Once the battered army-green Big Jiefang Truck started up, all the villagers stepped back a few paces, watching eagerly and with awe as the imposing vehicle turned around and slowly rattled away.
It was their first time getting so close to a Big Jiefang Truck. Not only were the children thrilled, even the adults felt stirred.
"That Big Jiefang Truck really is impressive! A vehicle that big—you'd turn heads wherever you went. Everyone would have to treat the driver well..."
"That's right. Why did A-Dong just let him leave without treating him to something?"
"He was in a hurry. We couldn't hold him up from making money," Father Ye explained with a smile.
Not wanting the villagers to keep staring at their house and discussing them, Lin Xiuqing changed the subject and patted the children. "Aren't you going to school? The truck's gone, and you're still standing here watching. If you're any later, you won't just have to stand as punishment. You'll get your palms smacked with a ruler too."
"Right, right! Come on, let's hurry to school and catch up with it..."
"Oh, right! Let's catch up..."
"Go, go, go..."
At that reminder, the others suddenly realized they could chase after the Big Jiefang Truck on their way to school, killing two birds with one stone.
In an instant, the children charged off like the wind, each carrying a canvas shoulder bag, hurrying to catch the Big Jiefang Truck.
"Slow down! Be careful, and don't get too close..."
"Don't run past the school! Remember to go to class!" Ye Yaodong was a little worried that the little rascals might keep following it and forget all about school.
None of the children paid them any attention. They had already bounded far away.
"A-Dong, how much did you sell those three