By the time they finished lunch, it was already afternoon. None of the young men had drunk any alcohol. They planned to go to Jade Mountain River's place and get his water pipe laid before dark.
Li Long himself had wanted to go along and take a look. He did not feel comfortable leaving work like securing the pipe intake to anyone else.
But Director Wei and Ma Xiaoyan were clearly getting tired, and Li Xiangqian had already told him they should leave shortly.
Li Long went to speak to Jade Mountain River, repeatedly reminding him to wrap the pipe intake securely with gauze, dig the pit at the water inlet deeper, and clear out all the silt.
Jade Mountain River told him not to worry. This was water for his own household; he knew how to handle it.
So Li Long drove the Jeep with Director Wei, Ma Xiaoyan, and Ye Laya aboard, while Li Xiangqian still drove the truck. With Harimu, Jade Mountain River, and the others seeing them off, they left the mountain ravine and headed out of the mountains toward the County Seat.
The women at Harimu's Winter Camp cleaned up the remains of the meal. Once they finished tidying up here, they would all go over to Jade Mountain River's place too.
After such heavy work, dinner still had to be provided.
Li Long drove the Jeep into the County Seat, first dropping Ma Xiaoyan and the others at the county Party committee compound, then taking Director Wei back to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative.
"Xiao Li, thanks for all your hard work. Get some proper rest this afternoon. Are you going into the mountains again tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"Then arrange your own schedule. If you need anything, let the cooperative know promptly and tell your