“There are several villages near our unit. Over the past few years, their crops haven’t been doing well. This year, with less rainfall, they’re even more worried, so they came to the army asking for help.”
“Our unit certainly won’t ignore the difficulties of the people, so the leadership has already contacted the Agricultural Bureau. They’ve sent over a technician who will go out to the fields to take a look.”
As Jiang Li cooperated with Si Nanchen, setting out bowls and serving dishes, she listened attentively.
“The technician is already here at the unit. Since they’re unfamiliar with the place, we thought of assigning an assistant to help with communication and provide support.”
“Since you’re interested in this kind of work and have experience at the seed station, I think you’re quite suitable.”
“If you’re interested, I can mention it to the political commissar.”
Jiang Li had already sat down, but upon hearing this, she immediately stood up again, her eyes widening.
Wasn’t this exactly like being handed a pillow when she was sleepy?
Although she kept busy working the soil at home, she needed a place to truly apply her abilities.
If the job was related to agricultural practice, that would be even better.
And if she could be affiliated with the Agricultural Bureau, it would make things much more convenient in the future.
“Really? That’s wonderful! Thank you so much!”
Jiang Li leaned on the table with both hands, her eyes sparkling.
“Don’t worry. If I get selected, I’ll definitely work hard and won’t bring shame to you—or to our unit!”
Si Nanchen was stunned for a few seconds.
He unconsciously shifted his gaze away and sat down.
“Alright, let’s eat first. After dinner, I’ll take you over to have a look.”
After the meal, the two of them went straight to a temporary registration point set up by the unit.
Knowing that Si Nanchen still had duties to attend to, Jiang Li let him leave first and stayed behind.
Just as he had said, the registration point was already crowded with military family members and villagers who had rushed over after hearing the news.
Everyone hoped to secure the opportunity to assist the agricultural expert.
After all, it was respectable work and a chance to learn real skills.
The person in charge of the assessment was the technician sent by the Agricultural Bureau, Mr. Liu Defa.
He was already past fifty, with graying hair but sharp eyes.
Wearing glasses and standing with his hands behind his back, he looked very serious.
“Everyone, quiet down and listen.”
“There are several requirements for this assistant position. First, you need to have some basic agricultural knowledge. Second, you must be hardworking, patient, and attentive.”
“And another point—you must be literate, as you’ll need to help record data.”
“If you think you meet the requirements, come over here to register.”
As soon as he finished speaking, many people eagerly raised their hands.
“Sir, I’ve been farming for years! Our crops have great harvests every year!”
“Comrade, I’ve even taken seeds to village competitions before and won awards! This is no problem for me!”
Seeing their enthusiasm, Liu Defa couldn’t help but smile wryly.
But with years of experience, he knew such matters couldn’t rely on one-sided claims.
He directly brought out several common seeds and leaves that had been eaten by insects, conducting an on-the-spot test.
The questions seemed simple, but they required real, hands-on experience to answer.
The villagers who had been shouting earlier were eliminated within the first couple of rounds.
Though somewhat dissatisfied, they sensibly stepped aside.
When it was Jiang Li’s turn, she greeted him first and then began answering.
For her, these questions weren’t difficult.
With her experience from working at the seed station, combined with her current unique sensitivity to plants,
she answered accurately and clearly, even adding extra details.
As for literacy, there was no need to question it.
While giving additional explanations, Jiang Li had already written lines of neat, small characters in her notebook.
The handwriting was elegant and orderly, without a single mistake—pleasing to the eye and flawless.
With such a comparison, the difference was obvious.
Without hesitation, Liu Defa made his decision on the spot and selected Jiang Li.
“Thank you all for your enthusiastic participation! I’ve made my decision—Comrade Jiang Li has a solid foundation, good handwriting, and her own insights into crops.”
“For the coming period, she will be my assistant, helping to solve the villagers’ agricultural problems!”
Although Jiang Li was very confident, hearing the final decision still filled her with joy.
Just as she was about to thank him, an extremely discordant voice suddenly sounded from behind.
“Technician, don’t be fooled by her.”
Everyone turned toward the voice and saw Xiao Ya pushing her way out of the crowd.
She wore a worried expression, with two colleagues following behind her.
Walking up to the technician, she glanced at Jiang Li from the corner of her eye and sighed.
“Jiang Li has only been here for a few days. She doesn’t know how to farm at all.”
“Comrade, the carrots she planted in her own yard haven’t even sprouted yet. She probably can’t even recognize seeds properly!”
“How can someone like her be your assistant? Wouldn’t that delay the villagers’ work?”
As soon as Xiao Ya said this, murmurs spread through the crowd. Liu Defa frowned and looked at Jiang Li.
“Comrade Jiang Li, is what she said true?”
Jiang Li hadn’t expected Xiao Ya to show up everywhere like an inescapable nuisance.
She sneered inwardly, but her expression remained calm.
“Mr. Liu, I did plant radishes in my yard—but not carrots, and they were only planted two days ago.”
“As for whether they’ve sprouted, no matter what I say won’t be convincing. How about you come and take a look with me?”
As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Xiao Ya.
“Since Comrade Xiao Ya is so concerned, you can come along as well—just to avoid any future misunderstandings.”
Unexpectedly, Jiang Li remained so composed. Xiao Ya felt a flicker of unease.
But since she had already spoken, she couldn’t back out now.
“Fine, let’s go take a look! If they haven’t sprouted, Technician, you’ll have to reconsider!”
When the group arrived at Jiang Li’s small courtyard, Xiao Ya rushed forward impatiently to the newly turned patch of soil, pointing at the slightly damp earth.
“Everyone, look! I told you—those seeds…”