Chapter 258

Spring plowing season arrived, and the entire brigade was bustling with activity.

The wheat fields needed their final round of fertilization, and the ridges required repair. Two old oxen plowed the fields from dawn till dusk, but it still wasn't enough. The commune members had no choice but to roll up their sleeves and work the land themselves.

"Did we get the corn and rice seeds for this year?" Emily Johnson asked suddenly while sorting vegetables.

Michael Stone looked up from sharpening his sickle. "The town arranged a bulk purchase. Each brigade will receive their seeds in a couple of days."

Emily thought of the sweet, sticky corn she had tasted in her past life and swallowed hard. Unfortunately, their private plot was too small—most of it had to be reserved for vegetables.

"Don't worry about the seeds," Michael reassured her.

What Emily really wanted to say was that she had better hybrid seeds in her space. But those seeds couldn't be saved for replanting, and bringing them out recklessly would only raise suspicion.

Early that morning, Brigade Leader John Stone Sr. and Michael headed to town to collect the seeds. The moment their tractor left the commune yard, the older man sensed something was wrong.

"Stop!" He slapped his son's shoulder abruptly.

Michael slammed on the brakes, nearly sending the seed bags in the trailer flying.

"What's wrong, Dad?"

John's face darkened as he jumped down and tore open one of the sacks. His rough fingers sifted through the grains, examining them under the sunlight.

"These seeds aren't right!"

Just then, Brigade Leader Richard Lopez from the neighboring brigade drove past on his tractor and stopped. "John, why'd you stop?"

"There's a problem with the seeds," John said grimly.

Richard's expression changed instantly. He rushed over, grabbed a handful of seeds, and his face grew increasingly grim.

"Let's go to the county!"

"Wait." Michael stopped the two older men. "We should check with Secretary Ren first."

The three carried a sack of seeds straight to the secretary's office but were blocked by the guard.

"The secretary is in a meeting. Come back tomorrow!"

"This is about spring plowing—we can't delay!" John raised his voice.

The office door suddenly swung open, and Secretary Ren stepped out with a frown. "What's all this noise?"

Recognizing them, his expression softened slightly. "Come in."

They dumped the seed bag on the floor. The moment Secretary Ren saw it, his face changed.

"Xiao Fang!" he barked.

A bespectacled young man rushed in nervously, his gaze lingering on the seed bag for a split second.

"Get Director Lin here!"

Soon, a middle-aged man with a beer belly sauntered in. When he spotted the seed bag, his eyes flickered.

"You wanted to see me, Secretary?"

Secretary Ren pointed at the seeds. "Explain this."

Director Lin picked up a handful with feigned nonchalance. "Same as every year. Nothing wrong."

"Bullshit!" Richard couldn't hold back. "You call these shriveled grains viable?"

The air in the office froze. Secretary Ren's face turned thunderous.