It was still a little chilly in the mountains. After Li Long and Meng Hai settled things and unloaded the sheep, they went to look at the stretch ahead of the road under construction, then headed back.
There was no helping it. He had arrived in the afternoon, and although the route was fairly level, mountain roads always had bends and river channels. He could not drive too fast, so he had to hurry back, or it would be dark before he left the mountains.
Meng Hai understood and did not ask Li Long to stay.
Most of the men knew Li Long well and simply greeted him, but they were all delighted to see the sheep he had brought.
They would have something better to eat again!
When Li Long hurried back to the Mountain Pass, the sun was still a pole's height above the horizon, so he turned toward his cabin.
The cabin was fine, but its surroundings were filthy, with dry grass leaves, livestock droppings, and a few faint bloodstains.
He got out and checked the shed. Finding the big broom still there, he used it to sweep around the cabin, to show anyone passing nearby that it had an owner who cleaned it from time to time, and that they should leave it alone.
After sweeping, Li Long did not open the door. He got into the vehicle and hurried away.
When he reached Bolati's house at the Mountain Pass, he happened to see Bolati seeing off several Forest Public Security officers.
"Here for an inspection?" Li Long pulled his GAZ vehicle up outside the house, stopped, and got out to ask Bolati.
"Yeah, and not just that. They gave me assignments too... Damn their bloody gourds-assigning me work? They weren't even born when I started