Since Li Long had driven only the tractor with the snow-clearing machine attached, without a trailer, Harimu and Jade Mountain River did not ask him to take anything back. They only told him not to come over tomorrow; they would ride down the mountain to collect their tractors.
Li Long thought he could simply take them down now. They could spend the night in the county seat and drive their tractors up the mountain first thing tomorrow.
But Jade Mountain River was alone at home, with his wife and children still at the Pastoral Team's Rural Childcare Center, while there were only two people at Harimu's home. Besides, there were still plenty of wolves around at night, so they could not leave yet.
So, as Jade Mountain River suggested, he would feed his sheep early tomorrow morning, ride down with Harimu, then drive their tractors back into the mountains.
Li Long said there was no need. Riding horses would take too long. Now that the road was open, he would come in the Jeep tomorrow morning to pick them up, take them down, and let Harimu and Jade Mountain River drive their tractors straight back.
"Then we can just haul the supplies up with the tractors," Harimu said after thinking it over. "You won't have to hire any more wagons to come here."
Li Long thought that made sense. It would actually be more convenient and save quite a few trips.
Li Long drove the tractor back. When he reached Qingshui Hezi, Meng Hai was still waiting by the road.
Li Long told him there was no need to work tomorrow. Since everyone had been doing volunteer labor, he would not pay them. They would organize everyone to continue repairing the road next spring.
Meng Hai watched Li Long leave,