Chapter 564: Cherish the Dishes
Should I continue to indulge in resentment about the unfairness of fate, or try to find opportunities to change my destiny in this village as Gao Yuliang said, for myself and for the people on this land.
"Teacher, I will try to do it. But I can't guarantee that I will succeed. The shackles of fate are too heavy." Qi Tongwei's voice was low and hoarse.
Gao Yuliang looked at Qi Tongwei, who was still hesitant but had already shown a hint of determination, and nodded slightly, his eyes full of encouragement and expectation. "Tongwei, you have made such a statement, which is already a big step forward. Don't underestimate yourself anymore, I firmly believe that you can do it. Away from the complicated and scheming political stage, this rural world is the perfect place for you to show your skills and find yourself again."
Gao Yuliang took a step forward and stood side by side with Qi Tongwei, looking at the vast rural scenery. "Look at this countryside. It may seem plain and simple, but it actually contains endless potential and vitality. Every blade of grass, every brick and every tile here can become the cornerstone of your changing destiny. In the past, you lost your way in the political whirlpool due to many involuntary circumstances and the constraints of rules, but now you have more power to make your own choices. As long as you explore with your heart and manage with wisdom, you will definitely create a brilliant world of your own here."
Qi Tongwei frowned slightly and whispered: "Teacher, although I am willing to try, the shadow of the past is always lingering in my heart. I am afraid of failing again, afraid of disappointing your expectations, and even more afraid of disappointing the villagers on this land. After all, I am no longer the ambitious and fearless Qi Tongwei."
Gao Yuliang patted him on the back and said earnestly: "Tongwei, failure is the mother of success. Past experiences should not be an obstacle to your progress, but a treasure trove for you to learn lessons and accumulate experience. Your ups and downs in officialdom have given you a deeper insight into human nature and worldly affairs, which are all precious assets for you to achieve great things in the countryside. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. As long as you are sincere and kind, and wholeheartedly seek the welfare of this land and the people here, even if you encounter difficulties and setbacks, you will surely win everyone's understanding and support."
Qi Tongwei took a deep breath and said slowly: "Teacher, I understand what you mean. But I am still confused about the future path. I don't know where to start to truly bring substantial changes to this village."
Gao Yuliang smiled, his eyes full of wisdom and confidence. "Tongwei, you should start with the field you are good at. You have a wealth of knowledge and social experience, which can contribute to the education of the village. You can further improve the village school and introduce more practical knowledge and skills courses, so that children can not only learn cultural knowledge from books, but also master some life-changing skills, such as agricultural technology, handicraft production, etc. In this way, a solid foundation can be laid for them to leave the mountains or build their hometown in the future."
Qi Tongwei nodded thoughtfully, and Gao Yuliang continued, "Furthermore, you can make full use of the natural resources of the village to develop characteristic agricultural industries. The mountains, rivers, fields and fertile land here are all gifts from nature. You can try to introduce some new crop varieties and combine them with scientific planting methods to improve the yield and quality of agricultural products. Then, through contact and cooperation with the outside world, you can expand sales channels, promote these high-quality agricultural products to a wider market, and increase the income of villagers. This will not only improve the living conditions of the villagers, but also drive the economic development of the entire village, giving the village new vitality and charm."
Qi Tongwei's eyes gradually brightened, as if he saw a glimmer of hope. "Teacher, your words have opened my eyes. I was too limited in my thinking before. I only saw the difficulties in front of me, but ignored the many opportunities hidden in this village."
Gao Yuliang smiled with relief. "Tongwei, you are a smart person, but you were blinded by the predicament. Now you have gradually cleared the fog. As long as you have firm faith and move forward courageously, you will be able to find a bright road in this village. Believe in yourself, just like believing that although fate is tortuous, it will eventually lead to a bright return with your efforts. You are no longer a chess piece at the mercy of fate, but a chess player who can dominate your own destiny. Use your wisdom and sweat to make every wonderful move on the chessboard of this village."
Qi Tongwei's face showed a long-lost firm expression, and he clenched his fists. "Teacher, I will never let you down again. I will treat this village as the new battlefield of my life and fight with all my strength. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles I will encounter in the future, I will grit my teeth and persevere, and work hard to make everything here better."
Gao Yuliang nodded with satisfaction. "Okay, Tongwei, I will always keep an eye on your progress. If you encounter any problems, feel free to discuss with me. I believe that in the near future, you will become the pride of this village and truly find your own value and belonging. Let us look forward to that day and witness the legendary chapter you write on this rural land."
Qi Tongwei smiled bitterly, looking at Gao Yuliang's expectant eyes, with mixed feelings in his heart. "Teacher, your idea is indeed beautiful, but I am just a rural teacher now, and I think more about daily necessities. I have to take care of my stomach first, so that I have the energy to plan those long-term things." After saying that, he turned and walked towards the simple kitchen.
Qi Tongwei was busy in the kitchen. He skillfully took out the green vegetables and radishes he had grown from the corner, and fished out a few pickled pickles from the jar. While washing and cutting vegetables, his thoughts were flying. In the past, he was involved in various high-end banquets in the officialdom, and he never had an eye for delicacies from land and sea, but now, these simple farm dishes have become the whole support of his life. He thought about the trick of fate that made him fall from the clouds to the bottom of the valley, but he secretly vowed to take root and sprout again in this valley.
Soon, several simple dishes were placed on the worn wooden table. A plate of stir-fried greens, although not as bright as those in the restaurant, exuded a rustic vitality; a plate of stewed radish and pickled vegetables exuded a unique farmhouse flavor. Qi Tongwei also scooped two bowls of brown rice from the pot and said to Gao Yuliang, "Teacher, it's just plain food, please don't despise it."
Gao Yuliang was slightly stunned when he looked at the food on the table. His eyes lingered on the rough dishes and simple food for a moment, and a pang of sadness rose in his heart.