Chapter 257

The leaders exchanged glances after hearing Su Xiaoxiao’s words. They understood her points but felt reluctant, believing that Hong Feng Production Team didn’t really need to grow traditional Chinese herbs. However, if Su Xiaoxiao didn’t manage to secure any high-yield income, it would feel as if they’d missed out on something valuable.
After some deliberation, they reached a decision.
“Alright, we’ll follow Comrade Su’s suggestion. We’ll provide a written commitment that if the herbs can be secured for cultivation, Hong Feng Production Team will be prioritized. If there are more herbs, we’ll decide which team will grow the remaining ones.”
“Good,” Su Xiaoxiao responded with a smile.

Jiang Yexun and Su Hongchen then stepped aside. The leaders found the situation somewhat amusing.
“Alright, everyone quiet down. Now, we have a piece of good news to announce from the city leaders,” Leader Chen said loudly into the microphone. The previously noisy crowd immediately fell silent.
He then handed the microphone to the city mayor. After a brief cough, the mayor announced, “Su Xiaoxiao from Hong Feng Production Team has not forgotten her dedication to rural development and has submitted two prescriptions for treating illnesses. After repeated tests by experts in Beijing, the authenticity and reliability of these prescriptions have been confirmed. The comrades from Beijing have brought rewards for Su Xiaoxiao, so let’s invite them to present the awards.”
Two men in their thirties, one holding a medal and the other a cash-filled envelope, handed the awards to Su Xiaoxiao in front of everyone.

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause. Reporters quickly snapped several photos.
Once everything was done, the two men smiled and gestured for Su Xiaoxiao to speak.
“Comrade Su, please say a few words.”
Su Xiaoxiao’s smile faltered for a moment but soon returned. She looked more restrained compared to her earlier wide grin. Having never given such a speech in either of her lives, she took the microphone and said, “I’ve only read a lot of books and happened to encounter illnesses I could treat. I’m very happy to be able to provide effective prescriptions and help more people. I will definitely study harder in the future to contribute more good prescriptions to the country and treat more illnesses.”
The crowd clapped vigorously again.
After the speeches, Leader Chen allowed everyone to disperse. However, he looked at the leaders with a somewhat obsequious smile.
“Leaders, since you’ve come to Hong Feng Production Team, why not have lunch at my house? It would save time and avoid the hassle of traveling back and forth.”
“No, thank you. We have other work and need to return quickly,” the leaders declined promptly.
There were strict regulations prohibiting accepting any gifts or meals from the public, so accepting lunch was out of the question. They only offered a seemingly reasonable excuse to avoid hurting local sentiments.
Leader Chen wasn’t ready to give up and looked at Su Xiaoxiao, hoping she would say something.
Though Su Xiaoxiao felt embarrassed, she didn’t want to make a fuss over it and didn’t refuse. Before she could say anything, the leaders smiled and said, “Comrade Su, please keep in mind what we discussed earlier. We are looking forward to your good news.”
As they spoke, the mayor handed a written commitment to Su Xiaoxiao. “Rest assured, leaders. I will definitely make the call. The two comrades from Beijing are aware of our intentions and will report back to the higher-ups.”
The Beijing representatives nodded with smiles. “Yes, we will inform the higher-ups. Since you only need to plant two types of herbs suitable for the Northeast, there shouldn’t be any issues.”
Leader Chen, having heard Su Xiaoxiao’s firm stance, felt deep gratitude towards her. He completely forgot about his intention to invite the leaders for a meal until their cars were already out of sight.
“Oh no, I actually forgot to invite a few leaders to my home for a meal. How impolite of me.”
Su Xiaoxiao smirked slightly and reminded him, “Actually, they wouldn’t stay for a meal. With the emphasis on not accepting any gifts or meals from the public, they wouldn’t consider it. Also, if you prepared a lavish meal, it might become a burden for them and could be seen as a mistake.”
“Is it really that serious?” Leader Chen asked in confusion.
It was just a meal, not a big deal, was it really that strictly regulated?
“Of course. They are in positions with more regulations and constraints than ordinary people like us,” Su Xiaoxiao said seriously.
Leader Chen had no choice but to lower his head in disappointment.
“It’s alright. Uncle Jiang was a team leader for decades and never had a chance to speak with the mayor. You’re already doing better than he did, so there’s no need to rush,” Su Xiaoxiao said with a reassuring smile.
Leader Chen’s eyes brightened at her words but then shifted to the gloomy faces of Jiang Guoli and Old Jiang’s family, causing him to cough lightly.
Su Xiaoxiao turned and saw Jiang Guoli and Old Jiang’s family. She maintained a calm demeanor, turning back with an air of indifference.
Inside, she was screaming like a groundhog. It seemed talking behind people’s backs during the day was indeed bad luck.
“Well, Leader Chen, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head back,” Su Xiaoxiao said with a serious face.
Leader Chen, unwilling to address family conflicts, quickly nodded. “Alright, if you have any news about the herbs, let me know.”
“Sure,” Su Xiaoxiao agreed cheerfully.
She then led her brother, Jiang Yexun, and Aunt Guo home.
Jiang Guoli, with a stern face, blocked their way. “You went out of town and achieved such a big thing, and you didn’t even inform the family when you came back?”
Though angry, he wanted to avoid leaving a bad impression on Su Xiaoxiao’s brother and forced himself to ask calmly.
“My matters are only necessary to inform my parents and brother. Do I need to report to anyone else?” Su Xiaoxiao found his question quite amusing.