The mother of the era is reborn to support her cannon fodder children!

Chapter 351 "Alternative Literature Will Never Go Out of Style"

“Why wouldn’t I believe what my father says?” Yuan Xiang said.

Then, changing the subject, he said, "Dad wants to buy me batteries."

She learned about the radio's battery drain from Zhao Zhao.

"Buy it." Yuan Xiang's father rubbed his hands together, looking very expectant.

Aunt Song stared at him. "You've been hiding some money?"

"I don't have any money, not a single coin in my pocket," Yuan Xiang's father hurriedly said, planning to move the two small bills he had hidden in the sole of his shoe that night.

"Just because you don't have any coins doesn't mean you don't have any small change." Aunt Song stared at him, very forcefully.

Men with money tend to misbehave, and she wouldn't let a man have any money.

"Not even a penny!" Yuan Xiang's father had hidden his savings all his life, so how could she see through his guilty conscience? He was as honest as he could be.

"It'd better not be, or I'll beat you up," Aunt Song said fiercely.

Yuan Xiang's father snorted inwardly but didn't say anything.

Ever since Xiangxiang found a boyfriend from the city and got engaged to the Li family, her future son-in-law has been showing great interest in her. His wife has become incredibly arrogant, walking briskly and increasingly assertive, making her quite difficult to deal with.

Yuan Xiang listened to her parents bickering and picked up the radio.

She told her dad how to turn the TV on and off, and how to change the channel.

There aren't many channels, but people who have never seen this thing before are always very interested.

"There really is sound, and it's quite clear. The big shots in the city have it so easy. They sit in offices making money, without having to toil in the fields, and they can even listen to the radio. They're so lucky." Yuan Xiang's father wished he could put his ears into a metal box to hear it. His words were full of envy and a hint of bitterness.

That's some serious luck in being born into the right family.

Yuan Xiang frowned. "Dad, not everyone in the city has it easy. Working in the factory is exhausting. Some people walk more than ten kilometers a day. It's not well-ventilated inside, and they work with their clothes soaked in the sweltering summer heat. They have to pay for even a single scallion. Many people live in cramped pigeonholes. A whole family's living space is smaller than our house... If you cough at night, the neighbors can hear you..."

Yuanxiang's father was always busy earning work points and didn't have many opportunities to chat with his daughter. This was the first time he had heard about these "secrets" of the city.

His eyes widened, like a badger that had fallen into a melon patch. "Did your son-in-law tell you?"

"He's not your son-in-law yet," Yuan Xiang said, a little embarrassed.

She rubbed the heat on her cheeks with her fingers and said, "Yes, Zhao Zhao also told me some things."

Yuanxiang's father muttered, "I think your uncle's house is quite big."

His brother-in-law was someone he admired most; there was no one else like him.

Aunt Song rolled her eyes at him, then said with pride, "Xiangxiang's uncle is a highly skilled talent! Do you know what a highly skilled talent is? He's very valuable, the kind that all the big factories are begging to have him come to their door."

Yuan Xiang's father pursed his lips.

Who doesn't know?

If it weren't for the estrangement between his wife and his brother, his family would have benefited from Xiangxiang's uncle's influence long ago. Even if they didn't benefit from it, they would still be treated differently by the commune and the brigade leader.

Ugh.

It's a pity, but Yuanxiang's father is open-minded and won't fly into a rage.

This is one of the reasons why Aunt Song took a liking to him.

"Xiangxiang, didn't your son-in-law say he would find you a job? Once you're married, you should pay attention to it. If you become a worker, your father will be so proud that he'll walk with his head held high."

Yuan Xiang nodded, "I'm taking it to heart."

Her boyfriend said he had some news, and he would go and find out more before letting her know, so she wouldn't get excited for nothing.

"Xiang, how confident do you think you are in this matter?"

Yuan Xiang said helplessly, "How would I know? As long as the grain and oil supply relationship hasn't been transferred, things could change."

Aunt Song chimed in, "Yes. When Zhao Zhao first graduated, your uncle found her a job, and he was just about to ask her if she was interested when the job was snatched away."

If you ask her, Zhao Zhao is a bit pretentious. What's the point of being picky about jobs? Just find one you can have. She's wasting several years, hundreds of dollars over them.

On second thought, Zhao Zhao was spoiled by the Lin family and her uncle, and had never suffered hardship, so it's not surprising that she was picky.

"Your niece gets taken advantage of? That's really strange." Yuan Xiang's father was shocked to hear that Lin Zhao had suffered a loss.

"Taking advantage?" Aunt Song sneered. "A few days later, that family came to the Song family with gifts. Do you know why they went there?!"

"What are you going there for? You can't just go to work!" Yuan Xiang's father boldly guessed.

"It's not that bad, but that family apologized to Zhao Zhao and said a lot of nice things. Plus, Zhao Zhao didn't want the job, so the matter was settled." Aunt Song had watched her niece Lin Zhao grow up, and if she didn't want to, no one could take advantage of her.

Yuan Xiang's father remarked, "It's clear that my brother-in-law is really powerful; everyone is willing to give him face."

Aunt Song glanced at him and said, "You don't know this, Zhao Zhao has more influence. I heard that if you want to ask your younger brother for a favor, the chances of getting it done by asking him directly are far less than the chances of getting it done by asking Zhao Zhao. Everyone in the textile factory knows this. Now you know why that family came to our door, right?"

"Hiss... hiss..." Yuan Xiang's father gasped a few times. "I know."

"This is too outrageous." He simply couldn't understand it.

It's unbelievable that he treats his niece better than his own son.

“What’s so outrageous about it? Zhao Zhao grew up with her uncle and is the only girl in the Lin family. It’s not surprising that her uncle dotes on her,” Aunt Song said. “It’s also because of the love for her. My younger brother and Xi Wei have a deep bond.”

She knew in her heart that her younger brother's affection for Xiwei stemmed from his love for her. Xiwei was sincere to him and helped him rise to prominence. His kindness towards Zhaozhao was also a way of wanting to raise Xiwei again.

Thinking of her near-starvation experience as a child, Aunt Song's heart sank. She was able to survive thanks to her capable younger sister, Xiwei. Many of her childhood friends did not live to adulthood, and those who were lucky enough to survive were exchanged for food.

Back then, maids were really worthless; they could be traded for a few black coins.

If it weren't for a powerful figure in the Song family, those skinny orphans wouldn't have survived so easily.

"Love me, love my dog, that's normal." Yuan Xiang's father indicated that he understood. Wasn't he also somewhat attentive to Xiang Xiang because she looked like the little old lady who was the best to him?

That little old lady was frugal with her food and clothes, saving all the good things for him. She left this world without ever enjoying a single day of happiness, and every time he thought of her, his heart felt like it was being weighed down by a huge stone.

Seeing Xiangxiang doing well, he seemed to see the little old lady from his memories living a different life—well-fed, warmly dressed, no one hitting or scolding her, and laughing every day…

Lin Zhao: Alternative literature will never be outdated.

On her way back to the brigade from the Yuan family, Lin Zhao sneezed three times in a row, pulled up her mask, and sped up her pedaling.

Without a passenger, riding the bike was much easier, and it only took half the time to get back.

As soon as the bicycle appeared at the village entrance, Big Yellow and Amber came running over, tails wagging.

The happiness of owning a dog is tangible at this moment.

"Go home." Lin Zhao didn't stop. The two dogs chased after the car, one on the left and one on the right, barking every now and then. Facing the sunlight, this scene drew attention.

The twins, who were playing football with their friends all over the village, stopped playing when they saw the car, grabbed the ball and chased after it, their faces beaming with smiles, and a string of clear laughter escaping from their rosy lips.

When the villagers saw them, they laughed and said, "The Gu family's twins are so energetic, and their laughter is so loud that it puts everyone in a good mood."

"Yes, the rising sun is full of vitality, just like the land we stand on, everything is getting better and better."

Looking at the flat cobblestone path beneath their feet, the group planned to save enough money to build brick houses, and they were full of energy.

Life is getting better and better.

Plant mushrooms! Plant mushrooms!

As the weather gets colder, the price of this stuff has gone up. The more you plant, the more you earn, and every household is trying to expand their planting area.

The Gu family is the same; the eldest and second wives are extremely busy.

Sure enough, Zhao Liuniang came over specifically to talk about "returning" the job to Lin Zhao. "..." I almost forgot about going to work.

Lin Zhao remained silent for a moment.

Sure enough, taking a vacation can be addictive.

Ugh, I don't want to go to work.

"...You haven't forgotten you still have a job, have you?" Zhao Liuniang had a lot on her mind.

Lin Zhao cleared her throat.

Zhao Liuniang: "..."

"You're so carefree." Zhao Liuniang exclaimed, speechless. "Aren't you afraid I'll take over your job?"

"My second sister-in-law looks down on my job; I don't even earn as much as you do growing mushrooms," Lin Zhao said, feigning a sigh.

"To be honest, the second half of what I said is true. But no one with high aspirations looks down on the work of the supply and marketing cooperative. This job is a guaranteed income, no matter the circumstances. Anyone who looks down on it is a fool." After Zhao Liuniang's words, Lin Zhao felt as if an arrow had been stabbed in the heart.

She didn't look down on it; she genuinely didn't want to work, especially one with fixed hours, which felt like being in prison!

"I understand why you've come, Second Sister-in-law. I'll go to work tomorrow." Lin Zhao put on a mask of pain.

The days of sleeping until I naturally wake up are gone forever, so sad T~~T
Zhao Liuniang was so eager to plant mushrooms that she couldn't sit still. She left a basket of mushrooms for her third sister-in-law and left in a hurry.

Lin Zhao: "..."

I suddenly have a strong urge to join a military unit. If I do, I'll have a long period of time without having to work. My next job absolutely cannot involve going to jail again.

"Mom, why don't we grow mushrooms? Yuanbao, Tieniu, Xiaoniudu... everyone grows mushrooms, but we don't." Hengbao wiped the dust off the soccer ball with a rag, glancing at Lin Zhao in between.

"I don't like the smell of compost," Lin Zhao casually offered an excuse.

“I’m not afraid of the smell,” Hengbao said.

"If you're not afraid of the smell, go to the old house and help your grandpa. Plant whatever you want," Lin Zhao suggested to Erzai.

Hengbao's expression stiffened slightly at the thought of the mushroom house, but she didn't back down and said, "Okay, I'll go see my grandpa tomorrow."

"What a filial child! I hope you keep it up," Lin Zhao said, offering a small compliment.

Hengbao beamed, "I'm the most persistent. I can play all the new tunes that Grandpa De taught us. I'll play them for you after I finish cleaning the soccer ball."

"Great, that's wonderful. When your dad comes back, you can brag to him too, saying that my kids are all so talented." Lin Zhao said proudly.

The two children were quite pleased with themselves, thinking they would study even harder in the future.

Just then, a familiar voice came from outside.

He's a postman.

Lin Zhao strode out and skillfully took the letter and package.

back home.

"Mom, whose letter is it? Dad's or Uncle's?!" Yu Bao asked anxiously, standing on tiptoe.

“It’s from the capital, it’s from your father,” Lin Zhao replied, gently tearing open the envelope.

Unfolding the letter, familiar handwriting appeared before her eyes.

After quickly reading the letter, Lin Zhao smiled, a bright smile blooming on her radiant face, making her look beautiful and charming.

“Your dad has made a meritorious contribution and is now a deputy regimental commander. The letter also said that he will be home for the Chinese New Year this year.”

Upon hearing this, a light appeared in the twins' identical dark eyes.

"Really? Dad's coming home for Chinese New Year?!" Yu Bao exclaimed excitedly, his voice twice as loud as usual.

"It's true, it's true." Lin Zhao was also happy. She had been married to Gu Chenghuai for almost seven years, and she had spent very few New Years with her husband.

Hengbao laughed heartily, jumped up, clapped his hands, and exclaimed, "A year of reunion, a year of happiness, I love celebrating the New Year!"

He grabbed Lin Zhao's clothes, his eyes shining, "Mom, does Dad dare to set off firecrackers? I want to go with him."

"Look at what you're saying. Your dad can even shoot a gun, how could he be afraid to fire a cannon?" Lin Zhao glared at him reproachfully.

"Hehe, I forgot," Hengbao laughed, muttering, "I've never seen it before..."

"What are you saying?" Lin Zhao glanced at him.

The little guy looked obedient and said, "I'm asking what we're going to eat later, I'm hungry."

"Have some braised noodles with potatoes and sausage. You two go to the old house and bring Qianbao and Yaobao back," Lin Zhao instructed.

"Hey."

The brothers came and went hand in hand.

old house.

Unable to keep a secret, Hengbao shouted, "Grandpa, Grandma, there's great news! Huge good news!!"

The sound startled everyone in the old house.

The Gu family never spoiled the mood and always came out to give them face.

Gu Yucheng: "What good news?"

Zhao Liuniang was puzzled, "What good news do you need to tell me? Your mother didn't say anything when I just went over."

Lai Mei said, "The best thing I can think of... is that you received a huge bonus. What other good thing could there be?"

Mr. Gu had just been busy in the mushroom house, and his body smelled complicated and not pleasant. He deliberately kept his distance from the family and urged, "Yu Bao, tell me what good news is. I smell bad, so it's not good for me to stay in the yard."

Yu Bao said seriously, "I don't smell bad."

After finishing speaking, he continued, "My dad wrote a letter. My dad has become the deputy regimental commander. My dad will be home for the Chinese New Year this year."

Three sentences to explain three happy events.

The Gu family was overjoyed.

Mother Gu was the first to react, and said with a beaming smile, "Really? Third son is coming home for the New Year. He hasn't come home for the New Year for many years. How come he has a holiday this year? That's great! Our family can have a reunion this year."

"Your dad got promoted? Cheng Huai became a regimental commander?!" Gu Yucheng's tone almost changed as he excitedly pinched his palms.

pain.

it is true!
Zhao Liuniang was also happy and said joyfully, "Great news, it's really great news! We must celebrate! Father, Mother, I'll kill a chicken later and we'll have a celebratory meal together."

Mother Gu nodded, "It's time to celebrate! Bangbang, go to your uncle's place and tell them to come to the old house for dinner today. Yubao, go tell your mother not to cook."

The child, having received instructions, obediently went to carry them out.

Mr. Gu was so excited that his hands trembled.

I tried so hard to stay calm, but in the end my lips started trembling.

"Commander... Commander..."

"Auspicious smoke is rising from the ancestral graves."

"It's a pity I can't offer incense or burn paper money, otherwise I really want to kowtow to my ancestors and ask for their blessings."

The old man laughed heartily, "My son is successful! I, Gu Feng, have lived a worthwhile life!"

(End of this chapter)