EBE Chapter 324 Well-informed
Chapter 324 Well-informed
Qi Kai and Guo Jiajie, two middle-aged men, found this way of playing quite new. They had never had such simple happiness in their childhood. Looking at the group of children, their eyes were flashing with nostalgia and envy.
The two little disciples opened their eyes wide, as if they had seen something new, with confusion and curiosity on their faces.
They were very young, one was older, just over twenty, and the other was still childish, under twenty, and they were full of desire to explore this game that seemed to contain ancient wisdom.
They both turned their heads at the same time and looked at the experienced and deep-eyed carving master beside them, and asked in a naive but curious manner.
"Master, look at those children, what are they doing?"
Their voices are clear and bright, with pure yearning.
The carving master, Master Wu, is a traveler walking in the river of time. He traveled all over the north and south when he was young and is knowledgeable.
He raised a gentle smile, a trace of memory flashed in his eyes, and said: "Did you see it? The ball bouncing at the children's feet is called Cuju. This thing is not common in our small county, but in the outside world, it is a popular entertainment. Some people form teams to compete, and even use it to decide the winner of a bet. It is a pastime for those who are rich and have free time."
Witnessing the ancient sport of Cuju in such a remote corner, Master Wu's heart was filled with emotions and he also developed a strong interest in this village.
The shadows were getting longer and it was almost dusk when they arrived, and the event was about to come to an end.
The row of newly built houses in front has begun to take shape, and only the final tiles are needed to complete its appearance.
Previously, he had not been able to observe carefully due to the distance, but now, standing up close, rows of houses with blue bricks and gray tiles came into view. Master Wu could not help but secretly admire in his heart that the workmanship of this village was indeed extraordinary.
It would be difficult to build a residential area of such scale and layout with only the relief money distributed by the court, right?
At this time, Qi Kai, with his sharp eyes, caught sight of Zhang Laoer approaching, and hurried forward to introduce the two parties.
"Master Wu, this is our village chief, Zhang Laoer. Village chief Zhang, this is the invited carving master, Master Wu."
Zhang Laoer had a heartwarming smile on his face and greeted enthusiastically, "Hello, Master Wu!"
"Hello, Village Chief Zhang."
Master Wu was a little surprised at Zhang Laoer's youth.
In his opinion, village heads are usually older people because they are more capable of managing families and are better at handling affairs.
Turning to Qi Kai and Guo Jiajie, Master Wu said with some approval, "I didn't expect that your village chief is not only young, but also so capable!"
The two responded with polite smiles without saying much.
It seems inappropriate to talk about the village chief's first term in office in front of outsiders, so as not to cause others to misunderstand that there is discord within the village or that the village chief lacks authority, which would undoubtedly be embarrassing.
Zhang Laoer was not shy about this and frankly stated his new identity: "I am a new village chief, and I am also a favor from the villagers. In order to live up to everyone's expectations, I have to bite the bullet and do it even if I am nervous. For example, I have been busy with the house construction recently. I feel like my hair is turning white with worry. I am afraid that I will mess it up and let down the trust of the villagers."
Although he is usually taciturn, once he opens his mouth, Zhang Laoer's words are just right: "Village Chief Zhang is too modest. Look at these new houses under construction. The layout is neat and tidy. It is obviously the result of your wise leadership."
Master Wu's words were sincere and earnest. Looking at the orderly working scene of everyone, with smiles on everyone's faces, he firmly believed that this young village chief was no ordinary person.
"Haha, Master Zhu, thank you for your praise. Let's have dinner first. There is no rush for the carving. You will have to stay in the tent tonight. The conditions are limited at the moment, and I feel really bad about it."
The tents have been prepared long ago, specially for guests coming from afar.
"It doesn't matter. I'll follow the village chief's arrangements."
Master Zhu and his team came from a poor background, so they can naturally go with the flow.
"Please come in!"
The dishes on the dinner table were simple and warm, with brown rice, a portion of meat, a portion of vegetables, and homemade tofu and bean sprouts. The richness amazed everyone.
In such a small mountain village, such a combination of meat and vegetables is a daily routine. This is an unimaginable luxury for many farming families, but the villagers seem to be accustomed to it.
Is this their normal life?
The two disciples secretly felt a little envious. Although they were blessed by their master, their daily lives were far from being as abundant as this.
After the meal, Zhang Laoer put forward specific demands: there are still five elements of houses to be built, and the eaves of each household need to be carved with unique lanterns, and each row needs to be different. He also has the idea of setting up archways and street lights at intersections, and the materials are not limited to stone and wood.
Master Zhu's heart was shocked. After some calculation, he decided that if he took this business, his livelihood would be secured next year.
"Master Zhu, do you know a craftsman who is good at building pavilions?"
The construction of a pavilion is completely different from that of an ordinary house, and it is difficult for the villagers to do it.
Master Zhu was a little surprised by Zhang Laoer's question.
Build a pavilion?
This is a technical job.
"I know some of them. Does Village Chief Zhang want to build a pavilion?"
As a carving craftsman, the decoration of the inside and outside of the pavilion was naturally within his scope of involvement, so he made many friends in related industries.
A pavilion is usually a place for wealthy people to relax and play, but Village Chief Zhang has such a plan?
"That's right. We'll discuss this in detail after the buildings are all built. By then, Master Zhu, please take care of it."
Since Zhang Laoer has assumed this responsibility, he naturally hopes to give the village a new look.
"Village Chief Zhang, you are too kind. I hope you will give me more opportunities in the future."
The two then discussed other details to be carved.
Xu Liyun checked the progress of the greenhouse every day. Over time, she found that Liu Mao was very responsible, so she let him take full responsibility with confidence.
Even though she was no longer there in person, Xu Liyun still had an idea of what was going on, because Liu Mao would regularly report the growth of the vegetables to Zhang Laoer, and all the progress was clear at a glance.
In a blink of an eye, more than 20 days had passed since the sowing. Zhang Laoer led everyone, including Master Zhu, to the greenhouse to check.
The villagers are well-known for growing vegetables in greenhouses and have great trust in Zhang Laoer, an almost superstitious trust.
The moment you step into the greenhouse, the doors of five rows of simple thatched houses open, and a warm current hits you in the face.
It was the cold twelfth month of the year and everyone was wrapped in thick cotton clothes, but it was warm as spring inside the greenhouse, as if the seasons had reversed.
When everyone stepped over the threshold, the scene inside brightened their eyes.
Six beds made of blue bricks are arranged in an orderly manner, facing each other, and covered with lush vitality. They are pieces of fresh and juicy cabbage, so green that juice can almost be squeezed out, as if they are the messengers of spring, bringing the message of life in advance.