"Qingqing, are you going to the county town tomorrow?"
In the evening, Lin Qing, Gu Nanxun, Lu Xianghong, Xu Fengjiao, Chen Bin, Wang Haoran, Zhao Chen, and Zhao Xi sat together under the trees in the courtyard to enjoy the cool air.
Two weeks ago, Lu Xianghong and Xu Fengjiao, Chen Bin and Wang Haoran also moved into their new homes.
It's rare for them all to gather in Lin Qing's courtyard today, because the autumn harvest is coming soon, and the brigade leader has given everyone two days off to go shopping.
The autumn harvest is the most grueling time of the year. It's an especially tough period, and people often feel like they've been through a lot after the harvest. Those in good circumstances often lose three to five pounds, while those in less fortunate circumstances can lose ten or more pounds.
This is the time when villagers are most willing to spend money, except during the Spring Festival, and it's also the time when they have the most oil and fat. Because the autumn harvest is grueling, eating well is a habit everyone has every year during the autumn harvest.
Therefore, every autumn harvest, the brigade leader would give everyone two days off so that they could go to the commune to buy some things to supplement their nutrition during the harvest.
"I haven't decided whether to go or not yet! Nanxun asked Dongzi to prepare what I want. You can also tell me what you want, and I'll have Dongzi send more."
Upon hearing Xu Fengjiao's question, Lin Qing replied that he actually lacked nothing; he had everything he needed in his space, so there was no need for him to squeeze in with others.
“Okay, okay… If possible, send more so we won’t be in such a rush tomorrow. I heard there’s a big market tomorrow, we can go and join in the fun. I’ve never been to a big market before! I heard there are only two big markets a year, one before the autumn harvest and one before the Lunar New Year.”
After hearing Lin Qing's words, Wang Haoran immediately added that he knew Dong Sheng had connections and could get all sorts of good food. With Dongzi helping to prepare, they wouldn't have to squeeze in with those uncles and aunties.
"Okay, I'll have Dongzi send over more, and you can choose when the time comes."
Lin Qing said generously, "Anyway, those things are my own anyway; it's just passing through Dongzi's hands."
"Then we won't have to squeeze into donkey carts with those uncles and aunties tomorrow. We can ride bicycles there. We have four bicycles, which is just enough."
Xu Fengjiao said excitedly.
Lin Qing originally bought a bicycle herself, and when she got married, Gu Nanxun's father gave her another bicycle. During this period, Chen Bin and Xu Fengjiao also each got a bicycle.
During this period, this group of people in the Chaoyang Brigade really made a name for themselves.
They managed to acquire four bicycles all at once, something that none of the surrounding brigades had ever done. In no time, the Chaoyang Brigade became even more famous among the surrounding brigades.
"Okay, it's settled then."
"..."
The next morning, Lin Qing and the others finished breakfast around 9 a.m. The village aunties and educated youth had already left in donkey carts, which had already made three trips.
At this moment, four bicycles stood imposingly parked in front of Lin Qing's house.
A moment later, Gu Nanxun led Lin Qing on a bicycle and rode ahead.
Following closely behind was Zhao Chen, who was accompanied by Zhao Xi.
Next came Xu Fengjiao with Lu Xianghong.
Chen Bin led Wang Haoran at the very back.
Four bicycles sped through the village like a gust of wind, sparking another round of discussion among the villagers.
"..."
Before the eight people even entered the market, they could hear the noisy voices of people in the distance.
Stepping inside, the roadside is crowded with stalls, each one very simple. Most people just lay a mat on the ground and put their goods on it. Some elderly women carrying vegetables simply put their baskets on the ground. The stall owners enthusiastically call out their wares, their faces beaming with simple smiles.
Most of the stalls here sell agricultural products, including vegetables that have just been picked from the fields. The lush green vegetables still have morning dew on them, so fresh that you can almost smell the fragrance of the soil.
There were also vendors selling refined grains, which they themselves wouldn't normally eat, and they wanted to take them out to exchange for other things.
Lin Qing walked up to an old lady's vegetable stall and bought some fresh vegetables. Although Lin Qing also had vegetables in her space, she couldn't take them out easily, since vegetables containing spiritual energy shouldn't be taken out too frequently.
Then Lin Qing bought a few more chickens. These were purebred free-range chickens, far superior to the chickens in Lin Qing's space.
Seeing Lin Qing buy vegetables, Xu Fengjiao, Lu Xianghong, Chen Bin, and Wang Haoran also bought some.
As the group of eight walked, they came across a vendor selling crucian carp. The fish were small, each weighing a little over a pound, and were likely wild fish caught from the river.
The group then bought several more fish following Lin Qing's lead.
"It's a pity there's no tofu now. Stewed crucian carp with tofu is the best dish."
Lin Qing looked at the crucian carp in her hand with a sigh.
"It's alright, Qingyi. I know how to make tofu. When we get back, I'll have Zhao Chun make a stone mill, and I'll make it for you."
"Xixi, you're amazing! You're a treasure trove, you know everything!"
Upon hearing that Zhao Xi could make tofu, Lin Qing happily went up to her, hugged her, and kissed her.
Seeing Lin Qing's actions, Gu Nanxun glared at Zhao Xi, stepped forward, pulled Lin Qing aside, and moved her from his right side to his left side.
"Pfft..."
Seeing Gu Nanxun's jealous expression, Lin Qing couldn't help but laugh. She covered her hand with her sleeve, secretly tugged at Gu Nanxun's hand, and smiled brightly at him.
"You..."
Gu Nanxun returned the handshake with Lin Qing and couldn't help but smile. His earlier displeasure was instantly soothed by Lin Qing.
Then Lin Qing bought some small items such as winnowing baskets and bamboo baskets woven by the farmers themselves, as well as some pickled vegetables and other food made by the farmers themselves.
They filled the basket to the brim before returning to the Chaoyang Brigade.
They had originally planned to eat at the state-run restaurant! But before they even got there, they were intimidated by the long queue, and after discussing it, they decided it would be better to go home and cook for themselves.
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