Chapter 272: The Duped Captain Huang
In the next room, Captain Huang was waiting, his mind tangled with countless thoughts.
One moment he wanted to back out, the next he denied that idea. Then another thought flashed — what if he couldn’t meet the pig quota? Every time a thought formed, he forcibly cut it off again.
When he finally saw the two people walk in through the door, the image in his head froze: on one side, the two stiff, dead piglets from the neighboring team’s pen; on the other, the healthy, lively piglets in Dayu Team’s pen. The two scenes overlapped clearly in his mind, and his gaze toward Ning Xiyue grew even more determined.
He didn’t even wait for Zhang Dawei to introduce her — he stood up with a big smile, reaching out eagerly to shake Ning Xiyue’s hand.
“You must be Doctor Ning, right? Hello, hello! I’m Huang Dacai, the captain of the Dazhang Team. You can call me Uncle Dacai, or however you like. I actually came here specifically to find you today — I have a favor to ask.”
Zhang Dawei watched him with amusement. He hadn’t expected that leaving him waiting a little would work so well — now the man was not only convinced but even enthusiastic. “Tch,” he thought, “acting reluctant but honest to the core.”
“Hello, Captain Huang,” Ning Xiyue greeted politely, choosing the proper, neutral form of address.
“Sit, sit, it’s easier to talk while seated,” Zhang Dawei said as he took his seat and gestured for the two of them to do the same.
Captain Huang barely had his seat touched before he blurted out urgently,
“Doctor Ning, our piglets are already forty-six days old — it’s about time for castration. I’d like to ask you to come to our team to handle it for us. When would you be available? Could I pick you up tomorrow?”
He paused and added quickly, “Would tomorrow work?”
“I was actually planning to clean up the clinic tomorrow,” Ning Xiyue said, frowning apologetically. “You know spring plowing is coming soon, so I’m really not sure when I’ll be free.”
Then she glanced toward Zhang Dawei and smoothly passed the decision over to him.
“You’ll have to ask our captain — Uncle Dawei?”
Zhang Dawei gave her a small approving look, then, when Huang’s gaze turned his way, schooled his face back to a serious expression.
Captain Huang grew more anxious under their silent exchange. His pigs really couldn’t wait any longer. He spoke quickly:
“Old Zhang, didn’t you say you’d come herd the cattle tomorrow? How about this — let Doctor Ning take a day off from the clinic. She can come with you to our team tomorrow, and she can clean the clinic the day after. Please, just help us out — next time if your team needs chicks, you can come take as many as you like in exchange, alright?”
He couldn’t afford more delays — any accident or holdup now could ruin everything. He needed to lock this down today.
Seeing his goal halfway achieved, Zhang Dawei smiled warmly and replied, “Old Huang, come now, don’t be so polite. It’s only right that our teams help each other. And you’re right, your pigs can’t wait any longer.”
He stroked his chin thoughtfully and continued, “How about this: I’ll give Doctor Ning a day off tomorrow. When I come to herd cattle, I’ll bring her along. You can just wait for us at your team. By the way, Doctor Ning mentioned to me a few days ago that she wanted to raise some chicks for eggs — since your team specializes in poultry, maybe we can settle her fee with three chicks. What do you think?”
Captain Huang’s eyes brightened. He slapped his thigh happily.
“Deal! Doctor Ning, our chicks are strong and healthy. I’ll personally pick three of the best ones for you — you’ll have no trouble raising them!”
Ah, what a refreshing transaction! Before, it was nearly impossible to even trade for a calf, and even a few chicks would take half a day of haggling. But people with real skill were different.
He thought proudly — this educated youth he had come for was a treasure. He finally understood the smug satisfaction and convenience the neighboring Dahuai Team felt having that old vet.
No wonder that team’s captain always acted superior — but now, fortune had turned his way. It was his turn to be pleased. With Ning Xiyue’s medical skill for livestock, the other teams would have to treat his team with new respect.
Zhang Dawei had completely forgotten that he once didn’t want this fragile, scarred girl on his team at all.
Now he felt nothing but deep satisfaction.
Noticing the captain’s broad smile, Ning Xiyue turned back to Captain Huang and said,
“Alright then, thank you, Captain Huang. I’ll come with our captain tomorrow morning. How many piglets do you have?”
“Not many — only eight,” he answered, then quickly added, “Is there anything I should prepare for you?”
He knew every master had their own habits, so he wanted to make sure to have everything ready in advance.
Ning Xiyue thought for a moment.
“Just prepare a basin of warm water. Nothing else is needed — I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Got it, I’ll make sure of that. Then I won’t keep you any longer — I’ll be waiting for you at our team tomorrow. Old Zhang, Doctor Ning.”
Once everything was settled, Captain Huang finally felt at ease and stood up to leave.
“Alright, take care,” Ning Xiyue said, rising to see him off.
“Old Huang, we won’t see you out — take your time,” Zhang Dawei called after him.
As soon as Captain Huang left the compound, Zhang Dawei could no longer hold back — he burst out laughing and high-fived Ning Xiyue.
Throughout the entire three-person meeting, the only one being led by the nose was Captain Huang — tricked neatly by one wily old fox and one clever young one.
Ning Xiyue couldn’t help but marvel — at Captain Huang’s honest simplicity, and at her own captain’s sly cunning.
