Zhao Youtian drove the oxcart to bring the rations lent to them, “Ten catties of sorghum flour and ten catties of corn flour per person, which was enough to last more than a month. It has been recorded in the account book and will be paid back after the autumn harvest.”
“In addition, you arrived late today, and many of the rooms in the educated youth point have not been occupied for a while. You will all take a day off tomorrow to tidy up the room and then start work the day after tomorrow.”
“Uncle Youtian, thank you for your hard work!” Yi Qingqing thanked him sweetly.
“Thank you, Captain!” Liu Chunxing said immediately.
“Captain, walk slowly!”
“Goodbye, Captain!”
Others also said goodbye to the Captain.
“Hey, let’s go into the room quickly.” Zhao Youtian smiled with wrinkles on his face. The educated youths this time were quite polite, especially Xiao Yi, who had a sweet mouth.
After the Captain walked away, Wang Lingling complained, “This food is too little.”
“Yeah, maybe the team doesn’t have enough money,” Liu Chunxing also said.
Yi Qingqing yawned, “I’m sleepy. Let’s go back to bed. I’ll still be busy tomorrow!”
That night, Yi Qingqing ate some snacks and didn’t even change her clothes. She just dressed up and slept on the kang all night.
The next day, it was slightly bright. Yi Qingqing took a pound of brown sugar and went to the Captain’s house. She specifically asked the location of the Captain’s house yesterday.
When she arrived at the door, she saw an aunt coming out with a basin to pour water on, “Is this Uncle Youtian’s house?”
“Hey, who are you?”
“I’m an educated youth who just came here yesterday. You can just call me Xiao Yi. You must be Auntie Guihua. I have a small problem and I want to ask Uncle Youtian for help.”
Yi Qingqing said as she put the brown sugar in Lin Guihua’s hand, “It’s a sweet for the children.”
“Oh, it’s Xiao Yi from the educated youth. Yesterday, when your Uncle Tian came back, he said, among all of you educated youths, you seem to be the most sensible. Come, come, what are you bringing your things for? Come in quickly.”
Lin Guihua refused with her mouth, but she firmly caught the gift with her hand. She turned around and shouted into the room, “Youtian, Xiao Yi from educated youth is here!”
Yi Qingqing entered the house and saw Zhao Youtian sitting on the kang. He must have just finished eating. When he saw her come in, he hurriedly waved to her to sit down.
“Uncle, I won’t be polite to you. I want to open a fire by myself, and I want to find someone to help me build an earthen stove. I also want to buy some things. Yesterday, I heard you say that there is an old carpenter in the village who is very good at his craftsmanship. I can trade grain with him for things, so I wanted to get in touch with him. Can you help me?” Yi Qingqing got straight to the point.
“Oh, you don’t need Uncle Tian to do this. Aunt Guihua can do it for you. You won’t lose a pound of brown sugar,” Lin Guihua promised, patting her chest.
Zhao Youtian thought for a while and then said, “Your Aunt Guihua has time in the morning. If you still need anything, just ask her. The custody has been taken care of for you.”
“The relationship is good. I have found the right person,” Yi Qingqing said with a smile.
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to find someone right now. I’m afraid if we’re late, he will already go to work,” Lin Guihua said.
“Aunt Guihua, I see that there is a straw mat on your kang. Is this made by people in our village?”
Yi Qingqing thought of her dusty earth kang. It would be much more refreshing if she put a straw mat on it. She would not be afraid of getting the bedding dirty.
“Women in every household can make this thing, but my sister has the best craftsmanship. Not only are the straw mats woven tighter than others, but she can also make brooms, backpacks, and more!” Lin Guihua said proudly! (T/N: This ‘sister’ is not literally her siblings, but it’s her BFF, hehe…)
Yi Qingqing’s eyes lit up, “Can these straw mats, brooms, and backpacks be exchanged for food?”
“The food the team borrowed from you wasn’t even enough to eat. If you exchanged it, what would you eat later?” Lin Guihua reminded her.
*****
Translator’s Comment:
Auntie, don’t worry, she is rich! Haha…
You can support your lovely translator and your favorite novel by buying me a cup of Ko-fi ( ˘▽˘)っ♨
I will really appreciate it. ❤️❤️❤️
Ghost cloudd On WBICDPH Chapter 130