The first three days of the Lunar New Year passed peacefully, seemingly no different from any other year. The following days were also quiet.
But Song Lili knew that this was the calm before the storm, the brewing of an even bigger tempest.
After the Lantern Festival, Song Yongren said that the village was going to break ground and build several houses in the open spaces of each brigade so that things from the village could be stored there.
When Song Lili heard the news, she smiled slightly. It seemed that Li Weiguo and Yang Weimin had finally adopted her suggestion. That was good.
Each household would send one person to help, since the soil in the fields was still frozen and there was no farm work to do.
Everyone had been idle all winter and didn't complain; they all wanted to stretch their muscles and get some exercise, so there was no need to mobilize them—just a word and everyone came.
Song Lili also took a look and roughly understood the situation.
I estimate that every village is the same: four houses, thatched huts, and mud walls. As long as there is enough mud, building a house is very simple.
Because no prior preparations had been made, the soil was collected from the villagers' homes by the brigade headquarters. Of course, Li Weiguo was quite generous and converted it into work points for each family.
So, the house was completed in just a few days, and it was already February.
Song Lili calculated in her mind that the elderly people Qian Liulin had asked to help should be arriving soon.
In the past few days, she went to the town and seemed to hear some sensitive words from the people there.
She thought that Qian Liulin would definitely bring the elderly people here as quickly as possible to ensure their safety.
Song Lili's plan was correct. The elderly people that Qian Liulin had asked to help were currently sitting in a truck traveling in the next province, heading towards Hongqi Village.
Song Lili has been paying close attention to Luo Juan lately, fearing that Luo Juan might suddenly cause trouble.
She used the same method she used against Luo Weijia again: keeping a close watch on Luo Juan around the clock, trying to keep track of her movements.
Zhang Qinghua, Daqing, and even Xia Jun were all conscripted by her. This time, she also dragged Xia Jun out to help keep an eye on Luo Juan.
On the tenth day of the second month, Qian Liulin arrived. This time, he didn't make a big fuss; he simply quietly asked Song Lili to go to the brigade headquarters.
When Song Lili arrived, only Li Weiguo and Yang Weimin were there; there was no one else.
Upon seeing Qian Liulin, Song Lili knew what was going on and asked with a smile, "Brother Qian, has the person arrived?"
Qian Liulin nodded with a smile, "Yes, we've already gotten off the train in the provincial capital. We'll probably arrive in the county in a couple of days, then be taken to the town, and then directly to Hongqi Village."
"Brother Qian, you don't plan to see them?" Song Lili asked, her clear black and white eyes wide open.
Qian Liulin gave a wry smile. "No, this way they'll be safer and more secure."
“Lili, they’ve arrived at Hongqi Village, and they’re counting on you. I can’t visit them often, and more likely, I won’t come to see them at all.”
Song Lili nodded knowingly, "Brother Qian, don't worry. Since I promised you, I will do my best to fulfill it."
“I will keep an eye on them and do my best to help them. At the very least, I will try my best to ensure their safety and survival,” Song Lili said, staring at Qian Liulin.
She believed that Qian Liulin knew exactly what the situation was like outside.
"Thank you," Qian Liulin said with tears in her eyes, her attitude completely different from how she had acted before him.
Back then, they were firm in making guarantees, but now they no longer do.
Song Lili thought that the situation outside must be very bad, or that many people's lives must have been threatened, which was why Qian Liulin had this attitude.
The biggest and best promise is that they can guarantee our survival.
Song Lili knew perfectly well what was going on. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, this place might be safer."
She was comforting Qian Liulin, and of course, reassuring him as well.
Song Lili thought that even for her own safety, she wanted to make Hongqi Village a paradise amidst the turmoil.
There may be chaos here, but there will absolutely be no war or even fighting.
Qian Liulin was still worried and hesitated for a long time before asking, "I don't know how to arrange things for the elderly people?"
This time, Song Lili did not answer; she looked at Li Weiguo.
She only spoke up after Qian Liulin called her name. Now that no one has been asked, Song Lili certainly won't speak up on her own.
After all, there are two elders here, who are also the leaders of Hongqi Village, so it's not her place to speak.
Li Weiguo paused for a moment, then looked at Song Lili in surprise before saying, "Originally, we wanted the elderly to stay in the villagers' homes."
"But later Lili said that this was not appropriate, so she built a house in the village and let the elderly live alone together, and we take care of them from time to time."
After Li Weiguo finished speaking, he was still a little uneasy, afraid that Qian Liulin would feel that the arrangement was not good and would be unhappy.
Unexpectedly, Qian Liulin smiled after hearing this, "This arrangement is very good. Thank you, Secretary Li, and Director Yang."
Then, Qian Liulin glanced at Song Lili, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Song Lili was surprised that Li Weiguo would mention her again. It seems that he is a magnanimous person and does not feel that she stole him. That's great.
So when Qian Liulin looked over, she smiled happily, her eyes almost squinting.
Li Weiguo was also flattered, and even Yang Weimin looked excited, saying, "Not at all, it's what we should do."
Neither of them expected to receive Qian Liulin's affirmation, which gave them a sense of pride and recognition.
However, even though they were happy, they didn't let it take over their hearts; they were still very clear about it.
Yang Weimin said with a smile, "It's all thanks to Lili. She came up with this idea."
Like Li Weiguo, Yang Weimin is a broad-minded person who does not deny what others have done, nor does he take the blame for what others have done.
Although Qian Liulin agreed with her, she still told the truth.
Qian Liulin hadn't thanked Song Lili earlier because he was afraid the two of them would hold a grudge. Now that Yang Weimin had spoken up and Li Weiguo had echoed his sentiments, he felt relieved.
"Then I also want to thank Lili, thank you for being so thoughtful."
Qian Liulin is so smart, how could she not know Song Lili's intention in making such an arrangement? That's why she is grateful to Song Lili.
Of course, we are also grateful to Li Weiguo and Song Lili for listening to their advice.
He was also thinking to himself that he hadn't misjudged them; these two people were good people. He felt a little more at ease, thinking that leaving the elderly here might really allow them to get through this chaos safely.
Song Lili was also thinking that with these two people in charge of Hongqi Village, perhaps things would be safer in the future.
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