Chapter 367 - 265 Dumplings
After the morning’s events, Chen Xin didn’t stay in the tent, as that would only deepen the awkwardness between the three.
He dressed, washed up a bit, grabbed something to eat, and left the tent; other workers outside were also gradually getting up and preparing to work.
Mo Qingyan and Qin Lan, inside the tent, watched Chen Xin leave, both with expressions that weren’t particularly pleasant.
Qin Lan felt embarrassed because Chen Xin saw through things, and felt guilty towards Mo Qingyan, while Mo Qingyan felt disappointed and shy; after all, she had been so proactive, yet Chen Xin had shown no response.
However, neither of them chose to stop Chen Xin to ask for an explanation, since it could still be said that last night was a joke and there’s room for maneuver. If they forced things out into the open for Chen Xin to make a statement, and he refused, there would be no room left at all.
So, after exchanging a silent gaze, Qin Lan and Mo Qingyan also tidied up, left the tent, and prepared to go back.
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This interlude didn’t affect Chen Xin’s work. Although deep down he might have fantasized about having Qin Lan and Mo Qingyan in bed with him, he still had to focus on work seriously.
The snow near the hot spring well had been cleared out into a pit yesterday; according to Chen Xin’s estimated schedule, today’s clearing of snow would be completed, preparing the site needed for construction.
After breakfast, Chen Xin and the workers headed to the site together, continuing the work unfinished yesterday.
The weather now was much better compared to before. Although still very cold with occasional strong winds, compared to the snowstorm days where snow could pile meters deep in a day, it was pretty good that there was just a thin layer of snow on the tools left by the workers at the site for clearing snow last night.
The workers descended into the snow pit, shook off the dusting of snow on the tools, and began working again.
The workers actually didn’t know what exactly they were supposed to do there. Chen Xin merely issued tasks, and they just worked accordingly.
Regarding what they were specifically doing and its significance, although it might effectively improve work efficiency by telling the workers, Chen Xin still did not explain these to them.
In fact, it made little difference. Given the circumstances of the world now, as long as there’s work, even work like shoveling snow without reason, the workers would diligently do it. After all, working a day means getting a day’s ration, which in these times is something no one can resist.
The workers’ speed in clearing snow wasn’t slow. Although paid daily, these workers did not attempt to slack off to extend the deadline to cheat more days’ rations. On the contrary, they were working very hard, neither needing supervision nor motivational tactics.
Chen Xin understood the workers’ mindset very well. In fact, the vast majority of people did not have thoughts or intentions of slacking off; as long as the daily wages were paid promptly, people would naturally be earnest and diligent in completing the work.
Knowing that in today’s environment, having a job, being able to eat one’s fill, and support a family is already a very fortunate thing.
Thus, these workers worked diligently, progressing even faster than Chen Xin had anticipated.
By noon, more than two-thirds of the total workload had been cleared in the snow pit.
At this pace, Chen Xin estimated that the entire clearing would be finished by afternoon.
Naturally, Chen Xin was very satisfied with this. Though today’s planned work only included clearing the snow pit, if the clearing was completed earlier, the saved time could be used to either let the workers off early or prepare the parts and materials for the heating hub at the site for tomorrow’s construction—both very good options.
As Chen Xin was contemplating whether to let the workers leave early to rest and recharge for tomorrow’s work, or first transport the prepared parts and materials from the snow cave, staff from Lin City drove a somewhat unusual vehicle to find him.
"Hello, are you Mr. Chen? We’re from Lin City Hall. The city hall knows you guys are working here, and specifically sent us to greet you." The staff introduced themselves to Chen Xin and pointed to the vehicle they arrived in, saying, "Today is New Year’s Eve. The city hall is very grateful to your rescue team for coming from the city to help us. They feel sorry about you not being able to go back and reunite with family for the New Year, so they specially prepared dumplings for you."
"Is today already New Year’s Eve?" Chen Xin looked at the staff, surprised. Since the meteor struck and plunged the sky into a long night of darkness, he had long stopped paying attention to the days, mostly checking his watch just to confirm whether it’s AM or PM.
But now it was already New Year’s Eve, something Chen Xin truly hadn’t expected.
Thinking of this, he decided on the matter he had hesitated over. He said to the staff, "Thank you so much, I actually forgot today was New Year’s Eve! Are the dumplings in the car? Please send them to our quarters where I can let the workers eat after they’re cooked."
"This vehicle is a field canteen, and we can cook right here." The staff, hearing Chen Xin’s words, quickly responded that the vehicle could cook the dumplings right there.
However, Chen Xin shook his head: "Out here without cover, even if cooked, the cold wind would freeze them; our quarters have heaters, a slightly warmer temperature where workers can have hot dumplings."
"Oh, I see! I’ll have the driver move the car over there now." The staff understood, nodded quickly, and directed the driver to head towards the snow cave Chen Xin indicated.
Meanwhile, Chen Xin hurried to find Cao Daren and told him about this matter.
"Oh my, I actually forgot it’s New Year’s Eve!" Cao Daren slapped his forehead, clearly forgetting about it too.
But being able to eat some dumplings was undoubtedly a hard-to-resist temptation for Cao Daren.
He checked the time and said to Chen Xin, "Writer, how about letting the workers go back to eat dumplings first? Anyway, there’s just a bit of work left, it will surely be finished this afternoon. Let them eat some hot dumplings, then work hard this afternoon to finish early, and give them a holiday to properly celebrate New Year’s Eve. What do you think?"
"That’s what I was thinking as well." Chen Xin laughed.