Back at the Yang household, by the time Grandpa Yang and Yang Tao’s father returned, lunch was already ready.
During the meal, Grandpa Yang mentioned Educated Youth Chen’s plan to build a blue-brick house, causing another wave of shock among the family.
Second Uncle Yang couldn’t help asking,
“Is Xiao Chen really planning to build a blue-brick house? That’ll cost at least three or four hundred yuan.”
Yang Tao’s father replied,
“We talked to him about it on the way back. He said his family would send him money when he gets married, so the construction funds won’t be a problem.”
“He’ll be going to neighboring Linquan Town tomorrow morning to see if he can buy blue bricks.”
“Getting the bricks may take some time, so we’ll wait until he brings them back before making further plans.”
That evening, after everyone returned from work, Grandpa Yang announced some more good news.
The production team had officially approved the plot of land behind the Yang family home for Educated Youth Chen and Yang Tao to build their house.
He also told everyone that after work, whenever they had free time, they could begin helping clear and level the land.
Everyone agreed.
Yang Tao’s eldest brother even wanted to go over and inspect the site immediately.
However, his father sent him off to fetch water instead.
There was only one well in the village.
Every morning, the family filled a large water vat, which was enough for cooking throughout the day.
But in the evening, water was needed for heating and bathing, so someone always had to fetch more after work.
The men handled that task, with the three family branches taking turns.
Today happened to be Yang Tao’s branch’s turn.
Hearing that the building site had been approved, Yang Tao felt genuinely happy.
Soon, she would have a home of her own in this world.
Of course, the Yang family home was also her home, but it wasn’t quite the same.
The Yang family treated her very well.
Even so, she constantly worried about exposing herself.
After all, the original owner had lived with them for more than seventeen years.
Since arriving, she had been somewhat cautious in everything she did.
Fortunately, there were many children in the family, and everyone spent most of their day working outside, so no one paid especially close attention to her.
Otherwise, she wasn’t even sure whether her disguise would have fallen apart long ago.
Things would be different after marriage.
Then it would only be her and Educated Youth Chen.
She could gradually return to being herself.
Even if they lived close to the Yang family, they would still be a separate household.
If the Yang family noticed she was different, she could simply attribute the changes to Educated Youth Chen’s influence.
She would no longer need to constantly pretend.
The next day, after everyone had left, Yang Tao deliberately went to inspect the newly approved building site behind the house.
The land was relatively flat, though weeds and stones covered much of it.
It would still require some work before construction could begin.
After taking a look around, she returned home.
Her morning routine remained much the same: tidying rooms, cleaning the courtyard, and washing clothes.
Yesterday, while washing laundry at the pond, she had run into several village aunties who had all asked about her injury.
Today, however, the topic had changed.
The moment they saw her, they began asking about her upcoming marriage to Educated Youth Chen.
Aunt Hu from next door asked,
“Tao Ya, when are you and Educated Youth Chen getting married? I heard you’re even planning to build your own house.”
One of her elderly clan relatives added,
“I heard from the village chief’s wife that you’re planning a blue-brick house too. That’ll cost several hundred yuan!”
“That Educated Youth Chen really is wealthy, coming from the city. You’ll definitely live a comfortable life after marrying him.”
But not everyone approved.
Yang Dazhong’s wife, whose home was near the educated youth residence at the edge of the village, voiced a different opinion.
“What’s so great about marrying an educated youth?”
“None of them can do much farm work.”
“They can barely support themselves, let alone a wife and children.”
“Who knows whether they’ll ever be able to return to the city?”
“If they can’t, then marrying a local man would be much better.”
“At least local men are hardworking and capable.”
“You know their backgrounds and don’t have to worry about going hungry.”
Some people agreed with her.
Others disagreed.
Before long, everyone was talking over one another, creating a lively and noisy debate.
As a result, no one kept pressing Yang Tao to answer questions.
She was more than happy to stand by and enjoy the gossip alongside everyone else.