Lin Xiuqing looked at the things piled by the door as she questioned his friends.
Only after everyone chimed in did she learn what had just happened outside the Village Committee office. She had been unable to leave because she had to look after the children and prepare meals and tea for the workers, so she had not gone over.
"Those officials really know how to calculate things. They worked out every last bit for him."
"Exactly. Otherwise, how would they be officials while we're just country bumpkins?"
The Old Lady smiled beside them. "It's all right, it's all right. Money can be earned little by little. Merit is what matters. Mazu is watching. She'll surely bless our Dongzi with smooth sailing, safety, and plenty of money."
Lin Xiuqing smiled too. "Grandma's right. These things are some consolation, too. When the time comes, we'll get a small Mazu statue for the boat."
"Yes, yes, we certainly must. Take this banner inside and hang it up first. It's an honor, after all."
With Ye Chengyang's helpful little interruption, Ye Yaodong managed to wriggle out of the rest of his punishment.
The group sat by the door playing cards to pass the time, while the Old Lady sat nearby listening to the radio.
She even fetched a stool and put it in the corner facing the workers, turning the volume up loud so everyone could listen while they worked.
The workers were delighted, too. Nothing could be better than listening to the radio while working. They all praised Ye Yaodong for being filial and said all sorts of nice things, leaving the Old Lady feeling thoroughly pleased.
It was nearly mealtime before Father Ye, Mother Ye, Ye Yaopeng, Ye Yaohua, and their wives finally returned.
As soon as Mother Ye arrived, she