By the time Li Long reached the Big Courtyard, Gu Xiaoxia was already off work. Hearing the tractor chugging, she hurried out of the kitchen, full of delight, and came to open the gates.
The three little animals heard the noise and ran over too. The gates were only halfway open when they tried to run outside. Gu Xiaoxia hurried to shoo them back, afraid they would escape and she would never catch them, leaving her rather flustered.
Fortunately, as soon as the gates opened, Li Long turned the tractor into the courtyard. Its imposing bulk and noise frightened the little animals into stopping. Gu Xiaoxia took the opportunity to open the gates all the way, then immediately shut them once the tractor was inside.
Only after Li Long switched off the engine did the little animals dare gather around. He was generous with them, taking some grass from the trailer to feed them.
"Don't scatter it here. It's such a pain to sweep up," Gu Xiaoxia complained. "They poop wherever they eat. They're so annoying!"
"Then next time I come back, I'll take them back to the Stable," Li Long joked. "Would you be willing to let them go?"
"Well... let them stay." Gu Xiaoxia was quite lonely on her own in the Big Courtyard. Having these little animals around when she came home from work was a bit annoying, but at least there were living creatures here. Otherwise, such a large, silent courtyard really was a little creepy.
"I'll sweep up after they finish eating," Li Long said with a smile. "I'll put the feed in the trailer out in the backyard, so you can feed them wherever you like. Oh, your dad sent some alfalfa for you. Shall we dress some for dinner? It's all been picked