Adapting to country life

According to the village official, the Bank of Communications' Sichuan branch launched its targeted poverty alleviation project in Ebian in 2015, and it has evolved into a rural vitalization campaign since 2021. Collaborating closely with the Leshan court, they have directed their efforts toward supporting Yangziyan, a beautiful community nestled atop Mount Beifeng, offering a panoramic view of Ebian's county seat.

Significant improvements have been made, including the construction of cement roads leading to the villagers' residences, the establishment of a library, as well as the installation of solar-powered streetlights.

Zhao said that the bank also donated two drones for agricultural purposes, enhancing farming practices in the village. These initiatives have not only enhanced the overall infrastructure but have also uplifted the living standards of the residents. As a result, Yangziyan has undergone a remarkable transformation and was listed as a model village by Leshan this year.

Zhao and Hu constitute the bank's second team dispatched to the village. Upon their arrival in July last year, their colleagues from the first team were still there.

The living quarters arranged by the bank within a villager's home were still occupied by their predecessors, Zhao said, so the two had to seek lodging at a tiny inn in Xinchang township, situated about 8 km from the village and adjacent to a busy highway.

"Heavy trucks ferrying sand from the Dadu River or transporting agricultural products ran in an endless stream along the road throughout the night," Zhao said.

"In the first week of our arrival, the incessant rumble of trucks made it challenging to secure a moment of undisturbed rest."

After they moved into the villager's home, Zhao and Hu initially opted to pay for meals and dine with their host family. However, as they settled into their new living arrangements, they soon realized that figuring out the logistics of organizing their three daily meals would become an ongoing challenge and a persistent source of concern. "Farmers here can hardly dine on time," Zhao said. "It's a situation that is truly difficult to adjust for we urban residents."

In the midst of the bustling seasons, he said, the villagers typically leave their homes as early as 5 am, often skipping breakfast, simply carrying provisions to the fields. They return home to prepare and have their midday meal between 1 pm and 2 pm, while dinner time ranges from 8 pm to 10 pm.

In December, they moved into the village Party secretary Guo Wengui's new house and their living conditions have become much better.

However, Guo is very busy with his management work in the community and his wife must tend their fields by herself.

The three figured out a new way to organize their meals. Now each of them will prepare breakfast and dinner for themselves. At noon, they will drive to Xinchang township together and share a meal at a restaurant. "My breakfast is two boiled eggs and a carton of milk," Zhao said. "Dinner is either instant noodles or porridge cooked in a rice cooker."

Zhao leaves his own car at the village, but sometimes will drive it to attend meetings or training sessions held at the county seat of Ebian, which is more than 30 km away.

He and Hu each bought a motorcycle for their daily commute in the community.