Song Tan’s Chronicle - Chapter 108.1

“That’s true!” Song Sancheng nodded in agreement beside her. “Your Uncle Zhang has always taken the best care of his fields. Back when we were still planting rice, he harvested over a hundred pounds more per acre than we did. Who in the surrounding ten miles wasn’t envious?!”

“Take a look at their vegetable garden—the vegetables taste better than what most people grow.”

“When you were little, Tan Tan, your Aunt Zhang would pass by our house at three in the morning every day, carrying baskets of vegetables to the town market. You used to hear her and feel so envious!”

Song Sancheng wasn’t just making polite conversation. If he were merely being polite, he wouldn’t have called Song Tan over in the first place.

Calling her here showed that he already had this idea in mind.

If Zhang Wang’s family weren’t so capable, how could they have afforded to raise three children on farming alone?

Hearing this, Song Tan had a vague recollection.

What child in the countryside hadn’t wanted to go to the market? But from their home to the town was nearly two hours of mountain roads.

Adults could make it, but kids would likely give up halfway through. So, any child who got to go to the market was filled with anticipation, even in their sleep.

Nowadays, with supermarkets everywhere, people might not understand working so hard just to sell vegetables, but many years ago, it was quite a common thing.

Now, looking at Zhang Wang’s face, filled with expectation and anxiety, a thought suddenly struck Song Tan—

Their vegetables were of high quality and would eventually gain a reputation in the village. Beyond the excuse of the ‘divine blessings,’ there needed to be some scientific backing, right?

If Zhang Wang’s compost was so well-regarded, then…

Thinking this through, she nodded. “Alright! Uncle Zhang, you came at the right time. I was just wondering where to find someone to help me look after the orchard!”

“Since you live so close, it’s perfect! But, do you have any specific requirements regarding the pay?”

Zhang Wang’s face lit up with a smile, and the worry in his brows seemed to lessen.

“No specific demands, no demands. But I…”

He hesitated, then finally spoke with difficulty, “Tan Tan, if you’re willing, could you give me two thousand yuan a month? I won’t just look after the orchard; I’ll also handle all the composting needed for the fields and the mountains.”

“Two thousand?”

Song Tan was a bit surprised.

Sure, Zhang Wang was older, in his fifties or sixties, and it was tough for him to find work outside. But that depended on the job.

At any factory, men of his age were in high demand. As long as they were willing to work, they could easily earn five or six thousand yuan a month, with meals and lodging included.

And staying in the mountains wasn’t exactly easy work either, especially not maintaining an orchard.

Asking for two thousand a month seemed a bit low—some of the tea-picking ladies could earn that in just ten days.

Song Tan didn’t respond immediately.

Even Song Sancheng grew serious, “Brother Zhang, if you have any other requests, just say them outright. If we can do it, we will; if not, we’ll be clear about it.”

Zhang Wang fell silent.

After a long pause, he fumbled in his pockets and finally pulled out a pack of cigarettes with a trembling hand. He offered one to Song Sancheng, who glanced cautiously at Song Tan before accepting it.

Once the two old men lit their cigarettes, it seemed easier for Zhang Wang to speak: