The zhajiangmian Meng Yuchao's mother made was truly authentic. Li Long ate two large bowls and praised it repeatedly, which made the Meng family look good.
After Li Long left, when Meng Yuchao's mother went to clear up, the neighbors asked about it. On learning that Li Long had eaten two large bowls, they praised her again.
After returning to the Big Courtyard, Li Long put the last things that needed sorting in their proper places.
No one would be staying in the courtyard for a while, so the bedding and such all had to be put away, with some mothballs added to keep insects from eating them.
There was also fire prevention. Many of the buildings in the courtyard were wooden, and after the renovations, some of the imitation-antique features were no different.
So all open flames had to be removed, and the coal in the coal shed had to be covered and weighed down. Naturally, gaps were left to dissipate heat; it could not be sealed completely. After all, there were coal mines over in Zhundong that had been burning spontaneously for over a hundred years.
All three courtyards needed tidying. Li Long did not mind the trouble and went through them room by room. He could sense the change in the smell of each room-from the damp, musty odor when he had first arrived to the dry freshness now. It really felt different.
It gave him a little sense of achievement.
Meng Yuchao came to the Big Courtyard that afternoon to see Li Long, found the gate locked, and had no choice but to leave. He did not know where Li Long had gone, but then he thought that a big businessman like him must have plenty to do, so he had better not disturb him.
Auntie