Once Harimu confirmed that Li Long wanted to build a road, he offered to take him to see Jade Mountain River.
Li Long thought that since he had come all this way and had brought gifts for Jade Mountain River, he might as well go.
Jade Mountain River was scattering hay for the cattle and sheep. Hearing the Jeep, he quickened his movements, broke apart the last two bundles at his feet, and forked them into the sheepfold. Then he put away the wooden fork and waited for the Jeep to arrive.
Li Long drove onto the level ground in front of the winter camp-when they repaired the winter camp last year, they had specifically leveled a parking area here.
The tractor was parked there now. The space was large enough to accommodate the Jeep too.
Li Long and Harimu got out. Jade Mountain River came over, shook hands in greeting, then took them inside for milk tea.
"You want to build a road? A road to the summer pasture?" After hearing Li Long out, Jade Mountain River showed no delighted surprise. Instead, he looked rather troubled.
Li Long was thoroughly puzzled. When Harimu heard his proposal earlier, he had thought it would be difficult, but at least he considered building the road a very good thing. He simply thought it would be hard to accomplish.
Assuming Jade Mountain River also thought the road would be too difficult to build, Li Long explained further:
"We can build it gradually. I'll bring in as much machinery as I can. We can start by opening up roads from the winter camps to the outside, at least so tractors can reach every winter camp. That way, we'll gain experience and make everyone's lives a little easier."
"That's not what I mean." Jade Mountain