The workers gradually went home that evening, and construction could begin the next day. Zhao Jinxin mentioned that more people would arrive, including two more skilled outsiders. He and Chen Chong had agreed that the workers could stay at Chen Chong's house for now, which would speed things up and save them time on the road. Tian Yu thought their consideration was thoughtful and agreed, allowing her to relax a bit. After dinner, Tian Yu and Tangyuan took Xiao Ju to the village head's house, repeatedly explaining that she would only stay there for the night and would live with them once the house was finished. Xiao Ju nodded obediently, but looking into her innocent eyes, Tian Yu knew she was still scared. She knelt down, hugged her, and gently patted her back, saying, "Be good when you go inside, sleep well, and we'll come pick you up at dawn. If you're scared, think of happy things."

"Yes, Xiaoju understands. Xiaoju won't be scared," Xiaoju said in a soft, slightly aggrieved voice.

Tangyuan repeatedly assured her that he would pick her up at dawn to take her home for dinner before they reluctantly parted. Tianyu didn't want things to be like this either, but the house was a mess, and they had only set up a makeshift tent, barely enough for them to rest, and it wasn't safe enough. If it rained or was windy, they would have nowhere to go. Although she was reluctant, for safety's sake, it was better for her to stay at the village head's house for the time being. She hoped the house would be built soon so they wouldn't have to be separated.

On the way back, Tangyuan kept asking her if Xiaoju would be his sister from now on, and if he would be a big brother. Was it true? Tianyu said yes, Tangyuan was a big brother now, and he would take good care of his sister, study with her, feed the chickens together, take care of Maorong together, and play together.