After half a day of chatting, Captain Chen and the other three had gotten quite familiar with the naturally sociable Ye Yaodong. Mainly, he had a way with words, was entertaining to talk to, and was thick-skinned enough to chat freely.
"My old home is just ahead. My mother should have your bedding laid out on the floor already. Would you like to rest, or walk around and have a look?"
"Thank you. Sorry for the trouble over the next few days. We can manage on our own, so go take care of your own work later."
"All right, I'll take you inside first. We've all moved to our new homes, and we took the beds too. Otherwise, you wouldn't have to sleep on the floor."
"That's fine. As long as we have somewhere to sleep. We've slept in much worse conditions."
Old Lady was sitting in the shade by the entrance, surrounded by a large gathering of neighbors who had come to listen to the radio. They worked as they enjoyed the cool air, so engrossed in listening that she only noticed Ye Yaodong approaching when a neighbor pointed him out.
She stood up happily. "Dongzi, you're back? Your father said you took the People's Liberation Army Comrades to the hospital in town. You're back so soon. Are you tired? Sit down and rest, all of you. I'll go inside and get some stools..."
"Don't trouble yourself. Sit and have a pan-fried bun. I'll take them inside first."
"Why did you buy so much...? I haven't even talked to you about adding that room yet. Why did you..."
"If you haven't, then don't. I'm bringing you over to enjoy a comfortable life, and you're still unhappy about it. Go on and eat. I'll take them inside first."
"Oh... you