"Village Chief Li, can we choose a spot at the east end of the village? I want to live close to Master Wei's house."
Xu Chunshan spoke honestly to avoid any displeasure.
"There's space at the east end, but there's no space close to Master Wei's house." Xu was clever.
"Village Chief Li, we also want to be at the east end." The west end houses belong to the soon-to-arrive educated youth. It's clear they won't be easy to get along with; it's better to live farther away for peace of mind.
"Alright, come find me tomorrow morning, and we'll mark out the homestead for you."
Qu Xiaoli poured a bowl of brown sugar water for each of the two.
"Thank you, Auntie."
"No need to be polite; Auntie congratulates you two."
The two exchanged some pleasantries and left, without drinking the brown sugar water.
Walking down the road, Zheng Mingzhu suddenly sighed, "It wasn't hard after all."
