Chapter 47 The house construction matter was successfully negotiated.
He picked up the old enamel mug with several chipped paint spots from the table with his rough, large hands and slammed it down on the table with a clatter.
Beneath his rolled-up trouser legs, the muscles of his calves were bulging, a mark of years of hard work.
He rubbed his equally rough, muddy hands together, his brows furrowing, his gaze fixed heavily on Xu Zhili's overly young yet stubborn face.
“Sigh, Xu Zhiqing,” he sighed, his voice low and hoarse, “It wasn’t easy for you to come here from the city with a six-year-old child. It really wasn’t easy. Everyone in the team knows this and feels sorry for you and your brother.”
Xie Jianguo paused, looking troubled. "According to the regulations, this needs to be discussed by the team committee and approved by the commune. It's not something I can just agree to."
"but……"
He changed the subject, a hint of determination in his eyes, "Your family's situation is very special. I can't watch the child be without a stable home. I've taken this to heart, and I will do my best to make it happen!"
Wang Xiuying, the team leader's wife, who had been sitting on the stone bench sewing shoe soles, stopped what she was doing.
She was a woman with a dark complexion and a stocky build. Upon hearing this, she immediately replied, her voice loud and warm, carrying the warmth of her local accent.
"That's right, that's right, Xu girl, don't be afraid of trouble. You two siblings are all alone, it's heartbreaking to see. Building a house is a big deal, and we country folk will definitely help out if we can. Once the land is approved, your aunt will go and ask around for you!"
Xu Zhili's eyes instantly reddened, not from feeling wronged, but from the long-lost warmth of being accepted that broke down her defenses.
She blinked hard, forcing back her tears, her voice trembling with barely perceptible sobs; the original owner of this body was easily moved to tears.
"Captain, Auntie, thank you! Thank you so much. I understand the rules. I will cooperate with all the procedures and formalities. I just want... I just want a place of my own where I can close the door and let An'an sleep soundly."
"Now I don't feel like I'm living under someone else's roof. With a home, I can fully dedicate myself to the work of the team and contribute to our Xiangyang Brigade!"
Xie Jianguo smiled approvingly, as if he were treating a peer who deserved respect.
“Good! Xu Zhiqing, you have the heart and the ambition, that’s great! Our village needs hardworking and sensible young men like you. Alright, in the next couple of days, I’ll have my youngest son guide you and find you a suitable place as soon as possible.”
He then changed the subject, his expression becoming serious. "Girl, building a house isn't as easy as just talking about it. Mud bricks, timber, tiles... you have to put a lot of thought into everything. Money aside, labor alone is a huge expense. You need to have a clear idea of what that means."
Xu Zhili was clearly prepared; she straightened her back and her eyes were clear.
"Captain, you're right, I've already thought it through. As for labor, I'd like to trouble you to help organize the villagers. I'll pay them... at 60 cents a day for able-bodied men. It's just that... there's really no place to cook, and we can't provide meals, so everyone will have to bring their own food."
Upon hearing this, Xie Jianguo's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but tap the shoe upper lightly with his pipe, making a tapping sound.
"Hey! That's great, Xu girl! You've thought of everything! Six cents a day is fair! Not including meals... it's unavoidable, everyone can understand. Once the land is approved, I'll personally ring the bell and organize manpower. Many hands make light work, let's get your house built before the busy farming season!"
Wang Xiuying immediately slapped her thigh and said, "I'll take care of the meals. We'll set up a temporary stove where we work, so you don't have to worry about it, Xu girl. I'll cook a big pot of vegetables and steam some mixed flour buns for everyone. I guarantee that everyone will be full and have the energy to work."
Xu Zhili could no longer hold back, and hot tears finally streamed down her face.
She suddenly stood up, bowed deeply and formally to Xie Jianguo and Wang Xiuying, and remained standing for a long time.
Xu Zhili's shoulders trembled slightly.
"Captain, Auntie, you are like elders to An'an and me. Thank you so much, I will always remember your kindness!"
Jianguo quickly offered a helping hand, pointed to the stool with his pipe to indicate that she should sit down, and wore the kind of deep and gentle smile typical of farmers.
"Sit down, sit down. Your household registration as educated youth is in Xiangyang Brigade, so you're all from Xiangyang Village. We're all from the same village, and it's only natural for us to help each other out. Take good care of your kids and live a good life. If you have any difficulties, don't keep them to yourself. Come find me, come find your aunt. Life in the countryside may be tough, but people are kind!"
Xu Zhili nodded vigorously, a hopeful smile already curving her lips.
She quietly reached out and pulled her younger brother, An'an, who had been sitting quietly on a small stool next to her, listening to the adults with his big, innocent eyes, into her arms, gently stroking the top of his soft hair.
Next, the three of them huddled together around the table, heads touching.
Xie Jianguo used his pipe to gesture directions on the ground, while Wang Xiuying chimed in, pointing out which plot of land faced the sun and which was closer to the well. Xu Zhili listened attentively, taking notes, and occasionally asking a question or two.
Her eyes shone with an incredibly clear light regarding her future little house.
"Gurgle...gurgle..." A clear yet abrupt sound rang out.
Xu Zhian immediately covered his stomach with his little hands. He raised his pale face, and under his thick eyelashes, his big, black grape-like eyes were covered with a layer of moisture. He looked at Xu Zhili with a pleading voice, which was thin and weak, with a hint of aggrieved sobs.
"Sister... An'an's tummy... feels so empty... I'm so hungry..."
When Xu Zhili saw the adorable little boy, her heart melted instantly. Bubbles of joy filled her mind, and she couldn't help but mutter, "Oh my, he's just too lovable!"
She had just left the brigade leader's house, holding her younger brother's warm but weak little hand.
In my mind, the azure sea in my mental space surged instantly.
That sea area is a full 800 square kilometers. This sea is no ordinary sea; it was split off from the spiritual space she obtained during the apocalypse.
The seawater here is still unpolluted, and the seafood in it has not mutated.
Australian lobsters brandish their massive claws, king crabs swagger across the rocks, plump abalone cling to the cliff face, and grouper gleam with dazzling scales…
The fresh, lively seafood, with its salty, briny scent and irresistible allure, assaulted her senses.
A strong craving rose from my throat, and my saliva began to flow almost uncontrollably.
no!
Xu Zhili bit her lip hard, the sharp pain instantly bringing her back to her senses.
The original owner and her younger brother's bodies were like two broken lanterns that had been boiled dry; they were too weak to take any nourishing supplements. Let alone rich and greasy food, even a little bit of oily food could ruin them.
She could only suppress her churning cravings and desires; the lavish feast in that space had become a thorn in her heart.
It's heartbreaking to be unable to touch it or taste it, just watching it longingly.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
