It was the height of summer. Everywhere in the country was hot, and Gourd Island was no exception.
Though it was only a little after eight, the sun was already scorching. Yet everyone who was home in the village had gathered in the open space before the village committee office. Men, women, old people, and children had all turned out, creating a bustling, lively scene.
In fact, aside from those studying away from home and young people working elsewhere, even those who would normally have gone out to earn money as migrant workers had all stopped going. Many had quit after barely a month and rushed back. More than that, even young people with jobs elsewhere had taken leave to return. The more bold-faced ones had simply resigned outright.
That was the allure of demolition compensation...
A sunshade had been erected at the entrance to the village committee office. Several government staff members worked beneath it, fiddling with computers and sorting through thick stacks of documents.
At last, once preparations were nearly complete, the young staff member picked up a loudspeaker without waiting for the village party secretary to say much. After testing it with a few "Hello, hello, hello," the people who had been chattering moments ago quietly sat down on the little stools they had brought with them. Some stood off to the side with their arms folded, smoking in silence.
Noisy children were given two slaps and immediately pursed their lips, obediently falling silent. They absolutely refused to run off and play somewhere else. Children loved excitement too. Though they did not understand what was happening, with everyone gathered here, they naturally wanted to participate like little adults.
"Everyone already knows that Longteng Group has acquired land in Suizhong and Xingcheng. The earlier land acquisition work has