Chapter 653 Having fun
He deliberately emphasized the tone of the four words "keep it secret for the time being", his eyes full of earnestness and solemnity.
"Brother Shuzhuo and I have to report this news to Director Song this afternoon. Director Song is highly respected in the village and has a lot of experience!"
"Which of the big and small things in the village over the years has not been handled properly by him?"
"It would be better if he could hold a meeting to convey the information to everyone. This would be both authoritative and allow everyone to fully understand the situation, thus avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings. What do you think?"
As soon as Wang Jianguo finished speaking, Aunt Cheng, who was sitting in a corner of the dining table and had gray hair, stood up tremblingly.
Aunt Cheng is the oldest person here. She has lived in the village for most of her life. She is an upright and warm-hearted person. Whenever a family is in trouble, she is always the first to lend a helping hand and is deeply respected by everyone.
She put down the bowl and chopsticks in her hands and said in a hoarse but still firm voice:
"Jianguo, don't worry! We are all sensible people who know what is important. You have been busy for the village and worrying about the construction of the brick factory. We can't let you do it in a difficult way."
As she spoke, Aunt Cheng turned her head and scanned the other people at the table with her eyes like a searchlight, raising her voice with a certain unquestionable majesty.
"I promise everyone here that they won't tell anyone. If anyone dares to disobey and gossip, I will go to their house and find their parents to see if they dare to do it again!"
"Auntie Cheng, what you said is so powerful. We will definitely keep our mouths shut!"
The young man Zhang Dashan patted his chest and assured, his eyes showing determination and responsibility.
"That's right, since the lady has spoken, we will definitely cooperate."
Several daughters-in-law also echoed in a soft voice with gentle smiles on their faces.
"I won't tell you either. I still have to help Brother Jianguo keep an eye on others!"
Little Tiger, who usually loves to play mischief, also said something serious, making everyone laugh.
Seeing everyone's comments, Wang Jianguo finally felt relieved and smiled with satisfaction:
"Thank you so much, everyone. With your support, this will definitely succeed!"
Afterwards, the topic naturally returned to the brick factory and everyone started a heated discussion.
"I think it's a good idea to build the brick factory on that vacant land at the east end of the village. It's close to the water source and convenient for transportation."
Grandpa Huang, the "living map" of the village, said while stroking his beard.
"I don't think it's a good idea. The east end of the village is windy and dusty. The south end of the village is flat and sheltered from the wind, so it's a good place."
Aunt Cheng immediately retorted, and the two of them argued back and forth, their faces turning red.
While the discussion here was in full swing, several young wives and girls over there started gossiping, with the topic focusing on Zhao Shuzhuo's partner.
"Hey, what do you think of Brother Shuzhuo's girlfriend? I heard she's a girl from the city. He's really lucky."
A girl with rosy cheeks spoke first, with curiosity glittering in her eyes.
"She must be very beautiful, and she's a nurse, what a respectable profession."
Another daughter-in-law took over, gesturing with her hands as if describing the girl's appearance.
"I heard from Brother Shuzhuo that the girl has a good personality and is gentle and virtuous. Brother Shuzhuo really found a treasure."
Someone else added.
Everyone asked questions and answered them, imagining Zhao Shuzhuo's happy future life, and there was constant laughter.
In this way, the meal gradually ended amid the laughter of everyone.
Everyone left with satisfaction, carrying their longing for the brick factory and blessings for Zhao Shuzhuo's happy event.
Only the warmth and hope in the room remain, as if foreshadowing the bright future that Jianye Village is about to usher in.
The afternoon sun shone through the cracks in the window onto the old round table in the house. The table was filled with steaming food. Everyone sat around it, talking and laughing.
Wang Jianguo raised his eyes inadvertently and saw that Zhao Shuzhuo had finished his meal quietly. He was leaning back slightly on the chair with a thoughtful expression on his face.
Wang Jianguo's brain was like a sophisticated abacus, clacking a few times, and he instantly remembered that Liu Erzhu was still alone on duty at the supply and marketing cooperative.
Liu Erzhu is a hard-working old fellow in the supply and marketing cooperative. Although he is introverted and doesn't talk much on weekdays, he is so serious when doing his work that everyone who sees him has to give him a thumbs up.
No matter if he was sweating profusely while moving goods or his eyes were red from taking inventory, he never complained. He has made an indelible contribution to the smooth operation of the supply and marketing cooperative.
Thinking of this, Wang Jianguo felt that he must not let Liu Erzhu miss the important news he had just received.
So, he straightened his back, raised his voice a little, and said to the people in the room who were still chatting about their daily lives:
"Everyone, don't be in a hurry. Eat slowly. The food is hot. Eat more so you have the strength to work."
"After dinner, everyone should go to the supply and marketing cooperative to work quickly and convey the news just received to Liu Erzhu as soon as possible."
"Although he is on duty now and doesn't have the pleasure to join us, we all have to understand that he is the backbone of the supply and marketing cooperative just like us. Without him, how can the supply and marketing cooperative survive?"
As he spoke, Wang Jianguo slightly turned sideways and cast his eyes towards Zhao Shuzhuo. His eyes showed both his eagerness for work and a bit of tacit understanding. He then continued:
"Brother Shuzhuo, we have to hurry up and report to Director Song. We can't delay this matter. The sooner we let the director know the situation, the more secure our subsequent arrangements will be."
Zhao Shuzhuo here was currently surrounded by a group of sisters-in-law, aunts, and other elderly women, like an "exhibit" under a spotlight.
The reason was simple: news had just spread in the village that he was dating someone, which was big news in the relatively quiet village.
"Shuzhuo, your date is a girl from the city? That's incredible. Tell us about her. Is she pretty? What's her temper like?"
A quick-talking sister-in-law asked the first question, with curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
"That's right, aren't the clothes of city girls very different from those of us in the village? I heard that they always put on perfume and spray some kind of lotion before going out. Is that true?"
The aunt next to her joined in the fun, gesturing with her hands as she spoke.
"How did you two know each other? Who introduced you to each other?"
Zhao Shuzhuo was confused by this series of questions. Although he tried to maintain a smile on his face, his heart was already in a mess.
He opened his mouth and was about to answer, but was interrupted by another question. He was a little at a loss for a moment.