Sizhe only half-understood, but he knew what he should do. He learned to disregard the deliberate distance his classmates kept from him, focusing more of his attention on his studies.
As time passed, his classmates indeed gradually grew closer to him. His good grades and gentle temperament earned him consistent praise from both teachers and classmates.
"Mom, I want to go stay at the family compound for a few days!"
Once winter break started, Sizhe grew restless, wanting to go play at the family compound for a few days. Siqi was even more excited than him. "Mom, let brother go back! I can go to work with you at the government office!"
Now in elementary school, Siqi's teeth had started to fall out. She currently spoke with her little hand covering her mouth, an adorable little gap-toothed girl.
Nan Sheng naturally couldn't refuse such a small request. The child studied diligently and even helped with chores at home. Wanting to relax for a few days was perfectly fine.
"Alright, you can take the bus back tomorrow. I'll call your dad and have him pick you up at the town station."
Several months later, this nationwide purge had largely concluded. The top leadership had resolved to thoroughly clean up the government's internal affairs. With proper oversight, it was likely there wouldn't be such a major operation again for several years.
With work back on track, Nan Sheng also returned to her previous working rhythm, occasionally attending meetings, but usually just guiding the work. Recently, Cao Guoxiang had become her tea-drinking companion, coming by to sit for a while every noon.
"Oh, Qiqi's here! Come over and let Uncle see if you've grown taller!"
Qiqi wanted to laugh but felt a bit shy, as missing a front tooth was somewhat embarrassing. Covering her mouth, she hopped over. "Uncle, I'm here to keep Mom company at work!"
Cao Guoxiang found it hard not to chuckle. This little girl was truly lively. Many times he could see that Director Nan had a headache from her antics, yet was helpless.
In a way, she had already defeated many people, considering Director Nan was otherwise invincible.
He had been quite vexed these past few days, but seeing Siqi actually lifted his mood. The two of them, one big and one small, chattered away noisily, annoying Nan Sheng to no end.
"I'm telling you, Secretary Cao, can't you take her to play in your office? You're older and don't need a nap, but I still need to grow!"
Cao Guoxiang firmly refused to leave. The little girl wouldn't stay in his office for more than a few minutes before running off, wandering from office to office, spreading her cheer equally far and wide.
Finally, Nan Sheng gave in. "I'll help you think of something, alright? Just please stop reporting to my office every single day."
Cao Guoxiang had his own purpose for visiting frequently during this period. The Discipline Inspection Commission had been too outstanding lately, putting immense pressure on other departments. Now, provinces and cities everywhere were scrambling to produce political achievements, worrying Cao Guoxiang to the point his hair was about to fall out.
He was capable of managing county affairs, but as for other things? He knew nothing. His subordinates suggested opening a canned food factory, but he already knew of quite a few existing ones. Starting one now would likely lead to bankruptcy.
Frustrated, he also hoped Nan Sheng could offer some ideas, which was why he came so often.
"Really? You have a way to help me?"
Cao Guoxiang's eyes instantly lit up!
"Yes. Now, can I get some proper rest?"
"Yes, absolutely yes!"
Overjoyed, Cao Guoxiang immediately left the government building, taking Dai Siqi out to buy snacks. He came back carrying two large bags. She really was his little lucky star! Adorable!
Nan Sheng took a one-hour nap. Upon waking, Su Jie told her that Qiqi was downstairs playing kick shuttlecock. No one knew who gave it to her.
"Alright. I'm going to Secretary Cao's office. If anything comes up, find me there."
Seeing Nan Sheng arrive, Secretary Cao immediately brewed tea for her. Nan Sheng inexplicably found the scene familiar, as if she had returned to Huaishan Town.
First it was Mayor Yu, then Secretary Ma. Whenever they needed her, it was always this same routine.
"I can help you solve the political achievement problem, but I have one condition. I request that a portion of the job positions be reserved for resettling the sent-down households. They don't need work points, just provide accommodation and three meals a day."
Nan Sheng was also at her wit's end. Although the treatment of sent-down households had improved compared to before, Qingjiang County was still the most popular destination. Anyone with connections tried to transfer here, and her refusals were useless.
"No problem, Director Nan. You have the final say!"
Nan Sheng thought that the most prominent political achievement would be grain yield. The common people's lives were still quite impoverished. She could start with both seed grain and fertilizer. Fertilizer went without saying; the system could help provide the formula and production materials.
As for grain yield, Nan Sheng thought if they could invite the father of hybrid rice, Yuan Longping, out of retirement early, and with the aid of her materials, they could surely achieve rice self-sufficiency sooner.
At this point in time, the esteemed elder should be teaching at an agricultural school, right?
As for the idea of directly setting up an experimental field and transplanting his achievements here, Nan Sheng didn't dare entertain such a thought. Her conscience would ache.
If Secretary Cao didn't want to pursue this for now, other avenues were possible. For example, setting up factories. Whether for food, clothing, or appliances—any type he had ideas for, Nan Sheng could provide technical support.
After listening to Nan Sheng's lengthy explanation, Secretary Cao went from initial excitement to an expressionless face, even suspecting Nan Sheng was teasing him.
If it were all that easy, the country would have been rich long ago. With a skeptical tone, he said, "Then let's start with fertilizer?"
Nan Sheng naturally noticed his doubt. Who do you think you're looking down on? she thought. If not for the lack of a suitable opportunity, I'd pull out an aircraft carrier blueprint and scare you to death!
She had also prepared an excuse. "Fine. I previously spoke with some of the sent-down individuals. Several professionals have done significant research on fertilizer, saying they had improved formulas before being sent down. The effect is definitely better than current ones. Consider yourself lucky this time."
Upon hearing this, Cao Guoxiang felt reassured. Although no one said it out loud, there were indeed many highly educated individuals among the sent-down households. Thinking this, his whole being grew excited.
"When do we start?"
"What's the rush? I need to get the people transferred here first. Besides, you also need to apply for equipment, factory buildings, and such."
Returning to her office, Nan Sheng had Su Jie contact all the towns, instructing subordinates to gather the relevant experts and scholars in the county seat. Simultaneously, with the system's help, she screened for the most suitable fertilizer formula to introduce at present.
At the same time, Secretary Cao also submitted a report to his superiors, requesting relevant experts to come provide guidance and stating that the matter had received strong support from Nan Sheng, etc.
Hearing his enthusiastic pitch, the municipal authorities were also fired up and immediately approved the matter.
"Proceed with confidence. For any subsequent support needed, just call!"
