At noon, Lu Jiao arranged a table full of dishes in the main hall of the front courtyard to entertain Xie Erzhu, Xu Duojin, and Uncle Xiao.
The four children found Xie Erzhu and the others particularly familiar and kept asking about the situation in the village—how was Gou Shening? How were Brother Stone and the others?
Taking advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention, Xie Yunjin whispered to Lu Jiao about Uncle Xiao's suggestion.
Lu Jiao didn't immediately reject the idea but whispered back, "Helping me manage the fields is not a problem, but I don't intend to use an outsider. The person managing the fields must sign an indenture. Is Uncle Xiao willing to do so?"
As soon as Lu Jiao finished speaking, Uncle Xiao beside her spoke up, "I'm willing."
Lu Jiao turned to look at Uncle Xiao and asked, "Are you sure, Uncle Xiao?"
Uncle Xiao nodded firmly, expressing his agreement.
