Chapter 133: A Visit, A Token of Thanks

Liu's mother, seeing them finish unloading the cement, quickly fetched water into the courtyard: "You've all worked so hard. Hurry and wash your hands, then come drink a bowl of water."

Uncle Liangzi led the men to wash their hands and drink the water before rushing over to the new house site. Today they needed to finish digging the foundation and also watch as the stonemasons chiseled out all the stones for the base; there was plenty to do.

Fu Yan Cheng drank the water but did not leave. He stood up, went to the driver's cabin, and brought in two net bags of things: "Uncle, Auntie, last time it was thanks to Liu Chuxue's intervention that I was saved. I should have come to express my gratitude long ago, but first my body hadn't recovered, and then I had duties to attend to. I've only just come now; I hope you won't mind."

As he spoke, he also looked toward Liu Chuxue, who had just emerged from the west wing.

Liu Chuxue had naturally heard what he said: "What are you doing? If we go by your logic, shouldn't I also bring you a gift of thanks? Didn't I say before that we've saved each other, so we're even?"

Hearing her say this, Fu Yan Cheng smiled: "Our situations are different. Without me, you could still have saved yourself, but I am different; without your help, I very likely would have lost my life."

In fact, what he said was not untrue. Without Fu Yan Cheng, she would merely have spent a bit more time, but regardless, she had only delivered a message and yet received such great honor, indirectly solving his family's predicament.

Just as she was about to say something, Fu Yan Cheng quickly interrupted: "I've already brought the things over; it wouldn't be right to carry them back. Besides, there's a lot to do today, so let's not waste time on this."

Liu Chuxue paused for a moment: "What matter?"

Fu Yan Cheng handed the net bag to Liu's mother: "Auntie, there are quite a few tonics inside, perfectly suitable for Uncle. Please keep them."

Liu's mother was somewhat at a loss and turned to look at her daughter.

Liu Chuxue was not the type to fuss: "Since he's already brought them, let's accept them."

Seeing Liu Chuxue soften her stance, Fu Yan Cheng felt a surge of joy: "By the way, I specially borrowed a large cart from someone today, which can just as well help you haul the bricks for the house back."

Hearing him say this, Liu Chuxue didn't know what to say for a moment.

Fu Yan Cheng, seeing her stay silent, asked: "What's wrong? Haven't you made contact?"

Liu Chuxue quickly waved her hands: "I previously asked the village cadres for help. Since the village isn't too far from the brick kiln, I had planned to go fetch them when needed, so we wouldn't have to guard the yard at night."

That consideration wasn't wrong either. Her father's leg still hadn't healed, so it wouldn't be right for them, a group of women, to go guard the yard at night; otherwise, if they didn't watch, everything might be stolen in one night.

Fu Yan Cheng truly hadn't considered this: "Once construction on the house begins, how long will it take to finish?"

Liu's father spoke up then: "With four master masons, the walls can be up in five or six days. For the entire project to be completed, it will probably take over ten days; at most half a month to get everything sorted."

Fu Yan Cheng looked at Liu Chuxue: "If I help you haul all the bricks and tiles back today, we can save quite a bit of labor. I'll also help you borrow two dogs; then the dogs can guard the yard for you, and no one needs to go over there."

Before Liu Chuxue could speak, Liu's mother declared firmly: "We dare not. If those dogs aren't familiar with us, they might bite someone, and that would be bad."

But Liu Chuxue didn't rush to refuse. She thought Fu Yan Cheng had a point. Although the distance wasn't too far, having someone go fetch bricks every day would waste time. It would be better to haul them all back at once. If necessary, they could find someone from the village to help guard the yard, and the house could be built sooner.