Chapter 26: Getting Things Done

3:30 PM.

Zhou Haoting and Wen Wan arrived at the house.

“Sister-in-law, Sister-in-law…” Wen Wan got out of the car, stretching her arms and legs. She had been sitting in the car for over an hour, and her back ached.

Zhou Haoting watched Wen Wan’s movements, a slight smile playing on his lips. He took the bicycle out of the car trunk.

Tian Xiaochao, who was fast asleep inside, heard the call. Her eyes snapped open, her mind instantly alert. She yelled, “Xiaowan, wait for me!”

Within two or three minutes, Tian Xiaochao, with her large belly, waddled to open the door.

Her eyes fell on the old-fashioned bicycle in Zhou Haoting’s hands, and Tian Xiaochao’s smile widened. “Come in and sit for a while.”

“Sister-in-law, don’t bother, I’ll be leaving soon,” Zhou Haoting said with a smile, refusing her offer. “Sister-in-law, where should I put the bike?”

“Anywhere in the yard is fine,” Wen Wan said casually.

“No, it’s sunny outside. Put it under the eaves for shade,” Tian Xiaochao chided Wen Wan, thinking her sister-in-law didn’t know how to take care of things.

Wen Wan looked up at the sky, then at the bicycle. Does it need to be enshrined, she thought.

After parking the bicycle, Zhou Haoting glanced around the yard. Seeing some wood in the corner, he rolled up his sleeves and walked towards it.

Tian Xiaochao smiled secretly, understandingly returning to her room to do her own thing, leaving the courtyard to the young couple.

“Stop!” Wen Wan went to the kitchen to get a bowl of water. When she came out, she saw Zhou Haoting chopping wood with an axe.

Hearing her call, Zhou Haoting quickly stopped, turning around in bewilderment. He wondered why Wen Wan was being so polite.

Wen Wan went forward, slapping her forehead. “Haoge, drink some water.”

She put the bowl down and explained, “My father kept this wood to make stools. Don’t chop it up for firewood.”

Luckily, she came out quickly. A little later, and at Zhou Haoting’s speed, all four logs would have been chopped to pieces.

The water Zhou Haoting had just taken a sip of almost sprayed out. He swallowed it with difficulty, coughing, “Cough, cough, cough…”

“Xiaowan, I didn’t mean to,” Zhou Haoting said apologetically after catching his breath.

“It’s alright. My father and brother cut down trees on the mountain; they can cut some more,” Wen Wan said with a light laugh.

Hearing this, Zhou Haoting’s worry eased. He was leaving tomorrow night, so he wanted to help with as much work as possible today so Xiaowan would have less to do.

Remembering the important matter, he said, “Xiaowan, I’m going into town to finalize my work arrangements. I’ll pick you up tomorrow to handle the paperwork.”

“Haoge, don’t pick me up tomorrow,” Wen Wan refused. “My brother will be free tomorrow. Let him take me to town. You can spend more time with Grandma Guo at home.”

She wanted to go early to check out the town’s “free market.” Selling things in the county wasn’t cost-effective for her at the moment.

“Okay, I’ll wait for you at the town entrance at 10 am tomorrow,” Zhou Haoting said, a smile in his eyes. He understood that Xiaowan was worried he was too tired.

Now that Xiaowan had a bicycle, her brother could take her to town in half an hour.

Wen Wan nodded. “Okay, we’ll be there at 10 am.”

She had been wondering how to make the appointment later, and Zhou Haoting’s suggestion was perfect.

They talked for a while longer, as the sun gradually set.

Zhou Haoting glanced at the time, stood up, and said seriously, “Xiaowan, I’m going back now. See you tomorrow.”

He felt reluctant, but business was important. He wanted to arrange Xiaowan’s work before he left.

Watching Zhou Haoting leave, Wen Wan turned back to the house, locked the door, and quickly entered her space.

Picking up a nearby basket, Wen Wan started pulling radishes—white, tender, and sweet; delicious even raw.

After more than an hour, she finally harvested all the radishes in the field.

She kept a basket for herself and sold the rest, exchanging them for gold coins.

The sound of the gold coins filled the air. Wen Wan suppressed her excitement and upgraded her space without hesitation.

In the blink of an eye, the farmland in her space increased from one plot to two, and the pasture expanded.

Wen Wan eagerly checked the store. The seeds had been updated. Besides white radish seeds, there were potato, chili, and cucumber seeds. Under livestock, there were chicks and ducklings.

She bought two chicks and two ducklings, some potatoes (easy to grow and sell), and some cucumbers (fresh goods to sell).

After buying everything, Wen Wan quickly went from a rich woman to a poor one.

She looked at the two chicks and two ducklings in the pasture, laughing and crying.

Wen Wan helplessly picked up her hoe and started digging to plant vegetables. She had to sell vegetables quickly to buy feed.

While Wen Wan was working hard in her space, Zhou Haoting, back in town, went straight to find someone without going home.

“Wulin, is your brother free tonight?” Zhou Haoting asked directly.

Wulin understood. He patted his chest and assured him, “Haoge, don’t worry about Xiaosaozi going to the supply and marketing cooperative. I’ve told my brother.”

“What little sister-in-law? Just call her sister-in-law.” Zhou Haoting was unhappy and raised his eyebrows to warn, “Don’t say that in front of Xiaowan. She is shy.”

Wulin made a zipping motion with his hand in front of his mouth. He understood.

Zhou Haoting narrowed his eyes and said casually, “Wulin, at 6 pm, bring your brother, and we’ll get together at Uncle Lin’s place.”

“Okay, I’ll go get him now,” Wulin nodded, turning and hurrying away.

Zhou Haoting checked his watch and headed towards his destination.

Ten minutes later, he arrived at a small courtyard on the outskirts of town. He knocked three short and two long knocks on the door.

The door opened from the inside. “Haoge, when did you come back?” Lin Maodou asked in surprise.

Zhou Haoting smiled slightly and went inside. “Just now. Is there room tonight?”

“Haoge, there’s always room for you,” Lin Maodou happily closed the door and called towards the kitchen, “Grandpa, come out and see who’s here.”

“Haoting, you’re just in time. We bought a few pounds of beef,” Chef Lin said with joy in his voice.

Zhou Haoting walked forward. “Grandpa Lin, I’m treating Wulin and his brother to dinner tonight. Please arrange it.”

“Okay, no problem. I heard you got engaged. Why didn’t you bring the girl?” Chef Lin teased.

A slight smile appeared on Zhou Haoting’s lips. He said in a low voice, “We got engaged yesterday. I’ll bring her to meet you tomorrow afternoon.”

He was leaving tomorrow afternoon, and before he left, he wanted to introduce his close friends to Xiaowan.

“Okay, I’ll be waiting tomorrow afternoon,” Chef Lin said happily, patting Zhou Haoting on the back.