Chapter 185 Seeds of Hope

Lao Zhang used a knife to cut open the sack, revealing some old rice and wheat. Although they were no longer fresh, they were life-saving food for them. They quickly put the usable food into the sack and quickly left the granary.

Li Xiangqian stood in the middle of the yard, staring at a small piece of barren land. The sun shone through the branches of the sycamore tree, casting mottled shadows. He was thinking secretly. Since food was in short supply, growing some vegetables might be a good choice. Once this idea came into his mind, it took root in his heart like a seed.

After returning home, Li Xiangqian discussed this idea with Zhang Cuihua. Zhang Cuihua was surprised, but soon showed support, "Xiangqian, this is a good idea, we can try it. But this piece of land needs to be turned over, and we need to buy some seeds."

Li Xiangqian nodded and said, "I'll ask Lao Liu tomorrow. He has grown vegetables before, so he should have some experience."

The next day, Li Xiangqian got up early and came to Lao Liu's house. Lao Liu was repairing an old chair in the yard. When he saw Li Xiangqian coming, he smiled warmly and said, "Xiangqian, why are you here again today?"

Li Xiangqian smiled a little embarrassedly, "Lao Liu, I want to grow some vegetables in the yard. I wonder if you can give me some advice?"

Lao Liu put down his work and said with a smile, "Of course, growing vegetables is my specialty. What are you going to grow?"

Li Xiangqian scratched his head and said, "I'm not sure either. I'll just plant whatever I can. I mainly want to supplement my food supply."

Old Liu nodded. "Okay, I'll get you some seeds. Let's start with the simple ones. Cabbages and radishes are easier to grow."

Li Xiangqian thanked him repeatedly, and Lao Liu went back to the house to get some seeds and explained to him in detail the planting methods and precautions. Li Xiangqian listened carefully, nodded from time to time, and secretly made up his mind to grow these vegetables well.

After returning home, Li Xiangqian immediately started to turn the soil, apply fertilizer, and sow seeds. He followed each step carefully, fearing that there would be any mistakes. Zhang Cuihua also came to help, and Xiaobao played nearby, giggling non-stop as he watched his parents busying around.

A few days later, the seeds began to sprout, and the tender green seedlings poked their heads out of the soil, bringing new vitality to this ancient courtyard. Li Xiangqian carefully took care of these seedlings every day, watering and weeding, and was very busy. Seeing the seedlings grow little by little, his hope also grew little by little.

A month later, the leaves of cabbage and radish had grown green, and Li Xiangqian felt a sense of accomplishment. Although these vegetables could not completely solve their food problem, they could at least provide some nutrition and alleviate some of the pain of hunger.

One night, Li Xiangqian was sitting in the yard, looking at the green vegetable field, and he felt inexplicably moved. He recalled the time when his father took him to work in the fields when he was a child. Although the family was not rich at that time, life was always full of hope and laughter. Now, he has regained that feeling. Although the environment is difficult, his heart is full of strength.

Zhang Cuihua brought a bowl of hot vegetable porridge and sat next to him, "Xiang Qian, these vegetables are growing really well. They can be harvested in a few days."

Li Xiangqian took the bowl, drank a mouthful of hot porridge, and said with a smile: "Yes, we finally have some harvest of our own. When these vegetables are ripe, we can improve our lives."

Zhang Cuihua nodded, a hint of tenderness flashed in her eyes, "Thank you, Xiang Qian, with you here, I am not afraid of any difficult days."

Li Xiangqian held her hand and felt extremely warm in his heart. He knew that although their life was difficult, as long as the family was together, no matter how big the difficulties were, they could overcome them.

A few days later, Li Xiangqian and Zhang Cuihua harvested the first batch of vegetables together. Seeing the fresh cabbage and radish filling the basket, their hearts were filled with satisfaction and joy. Zhang Cuihua began to busy herself in the kitchen, preparing a sumptuous dinner. Although the ingredients were simple, it was full of the taste of home.

At dinner, Xiaobao ate with gusto, his face filled with a happy smile. Li Xiangqian looked at this scene and felt extremely satisfied. He knew that these vegetables were not only food to fill their stomachs, but also their hope and confidence for the future.

As the days passed, Li Xiangqian continued to plant more vegetables in the yard. He began to try to plant other varieties of vegetables, and tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, etc. gradually took root and sprouted in the yard. Every time he saw the new sprouts, his heart was filled with anticipation and joy.

One day, when Li Xiangqian was busy in the yard, he heard Aunt Li next door complaining, "Life is so hard. We can't even afford vegetables."

Li Xiangqian was moved and gave some fresh vegetables to Aunt Li. Aunt Li said gratefully: "Xiangqian, you are such a good person. These vegetables are a great help to me."

Li Xiangqian smiled and said, "Auntie, we are all neighbors. If you need anything, just let me know."

As time went by, more and more people started to grow vegetables in the courtyard. Li Xiangqian shared his experience in growing vegetables with everyone without reservation, and the courtyard gradually became a small vegetable garden. Every household had their own small vegetable garden. Although life was still difficult, everyone felt more hopeful and warm.

One night, Li Xiangqian sat in the yard, looking at the starry sky, and a strong sense of happiness surged in his heart. He knew that although life was still hard, as long as the family was united and supported each other, they would eventually usher in a bright future.

Zhang Cuihua came over and said softly, "Xiang Qian, let's plant some new vegetables tomorrow and see if we can try growing some fruits and vegetables."

Li Xiangqian nodded and said with a smile: "Okay, let's plant more. When these fruits are ripe, we can have a bigger harvest."

Zhang Cuihua snuggled up to him and whispered, "Go forward. With you here, we are not afraid of any difficulties."

Li Xiangqian held her hand tightly, feeling extremely warm in his heart. He knew that although the future was full of unknowns, as long as their family was united and supported each other, any difficulties could be overcome. Although their lives were difficult, it was precisely because of these difficulties that they had more hope and strength in their hearts.

In this way, Li Xiangqian continued to grow vegetables in the courtyard. Although life was hard, he never gave up hope. Every day of hard work and every new green leaf sowed the seeds of hope in his heart. He knew that as long as he persisted, the future would be better.