To secure this truckload of tree stumps, Li Shuwu's wife had gone to the forestry station early to put in a word and even slipped the loading crew a pack of cigarettes, hoping they’d give her family a little extra. After all, some truckloads might look full, but once unloaded, there wasn’t much to show for it.
Now, she was being told that Yan Xue wasn’t planting anymore. What was she supposed to do with that truckload of stumps? Returning them to the station was out of the question.
Walking back after the meeting, she couldn’t shake the thought of how difficult it would be to split those stumps. Eventually, she turned around and headed back to the station.
Unexpectedly, Old Man Wang was there too, and he had a smoother way with words. "Better return them. The station has needs right now—our little family matter isn’t important."
Li Shuwu's wife quickly nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Our truckload can go back to the station too. Just send us a load of mixed branches later."
One moment they were rushing to get the stumps, and the next, they suddenly didn’t want them anymore. Ge Erzhu, the one handling this, couldn’t have been more exasperated.
And if he couldn’t see by now that there had been something fishy about their earlier eagerness for the stumps, he’d be a fool. Still, since the forestry station did have a need, he went to ask Secretary Lang about it.
At the time, Yan Xue was also in Secretary Lang’s office. Hearing the request, Secretary Lang glanced at Yan Xue and said, "Tell them to keep it. The station doesn’t need their concern. The bureau will notify all forestry stations that tree stumps and substandard timber will be prioritized for our use. We’re not short on their little contribution."
So all their scheming had been for nothing—and now they were stuck with a truckload of trouble.
Ge Erzhu nodded and relayed the message. Old Man Wang and Li Shuwu's wife didn’t look too pleased.
Li Shuwu's wife could at least stew quietly, but Old Man Wang’s return home sparked an argument. After all, it had been his idea to get the stumps, claiming they’d bring in big money. Now, with so many piled up at home, who was going to split them?
Yan Xue paid no attention to these two households. With the approval documents now in hand, she had too much to focus on.
First was selecting a site for the pilot project—close to a water source, well-ventilated, and facing south to shield from northern winds.
Too far from water, and irrigation would be a hassle; poor ventilation, and mold would thrive.
Yan Xue had scouted the entire area around the forestry station before settling on a spot near the riverbank. Secretary Lang had already sent people to clear away stones and dead grass.
Then there was the matter of the allocated funds—should they remain under the station’s control, requiring applications for each expense, or be directly assigned to the pilot project with its own separate accounts?
After careful consideration, Secretary Lang decided to let the pilot manage its own funds, just like the agricultural team, with periodic reporting to the station.
"In that case, could you lend me Yue'e for a while?" Yan Xue said with a smile. "This is too heavy a burden for me to shoulder alone."
This was a gesture of reciprocity. While others might not know, both Yan Xue and Secretary Lang were aware that the pilot project was bound to be profitable.
Transferring Lang Yue'e over would mean her wages wouldn’t be cut, and having a trusted person in the project would put Secretary Lang at ease.
Besides, Yan Xue knew Lang Yue'e’s temperament—unlike someone like Yu Cuiyun, who threw her weight around, she wasn’t the type to meddle or overstep.
The way Yan Xue phrased it was particularly pleasing, and Secretary Lang readily agreed.
Later, he couldn’t help but remark to his wife, "That Yan Xue—she knows just what to say and how to get things done. Yue'e really picked a good friend."
His wife nodded. "Pity she’s a girl. Otherwise, she and Yue'e would make a fine pair."
Lang Yue'e had been divorced for over a year and a half, and Secretary Lang’s wife was starting to fret about her remarriage again.
Secretary Lang, riding high on his career momentum, wasn’t as anxious. "I think it’s good for her to have something to focus on. Isn’t that better than ending up with another Kang Peisheng?"
His wife rolled her eyes. "What kind of talk is that? Must Yue'e settle for another Kang Peisheng?"
Meanwhile, Yan Xue didn’t head straight home after leaving the station. Instead, she made a detour to the Liu household.
Guo Chang'an had already confirmed he’d join her. But there was one more person whose opinion she wanted to hear.
"You want Wenhui to be your accountant?" Huang Fengying had just been congratulating her on becoming a technician, so this request came as a surprise.
Zhou Wenhui, seven months pregnant with a noticeably rounder face and belly, was equally taken aback.
Yan Xue smiled warmly. "I can’t vouch for much else, but I trust Wenhui’s bookkeeping skills. We’re just starting out, and I don’t have many people to rely on."
Most family members of the forestry station’s workers had limited education, and Yan Xue wasn’t comfortable entrusting such a critical role to an outsider.
"Of course, it’s up to your family," she added graciously. "If you’d rather not have your daughter-in-law overworked, I completely understand. I wouldn’t want to impose."
By leaving room for refusal, she came across as sincere rather than pushy.
This made it harder for the Liu family to decline. Zhou Wenhui hesitated, then looked at Huang Fengying. "Maybe I could give it a try, Mom? It’s not like I’m doing much at home anyway."
The family work teams were all heavy labor—hardly suitable for a pregnant woman. Zhou Wenhui hadn’t done any work since her pregnancy.
Seeing Zhou Wenhui’s willingness, Huang Fengying relented. "Then we’ll leave Wenhui in your care."
"Not at all—it’s me who’s indebted to you. This is a huge help."
And so, the initial team for the Jinchan Mushroom Cultivation Pilot Project was finalized. Yan Xue scheduled their first meeting at her home.
"Since Yue'e, Chang'an, and Wenhui already know each other, I’ll skip introductions." Yan Xue pulled out a notebook and briefly outlined the roles for Guo Chang'an and Zhou Wenhui.
"Are we taking minutes?" Lang Yue'e asked, eyeing the notebook. "I can handle that."
She knew Guo Chang'an had been assisting Yan Xue all along, and Zhou Wenhui was good with numbers. She was the only one completely new to this.
Plus, as Secretary Lang’s daughter, her position was sensitive. It was best not to speak unless necessary.
Understanding her intent, Yan Xue handed over the notebook and pen. "Let’s clarify our responsibilities first. We’re short on hands as it is."
She turned directly to Guo Chang'an. "Yue'e, Wenhui, and I were all temporary workers before. You’re the only one with a formal position. I’d like your thoughts—do you want to keep things as they were, or…?"
Instead of answering, Guo Chang'an posed a question of his own. "Are you doing this because you can’t keep growing them yourself and had to share, or do you genuinely want to make something of this?"
That cut straight to the heart of the matter. Yan Xue’s expression turned serious. "Truthfully, I never thought I could keep this up indefinitely."
The timing of when to step back—and whether she even could—depended entirely on who was in charge. Otherwise, all her efforts might come to nothing.
"But since I’ve been put in charge, I’ll do everything I can to make our mushroom cultivation thrive."
With that, Guo Chang'an had his answer. His role at the station had always been expendable anyway. "I’ll transfer over and work with you."
"Then you'll continue with your previous tasks, mainly responsible for fungal culture and observation records during the cultivation process."
Guo Chang'an was meticulous and quick-witted, so Yan Xue had been grooming him to become a technician.
Seeing Guo Chang'an nod in agreement, Yan Xue turned to Lang Yue'e. "Sister Yue'e, you'll handle the cashier duties and also assist with personnel management. Is that alright?"
This meant entrusting the forest farm's allocated funds to Lang Yue'e. After a brief hesitation, Lang Yue'e nodded. "Alright."
In those days, unit expenditures were handled with great caution—funds could only be disbursed with approval from the top leader, the accountant, and the cashier. The fact that the forest farm hadn’t sent an accountant or cashier to oversee Yan Xue was already a concession. Among the four present, Lang Yue'e was the most suitable to manage the money.
That left Zhou Wenhui, who grew slightly uneasy. "I’ll pass. Bookkeeping doesn’t seem like much work, so I’ll just drop by to help when I can."
Clearly, she wasn’t planning to take a salary, especially since she was pregnant and due in two months. She had only intended to assist Yan Xue.
"We still need someone dedicated to the role," Yan Xue insisted. "If you need maternity leave, you can take the standard forty days off."
Seeing Zhou Wenhui hesitate, she added, "But we’re short-handed right now, so you’d likely have to handle the timekeeping too. If it’s too much, you can take some time to think it over."
Reassured that she wouldn’t be paid for doing nothing, Zhou Wenhui relaxed a little but said she’d discuss it with her family before giving a final answer.
With roles assigned, the next step was hiring.
Yan Xue glanced at the other three. "For recruitment, I’m planning two types of workers—long-term and short-term."
Long-term workers, like them, would be dedicated solely to the pilot project, operating on a self-sustaining model where earnings from selling mushrooms would be split annually.
Short-term workers, like seasonal laborers from the family teams, would be paid daily and could come and go freely.
The pilot project didn’t have consistent workloads—peak periods were during the initial fungal cultivation stages, inoculation, and mushroom harvesting and drying.
Hiring only long-term workers would be wasteful, and forest farm employees might not want to stake their fortunes on an untested venture.
After all, this was something new—no one had cultivated mushrooms like this before. Who knew how profitable it would be? What if the harvest was poor this year?
Temporary workers, at least, would be paid daily regardless of the project’s profitability, and they could earn from both the family teams and the pilot project.
Coincidentally, the forest clearing work had just ended, and Yan Xue’s team was about to begin fungal inoculation. By the time the family teams had less work, this project would still be running until September or October.
Sure enough, as soon as the job postings went up, inquiries poured in—all for temporary positions.
Worried some family members might be illiterate, Yan Xue even had the forest farm’s broadcaster announce the job details, including requirements and wages.
Soon, she and Lang Yue'e had registered over a dozen applicants—all short-term, with no long-term candidates.
Just as Yan Xue took a sip of water after the busy session, another person walked in. Without looking up, she asked, "Here to apply? This is the place."
When she finally glanced up, she saw a tall, strikingly handsome man with captivating peach-blossom eyes—and an oddly familiar face.
The familiar man seemed surprised by her question. Pausing at the door, he replied, "Yes."
Lang Yue'e chuckled and stood up. "It’s almost mealtime—I’ll head out first."
Yan Xue didn’t stop her. "We’ll need to withdraw funds tomorrow for tools."
Once Lang Yue'e left, Yan Xue turned back to the man, clearing her throat playfully. "Which position are you applying for? Long-term or short-term?"
Qi Fang played along, lowering his peach-blossom eyes as if seriously considering it. "Is there a lifetime option?"
"That’s a tough one," Yan Xue feigned distress. "The only unchangeable bonds in this world are blood relations."
"What about the father of my child?"
Well, no—after all, there was also such a thing as a stepfather.
But before Yan Xue could retort, Qi Fang pinched her lips shut with two fingers.
Molding her mouth into a duck’s beak, he scowled. "If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it."
So now she wasn’t even allowed to speak the truth? Yan Xue swatted his hand away.
But it wasn’t even off-duty hours yet. She checked her watch. "Why are you back so early today?"
At the question, his expression darkened. "All the parts for the retrofitting arrived. The bureau’s pushing me to finish quickly."
"That fast?" Yan Xue was surprised. "Weren’t you missing a lot before?"
"The previous procurement officer got caught by Secretary Qu and was penalized. The new one doesn’t dare drag his feet."
It wasn’t just that Qu Mingli had a knack for uncovering faults—it was also the fine he imposed.
Though not exact, the amount was suspiciously close to what the procurement officer had previously skimmed from parts purchases. Who wouldn’t be terrified?
The officer now deeply regretted ever agreeing to Director Liu’s requests, and others had grown cautious too.
With no outlet for his frustration, Director Liu was nitpicking everywhere—pressuring Qi Fang to speed up the retrofitting was one such move.
If Qi Fang failed or took too long, Director Liu would surely seize the opportunity to make a scene.
But Yan Xue sensed there was more to his mood than just being rushed—after all, he was no stranger to overtime.
Sure enough, when she asked if something else was wrong, his expression darkened further. "The repair shop’s equipment is inadequate. Some parts have to be done in town."
Now she understood. After a pause, she cut to the chase. "How long will you be gone?"
"At least half a month." Qi Fang’s expression remained grim. "Sorry, I have to leave again."
"Not a big deal," Yan Xue said breezily. "At least when you’re home, you still drive stick."
"Stick?" Qi Fang frowned, unfamiliar with the term.
Since he didn’t get it, Yan Xue pretended she hadn’t made the innuendo. "The town repair shop gives one day off a week, right?"
"Yeah."
The logging team had been an exception—tight deadlines, heavy workload. But most workplaces followed a six-day workweek then.
Qi Fang knew that, but the timing still irked him. "Do you need me to handle anything before I go?"
"Not really," Yan Xue mused. "I’ve already delegated procurement to the forest farm’s supply department."
With her team stretched thin, outsourcing was practical—as long as they didn’t gouge her, a little commission was fair.
Qi Fang didn’t press further. He didn’t ask for help packing either, preparing his own gear for the next day’s trip.
Before leaving, he filled the water vat and chopped firewood. "Leave anything heavy for when I’m back. Don’t overexert yourself."
Worried she’d ignore him, he turned to Granny. "Grandma, keep an eye on her for me."
The audacity—as if Granny wasn’t her grandmother first…
Just as Yan Xue thought this, Granny cheerfully agreed. "Don’t worry, I’ll report everything to you."
Little Yan Jigang, nearby, eagerly raised his hand to volunteer—until Yan Xue shot him a look, making him quickly lower it.
Just as Qi Fang was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and turned back into the inner room. "Yan Xue, come in here for a moment. There's something else I need to discuss."
The man had a sharp mind—it wasn’t like him to forget things only after stepping out—but Yan Xue followed him in anyway.
The moment she entered, she saw him set down his things and reach behind her to close the door.
This only deepened her confusion. What could it be that he needed to hide from Yan Jigang and the Second Old Madam?
"What exactly is—" Before she could finish, he cupped her face and kissed her.
Since confirming Yan Xue’s pregnancy, the two had been much more restrained in their intimacy. Their kisses had been light, barely brushing her lips or even just her forehead.
But this time, he kissed her deeply, a sudden storm that left no room for hesitation.
Dazed, Yan Xue only remembered the Second Old Madam and Yan Jigang just beyond the door after what felt like an eternity.
She quickly thumped his chest, careful not to make too much noise in case those outside heard.
Fortunately, Qi Fang didn’t intend to prolong the kiss. He released her soon after, though his hands remained cradling her face. "Be well at home."
His gaze bore into hers, and only when she nodded instinctively did he pick up his things and leave again.
Qi Fang’s return to Chengshui Machinery Repair Factory was a world apart from when he had left.
The factory director welcomed him warmly, informing him that a dormitory had already been prepared and assigning him a few diligent and capable workers as assistants.
Several senior technicians had previously worked at Jinchuan Small Repair Factory and knew Qi Fang was genuinely skilled, with his mind solely on machinery. Their attitude toward him was respectful.
After all, their timely handling of the recent issue had earned them praise from higher-ups—all thanks to Qi Fang.
The lower-ranking workers, electricians, and apprentices, especially those who had never seen him before, couldn’t help but steal curious glances at him.
Only Chen Jizhong was in a foul mood. After months of recuperation at home following his hospital stay, he had just returned to work—only to hear that Qi Fang was coming.
Though it was still a temporary transfer, Qi Fang was assigned to modify bulldozers and excavators. If he succeeded, he’d earn even more recognition from the bureau.
Who knew? The bureau might even impulsively assign him to oversee modifications for other tractors…
The mere thought made Chen Jizhong irritable. Seeing the others’ attitudes only stoked his anger further.
But Qi Fang didn’t spare him a single glance.
He was here to manufacture parts and modify machinery—not waste time on irrelevant people.
Of course, if those "irrelevant people" decided to stir trouble and slow his progress, that would be a different matter…
While Qi Fang changed into his work clothes and immediately began organizing the production of parts, the Forestry Bureau held a meeting to announce the launch of a pilot project for cultivating edible fungi.
"If this pilot succeeds, it will mean a brand-new industry for our town’s Forestry Bureau—even the county’s. It’ll bring greater benefits and more contributions to the nation," Secretary Qu Mingli explained to the secretaries of each forest farm.
Since this was a mutually beneficial endeavor, he urged everyone to cooperate fully upon returning.
Forest farms like Xiaojinchuan and Wangshan, which had previously sent machines to Jinchuan for repairs and maintained good relations with Secretary Lang, quickly delivered the requested timber.
Not only did they send the wood, but they also called Secretary Lang directly. "What’s your farm up to now? You can actually grow mushrooms?"
"Honestly, even I wouldn’t have believed it if Comrade Yan Xue from our farm hadn’t successfully cultivated them last year," Secretary Lang replied, his tone relaxed and confident.
Of the two forest farm secretaries on the call, one was cautious and reserved, so he said nothing further. The other, however, was blunt.
"That’s not what I heard at the bureau. Even if it’s possible, don’t rush into it. Test the waters first—start small."
Farming was unpredictable. Even crops cultivated for millennia could fail in a bad year, let alone something like mushrooms.
Their forest farms were nestled in the mountains, so they knew harvests of wild goods like mushrooms, pine nuts, and walnuts were never guaranteed.
In a good year, the mountains would yield abundance. But in a bad one, even gathering enough for personal use was difficult.
Secretary Lang had previously discussed this with Yan Xue, who explained that wild fungi’s fluctuating yields were due to inconsistent natural conditions.
Artificial cultivation, however, involved watering, sun exposure, and eliminating competing bacteria—essentially creating the ideal environment for growth.
So unless the climate became so extreme that even human survival was threatened, the impact on yields would be minimal.
Still, some things were better left unsaid, even among friends. Secretary Lang simply thanked the man for his concern.
Not long after hanging up, the timber arrived by diesel truck. He had it unloaded and transported directly to the pilot site.
Though the weather remained chilly with lingering snow, the ground had already been cleared and disinfected with quicklime.
Yan Xue oversaw the sorting, separating unsuitable wood for use as railroad ties or scaffolding.
The suitable logs were cut to size and stacked in crisscross formations to dry before being sterilized for inoculation.
By April, once temperatures rose above 5°C, they could begin the inoculation process.
At this temperature, mycelium grew slowly, but airborne contaminants were scarce, reducing the risk of unwanted spores taking hold.
After calculating the timber supply, Yan Xue reported to Secretary Lang, "We’ll need about half this amount again. We’re producing fewer fungal strains this year."
Secretary Lang then contacted the other farms, requesting additional wood from just one.
When Yan Xue returned home, the Second Old Madam mentioned that Aunt Guo had come looking for her earlier but left upon hearing she was busy.
Suspecting Aunt Guo had something important to discuss, Yan Xue wasn’t surprised when the elderly woman visited again after dinner.
A little embarrassed, Aunt Guo explained her reason for coming: she wanted to know if non-Jinchuan Forest Farm workers could be hired.
Yan Xue wasn’t overly strict on this. "Permanent positions might be tricky, but temporary workers should be fine. It’s not like we can refuse outside help if we’re short-handed."
Jinchuan Forest Farm had a small population, many of whom were already permanent staff. Expansion would inevitably create labor shortages.
Relieved, Aunt Guo said, "Then I’ll have Baozhi’s mother bring the candidates for you to review. She’s the one who approached me about this."
Word had apparently spread quickly in Jin Baozhi’s maternal family, as they followed up within days.
Though Yan Xue hadn’t refused, Aunt Guo frowned the moment she saw the people they brought—before Yan Xue could even react.
Qi Fang: I think I could apply for the position of lifetime male secretary to the general manager.
