By the time Li Long drove his tractor back to the County Seat, it was already past noon.
The sunlight was strong, but Li Long felt nothing but cold. At this time of year, the sun on his body really did nothing to warm him; the chill went straight through him.
Even with his leather coat worn backward, Li Long felt almost frozen through.
He still had two things to do today. First, he needed to collect ammunition from the Supply and Marketing Cooperative's Security Section, which required a slip signed by Li Xiangqian.
The second was to visit the county's Woodworking Factory and see whether they had any suitable small wooden tables.
For now, only Harimu and the Jade Mountain River Family needed them. The other households already had kang tables, and with no one attending school, they had no need for any.
But his most pressing need came first. Li Long hurried to the Canteen, paid for a serving of Mixed Noodles, and made a point of telling the waitress:
"Bring me a bowl of noodle broth first!"
"Of course, comrade. Please wait a moment." The waitress had quite a good attitude today. Of course, she had seen plenty of people almost frozen stiff like this.
At a time like this, the best way to ease that cold, inside and out, was a mouthful of hot broth.
Hulatang would do too, but there was nowhere in Ma County serving a reasonably authentic version at the moment.
Piping-hot noodle broth would also work.
The waitress brought a large porcelain bowl and set it before Li Long, then filled it to the brim from a teapot holding noodle broth.
After thanking her, Li Long cupped the bowl in his hands and took a small sip.
The temperature was just right.