CHAPTER 617: 617 WORK HARD

Then, they started to shovel soil to press down the edges of the film, and it was done.

"Xiao Jiang, go take a rest on the side. We know how to do this work now. You don’t need to help anymore."

As the family was working enthusiastically, Li Yungui pushed a cart by and saw Jiang Xinyu sitting at the edge of the field.

"Xiao Jiang, what are you doing?"

"Village Chief Li, I’m covering the ground film. I want to plant watermelons, sweet melons, and roasted melons."

"Can you really do this?"

"Yes, indeed."

"No need to hurry. I’ll find a few people to come over to help you and learn how to grow watermelons. It’s better than planting corn."

"Alright, thanks for the help, Village Chief Li."

"I’m not doing much really; we’re just here to learn from you. I’ll be back shortly."

Li Yungui jogged back and brought over eight people.

This time it was Shang Zhenkun demonstrating for them. This work didn’t require much skill, and with so many people, by five in the afternoon, they had already covered an acre. Tomorrow morning, they should finish covering the entire area.

Jiang Xinyu felt like she couldn’t lift her legs anymore. She decided not to come tomorrow morning. She needed to rest at home for half a day and return in the afternoon to demonstrate how to insert willow branches.

After reaching home, Jiang Xinyu forced herself to wash up and lay on the bed, unable to get up.

When Wei Kaiyun returned, dinner was ready, but seeing his wife exhausted and spiritless made his heart ache.

"My wife, you don’t have to do anything tomorrow. I’ll go to the fields and work. You must not wear yourself out." Wei Kaiyun lay beside Jiang Xinyu, carefully massaging her legs.

"It’s alright. Village Chief Li found some people to help. They’ll come tomorrow morning. I’ll just go in the afternoon."

"Can we plant them now?"

"Not yet, it’ll take at least three days. The temperature should rise by then.

Just in time, I’ll germinate the watermelon seeds so that they’re ready to be planted directly in the furrows, increasing the survival rate."

"Alright, just tell me what needs to be done, and I’ll do it."

That night, they soaked a pound of watermelon seeds in warm water. This was similar to sprouting beans, and Wei Kaiyun was already experienced at this.

The next morning, he went to the fields to plant seeds. Shang Zhenkun, along with the kids, went to their private land to cover the film.

In the morning, Jiang Xinyu placed the watermelon seeds on trays lined with towels. She used a total of five trays and set them on the bed’s edge—this was delicate work.

She was home alone, thinking it best to cook plain rice for simplicity. However, starting a fire became an issue since she couldn’t squat down, so she had to kneel to light a fire.

By noon, those working in the fields came home to freshly cooked meals.

During their noon break, Wei Kaiyun hugged Jiang Xinyu, eyes secretly moist. His wife hadn’t enjoyed any luxury with him.

In the afternoon, there was no need to work further; it was better to wait until planting was done before inserting willow branches, fearing someone might accidentally damage the ground film and ruin the insulation.

"My wife, there’s no need for me to go tomorrow. This morning, two of them drove the tractors to sow seeds. They’ve done a great job."

"Alright, take a day off. You’ve worked hard enough."

"If there’s any work, I’ll do it. I worry when you’re like this."

"It’s fine. I just need to talk about the work."

When the afternoon arrived, Wei Kaiyun still headed to the fields, and Shang Zhenkun took three kids with him.

"Xiao Jiang, there’s already condensation under the film we covered yesterday afternoon."

"Then we can wait until the watermelon seeds sprout, and it’ll be time to plant them. Master Shang, make sure to prepare a stick about twenty centimeters long, then directly cut openings in the film and water. Use chopsticks to clamp the watermelon seeds and place them in the soil, with someone following behind to cover with soil.

Afterwards, you can insert the willow branches at intervals of about one to one and a half meters. Then, you can cover them with film like we do when sprouting potatoes.

We just have to wait for the seedlings to emerge."

"Sounds simple. If you can come that day, just guide us."

"I will definitely be there. I estimate by tomorrow morning, the watermelon seeds will sprout, and the morning after tomorrow they’ll be ready to plant."

"Alright, I understand. I’ll go to the village and ask about the water containers, as we’ll need quite a bit of water, and it needs to be prepared in advance."

The next day, Wei Kaiyun still headed to the fields, with Shang Zhenkun organizing things at home. Come the day after tomorrow, he won’t go since they’re short-handed at home.

On the morning of planting, many people gathered beside their private land.

Everyone knew how to plant watermelons, but usually a month later. They were curious because it was so early.

Everyone followed Jiang Xinyu’s instructions, and soon became familiar with it. Yet, it was really the village’s sister-in-laws who did the work of sprouting the watermelon seeds.

Seeing so many people helping, Jiang Xinyu asked Sister-in-law Liu to go back to prepare food. Fortunately, they made dough last night, so they could directly make sugar buns without preparing any dishes.

Jianbin and Shi Jing were very sensible; the two boys went back with Sister-in-law Liu to help, even if it was just to keep the fire going.

The field work was bustling. Those watching nearby felt the excitement too.

A few people went directly to Li Yungui, "Village Chief, we three families also want to plant watermelons."

"Alright, in the evening you can help replace it with a rotary tiller and plow your private land, but it’s five yuan per acre for diesel."

"Village Chief, we understand. We won’t default on the payment, and we need to go to the supply and marketing cooperative for film. We don’t have enough watermelon seeds either."

Jiang Xinyu heard from the side, "I still have about a pound left, which might not be enough for you. I think it’s best to buy from the seed station; otherwise, it’ll delay the entire year’s harvest."

"Right, Teacher Jiang is correct. Our three families will take action separately."

"Are there any who can ride bicycles? I have one at home."

The heads of the three families were moved. Bicycles in this era were extremely precious.

"Thank you so much, Teacher Jiang. If we need to borrow, we’ll go to your home."

Jiang Xinyu nodded with a smile. Organizing things herself was far better than asking others, but if they aren’t cared for, there won’t be a next time.

Someone took over Wei Kaiyun’s work, and he hurried to his wife’s side. "Xinyu, I’ll take you home. Otherwise, your legs will swell again by tonight."

Jiang Xinyu said goodbye to everyone and left holding hands with Wei Kaiyun.

Once home, Sister-in-law Liu already had the steamed buns ready.

Wei Kaiyun took care of his wife’s washing and watched her lie down, "Is there anywhere you feel uncomfortable?"

"It’s fine. I’m not that fragile. Take the hot water bottle there. It’s not good for both of us to be absent. Don’t worry about me here."

"Okay, at this pace, everything should be planted by tonight."

"Mm, go ahead, don’t overdo it. With all these people helping, we can repay favors in the future."

After Wei Kaiyun left, Jiang Xinyu lay on the bed, drifting off to sleep.

Sister-in-law Liu came in when the buns were done, calling her for dinner, but seeing her asleep, she quietly left.