When the message was sent out initially, the recruitment location mentioned was the Pancake Fruit Shop in town. Earlier, Wang Laibao had delivered a reply, saying seven or eight people had come to inquire already, and theyâd been informed that interviews would be held uniformly on November 18th at the Budong School.
Today is already November 17th.
Village chief Yang Mancang glanced at Yang Ruxinâs demeanor and knew she had everything under control, so he stopped urging her.
Unexpectedly, the following day the weather turned gloomy, with a chilly northern wind accompanied by fine pellets of snow.
This marked the first cold snap of the winter season this year.
Yang Ruxin had people set up an iron stove in one of the classrooms, burning coal, and it was surprisingly warm inside.
"Miss, if this thing were for sale, itâd probably sell out instantly," Du Juan marveled at the stove and couldnât help commenting.
"Youâre absolutely right, but we donât have the materials," Yang Ruxin sighed.
Here, trying to make copper or iron products was nearly impossible. Copper and iron mines were strictly controlled by the Imperial Court, with annual outputs carefully documented and distributed to various regions. While there might be some surplus, no one would willingly take their reserves for general use.
Last year, He Donglai had managed to help secure one stove, but with the house bigger and more people this year, one wasnât enough. So early on, sheâd requested help from Fang Dehua.
Though they couldnât achieve one stove per room, it was sufficient for their household needs. The Fang Family kept three stoves for themselves as well. This appliance was not only more efficient than burning charcoal for warmth, but it could also boil water and cook food, making it vastly convenient.
Du Juan stuck out her tongue, realizing sheâd spoken randomly.
"Miss, with weather like this, do you think anyone will come?" Chun Hua placed a lump of coal into the stove, closed the lid, and asked with a hint of worry.
"Letâs wait and see." Yang Ruxin wasnât in much of a hurry.
"Big Sis, letâs roast something to eat!" Sanni suggested.
Yang Ruxin had someone fetch sweet potatoes to roast on the stove. Soon, the entire room was filled with a rich, sweet aroma.
"Once Brother Donglai makes us a grilling rack, we can roast meat for you guys. It tastes even better than skewers," Yang Ruxin said, biting into a sweet potato and closing her eyes in satisfaction. In her previous life, a roasted sweet potato had cost over ten bucks, and it hadnât always been this sweet.
"Great, we havenât had roasted meat in so long!" Sanni lit up with joy. The last time theyâd had it was last year.
"Youâve definitely gained weight," Yang Ruxin teased, pinching Sanniâs cheek.
Sanni instinctively glanced at Zhou Xiao. "No, I havenât!"
Zhou Xiao chuckled. "Mengmeng is perfect no matter her size!"
Sanni blushed furiously. "What nonsense are you saying?"
"Iâm speaking the truth," Zhou Xiao said innocently.
"You..." Sanni stomped her foot in frustration.
"Haha..." Yang Ruxin couldnât help laughing mischievously, "Kid, not bad. Youâve got the art of flirting downâsweet talk is the ultimate move! Keep it up!"
"Big Sis, I wasnât sweet talking. Iâm being completely truthful," Zhou Xiao said earnestly, looking at Yang Ruxin as if dissatisfied with her calling it sweet talk.
"Alright, I stand corrected," Yang Ruxin said solemnly to Zhou Xiao. "Youâre absolutely right; my Mengmeng truly is the most beautifulâno matter fat or thin..."