Chapter 2166: Asking for Seeds
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
“Third Sister-in-law, Xu Ba came to look for me this morning,” Meng Yuan said.
“What did he say to you? Is he planning to transfer Xu Chun to another workplace unit? Or does he want you to pass me a message?” Qiao Mei asked expectantly.
Meng Yuan shook his head and continued, “He only apologized to me and said that he would deal with Xu Chun’s matter as soon as possible. He said that Xu Chun won’t pester me anymore, but he didn’t say anything about transferring her out.”
Qiao Mei shook her head in disappointment. It seemed that this Xu Ba still wanted to protect the Xu family. Then again, this was the right thing to do. If Xu Ba did not even bother to protect his own family, then how could he even promise to take care of Li Gui?
“If Xu Chun continues to harass you, you must come and tell me. Don’t be shy,” Qiao Mei reminded him.
“Alright,” said Meng Yuan.
Xia Sun wobbled into the house unsteadily and grabbed Meng Yuan’s hand as he said, “Uncle, come with me to catch dragonflies!”
“Xia Sun! Don’t mess around! How can there be dragonflies in this season! Your uncle has had a tiring day at work. Go and play with Cousin Xia Fan,” Xia Wen said sternly.
Xia Sun pouted aggrievedly. Seeing that he was about to cry, Meng Yuan hurriedly picked him up and said, “Fine, fine, fine. I’ll play with you!”
Xia Wen shook his head helplessly. There was nothing he could do about this son of his. Xia Sun was the Xia family’s eldest grandson’s eldest son, a very important position in the family hierarchy. Everyone doted on him, not only the Xia family and the Mo family, but even the neighbors.
Xia Sun was a very good-looking kid. When he was asleep, he looked like a doll. However, once he woke up, no one could keep up with him! He was naturally energetic, lively and active!
Qiao Mei looked at the departing figures of Meng Yuan and the little boy and said, “His grandfather really gave him a very suitable name. He’s just like an eagle and we are only his keepers! If he joins the military in the future, he’ll definitely make a name for himself.”
“My wish for Xia Sun is that he can live a peaceful life and not join the military, but our Old Master won’t hear of that at all. He said that the eldest grandson’s eldest son must be sent to the military to be nurtured well. He has told me to send Xia Sun to Eldest Aunt for training once the boy turns five years old. How can a five-year-old child withstand Eldest Aunt’s training sessions!” Xia Wen said helplessly.
“I heard from Mother that Xia Zhe had gone to stay with Eldest Aunt for a period of time when he was about five years old. I guess our Old Master thinks that this child is of the same caliber,” Qiao Mei said.
“Back then, it was because there was no one around to take care of Xia Zhe! That’s why he was sent to Eldest Auntie’s side so early. Moreover, Xia Zhe has an exceptional aptitude to be a soldier! My son is just a little more energetic now. Never mind, never mind. Let’s not talk about this anymore. Let’s talk about it when the child is older. If he is interested in doing it, I am willing to send him to Eldest Aunt,” Xia Wen said.
“If there’s really no other way, I can get Xia Xing to talk to our Old Master. He dotes on Xia Xing the most,” Qiao Mei said with a smile.
Xia Wen waved his hand and said, “Sigh he’s just a cheeky monkey!”
It was getting late. He had come over today partly because Xia Sun missed Xia Fan and the other children very much and insisted on coming to Qiao Mei’s house to play, but partly also because of work.
“How are your greenhouses in the suburbs?” Xia Wen asked.
“Not bad. Sun Tian is keeping an eye over there, so I only go and take a look occasionally,” Qiao Mei said.
“Did you grow this batch of fruits using seeds?” Xia Wen said tentatively.
Qiao Mei rolled her eyes in disdain and said, “Eldest Brother, if I don’t use seeds, am I supposed to conjure them out of thin air? If you have something to say, just say it.”
“The higher-ups want to use your seeds to trade with foreign countries,” Xia Wen said factually.
Currently, the country did not have any goods for export and most of the items produced in the country were still quite backward. Since the country was so massive in land size, many smaller countries wanted to import vegetables and fruits from them. However, most of the vegetables harvested in the country could not meet export standards at all. Only the fruits and vegetables from Qiao Mei’s farm could meet those standards.
However, it took too long to transport goods by sea and most of the vegetables and fruits would start to rot during the journey. Therefore, the country wanted to export seeds instead.
“Then how much do you want?” Qiao Mei asked.
“I have done a rough calculation and think that we need eight different types of vegetable seeds. We require two tons of each type,” Xia Wen said.
Qiao Mei raised her eyebrows and looked at Xia Wen. Two tons for each type was not a small amount. The higher-ups’ intent was to empty out her inventory!
Xia Wen quickly added, “Of course! There are benefits! It’s all negotiable!”
“The things the higher-ups can give me are nothing more than money, medals, cars and the like. I don’t lack any of these. Moreover, if I export the seeds myself, I will definitely be able to sell them for a higher price. It will be far more profitable than working with you,” Qiao Mei pointed out.