Chapter 792: Completing the Task

Editor: Henyee Translations

Tian Xiaoqiu wrote down on the paper, “Jujubes, thirty.

Afterward, Xu Songnian opened the bag to check for any abnormalities, as damaged goods couldn’t be stored.

Finding the jujubes to be of excellent quality, he returned the bag to its original condition.

“Wenlin, where should this go?”

“Here.” Xu Wenlin had marked out areas on the ground, writing labels with chalk in front of each designated area for sorted goods, making it easier for storage.

Xu Wenlin joined Xu Songnian in carrying the jujubes to their assigned area. It was also because Xu Wenlin wasn’t strong enough; otherwise, she would have carried it herself.

Then, they moved on to counting the second item…

Gradually, the children’s counting work commenced.

There were many different methods of tallying goods, such as sorting first,

then counting, or vice versa…

Each method of tallying took a different amount of time, testing everyone’s abilities. However, today’s test was not about efficiency but about completing the task.

Hong Yujun came over and took a look at the children, asking, “How are they doing?”

Shen Ruyue candidly responded, “The children are quite smart, each has their own method, and they’re doing well. Just watch and see.”

Thus, Hong Yujun also stood aside to observe. After a while, she suddenly mentioned, “There are only seven days left until the three-month mark.

Chu Qingning, with a hint of nostalgia, said, “Time flies so quickly.

Hong Yujun, looking in the direction of the children, suggested, “Let’s call

Qingzhi later to discuss the final examination paper.”

Chu Qingning nodded in agreement.

After an incense stick’s time…

Xu Songnian approached the three ladies, his face alight with joy, “Ladies, our

group has finished tallying the goods.”

Shen Ruyue suggested, “Let’s go over and take a look together.”

“Okay.”

The four of them moved to where Xu Songnian’s group had been working. Shen Ruyue took the paper from Tian Xiaoqiu and began to check-

jujubes, one hundred and fifty pounds.

Glutinous rice, one hundred and eighty pounds.

Mung beans, ninety pounds.

In total, seven types of goods had been categorized correctly, matching the tally.

Shen Ruyue passed the paper to Chu Qingning, saying, “Qingning, their group

has passed.”

Chu Qingning reviewed it and confirmed, “I see.”

Next to them, Xu Zeliang’s group had also finished their tally, “Sister Ruyue, could you check our group’s tally?”

“Sure.” Shen Ruyue took their tally sheet and checked. Xu Zeliang’s group took longer, but their count was accurate.

Gradually, all the groups finished their tallying, and Shen Ruyue checked each in turn.

All six groups had tallied correctly after inspection.

Shen Ruyue praised, “Everyone is smart and capable. Today’s taskhasbeen successfully completed.”

“Yay—” The children cheered joyfully.

Chu Qingning gathered the cheering children, “In seven days, our studies will end, and there will be a final exam. Go back and review thoroughly, aiming to score above ninety.”

This statement weighed heavily on the children like a stone; not scoring above ninety meant elimination. Having come this far, no one wanted to be eliminated.

“Sister Qingning, we will try our best.”

“Good, you may go back now. Remember to review and go over the test papers we’ve done; it will help with your final exam.”

“Yes.”

Shen Ruyue brought out some peanut candies, “Everyone take two pieces to eat on the way home.”

The children gratefully said, “Thankyou, Sister Ruyue.

“Take them, no need to be polite.”

The children left one by one, but Xu Songnian, Xu Wenlin, Tian Xiaoqiu, and Chu Lanzhi stayed behind. Shen Ruyue had more training planned for them, aiming to develop their skills early since she was overwhelmed with work.

“Follow me.”

“Hmm!”

In the vegetable garden.

The vegetables in the garden had all matured and were bought by restaurants in the county.

Chu Qingzhi’s vegetables, whether in appearance or taste, were the best, praised by customers.

This left the chefs baffled; seemingly identical cooking methods yielded tastier dishes with vegetables from Chu Qingzhi.

Noticing this difference, the storekeepers promptly bought all her vegetables and even pre-ordered the next batch.

At this moment, Chu Qingzhi was in the vegetable garden planting.

Her method of planting was unique, involving a flock of parrots that handled sowing the seeds, requiring her only to loosen the soil.

Watching the diligent parrots, Chu Qingzhi mused she had overlooked such a use for parrots and was somewhat reluctant to give these obedient and adorable birds to Tang Jinghong.

Xiao Chen and the others were now fully employed by An shanwu’s Chaoyang Construction, settling down.

Necessarily, Chu Qingzhi needed to build many houses. Ever since meeting Chu Qingzhi, Chaoyang Construction rose to prominence, never lacking business and continually expanding.

With Xiao Chen and the others occupied, they couldn’t help Chu Qingzhi except after work hours.

Now, only Grandma Chu, Li Qingyu, and a few villagers who volunteered to help were busy in the fields besides Chu Qingzhi.

…She needed to manage the parrots for work, something the villagers couldn’t do.

In late November, it was time to plant vegetables like green peppers, cabbage, and lettuce in the large garden. Chu Qingzhi planted all the possible varieties. Busy until evening, when the workers had finished for the day.

Chu Lanzhen approached Chu Qingzhi, warmly offering, “Qingzhi, do you want some winter bamboo shoots? I’m about to dig some up. If you want, I can bring back more.”

After planting all the seeds, Chu Qingzhi responded, “I’ll come with you.”

“Alright.”

Chu Qingzhi grabbed a basket and a small hoe, and accompanied by Da Bai, they headed to the bamboo forest.

On the village’s east side, a large bamboo forest provided the material for Da Bai’s woven nest.

Improperly processed bamboo shoots taste bitter, and only a few families who know how to prepare them enjoy winter bamboo shoots.

Chu Lanzhen dug for bamboo shoots to make pickled shoots.

Pickled shoots can be used in fish dishes or eaten directly, and those who enjoy them find them delicious.

“Sister Qingzhi, how do you eat the shoots you dig?

Chu Qingzhi replied, “I stir-fry them. They’re great with twice-cooked pork.

You should try it.”

Chu Lanzhen quickly warned, “Don’t fry them, fresh shoots are very bitter and not tasty.”

Chu Qingzhi suggested, “Try slicing the shoots, boiling them briefly, then rinsing them in water several times to remove the bitterness.” Curious and eager to try, Chu Lanzhen asked, “Really?”

“Try it, and you’ll know.”

“Alright, I’ll give it a shot when I get back.”

Da Bai ventured into the bamboo forest, using his fluffy paws to dig at the ground. After a cloud of dust settled, a tiny bamboo shoot peeked out from the earth.