OFTLHFRO C45

Chapter 45: Moving to a New Home

After distributing the seeds, over the next few days, whenever Luo Mingchen ran into villagers—familiar or not—everyone greeted him with bright smiles.

It was the opposite of before, when many had avoided him; now they even brought homegrown luffa, or wild fruit and chestnuts gathered from the hills.

The chestnut trees here were wild, so the nuts were small. After accepting them, Luo decided to save some for planting.

Whether stir-fried, boiled, turned into chestnut cakes, or cooked with pork ribs, they were absolutely delicious.

Repairs on the new house finished earlier than expected. It was supposed to be done just before Mid-Autumn, but everything was completed by the fifth day of the eighth month.

Once the place was thoroughly cleaned, it was time for a buying spree: new tables and benches, new beds and cabinets…

Then came moving the household over.

To cut down on trips, Luo stored part of their things in the space, and even put the chickens and ducks inside. He fenced off a small area so they wouldn’t trample the crops.

The main concern was the ox cart being too conspicuous; if they managed everything in just one or two trips, it would raise suspicion.

Knock, knock.

“Who is it?”

Luo, in the midst of packing kitchenware, set things down and headed out.

Huo had already opened the door. In came Yu Hu with his two sons, along with several other villagers.

Smiling, Yu Hu said, “You’re moving today, so we brought two ox carts to help. That way, you don’t have to run back and forth. Once we’ve delivered the load, we’ll also know exactly where you live, so we can visit when there’s time.”

He added the last part in case they might be reluctant to accept the help. Given the distance, casual visiting wouldn’t be common.

Luo’s delight was obvious. “Thank you so much. This really helps. We were bracing for multiple trips.”

Huo of course didn’t refuse. “Many thanks for the kindness.”

Seeing the pair accept so readily, everyone felt at ease.

Clearly they’d made good money to move into town, yet they still didn’t look down on the village. That spoke well of their character—much better than certain upstarts, and definitely better than certain ingrates.

Everyone joined in and began loading the belongings.

The extra-large items had already been stowed in the space—wardrobes, cupboards, and the like.

The others assumed there simply weren’t any such big pieces, and just heaved the rest onto the carts. Three ox carts trundled slowly toward town.

Upon arrival, the group stepped through the gate—and fell silent at the size of the place.

Even with the courtyard a bit sparsely furnished, it was huge—at least a three-courtyard residence!

So they were this wealthy after all…

The previously chatty bunch immediately quieted down, heads bent to work.

Even Yu Hu grew a little awkward. He’d expected a modest, fully equipped small house, not something of this scale. The gap was striking.

“Set things here. Thank you all—have some water, rest a bit. We’ll start cooking.”

With fewer runs needed, Luo was in high spirits. Treating everyone to a meal was only proper.

One man waved it off. “It was nothing. You still have a lot to organize—no need to trouble yourselves. We’ll head home for lunch.”

Hearing this, Yu Hu understood everyone felt the same. “Da Niu’s right, Mingchen. We’ll eat at home. You two have work to do.”

“That won’t do.”

Luo refused to take advantage at times like this. “Xiaohui, close the gate. Uncle Yu, it’s already lunchtime—why go back now? We’ve decided: everyone must eat here. It won’t take long—sip some water, try some fruit, have a look about the courtyard. Food will be out quickly.”

Yu Hu chuckled helplessly. “We’re not worried about waiting…”

If it were a house like those back in the village, staying would be easy. But now…

Luo missed the undertone completely. “Even better! I’ll make braised pork, roast goose, and spicy fish slices. Everyone who’s tried them says they’re great—stay and taste.”

He turned to Huo Yuhui, who had just shut the door. “Xiaohui, take Grandpa Yu and the uncles inside.”

“Alright.”

More adept with guests than Huo Xiang and less shy, Yuhui led them in with a smile.

Seeing that Luo truly wasn’t just being polite but sincerely wanted them to stay, the men exchanged glances. Then Yu Hu smiled. “Then we’ll impose.”

“Don’t be so formal—we’re all from the same village. Even moving out, we’ll still come back to stay.”

Hearing that, Yu Hu nodded, realizing they had no intention of selling the village house.

If not for the convenience of the boys’ schooling and running a shop, Luo actually preferred village life: plant a few acres, roam the hills now and then, nice and leisurely.

Once they made big money, they could rebuild the village house—perfect.

In the main hall, the guests noticed Huo Xiang and little Yueyue peeking curiously. The two children had grown so much already.

Yet barely two months had passed…

Da Niu teased, “Xiang, Yueyue—do you two remember me?”

Yueyue blinked and shook her head.

Huo Xiang thought it over. “I know! You’re Uncle Da Niu who helped us draw water.”

“Hahaha! Good memory.”

Beaming at the praise, Xiang offered, “Have some fruit. It’s really sweet.”

The men glanced at the basket: bright red apples, very tempting—but none reached out.

Yu Hu asked, “These must be expensive?”

“Mm… not that expensive.”

Xiang remembered Luo’s warning that revealing his secrets would make him “disappear.” Not wanting to lose his wonderful Little Daddy, he lied unsteadily.

Huo Yuhui brought bowls and a large jar of lemon water, walking carefully and steadily.

The tables and chairs were new; so were the bowls.

They drank water, tacitly leaving the fruit untouched.

Yu Hu asked about the boys’ studies. Yuhui, having gotten used to dealing with people, chatted easily—sometimes asking about farming—keeping the conversation from flagging.

A rich aroma drifted in, and stomachs rumbled all around.

Luo and Huo carried the dishes out; more followed, and the guests helped bring plates to the table.

Only Yueyue ate lightly, so Luo had made many dishes—four meat, two vegetables, a soup, and a cold plate—each in generous portions, all served in big bowls, plus a large jug of fresh watermelon juice with a bit of ice.

The earlier stiffness eased as the couple behaved just as they always had. Soon everyone relaxed, and they polished off every last bite.

They left with a big basket of fruit Luo had packed for them.

The experience made Yu Hu recall meals at the Lin household—night and day compared to this.

How could the difference within one extended family be so vast?

After a full meal and a short rest, Luo realized Huo was nowhere to be seen. He searched the entire residence and asked the three kids—none knew where he’d gone.

Odd…

They weren’t opening the shop today—where could he have gone?

Truth be told, Huo had been mysterious now and then these past days. When asked, he’d only say he hadn’t gone out.

With that thought, Luo narrowed his eyes, shut all the other doors, left only the main gate open, and moved a small stool to sit at the entrance and wait.