25: Chapter 25 Eating a Farmhouse Feast

The middle-aged woman wiped away her tears, choking out, "Mayor Qin, you must stand up for us! We ordinary folks have been living such hard lives. If you hadn't come, we truly wouldn't know how much longer we could endure..."

Qin Ruoxi gently patted the old man's hand and said, "Please rest assured, everyone. We will arrange the funds as soon as possible to fix the village roads first, and then repair the houses. We will never let you all suffer like this again."

The villagers nodded one after another, their faces revealing long-lost smiles.

Several children also gathered around, looking at Qin Ruoxi timidly, their eyes full of expectation.

Qin Ruoxi crouched down, stroked one of the children's heads, and asked softly, "Little ones, would you like to live in new houses?"

The children nodded vigorously. One of the bolder children said quietly, "We do! We also want to study properly, but the village school is too dilapidated, and the teachers have all left..."

Qin Ruoxi felt a pang in her heart. She stood up and said to the villagers, "Dear folks, education is fundamental. We will certainly improve the school conditions in the village as soon as possible so that all the children can attend school with peace of mind. Rest assured, the Party and the government will definitely ensure you live a good life!"

The villagers applauded one after another. Qin Ruoxi repeatedly urged County Party Secretary Qi Zhengming to ensure the poverty alleviation work here was thoroughly implemented, adding that she would return to inspect it later.

If things remained the same by then, she would hold him accountable and strip him of his official position. Terrified, Secretary Qi Zhengming hurriedly promised, "Please rest assured, Mayor Qin. I will have the poverty alleviation funds for Qingshan Village distributed by tomorrow, and then I will personally supervise the work!"

The matter of the unannounced visit finally came to an end. Secretary Qi Zhengming stepped forward and said in a low voice to Qin Ruoxi, "Mayor Qin, Secretary Xiao, you both have worked hard today. I have already arranged a welcome banquet. Would you like to return to the county to rest first?"

Qin Ruoxi shook her head and said, "Secretary Qi, there is no need for a welcome banquet. You all go back first. I want to walk around the county and see the situation in other places."

Secretary Qi Zhengming hesitated, frowning, "Mayor Qin, it is not very safe for you to be alone. Shall I send a few people to accompany you?"

Qin Ruoxi smiled slightly and waved her hand, "No need. I am just walking around; there won't be any problems. Besides, I have Little Xiao to protect me; his martial arts skills are decent."

Seeing this, Xiao Bei scratched his head in embarrassment.

Seeing her firm attitude, Secretary Qi Zhengming could not persuade her otherwise and had to nod, "Very well, Mayor Qin. Please be sure to stay safe. If you need anything, call me anytime."

After speaking, he turned and walked to the side, took out his phone, and dialed the number of Police Chief Wang Dezhao at the County Public Security Bureau, "Chief Wang, Mayor Qin wants to walk around the county. You must personally take a few people to protect her in secret; ensure her safety at all costs."

The voice of Police Chief Wang Dezhao came from the other end of the line, "Understood, Secretary Qi. I am heading over now."

After hanging up, Secretary Qi Zhengming specifically left a government vehicle for the two of them, and then left Qingshan Village with the others.

Watching their car drive away, Qin Ruoxi turned to Xiao Bei, who had been standing by her side, and said, "Little Xiao, I'm a bit hungry. Do you know if there is anything good to eat nearby?"

Xiao Bei smiled slightly and said, "Mayor Qin, I inquired yesterday. I heard there is a farmhouse restaurant in Bishi Town, and the food is particularly famous. Many people from the city often drive here specifically to eat, and the taste is said to be even more authentic than the big restaurants in the city."

Qin Ruoxi raised an eyebrow and asked with interest, "Oh? A farmhouse restaurant? I've never actually eaten at one. Since you recommend it so highly, let's go and have a taste."

Xiao Bei nodded, his tone relaxed, "The place is not far from here, it takes about twenty minutes by car. The environment is also quite nice, nestled between mountains and water; it's perfect for relaxing."

Qin Ruoxi smiled, her tone carrying a hint of teasing, "It seems you did quite a bit of homework yesterday, even inquiring about the environment."

Xiao Bei scratched his head in embarrassment, "Mayor Qin, it's rare for you to visit. I have to prepare a good plan to ensure you eat and drink well, and relax while you're at it. Besides, you've been working non-stop at the Municipal Government for the past few days; you deserve a little break."

Qin Ruoxi nodded, her tone somewhat weary, "Yes, it has been quite tiring these past few days. However, seeing the living conditions of the villagers makes me even more anxious. The poverty alleviation work cannot be delayed; it must be implemented as soon as possible."

Xiao Bei said earnestly, "Mayor Qin, rest assured. Secretary Qi Zhengming has already made his stance clear; the poverty alleviation funds will be distributed by tomorrow. Let's go get something to eat today, recharge our energy, and continue working tomorrow."

Qin Ruoxi smiled and said, "Alright, I'll listen to you. Let's go, lead the way."

The two got into the car left by Secretary Qi Zhengming. Xiao Bei skillfully started the car and drove in the direction of the farmhouse restaurant.

The car drove along the country road, and the fields on both sides appeared exceptionally tranquil under the glow of the setting sun.

Qin Ruoxi leaned back in her seat, watching the scenery outside the window, and felt her mood relax a little.

About twenty minutes later, the car stopped in front of the farmhouse restaurant nestled between the mountains and the water. A wooden sign hung at the entrance, with the four large characters "Shanshui Renjia" written on it.

Several fruit trees were planted at the entrance, laden with heavy fruits, making the place look particularly vibrant.

Qin Ruoxi got out of the car, took a deep breath of fresh air, and said with a smile, "This place is really nice; the air is much better than in the city."

Xiao Bei nodded with a smile, "Indeed. The owner here is a genuine farmer. The vegetables he grows and the chickens he raises are all completely natural, and the taste is exceptionally fresh."

The two walked into the farmhouse restaurant. The owner was a man in his fifties with dark skin and an honest smile on his face. Seeing customers enter, he hurried up to greet them, "Two guests, what would you like to eat? We have our own home-raised free-range chickens, wild vegetables from the mountains, and fish just caught from the river. Everything is fresh."

Qin Ruoxi looked at the menu and said with a smile, "Boss, why don't you recommend a few signature dishes? It's our first time here, and we'd like to try something fresh."

The owner nodded with a smile, "Alright! Then I'll serve you stewed free-range chicken with mushrooms, steamed river fish, and a plate of stir-fried wild vegetables with eggs. How does that sound?"

Qin Ruoxi nodded, "Fine, let's go with what you suggested."

The owner responded with a smile and turned to enter the kitchen.

Qin Ruoxi and Xiao Bei found a seat by the window. Outside the window was a bamboo grove. When the wind blew, the bamboo leaves rustled, appearing exceptionally tranquil.

Qin Ruoxi looked at the scenery outside the window and said softly, "This place is really nice. If there's a chance in the future, I'd really like to stay here for a few more days."

Xiao Bei smiled, "Sister, if you like it, you can come often in the future. However, once the poverty alleviation work is done, the roads here are repaired, and the villagers' lives are improved, your mood will definitely be even better when you come back again."