The Happy Farmer Wanderer-Chapter 367 Leisure Warmth_1

After leaving Lü Zong’s place, Li Qing rushed back to the village.

Taking on such a big job was not an easy task.

Even though Lü Zong suggested that the more workers they could recruit the better, Li Qing still had to consider his own abilities.

A skilled worker’s daily wage was now around three hundred yuan, while an unskilled laborer earned about two hundred.

Employing a skilled worker to lead two unskilled workers would amount to twenty thousand yuan a month.

For ten groups, the monthly wage expenditure would be two hundred thousand yuan.

Though Li Qing had managed to save up some capital, it was only enough to pay around thirty workers for one and a half months.

However, the good thing now was that he wasn’t the only one taking the risk—Lü Zong was bearing the brunt of it.

Thinking about this, Li Qing felt like he had taken advantage of Lü Zong again.

He had no experience in managing construction projects, but somehow felt that splitting the profits fifty-fifty was a bit too generous for him.

Li Qing’s temporary plan was to earn a small amount of money while accumulating experience and connections.

But since Lü Zong insisted on such an arrangement, he had no choice but to accept it.

By the time he returned to the village, it was already getting dark.

After a day of running around, Li Qing felt utterly drained.

Just as he entered his home, tired, he smelled the aroma of cooking dishes.

Seeing Han Mei and Wu Xingxing busy in the kitchen, a smile of happiness couldn’t help but form on Li Qing’s lips.

This is what home feels like!

It was just that recently Tian Yue’e had gone to live with Yu Lan, making the house a bit less lively.

"Why are you so late today? Where did you go wandering off to again?" Han Mei came out of the kitchen with dishes, a sweet smile on her face but complaining, "I was thinking of having you mind the store during the weekend, so Xingxing and I could go to town and do some shopping, buy some clothes and things."

"I’ll mind the store tomorrow!" Li Qing immediately stated, "I did wander quite a bit today, Secretary Zhou discussed a money-making opportunity with me, I’m somewhat tempted and planning to take it on!"

"Secretary Zhou?" Han Mei slightly furrowed her brow.

"Have you forgotten the lesson from last time? You dare to get involved with him again? He’s not someone we should deal with."

Li Qing patted his chest and said, "Sister-in-law, this time it’s not exactly a sure thing, but there’s basically no problem."

"Our county is about to start a large-scale New Rural Project, and I’ll mainly be responsible for the workers, acting as a subcontractor. Others will worry about the things up top; it won’t be so easy for Secretary Zhou to trick me again."

Han Mei didn’t say anything more, only advising, "Just be careful, there are plenty of people who’ve been ruined by taking on construction projects. Although this kind of job pays more, the losses could be huge if things go awry."

"Sister-in-law, don’t worry, I will be cautious," Li Qing said softly.

"So you mean you’re free tomorrow?" Han Mei asked, nodding.

Li Qing nodded, "Tomorrow night I’m planning to invite some of the old craftsmen from the village for dinner, to discuss a partnership. Other than that, I don’t have anything else."

"Then it’s settled, tomorrow Xingxing and I will take a trip to the town or county, Xingxing has been longing for a sausage grill and a barbecue oven, and I plan to also buy Xingxing some new clothes while we’re there since the clothes she brought are few!" Han Mei said softly and sweetly.

"Sister-in-law, hold on a moment!"

Li Qing returned to his room, took out two thousand yuan, and handed it to Han Mei.

"Buy yourself some clothes too, don’t neglect yourself."

Han Mei glared, "I have plenty of clothes, why buy more? Keep the money, I have some."

"Just do as I say, if you won’t pamper yourself, I still care about you!" Li Qing firmly pushed the money back into Han Mei’s hands.

Han Mei’s eyes shone with a soft, sparkling light, and she gave Li Qing a charming glance, laughing, "Alright then, I’ll accept it. Only a fool wouldn’t take an advantage offered—I’ve got a man who dotes on me now..."

Li Qing felt a slight twinge in his heart upon hearing those words.

He gently embraced Han Mei and softly said, "Sister-in-law, let me take good care of you from now on."

Han Mei murmured an affirmative sound before pushing Li Qing away in a fluster, "Xingxing is still in the kitchen, stop messing around."

Like a fool, Li Qing just laughed and grinned.

"If you have time, visit Yue’er more often. I’ll check on her in a couple of days!" Han Mei said with a playful lift of her eyes and a chiding smile.

These words made Li Qing nod vigorously as if injected with adrenaline, "Okay!"

The sister-in-law had actually brought up the matter herself.

It seemed that the sister-in-law was now completely open to their relationship and was even beginning to take some initiative.

"Sister-in-law, has Qin Wenjun been in touch with you lately?" Li Qing suddenly remembered this and asked.

Han Mei nodded slightly, "I’ve already talked to her, and she hasn’t been looking for me recently."

"Speaking of which, she really is a nice girl, but it’s a pity her fate has been somewhat bumpy. Now with her preferences, I feel her path ahead is even tougher."

Li Qing felt a sense of relief within him, as long as Qin Wenjun stopped pestering them, that was good.

Having a woman nearly snatch his sister-in-law away was something that made Li Qing uncomfortable.

He replied casually, "Such preferences might be more tolerated in big cities, but in small places like ours, just a little rumor and her position as secretary could be at risk."

Because of her dressing style, Tian Yue’e had been the subject of such rumors, resulting in her inability to even find a match for an arranged marriage, let alone Qin Wenjun’s situation.

If even a hint of a rumor got out, the villagers would probably smash the village office.

Especially since Qin Wenjun had previously instigated the village women against the men.

If these two issues were linked together, the old men in the village would not doubt that Qin Wenjun was undermining them, and it would likely lead to an uproar.

Wu Xingxing came out of the kitchen, carrying the last dish.

"Dinner is ready!"

The dinner for the three of them was cozy and comfortable.

After dinner, Han Mei and Wu Xingxing discussed what they needed to buy for their trip to the county town the next day.

The two even made a serious list.

Li Qing glanced over it casually and noticed that the two women were indeed thoughtful, preparing gifts for Tian Yue’e and Yu Lan. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Han Mei sat for a while before she went back.

Li Qing played with Wu Xingxing for a while and then went to bed early.

Wu Xingxing could now lie naturally in Li Qing’s arms, allowing him to stroke her upper body.

But when Li Qing mentioned moving to the next step and making her a woman, she was still somewhat resistant.

She kept saying she wasn’t ready yet.

Li Qing wasn’t in a hurry, though.

He had plenty of women now, so he didn’t crave Wu Xingxing, the young flower, that much and was able to hold back.

The next morning, Li Qing went to the county town and also dropped off Han Mei and Wu Xingxing.

After returning home, he started his day as the small shop’s owner.

In his leisure, he felt a bit bored.

For someone used to running around all the time, suddenly being still was somewhat uncomfortable.