Chapter 63: The Wolves’ Howl

Chapter 63: The Wolves' Howl

Song Huazhang felt a bit awkward. Although Feng Chen and Tang Yuan hadn't gone down to save them, they had called for help.

In a way, they were their saviors. If no one had come, who knows what might have happened to them in that deep ditch overnight.

He couldn’t quite understand why Tang Xiang, such a gentle and kind girl, was so against Tang Yuan. Although Tang Yuan used to be a bit domineering and temperamental, she seemed much better after the family split.

Especially now that she had done so much for the team, he admired her greatly.

After all, even though he was a well-educated youth from the capital, he didn’t know how to help the team get rich or grow rice.

He nodded and smiled at Feng Chen and Tang Yuan before pulling Tang Xiang away.

Tang Xiang was still fuming, "She’s too arrogant!"

Feng Chen glanced at them, his gaze darkening.

Tang Yuan tugged on his sleeve and whispered, "Ignore them. Let's go find the team leader."

They could directly get the accountant to stamp the introduction letter; Tang Bingde was impatient with paperwork.

Tang Bingde was naturally giving the core members an early morning briefing on recent production plans.

Currently, the main tasks were organizing the members to strip leaves from trees, gather grass to spread in the fields, and then sprinkle lime and till the soil.

Another task was checking the wheat fields for sprouting and replanting as needed.

They also needed to inspect the growth of cottonwood branches and thorny bushes around the large wells in the fields. This year, only leaves could be stripped, not cut, so they could grow denser for harvesting next year.

Ji Hongyue was there too.

Seeing Tang Yuan and Feng Chen arrive, everyone warmly greeted them.

Tang Bingde, with a rare smile creasing his face, said, "Girl, tell me about that biogas pool. I heard you talking about it yesterday but didn’t quite understand."

Yesterday, Tang Yuan and Feng Chen were discussing near the pig pen when Tang Bingde came by with some wheat and overheard a bit.

Then he got busy with the loudspeaker announcements and didn’t have time to ask more.

Tang Yuan smiled, "Grandpa Qi, biogas pools are very practical. People started using them over a decade ago."

Tang Bingde: "That early?"

Ah, their team was so behind. It had been ten years, and they knew nothing about this. Thank goodness they now had a fish fairy.

He listened attentively and even instructed the scorekeeper to take notes.

Dad Tang beckoned his daughter to sit down and took off his straw sandals for her to use.

An old lady peeling corn nearby saw this and immediately sent her little grandson with a rush mat for Tang Yuan.

The team leader was assigning work, so they dared not approach and disturb him, fearing a scolding, but they couldn’t help watching from afar.

Tang Yuan thanked them and gave the child a handful of pine nuts from her pocket.

She sat down and began explaining the construction, usage, and precautions of biogas pools to Tang Bingde and the others.

"Wow, no need to burn firewood, just turn a knob and it ignites? That’s so convenient!"

"Yeah, how much firewood would that save?"

Dad Tang was entranced, "Daughter, can it generate electricity? Can it power water pumps and flour mills?"

Tang Yuan nodded, "Yes, biogas can be used for lighting, cooking, generating electricity, and powering machines. The residue from the biogas pool can be used as feed for fish and earthworms, as well as livestock feed additives. Of course, it’s mainly used as fertilizer, which is more nutritious than manure or urea."

Tang Bingde and the others were stunned. Could it be that good?

People had been using it for over a decade, and they were only learning about it now?

What a loss!

Tang Yuan painted a grand picture, "Let’s start with a small one at home. Once we successfully produce biogas and ensure safety, we can plan a larger one for the team. Then the team will have electric lights, electrified loudspeakers, and no need for the team leader to shout across the village during meetings."

Everyone marveled, their eyes filled with longing.

Liu Laosan couldn’t help nudging Dad Tang and whispered, "Team leader, your daughter is amazing!"

Dad Tang: "My daughter."

How old are you to want such a daughter? Dream on!

Liu Laosan: "Really great. Why isn’t she my daughter?"

Several young Liu men looked at Feng Chen with envy and a hint of jealousy.

What luck!

Originally a lazy troublemaker, ever since he became engaged to Tang Yuan, he became diligent and life improved. Now he’s building a biogas pool.

Why did he get to marry her? She’d be perfect for me.

As soon as they thought this, they received a cold stare from Feng Chen, as if he could read their minds.

Feng Chen gave them a subtle eye roll. Want to compete for my wife? Do you know she likes men with good looks and handsome features?

Look at your big front teeth, the gap between them could let a mouse through.

And you, can you see clearly with those tiny eyes while eating?

And you...

The young people immediately averted their gazes, not daring to meet Feng Chen's eyes.

Ji Hongyue couldn't help but stifle a laugh, "Captain, congratulations! Our team has a bright future."

Tang Bingde nodded with a smile, "Thanks to Cadre Ji and little Yuan Yuan."

He then looked at Feng Chen, also very satisfied. This lad had excellent marksmanship and combat skills; he could hunt and farm, making him a good match for Yuan Yuan.

After the meeting, the three of them went home first. Grandma Feng had already packed their luggage.

Last night, Feng Chen and Ji Hongyue had helped measure Tang Yuan's dimensions and estimated the lengths and quantities of the necessary parts.

Naturally, they prepared extra to avoid any shortages.

They had an introduction letter from the team, which would allow them to purchase these items.

Since it was for personal use, Tang Yuan didn't want the team's money and took responsibility herself.

Mother Tang and Grandma Feng also made red bean buns, meat and vegetable buns, and flatbreads for them to eat on the road.

Although they had food coupons and money to eat at restaurants, it was several times more expensive than homemade meals, and they couldn't afford to eat out every meal.

The red beans had been soaking for a few days, originally intended for making red bean buns.

Tang Bingde asked Dad Tang to hitch up the mule cart and let Feng Chen drive them to the city.

When going out on errands, they needed to bring feed, hay, and water buckets to ensure they had enough fodder for the animals while traveling.

With the cold weather, they also packed quilts in case they needed to camp outside or stay at a farmer's house.

Additionally, they brought several guns and a box of ammunition, and Tang Yuan also carried her [omitted].

Tang Yuan sat on the mule cart, chatting happily with Ji Hongyue as they left the village. They happened to run into Tang Xiang, who was returning.

Tang Xiang now felt hopeful and wasn't as envious of Tang Yuan anymore. No matter how capable Tang Yuan was, she would still be farming in the countryside, whereas Tang Xiang was destined for greater things in the city.

Initially, she had embraced the superiority of being a time traveler, feeling content even if she stayed low-key in the countryside, relishing in the satisfaction of knowing that she could take the university entrance exam in 1977.

However, Tang Yuan's rise unsettled her, throwing her off balance.

She felt uneasy about revealing her secret to Song Huazhang.

Would Song Huazhang slip up and tell others?

Would Song Huazhang abandon her for someone better once he became successful?

Song Huazhang...

As she indulged in wild speculations, she dismissed each one to reassure herself.

No, Song Huazhang loves her deeply. Even when she was just a rural girl, he loved her so much. Now that she has the ability to predict the future, he will love her even more and never leave her.

On the way, Ji Hongyue discussed with Feng Chen, "It's getting colder, and meat doesn't spoil easily. Should we hunt a few more wild boars?"

Feng Chen didn't immediately agree but looked at Tang Yuan.

Ji Hongyue: "Feng Chen, I'm not criticizing you, but as a man, you should have your own opinions. Don't always listen to your wife."

Even though your wife is very capable.

Feng Chen responded with an "Oh" and said indifferently, "No hunting."

He looked at Tang Yuan because he was lazy to go hunting. If Tang Yuan wanted to go, that would be different.

Ji Hongyue was taken aback and immediately turned to Tang Yuan, "Yuan Yuan, look at him, isn't he a bit annoying? Let's hunt a couple of wild boars and give them to Mayor Shen. He's done us a great favor."

Mayor Shen wouldn't accept them, but they could send them to the canteen.

Even if wild boar meat isn't as tasty as domestic pork, it's still meat.

Tang Yuan smiled, "Let me ask Feng Chen."

She then pretended to discuss with Feng Chen, "Team Leader Guo and Journalist Xie have helped us a lot. If we hunt some wild boars, we can thank them too."

Feng Chen held her hand, "Sure."

Ji Hongyue: ...Why don't I die of envy?

These two are such show-offs.

Clearly, it's a simple matter, yet they're putting on this act of discussing it.

Despite his grumbling, Ji Hongyue was secretly happy and... envious.

He had never thought about finding a partner before, but watching Feng Chen and Tang Yuan being so affectionate sometimes made him feel sorry for himself, and he couldn't help wondering what kind of partner he might find.

Traveling together, the journey wasn't boring.

To hunt wild boars, they didn't take the main road but detoured through a small path into the mountains.

To hunt wild boars, they needed to venture deep into the mountains since the outer areas had been cleared by nearby teams, and wild boars wouldn't appear here unless they were foolish.

When they reached a spot where the mule cart couldn't pass, they left the wooden cart under a big tree and continued on foot, leading the mule.

They couldn't leave the mule behind, as it wouldn't be worth the risk if a wild animal attacked it.

Feng Chen, with his hunting experience, tracked the wild boar herd and instructed Tang Yuan and Ji Hongyue to wait at the perimeter while he entered with his gun to lure a few wild boars out.

Some large wild boar herds can consist of dozens living together, and ordinary people cannot provoke them casually.

He has a way to lure out two or three and take them down one by one.

His movements are skilled and agile, nearly silent throughout the process.

To avoid alarming the herd, he didn't use a gun but killed them with a dagger, draining their blood.

This time, he hunted four wild boars—two adults and two young ones—none were old.

They tied up a makeshift sled and had the mule drag the wild boars out.

Ji Hongyue praised, "Feng Chen, you're amazing!"

Not a single miss—this must be a battle king?

They dragged the wild boars back toward the wooden cart, and as they walked, Feng Chen's ears twitched, and he stopped.

Tang Yuan, understanding him, immediately became alert and tense, "What is it?"

Feng Chen pointed in a direction, "There's some commotion over there."

As soon as he spoke, a flock of birds chirped and flew into the sky from afar.

Tang Yuan: "Let's hurry!"

The animals' agitation in the forest could mean tigers or bears fighting, putting smaller creatures at risk.

They quickened their pace, but the mountain paths were narrow and difficult to navigate, requiring climbing and leaping, so they didn't move very fast.

Soon, a rumbling sound came from behind, sounding like an army on the march.

The mule was already frightened, neighing and jumping, wanting to run away wildly.

Feng Chen acted decisively, giving it a heavy blow to knock it unconscious.

Tang Yuan, experienced from hunting with Feng Chen many times, called out to Ji Hongyue while carrying a rifle, "Quick, up the tree!"

She found a sturdy tree, rolled up her sleeves, and climbed up quickly.

Ji Hongyue: "!!"

He didn't lag behind, following Tang Yuan up the tree.

Tang Yuan: "Are you stupid? Climb the other one."

Ji Hongyue: "It feels safer to be together."

If they encountered danger, Feng Chen wouldn't save only Tang Yuan and leave him behind. If they were on separate trees, Feng Chen might not be able to help both of them, and he would certainly save Tang Yuan first.

Feng Chen didn't take any chances either; he climbed another nearby tree.

Just as they climbed onto the nearest branches, a herd of wild boars came charging past, as if pursued by a fierce beast.

"Bang bang—"

Gunshots echoed from behind.

Tang Yuan and Ji Hongyue sat on two different branches, one high and one low.

Ji Hongyue: "Is this a collective hunt by the nearby squad?"

Tang Yuan: "No, these aren't the squad's guns; these are pistol shots."

Pistol barrels are shorter than rifles, so the sounds are naturally different.

She couldn't identify the specific model, but the difference was clear.

Ji Hongyue: "You're amazing."

Is there anything you don't know?

Tang Yuan credited Feng Chen, "Feng Chen taught me all this."

The wild boars, fleeing for their lives, ignored them, not even glancing at them, and continued running without touching the mule or the dead boars on the ground.

"Howl—"

Suddenly, wolf howls rose, growing louder and closer.

Tang Yuan and Ji Hongyue's faces turned pale, and they climbed higher up the tree.

She wiped the sweat from her face and whispered, "Thankfully, it's just wolves. If there were leopards or tigers, they could climb trees and attack us."

More gunshots followed, getting closer.

Feng Chen told the two, "Stay hidden here; I'll go check it out."

His hearing was naturally better than Tang Yuan's, and those gunshots weren't from the militia's ordinary guns but from the active military's firearms.

Last time they passed by the military sub-district's camp and heard the shooting range.

Tang Yuan didn't stop him but reminded him, "Feng Chen, be careful."

Feng Chen gave her a smile, "Okay."

He jumped off the tree and ran swiftly toward the gunshots.

Tang Yuan and Ji Hongyue knew their limits and wouldn't hinder him; they stayed on the branches, chatting.

Ji Hongyue: "Those wild boars won’t have run outside to ravage the crops, will they?"

Tang Yuan: "No, they’ll likely go around to other valleys."

They were far from the outskirts, so the wild boars shouldn’t easily reach the village to cause trouble.

Soon, they heard a chaotic series of gunshots, filled with panic, followed by a few crisp bursts of gunfire.

Even though they weren’t there, the two could imagine the scene: people surrounded by wolves shooting wildly, about to be engulfed by the wolves, when suddenly steady gunshots rang out and the leaping wolves fell to the ground.

After several gunshots, the howls of the wolf pack could be heard again, but this time they sounded panicked rather than triumphant.

A little while later, the howls of the wolf pack grew more distant.

At this moment, the fainted mule woke up, neighed, and got up, pacing restlessly in place, unsure where the danger came from.

The originally silent forest began to stir with rustling sounds as small animals cautiously emerged to investigate.

After waiting for a while longer, Tang Yuan saw Feng Chen’s tall figure approaching from deep within the woods.

She immediately cheered, "Feng Chen!"

Feng Chen looked in her direction and waved his hand in greeting.

Tang Yuan and Ji Hongyue quickly climbed down from the tree and ran towards him.

When they reached him, they discovered that he was followed by several soldiers in military uniforms. The leading one, a tall man with sharp eyes, seemed to be in charge. Behind him, a few others carried a stretcher made of branches, on which lay an injured soldier.

The tall man walked over to them with a smile, shook hands with each of them, introduced himself briefly, and asked, "Comrades, thank you for your help. Which unit are you from? I’ll make sure to bring them to your unit to express our gratitude."

His name was Tan Zhiyuan, and he was part of the military district’s field army. They had been conducting military exercises in the mountains recently, and two soldiers had gotten lost and gone missing. He had sent several teams to search for them.

After finally finding the missing soldiers, they encountered a wolf pack from the deep mountains.

Their exercise area did not have wolf packs or ferocious beasts; this pack must have come for the wild boars. The soldiers had wandered into their territory by mistake, leading to the crisis.

He didn’t need to explain these details to Feng Chen and the others, but he did warn them, "Comrades, it’s dangerous here. It’s best not to venture too deep."

Naturally, Feng Chen and the others agreed.

Although it was already late, Feng Chen still used a flashlight to guide them to the location of the mule cart, which carried supplies.

Tan Zhiyuan went to an open area to fire a signal flare, notifying the rescue team to bring medicine for the injured.

Tang Yuan and the others started a fire to cook dinner.

With the help of the soldiers, they quickly gathered a large pile of dry branches for firewood and lit a big bonfire to keep warm.

Feng Chen skillfully built a makeshift stove using a few bricks from the cart and placed a small aluminum pot on it to boil water.

The small aluminum pot was something Ji Hongyue and Shen Jiaming had brought along.

Tang Yuan took out their provisions and began sorting them.

With five more soldiers joining them for dinner, the steamed buns and flatbreads her mother had prepared might not be enough.

Fortunately, they had brought a few pounds of flour, intending to make some porridge if they ran out of dry food.

Now was the perfect time to make a pot of porridge.

Tan Zhiyuan and his men had long finished their rations and had been surviving in the wilderness for over three days.

The coarse grain buns, a few red bean buns, some dry pan-fried flatbreads, and a small pot of porridge were all they had, but Tan Zhiyuan and his men found it delicious.

One of them, with a rugged face, laughed heartily and praised Tang Yuan, "Sis, you’re really capable, bringing a stove on a trip."

He slurped a mouthful of porridge and couldn’t help asking, "Sis, do you have a boyfriend yet? Our camp has plenty of tall and handsome men."

Ji Hongyue glanced at him curiously. This guy was a bit rough, both in nerves and vision. After just experiencing danger, he acted like nothing happened and immediately tried to set up a match for a capable girl.

Can’t you see her boyfriend is right beside her?

He looked at Feng Chen with amusement.

Feng Chen didn’t say anything, only wiping the ash off Tang Yuan’s face.

Tan Zhiyuan glared at Feng Erniu, telling him not to embarrass himself. These two were clearly a couple.

He became even more interested in Feng Chen, "Comrade Feng Chen, are you from the militia company of your unit? Your marksmanship is excellent."

Feng Chen didn’t deny it, as denying would require more explanation.

He didn’t enjoy chatting much, preferring to talk about farming rather than anything else.

Tan Zhiyuan, however, had taken a liking to him, looking at him with intense interest, wanting to recruit him directly to the camp.

If he joined his battalion, no, the battalion wouldn’t be enough for him. He should go straight to the regimental reconnaissance company.

Within half a year, he could get promoted, and within two years, he could become the company commander!

What a promising young talent!

Tan Zhiyuan ate the coarse grain buns with a bowl of porridge, using their standard field training equipment, which they always carried with them.

He tried to get closer to Feng Chen, asking many questions, but found that the young man was truly... tight-lipped.

This time she liked it even more; soldiers had to be tight-lipped!

"Feng Chen, why didn't you join the military back then? Didn’t your County Military Service Department go around recruiting?"

Feng Chen was unfamiliar with this topic since he had never considered joining the military.

He was about to give a casual response when Tang Yuan immediately leaned in to add her two cents.

When she was outside, she always presented herself as an inexperienced village girl. This was her disguise; no one ever suspected her, no matter what she said.

They just assumed she was naive.

The leader responsible for the Military Service Department in Binxian County was Liu Guangming's father-in-law!

She said, "It’s not possible. In our place, if you want to join the military, you need connections and channels. Otherwise, you could easily be rejected or replaced."

Tan Zhiyuan frowned, "There’s such a thing?"

Tang Yuan: "Brother Tan, if I tell you, you can’t betray us. If someone finds out it was me who complained, my family would be in trouble."

Tan Zhiyuan looked serious and assured her, "Little sister, don’t worry. Soldiers keep their mouths shut."

Tang Yuan continued, "Then I’ll tell you. Back in the 1950s and 60s, being a soldier was tough, and there were wars. No one wanted their children to join the military, so the Military Service Department fairly rotated people into service. In recent years, with better conditions and fewer wars, everyone wants their kids to join for a better future. However, the Military Service Department doesn’t come to the countryside every year anymore. It’s all through recommendations now, and most of those recommended have connections. Those without connections just get interviewed and sent home."

Some even got replaced after passing the interview, similar to how people were replaced for college admissions in later times.

With connections, anything was possible.

Tan Zhiyuan asked a few detailed questions and solemnly promised, "Little sister, don’t worry. I’ll report this to the military district and strive for fair enlistment opportunities for everyone."

He couldn’t guarantee that things would change, as it depended on the leaders of the military sub-district.

Hearing Tang Yuan’s words, he assumed Feng Chen had missed his chance due to these issues and smiled, "Feng Chen, if you want to join the military, I can recommend you directly."

Without hesitation, Feng Chen refused, "Sorry, I have an elderly grandmother and a young wife at home. If I leave, no one will take care of them."

Ji Hongyue silently thought: Liar, does your wife need your care? I bet the whole brigade, oh, several brigades, would take care of them.

Besides, there’s Uncle Tang and Aunt Tang too.

But knowing Feng Chen’s intentions, to avoid being shunned, he kept his thoughts to himself.

Seeing Feng Chen’s calm expression and determined eyes, Tan Zhiyuan knew he wasn’t staying out of reluctance but genuinely wanted to stay with his family.

Though he found it regrettable, he respected Feng Chen’s choice.

Of course, if given the chance, he would try harder to persuade him, perhaps by inviting them to the camp for steamed buns and meat-stewed cabbage.

The rescue team hadn’t arrived yet, so they settled down for the night.

Despite the bonfire, it was still very cold.

Tang Yuan lent her blanket to the injured soldier and covered herself with a quilt while leaning against Feng Chen.

Ji Hongyue led the mule over, and he and a few soldiers huddled around it for warmth.

Feng Erniu glanced at Feng Chen and Tang Yuan, whispering to Ji Hongyue, "Are they... not siblings? Are they a couple?"

Ji Hongyue: "..."

This guy has a loud voice. Is this your attempt at whispering? It’s going to carry for miles.

He nodded, "Yeah."

Have you ever seen siblings grow up to be this close?

At around four in the morning, the rescue team finally arrived, looking exhausted.

Their trucks couldn’t reach them, so they parked outside and walked in.

Seeing their tired faces, Tang Yuan quietly suggested to Tan Zhiyuan that they rest on the spot, change the bandages for the wounded, and eat something warm.

They had been traveling all night.

For the first time, she generously took out all her food to cook a meal.

As a contemporary time-traveler, her encounters with the People's Liberation Army were confined to moments of disaster relief, which naturally fostered trust and positive sentiments towards the military—this was the connection that united the military and the public.

Moreover, in her previous life, she had learned driving, shooting, and self-defense from two veterans.

Whenever she had the chance to show kindness, she wouldn’t hesitate.

Feng Erniu and a few others came over to help, feeling embarrassed, "Little sister, did we finish all your food?"

Tang Yuan smiled, "No worries. We’re going to the Municipal Committee, where we can buy food from their canteen."

With Ji Hongyue’s support, getting some provisions wouldn’t be a problem.

Feng Erniu tried to give her money and food tickets but found nothing in his pockets. They were on a training exercise, not a mission, so they didn’t bring food tickets.

In the military, they were fed well as long as they didn’t waste food, so they didn’t need tickets.

Feng Chen also found a mountain pear tree and a persimmon tree nearby. Although some fruits were eaten by birds and insects, most were still good.

He picked a bag full to quench everyone’s thirst.

Wild persimmons ripened naturally and didn’t need any additional treatment; they could be enjoyed by sucking out the juice.

Feng Erniu couldn’t help but tell Tang Yuan, "Sis, your man is perfect for the military. His survival skills are top-notch!"

He gave them a thumbs-up.

Tang Yuan smiled.

The rescue team that had come to help also brought food, including bread, sausages, instant noodles, and compressed biscuits.

Tan Zhiyuan took some of it and gave it to Tang Yuan. "Little sister, when I have time, I'll definitely visit your team."

They must send a thank-you gift; at the very least, they need to replenish their food supplies.

He knew how precious the grain was to the rural commune members.

Tang Yuan quickly waved her hand. "Brother Tan, you're busy with training. There's no need for a special visit. Of course, if you have time, you're welcome to visit our team."

She accepted a few pieces of bread and sausages, cooked the instant noodles in a pot, and soaked the compressed biscuits in water.

Eating these directly would be inhumane; they were no better than the year-old dry coarse cakes in the countryside.

After breakfast, they left the mountain together, and Tan Zhiyuan and his team got on a truck.

He wanted to give Feng Chen and the others a ride, but Feng Chen declined.

They were driving a mule cart; they couldn't just put the cart and the mules on the truck, could they?

Tang Yuan wanted to give Tan Zhiyuan a wild boar, but Tan Zhiyuan refused.

The military had plenty of firearms and skilled people; if they wanted wild boars, they could hunt them. But they couldn't do that.

That was the discipline, and besides, the state provided ample supplies to the military—white flour in abundance and pork every day.

Without fat, they wouldn't have the strength to train, right?

Watching the truck leave, Tang Yuan said to Ji Hongyue, "They didn't use a helicopter for the rescue."

She didn't dare ask Tan Zhiyuan, fearing he might think she was prying into military secrets.

Ji Hongyue: "Helicopters are scarce; there might be one or two at the division level, but not even at the regiment level."

They went straight to the city, eating the bread and sausages given by Tan Zhiyuan along the way, without stopping to eat at any of the nearby teams.

This was Tang Yuan's first visit to the Municipal Committee. Unlike the grand and luxurious buildings of modern times, the current Municipal Committee building was simple and plain, just a red-brick structure.

Ji Hongyue led them to the cafeteria, unloaded the wild boar, and handed it over to the kitchen staff before going directly to find Shen Jiaming.

Shen Jiaming wasn't there, but Guo Yan was.

Seeing Ji Hongyue bring Feng Chen and Tang Yuan over, Guo Yan warmly welcomed them.

Hearing that they had brought two large and two small wild boars, he laughed. "The wild boars in the mountains must be afraid of Comrade Feng Chen now."

Feng Chen remained composed at the praise, but Tang Yuan, as his family member, felt proud. "Feng Chen's marksmanship is really good."

It was already evening, so Guo Yan took them to the cafeteria for dinner and then arranged accommodation for them.

The Municipal Committee's family building had a batch of single rooms where Ji Hongyue stayed when he came over. Local cadres on business trips could also stay there.

Of course, if there were no rooms available, they'd have to pay to stay at a guesthouse.

Guo Yan called Xie Weiran and Xiao Ye, asking if they wanted to gather.

Xiao Ye was out on an assignment, but Xie Weiran was available, and he quickly rode his bicycle over.

Upon meeting, Xie Weiran laughed. "Leader Guo, why not take Comrade Feng and Sister Yuan to a restaurant? If you're strict about it, I'll treat them."

If it were only Ji Hongyue, there would be no need for such formality. Since this wasn't the first time Tang Yuan and Feng Chen had eaten with them, it was a gesture of goodwill.

Guo Yan replied, "Our cafeteria is better and cheaper than state-owned restaurants."

Who would go to a restaurant and be a fool?

During dinner, Guo Yan and Xie Weiran politely inquired about the Forward Team.

Ji Hongyue briefly explained the situation and told them why Feng Chen and Tang Yuan had come.

"A biogas digester? You want to build a biogas digester?" Xie Weiran looked at Tang Yuan in surprise.

Tang Yuan nodded. "Yes, is there a problem?"

Xie Weiran: "Wow, you guys are quite capable."

He immediately saw a news angle and smiled. "Buying materials might be a bit troublesome for you. How about I accompany you, and when you start construction, I'll do an interview?"

The Forward Team was always providing him with material.

He wasn't lying; although Tang Yuan had a letter of introduction from the team, buying all the materials in the city might be challenging. That's why they needed Ji Hongyue to use his connection with Shen Jiaming to get a permit, making it easier for them to purchase materials without being denied or hassled.

Guo Yan was quite surprised. As far as he knew, there were no biogas digesters in the city.

He knew that some places in other provinces had them; they had been featured in newspapers, and they had sent people to learn about them.

But something went wrong when those people returned and tried to build a biogas digester—it either leaked gas or water, or exploded.

Eventually, they decided it was a technical challenge and dropped the idea.

He never expected that a rural team like the Forward Team would want to build a biogas digester.

It wasn't that he looked down on the team, but it exceeded his understanding.

After all, the team didn't have any technical specialists, just Ji Hongyue.

Would Ji Hongyue?

He doubted it.

He said, "To support Xiao Ji's experimental team, I'll accompany you on this trip as well."

To learn quietly.

After dinner, Guo Yan wasn't in a hurry to leave work; he wanted to invite them to his office for a detailed discussion.

The head chef from the cafeteria came to ask Feng Chen to help slaughter a pig.

The wild boar was tough to kill; its skin was even harder than a cow's. Their people couldn't do it properly, so they had to rely on Feng Chen.

They would process the pork in the evening, let it rest and tenderize overnight, and by the next morning, they could grind the meat for buns. They could simmer the meat slowly in the morning, and even though wild boar is tough, a whole morning of cooking would make it tender enough.

Wild boar meat differs from domestic pork; there is almost no fat between the lean meat, similar to beef, making it quite dry when eaten.

But when stewed with fatty pork, it becomes very flavorful.

The next morning, they ate large buns filled with wild boar meat and shredded radish before heading out to buy materials for the biogas digester.

Gas stoves could be bought at department stores, but some components needed to be purchased from rubber or hardware factories.

Additionally, cement and water glass had to be bought from cement plants or chemical factories.

With Guo Yan and Xie Weiran's help, the purchases went smoothly.

Guo Yan kindly asked Tang Yuan if she needed anything else that they could buy together, and Tang Yuan didn't hesitate.

The team needed fertilizer!

"Team Leader Guo, could you help us buy a few hundred pounds of fertilizer?"

Hehe.

Ji Hongyue's connections were Ji Hongyue's, an extra favor.

Guo Yan was taken aback. His intention was to give Tang Yuan some personal benefits, like bicycles, watches, or radios, or even food or fabric. He didn't expect her first thought to be buying fertilizer for the team.

What a good girl.

Guo Yan had never helped any team below him buy things before; this was unprecedented. He agreed to Tang Yuan, "Sure, I'll buy a thousand pounds!"

Tang Yuan widened her eyes, looking at him in admiration, "Team Leader Guo, you're amazing! On behalf of all the members of our team, I thank you. May your career flourish and rise higher and higher!"

Guo Yan laughed heartily; this girl was just likable.