Reborn in the Great Northern Wilderness in 1982, I farmed and hunted to support my whole family.

Chapter 145 Something is going to happen

"Here's the thing, in the Greater Khingan Mountains, the land I contracted is near that river, and I'm thinking of diverting an irrigation canal from the river to make irrigation easier. This would save manpower and improve irrigation efficiency."

"Hmm, that's a good idea. However, digging irrigation ditches isn't something you can just do on a whim. You need to submit an application first, and it has to be approved by our Water Resources Bureau before you can start construction."

Li Mu was prepared. He took out a detailed plan for digging an irrigation canal from his bag and handed it to Director Huang: "Director Huang, this is the plan I prepared. It includes the canal's direction, length, width, and depth, as well as the estimated construction period and cost. Please take a look and see if there's anything you need to add. I'll then refine it."

Director Huang took the plan, flipped through two pages, and put it down.

Li Mu's heart skipped a beat. Could there be a problem with this plan? Was Director Huang dissatisfied? He was filled with anxiety.

Director Huang first took a sip of tea to moisten his throat.

"Xiao Li, your plan is quite detailed; it's clear you've put in a lot of effort."

"However, digging irrigation ditches is not such a simple matter."

"You have to consider all aspects, such as the direction of the irrigation canal, which should not affect the surrounding farmland and villages; and the width and depth of the irrigation canal should be determined according to actual needs, and you can't blindly pursue large and comprehensive."

"Then there's the issue of cost. Isn't your budget a bit too low? Digging an irrigation ditch is a large project, so you need to set aside enough money for it."

"Director Huang, you are absolutely right. My plan does indeed have many shortcomings, and I would appreciate your guidance."

Director Huang smiled and pointed to the plan: "For example, here you mentioned that you want to draw water from the river, so we have to consider the river's flow and water level changes. If the river's flow is insufficient or the water level is too low, the canal will not be able to serve its irrigation purpose."

Li Mu listened attentively, nodding occasionally: "Yes, yes, I overlooked that point. Director Huang, how about this? I'll go and conduct another on-site inspection, and adjust the canal design based on the actual condition of the river."

Brother Gao had been listening silently, but then he chimed in.

"Yes, Mu Zi, you need to go and see for yourself in person and get a clear understanding of the situation. Is Lao Huang free today? How about we go together? He can give you his opinion."

Li Mu glanced at the sky and said, "Let's go eat first. It's really a lot of trouble for Director Huang. Let's go to the Lakeside Hotel. It's on me. We can eat and chat."

Director Huang didn't stand on ceremony and agreed with a smile: "Okay, let's go then. Lao Gao, you come along too."

The three left the Water Conservancy Bureau and headed towards the Lakeside Hotel.

Upon arriving at the Lakeside Hotel, Li Mu requested a private room, ordered several dishes and a bottle of fine wine, and invited Director Huang and Brother Gao to take their seats.

Zhou Li spotted him, swayed over in her bright purple cheongsam, pinched his waist, and said coquettishly, "Mr. Li, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you for so long."

Li Mu was pinched painfully. "Sister Zhou, what are you saying? I just finished my work and came to find you. Sister Zhou, please save me a good seat today. I want to properly entertain our two distinguished guests."

Zhou Li glanced at Director Huang and Brother Gao, and laughed even harder: "Oh, who are these two? Aren't you going to introduce them to your older sister?"

Li Mu introduced with a smile: "This is Director Huang from the Water Resources Bureau, and this is Brother Gao from our village. Director Huang, Brother Gao, and this is the proprietress of the Lakeside Hotel."

"The most beautiful woman by the lake! Everyone knows her."

"Boss Li is really influential. He was able to invite Director Huang and Brother Gao. It really makes my little shop proud."

Zhou Lijiao said with a smile, her eyes sweeping over the three of them as if they were looking at some rare treasure.

Li Mu could actually invite someone like that? That's truly impressive. She personally led the three of them into the private room, arranged their seats, and then instructed the waiter to serve the dishes.

Director Huang laughed heartily: "Mrs. Zhou, you're too kind. We've heard that the food at the Lakeside Hotel is quite good, so we came here specifically to try it out."

Zhou Li couldn't stop smiling: "The three of you must try it. Our chef is from a big city, and his skills are top-notch."

As they spoke, the dishes were served one after another, each one a feast for the eyes and the palate, making one's mouth water.

Li Mu gestured for everyone to start eating: "Come on, let's eat and chat. Director Huang, we'll need your help with the irrigation canal project."

While picking up food, he whispered to Zhou Li, "Sister, pack me two bottles of the good stuff, Sister Zhou. I'll pay you back later."

"Okay, the really good kind, you're willing to spend that much?"

Li Mu smiled and said, "Sister Zhou, what are you saying? Today is to entertain Director Huang and Brother Gao, so of course we have to use the best."

Zhou Lijiao smiled and nodded: "Okay, I'll go get it for you, please wait a moment."

It was specially packaged in a gift box, so it looks impressive when you take it out.

A moment later, Zhou Li came over with two bottles of fine wine, a charming smile on her face: "Boss Li, what do you think of these two bottles? I guarantee Director Huang will be satisfied."

Li Mu took the wine: "Not bad, I trust Sister Zhou to handle things."

Director Huang glanced at the wine and a look of satisfaction flashed in his eyes: "Mu Zi, you've really gone all out. But let's get this straight, I'll handle the ditch digging according to procedure, with all necessary approvals and inspections. We can't be careless."

"Of course, Director Huang, please rest assured, I will definitely follow the rules. This wine is just a small token of my appreciation, please don't find it offensive."

Brother Gao chimed in, "Old Huang, I know Mu Zi well. He's honest and capable. This is definitely a good thing for the country and the people. You should put in some effort and give him a hand."

"Alright, with Lao Gao saying that, I'm relieved. Mu Zi, just wait for my good news."

The three of them ate and chatted, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

Li Mu would occasionally toast Director Huang and Brother Gao, while Zhou Li would also entertain them attentively. The entire private room was filled with laughter and joy.

After the meal, Director Huang and Brother Gao were both quite drunk. Li Mu helped them out of the restaurant and then called a car to take Director Huang home.

He then drove Brother Gao back to Lijia Village, and Brother Gao delivered the letter in just two days.

"The irrigation canal project is on track; Director Huang has already approved it. However, he said that we have to follow the procedures, pay the fees first, and then we can start construction."

"okay!"

The cost wasn't high, just a few thousand yuan, which was well within Li Mu's acceptable range. He immediately went to town to pay the fee and obtained the construction permit.

The moment he received the permit, Li Mu was overjoyed. He immediately gathered the villagers and began preparations for digging the irrigation ditch.