"Five years ago, we were told to plant pepper trees. They said they'd find experts and a market for us, but by the second year, no one was managing it anymore.
Three years ago, it was alfalfa. They claimed to have connections with feed companies, but after we planted it, we heard nothing more.
Last year was quiet, and everyone thought the disruptions were over. But then came this year.
Mayor Dong, after what happened the last two times, who would dare to blindly agree to anything new? If we did, we'd all starve to death," the village director said.
Dong Yuezhang was well aware of the matters the village director spoke of. He knew the villagers' enthusiasm and trust had been worn thin.
But I'm different from the others, Dong Yuezhang thought. I genuinely want to do something to help everyone.
