Chapter 62: The Forestry Project

Watching Qian Weining grow increasingly exhausted, with the fishing line stretching farther and farther, Zhong Di could easily guess that the fish was about to slip off the hook. No matter how skilled Qian Weining was, he could not overcome his disadvantage in strength; technique could only compensate within certain limits.

Given the current situation, it was clear Qian Weining could not hold out much longer.

“It’s no good, I think it’s about to break free,” Qian Weining said, sweat pouring down his forehead. Yet he still handled the fishing rod steadily, showing no obvious mistakes.

This fish was remarkably strong, not like any ordinary fish—more like some aggressive species.

“Hurry up, you take over, or it’ll escape.” At that moment, the familiar voice echoed in Zhong Di’s mind again, and he saw the enormous water plant at the bottom of the reservoir once more.

“Let me do it.” Zhong Di rolled up his sleeves and shook out his not-yet-recovered arms. Remembering what had happened earlier, he decided to keep following the water plant’s instructions.

Qian Weining glanced at Zhong Di, recalling his earlier fishing prowess—clearly a gifted angler, impossible to compete with.

The moment Zhong Di took the rod, the water plant’s guidance came to him again. The fish truly was fierce, its strength immense, especially underwater.

Release, tighten, pull—in no time, he managed to reel the fish back a bit. Just as Zhong Di was about to reach his limit, the fish seemed spent, its resistance waning.

“Zhong Di, reel it in! Amazing, your fishing talent is unmatched.” Slowly, the fish was drawn above the water. Only then did Zhong Di finally relax, collapsing onto the ground—first he had caught a bighead carp, and now this one.

“Another Five-Striped Black Carp? I understand now why this reservoir can’t sustain fish populations.” Qian Weining looked at the fish they hauled up, pondering aloud.

The three of them struggled to get the fish into the transport vehicle, separating it with a net for safety.

“All right, Uncle Qian, we’ll head back now. I’m done for today, I can’t fish anymore,” Zhong Di said, his arms nearly too tired to lift.

“With your skills, you must compete in the fishing tournament—there’s real hope for the championship.”

“Don’t tease me, I know my own limits.”

After chatting a bit more with Qian Weining, Zhong Di and Shao Hong returned to the orchard. By the time they arrived, it was already afternoon.

Zhong Di recalled that Wu Qi had asked him to pick up some documents, so after mentioning it to Shao Hong, he set off for the Forestry Bureau.

The Forestry Bureau of Shache County was located in the main district, only a short drive away.

“Zhong Di, you’re here!” Just as he arrived, he ran into Director Xing.

“Yes, I came to pick up the documents.” Zhong Di smiled, giving the socially appropriate smile, and stated his purpose.

“Keep up the good work. We’ve discovered a population of Pallas’s cats and are currently verifying and counting them. Once the results are out, I’ll have Wu Qi inform you. Go on in, I have some business to attend to.” Director Xing spoke briefly before getting into his car. Of the group with him, Zhong Di only recognized one; the others were unfamiliar.

The remaining people glanced at Zhong Di, wondering who he was to warrant Director Xing’s special attention.

“You’re here—here are your documents.” Wu Qi greeted Zhong Di warmly and handed him the paperwork.

“Thank you!”

“No need for thanks. By the way, are you interested in a forestry project?” Wu Qi suddenly asked.

“What kind of project?”

“In short, it’s about returning farmland to forest. A few years ago, we reclaimed some illegally cultivated land near the riverbanks. Now we need to convert it back to forest. Since you studied agriculture, have you considered trying it?”

“There’s project funding, along with various policies. If you take it on, we’ll fully support you with the policies.” Wu Qi introduced the project enthusiastically. Finding the right person was crucial for forestry development.

This was a mess left behind by a previous director who had come in and made sweeping changes. He achieved some results, reclaimed a lot of illegal farmland, and started forestry planting.

Then he brought in someone who was just after project funds; the money was allocated, the trees were planted, but that person disappeared, and without further funding, the trees died.

When Director Xing investigated recently, he found the mess and wanted to revive the project—it had already been reported and new funds allocated. Now they were searching for the right candidate.

“I…”

Zhong Di hesitated. He wanted to refuse, but thinking of forestry development stirred a passionate longing inside him.

Growing up in the northwest, he had lived his whole life amid wind and sand; every northwesterner yearns to tame the sandstorms.

Maybe he should try, even just a little? Even without experience, he could spend some money each year, hire someone to manage it, not expecting profit, but at least making a contribution.

“Interested, right? Don’t worry—Director Xing will support you. If you have any issues, just go to him. I’ll send you the materials later; take a look, and contact me if you’re interested.”

Though Wu Qi hadn’t worked in the position long, he had developed some skill in reading people—an essential part of the job.

From Zhong Di’s reaction, he could tell he was interested. Director Xing had targeted candidates just like Zhong Di: those with an agricultural background, but not much money. Entrepreneurs might have funds and management experience, but when it comes down to it, the passionate young people often do better.

What do young people lack? Mostly policy and funding support; management experience isn’t something everyone starts with.

As long as they manage earnestly, there’s no need to worry about failure. This was just settled today, and Wu Qi wanted to ask Zhong Di about it.

Would he be a bystander, or take action?

Zhong Di wrestled with the decision, but soon thought it through. There was no harm in looking it over first; at worst, he could decline. Even if he accepted, he didn’t have to handle everything himself.

“All right, I’ll look it over first. Let me think it through.”

“Take your time—that’s responsible for yourself and for us.”

Wu Qi was pleased with Zhong Di’s attitude; his biggest fear was those who accepted blindly with passion, only to fizzle out when it came time to act.

After a few more words, Zhong Di departed. He would need to seriously consider Wu Qi’s suggestion—whether he could do it, and what his chances of success were.

These were matters that required careful thought: what to do if he failed.

Many people never consider such things; they never think about risks or how to respond to failure.

They rush in with enthusiasm, but when faced with difficulty, they retreat and give up.

By the time Zhong Di returned to the orchard, dusk was falling. Shao Hong was busy adding feed and water for the sheep.

One of the lambs inside was already able to stand; it was kneeling beneath its mother, nursing contentedly.