Summer didn't return to the commune at noon.
The schoolyard seemed small, but it took longer to clean up than she had anticipated. By the time the sun was high overhead, Summer had only cleared half the weeds in the yard. There were still roots to dig up and the ground to level.
The meager porridge she had for breakfast had long since been digested. She had intended to go back to the commune to cook, but seeing that Logan had no intention of leaving and was still busy tidying up, she stayed too.
Tired from weeding, she left the root digging for later. She went to the opposite courtyard, filled two half-buckets with water, and carried them back to the school. Then, she began to clean the office.
By the time she had wiped the dusty office clean from top to bottom, the sun had tilted westward. Exhausted and hungry, Summer noticed that Logan still hadn't finished. He had also fetched water and was now cleaning the adjacent classroom.
Summer stood in the office doorway, peering into the classroom. She thought to herself that she should just leave Logan to his work and go back to cook. She needed to eat to have the strength to continue working; otherwise, she might collapse.
Logan was indeed a tough guy. He was so dedicated to making a good impression that he sometimes forgot to take care of himself.
As Summer was contemplating this, she heard a voice. "Logan, Summer, take a break. You need to eat even if there's work to be done."
Turning around, Summer saw Leonardo's wife, Linda, entering the courtyard. She had a small basket covered with a cloth on her right arm and a thermos in her left hand.
Summer quickly walked over to greet her. "Aunt Linda, what brings you here?"
Linda smiled and said, "Well, you two have been working so hard. Leonardo was worried you'd tire yourselves out, so he asked me to bring you something to eat."
Summer responded politely, "Aunt Linda, there's no need. We can go back and cook ourselves."
Linda glanced up at the sun. "Look at the time. There's no way you'll have time to cook."
Before Summer could say more, Logan emerged from the classroom, holding a wet rag. "Aunt Linda, I told you not to trouble yourself. Missing a meal or two won't kill us; the kids' education is more important. We can't waste any time."
Linda gave him a reproachful look. "Education is important, but so is eating. How can you teach if you're hungry and weak? You're both still growing. Hard work is necessary, but so is a good meal. No more arguing, come in and eat."
With that, Linda headed to the office.
Summer looked at Logan, but he avoided her gaze. He followed Linda inside, still expressing polite refusals and gratitude, seemingly genuine.
Summer followed them into the office. Linda had already uncovered the basket, revealing two steaming cornmeal buns and a bowl of cabbage and vermicelli.
Linda laid out the bowls on the desk. "Eat while it's hot. I'll come back for the dishes later."
She didn't linger, leaving quickly despite Summer and Logan's attempts to see her off.
Once Linda left, Logan's expression immediately changed. One moment he was all smiles, and the next he was completely serious.
Summer watched his rapid transformation, feeling a chill. She couldn't help but wonder if Linda's visit with food was part of Logan's plan.
Logan returned to the office, his demeanor cold. Summer stood for a moment to collect herself before joining him.
They washed their hands and sat down to eat. Summer picked up a bun and chopsticks, ready to eat the cabbage and vermicelli. But before she could, Logan blocked her chopsticks with his own.
Confused, Summer looked up. "What's the matter?"
Was he not going to let her eat?
Logan looked at her. "I don't like sharing dishes, especially not with women."
Summer was speechless.
Before she could say anything, Logan divided the cabbage and vermicelli into two bowls, pushing one to the side.
Summer was left speechless again.
Did he think she was desperate to share a dish with him?
She quickly took her portion to another desk.
As she ate, Summer couldn't help but think about Logan. No wonder he never met anyone who truly cared about him. With his personality, it was impossible.
Logan and Henry were polar opposites.
In the novel, Henry was loyal and kind, always taking on others' problems as his own. He was charismatic and had admirers everywhere.
Logan, on the other hand, never had a romantic storyline. He didn't seem to need one; he was only interested in power and status.
His ending was tragic. He spent his life chasing wealth and status, only to fail spectacularly in the end.
Early on, while Henry enjoyed life and love, Logan was methodically advancing, always staying a step ahead. He reveled in being above others, especially Henry.
But when Henry settled down and focused on his career, he quickly caught up.
Then came their real confrontation. Henry, once he got serious, easily outmatched Logan. In a few decisive moves, Henry dismantled everything Logan had worked for, leaving him destitute overnight.
Summer glanced at Logan with a hint of sympathy. But seeing his cold profile, she quickly abandoned the thought.
Better to focus on her own problems.