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Lu Ming, an associate researcher from the Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences' Melon and Vegetable Research Institute, personally brought seeds to Annan. Chai Hongmin, who had just been promoted to Deputy Township Head, not only picked him up with a driver but also accompanied him throughout the visit. They met with Zhao Manyin, the village head of Hu Jia Zhuang in Laogu Township, as well as over ten households interested in planting the Jin Fen Sweet Melon. They conducted on-site assessments of land planning and organized a seminar for these farmers, discussing product quality, market prospects, and potential income, painting a promising picture for them.
Both Hu Qihua and Hu Zhenhua offered five acres of land each to trial this new crop. Despite the encouragement from the Village Chief and the endorsement from the Town Government, the farmers remained uneasy. In previous years, they had only planted small plots—one or two acres—regardless of the variety; it was all for their own consumption. Now, they were being asked to dedicate four or five acres to an unknown variety called "Golden Powder Beauty." If things went wrong, they could lose an entire season's harvest.
Fortunately, the Township leadership took this seriously. Secretary Feng and the newly appointed Mayor Haihong made a special request and report to the county, ultimately promising participating farmers that if they followed the experts' guidance from the Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Melon and Vegetable Research Institute on seedling care, cutting-edge techniques, irrigation, fertilization, etc., and if their income did not reach the yield of wheat per acre, the Town Government would cover the difference. This assurance provided peace of mind to many farmers.
Lu Ming felt moved upon learning about this policy from both the village and county. As a breeder, he understood that breeding was challenging and promoting it even more so. He had encountered many situations where local practices deviated from expert recommendations, leading to failed crops or unmet income expectations, with blame often directed at breeders. A failed season could mean losing an entire year's worth of effort; compared to breeders' losses and heartache, those of farmers seemed negligible.
However, each person's position and perspective varied, which made such recurring issues frustrating for researchers. To unify thoughts among farmers, Secretary Feng Decai of Laogu Township and Town Chief Hai Hong invited a team of provincial experts to a meal at the government cafeteria as a gesture of commitment from both the village and county: full support and cooperation! They assured that whenever guidance was needed, the village would arrange for accompanying personnel to ensure that experts were well taken care of during their stay.
Just after May Day, new green shoots began to emerge in the seedling room. Wang Bingcheng, formerly deputy director of Jinan City's Development Planning Committee, had taken office in Annan County. He found it hard to understand Mao Weiguo's choice: why would someone prefer to stay in a lower-level position rather than take on a more substantial role as Deputy Director? It was perplexing!
However, everyone has their own aspirations. Since Mao Weiguo expressed his desire to remain in Annan, both Mayor Meng Xiangjun and Secretary Zheng Kaixuan breathed sighs of relief; they agreed that even if he were a deputy minister at the provincial level, he should consider his options carefully. Moreover, it would be too conspicuous for someone at that level to drop down directly into a county leadership role.
Thus, Deputy Director Wang Bingcheng reluctantly assumed his position as Executive Vice County Head in Annan. Some people focused on work while others sought status. What dissatisfaction could there be when someone from a city department became part of the county's standing committee? This highlighted the differences between individuals.
Upon arriving at his new post, Vice County Head Wang always made it a point to familiarize himself with grassroots conditions and get acquainted with local officials. His first stop was Xipo Store Township—the most remote area—where he could meet former secretary Mao Weiguo's secretary as well as representatives from Liu Group's Wild Vegetable Processing Plant that Mao had brought in for investment. Identifying issues here would inevitably have some impact on Mao Weiguo.
In this spring season, Liu's Wild Vegetable Processing Plant in Xipo Store Township was actively purchasing large quantities of Water Radish Leaves, Noodle Plant, Tender Willow Catkins, fresh locust flowers, and Purslane (which was still scarce at this time but would see growth peak in summer). Some farmers noticed that Xiangchun was in high demand and began reaching out to prepare for larger-scale planting.
The main variety being produced was Spicy Crisps. Xipo Store Township was one of the least developed areas in Annan County economically and faced significant hardships; currently, tax revenues did not reflect the benefits brought by this enterprise well yet individual farmers had already begun to see some positive results.
In the past, whether it was Water Radish Leaves, Noodle Vegetable, or Purslane, everyone treated them as wild vegetables for occasional use. Now that people have realized these can be exchanged for money, the entire family has gotten involved. Baskets and bags in hand, the fields are filled with people. Not only in Xi Po Dian but also in other towns, collection points have emerged: gathering from farmers and sending them to Liu's Wild Vegetable Processing Plant to earn a profit. The locust flower season has yet to peak, but those picking and purchasing are already busy.
While no farmer has struck it rich from digging up wild vegetables, nearly every household has earned some pocket money from this venture. Many are looking forward to summer, eager to seize the "big opportunity" presented by the abundant Purslane. They even heard from Liu Tiechui, who oversees the purchases, that the food factory plans to launch a vacuum-packed fried Cicada Monkey.
Currently, Liu's Wild Vegetable Processing Plant brings not only small profits to farmers but also hope. When the plant opened, Mao Weiguo made a special trip to cut the ribbon and delivered an enthusiastic speech. After Wang Bingcheng took office, he specifically requested information about this small factory: with a registered capital of one million yuan and fewer than 20 employees, it produces wild vegetables that aren’t even considered vegetables—like Purslane, which is merely a weed.
During his time at the city development planning committee, he had approved projects larger than this little venture without a second thought. Was it really worth a county head making such a fuss over? He looked at the data on Gaoqiao Town, which had been praised by city leaders; it simply shifted from growing crops to growing vegetables—what was so special about that? And what about Laogu Township’s Niu Huahua? It just raised a few dairy cows; there was nothing remarkable about it.
In Annan County, come autumn, corn stalks litter the ground—there’s plenty of space for raising cattle! The leadership of Annan County is like frogs in a well—only seeing a sky as big as a winnowing basket.
Zhang Qiang became Deputy Township Head Li in Xipo Store Township, overseeing township enterprises. Liu's Wild Vegetable Processing Plant is the only township enterprise in the area. As someone who grew up from humble beginnings, he understands what this enterprise means for local government and the people. After taking office, he cared for its development as if it were his own child.
The person sent by Liu is named Zhou Jiajin, responsible for production and technical aspects. Many local matters have been coordinated with help from the Village. This phenomenon and model are rare elsewhere.
Liu Tiechui initially brought up issues of arbitrary fees to the county but was stopped by Zhang Qiang. Not only did Zhang report to the county, but he also arranged for Liu to meet Provincial Leaders who provided meals and accommodations. The tax reforms implemented in Jiangbei have shown these farmers tangible changes.
All of this made him believe that leaders in Annan County, including Cadre Zhang, genuinely work for the people and care about their welfare. Liu's Wild Vegetable Processing Plant is hiring production workers from nearby villages. Although he was not hired due to his limited education and age, the factory still assigned him to handle raw vegetable procurement from farmers.
The young girl named Luo from the Provincial Capital had an eye for talent; after chatting for half an hour, she recognized him as responsible and diligent. She believed he would excel in this role. Although the salary was modest—two hundred eighty yuan a month—it was a decent job given that there were no other side opportunities available locally.
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