Sister-In-Law Cheng, the captain’s wife, stared at Jiang Cheng, waiting for an answer.

"Of course it’s possible to make money!"

Jiang Cheng continued with certainty: "Think about it... it’s the middle of winter, and where can we find fresh vegetables in the north? The greenhouse project we’re looking at is exactly for growing vegetables in winter."

"Our techniques need to be researched and practiced, eventually leading to true knowledge. Your mushroom-growing skills are already mature and can be put to use right away."

"Scarce things are valuable. As long as we have good stuff, it can definitely be sold."

After Jiang Cheng finished speaking, more than one person was tempted.

The captain’s mind quickly turned to increasing villagers’ income and eagerly wanted to ask for more details.

But as soon as he stepped forward, his own wife elbowed him aside.

"Move over! You’re in the way!" 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Sister-In-Law Cheng sat next to Jiang Cheng, eager to ask questions but didn’t know where to start.

"Jiang Cheng, I’ve grown only a few. Is it... enough to sell?"

Jiang Cheng heard her and simply got up, asking Sister-In-Law Cheng to take her to see.

Sister-In-Law Cheng quickly bent down to fetch shoes for Jiang Cheng.

"No, no—I’ll do it myself!"

Jiang Cheng stopped her and got up, putting on her shoes. Director Lian then handed Jiang Cheng’s military coat to her.

The group moved forward to the west room where Sister-In-Law Cheng grew mushrooms.

The west room had a "kang" (heated bed) with some wooden posts on it, and in between was a hollow filled with compost mixed with dirt.

Mushrooms grew in this soil.

Jiang Cheng just looked at them without touching.

"Alright, let’s discuss outside."

The group retreated and returned to the previous room.

Back inside, Jiang Cheng invited everyone to eat while they talked.

The group began a bustle, picking up chopsticks and passing bowls.

Once seated and eating, Jiang Cheng brought up several key points.

"Sister-In-Law Cheng, I don’t grow mushrooms, but you can consult the agricultural experts here. Even if they’re not skilled in this, they surely know someone who is."

"From what I know, mushrooms thrive because of mycelium. The best approach is to go to the mountains in autumn, find the mushroom habitats, and bring back soil from there."

When Jiang Cheng said this, Sister-In-Law Cheng nodded repeatedly.

"Exactly! That’s what I do. Every year when the last batch of mushrooms comes, I carry two baskets of soil down."

Jiang Cheng immediately praised, "This shows your wisdom, utilizing what others can’t see."

Sister-In-Law Cheng felt a bit embarrassed from the compliment.

No wonder her husband enjoys listening to Jiang Cheng speak; it’s pleasant to hear.

It lifts the spirit!

After praising Sister-In-Law Cheng, Jiang Cheng continued, "If you want to expand mushroom cultivation, don’t rush."

"Once you manage a full room of mushrooms, expand slowly. You can’t become big in one step. Being cautious is better than losing money and wasting effort."

"Also, when handling mushrooms inside, it’s best to wear masks and gloves, as inhaling mycelium can cause illness and is very dangerous."

Jiang Cheng spoke carefully, and Sister-In-Law Cheng and the captain listened intently.

The meal ended just like that.

In the evening, Sister-In-Law Cheng brought over the family’s thickest quilt, and the "kang" was heated warmly.

"Sleep well, you’ll be fine this time."

After the incident with the old Jiang family and the Zhang family, the captain’s family now keeps kerosene lamps locked in a cabinet.

Once bitten by a snake, you’re wary for ten years.

Jiang Cheng and Sister Lian thanked her, and Sister-In-Law Cheng smiled and left.

All that was left in the room was Sister Lian and Jiang Cheng.

Sister Lian fussed over placing the military coat at Jiang Cheng’s feet.

"Press it down, so it won’t let cold air in!"

"Sister Lian is the best."

Sister Lian responded emphatically, "No doubt!"

The two, being well-acquainted, lay in bed chatting.

Sister Lian was heading to a village not far from the old Jiang family. When Jiang Cheng went to transfer her household registration, she could make a detour.

"Sister Lian, are you staying overnight there?"

"No! Staying for what? There’s no place for you to stay. I’ll just take a look, spend some money, maybe not even eat, and then leave."

Jiang Cheng understood and replied, "Oh," as they continued chatting quietly. Eventually, Sister Lian fell silent.

Jiang Cheng also quieted down, snugly wrapping the quilt around herself to sleep.

Early the next morning, Jiang Cheng felt the warmth beneath her and the heat on her body, while the tip of her nose felt cold outside the blanket.

This sensation was quite novel.

Jiang Cheng pulled out her heated cotton clothes and pants from under the blanket, quickly putting them on.

After dressing, she stood up and put on her slightly chilly cotton shoes.

With a creak, Sister Lian came in with a basin of water.

"Going to the bathroom?"

Jiang Cheng nodded.

"Hurry, wash your face inside; it’s freezing outside!"

"We need to get things done. I think it’s going to snow!"

When Jiang Cheng heard about the snow, she became concerned.

If they got snowed in, who knows how many days they’d be stuck?

"I’ll go quickly, then we’ll leave!"

Sister Lian nodded, Jiang Cheng put on her military coat, and hurried out to the bathroom.

As soon as she stepped out, the biting northern wind greeted her.

Like little knives scraping the face—truly painful.

With her neck tucked in, Jiang Cheng ran to the bathroom and rushed back with her rear chilled.

Upon entering the room, she saw Director Lu approaching.

"Jiang Cheng, hurry and eat, then head out; the village elders say the snow is coming."

"Okay!"

They quickly finished breakfast—hot corn porridge, two-grain buns, and pickled vegetables from the jar—and ended the meal.

Director Lu stayed behind to handle greenhouse matters, while driver Master Li drove Jiang Cheng and Sister Lian to another village.

They split into two groups.

As the truck rumbled noisily, Jiang Cheng feared it’d break down.

Thankfully, the truck held strong and arrived at the village where the Jiang family was located.

The truck drove straight to the village office. Jiang Cheng had called ahead, and Uncle Zhang knew she would come today.

"You’re finally here! Everything’s ready; just go to the commune for a stamp."

Without letting Jiang Cheng get off, Uncle Zhang handed over the completed paperwork along with a large package.

"Take it—it’s dried meat and wild vegetables your aunt dried for you. Don’t be picky!"

"Uncle Zhang——"

Jiang Cheng reached for the car door but was stopped by Uncle Zhang, who said, "Take it! I’ll be angry if you don’t! Do you look down on your Uncle Zhang?"

Jiang Cheng was amused and helpless.

"Of course not!"

"You’ll always be my uncle!"

"I’m getting off; I need to use the bathroom!"

Once Jiang Cheng mentioned the bathroom, Uncle Zhang awkwardly stepped aside, jokingly adding, "You should’ve said so earlier!"

Jiang Cheng was speechless.

But give me a chance!