Chapter 417: Chapter 404: Grabbing

When one feels unsettled and displaced, they strive to live a life that resembles the one others live — to eat the same white buns as the rest.

In this struggle, some may resort to crooked means.

The world is full of green-eyed monsters, prevention beforehand and heightened vigilance are better than being caught unprepared at the eleventh hour.

But these are the worst-case scenarios. Zhuang Qingning often doesn’t want to think the worst of people. These words are merely the thoughts in her heart, not spoken entirely. They are a subtle reminder to Miao Hongjin.

Miao Hongjin, having served as the village chief for many years and lived for so long, had seen a lot of people and events. Upon hearing Zhuang Qingning’s words, he instantly understood the implied nuances she didn’t express.

“Miss Zhuang, rest assured, I understand,” Miao Hongjin nodded, “To be honest with you, Miss Zhuang, I have been worrying about this since the beginning, and all necessary precautions have been taken.”

“To say something boastful, although Miao Village is poor and has few people, those who dwell here trust me. They feel secure with my words.”

“In the future, I will remind everyone again, so everyone is aware.”

Based on their interactions over this period, Zhuang Qingning had a fair understanding of Miao Hongjin’s character. She knew him to be a man of sound judgement and practicality.

Since he had thought it through, she felt there was no need for her to worry too much.

“Hmm,” Zhuang Qingning nodded, “With Miao Hongjin in charge, it seems everything should be alright.”

“Having Miao Hongjin is indeed a blessing to our village.”

Zhuang Qingning’s words were sincere and devoid of flattery. Indeed, few people would work with such dedication for the whole village.

“What are you saying? Miss Zhuang and Master Ding are our village’s lucky stars,” Mrs. Jin chimed in as she emerged from the workshop.

Mrs. Jin is Miao Hongjin’s wife, who also works in the noodle workshop.

Upon seeing Mrs. Jin emerge from the workshop and looking at the sun overhead, Miao Hongjin said, “It’s already time, check on how everyone is doing, wrap up the work, and then we can finish for the day.”

“Miss Zhuang, would you like to have lunch at my house? My wife’s culinary skills may not be the best, but her stir-fried chicken chunks are decent. You can give them a try?”

Zhuang Qingning was familiar enough with Miao Hongjin to find nothing odd about having a meal at his house. Yet, about these stir-fried chicken chunks…

Zhuang Qingning had visited Miao Hongjin’s house a few times. She knew that life in his house was more comfortable than others in the village because both his sons were working in the city. But it wasn’t much better either.

“Just making some sweet potato rice would be good enough…”

Rice steamed with corn grits and sweet potato chunks while adding some water, creates a gooey texture. Also, the sweet potatoes here have a smooth, sweet taste, making it quite delicious to eat.

Also, it’s simple and economical.

Before Zhuang Qingning’s words fully came out, a crowd of people rushed out of the workshop and surrounded Zhuang Qingning and Miao Hongjin, talking endlessly.

“Just because you are the village chief doesn’t mean you should always get your way. Miss Zhuang always has meals at your home, it isn’t fair.”

“Exactly, it’s time for us to take turns. Miss Zhuang, how about having lunch at my place? I foraged some wood ear mushrooms yesterday. The elm tree’s mushrooms are fresh and crisp. I can stir fry a dish for you for lunch.”

“Please! Your elm tree mushrooms… I’ve looked at them! You picked them when they were the size of a fingertip and not fully grown, how can they taste good? I think she should come to my house, my husband caught a fish from the river yesterday. The fish is still living in a basin at home. It’ll be fresh.”

“What’s the big deal about it? We have a rabbit at my house. Rabbit meat is said to be the most delicious. She should come to my house to eat stewed rabbit…”

“…”

The crowd created a hubbub there, gently pulling and trying to take Zhuang Qingning to their houses for a meal.

Even when Miao Hongjin opened his mouth to stop them, it barely made a difference to the chaos in front of them.

Why did this feel like a slap in the face?

Didn’t they promise that they would listen to the village chief?

Miao Hongjin’s face immediately turned awkward, while Zhuang Qingning shifted her gaze awkwardly between the sky and the ground.

Although, their voices were loud and they were pulling her forcefully, Zhuang Qingning understood that this was the villagers’ way of expressing their welcome and respect for her.

However, as touching as it was, if they continued to argue like this, it would not lead anywhere.

“Everyone, calm down for a moment, listen to me…”

Zhuang Qingning raised her voice.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning starting to talk, those who were arguing just moments ago calmed down. They eagerly looked at Zhuang Qingning, waiting for her to speak.

“I appreciate everyone’s kind intentions, but I have just one stomach. Even if I wanted to, it’s not possible for me to have a bite at everyone’s house.”

Zhuang Qingning laughed, “So it’s best for me to go to just one house. But who’s house should I visit….”

“Why don’t we decide in a fair and just manner?”

On hearing that a fair and just method would be used to resolve the issue, everyone got more excited. They all looked at each other and asked Zhuang Qingning, “What method?”

“That is… rock, paper, scissors!”

“Whoever wins, I’ll go to their house for lunch today.”

As soon as Zhuang Qingning finished speaking, everyone nodded in approval.

“Good, this is a good method.”

“Yes, it’s a good method. If you lose, it’s because you’re not meant to win, then there’s nothing to complain about.”

“Indeed, indeed, let’s start immediately.”

“…”

Therefore, outside the workshop, they began to play rock-paper-scissors in pairs.

Those who lost were eliminated and the winners advanced to the next round to challenge the other winners.

The winners, of course, were exhilarated, looking forward to the next round. Those who lost were downcast, their spirits dwindling. They could only watch as others play the game eagerly.

Miao Hongjin was eliminated in the first round and was sitting among the dispirited lot, heaving a sigh.

If he remembered correctly, there were two people who once found a duck egg at the same time by the roadside and reached out to pick it up at the same time. Since it was not clear to whom the egg should belong, he proposed playing rock-paper-scissors to decide. Whoever wins could keep the egg.

What happened then?

The two people rolled their eyes at him together, saying something like…the village chief he was acting like a child, and that his method is only suitable for a three-year-old kid.