Toward evening, several people trickled into the Fourth Team's general store.
As always, Ma Jinbao arrived early. Other shepherds would keep their sheep out until dark at this time of day, bringing them back only after they had eaten until their bellies were round. That was how they put on weight.
Not him. Since he felt his sheep could not compare with those at Old Ma's Place anyway, and nobody on the team bought them anymore, he simply gave up trying. Every day, before the sun had even set, he hurried the sheep home, shut them in the pen, and went to the general store. If he found people he knew, he would cadge a couple of drinks. Even without anyone he knew, he could sit there for half the evening.
Of course, when there were few people around, he bought his own liquor too. He still had a little money. If he ran out, he would lead a sheep to the Free Market on the outskirts of the County Seat and sell it. The money was his to spend.
Some people returning from work made themselves something to eat in their own yards or watched television. Others had no television at home and did not want to listen to the radio. They liked the bustle of the general store and came over to chat with everyone else.
Of course, the television at the general store had something to do with it too. It was set up in the yard, where anyone who came could watch. Small stools were provided as well. Naturally, early arrivals got stools. Those who came late could find a couple of broken bricks outside, stack them together, and sit on those to watch.
Ma Jinbao had cadged a glass of loose liquor today. Unwilling to