Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 147 Presenting a Banner with Drums and Gongs, Urgently Urging Reports on Heroic Models

The two brothers chatted until almost lunchtime. Originally, Chen Lanxiang was supposed to cook, but He Yuzhu took over the task, saying he was rusty and needed to practice.

Xu Damao naturally assisted, as he hadn't eaten He Yuzhu's cooking in a long time. As for his mother, she could just make do at home.

Because of Xu Fugui, Zhao Cuifeng rarely came to the He family anymore. Xu Damao, on the other hand, came to apologize with his sister after Xiaoman told him that He Yuzhu was still alive and had made a contribution.

The He family couple naturally wouldn't hold a grudge against the younger generation, but He Daqing still didn't give Xu Fugui a friendly look.

The food at the He family's house was quite good; He Yuzhu even brought out canned meat and canned fruit for everyone to try.

Before his letter was sent home, the He family basically lived off their savings. The things He Yuzhu left behind when he left were almost all gone.

He Daqing couldn't get any outside work, and the factory didn't give him much face anymore, so naturally, he received less stuff from those procurement channels.

Wang Cuiping doesn't have time to do these things. She does give money every month, but this family has too many mouths to feed.

After lunch, the family truly felt that He Yuzhu had returned, because they tasted the familiar flavors.

While eating, Wang Siyu kept curiously looking at this older brother. She was too young when He Yuzhu left and had no memory of him at all. Then Xiaoman told her about the connection between He Yuzhu and her family. Whether she understood or not was another matter, but she understood that he was like her older sister Xiaoman, someone she could treat like a real brother.

After the meal, He Yuzhu saw Chen Lanxiang feeding the two little brothers rice porridge again. He then realized that Chen Lanxiang's breast milk was still not good. The two little ones were eating very poorly, and although there was malted milk powder, they could not eat it every meal.

So He Yuzhu went back to the east wing. He hadn't unpacked his big bundle yet, so what was a few extra cans of milk powder?

Seeing the several jars that He Yuzhu brought over, Chen Lanxiang asked, "Yuzhu, what are these?"

"Milk powder! I've never even drunk the milk powder from the bald eagle's capture."

"Ah, the soldiers of the Bald Eagle even bring this to the battlefield?"

"They brought so much stuff: canned meat, canned fruit, compressed biscuits, sugar cubes, chocolate, egg powder, coffee, and just a lot of other things."

"This isn't a war, it's more like they're out having fun."

He Yuzhu could only laugh at this. People eat well, so they have good physical fitness, and far fewer of them freeze to death or suffer frostbite.

"You still have the baby bottles, right? I'll help Xiaoxin and Xiaoyao with the water."

“They’re all on the cabinet. These baby bottles you brought back can be passed down through generations.”

When He Yuzhu went to the main room to make milk powder, Chen Lanxiang said softly with tears in her eyes, "It still has to be my eldest son!"

"Mom, why are you crying again? My brother is back."

"I'm not crying, I'm not crying, Mother is just happy." Chen Lanxiang wiped away her tears.

"I'm going to help my brother."

"Stop causing trouble. Do you think you can handle hot water?"

"Oh!"

"Sister Rain, play with me!" Wang Siyu called out when no one paid attention to her.

"Okay!"

He Yuzhu brought in the formula, and Chen Lanxiang tested the temperature before feeding the two younger children. Wang Siyu played on the side, her nose constantly twitching.

He Yushui said, "We're big kids now, we don't drink milk anymore."

"Okay." The little guy looked a bit dejected.

"Here's some candy for you." He Yuzhu took two chocolates out of his pocket.

"Brother, why is this candy black? Is it edible?"

“You’ll know after you try it.”

"Mmm, sweet." Wang Siyu couldn't wait to take a small bite, her eyes squinting.

"It's delicious." He Yushui saw Wang Siyu eat it, so she also took a small bite.

You say chocolate is bitter? These days, we're lucky if we can even get sugar.

"Mom, have a piece too." He Yuzhu took out another piece.

"Mother doesn't eat candy, so save it for the children," Chen Lanxiang said with a smile.

"There's more, you can try it."

"Okay, okay," Chen Lanxiang said with a smile.

"Why is this candy different from the ones sold outside?"

"This is called chocolate, and it's from the bald eagle."

"They really know how to enjoy life over there."

"We'll have that when our country gets better," He Yuzhu said.

"Yes, yes, from now on we'll eat what we produce ourselves."

In the afternoon, He Yuzhu fell asleep in the east wing without being disturbed. In his dream, he felt someone touching his face, which startled him awake. He then began to touch his body.

What were you touching? A gun? But when he touched it, he found nothing. His fist was thrown out, and then it was caught by a hand.

"You little rascal, what are you touching? You want to hit me? Look closely, I'm your father." He Daqing glared at him, but his eyes were a little red.

He Yuzhu then saw the person in front of him clearly and instantly relaxed.

"Why did you touch my face for no reason? I thought..."

"What did you think? This is Beijing, this is your home. You think the enemy has come and you want to touch a gun?" He Daqing said irritably.

"hey-hey."

"Hey, you better watch your step from now on."

"understood."

"Dinner's ready, everyone's been waiting for you."

"it is good."

The dinner was a pleasant and harmonious affair.

They enjoyed their meals, but the people in the front yard had a different story. As for He Yuzhu's affair, how many of the women in those families hadn't gossiped about it?

The men from those families, whatever they said, each had their own thoughts, mostly jealousy—jealousy of He Yuzhu's good luck, jealousy of having a good son.

After the He family finished their meal, He Daqing insisted on seeing He Yuzhu's military medals.

Lao Tzu had a request, so what could He Yuzhu do but show it to everyone? Everyone who looked at it was very careful and meticulous, afraid of damaging it.

In the end, the old lady carefully wrapped each one in cloth and handed it to He Yuzhu.

"Oh, pillar, how come there's one extra one?"

"Our army withdrew back to China, and I went to help out a few other armies," He Yuzhu said casually.

But the old lady, Chen Lanxiang, and He Daqing are not so easily fooled now. They had already asked Wang Cuiping about it when the letter came back.

Wang Cuiping has worked so hard over the years and only managed to earn a second-class merit and a third-class merit. But can her second-class merit be compared to that earned on the battlefield?

She was tactful enough not to say that first-class merits were awarded without effort, but she did point out how difficult it was to obtain such merits, given that their unit had many veterans from regular battlefield units.

When those guys heard Wang Cuiping talk about He Yuzhu's military achievements, their eyes turned red with envy. Jealousy was out of the question; they thought, "If you're so capable, why don't you try and achieve something yourself and see if you can bring it back alive?"

He Daqing also wanted to see He Yuzhu's military merit certificate, since Wang Cuiping had one.

He Yuzhu didn't show it to him; it contained his battle record and specific achievements. If he saw it, things would get complicated.

Wang Cuiping returned to the courtyard house very late. When she saw the light on in the east wing, she rushed into the east wing without even going home.

He Yuzhu and He Daqing were having a drink. This was the first time the two of them had ever drunk alcohol. He Daqing brought out his best wine from his stash. His son was back, and he was very happy.

The snacks to go with the drinks were fried peanuts and a salad of cabbage hearts.

The door was suddenly pushed open, and both father and son were stunned. Then, He Yuzhu was grabbed by the collar and lifted up by the newcomer.

"You little brat, you still know how to come back. Can't you give your mother a break?"

Then He Yuzhu took a solid punch, which made him wince in pain.

"Aunt Ping, I didn't die on the battlefield, but you almost killed me."

Wang Cuiping let go of him and sat down casually.

"I know you too, get me a cup too."

He Yuzhu looked at He Daqing, who nodded. He Yuzhu got up and got three large tea mugs, and casually took out two bottles of foreign liquor from his bag.

"What's wrong? You got punched and you want to get your aunt drunk?" Wang Cuiping glanced at He Yuzhu.

"No way, this is just so you can all have a taste of something new, something captured on the battlefield, from a bald eagle."

"What kind of wine is this? Why is it this color?" Wang Cuiping asked.

"I think it's called something like red wine," He Daqing said.

He Yuzhu sliced ​​off the bottle neck with one hand and poured half a teacup into each teacup.

"You should first toast your Aunt Ping. If it weren't for her, we don't know what would have become of our family," He Daqing said.

"I toast you, Aunt Ping." He Yuzhu picked up the glass and gulped it down.

Wang Cuiping, who do you think you are? You think you're afraid of him? Over the past few years, at celebration banquets and such, she's drunk countless people under the table. She just picks up a glass and drinks, and almost throws up after just one sip.

He forced down a large gulp, put down the teacup, grabbed a handful of peanuts, threw them into his mouth, and started chewing.

"What is this rubbish? It's so sour, is this even wine?"

"This is my first time trying it too, I just want to try something new."

"You drank half a teacup on your first time?"

"You have to finish the toast!"

"You kid."

He Daqing also picked up his glass and took a sip. He was quite knowledgeable; he had seen foreign liquor in high-end restaurants before, but he had never tasted it.

"It's not as good as our wine," He Daqing said tactfully, then politely declined and pushed the large tea mug to He Yuzhu.

"Wait, I'll go get another bottle of wine. This isn't enough to drink." He Daqing got up and walked towards the main room, giving Wang Cuiping and He Yuzhu some time to talk alone.

"Zhu Zi, you're really something! A first-class combat hero, a special merit? What exactly were you doing up north?"

"It's nothing, just that I killed a few more people," He Yuzhu said casually.

"Killed some? You might fool others, but you can't fool me!"

"They really killed too many."

"How much?" Wang Cuiping asked in a low voice.

"There must be at least a hundred or so," He Yuzhu said in a low voice.

"Hiss, I didn't realize you were such a killing machine! It's really impressive that you're still alive. Are you injured?"

"Ok!"

"Where is it? Is it heavy?"

"It's ready."

"Are you back to visit relatives?"

"I've changed careers."

"Not leaving?"

"Correct."

"The letter said you were a company commander?"

"He's been promoted to deputy battalion commander!"

"Why don't you work for me?"

"I want to rest, I'm a little tired."

The door creaked open, and He Daqing walked in carrying wine and two new wine cups, followed by Xu Damao.

This kid was standing at the door and wouldn't come in. I don't know what he heard, but his face was so pale. He only came back to his senses after He Daqing kicked him.

"What are you two talking about inside? This kid's scared stiff," He Daqing said.

"I was just asking about the battlefield at Zhuzi. Da Mao is still a child, it's normal that he was frightened."

“Zhu Zi was the same age he is now when he left. He was still a child. I think he should go out and gain some experience.” He Daqing looked down on Xu Damao’s idea of ​​learning to project movies, saying it was more tiring than being a cook, not to mention serving others.

“Isn’t it enough that one person in the family has gone?” Wang Cuiping said.

"Da Mao, sit down and have a drink to calm your nerves." He Yuzhu pulled Xu Damao to sit down and handed him He Daqing's large tea mug. Xu Damao looked at He Yuzhu with a bit of fear in his eyes, but he thought the tea mug was just water and gulped it down.

He even burped after finishing the drink.

"This isn't water? Why does it taste sour? Zhu, Brother Zhu, you didn't give me vinegar to drink, did you?"

"Foreign gadgets, seized from abroad."

"Shall I have another tank?"

"you sure?"

"I didn't taste anything just now," Xu Damao nodded.

"Okay." "Punch, punch, punch" and another half-full teacup.

This time, Xu Damao wasn't bored. He took a sip and then started eating peanuts.

When He Yuzhu saw that there weren't enough peanuts, he went inside and brought out two cans of meat, which he then opened and placed on the table.

"Aunt Ping, what exactly were you two talking about just now?"

"I just asked about his war achievements, and then asked Zhu Zi if he was still leaving. He said he wasn't, so I asked him if he wanted to work for me. That kid's a real talent, much better than my other men." "What did Zhu Zi say?"

He Daqing had actually thought about what his son would do after returning home. He wouldn't be a cook anyway. Putting aside his education, his military officer status and military achievements alone should have gotten him a good job. But he didn't have the connections. Wang Cuiping's words made him more interested.

"Zhuzi said there's no rush, he needs to rest for a while after just getting back."

"Oh, taking a break is fine too."

"You've changed the subject again. What's going on on the battlefield?"

Wang Cuiping looked at He Yuzhu, who shook his head. Even if He Daqing had some courage, he was still just an ordinary citizen. She didn't want to scare him any further.

As for Xu Damao, who might have overheard, there's nothing we can do about it; it's his own fault for coming over so late at night.

"It's nothing, it's not easy anyway." Wang Cuiping poured herself a glass of baijiu, drank it, and then stood up.

"You guys chat, I have things to do tomorrow, so I'm going back first. Zhu Zi, you stay home and behave yourself, don't cause any trouble."

These words were pointed. She had seen people with post-traumatic stress disorder from the battlefield, let alone He Yuzhu, a killing god. She felt that He Yuzhu was not telling the truth.

"I know."

"You know that's enough. I'm leaving."

The three of them continued drinking. He Daqing tentatively asked a few questions, but He Yuzhu brushed them off each time. So He Daqing stopped asking and planned to ask Xu Damao later.

Xu Damao just kept drinking with him, and eventually, he drank under the table.

"Take this kid back."

"No need, the kang is big enough, sleep here."

"Alright, go and tell Old Xu's family later."

"it is good."

"I'm not drinking anymore, I have to go to work tomorrow."

"You reek of alcohol, why don't you sleep here too?"

"Alright, I'll go back and tell your mother."

After helping Xu Damao onto the kang (heated brick bed), He Yuzhu went outside the Xu family's house to say something. Zhao Cuifeng responded, and He Yuzhu left. When he returned, He Daqing had already come back and was washing his feet.

After washing up, He Yuzhu poured out the foot bath water for him, soaked his own feet, and then the two of them fell fast asleep.

He Yuzhu was used to it on the battlefield, and the snoring of He Daqing and Xu Damao didn't bother him at all.

When he woke up, He Daqing had already left, while Xu Damao was still sleeping like a log. He Yuzhu didn't wake him either. When he went out to wash his face and brush his teeth, He Yushui came over to call him for breakfast.

Xiaoman and Wang Siyu were both there, eating congee, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables.

After breakfast, He Yuzhu didn't know what to do, so he asked Chen Lanxiang how the preparations for the New Year were going.

Chen Lanxiang knew exactly what her son was thinking. It seemed he wanted to contact those people again, so she said, "Don't worry about it. Your father is here. You've just come back, so just stay home and relax."

"it is good."

He Yuzhu stayed home playing with the kids, especially the two girls. He was a little more interested in the two little ones, but the two little ones almost made him lose his temper. They were so loud and howling. They howled when they were hungry, they howled when they peed, they just kept howling.

In the end, he had no choice but to leave it to Chen Lanxiang, and he went out to prepare lunch.

When He Yuzhu returned this time, he noticed that Xiaoman was particularly shy. She would often secretly look at him and blush when she spoke, which made him feel helpless.

Xu Damao woke up around noon and felt like his head was about to explode. Just then, He Yuzhu came to call him for lunch.

"Brother Zhu, your alcohol level is too high."

"Is it because the alcohol is strong? You drank so much, and you said it didn't taste good?"

"Hehe, this is a rare treat. Ordinary people can't afford to drink it. Now I'll have something to brag about to others!"

"Stop bragging! Go wash your face and eat."

"Hey, hey." Xu Damao got off the kang (a heated brick bed), put on his shoes, and ran home.

After lunch, He Yuzhu was sorting through the things he had brought back when he heard gongs and drums outside.

The sound grew closer and closer, and then Xu Damao rushed into his east wing.

"Brother Zhu, Brother Zhu, the neighborhood committee has come to present you with a banner."

"Subdistrict office?"

"Yes, yes, Director Wang brought his men. Hurry, they'll be in the Intermediate People's Court soon."

"Okay, I'll change and be right there."

He Yuzhu isn't wearing his military uniform today; he's staying home. There's no need for him to wear one; who would he be trying to impress?

However, since we're here to present a banner, we should wear this military uniform.

The commotion outside grew louder and louder. When He Yuzhu came out, he saw dozens of people standing in the Intermediate People's Court, and the leader was none other than Wang Hongxia.

Not only their courtyard, but also many people of all ages from the neighboring courtyards came over. The group in the front yard of No. 95 courtyard didn't look too good. The old lady, Chen Lanxiang, Xiaoman, Xu Damao, and He Yushui were all smiling broadly, feeling very proud.

"Zhu Zi, you've finally come out! Why didn't you tell me you were coming back? I had people asking around about you for ages. If your Aunt Ping hadn't called me, I wouldn't have known you were back. Come and let me see you."

"Hello, Aunt Xia, I've changed my clothes. Thank you for your concern!" He Yuzhu knew what was going on as soon as she heard the news. It was about the disappearance again, and she was sorry to have troubled her. She quickly said.

"You should have changed your clothes. You look really smart in this military uniform. You've changed a lot. I know a bit about the battlefield. You're a good young man. You haven't let us down in Beijing." Wang Hongxia gently punched He Yuzhu's shoulder.

"I just did my job as a soldier, Aunt Xia, why are you making such a big fuss?"

"This is quite a big deal. Presenting a banner to a war hero would be quite a spectacle. You've brought honor to Jiaodaokou."

"what?"

"A first-class combat hero and a special merit, isn't that enough to bring honor? Alright, hurry up, let's finish this business first, then we'll talk."

"it is good."

In front of everyone, Wang Hongxia took out a piece of paper, read out He Yuzhu's merits, and then solemnly handed him the banner and certificate of merit. He Yuzhu returned the salute.

Why was Wang Hongxia so clear about this? After receiving the news, she didn't just rush to make banners and certificates of merit. She also called the military control commission's resettlement department to find out about He Yuzhu's situation.

They even asked why the subdistrict office hadn't been notified, and the other party said they were still waiting for He Yuzhu to complete the formalities. Besides, the subdistrict office had just been established, and they had no idea whether or not they should be notified.

When He Yuzhu's achievements were being recounted, the He family members all had tears in their eyes. Jia Zhangshi really wanted to run away at this moment, so she hid behind Qin Huairu to minimize her presence.

He Yuzhu kept disappearing, one achievement after another, and she was getting a little dizzy from listening to it all. Then she started daydreaming, wishing that all the credit would go to her son. She didn't even consider what kind of person her son was.

Yang Ruihua, who was also spreading rumors with Jia Zhangshi, was so unsteady on her feet that she had to be helped by Yan Jiecheng to stand up.

Liu Haizhong's wife was alright, but Liu Guangqi's eyes were filled with intense jealousy when he looked at He Yuzhu. When He Yuzhu wasn't around, he was the only person in the compound with a vocational school diploma. Now that He Yuzhu was back and had made so many contributions, he felt like he had been slapped in the face. When he got into vocational school, his father even threw a banquet. Now, looking at him, what was he compared to that? Just a show-off.

The younger children looked at He Yushui, who was beaming with pride, with envy and a little fear. They had bullied her before, and they wondered if her brother would come back to settle scores.

After the ceremony was over, Wang Hongxia didn't let anyone leave. Instead, she talked about what would happen if someone slandered a meritorious soldier, telling everyone in the compound to watch their mouths and that she would not let them off easily if they found out.

While saying this, Wang Hongxia glanced at the people in the front courtyard, spending the most time on Jia Zhangshi, almost naming her.

Although the neighborhood office has only just been established, they had already started promoting it to every household. Everyone knows that from now on, except for major crimes, everything else will be under their jurisdiction. Housing and jobs are all important matters.

After Wang Cuiping finished speaking, the people in the front yard felt a chill run down their spines. What if it affected their family members' future work and schooling? That would be terrible.

Madam Jia was already supporting Qin Huairu, while Yang Ruihua plopped down on the ground.

Many people at the neighborhood office knew what was going on, and they looked at them with disdain and anger.

After finishing this matter, Wang Hongxia dismissed the crowd. Those people in the front yard, feeling as if they had been granted a pardon, slunk home.

Wang Hongxia told the other people from the subdistrict office to go back first, as she wanted to stay and talk to He Yuzhu.

Chen Lanxiang has already asked Xu Damao to help hang up the banners and post the certificates of merit, which are hung next to the portraits in the main room.

Wang Hongxia bombarded He Yuzhu with questions, even though their family was present. He Yuzhu didn't reveal any details, but Wang Hongxia, like Wang Cuiping, was well aware of the dangers involved.

Grabbing He Yuzhu's hand, she said, "You are all great, great! I didn't expect it to be so tough up front. We who do the logistics work are ashamed."

"Aunt Xia, it's not entirely a logistical issue. Their planes are too powerful; we can't get the supplies up there."

"I heard from your Aunt Ping that you're not going back to the army. What are your plans for the future?"

Upon hearing this, He Yuzhu said, "Here we go again."

"I haven't decided yet. I've been under a lot of stress these past two years, and I'm exhausted. I plan to take a break for a while."

"Alright, but you need to go to the Military Control Commission first to complete the formalities. As for the job, think it over and tell me. I'll take care of things now."

"Okay, I'll go another day."

After chatting for a while, Wang Hongxia left. Before leaving, she told He Yuzhu that his Uncle Zhao had been transferred back to Dongcheng and was now the district head. She invited him to visit her home when he had time.

He Yuzhu naturally agreed.

That evening, Wang Hongxia told Zhao Fengnian about He Yuzhu's return. Zhao Fengnian sighed, thinking that the young man was indeed a remarkable person and that he hadn't misjudged him.

The next day, the people from the district's propaganda department found Zhao Fengnian. They had also heard that a combat hero had returned from Dongcheng District.

What happened next was something He Yuzhu never expected, and it also made him famous.

He Yuzhu, as the only combat hero from Dongcheng District who returned to China alive, was first invited by the district committee and then by various factories to give reports. As for the school, which is currently on holiday, some people have already made reservations.

He Yuzhu didn't want to go at first, but Wang Hongxia and Zhao Fengnian came to persuade him, and he reluctantly agreed. Then someone came to ask him to write a speech, but He Yuzhu didn't write one; he spoke without a script.

He Yuzhu always wears his military uniform and medals when giving speeches.

However, he only described how the soldiers marched hundreds of miles in freezing weather wearing only thin clothes.

It tells the story of how the enemy's planes and artillery could not break the will of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.

The story goes that the company of Qingchuanjiang independently resisted the enemy until only one platoon remained.

The story tells of how the 6th and 7th companies of Shuimen Bridge blew up the bridge, and how the four companies worked together to hold off half a division of the enemy, leaving only 50 men in the end.

The comrades on Shangganling had no water or food, yet they still had to negotiate with the enemy for more than 40 days and nights, and the mountain was bombed down several meters.

They only refrain from talking about themselves, and only those martyrs who lie buried on the peninsula are truly worthy of respect.

Every performance brought tears to the eyes of the entire audience, who stood up, applauded thunderously, and shouted: "Down with imperialism! The Volunteer Army will surely win!"

Zhao Fengnian, a member of the district, was sitting not far from He Yuzhu, listening to the conversation. Even as a veteran underground party member, he was terrified by what he heard.

Wang Hongxia from the neighborhood committee sat on the sidelines and organized more than one event. She was called to every event at No. 95 compound, partly for education and partly because they were used as role models.

The old lady, Chen Lanxiang, and Xiaoman listened below, wiping away tears. Xu Damao listened with a sense of longing, while He Yushui listened with tears streaming down her face, her little hands clapping until they hurt.

Wang Siyu was too young to attend, so the old lady and Chen Lanxiang took turns taking care of her at home. In fact, they only needed to go once, but they still insisted on going to listen.

After hearing this, Wang Cuiping and her colleagues from the Public Security Bureau immediately told their subordinates, "You should all learn from them. That's what real hardship and danger look like."

He Daqing from the steel rolling mill clapped his hands until they were red, and kept saying to the people next to him, "That's my son, my son."

Everyone in the cafeteria knew He Yuzhu, and they weren't annoyed by He Daqing's words; they were just envious, envious that he had such a good son.

I'm also a little scared about how I ostracized He Daqing in the cafeteria before. What if he causes trouble?

Especially those who cut off He Daqing's path to hosting banquets. If it weren't for their publicity, how many people would know about the He family? Now look what's happened, their son is back, back in all his glory.

Liu Haizhong was also filled with excitement, but looking at the military medals on He Yuzhu's chest on the stage, he felt a tightness in his chest.

Like everyone else present, Yan Bugui had another thought: the He family was not to be trifled with, especially He Yuzhu. This kid was a killing machine. He Yuzhu might not talk about himself, but every battle he participated in was dangerous, and he had made so many contributions. Anyone with a brain would know what was going on.

This episode went on to talk about the time before the Chinese New Year, and how He Yuzhu was physically and mentally exhausted.

This is like reopening old wounds time and time again.

So he went to Wang Hongxia and Zhao Fengnian, a married couple, and quit.

Both of them initially thought it was a good thing, as publicizing the frontline soldiers would greatly help with recruitment, logistics, and other work.

However, they overlooked He Yuzhu's own feelings, and after reflecting on it, the couple both felt ashamed.

As a result, the couple blocked all the speeches that He Yuzhu was supposed to give after the New Year, except for those that he couldn't refuse.

Before the Lunar New Year, Principal Wang asked Wang Hongxia to talk to He Yuzhu and ask if he could give a speech at his alma mater. He Yuzhu agreed.

Then the primary and secondary schools that He Yuzhu had attended also came looking for him, and He Yuzhu couldn't refuse.

Fearing that someone might come looking for him again, he left early every day and returned around mealtime.

This situation continued until the Lunar New Year.

The eve of the Lunar New Year in 1953 was the most lively for the He family in recent years. The table was full of dishes and laughter. The He family had finally shaken off the gloom and were able to hold their heads high. The old lady drank a bit too much in the end and didn't even make dumplings. He Yuzhu carried her back home.

Xu Damao came to ask He Yuzhu to set off firecrackers, but He refused. He returned to his east wing. He had heard enough of the gunfire on the battlefield, and now the sound of firecrackers outside was a bit jarring to him.

The sound sent his thoughts drifting to the peninsula, where fighting was still going on, though not as intense anymore.

It reminded him of his comrades-in-arms. Putting aside the others in the 6th Army, he still missed the men in the 1st Company. He would find out where the 6th Army had gone when he had time.

Wu Qianli and his group left their address, but He Yuzhu felt that they definitely wouldn't stay in one place forever. How could such a strong army go off to do some production? They must have other missions.

As for the people from the 8th and 7th companies of the 15th Army, He Yuzhu didn't know if he would ever see them again. Thinking about this, He Yuzhu fell asleep.

He Yushui and Wang Siyu followed along, setting off countless firecrackers before returning, their hands and faces covered in ash.

After finishing her drink, Wang Cuiping made dumplings and went home. After Xiaoman and Wang Siyu fell asleep, she hid under the covers and cried. She thought of Yu Zecheng, who was far away on the island. How wonderful it would be if he could stand in the sunlight like Zhuzi and receive the respectful gaze of everyone. According to his merits, he deserved it.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, He Yuzhu was woken up by He Yushui so that they could go and pay New Year's visits.

He Yuzhu also received several red envelopes, and then he gave red envelopes to the younger children in his family. Chen Lanxiang knew that he still had some money, so she didn't stop him.

Then, He Yuzhu, a second-year junior high student, went to the Wang family again, because Wang Hongxia and her family were staying with Principal Wang, which saved him the trouble of making two trips.

Originally, the old lady of the Wang family didn't want him, as a guest, to cook, but there were many gluttons in the family, so He Yuzhu showed off his skills again, and the Wang family kept praising him.

Zhao Fengnian dragged He Yuzhu into drinking and was immediately knocked out. Principal Wang also drank quite a bit with him, and Wang Hongxia kept complaining that He Yuzhu didn't hold back.

　Thank you to readers Bitter Sea God Fate, Cyndi1982, and Lonely Tears for their generous donations. Thank you for your support.

　　I can't release any more chapters today, so I'll just do a small one. There will still be two more chapters to go. I don't have any drafts saved up, so I'll have to save them up for a big release later.

　　Thank you for your support. I wish you all a happy holiday and good health to your families!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)