After Liu Defa said this, the entire courtyard fell silent. Everyone was clearly stunned.
An internship position in the agricultural department was a legitimate technical post—countless educated young people couldn’t squeeze their way in.
And Jiang Li, as a newly arrived military spouse, had been specially recruited?
The wives who had just been teasing Xiao Ya now immediately turned their attention to Jiang Li.
There was no jealousy or mockery in their eyes—only admiration and envy.
“Oh my, congratulations, sister! You’re really amazing!”
“I told you, Xiao Jiang has real ability! Otherwise, how could she be specially recruited?”
“Our courtyard’s vegetable plots finally have hope! Don’t嫌麻烦 in the future—we’ll all come to you!”
In fact, Jiang Li herself hadn’t fully recovered from the shock, while Xiao Ya stood frozen, her face alternating between red and pale.
Looking at Jiang Li, who was now basking in glory, and thinking about her own suspension and self-reflection, she could no longer hold back her tears.
She shot Jiang Li a fierce glare, covered her face, and ran off.
The other wives glanced at Xiao Ya’s departing figure and muttered a few comments.
Knowing Liu Defa still had things to discuss with Jiang Li, they congratulated her as they gradually dispersed.
The surroundings finally quieted down. Liu Defa stood there smiling.
“Come on, Xiao Jiang, shall we sit at your place? I’ll go over the specific work arrangements with you.”
Jiang Li suppressed the excitement in her heart, quickly stepped aside, and invited him in.
Seeing that Si Nancheng was also home, Liu Defa didn’t avoid anything.
He sat on a chair, looking at Jiang Li with satisfaction.
“Girl, work hard. This internship opportunity is truly rare. Many experts in our bureau think highly of you.”
“As long as you stay diligent, you don’t even need outstanding performance—you can smoothly become a full employee!”
Jiang Li naturally understood how valuable this internship was.
Because of that, she felt both nervous and excited.
Outstanding performance?
At those words, a thought flashed through her mind.
If she combined her previous life’s experience at the seed station with her current ability to improve seeds using the energy within her…
Thinking of this, she steadied her slightly trembling fingers, considered for a moment, and then spoke.
“Senior, thank you very much for your trust.”
“When I worked at the seed station back home, I often read related books, so I actually have some ideas about improving crop seeds.”
“For example, in terms of disaster resistance and disease resistance… I wonder if the bureau allows research in this area?”
Hearing this, Liu Defa’s eyes lit up instantly, his back straightening.
“What do you mean? Do you have a specific direction?”
“Of course it’s allowed! This is a great thing! If you really have ideas, quickly write a report for me to review! If it works, I’ll apply for funding and a site—we’ll get started right away!”
With Liu Defa’s assurance, a heavy weight in Jiang Li’s heart finally settled.
She picked up her cup, took a sip of water, and was about to continue when Si Nancheng, who had finished tidying the kitchen, walked into the living room.
Seeing him, Liu Defa quickly pulled him over to sit, smiling broadly.
“Commander Si, let me tell you—Comrade Xiao Jiang has been snapped up by our bureau. She will definitely create great value in the future!”
“Your wife is truly remarkable!”
“Old Liu, she is indeed excellent,” Si Nancheng said.
Such direct praise made Jiang Li a little embarrassed, her cheeks flushing.
Seeing the young couple’s awkwardness, Liu Defa couldn’t help but laugh.
“In anything, what matters is dedication—being willing to study and dive into it.”
“Only when you truly like something will you care about it.”
“Alright, I came today just to inform you of this matter. I won’t disturb you two any longer.”
As he spoke, he stood up and walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he turned back to Jiang Li and pointed at her.
“Remember, girl—write that report.”
After seeing Liu Defa off, only the two of them remained in the house.
Everything that had happened today made the atmosphere a bit subtle.
Si Nancheng cleared his throat lightly and looked at Jiang Li.
His sharp gaze softened, carrying a hint of admiration.
“Congratulations.”
Hearing his low voice, Jiang Li glanced at him, then quickly looked away again, nodding.
But the smile at the corners of her lips couldn’t be suppressed.
At the agreed time, on Monday morning, Jiang Li got up, washed, and changed into neat, clean clothes.
She stood before the mirror, tying her long hair into a tidy ponytail, looking refreshed and capable.
Checking the time, she was about to head out when she saw Si Nancheng pushing a bicycle, stopping at the courtyard gate.
“Come on, I’ll take you to the bureau.”
Jiang Li was momentarily stunned, then quickly walked out.
“Where did you get this?”
“Borrowed it from the political commissar.”
Si Nancheng replied softly, patting the back seat.
“Let’s go. Don’t be late on your first day.”
Seeing him already seated on the bike, Jiang Li felt a warmth in her heart. She didn’t refuse and sat sideways on the back seat.
“Thank you, sorry for the trouble.”
The ride to the bureau took about half an hour.
The morning breeze was cool. Jiang Li lightly held onto the corner of Si Nancheng’s clothes, closing her eyes slightly as she let out a contented sigh.
Sitting sideways, her fingers gently grasping his shirt, she felt his broad back shielding her from much of the wind.
They didn’t speak along the way, yet there was no awkwardness.
Jiang Li pressed her lips together, feeling a sense of peace quietly rising within her.
When they arrived at the entrance of the agricultural bureau, Jiang Li got off the bike and walked in front of him, smiling brightly.
“Thank you for bringing me. You should go back to your work—I can come back by myself later.”
Hearing this, Si Nancheng nodded, but didn’t move.
He watched as Jiang Li walked through the gate before finally turning to leave.
On the way back, thinking about her saying she would return on her own, he felt an inexplicable discomfort.
Although they hadn’t been together long, they were legally husband and wife.
Yet now, it still felt like there was a distance between them…
By the time he returned to the unit, the logistics department was distributing bonuses and ration tickets from the last mission.
After collecting his share, Si Nancheng went to find Chen Jidong.
“Do you have any spare industrial coupons? I’d like to exchange for some.”
Hearing this, Chen Jidong put down his documents, surprised.
“What do you want to buy?”