After putting things away, Cheng Ye went upstairs to take a look. As expected, he didn’t have to worry about the renovation. Huang Sheng, leading the construction team, was in full charge and busy with enthusiasm.
He could only grab a set of clean clothes to change into and leisurely headed to the public bathhouse in the Buffer Zone.
It was a typical northern-style large bath pool, divided into shower and soaking areas. A single wash cost only 2 Happiness Coins, offering excellent value for money.
Perhaps due to the holiday today, as soon as he pushed open the door, he was greeted by a cacophony inside. The heat mixed with laughter ca rushing at him, and there were indeed quite a few people.
Cheng Ye picked a shower spot in a corner. Just as he took off his jacket, several male compatriots nearby who were wiping themselves looked over imdiately, eyes full of amazent.
"Young man, you’ve worked out well!" A middle-aged man with a bare chest ca over, reached out wanting to touch but shyly withdrew his hand, "This build is clearly the result of real kung fu training, not just dead muscles."
"Just a bit lean, if you were a bit more solid, you’d definitely be a true man like an eagle!" Another man wearing glasses also nodded, his tone full of appreciation.
"Here alone? Need a back scrub? I’m good at it, promise to get you clean!" Soone else chid in, full of enthusiasm.
"..."
Indeed, excessive exercise only attracts the sa sex.
However, Cheng Ye didn’t get awkward and replied with a smile, "Sure, thanks, brother!"
When he grew up in the orphanage, he often scrubbed backs with his peers and was long used to such a lively atmosphere.
As the hot water poured over him, the fatigue instantly dissipated by half.
The uncle scrubbing his back was skilled and chatted with him casually, naturally bringing up the recent changes in the Buffer Zone.
"I heard the construction of the Outer City will start tomorrow, and they’re going to build several Satellite Cities!" The uncle’s hands didn’t stop, his tone full of anticipation, "I plan to apply to find work in the satellite city when things stabilize, make a good amount in the fall, and get so winter supplies for the family."
"Is it that easy? I heard from friends at the Civil Affairs Bureau that to move out you need to change your household registration first, and the Satellite Cities are just starting, very risky." Soone nearby threw cold water on the enthusiasm but without a pessimistic tone, "However, if it really gets built, life should get better in the future."
"That’s right! Little Sun broadcasts every day, saying Happiness City will return to its peak, I think it’s possible!"
"Haha, now I’ve got six people in my family squeezed into just over thirty square ters, it’s really inconvenient. My son is getting married, now’s the ti to make an effort and then get him a wedding apartnt."
"..."
Cheng Ye soaked at the edge of the pool, listening to everyone chatting, and he felt sothing.
This is the power of public opinion.
Under the constant promotion by Little Sun every day, with the positive news of the satellite city construction and migration wave accommodation, no one sighs like before, instead, everyone exudes a sense of hope for a better life.
Occasionally, a few people shook their heads regretfully, only ntioning that the soil here in Stone Province is infertile and unsuitable for farming.
After bathing, Cheng Ye handed his dirty clothes to the bathhouse staff. They provided laundry services, and after washing, they would deliver to the address, all for just 3 Happiness Coins, cheap and convenient.
All in all, enjoying a comfortable bath only cost 5 Happiness Coins. In terms of basic living facilities, Happiness City really did an excellent job.
Having changed into clean clothes, Cheng Ye didn’t delay further and walked towards the Celestial Essence Community.
By this ti, it was already around four in the afternoon, the sky gradually darkening, with a hint of post-snow chill in the wind, suggesting it might snow again at night.
However, before he even reached the edge of Zone B-7, he could already hear the lively sounds coming from inside.
The sound of gongs and drums, and the cheers of the crowd mingled together, and even across two streets, one could feel that fervor.
Cheng Ye quickened his pace, turning the corner, and was instantly shocked by the scene before him.
Thousands of people were gathered on both sides of the street, holding colored paper and small flags. So even found red cloth and red strings, wrapping them around the streetlamps, and red ribbons were tied above the entrance to B7, reminiscent of a modern wedding celebration.
Guards from the Public Security Bureau, dressed in uniforms, maintained order at the periter of the crowd. But today being a holiday, everyone was idle, curiously squeezing inwards, blocking the street.
Following the crowd, Cheng Ye squeezed to the front of the cordon, only to be stopped by a young guard.
"Sir, sorry, it’s already full inside, pushing further might be dangerous, better watch from the outside!"
He was about to pull out his badge when suddenly a voice of joyful surprise called out, "Sir! You’re here!"
It was soone from the community, recognizing him instantly.
The crowd automatically parted a path, and Cheng Ye, under the curious gazes, strolled into Zone B-7.
When he left the electronic factory community, there weren’t so many people yet, but after an hour-long bath, so many had gathered. The allure of the demolition ceremony exceeded his expectations.
But because of this, seeing the throngs of people before him, Cheng Ye gained more confidence.
If this pedestrian street could beco one of the centers of the Buffer Zone, it would undoubtedly be a cash cow.
He hadn’t walked far when he saw Wang Kang, wearing a brand-new brown coat, beating a gong with a group, a joyful smile on his face.
Seeing Cheng Ye coming over, he imdiately threw down the mallet and ran over, "Brother Cheng, you’ve finally arrived! The fish has already been received. I’ve had soone bury it in snow, doesn’t this excitent feel more festive than every annual celebration in the Inner City?"
User Comments
0 comments from readers