Although Li Long knew he had changed the fates of quite a few villagers, getting their sideline earnings started earlier and influencing many people, his understanding of his influence among them was still limited.
In fact, although Yang Yongqiang's and Tao Daqiang's families were unwilling to follow Li Long in trying to grow seed watermelons, some people were willing.
Just look at everything Li Long had done since returning from Wu City last year. Which venture had failed? Which had gone wrong?
He caught fish and sold them for money. Others got arrested; he was fine.
He went into the mountains for timber. Others nearly got lost there, while he hauled back timber and sheep besides.
Not only that, he had hunted wild boar, deer, and roe deer in the mountains. Every one of those was worth more than a pig!
That was not even counting the work he had brought to the village-weaving Taibazi, tying brooms, and making reed bundles-which had earned every household quite a bit. At least this New Year, buying every child a new outfit was no problem. Those who were hardworking and capable could also buy enough cloth to make clothes for the adults.
Among those who spent time with Li Long, Xiaoxia from the Gu Family had become a state cadre. Even Tao Daqiang's impoverished household had been able to afford a donkey cart, and he had married, too. Although Yang Yongqiang had joined them late, he had already announced that he would buy his younger sister a bicycle next year.
Apparently, Li Long also held several positions, including an off-staff job at the County Seat's Supply and Marketing Cooperative, drawing a salary.
Some people even said Li Long could originally have become a regular employee, but he had not wanted the job, so