freenovelworld Chapter 144 Digging an Irrigation Ditch
Chapter 144 Digging an Irrigation Ditch
The Dongfanghong-75 roared, its tracks turned, and its massive body moved slowly across the ground.
Wherever it drove, the soil was easily turned over, and the clods of soil that were turned up were fine and uniform.
Looking at the results of the Dongfanghong-75's operation, Old Wang exclaimed, "This thing really has some skills! It can turn over the soil much faster than we can do it manually. It's really efficient!" His eyes were full of praise.
"Yes, with this big machine, we can save a lot of time and manpower. Once this land is prepared, we can start planting."
A technician explained, "The Dongfanghong-75 is not only highly efficient at turning over soil, but also simple to operate and easy to maintain. As long as you follow the maintenance instructions, it can last for more than ten years without any problems."
Hearing this, Old Wang was even more relieved: "That's good, that's good. We must treat this big guy well and make it work for us for many more years."
The boss patted the cab of the Dongfanghong-75 and said to Li Mu and the others, "Look at this cab, it's spacious and bright, with good visibility. The controls are all within easy reach, very convenient. Once you learn to drive this truck, farming will be much easier."
"Let me try! Let me give it a shot!"
Upon hearing this, Li Mu also became interested. He usually enjoyed tinkering with these mechanical gadgets, and now that he had the opportunity to test drive the Dongfanghong-75, he naturally couldn't miss it.
He went to the driver's cab, opened the door, and got in. Following the technician's instructions, he started the machine and gripped the control lever.
As he moved, the Dongfanghong-75 slowly moved forward, its plowshare turning over the soil with a crackling sound.
Li Mu piloted the Dongfanghong-75, circled it around the field, and found it very easy to handle.
Old Zhang praised, "Your skills are really good; you're clearly cut out to be a driver."
"Oh, not at all, this is my first time driving this thing too, I'm not very familiar with it yet. Brother Wang, you give it a try."
Old Wang waved his hand with a smile: "I'll pass. My old bones can't withstand the strain of this big thing. You should do it, Mu Zi. I think your skills are no worse than those of professional drivers."
Tian Xiaohu was naturally eager to try: "Brother Mu, let me give it a try too."
Li Mu smiled and nodded, got out of the driver's seat, and gave his seat to Tian Xiaohu.
Tian Xiaohu excitedly sat in the driver's seat and started the Dongfanghong-75, just like Li Mu had done.
The machine roared and the tracks turned. After going around once, Li Jianjun, who was watching from the side, was itching to try it out. He urged Tian Xiaohu, "Xiaohu, hurry up, let me try this big guy too."
After confirming that there were no problems with the combine, Li Mu settled the final payment.
With the machinery finished, all that remained was the construction of the irrigation canals.
"Brother Wang, look at that river. It's not far from here. I'm thinking of diverting an irrigation canal from there; it would make irrigation more convenient. What do you think?"
Old Wang looked in the direction Li Mu pointed, and saw that the river meandered along, indeed not far from their fields.
"Water, let me think... I'll go take a look first."
Old Wang followed Li Mu, and the two walked along the ridges of the fields toward the river. After walking for nearly fifteen minutes, they arrived at the riverbank. The water was crystal clear and flowed gently, looking perfect for irrigation.
Li Mu squatted down and touched the river water. It was cool and clear, and indeed a good source of irrigation water.
"Brother Wang, look at this river water, it's so clear. It'll definitely be enough to irrigate our land. I'm thinking, let's dig a ditch right here by the river and bring the water into the fields. What do you think?"
"Hmm, this river water does look quite good; it would definitely be suitable for irrigation. However, shouldn't we inform our superiors about this?"
Although the land has been contracted out, it's best to inform the relevant departments in the village and town beforehand about digging irrigation ditches, to avoid any problems later.
“We have to handle this properly; we can’t act on our own. I’ll go to town tomorrow and ask the relevant departments to see if they can approve it.”
The two discussed it and decided to go back first to make arrangements for the Dongfanghong-75 and the combine harvester before starting preparations for digging the irrigation canal.
Back in the fields, everyone saw Li Mu and Lao Wang return and gathered around to ask what had happened.
The group returned to Lijia Village. Li Mu didn't rest; he immediately went to find Brother Gao to discuss digging an irrigation ditch. Before going, he went to Tian Xiaohu's house to get some cigarettes and alcohol.
Upon arriving at Brother Gao's house, Li Mu explained his purpose and offered him cigarettes and alcohol.
Brother Gao smiled and declined, saying, "Oh, Mu Zi, you're too kind. Just tell me what you need, and I'll definitely help if I can."
Seeing that Brother Gao's attitude was sincere, Li Mu no longer stood on ceremony and said directly, "Brother Gao, I'd like to dig an irrigation canal along the river I've contracted to irrigate the land I've leased. Do you think this is feasible?"
Brother Gao frowned upon hearing this: "Digging an irrigation ditch? We need to discuss this with Director Huang."
"Yes, I know this matter requires his consent, so I came to you specifically to get your opinion."
Brother Gao took a drag of his cigarette.
"Mu Zi, tell me the truth, do you have enough money?"
Li Mu didn't expect him to ask this question.
“That’s definitely going to work! I have enough money in my wallet, and if I don’t, I don’t know what to do. I’ve already planned everything out. The money to buy the machinery is from a loan, but I’m confident that once our land is prepared and we grow high-yield rice and cabbage, the profits will be substantial, and repaying the loan won’t be a problem. As for the money to dig irrigation ditches, I’ve also set aside some for that purpose, so it won’t cause any delays.”
Brother Gao listened to Li Mu's words and said, "Okay, that's a good idea. However, you'll have to talk to Director Huang yourself. I can only help you with the introduction; whether it works out or not depends on you."
"Brother Gao, just an introduction would be fine. I'll take care of the rest myself."
The two chatted for a while longer, and then Brother Gao took him to the town's water conservancy bureau, bringing along two packs of good cigarettes and two bottles of good wine as a small token of his appreciation to Director Huang.
Upon arriving at the Water Resources Bureau, Brother Gao greeted the security guard and then led Li Mu directly into Director Huang's office.
When Director Huang saw Brother Gao arrive with his entourage, he put down his pen and asked with a smile, "Old Gao, what brings you here today? You're still the same as ever!"
Director Huang pointed at Brother Gao, then looked at Li Mu: "And who is this?"
Brother Gao quickly introduced, "Director Huang, this is Li Mu from our village. You should have heard of him, right?"
"Hey! Old Zhang told me he'd contracted a huge tract of wasteland and was planning a big venture. I didn't expect him to be so young; he's quite a force to be reckoned with!"
Old Zhang is Director Zhang. Li Mu quickly stepped forward to shake hands: "Hello, Director Huang, I am Li Mu. I am here today to discuss the matter of digging an irrigation canal with you."
Director Huang's expression turned serious: "Please sit down, Xiao Wu! Make three cups of good tea, let's chat while we drink. Xiao Li, tell me, what exactly is going on with this irrigation ditch digging?"