Jiang Li had just stood up, stamping her slightly numb legs, when she turned around and was immediately surrounded by the villagers.
Seeing a few elderly people about to bow to her, Jiang Li was so startled that she quickly stepped forward to support them.
“Everyone, please don’t do this. The water was dug out by all of us together—it’s also the result of the army and everyone’s efforts.”
“What’s important now is to quickly channel the water into the fields. Don’t delay any longer!”
Several village cadres began wiping their eyes, their voices choked with emotion.
“Yes, hurry! Go get the pumps and hoses!”
“Clear the irrigation channels and guide the water over!”
Only then did everyone snap out of it and return to their tasks, busily getting to work.
Meanwhile, Liu Defa wiped his sweat as he walked over to Jiang Li and gave her a thumbs-up.
“Girl, your skills are truly something!”
Jiang Li felt a bit embarrassed by such direct praise and quickly waved her hand.
Hearing villagers discussing behind her, she turned and went to help again.
Watching her enthusiasm, along with her judgment and observation of crops, Liu Defa grew more and more satisfied and began forming plans in his mind.
Once things settled down, he would submit a report to the bureau and recruit this girl specially.
Such talent must not be overlooked.
After working for most of the day, the cracked, dry soil finally drank its fill of water. The villagers, wiping away tears, surrounded Jiang Li and began stuffing things into her arms.
“Comrade Jiang, take these eggs—they’re fresh!”
“Yes, I’ve got some vegetables here too. Grown at home, nothing fancy!”
Seeing this, Jiang Li quickly refused.
“Uncles, aunts, I really can’t accept these. Our unit has strict rules.”
But the villagers were too emotional to care.
One elderly woman directly stuffed a bundle wrapped in old newspaper into Jiang Li’s hands, gripping her hand tightly to prevent refusal.
“Girl, these are vegetable seeds we saved at home. If you like them, keep them.”
Hearing this, Jiang Li squeezed the heavy packet of seeds, a hint of delight appearing in her eyes.
She immediately took out one yuan from her pocket and pressed it into the woman’s hand.
“Auntie, this is perfect—I actually need these seeds. But you must take this money, or I won’t accept them. We have regulations—we can’t take even a penny from the people.”
“In the future, if anyone has extra seeds at home, you can sell them to me. I definitely can’t accept them for free.”
Hearing this, everyone exchanged glances. Just as the woman was about to refuse again, Jiang Li crouched down and gave a few pieces of candy from her pocket to the woman’s grandson.
“These are for the child. Auntie, please keep the money—now we’re even.”
Seeing this, the woman could no longer refuse. Taking advantage of the moment, Jiang Li also collected some seeds from other villagers.
At that moment, Xiao Ya, hiding behind a tree in the distance, watched as Jiang Li accepted seeds and items. Seeing her smiling face, a cold smile curved on her lips before she turned and quickly left.
Now that Jiang Li had successfully helped Li Family Village find a water source and solve the drought problem,
her reputation spread through the military compound and nearby villages.
The neighbors in the family quarters, who had once been doubtful of her, now greeted her warmly whenever they saw her.
“Jiang Li, come take a look—why are my seedlings turning yellow? They were fine the other day…”
“Little sister, what’s your secret to growing vegetables? The radishes in your yard look so fresh and lively!”
“Teacher Jiang, teach us some tips! When the vegetables grow, the first harvest will all go to your family!”
Now, whenever Jiang Li returned home, her small courtyard was always lively.
She held nothing back, combining her past-life experience with her current understanding of plants, patiently answering every question.
Her explanations were clear and easy to understand.
In just a few days, the vegetable patches in the courtyard had become lush and green under her guidance, no longer only her own thriving.
That afternoon, while Jiang Li was discussing techniques with several women in the garden, two stern-looking cadres in military uniforms suddenly approached.
“May I ask, which one is Comrade Jiang Li?”
The leading soldier spoke coldly, his tone serious.
The lively atmosphere instantly fell silent.
Jiang Li quickly stood up and walked forward. Though her expression was calm, a trace of unease stirred within her.
“I am Jiang Li. What is it, comrades?”
“Comrade Jiang Li, we have received a report from the public.”
The officer took out a letter, frowning slightly.
“This letter reports that during your assistance work in Li Family Village some time ago, you accepted property from the villagers. Please cooperate with our investigation and explain the situation.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the women around them stepped forward, their faces filled with shock and concern.
“Comrade, are you mistaken? Jiang Li isn’t that kind of person.”
Wang Xuelian spoke up first, and the others quickly nodded in agreement.
“Exactly! Who would make up such nonsense?”
At that moment, hurried footsteps approached from afar.
Jiang Li turned her head to see Si Nanchen striding over.
Clearly, he had also heard the news.
He stood directly beside Jiang Li, his gaze steady as he looked at the two officers.
“Comrades, I am Si Nanchen. Jiang Li is my wife.”
“I can testify to this matter. There must be some misunderstanding. My wife acted entirely in the public interest while working in Li Family Village and absolutely did not violate any regulations.”
His voice was calm but carried undeniable authority, his protective stance unmistakable.
“Nanchen ge, don’t be anxious.”
At that moment, a soft voice spoke up inappropriately.
Xiao Ya had appeared at some point, her face showing concern and helplessness.
“It’s right for the organization to investigate clearly. There’s no smoke without fire, and this concerns the army’s reputation.”
“Maybe Jiang Li didn’t mean any harm. The villagers were just too enthusiastic, so she had no choice but to accept a few small things.”
“She hasn’t been here long. Perhaps she didn’t pay attention to the impact—her awareness might not have caught up yet.”
If Jiang Li had still been confused before, hearing this made everything clear.
Looking at Xiao Ya’s hypocritical expression, Jiang Li smiled faintly in her heart.
So it was her behind all this.