Chapter 95

If they didn't move out soon, more trouble would undoubtedly find her.

So far, Henry and his group hadn't gone hungry, but their resentment over Summer's better situation showed in their attitude. Occasionally, they did things to make her uncomfortable, like making loud noises when she was resting.

If they ran out of food, their hostility would only increase. Living in closer quarters would amplify their dissatisfaction, making it more likely they'd cause her problems.

Moving away from them would eliminate many potential conflicts.

Initially, Summer planned to save enough money before bringing up the idea of building a house. But now that Henry's group had run out of food, she couldn't wait any longer.

However, Summer realized she had overlooked something. After a moment's thought, she asked Logan, "Will you move out with me?"

They hadn't discussed this seriously before. Logan had been vague when it was mentioned, so Summer wasn't sure if he had decided.

Logan looked at her and asked, "What else am I working with you for?"

Summer, reassured, smiled and said, "Let's talk to Secretary Anthony today if we have time."

Logan agreed, "Alright."

***

After the Sunday market, the festive atmosphere spread throughout the village.

It reached the school too. During breaks, the children chatted excitedly about what they bought at the market and what fun things they saw. Many mentioned the delicious noodles, claiming the taste was worth swallowing their tongues for.

Besides recounting their market experiences, the children eagerly anticipated the end of school. The production team planned to slaughter pigs and distribute the meat, an event everyone wanted to watch.

When school let out at noon, the children ran off in a rush, eager to witness the slaughtering.

Watching pig slaughtering was a significant event in the village, attracting both children and adults.

Summer and Logan, uninterested in the spectacle, returned to the dormitory for lunch after dismissing the excited children.

After lunch, they didn't stay at the dormitory long but headed back to school.

Today, however, instead of resting in the office, Summer and Logan took the money and food coupons they earned at the market and their ledger to see Ben, the team accountant.

In Ben's office, they reviewed all expenses and income, ensuring everything was accurate. Satisfied, they left with their share of the earnings, smiling.

Back in the school office, with some time before class, they sat down to tally their accounts.

From their market ventures, they had earned a total of $140, mainly from the large market the previous day. They had also saved $50 from their stipends over the past few months.

The current month's stipend hadn't been issued yet, but when it was, it would add another $10.

Summer looked at Logan and said, "Based on other villagers' experiences, we have enough to build a two-room house, but not enough for a kitchen."

Logan suggested, "The main expenses are tiles, beams, and wood for doors and windows, plus labor costs. If we can't afford a proper kitchen, we could make do with a simple lean-to roof for now."

Summer nodded, "That works. If we still fall short, we can ask Foreman Ken for an advance on our work points. We won't use all our points for the year, so he'll likely agree."

Logan nodded, "Alright, let's do that."

***

With their plan settled, they returned to their teaching duties. After classes ended in the evening, they went to see Secretary Anthony to discuss building a house near the school.

In his office, Anthony listened to their proposal.

After a moment's thought, he asked, "So, you want to move out of the dormitory and build two rooms near the school, right?"

Summer nodded, "Living close to the school will be more convenient for everything. The dormitory is too far. Think about it, Secretary—schools in town and the county have teacher accommodations. If the children need us, they can find us easily."

She added, "We know building a house is a big deal, so we won't burden the team. We'll cover the costs ourselves if you grant us the land."

Anthony had been leaning back in his chair but straightened up at her words. "So that's why you've been selling noodles at the market—to save for this. You've planned this out well."

Logan chimed in, "Secretary, it's all for the children. We want to dedicate more time to the school."

Anthony looked at them, "You've made your case well. How can I say no to such a sensible plan? I can't refuse when it benefits the students."

Hearing this, Summer beamed, "Thank you, Secretary Anthony."

Anthony added, "The children are lucky to have such dedicated teachers. Thank you both."

With their approval secured, Summer and Logan left the office.

Before they left, Anthony reminded them, "Don't forget to pick up your pork from the team's piggery tomorrow for the Mid-Autumn Festival."

Summer grinned, "We wouldn't miss that!"

Anthony laughed, "Only a fool wouldn't be eager for pork."

Leaving the office, Summer still wore a bright smile.

Logan, also relaxed and pleased, said, "If you want to move out quickly, we should start making bricks tomorrow. We'll skip the market this Sunday to buy wood and hire carpenters."

Summer agreed, "Let's do it."

They discussed their construction plans further. The house would be built as a series of individual rooms next to each other, with a small kitchen beside them.

In the countryside, houses were built with handmade bricks. The team had a brick-making site where villagers brought straw and clay to make bricks at no cost.

If they had the money, they could hire help, either paying with food or money.

Without money, families made bricks themselves, accumulating them slowly until they had enough to build.

Brick-making required skill, which neither Summer nor Logan possessed.

They calculated how many bricks they needed and decided to hire a team worker, a seasoned craftsman who led most of the village's construction projects.

Worried about losing a day's work, they sought out the craftsman after dinner to arrange the job.

He agreed, and the next morning brought nine workers to the brick-making site.

They shoveled earth, added water, mixed clay, filled molds, and turned out bricks.

***

At the riverside brick-making site, the neatly stacked bricks glowed red in the sunset.

Summer and Logan inspected the bricks and handed the prepared ten-dollar payment to the craftsman.