After riding back to the entrance of the County Town Supply and Marketing Cooperative in the Jeep, Li Xiangqian and Li Long got out, and Director Qian got out with them.
"Director, would you like to come inside for a bit?" Li Xiangqian asked with a smile. "It's already noon..."
"No, I'm in a hurry to get back, so I won't trouble you this time. Next time—next time I come, I won't take no for an answer, even if you don't want to host me," Director Qian said with a smile. "Since it's noon, treat Xiao Li to a good meal. Without him, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly this time."
With that, he reached out his hand to Li Long.
"Comrade Xiao Li, you've been a great help this time. I won't say any more. Come visit the prefecture when you have time, and look me up."
Xiao Jiang lifted the headless Mongolian gazelle out of the trunk and set it on the ground, then nodded to Li Xiangqian and Li Long before returning to the driver's seat.
After seeing the Jeep off, Li Long looked at Li Xiangqian.
"No hurry. Let me get this Mongolian Gazelle taken care of first." Li Xiangqian was in a very good mood now. Seeing Uncle Li push open the door and come out, he said with a smile, "Second Uncle, I'll leave this Mongolian Gazelle with you for now. Xiao Li and I have something to take care of. I'll come back for it in a bit."
"All right." Uncle Li smiled and nodded. Li Long greeted him, then followed Li Xiangqian toward the Supply and Marketing Cooperative's staff housing compound.
Li Xiangqian lived in a single-story house in the compound. He brought Li Long inside and said:
"Have a seat." Then