Chapter 39: The Ugly Ger’s Farming Story

Old Doctor Lin glanced at Lin Fangliang, who appeared anxious, and decided to say no more. “Go, go,” he urged.

Second Wei and Li Changfeng finished the remaining wine in equal measure, showing no signs of being intoxicated. Xu Qing took Li Changfeng’s wine cup and sniffed it, confirming that the alcohol content was indeed low. Seeing Xu Qing’s interest, Second Wei, who was enjoying the spiny fish, thought he wanted to have a sip. “Brother Qing, you should have told me earlier. I would have saved some for you!”

During the dinner, Xu Qing had become acquainted with Second Wei. In just one meal, Second Wei was already calling him “brother,” which felt pleasant. Xu Qing had no living relatives, so he wasn’t concerned about gossip. Moreover, Li Changfeng and Second Wei were good friends, so it was natural for Second Wei to address him as “brother.”

Xu Qing placed the wine cup back on the table, pushed it towards Li Changfeng, who was observing him, and shook his head at Second Wei. “No, I just wanted to know how it smells, whether it’s strong or not.”

Second Wei slapped his thigh and burst into laughter. “This wine isn’t that strong, it’s diluted with water to set the mood!” Li Changfeng nodded in agreement.

“Diluted with water? How do you know? Then why do people still buy it?” Xu Qing inquired.

Li Changfeng replied, “Because people can’t afford to eat after paying taxes and buying grains. What else can they use to make wine? The wine sold in this market is considered decent quality, even if it’s mixed with water. Just like what Second Brother Wei said, go ahead, give it a try.” Before Xu Qing could ask further, a rather familiar voice interrupted their conversation.

As Xu Qing and the others turned their heads, they spotted Lin Fangliang standing on the eaves of the main room. He was carrying a load of stuff and some food in his hands, wearing a smile on his face. “Uncle Li, who drives the donkey cart, showed me the way. The courtyard gate was open, and it’s just in time for lunch. I heard Second Brother Wei’s voice, so I came in. I apologize for the intrusion,” he greeted them.

Xu Qing was genuinely surprised by Lin Fangliang’s prompt arrival. Although Li Changfeng was taken aback, he didn’t show it. He knew that this kid couldn’t wait for long.

Lin Fangliang handed over the food he bought to Xu Qing, calmly took a seat at the dining table, and looked at the contents of Second Wei’s bowl with great interest. “What are you staring at? Brother Qing is my brother now! I came to congratulate them on their wedding.”

Xu Qing went to the kitchen and fetched a few bowls, pouring all the food brought by Lin Fangliang into them. He placed the bowls on the table. “The dishes are still hot, so let’s eat quickly. I’ll cook a proper meal next time.”

Lin Fangliang had already started eating the boiled fish and found it delicious. He had a preference for strong flavors and never expected this spiny fish to be so flavorful. “Okay! Can I have this again?”

Second Wei chuckled. “You, young man, just like me, enjoy strong flavors! It’s delicious! I’ll have my fiancée try making it when I go back, so we can save some money on meat in the future!”

“Then I’ll teach you how to make it. Just follow my instructions, and it’s easy,” Xu Qing openly shared the method of cooking fish. He wanted to build more connections within the village for future woodworking projects. Besides, this dish required only basic boiling techniques, but not every household had access to peppers to replicate the exact flavor.

While Xu Qing was explaining the process of boiling fish, Li Changfeng couldn’t help but focus on a large piece of baggage that Lin Fangliang had placed on the stool. He narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing that this kid seemed to be planning to stay here permanently. The thought made Li Changfeng feel uneasy, especially when he realized he would be banned from night “activities” for the next two days. Why did he invite Lin Fangliang to come and stay in the first place?

While Lin Fangliang listened to Xu Qing explaining the method of cooking the spiny fish, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that Li Changfeng’s gloomy gaze was directed at him. He quickly turned around and asked Li Changfeng what was going on. Dealing with Li Changfeng was always challenging; this guy had a dark and scheming nature.

Li Changfeng, preoccupied with his disrupted night activities, glared at Lin Fangliang, hoping his friend would understand the unspoken message. However, Lin Fangliang remained oblivious to the meaning behind Li Changfeng’s gaze. After Xu Qing and Second Wei finished their discussion, they noticed Li Changfeng and Lin Fangliang exchanging what seemed to be affectionate looks.

“What are you two up to?” Second Wei, straightforward as always, asked directly. Xu Qing remained silent, but his unfriendly gaze towards Li Changfeng was evident. Even though it was just a glance, Li Changfeng felt a sense of discomfort in his heart.

Lin Fangliang and Li Changfeng quickly averted their eyes. Li Changfeng noticed Second Wei’s curiosity and his eyes brightened slightly. “Well, Liangfeng and I were discussing that he wants to stay at your house for a few days. I don’t know if you’re willing or not.” The second Wei family only consisted of one older brother, Wei Ama, and Uncle Wei, so it would be more convenient than staying with them, and there would be no room for gossip.

Lin Fangliang was about to object, but he remembered what he heard when he asked around on his way here. The Xu family’s house was located very close to Brother Xie’s house, whereas he had no idea where the second Wei family resided. Being far away from Brother Xie would make him feel sad.

“Of course, he is welcome! It’s all set for you to move in. Liangfeng, come and see my house!” Second Wei, with a warm heart, was delighted at the thought of his good brother staying with him. He was in a great mood.

“I…!” Lin Fangliang wanted to assert himself against Second Wei’s enthusiasm. However, he was met with the threatening gaze of Li Changfeng. Lin Fangliang was taken aback and noticed Xu Qing standing beside him with a blank expression. He recalled the words of Old Doctor Lin and swallowed his objections. He should bid farewell to Li Changfeng and Xu Qing and then head to Second Wei’s house.

“You take a break, I’ll clean up!” Li Changfeng stopped Xu Qing, who was about to clean the dishes, and swiftly tidied up the dining table. Xu Qing didn’t argue further, as he enjoyed cooking but disliked washing dishes. “What were you two plotting?” Xu Qing spoke up, aware of the fleeting glances exchanged between the two. There was no need to guess that something was amiss.

“I simply prefer having only the two of us at home at night and don’t like having another person as an annoyance. Besides, he’s looking for Brother Xie, and Wei’s house is conveniently located in the village for him!” Li Changfeng didn’t conceal his thoughts from Xu Qing. In front of Xu Qing, he had always been open and honest.

Xu Qing followed Li Changfeng into the kitchen, watching the tall man meticulously washing the dishes. He couldn’t help but feel an increasing reluctance to leave Li Changfeng. “You can’t think that way. There will always be a third person in the future.”

Upon hearing this, Li Changfeng looked up at Xu Qing, who was smiling at him. After a while, a broad smile emerged on his face. “Okay!”

Sitting on the donkey cart with Second Wei, Lin Fangliang kept gazing at the houses at the end of the village. “Second Brother Wei, I have something to ask you.” Second Wei held the donkey cart steady and said, “Tell me, what do you want to know?”

“A few years ago, I met an uncle named Xie in Xingfu Village, and we developed a good relationship. I don’t know where his family lives?” Lin Fangliang had come from Xu Qing’s house and had no idea which house belonged to Brother Xie at the end of the village. He had been staring at the houses for a while. Uncle Li had mentioned it was the first house at the end of the village, but he could see several houses side by side.

Translated on ho lo lo novels dot com.

“Oh, it’s just at another fork in the road from Brother Qing’s house.”

Lin Fangliang was almost startled. “So, we didn’t take that road?!” Second Wei hadn’t noticed anything amiss. “Yes, this route is closer to my house. Why? Do you want to find Uncle Xie? We have time. Let’s go to my place first!”

“It’s not about visiting him or going to your place first…” Lin Fangliang was getting frustrated. He still wanted to sneak into Brother Xie’s courtyard. Would he be lucky enough to encounter him? Just hearing Brother Xie’s voice would bring him immense joy!

***

After finishing up in the kitchen and with the rain having stopped outside, Li Changfeng began working on constructing the wardrobes. Xu Qing looked at the pine trees in the yard and couldn’t help but touch them. “Has no one ever considered using different types of wood for furniture?”

You see, pine wood furniture is not resistant to sunlight. It easily changes color when exposed to the sun. Moreover, due to the nature of pine itself, it has a high moisture content and a soft texture, making it less sturdy compared to other solid woods. It is prone to cracking and warping.

Although pine wood has a natural simplicity and a fresh and bright appearance, being close to nature, it also has its own drawbacks. Pine furniture is not moisture-proof and can change color when exposed to moisture.

Li Changfeng was busy working with the wood, but when he heard Xu Qing’s question, he patiently replied once again, “Actually, that’s not true. The idea of using pine wood for furniture occurred to someone a long time ago. I’ve heard that people used to use bamboo or stone as well.”

The more Xu Qing listened, the happier he became. “Then do you know what types of wood people use outside? We’re so far from the capital, and the world beyond is vast. Perhaps others have used different woods for furniture?”

Li Changfeng shook his head. “I don’t know. Why do you want to use other woods? Although I haven’t tried it, I can do it if you want.”

“I just feel that the color of pine wood isn’t ideal for furniture, and I want to experiment with other woods. If we succeed, won’t we stand out among other carpenters?”

“Alright, I’ll go along with your idea. Let’s give it a try.” Li Changfeng never refuses Xu Qing’s requests. He believes in the saying, ‘Happy wife, happy life.’ Listening to Xu Qing’s suggestions is always the right move.

Xu Qing pursed his lips. “You always listen to me. Aren’t you afraid that I might be wrong?” Li Changfeng is clearly a cunning person, yet he always complies with whatever Xu Qing asks. Xu Qing was starting to feel that Li Changfeng was taking him too seriously.

Li Changfeng helplessly paused his work. “Well, when I made a decision, didn’t you also agree?”

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing felt instantly misunderstood. “What decision did you make? When did I agree to anything?”

Li Changfeng leaned closer to Xu Qing, lightly biting his ear. “This morning, I said…” With Li Changfeng’s words, Xu Qing’s face grew redder and redder. “In the end, didn’t you agree?”

Xu Qing pushed Li Changfeng away, turned around, and left. “I’m going to cut hogweed. Just focus on your work!” He was too embarrassed to stay any longer!

He didn’t expect things to take such a turn early in the morning. Li Changfeng had mentioned alternative methods, which initially piqued his curiosity. However, upon hearing the follow-up, he couldn’t help but slap Li Changfeng’s head.

Seeing Xu Qing’s annoyed expression, Li Changfeng’s face turned red, and his eyes glistened with moisture, much like they did after their intimate moments. He wondered if he would have a chance to eat meat tonight.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸