novelhk Chapter 104 Learning to Plant
Chapter 104 Learning to Plant
Although Su Yuning came from a rural family, she was completely clueless about farming, like a blank sheet of paper. Whether in a bustling modern city with its traffic and neon lights, or in a simple, ancient village with its honest people and simple lifestyle, she had never planted anything with her own hands. Therefore, when she faced the neatly cultivated barren land, she couldn't help but feel helpless and confused, not knowing where to begin.
Just when Su Yuning felt helpless, the village chief's nephew, Tianqi, happened to return to his hometown. As if grasping at a lifeline, she didn't hesitate to walk briskly forward, her face beaming with sincerity and expectation, and softly asked, "Tianqi, you're back! I'd like to ask you, what crops are most suitable to plant at this time of year? Could you explain it to me in detail?"
Upon hearing Su Yuning's question, Tianqi was slightly taken aback at first, then revealed a kind and friendly smile, responding enthusiastically, "Haha, you've come to the right person! Speaking of this season, there are quite a few vegetables suitable for planting. For example, celery, it likes cool and humid climates, so planting it now is perfect; and chili peppers, if managed properly, will produce clusters of bright red fruits; then there are green beans and long beans, which are common and delicious dishes on summer tables. As for crops, soybeans and corn are also good choices!"
"Wow, Tianqi, you're amazing! How do you know so much?" Su Yuning asked with a big smile. Her bright, sparkling eyes shone with admiration and curiosity.
Tianqi smiled slightly, revealing a set of clean, white teeth, and replied, "Haha, I used to work in the vegetable garden in the next village, have you forgotten?" As he spoke, he gently patted his shoulder, as if reminding Su Yuning of that unforgettable experience.
Upon hearing this, Su Yuning was taken aback at first, then suddenly slapped her forehead, realizing what she had done. She laughed sheepishly, "Oh dear, look at my memory! It's so bad! I completely forgot something so important." With that, she playfully stuck out her tongue.
Just then, the village chief's nephew suddenly asked, "Yu Ning, are you going to start a vegetable garden?" He blinked his bright little eyes and looked at Su Yu Ning expectantly.
Su Yuning nodded, then turned to Tianqi and eagerly asked, "Then tell me quickly, how exactly should these vegetables be planted?" Her eyes shone like the bright stars in the night sky, revealing her thirst for knowledge.
Seeing this, Tianqi scratched his head, thought for a moment, and then began to explain in detail: "Well... for example, planting corn. First, you need to dig holes of suitable size, with about half a meter between each hole. Next, put two or three plump corn kernels into each hole. Be careful not to put too many, otherwise they will compete for nutrients. After placing them, carefully cover them with soil and gently press it down. Finally, don't forget to water them with a suitable amount of water to keep the soil moist, but don't let it get too waterlogged. However, you need to pay special attention to those nasty insects when the corn is just sprouting; they love to steal the tender seedlings."
Su Yuning listened intently, nodding occasionally to show her understanding. She carefully memorized each step, afraid of missing any crucial information. After Tianqi finished explaining how to plant corn, she eagerly pressed on, "What about vegetables? Are they more complicated than growing corn?"
"Actually, it's not as difficult as you might think! Take celery, for example. Its seeds are incredibly tiny, so the first thing we need to do is prepare the soil finely so the seeds can take root and grow better. After preparing the soil, we evenly scatter the tiny celery seeds and then gently cover them with a thin layer of soil. Don't cover it too thickly, or the little seeds will have a hard time sprouting! The last and crucial step is to keep the soil consistently moist. If you do all this, it won't be long before those adorable celery sprouts eagerly emerge! As for chili peppers, it's a little different. We need to start with seedling cultivation. Only when the chili pepper seedlings are strong and healthy can we transplant them into the field."
While demonstrating the actions, Tianqi earnestly explained the key points and steps of planting vegetables to Su Yuning.
Hearing this, Su Yuning's eyes shone with gratitude. She held Tianqi's hand tightly and said, "Oh, Tianqi, thank you so much! If it weren't for your patient and detailed explanation, I would have been completely clueless and wouldn't have known where to start."
Tianqi smiled and waved his hand, replying modestly, "Hey, we're all from the same village, helping each other is only natural! Besides, if we grow some vegetables together, we can share the joy of the harvest together. If you encounter any other problems during the planting process, just come and ask me anytime, don't be shy!"
Afterwards, Tianqi wrapped the remaining celery seeds in kraft paper and gave them to Su Yuning, hoping that her vegetable garden could grow vegetables soon. Receiving such warm help and encouragement from Tianqi, Su Yuning nodded happily and then walked briskly to her own patch of wasteland.
She squatted down, carefully recalling every detail that Tianqi had just taught her, and cautiously began to sow the celery seeds.
She gently placed each seed into the small hole she had dug, then lightly covered them with a thin layer of soil, careful not to accidentally harm these fragile lives. After doing all this, Su Yuning stood up, gazing at the newly sown land before her, her heart filled with boundless anticipation and longing.
At this moment, a beautiful picture of harvest time had already appeared in her mind—lush green celery covering the ground, and bright red peppers hanging from the branches... Thinking of this, Su Yuning couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. She believed that as long as she took good care of it, this expectation would definitely become a reality!
It's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early—that saying is absolutely true! The moment Ye Beichen stepped into Xinghua Village, it was as if the gears of fate had begun to turn quietly. He hurried towards the Su family, his heart filled with anticipation and curiosity.
When he met Old Su, before he could even exchange a few pleasantries, he eagerly inquired about Su Yuning's whereabouts. Old Su smiled and told him that Yuning had just gone to the wasteland behind the village. Upon hearing this, Ye Beichen immediately turned and hurried towards the back of the village without saying a word.
His heart was pounding in his chest the whole way, because he missed the person he loved so much. Finally, he saw that familiar figure in the distance—it was Su Yuning! She was bent over, intently working in the vegetable garden.
Ye Beichen rushed to Su Yuning's side, and looking at the lush green vegetable patch in front of him, he couldn't help but show a surprised expression. Without the slightest hesitation, he rolled up his sleeves, picked up a bucket, and began to help Su Yuning water the vegetable patch.
While watering the vegetables, Ye Beichen couldn't help but ask curiously, "Yu Ning, why did you suddenly decide to grow vegetables? Are you planning to keep them for your own family or give them away?"
Upon hearing Ye Beichen's question, Su Yuning looked up, a radiant smile spreading across her face. Her beautiful eyes were as warm and comforting as the spring sun.
She said softly, "Well, it's not just about my family having fresh vegetables! Actually, I'm thinking about helping the villagers make a living. You see, many villagers have to take care of their families and can't go out to find work. So I started this small vegetable garden so that everyone can work near their homes and have a stable income. As for these vegetables, besides feeding my own family, most of them will be sold to earn money!"
“Your idea is truly excellent. It will not only benefit you personally, but also benefit many villagers. Naturally, I will fully support your decision.” Ye Beichen smiled gently, a warm smile like a spring breeze on his face, and responded softly.
At this moment, Su Yuning suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but frown slightly, pretending to be angry as she asked, "By the way, why didn't you tell me before you went to the Northern Desert? What is it that you're in such a hurry to go there?"
Seeing this, Ye Beichen quickly put on a smiling face and explained, "Oh dear, please don't be angry. It's just that the situation is urgent, so I had to rush back to Mobei to deal with important matters."
However, Su Yuning didn't seem to intend to let him off easily, and continued to ask, "Oh? What urgent matter could make you so rushed? Are you in such a hurry to get back and marry Xuanyuan Rong'er?" After saying that, she blinked her bright eyes and looked at Ye Beichen with a half-smile.
Upon hearing this, Ye Beichen hurriedly waved his hand in denial, saying, "What nonsense! Xuanyuan Rong'er has long since married someone else. She is now the wife of one of my guards. The reason I rushed back to Mobei this time was entirely for you. Do you remember that despicable Madam Nangong? She was the one who deliberately plotted to frame you. Fortunately, justice prevails, and I have obtained conclusive evidence and witnesses, and punished her according to the law. I have finally gotten justice for you." At this point, Ye Beichen's expression became exceptionally serious and earnest.
Hearing this, Su Yuning felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She smiled slightly and said softly, "As the saying goes, good deeds are rewarded and evil deeds are punished. Seeing this outcome, I am already satisfied. Thank you for your help!"
"So how are you going to thank me?" Ye Beichen's lips curled up slightly, a playful smile on his face, as he slowly took a step closer to her. His tall frame leaned forward slightly, instantly closing the distance between them, to the point where they could even feel the warmth of each other's breath.
Su Yuning's heart pounded involuntarily, and her cheeks flushed a vibrant red like the sunset. She lowered her head shyly, unable to meet Ye Beichen's deep, burning eyes. She subconsciously reached out and gently scratched the back of her head, as if to ease her nervousness. After a long while, she finally mustered the courage to look up at Ye Beichen, her gaze flickering, and said softly, "How about I treat you to dinner?" Her voice was as soft as a breeze across a lake, almost inaudible, but filled with sincerity.
However, Ye Beichen did not accept the proposal. He straightened up, crossed his arms, and said with an extremely serious expression, "No, I want to remarry you. Moreover, I want to have a child as soon as possible." His words were like a thunderclap, exploding in Su Yuning's ears, leaving her so shocked that she opened her mouth wide and didn't know how to answer for a moment.
"You...you're so annoying!" After a long while, Su Yuning finally came to her senses and called out those two words coquettishly. Then, like a startled fawn, she turned around and ran quickly into the distance. Her figure faded into the sunset's afterglow, leaving only a string of clear, bell-like laughter echoing in the air. "Thank you so much for your help." As soon as she finished speaking, the two exchanged a smile, their unspoken understanding and affection evident.
In the vast and boundless northern desert, a luxurious and grand mansion of the Nangong family stands like a dazzling pearl. However, at this moment, an unusually heavy and oppressive atmosphere permeates the mansion.
In the spacious and bright hall, Master Nangong and the Third Miss sat facing each other, their conversation seemingly freezing the surrounding air.
Master Nangong looked at the young girl with a solemn expression and slowly said, "My daughter, you now have two choices. One, you can choose to marry that brat Ye Beichen and take this opportunity to get revenge on him; the other, you can return to your old home on the grasslands and live a peaceful and stable life. Think it over carefully."