Chapter 299: with translation of chapter title

Near the land temple in Huachi Du Village, there is a small courtyard consisting of two rooms.

Many years ago, a family in the village had only an unmarried daughter who married far away in another province; the courtyard lay vacant for a long time, neglected, and many things inside rotted, becoming a nest for rats.

After Old Qian took office as village head, he couldn't stand seeing it and sent someone to inquire about the owner's whereabouts.

After much effort, they finally located someone, but the woman had already passed away; her children had settled elsewhere, making it impossible for them to move across provinces to live in Huachi Du Village.

Consequently, the other party conveyed that everything should be handled by the village, since they no longer wanted it.

Old Qian then led people inside, cleaning the place thoroughly inside and out; as for the two mu of land left behind, it was allocated according to the village's old custom to those entitled to receive land.

Earlier, when Mr. Liu came to teach at the village school, Old Qian had this courtyard cleaned up and offered it to him as residence.

Now that a new teacher is coming, Gu Xixi heard the news and went to see Old Qian in advance.

This time, however, the situation is slightly different.

The teacher intends to bring his wife and settle long‑term in the village, and both are elderly.

Therefore, their lodging must not only be cleaned but also made as comfortable, convenient, and elegant as possible.

According to Gu Xixi's plan, the roof should be repaired, all doors and windows replaced, and screen doors installed.

In the kitchen, besides the existing water tank and cabinets, the stove is too dilapidated and needs to be rebuilt.

The courtyard ground should be leveled, and the interior and exterior walls of the house and courtyard walls should be repainted.

Gu Xixi also intends to personally lay out a small flower garden in the courtyard and transplant some flowers and grasses.

At that moment, Old Qian listened patiently, his face already tightening into a bitter expression.

"Are all these demands coming from that teacher?"

"No," Gu Xixi laughed, "these are all my ideas."

"Uncle Qian, you don't need to worry about the expenses; I will cover all labor and materials."

There's no alternative; to retain talent, the facilities must be fully equipped.

Old Qian nodded, but he became even more puzzled.

He still frankly asked, "My dear niece, you always have your reasons for doing things, and Uncle Qian will certainly support you."

"But..."

"When Mr. Liu was here, he never complained about uncomfortable lodging; why do you now want to go to such trouble to give special treatment to this new teacher?"

Gu Xixi said, "Because he is a special person, he naturally deserves special treatment."

She whispered a few words, and Old Qian stared wide‑eyed in shock, "Really?"

"The person you're talking about is truly..."

"Uncle Qian," Gu Xixi interrupted him, making a hushing gesture, "Mr. Liu has spoken up; this person has been invited, but whether we can retain him is still up for discussion."

"So let's keep this quiet for now, lest the children be disappointed."

Overjoyed, Old Qian couldn't sit still; he got up and paced back and forth.

"Great! You don't have to worry about the repairs; I'll take care of it—I guarantee everything will be solid within seven days!"

"Also, we'll use villagers for the labor to save wages. I'll find two people to cook for everyone. You just need to contribute a token amount for meals; I'll handle the rest of the materials."

Gu Xixi thought, "With this arrangement, Uncle Qian shouldn't have any difficulties."

"Difficulties?" Old Qian's face flushed, "Well done, my dear niece! You're helping your old uncle out! If I don't pitch in more, I'll truly become useless!"

If the village school thrives, the future of Huachi Du Village will be bright.

When the village school gains renown, Huachi Du Village will also gain renown.

Old Qian already imagined himself one day holding a plaque reading "Head of the Northwest's First Village" and receiving congratulations from everyone.

That same day, Old Qian summoned his newly appointed right‑hand man, Zhou Haode.

The two of them personally measured, drew up plans, and mobilized the villagers.

Inviting a teacher for the village school was originally a communal village matter, and most people had no objections.

Those who could contribute labor signed up to work.

However, people inevitably whispered about it in private.

Just what kind of teacher warrants such grand preparations?

Today, as the courtyard renovation was completed, Old Qian had Aunt Qian summon Gu Xixi to inspect the work together.

As lunchtime approached and Gu Xixi still hadn't returned home, Aunt Zhang sent Shitou to check on her.

Shitou ran all the way, but upon reaching the courtyard's exterior he found it very quiet.

Unlike the past few days, when people were constantly coming and going and noises could be heard from afar.

He peered inside and called out tentatively, "Sister Xixi? Are you there?"

"Yes," came Gu Xixi's voice, "How did you come?"

Shitou entered confidently, looked to the left side of the courtyard, and saw Gu Xixi squatting there, digging the soil.

"Grandma sent me to see why you haven't finished yet; it's almost time to eat."

As he spoke, he walked over and squatted beside her, asking, "Sister Xixi, what are you doing?"

"Planting flowers," Gu Xixi replied, "I plan to go up the mountain tomorrow morning, dig up a few orchids, and plant them here."

"For now, let's mix the base fertilizer; tomorrow we can come back and transplant directly."

Shitou looked around, found a small shovel, and said, "Let's work together; it'll go faster."

The morning inspection not only met Gu Xixi's expectations but even exceeded them with many additional features.

The main house's windows were enlarged for better light, and a writing desk was placed beneath them for use.

On the side of the desk, a wooden shelf was built against the wall, usable as a bookcase.

Inside the bedroom there is a freshly painted large bed, with a cabinet beside it.

Although these things are all refurbished old items, they still require the whole village to contribute goods and labor, keeping everyone busy.

Moved, Gu Xixi also sped up her own progress.

Everyone had left, and she stayed behind to prepare for planting flowers.

As they were leaving, they locked the main gate, and the key was temporarily kept by Gu Xixi.

On the way back, Gu Xixi said, "I'll find a piece of wood when we get back; please write three characters."

Shitou, without hesitation, asked, "Which three characters?"

Gu Xixi thought for a moment, "Let's call it…… Taste Orchid Residence."

"The 'pin' of tea tasting, the 'lan' of orchid, the 'ju' of dwelling."

Shitou insisted on practicing calligraphy, and now he knows many characters.

He shook his head and swayed, "Is it the one who would rather have no meat than live without bamboo, the 'ju'?"

Gu Xixi nodded.

Shitou laughed and said, "Then Sister Xixi wants a dwelling that cannot lack orchid. I guess it's meant to be hung outside the master's residence?"

Gu Xixi poked his forehead with a finger and laughed helplessly, "You're so clever."

"So I'll give you a chance to personally write the door plaque for your future husband; isn't that impressive enough?"

Shitou eagerly rubbed his hands, "How about simply making a big golden-character plaque?"

Just like Qinger's family's Zhenbaoge!

"No." Gu Xixi firmly refused, "It doesn't match."

"The little cottage lies hidden in the village; it's already simple enough. Hanging a custom-made plaque would only raise then lower expectations, and others seeing the interior would inevitably feel a disparity. It's better to take a shortcut."

"Adopting an ancient, simple style, just polish a wooden plaque finely, then write three characters to highlight the theme—that would be enough, and it would have the refined air of a hermit."

Shitou thoughtfully said, "The same courtyard can be made shabby, or it can be ancient and simple."

He turned to Gu Xixi, "Sister Xixi, I get the feeling you're trying to deceive someone."