Chen Xingbang dodged several villagers without incident and reached Lilou without letting Chen Chang Gui or the others see him.
After listening to Li Xia explain everything in the courtyard, Li Qingxia furiously cursed Chen Chang Gui for being inhuman and himself for having been blind enough to become in-laws with that family.
Li Xia hurried to speak up for Chen Xingbang:
"Dad, Xingbang isn't like his father..."
"I know he isn't. If he were, would I let you two stay together?"
Over the past two days, Li Qingxia had mostly finished taking care of things at home. He had entrusted the courtyard to Li Junfeng and given him their small plot of land to farm. Li Qingxia wanted none of the grain it yielded; that would be payment for watching the courtyard.
Li Junfeng was delighted to do it. He had a family to support and couldn't go to Northern Xinjiang, but he knew there was good money to be made there. Besides, his young uncle Li Long was very capable. Keeping a connection with them could only be a good thing.
Li Junfeng already knew Li Junshan had joined the Construction and Installation Company as a permanent worker. When he woke from his dreams at midnight, he had felt regret too. But it was too late for regrets now.
While Li Qingxia was tidying the courtyard, Li Junshan's father came over, addressed him as Uncle, and asked about Li Junshan. Li Junshan had sent money and telegrams home, but his family didn't know the details of his situation.
Li Qingxia explained in detail how Li Long had taken Li Anguo and Li Junshan to the Construction and Installation Company in Kuytun. His voice held considerable pride. After all, Li Long had arranged everything from beginning to end.
Li