Chapter 417 - Chapter 417: Chapter 404: Grabbing (1/2)
Chapter 417: Chapter 404: Grabbing
When one feels unsettled and displaced, they strive to live a life that resembles the one others live — to eat the same white buns as the rest.
In this struggle, some may resort to crooked means.
The world is full of green-eyed monsters, prevention beforehand and heightened vigilance are better than being caught unprepared at the eleventh hour.
But these are the worst-case scenarios. Zhuang Qingning often doesn’t want to think the worst of people. These words are merely the thoughts in her heart, not spoken entirely. They are a subtle reminder to Miao Hongjin.
Miao Hongjin, having served as the village chief for many years and lived for so long, had seen a lot of people and events. Upon hearing Zhuang Qingning’s words, he instantly understood the implied nuances she didn’t express.
“Miss Zhuang, rest assured, I understand,” Miao Hongjin nodded, “To be honest with you, Miss Zhuang, I have been worrying about this since the beginning, and all necessary precautions have been taken.”
“To say something boastful, although Miao Village is poor and has few people, those who dwell here trust me. They feel secure with my words.”
“In the future, I will remind everyone again, so everyone is aware.”
Based on their interactions over this period, Zhuang Qingning had a fair understanding of Miao Hongjin’s character. She knew him to be a man of sound judgement and practicality.
Since he had thought it through, she felt there was no need for her to worry too much.
“Hmm,” Zhuang Qingning nodded, “With Miao Hongjin in charge, it seems everything should be alright.”
“Having Miao Hongjin is indeed a blessing to our village.”
Zhuang Qingning’s words were sincere and devoid of flattery. Indeed, few people would work with such dedication for the whole village.
“What are you saying? Miss Zhuang and Master Ding are our village’s lucky stars,” Mrs. Jin chimed in as she emerged from the workshop.
Mrs. Jin is Miao Hongjin’s wife, who also works in the noodle workshop.
Upon seeing Mrs. Jin emerge from the workshop and looking at the sun overhead, Miao Hongjin said, “It’s already time, check on how everyone is doing, wrap up the work, and then we can finish for the day.”
“Miss Zhuang, would you like to have lunch at my house? My wife’s culinary skills may not be the best, but her stir-fried chicken chunks are decent. You can give them a try?”
Zhuang Qingning was familiar enough with Miao Hongjin to find nothing odd about having a meal at his house. Yet, about these stir-fried chicken chunks…
Zhuang Qingning had visited Miao Hongjin’s house a few times. She knew that life in his house was more comfortable than others in the village because both his sons were working in the city. But it wasn’t much better either.
“Just making some sweet potato rice would be good enough…”
Rice steamed with corn grits and sweet potato chunks while adding some water, creates a gooey texture. Also, the sweet potatoes here have a smooth, sweet taste, making it quite delicious to eat.
Also, it’s simple and economical.
Before Zhuang Qingning’s words fully came out, a crowd of people rushed out of the workshop and surrounded Zhuang Qingning and Miao Hongjin, talking endlessly.
“Just because you are the village chief doesn’t mean you should always get your way. Miss Zhuang always has meals at your home, it isn’t fair.”
“Exactly, it’s time for us to take turns. Miss Zhuang, how about having lunch at my place? I foraged some wood ear mushrooms yesterday. The elm tree’s mushrooms are fresh and crisp. I can stir fry a dish for you for lunch.”
“Please! Your elm tree mushrooms… I’ve looked at them! You picked them when they were the size of a fingertip and not fully grown, how can they taste good? I think she should come to my house, my husband caught a fish from the river yesterday. The fish is still living in a basin at home. It’ll be fresh.”
“What’s the big deal about it? We have a rabbit at my house. Rabbit meat is said to be the most delicious. She should come to my house to eat stewed rabbit…”
“…”