In the courtyard, everyone is afraid of the little boy who is so smart!

Zhao Shuzhuo's eyes rolled around, and he reacted most quickly. He took a small step forward, a flattering smile on his face, and said with sparkling eyes:

"Director Liu, you are so energetic and spirited. You look even more energetic than us young boys! On the first day of the new year, how can I not come to pay New Year's greetings to you, the big man in our village, and wish you good luck and smooth sailing in the future?"

Cheng Hai stood aside, looking a little thin. He lowered his head slightly, clasped his hands nervously in front of him, with a shy smile on his face, and whispered in agreement:

"That's right, Shuzhuo is right."

At the enthusiastic greeting of Director Liu, the group rushed into the house like tired birds returning to their nests. As soon as they crossed the vermilion threshold, a warm feeling and the lively atmosphere of the house came over them.

The layout of the house is full of the flavor of the New Year. The walls are covered with colorful and auspicious New Year pictures, and the tables and chairs are neatly arranged. Friends and relatives sit together, eating melon seeds and candies, and laughter is like jumping notes, constantly echoing in the air.

Everyone had just found an empty seat and hadn't even had time to warm up when Director Liu stood up from his chair like a child, put his hands on his hips, tilted his head back slightly, and shouted humorously at the top of his voice:

"Mrs. Liu, Mrs. Liu, please bring me some good wine so we can have a few drinks."

The resonant voice was like the sound of a huge bell, instantly disrupting the original rhythm of conversation in the room and causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Song Na was deftly serving tea and arranging fruit plates for everyone. When she heard her man's hurried shout, she paused slightly.

She glared at Director Liu in a feigned anger, but her eyes were clearly filled with a hint of doting, and she responded slowly:

"I know. You're the one who's anxious."

As she spoke, she put down the teapot in her hand, turned around and walked quickly to the cupboard in the inner room. After a while, she took out a tightly sealed jar of fine wine with both hands. The red silk cloth on the jar shone with a festive luster under the light.

Song Na gently placed the wine jar on the table, patted it, and said to everyone with a smile:

"This is a fine wine that the master has treasured for a long time. Normally, he is reluctant to take it out. You are in for a treat today."

Seeing that Director Liu was about to open the bottle, Director Song, also known as Song Guohua, stood up quickly, waving his hands in the air rapidly, like flags swaying in the wind, and said:

"No, no, we just drank at our house, we can't drink again."

There was a hint of determination in his voice and a helpless smile on his face, trying to dissuade Director Liu from this enthusiastic action.

When Director Liu heard this, his smiling face was instantly covered by a dark cloud. The corners of his mouth drooped slightly, and he said unhappily:

"What? You guys have all been drinking, why didn't you call me? Brother, what you did is not authentic."

The tone was full of loss and complaint, just like a child who was forgotten outside a party by his friends.

Seeing this, Song Guohua hurriedly smiled and tried to smooth things over. He leaned forward, his smile becoming more friendly, and gently patted Director Liu on the shoulder, saying:

"Brother Liu, Brother Liu, don't be anxious, listen to me."

He paused for a moment, glanced at Wang Jianguo and the other two, and continued to explain:

"They said they wanted to come to your house to pay New Year's greetings. I thought it was just a simple New Year's greeting. I didn't know they came to see you for something important."

"I thought to myself, since this matter concerns the important affairs of the village, as an elder, how can I stand idly by? So I came along. Don't be offended, Brother Liu."

Song Guohua's words were clear and logical. He not only explained the reason, but also showed respect and comfort for Director Liu, trying to resolve this minor unpleasantness.

After listening to Song Guohua's explanation, Director Liu's expression eased a little. He sat back in his chair and looked at Wang Jianguo and the other two again. His expression became serious, and he frowned slightly and asked:

"Come on, children, you came to me on New Year's Day for more than just New Year's greetings, right?"

Wang Jianguo and the other two looked at each other, feeling both nervous and expectant. They knew very well that the upcoming conversation was related to the plan to build a brick house after the new year. This crucial gathering was about to start an exchange about dreams and hopes.

Wang Jianguo sat in the warm house of Director Liu and looked around. The festive New Year pictures on the wall and the sumptuous fruit plate on the table made the New Year atmosphere even more intense.

His hands unconsciously rubbed lightly on his knees, and he kept thinking in his mind how to start talking about business. After all, this visit to Director Liu carried many expectations for his future life.

In fact, Wang Jianguo and Director Liu have some history. When the village built the canteen of the supply and marketing cooperative, Wang Jianguo participated in it as the main labor force. At that time, the supply of bricks was a big problem.

In order to ensure the smooth progress of the project, Wang Jianguo went to the brick factory again and again and communicated and coordinated with Director Liu repeatedly.

After a while, the two gradually became familiar with each other and formed a little friendship. At this moment, this friendship gave him the courage to speak first.

Wang Jianguo cleared his throat slightly, attracted everyone's attention, and said sincerely:

"Director Liu, this is it."

He paused, his eyes revealing his regret for the hard life in the past and his longing for the future.

"As you know, my cousin He Yushui and I have been living in Brother Shuzhuo's house since we came to the Great Northern Wilderness. This year, thanks to Brother Shuzhuo's family's care, my brother and I have a place to stay. I am filled with gratitude."

As he spoke, he looked at Zhao Shuzhuo with gratitude in his eyes. Zhao Shuzhuo nodded slightly and returned his encouraging look.

"But as the days go by, the situation at home is slowly changing. After the Chinese New Year, I thought about bringing my sister and other relatives here to live with us so that we can take care of each other and live a more lively life."

A trace of longing emerged on Wang Jianguo's face, as if he had already seen the warm scene of his family reuniting.

"But this mud house is too fragile. You don't know that whenever it rains or blows, the house leaks. When it rains heavily outside, it rains lightly inside. When winter comes, the cold wind blows straight in, making people shiver."

"If there is a natural disaster, such as a rainstorm or an earthquake, it might collapse all of a sudden. Living inside, you will be in fear all day long."

Having said that, he shook his head helplessly, his eyes full of helplessness and worry about the current situation.