The household next door was surnamed Zeng. Their house wasn’t large, and the door was opened by a six or seven-year-old girl who, upon seeing a stranger at the door, timidly asked, “Who are you looking for?”

Just then, a woman hurried over, also looking at Gu Yundong with confusion.

“Hello, Auntie. I’m Gu Yundong, the new resident of Yongfu Village. The house being built next door is my family’s, so we’ll be neighbors from now on. I came here for two reasons: first, to greet Auntie and apologize for the disturbance caused by our house construction. Second, I need Auntie’s help with something.”

Gu Yundong said with a friendly smile.

Mrs. Dong felt that she spoke very politely and knew she was from the family next door, which meant they would likely have a lot of contact in the future. So, she stepped back and said, “Come in and talk.”

Gu Yundong entered and casually glanced around the Zeng family’s courtyard.

It was neat, but the house had a feeling of aging and disrepair.

Mrs. Dong led her into the main room and asked, “What can I help you with?”

“I want to borrow Auntie’s kitchen to make a pot of ginger tea. It’s getting a bit chilly now, and the men outside helping build our house are sweating a lot. When they finish, a gust of wind could easily give them a chill. Drinking some ginger tea can warm them up. Would that be convenient for Auntie?”

Mrs. Dong was momentarily stunned but quickly nodded. “Of course, it’s convenient. It won’t take much effort. Please sit for a moment. We have plenty of ginger at home. I’ll go get it for you.”

Since they grew their own ginger, they had plenty. Mrs. Dong quickly brought some over.

Gu Yundong didn’t hesitate to borrow some firewood and utensils from them. After making the ginger tea, she carried it out with Mrs. Yang. Feng Daneng was surprised to see her and asked where she had been. When he saw her carrying ginger tea, a hint of surprise flashed across his face.

Gu Yundong explained her intentions to him, saying, “After working hard for most of the day, they’re all parched. I saw someone scooping up raw water to drink, which could easily make them sick. So, I borrowed the Zeng family’s kitchen to make a pot of ginger tea. Drinking it hot will make them feel comfortable. If they don’t like the taste of ginger tea, there’s also boiled water. Feng, why don’t you have everyone come over and have some?”

Feng Daneng had never seen a host cook ginger tea for others. At most, they would leave some cool boiled water aside for themselves. This girl was really nice. With this gesture, everyone’s spirits would be lifted, and they’d work even harder.

After Gu Yundong finished explaining to Feng Daneng, she went back to the Zeng family.

Mrs. Dong was still tidying up in the kitchen. When she saw Gu Yundong enter, she smiled but didn’t say anything.

Gu Yundong took out a handful of copper coins and stuffed them into Mrs. Dong’s hand.

Mrs. Dong was startled and quickly tried to return the coins. “What are you doing? It’s just a few pieces of ginger, I…”

“Auntie, this money isn’t just for today. It will take more than a month for the house to be finished, and I can’t come every day. So, I want to trouble Auntie to cook a pot every day. It doesn’t have to be ginger tea every time; boiled water after boiling will do. Consider this money as payment for hiring Auntie. Besides, someone has to carry the firewood and water from Auntie’s house.”

Mrs. Dong hesitated, looking at the two hundred wen coins in her hand, and thought of the man who had been bedridden since he was injured, as well as her young children at home. After a moment’s hesitation, she took the money back. “Thank you, Auntie.”

“Then I’ll trouble Auntie.” Gu Yundong left the Zeng family’s courtyard.

But as soon as she stepped out, she saw the door of the neighboring household open. She looked in surprise at the man who had just stepped out.