Zhang Chunhua had heard that Gu Qingcheng was easygoing about most things, but her easygoing nature was built on everyone else doing their jobs diligently.
For those who shirked their duties or were disloyal to the village, Gu Qingcheng was never soft-hearted. She had personally driven out over a dozen villagers with bad records.
Previously, Zhang Chunhua had worked in the farming group, primarily doing cultivation. While it was tiring, it didn't involve handling so many miscellaneous matters. She found her current work more exhausting than before.
However, she was also a person who strived for recognition. Ever since she took on the temporary role of nursery director, not only did her husband and in-laws look at her with more respect, but even the surrounding villagers' gazes at her had changed.
This made Zhang Chunhua suddenly realize that the position of nursery director was actually quite coveted.
Zhang Chunhua cherished it all the more.
Therefore, she worked even harder. Upon seeing Gu Qingcheng suddenly appear, she couldn't help but feel nervous.
"You're doing a great job. However, as this is your first time as a nursery director, you might not be able to cover everything. If there's anything you don't understand or any difficulties, tell me immediately, and we'll improve together."
Gu Qingcheng was surprisingly easy to talk to.
"Yes, I will. Thank you, Young Master Gu."
Zhang Chunhua said gratefully.
Gu Qingcheng smiled warmly.
At that moment, a beam of spring sunlight fell perfectly on Gu Qingcheng's fair, flawless face, making her appear particularly harmless.
Zhang Chunhua was stunned, almost finding it hard to believe that the gentle, elegant, and distinguished-looking youth before her was the leader who had killed the bandits of Wushan Stockade.
After a walk around the village, Gu Qingcheng arrived at the guest house.
This residence opposite the communal canteen had now become a place for visiting guests to stay. Everyone referred to it as the guest house whenever they mentioned it, and over time, its name became "Guest House."
When people spoke of the Guest House, they knew exactly what place it was.
Inside the Guest House, the women rescued from Wushan Stockade had been living for nearly half a month. As Gu Qingcheng entered, they noticed her and quickly came forward to pay their respects.
Gu Qingcheng observed them and found that their complexions had improved significantly compared to when they first arrived from the stockade, especially their spirits. The previous dejection was gone, and their moods were much more peaceful.
"We're planning to arrange work for you soon. Do you feel you're in good condition?"
Gu Qingcheng gestured for them to forgo formalities.
A woman in her early thirties, named Xiao Bao, who was leading the group, said joyfully, "Young Master Gu, we are ready. Please let us start working soon. We've been recuperating here for too long, and we're getting bored to death."
"Yes, Young Master Gu. I know how to gather pig feed and chop firewood. I can do anything a man can do."
"Young Master Gu, I heard there are silkworm houses here. I know how to feed silkworms and I love listening to the rustling sound of silkworms eating mulberry leaves."
The women eagerly spoke of their skills.
"Good. Since everyone is so enthusiastic, I will arrange tasks based on your strengths. Qin Yue will inform you all shortly."
Gu Qingcheng felt that their spirits and health were indeed good and agreed happily.
The women erupted in cheers.
Seeing their genuine smiles, Gu Qingcheng also felt a surge of joy and said, "There's a roast whole lamb event tonight. You must all come and eat!"
"Sister Qin Yue already told us to come. We were still hesitating!"
A young woman said.
"What's there to hesitate about? Our village chef's roast whole lamb is exquisite. You won't be able to stop eating,"
Gu Qingcheng steered the conversation in a different direction, so as not to touch upon their sensitive feelings.
Their hesitation might stem from self-deprecation, fearing others would look down on them.
However, if they were to live in the village, they had to take the first step bravely.
Gu Qingcheng's encouraging words warmed their hearts.
"Alright, we will definitely go," Xiao Bao took the lead in agreeing.
Being older and more mature, she was more pragmatic. She had experienced more and knew that isolating oneself and staying holed up in this house was not a solution.
"Don't worry, you'll sit with me, and I'll introduce you to the villagers."
Gu Qingcheng said empathetically.
The women visibly relaxed.
If they were suddenly thrust into a crowd of strangers, they would be like sheep entering a wolf pack, bewildered and helpless.
But with Gu Qingcheng leading them, they would naturally feel more confident and at ease.
"Thank you, Young Master Gu. We will definitely go," Xiao Bao quickly replied.
Gu Qingcheng left and arrived at the farm to see Uncle Kang and the others already slaughtering sheep.
These were efficient people. The fifty sheep had been mostly processed and were being marinated inside and out.
Upon seeing Gu Qingcheng, Uncle Kang called out loudly, "Young Master Gu, we're almost done. We thought we wouldn't see you tonight, but you're back! That's great."
Gu Qingcheng smiled brightly and asked, "Uncle Kang, how long will the marination take? When will we start roasting?"
"It will take two to three hours to marinate. We're gathering firewood now. Everyone says they'll skip lunch and tighten their belts, so they can eat their fill of roast lamb tonight."
"Haha."
The people around them laughed along with Uncle Kang's witty remark.
Gu Qingcheng was also happy and said, "Good, I'll have Qin Yue bring out more fine wine tonight for everyone to enjoy."
Hearing that there would be fine wine, everyone became even more spirited, their smiles stretching to their ears.
Gu Qingcheng returned home and sketched out the attack plans for each bandit lair on her desk.
She had been working continuously through lunch. Since Mi Guo knew there would be a roast lamb feast that night, she prepared a light lunch.
Seeing that everyone was focused on the roast lamb banquet tonight and not in the mood for anything else, Gu Qingcheng didn't have Mi Guo sound the assembly bell. Instead, she put down her work and went directly to the Guest House to escort the women to the roast lamb feast.
Xiao Bao and the others were both excited and nervous. They hadn't expected Gu Qingcheng to keep her word and actually come to bring them.
"Young Master Gu, if we go with you, will it be an inconvenience?"
Xiao Bao hesitated and asked.
"How could it be? It would only bring shame to Phoenix Village if we didn't take good care of you," Gu Qingcheng stated candidly.
Although the women were still timid, their yearning was evident. They had all washed themselves clean, and their clothes were kept neat.
It was clear they wanted to make a good impression on the villagers.
Gu Qingcheng smiled and beckoned them to go out together.
In reality, the Guest House was located near the roast lamb feast site. They could have walked out on their own, but it was psychologically too difficult for them to cross the threshold of the Guest House.
They needed a strong push and motivation to help them step out.
And Gu Qingcheng was clearly their salvation.
These women, of varying ages and appearances, all kept their heads down, looking somewhat timid and self-conscious.
However, when Gu Qingcheng led them to sit in the center of the roast lamb feast, no one around them shouted or drove them away.
As they walked, they saw curious glances, but these were merely the looks of strangers trying to understand, with no malice.