Bai Changxi said indifferently, "Mi 'er wants to sell herbs, right?"
Mi Xaing 'er immediately smiled and nodded. "Yes."
Xu Dongsheng slammed the table and stood up. "Mi Xaing 'er, you're too bold. You actually dare to speculate and steal from the socialist community. You still want to sell the herbs in the mountains. Who do you want to sell them to? How much do you want to sell them to?"
Explain clearly.
His tone was really a little scary.
However, Mi Xaing 'er was not afraid. She already knew that Xu Dongsheng was a very principled person. It could even be said that he was overcautious and did not know how to be flexible. It was very difficult for such a person to accept new ideas. Therefore, Mi Xaing' er did not pin her hopes on him at all. It was just that he was the village chief, and she still had to politely ask for his instructions.
However …
Bai Changxi was different. This village chief was bold and meticulous. There was nothing that he did not dare to do. The one that Mi Xaing 'er really wanted to win over was him.
As expected …
Everything went according to plan.
Bai Abacus looked at Xu Dongsheng from the corner of his eyes. "Old Xu, what are you doing? You've scared the kids. We're talking among ourselves. You don't have to be so critical. Don't lose your temper. Sit down and listen to what they have to say."
Xu Dongsheng moved his lips, and the expression on his face eased a little. Then, he sat down again.
Bai Changxi narrowed his eyes. "Xiao Mi 'er, continue!"
Mi Xaing 'er did not stand on ceremony. "Someone wants to purchase a batch of Gastrodia elata."
Xu Dongsheng couldn't hold it in anymore. "This person is an opportunistic gangster. In the past, this was capital."
Bai Changxi immediately interrupted him, "Stop! You're snatching it again!"
Mi Xaing 'er continued, "Don't bother about whether he's a gangster or not. What I'm thinking is that no one has a grudge against money. Anyway, there are so many herbs in the mountains. It's a waste if we don't pick them. However, if I'm the only one picking the herbs, I'll only get half a basket at most. I won't be able to make much money.
Let's keep a few people in line. "Xu Dongsheng said passively," Who keeps a secret? There are no secrets in this world. As long as you do it, someone will find out sooner or later! "
Mi Xaing 'er straightened his neck. "So what if they find out? By the time they find out, our herbs will have already been sold. They don't have any evidence. What right do they have to spout nonsense?"
Xu Dongsheng blinked twice. He was at a loss for words.
He was still puzzled. This Xiao Mi Xiang was quite difficult to deal with. He walked the capitalist route, yet he was so far-sighted and self-righteous!
He directly waved his hand. "No matter what you say, this definitely won't work. I'm doing this for your own good. Don't make a mistake just because of some money!"
Bai Changxi knocked on the table with his finger. "Let me say something, Xiang 'er. Can you guarantee that this medicine will definitely make money?"
"Yes!"
Of course!
The herbs were in his hands. With the goods, there was no need to worry about not being able to make money!
Bai Changxi turned to Xu Dongsheng. "Old Xu, we are all on the same side, so I won't beat around the bush with you. I don't like what you said. What do you mean by 'for the sake of money'? Without the money, how are you going to live your life? We are the Village Chief, and we have to work for the welfare of the villagers. With the money in my hands, I can give more food to the five guaranteed households. I don't think there's anything wrong with that."
I don't think there's anything wrong with this. "He paused and lowered his eyes." Let's not talk about other things. I have a silly girl. For my daughter, I also need this money. I'll go to the city to treat her illness and buy medicine. I'll buy her some good food and clothes. Which one doesn't need money? "
These few words …
It seems that this Bai Changxi is not only smart, but he's also a good father.
Xu Dongsheng felt that he was at a loss for words. He lowered his head and did not say anything else.
Bai Changxi then turned to Mi Xaing 'er. "How about this? Everyone has their own ambitions. Village Chief Xu is a cautious person. That's right. But my thinking is different from his. I'm just a barefoot farmer. No matter how big a mistake I make, I'm still a farmer. I've thought about it. Do you need manpower? I'll find you a few reliable and courageous people. Let's earn some money together!"
Xu Dongsheng sighed. "Old Bai, you have to think twice!"
"What's there to think about? It's just a small matter. Why do I have to think about it? I'm not afraid of being exposed. Whoever wants to fight with me, Bai Changxi, go ahead!"
Bai Abacus simply stood up and imitated an opera singer. He stood on one leg and waved his right hand in the air twice. "Kill! Kill! If one comes, I'll kill one! If two come, I'll kill two! Clang! Clang! Clang!"
He even played the gongs and drums.
Xu Dongsheng was so angry that he laughed. "You old bastard! You only know how to pretend to be crazy all day long. In reality, you're the one who's at a disadvantage the most. You've taken advantage of everything!"
Bai Changxi put his hands behind his back and winked at Mi Xaing 'er. "This matter is settled. I'll send a few people over tomorrow. Let's do it right away!"
He pondered for a moment and added, "If you don't have enough people, just tell me!"
Mi Xaing 'er chuckled and replied, "Don't worry, Village Chief. I'll give you your share of the money when I'm done selling the goods!"
Bai Changxi waved his hand. "There's no hurry. If you don't give me the money, I'll ask the Head Of Yun for it!"
He shook his head and sang Beijing Opera. "Through the sea of trees, across the snowfield, swallowing the mountains and rivers!"
He went out.
Xu Dongsheng looked at his back. "This guy really dares to do anything. He doesn't look like a village chief at all!"
Although he said that, he knew that he couldn't change reality. He turned to Mi Xaing 'er. "It's not that I'm holding you back, but you have to be careful. Your status now is different from before. No matter what you do, it will affect the Head Of Yun. Do you understand?"
These words made Mi Xaing 'er's heart skip a beat. Although she didn't feel that she had done anything wrong, she still felt a little uncomfortable when she thought about implicating Yun Jingting. She felt that Yun Laohu had already sacrificed enough for her and this family.
Xu Dongsheng didn't say anything else and slowly walked out of the door.
The matter of picking the herbs was settled just like that.
The next morning …
Nan Ye came with five or six young men. He was wearing a clean white shirt and black trousers and looked like a cultured student. "Sister Xiao Mi, the village chief asked us to come over and help. We'll listen to your instructions!"
Mi Xaing 'er pulled him aside. She knew that he was Bai Changxi's confidant and was extremely reliable. "The people who came with you are …"
Nan Ye reacted quickly and immediately took over the conversation. "Two of them are from our group of educated youths. They don't come from good backgrounds and don't care about those rules and regulations. The other two are local villagers and are distant relatives of the village chief!"
Mi Xaing 'er nodded. "Alright, come with me. Let's go and meet Doctor Xiao!"
"Okay!"
Nan Ye left the others in the front yard and followed Mi Xaing 'er into the side room alone. When he saw Xiao Qingshan, he said, "Doctor Xiao, the village chief asked me to pass you a message. He successfully chased away the last member of the working group. If you're willing now, you can return to the village. If not, you can still stay at the Mi residence. It's up to you!"
Xiao Qingshan immediately stood up. "Then I'll go back with you guys!"
This wasn't to say that staying at the Mi residence wasn't good, but it was better to stay at one's own doghouse. She had lived at a place for many years, so of course she was more used to it than other people's homes.
He smiled politely at Mi Xaing 'er. "I'll remember your help. Before I leave, I'll go out and take your mother's pulse and prescribe two more doses of medicine!"
She rolled her eyes. "Nan Ye, you didn't come here specially to inform me of this, right?"
Nan Ye told her the truth. "No, I still have to go up the mountain to pick herbs!"
Xiao Qingshan understood immediately. She turned to look at Mi Xaing 'er with some admiration in her heart. This girl was really capable. In less than a day, not only did she persuade her to leave the mountain, but she also persuaded Bai Changxi. "Nan Ye, I'll go up the mountain with you later. You won't be able to identify the herbs, so I'll have to teach you guys step by step!"
Nan Ye nodded in agreement. "Okay, then I'll wait for you outside!"
He turned and left.
Xiao Qingshan simply packed her things and went to the front yard to say goodbye to Tang Xiling. She said a few polite words and then left.
"Mi Xaing 'er, you don't have to go up the mountain with us. Stay at home and prepare to steam the herbs. I can directly bring them to the mountain to clean and classify the gastrodia elata. As for the steaming time, I'll have to explain it to you guys!"
She explained a few key points to Mi Xaing 'er in detail, and she took note of them one by one.
The group set off.
Mi Xaing 'er deftly prepared a big pot at home.
Tang Xiling looked at her daughter curiously. "Where did you learn all these tricks from? When I came home this time, I realized that you're different from before. Not only are you eloquent, but you also have your own ideas!"
Mi Xaing 'er turned to look at her. "Isn't that good?"
"It's good, but it's also not good. If you have your own ideas, you won't be bullied by others. But what if you're too strong? The hunter will shoot the bird that sticks out, you know? I'm afraid that sooner or later, you'll …"
Tang Xiling stopped talking. "Anyway, we have to be careful. No matter what happens, Mom will take care of it for you!"
Mom will take care of it for you!
Her words were heartwarming.
Mi Xaing 'er looked at her steadily. Gradually, she really regarded her as her mother.
Four days passed in the blink of an eye.
The harvest of gastrodia elata was bountiful.
Xiao Qingshan was not only very familiar with the areas where the herbs grew in the mountains, but she also helped to check on them during the process of harvesting. Therefore, the gastrodia elata that they brought back was basically the best of the best.
Mi Xaing 'er was busy steaming and processing the herbs during the day, so she did not have time to think too much. But in the dead of night, lying on the pillow and looking at the empty space beside her, she could not help but miss Yun Jingting.
A few days later …
Not only did Yun Laohu not come home, she did not even send a message. She did not say where she went or when she would be back. Mi Xaing 'er was really worried. She wanted to go to the army to ask about it, but she felt that it was too rash of her to do so. She was afraid that she would embarrass Yun Jingting, so she gritted her teeth and held it in.
On the fifth day …
Ni Dahai called. "Xiao Mi 'er, how's the harvesting of the gastrodia elata?"
"It's okay."
Ni Dahai pondered for a moment. "Then send as much as you have. You left so many herbs at home. If someone reports it, it will cause trouble."
Mi Xaing 'er thought about it and agreed. She had been very careful these two days, afraid that Yu Hongyan would find out something and report it to the higher-ups. She was not afraid, but she was afraid that Yun Jingting would be implicated. "Then I'll send it over in the afternoon."
"Come over. I'll be in the county. As soon as the goods arrive, we'll settle the bill immediately. Come to Yutian Street to find me."
Settle the bill.
Ni Dahai's reputation in doing business was really impeccable. He also had a lot of cash in his hands. He was definitely a nouveau riche.
Mi Xaing 'er put down the phone and did not hesitate. She quickly packed the herbs. There were two big baskets.
She simply found a shoulder pole and carried the gastrodia elata into the city.
When she arrived at Yutian Street and saw Ni Dahai, it was already three in the afternoon.
Ni Dahai was wearing a sea spirit shirt and yellow army trousers. He was in high spirits as usual. When he saw her, he smiled and said, "Xiao Mi 'er, it's been a while since we last met. You seem to be getting prettier."
Mi Xaing 'er ignored his compliment and said matter-of-factly, "I've been busy at home recently. My mother is back, but she's not in good health. I can't leave at all."
"Oh." Ni Dahai scratched his forehead. "Recently, there have been many people around me. I vaguely feel that the policy is changing. Sigh, let's not talk about politics. Did you bring the medicine?"
Mi Xaing 'er pointed at the bamboo baskets. "Look at the quality and check the goods."
Ni Dahai bent down and checked the baskets seriously. Although he was usually careless, he was very meticulous when it came to business.
After checking all the gastrodia elata in the baskets, he clapped his hands and stood up. He took out a stack of ten yuan notes from his military backpack and counted out a dozen notes. He stuffed them into Mi Xaing 'er's hands. "This is 180 yuan. I roughly estimated the price. If there's more, I'll refund you and if there's less, I'll make up for it. Anyway, it's not a one-time deal."
180 yuan.
Mi Xiang'er was also shocked. Although she was born in the 21st century, in the 1970s, she was only a village girl who earned seven cents a day. This 180 yuan was equivalent to six or seven years of net income. She didn't know what to say.
180 yuan in four days. This was a good result.
Mi Xaing 'er took the money and carefully put it into her trouser pocket. She pressed her hand on it. It was not that she was stingy, but this money was not easy to come by. Many people worked hard and put in a lot of effort. Not to mention the risks.
She narrowed her eyes and smiled at Ni Dahai. "I'll treat you to a meal next time. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to earn so much money."
"Oh, little girl, you're quite sensible."
Ni Dahai waved his hand casually. "Forget it. It's not easy for you to earn money. Didn't you say that your mother is sick? Buy her some delicious food. When I'm free in a few days, I'll buy some walnut cakes and visit her."
He paused and looked a little unhappy. "But I don't know if I'll have the chance."
Mi Xaing 'er was quick-witted. "Yes, you're going back to the city."
Ni Dahai was a little surprised. "How did you guess it so accurately?"
Mi Xaing 'er did not speak. Wasn't it simple? How could Ni Dahai stay in the countryside for the rest of his life? Of course, he would go back to the city when he had the chance. It was already 1976, and some people were already sensitive to the changes in the government's policies. They had already started to dig holes.
Ni Dahai sounded a little coquettish. "Look at you, I'm leaving. Why don't you ask me when I'm leaving and if I'll come back? You don't treat me as a friend at all."
Mi Xaing 'er straightened her neck. "Did you give me a chance to speak? I was just about to ask you, but you beat me to it."
Ni Dahai crossed his arms and rested his chin on one hand. "Sometimes I wonder, where does a little village girl like you get the confidence to talk to me like that?"
She shrugged. "Alright, stop talking nonsense. When do you plan to go back to the city? What are you going to do?"
"Yes, my dad got me a place to go to school. I haven't decided if I'm going or not." Ni Dahai suddenly slapped his thigh. "Oh right, you're going to the city too. It's almost time, right? Now that we're in the city, we'll have more chances to see each other."
Mi Xaing 'er frowned. "How do you know I'm going to school?"
Ni Dahai was about to answer when he heard a commotion behind him. He quickly turned around.
----- Digression —
Oh my God, who's here?
The first day of September.
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