The Red Era: Living in Seclusion in a Siheyuan as a Boss

Chapter 577 Someone from Lao Zheng’s family is coming! ! !
Lishi Hutong, Yanjing, the old residence of the Bai family.

"Dingle bell! Dingle bell!"

Bai Ling, who was nearly sixty years old, heard the phone ring, walked quickly into the main room, reached out and picked up the receiver: "Hello? This is the Bai family."

Gan Ning's hearty laughter came from the other end of the phone: "Sister Bai, I'm Gan Ning!"

"Oh! Sister Gan Ning, why did you think of calling me today? Hehe..." When Bai Ling heard it was Gan Ning, she immediately smiled and her voice was full of kindness.

"I've come here specially to congratulate you! I heard that your Haisheng is getting married? This is such a great joy!" Gan Ning said with a smile, her tone full of sincere blessings.

Upon hearing this, Bai Ling smiled so hard that her eyes became wrinkled. "Oh, you are really well-informed! That's right, this is the girl Haisheng just fell in love with. This should be almost certain. I can finally put my mind at ease!"

"Oh, that's not right!" Bai Ling suddenly frowned and asked in confusion, "I haven't had time to inform anyone about the girl Haisheng just started dating. Sister, how did you know this news?"

Gan Ning smiled slightly, with a mysterious light flashing in her eyes: "Not only do I know that Haisheng is dating someone, I also know who that girl is!"

Bai Ling was shocked after hearing this, her eyes widened: "What? You even know the details of this girl? How is this possible! I haven't even seen what she looks like..."

"Hahahaha..." On the other end of the phone, Gan Ning's laughter was as clear as a silver bell.

This made the eldest sister Bai Ling very anxious: "Hey, my dear sister, please stop keeping me in suspense and tell me what's going on."

Gan Ning teased her deliberately: "Oh! This is a long story!"

"Then please make it short..." Bai Ling urged in an impatient tone.

"Okay, okay, this is what happened..." Gan Ning told Bai Ling everything about her sister-in-law and childhood friend Zheng Haisheng that her son Liu Wu had mentioned when he called her two days ago.

After hearing this, Bai Ling opened her mouth in surprise: "Ah... this is too coincidental!"

"Who said it wasn't? This is fate! Our two families have always had a close relationship, and now we are even closer!" Gan Ning was also delighted.

The relationship between the Liu and Zheng families has always been very good, and the younger generations get along well with each other. Now Liu Wu and Zheng Haisheng may become brothers-in-law, which is really the best thing!
It really is fate!

Not only was Bai Ling surprised, but even the usually calm Liu Zhiye couldn't help but widen his eyes with disbelief upon hearing the news.

Speaking of his children's marriages, Liu Zhiye's thoughts couldn't help but drift back to many years ago.

At that time, the children were still innocent. When Zheng Chaoyang got drunk one time, he half-jokingly said to Liu Zhiye: "When your Xiaoxian grows up, can she marry my Haisheng? It would be wonderful for our two families to become even closer!"

Liu Zhiye was also drunk at the time, so he responded with a thick tongue: "Okay, as long as the two kids are in love, I will naturally support it with both hands!"

However, things are unpredictable. As Liu Shuxian and Zheng Haisheng grew up, they did not develop any romantic feelings for each other, and this joke ended there.

Who could have expected that, although the two families did not become relatives, Liu Wu and Zheng Haisheng unexpectedly became brothers-in-law. This is really a ridiculous fate!
The Liu and Zheng families have had an indissoluble bond since the time of the old man. Liu Zhiye and Zheng Chaoyang were once partners, and their relationship remains the same after so many years. Their two families support each other, just like a family.

"Sister Bai, Liu Wu and his wife will be back home to visit their family in a few days. Let's take this opportunity to have a get-together and let you meet Qingxia. What do you think?"

"Okay, okay, sister, you are really thoughtful. It's settled. I will talk to our old Zheng and ask him to arrange the time in advance..."

……

As the saying goes, men should get married when they are old enough, and women should get married when they are old enough.

In the army, the marriage issue of young officers has become a major concern for both their parents and the army leaders.

Dating is a matter between two people, while marriage is a matter between two families.

Everyone is clear about the conditions and procedures required for marriage.

But it is not that simple for military marriages. First of all, after you meet your girlfriend, you need to report your relationship to your leader, and you can only continue the relationship after the leader reviews it.

If it develops into marriage, political review is necessary. The spouse must have a clear history, progressive thinking, and no family members must have violated laws and disciplines.

The last item also requires a premarital examination.

After being enlightened by her sister and brother-in-law, Li Qingxia finally came to terms with it. After all, it doesn’t matter when you get married.

What's more, Zheng Haisheng is so well-off, if you miss this opportunity, you will miss it forever.

So, as soon as Li Qingxia returned to the art troupe, she told Director Sun that she agreed to marry Zheng Haisheng and asked to go through the formalities.

Just like that, Li Qingxia and Zheng Haisheng met and started talking about marriage!

In late autumn, the leaves of the poplar trees of the garrison troops were golden yellow. Liu Wu stared out the window in a daze for a while.

Here, Liu Wu was just about to submit a report to ask for leave to go home to visit his family, but unexpectedly his deputy battalion commander submitted a report to him first.

"Deputy Company Commander Meng, I submitted your demobilization application for you. The battalion commander has a gloomy face!" Soldier Xiao Li trotted into Meng Yong's office and said in a low voice.

"Comrade Meng Yong!" Battalion Commander Liu Wu's loud voice exploded in the corridor, "Come to my office immediately!"

Meng Yong quickly straightened his military uniform and rushed up to the third floor in two steps.

When I pushed open the familiar wooden door, the strong smell of Daqianmen cigarettes hit me in the face.

Liu Wu sat behind the oak desk with a gloomy face. On the desk was Meng Yong's application for transfer. His ashtray was full of cigarette butts, and it was obvious that he had been sitting there for a long time.

The electric fan in the office was spinning "squeaky" and stirring the heavy air.

"Old Meng, do you think our camp is too harsh?" Captain Liu stared at Meng Yong with his bloodshot eyes.

"Report to the battalion commander, no!"

"Then why do you want to retire? You are the backbone of our army. If you hadn't led the team to win first place in the military district competition last year, would we have been able to show up at the military district meeting?"

Meng Yong gritted his teeth and said, "Captain, I...I want to make more contributions to my family."

Liu Wu stood up suddenly and walked to the window: "Did you see that Lao Wang and his friends are making a fortune in Bao County and you feel itchy?"

Meng Yong was silent.

Indeed, when old comrade Lao Wang came to visit them a few days ago, he mentioned that he opened a garment factory in Bao County and could earn hundreds of thousands of yuan a year.

This made Meng Yong feel really uncomfortable.

I still remember the day my father sent him to join the army, he held Liu Yong's hand and said, "Yongzi, if you are a soldier, you must behave yourself."

Over the years, Meng Yong has grown from an ignorant rural child to a deputy company commander who has been awarded the third-class merit. He has lived up to his father's expectations.

But recently, I received a letter from home saying that my father was ill and needed surgery.

Meng Yong's mother said in the letter: "You don't have to send money back. We will find a way ourselves." There was sadness between the lines.

"Reporting to the battalion commander, my father is sick..." Meng Yong's voice was a little choked.

Liu Wu turned around, his expression softened a little: "I know about your father. The day before yesterday I went to the division's logistics department and advanced you 20,000 yuan."

Meng Yong was stunned.

"Do you think I'm the battalion commander for nothing? The soldiers' family affairs are my family affairs!"

At this moment, the duty officer rushed in: "Report! Battalion Commander, there was an accident in the third company. An armored vehicle overturned during training, and three soldiers were...!"

Meng Yong and Liu Wu looked at each other and immediately rushed out of the office.

When they arrived at the scene, the armored vehicle was leaning against the edge of the trench with its tracks stuck in the mud.

Several soldiers were lifting the car body with difficulty using a jack.

"Get out of the way!" Meng Yong yelled, picked up a steel pipe and stuffed it under the car.

Meng Yong had already crawled under the car.

In the dark space, he saw three soldiers being pinned down, one of them still groaning weakly.

"Comrades, try harder!" Meng Yong gritted his teeth. He used a steel pipe as a lever, and several soldiers held up the armored vehicle weighing several tons.

Beads of sweat the size of beans oozed out of Meng Yong's forehead, and the veins on his arms bulged as if they would break at any time.

The weight of the armored vehicle caused the steel pipe to groan, but he did not dare to relax at all, for fear that the vehicle would fall down again if he let go.

"Hurry! Carry the wounded to a safe area!" Meng Yong's voice was hoarse but firm.

The soldiers acted quickly and carefully carried their injured comrade away from the scene.

At this moment, there was a rush of footsteps in the distance.

The medical team also arrived in time. They brought stretchers and first aid kits and quickly provided initial treatment to the wounded, and then rushed them to the military hospital.

When Meng Yong climbed out from under the car, his whole body was soaked in sweat.

Without saying a word, Liu Wu pulled Meng Yong into the jeep and rushed to the hospital.

"You are still fighting so hard!" Liu Wu handed Meng Yong a cigarette on the way. "I heard from Lao Wang that when you first came to the army, you carried a comrade with a high fever on your back for ten kilometers during the camping training."

Meng Yong took a deep puff of his cigarette and said, "Captain, that's all in the past." "In the past?" Liu Wu smiled. "The commander was praising you yesterday. He said you were the benchmark for training in the entire military region.

"You are a tough guy, you are good at fighting, and you are really good at leading troops. How can such a good cadre let you go easily?"

In the inpatient department, the three injured soldiers were not in danger of life.

Looking at their young faces wrapped in gauze, Meng Yong suddenly remembered his own past.

Seven years ago, when Meng Yong first joined the army, he put on his military uniform for the first time and looked in the mirror and felt that he looked very majestic.

The old squad leader said: "The most important thing for a soldier is not how you dress, but how you stand up and live your life!"

It was late at night when we returned to the camp.

Meng Yong was walking alone on the small playground with something on his mind. The autumn wind made the poplar leaves rustle.

"Are you still thinking about changing your career?" Battalion Commander Liu Wu stood behind Meng Yong at some point.

"Batalion Commander, I."

"Stop talking. I know what you're thinking." Liu Wu took out another letter. "This is a document from the division headquarters. It was originally planned to be announced tomorrow."

Meng Yong took the letter and saw a line of eye-catching red words in the moonlight: Decision to promote Comrade Meng Yong to the position of company-level cadre.

"The organization has long had its eyes on you. This time, the military district's institutional reform requires a group of young cadres who can fight and command. You are the one we have chosen."

Meng Yong held the letter tightly in his hand, his heart in turmoil.

"Oh, by the way." Liu Wu took out an envelope from his pocket. "This is the surgery fee I paid for. You can use it to treat your father first. Don't rush to pay me back. It won't be too late to pay me back when you get a job evaluation and a salary increase in the future."

Meng Yong's eyes suddenly became moist.

Just after the Mid-Autumn Festival, Meng Yong officially took office and was promoted directly from deputy company commander to company commander.

On the day of taking office, Meng Yong stood on the podium and looked at the familiar faces below.

Suddenly I remembered that I almost changed my career, and I couldn’t help but feel a little scared.

"Captain Meng!" The loud voice of Battalion Commander Liu Wu rang out again, "You must do me honor!"

Meng Yong stood at attention and saluted: "I guarantee to complete the mission!"

It was really a journey of twists and turns. Only after they had dealt with their comrade Meng Yong's affairs satisfactorily did Liu Wucai and Li Qinglan hurriedly set out on the journey home to visit their relatives.

……

In front of the gate of the art troupe, the sunlight shines on the bluestone road, casting a warm halo.

Zheng Haisheng has a tall and straight posture, and his straight military uniform makes him look even more heroic.

He held a bunch of bright roses tightly in his hand, with crystal dewdrops hanging on the petals, as if telling of his inner expectations and tenderness.

Zheng Haisheng stared firmly at the gate of the art troupe, waiting patiently for Li Qingxia to appear.

People come and go in the art troupe.

This scene naturally did not escape the eyes of everyone.

Everyone looked at him sideways, whispered, and cast curious and envious glances at the handsome soldier.

And Li Qingxia’s so-called “sisters” felt even more bitter and bitter at this moment.

They had secretly rejoiced, thinking that Zheng Haisheng was not attracted to Li Qingxia, and even looked forward to seeing her make a fool of herself.

However, reality gave them a resounding slap in the face - Li Qingxia not only won Zheng Haisheng's favor, but also made them lose face in such a romantic way.

Just then, the door of the art troupe slowly opened and Li Qingxia walked out lightly.

She was wearing a simple dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps, like a blooming white lotus.

There was a faint smile on Li Qingxia's face and a gentle light in her eyes.

Seeing this, Zheng Haisheng immediately stepped forward and handed the rose in his hand to her, "Qingxia, this is something I specially prepared for you, I hope you like it."

Li Qingxia took the rose, sniffed it gently, and a blush appeared on her face.

"Thank you!"

In the past few days, her relationship with Zheng Haisheng has been progressing rapidly, and they are really starting to feel like they are in love.

Amid the lively and envious eyes of the people around her, Li Qingxia got into a jeep driven by Zheng Haisheng and sped away.

"Qingxia, let's go to your brother-in-law's house today. My parents are going too, and your sister and her husband are back too..."

When Li Qingxia heard that they were going to visit Liujiazhuang, she said, "Oh, Brother Haisheng, I didn't prepare any gifts. It's not nice to come to you empty-handed..."

Zheng Haisheng smiled and said, "Don't worry, I've already prepared it for you. It's all in the back seat!"

"Brother Haisheng, you are so thoughtful!" Li Qingxia turned her head and looked at the back seat. Sure enough, she saw several gifts neatly placed on the back seat, including beautifully packaged tea, several boxes of exquisite snacks, and several bottles of old wine.

Zheng Haisheng started the car and responded with a smile: "Your brother-in-law's family likes to drink tea, so I specially chose this Longjing. As for the bottle of wine, it was prepared for Uncle Liu. He likes to drink a few cups."

Li Qingxia nodded, and felt even more favorable towards Zheng Haisheng's attentiveness.

The car drove slowly towards the old district of Liujiazhuang. The sunlight shone through the window onto her face, making her feel warm.

She looked at the passing scenery outside the window and felt particularly happy.

"By the way, Qingxia, how long will your sister and the others stay this time?" Zheng Haisheng asked casually.

"I heard they will stay for a week this time. My brother-in-law is based in the Northeast and it's rare for him to come back." Li Qingxia said with a hint of anticipation, "I'm also very happy to see them this time."

Zheng Haisheng nodded and said with a smile: "That's perfect, let's have a good family reunion. We are so far away, it's rare to have the opportunity to meet each other."

After a while, the car stopped in front of a spacious courtyard.

There were several people standing at the gate of the courtyard. They were Li Qingxia's sister Li Qinglan and her husband Liu Wu. When they saw the car stop, they came over with a smile.

"Qingxia, Haisheng, you are finally here!" Liu Wu greeted them warmly.

Zheng Haisheng opened the car door and strode towards Liu Wu. The two hugged each other warmly. Zheng Haisheng patted Liu Wu on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Hey, kid, you are doing well. You have become a battalion commander!"

Liu Wu laughed heartily, his eyes full of pride: "Brother Haisheng, please stop making fun of me. Compared with your Chief of Staff, I am still far behind!"

Zheng Haisheng waved his hand in dissatisfaction and said angrily, "Come on, what are you talking about? I joined the army many years earlier than you, why didn't you mention this?"

Liu Wu smiled, glanced at the two sisters who were whispering and said, "I say, Brother Haisheng, how should we talk to each other from now on? Are you going to call me brother-in-law instead, hahahaha..."

Zheng Haisheng looked at Liu Wu's smug face and said unwillingly, "Then let's talk about our own affairs. I can call you brother-in-law, but you have to continue to call me brother..."

Liu Wu: “…”

Zheng Haisheng didn't give Liu Wu a chance to refute. "Come on, don't stand at the door. We still have to go in and visit our elders at home!"

"I haven't visited grandpa and grandma for a long time. I don't know how they are doing."

"I'm fine, I feel healthy and everything I eat tastes delicious!"

Zheng Haisheng has lived in the Liu family for many years since he was a child and treats this place as his own.

So, the two young pairs walked into the Liu family compound laughing and joking.

Inside the main house of the Liu family compound, sunlight shines through the carved window lattices onto the ground, casting a warm glow.

Knowing that the Zheng family was about to visit, Liu Jingzhai deliberately postponed his usual fishing appointment with Yan Bugui today.

At this moment, he and his wife Deng Ru were sitting on the antique armchair, chatting with Zheng Chaoyang and his wife. The living room was filled with a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Suddenly, Zheng Haisheng hurried into the main room. As soon as he entered the door, he kowtowed to Liu Jingzhai and Deng Ru without saying a word, and his voice was loud and sincere: "Grandpa, grandma, Haisheng is back to see you!"

Seeing this, Liu Jingzhai quickly stood up and helped Zheng Haisheng up.

When his eyes fell upon the red mark on his forehead caused by kowtow, Liu Jingzhai felt distressed and helpless, and could not help but complain: "Oh, child, how can you still be so sincere! It's enough that the intention is there, why bother with such a big ceremony." His words were full of love and care from an elder to a younger generation.

Deng Ru, who was standing by, also said, "Haha, Haisheng has always been kind to others. Let Grandma Deng take a look and see if she has made you suffer in the past few years..."

Bai Ling, who was standing aside, said with a smile, "Aunt Deng, please don't worry about this brat. He is so heartless all the time. He is still unmarried at this age, and he doesn't even miss home when he returns to the army!"

Deng Rudao smiled and said, "Hey, you can't say that, he is a soldier, he doesn't have that much freedom!

Besides, I’ve found a daughter-in-law for you!

I know Qingxia very well, I can't be wrong, just wait and enjoy your life, hehe..."

(End of this chapter)