Soon, everyone lined up and got their food. Each person carried a bowl of vegetables and a large bowl of rice. There were no tables, so they simply found a place to sit and started eating. Mo Yuan remarked that it was a bit simple, but no one seemed to mind.
Everyone here is from the countryside, so they don't pay much attention to minor details. After all, working on a construction site, you're bound to be dirty. Even sitting directly on the ground, no one felt anything was wrong. At that moment, everyone's attention was focused on the food in front of them, completely ignoring their surroundings.
Xiaomozhuang has no paddy fields, so people rarely eat rice. But now, seeing this bowl of white rice and a dish of vegetables glistening with oil and containing a few slices of fatty meat, many people's mouths were already watering uncontrollably. Some even wondered if they were dreaming; they held their bowls, inhaling the aroma of the food, as if the smell alone was enough to satisfy them.
Mo Yuan unceremoniously picked up a bowl, filled it with rice, then scooped a large spoonful of vegetables onto the rice, easily creating a delicious rice bowl. He carried the bowl to the others, squatted down, and began to eat with relish.
Watching Mo Yuan eat, Mo Shuisheng couldn't help but give him a thumbs up, expressing his admiration. Then, he imitated Mo Yuan, pouring the vegetables over the rice, holding the bowl with both hands, and shoveling large mouthfuls of rice into his mouth.
After wolfing down their food, the two of them simultaneously let out a satisfied sigh: "That was satisfying!"
Once the first one appeared, the second one followed suit. Seeing how Mo Yuan and Mo Shuisheng ate, others quickly imitated them. Before long, a spectacular scene appeared on the construction site: twenty or thirty strong men, some shirtless, some sitting on the ground, and some squatting in the shade.
Everyone held a large bowl, burying their heads in it and eating rapidly, like leaves swept away by a whirlwind, occasionally letting out a satisfied hum. Some ate so fast that their bowls were empty in no time, so they quickly refilled them and continued to wolf them down.
After eating a few bites and filling his stomach a little, Mo Yuan said to Mo Shuisheng and the others, "There's not much vegetable supply right now. The supply and marketing cooperative only has a little bit of bean sprouts and bean buds, just enough to cook a few dishes. There aren't even enough to fill the gaps between our teeth. So for now, we only have eggplant and green beans to eat. But the meat I bought is very fatty, and it tastes very good when cooked. Do you guys think it's okay?"
Hearing this, some people were so engrossed in eating that they didn't have time to answer; some even nearly swallowed their tongues. Finally, Mo Shuisheng answered Mo Yuan's question: "It's excellent! Much better than your sister-in-law's cooking, and it even has meat! What more could you ask for!"
The others chimed in, saying that with meat to eat, what more could they ask for? This was the standard of living for the New Year, and there was even rice. They'd never eaten so lavishly before. If it were like this every day, they'd all say they'd be willing to work for Mo Yuan, helping him with chores year-round, leaving the housework to their wives and others.
Mo Yuan couldn't help but chuckle. "How many years has this 'Fighting the Landlord' game been around? There are still people sweeping the streets in the village these days! Don't try to trick me. You want to be a farmhand, but I don't want to be a landlord!" Everyone immediately burst into laughter, seeing that they were quite satisfied with the food.
Mo Yuan continued, "Then you guys eat first. My sister and the others will be here soon. I'll go check over there! There's some cooled mung bean soup in that big pot over there. Remember to drink it later, Shui Sheng. It's hot, don't get heatstroke. Take a nap after you finish eating before you start working!"
Mo Shuisheng said that he would take care of everything and arrange it properly. Mo Yuan then left, as he was worried that others would feel uncomfortable eating there.
After Mo Yuan left, the others relaxed considerably and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch. As they ate, they discussed Mo Yuan's generosity and points to note for the upcoming task, their hearts filled with gratitude.
After the meal, everyone felt very satisfied and happy. They decided to follow Mo Yuan's advice and rest for a while before starting work again. Some people chose to take a nap in the shade, while others gathered together to chat and enjoy a moment of leisure.
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