Chapter 112
Going to the market to run the noodle stall and doing other work for the production team were the same.
Now that the noodle stall was up and running, finding two more people to run it when Summer and Logan were busy meant they wouldn't directly share in the profits.
Like any other work, they would be assigned fixed work points daily.
Leonardo said, "If you think he can handle it, then take him. But you know his family situation. This kid has never been out much; he might not be up to the task."
Summer looked at Leonardo and said, "I'll take him to try it out first and see how he does. If it doesn't work, we can replace him. Is that okay with you?"
Leonardo had no objections. "Sure, take them both to try it out first. It's good for young people to get more exposure."
Summer smiled and responded, "Thank you, Leonardo. Thank you, Ben."
Having arranged the work points in advance and agreed to train Amy and Billy for the stall, Summer and Logan didn't bother Leonardo and Ben any further.
The two left the headquarters and, seeing that it wasn't dark yet, didn't head straight back to their youth point.
The master and the workers were still busy, so Summer and Logan returned to the school and watched them work for a while.
By the end of the day, the earthen wall was already half a person's height.
Logan asked the master, "Do we have enough bricks and tiles?"
The master estimated and said, "It looks sufficient, we should have some left over."
Logan then said, "If we have extras, could you also build two chicken coops for us?"
The master agreed, "No problem, that's a small task."
The chicken coops at their youth point were rudimentary, made of branches and bamboo poles. The roof was covered with corn stalks and straw, which leaked during heavy rains, soaking the coops.
If they could have brick and tile roofs, it would be much more secure.
Summer and Logan stayed and helped the master and workers where they could, not just relying on having paid them.
As it got dark, making it hard to work, the master and workers headed home.
Summer and Logan, too busy to host them at their youth point, handed out cigarettes and thanked them for their hard work.
After the master and workers left, Summer and Logan returned to the youth point.
Just as they arrived in the dimming light, Grace and the others returned as well.
Knowing they were exhausted and hungry, Summer and Logan let them use the kitchen first.
Sophia, unable to compete with Mike and Lily, waited her turn, resting in the dormitory until they were done.
The dormitory was unlit, only their silhouettes visible in the dim light.
Summer sat on the bed, resting, while Sophia sat at the table, staring out the window, lost in thought.
Despite being outcasts, Summer and Sophia didn't bond over their shared fate. They ignored each other, acting as if the other didn't exist.
But as Summer sat, she couldn't help but glance at Sophia.
She thought of Sophia's life in the novel, where she was a shining star, respected as a teacher, well-paid, and able to help others. The villagers called her "Teacher Sophia," and the other youths flattered her.
She also had Henry, who gave her love and romance.
Although the countryside life was generally hard, compared to others, she had everything she wanted.
Even the opportunity to return to the city came through Henry.
But now, her situation was entirely different from the novel.
Without Summer as the supporting character, Sophia couldn't live the enviable life from the book. She struggled for even the most basic existence.
Summer wondered if Sophia and Henry could endure this hardship together. If they did, their love would be more genuine and profound than in the novel.
When Henry failed to get Summer to give up her teaching position to Sophia, Summer had thought it might hinder their relationship. But it had only made them grow closer faster.
It seemed that Summer deviating from the original storyline changed other events but didn't negatively impact Henry and Sophia's relationship.
This current adversity might once again deepen their bond.
After a while, Sophia stood up and went to the kitchen. Summer snapped out of her thoughts and hoped that Sophia and Henry could stay together, sparing others from their drama.
If they couldn't escape their destined roles, Summer wouldn't take Henry back. She was determined to change her fate.
After sitting for a while, Summer got up and called Logan. Together, they went to the kitchen to cook dinner.
They had a semi-cooperative arrangement. Summer cooked for Logan, so they cooked and ate together, but each provided their own food.
Summer adhered strictly to this, always keeping things clear.
The youth point was still quiet that evening.
Summer and Logan didn't talk much, quietly eating and cleaning up before heading to their rooms to wash up and sleep.
The next two days, they spent all their spare time building the house.
Most of the work was done by the master and workers, with Summer and Logan helping where they could and ensuring the house was built as they wanted.
The master and workers were diligent, working until dark each day.
In just two more days, they completed two rooms and a sloped-roof kitchen next to the school, as well as two small chicken coops outside.
The bricks and tiles were limited, so they only built sleeping and laying areas for the chickens. For a yard and fences, they would use bamboo to make their own.
On the last day, Summer and Logan paid the master and workers. Unable to host them for a meal, they apologized again.
In the deepening twilight, they watched the master and workers leave, and Summer sighed in relief.
Turning to look at the new house, she said happily, "Once the house dries, I'll finally have my own place here."
They had paid for the house themselves, each getting a room and sharing the kitchen.
Now, she could have her own room with her own things, living without interruption.
The mere thought was incredibly comforting.
Who wouldn't prefer a private space over sharing with many others? No one liked waiting for the kitchen or eating in a crowded room.