Geng Erhong had initially wanted to ask what the hurry was. But remembering she had to start work tomorrow, she said, "Alright, go ahead quickly. I’ll come over and help when I’m free."
Yunyi waved her hand. "You just do your thing. The Branch Secretary will arrange for people to go over. I’m afraid we won’t be much help with repairing the house." This content belongs to novelꜰire.net
"By the way, I asked the Branch Secretary yesterday. There’s a carpenter at the west end of the village. I was thinking of going over to see if there’s any suitable furniture. Do you want to come along?"
What she really wanted to buy was a carrying basket; it was inconvenient to buy things at the commune without a basket for cover.
Geng Erhong readily agreed, "Okay, when you’re done and come back, call me, and we’ll go together."
She wanted to buy a cabinet, as leaving things outside wasn’t secure and offered no privacy. She had even brought a padlock from home specifically for this.
Yunyi left the Zhiqing Point and went straight to the Branch Secretary’s house. "Uncle Branch Secretary, good morning," she said.
The Branch Secretary, who was in the courtyard, saw Yunyi outside the gate. "Chu Zhiqing, up so early," he remarked.
Hearing the noise, the Branch Secretary’s wife walked out from the kitchen. Seeing Yunyi holding something, she greeted her with a smile, "Chu Zhiqing, come on in."
Yunyi smiled and walked into the courtyard. "Auntie, I’ve come to discuss the house repair with the Branch Secretary," she said.
The Branch Secretary pointed to a small stool in the yard. "Sit down and talk," he said.
Yunyi directly handed the Beijing eight-piece set to the Branch Secretary’s wife. "Auntie, these are pastries from Beijing. Please accept them for your family to try something special," she offered.
The Branch Secretary’s wife, Hu Shanmei, protested, "Oh, this won’t do! How can I accept your things?"
Yet, her hand was already reaching out.
Yunyi had genuinely intended it as a gift, so she placed it directly into Hu Shanmei’s hand. "I’m new here and will surely need your help in the future. Besides, it’s nothing extravagant, just a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it," she said.
She had brought the local specialty product to build a good relationship. Especially after listening to the older educated youths discuss village gossip last night, and considering yesterday’s interactions, she knew what choice to make.
The Branch Secretary’s wife feigned refusal a few times but then smiled and accepted it. "You child, you mustn’t be so formal in the future," she said.
Yunyi smiled and agreed, then went over to the Branch Secretary. "Uncle Branch Secretary, could you find a few more people to tidy up the house as soon as possible? We’ve just arrived and definitely can’t manage everyone’s lunch. I’ll pay an extra fifty cents per person for the work. What do you think?" she asked.
After hearing this, the Branch Secretary immediately agreed. "Alright, I’ll go gather people right away and ensure the house is tidied up for you today," he said.
At worst, they would just tidy up this girl’s small courtyard today. That job would likely be more sought after than a day’s worth of work points.
Seeing the Branch Secretary agree, Yunyi continued, "Uncle Branch Secretary, could you also have someone check the heated kang bed for me, please?"
The Branch Secretary readily agreed.
With everything settled, Yunyi got up to leave. "Then, Uncle Branch Secretary, I’ll be going now," she said.
The Branch Secretary’s wife came out from her room, kindly insisting, "Have breakfast here before you go."
Yunyi waved her hand. "Auntie, no need. I’ve already eaten. I’m planning to go to town to get some things. We have to start work tomorrow and can’t afford any delays, right?" she explained.
The Branch Secretary’s wife was all smiles. "You’re so thoughtful, Chu Zhiqing. Do come to our house often," she said.
As Yunyi walked out, she replied, "Okay, as long as Auntie doesn’t find me annoying."
The Branch Secretary’s wife stood at the door, watching her leave. "Goodness, I’d welcome you anytime! How could I ever find you annoying?" she called out warmly.
After leaving the Branch Secretary’s house, Yunyi hurried back to the Zhiqing Point.
Geng Erhong was already waiting in the courtyard. Seeing Yunyi return, she said, "Yunyi, I was just about to go out and look for you."