1984: Starting from a bankrupt Sichuan restaurant

Chapter 228 Youthful Spirit is an Irreplaceable Thing (Bonus Chapter 534 for Monthly Tickets)

"A heroic act? Is it the same as the pickpockets you caught on the bus last time?" Song Wanqing, who didn't have class this morning, asked with delight as she looked at the banner.

Zhou Ming nodded and said calmly, "Yes, the case investigation is complete. They said they were a notorious bandit who had traveled all the way from the Northwest. They had two murders on their hands and several other major cases. Zhou Yan and I arrested them, which counts as a meritorious service."

"They were ruthless bandits, not thieves!" Song Wanqing exclaimed in surprise, a hint of fear in her eyes. "Then... don't be so impulsive next time. I was worried about you after they stabbed you..."

Zhou Ming smiled broadly and said nonchalantly, "It's nothing, just a minor injury that's already scabbed over. They went too far. Stealing money is one thing, but molesting women is quite another. I don't think they're good people."

I thought that if they got some blood on their hands, the situation would be different. You see, they had lives on their hands, and they couldn't touch me.

Song Wanqing looked into his eyes, which shone brightly, and couldn't help but smile.

Even after all these years, his youthful spirit has not been extinguished.

Just like when he was young, he held a long stick and stood at the entrance of the alley, blocking her way.

Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to remember it.

Or perhaps he did so many things that they were simply not worth mentioning to him.

"Teacher Zhou, you're amazing! Let me see your banner and certificates of honor!"

"Great! It was awarded by the municipal government!"

"You are so brave and have such a strong sense of justice!"

What she didn't say back then, she's offering double today.

Zhou Ming gradually lost himself amidst the constant praise, almost becoming a placenta from being coaxed.

In the courtyard, Song Changhe, holding a teacup in one hand, stared blankly at Zhou Ming, lost in thought.

That year, when he was eighteen, his eldest brother led them down the mountain to suppress bandits. They returned to the mountain with an official commendation, and all the brothers were just as spirited, showing the commendation order to their master and mistress.

The spirit of youth is a non-renewable resource.

In the blink of an eye, more than fifty years have passed.

Black hair turns white in an instant; youth fades, to whom can one speak of it?

None of those fellow disciples who fought and risked their lives together ever returned.

Senior brother, junior brother...

Song Changhe stared at Zhou Ming for a long time, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Perhaps they have already returned.

"You have class this afternoon, right? Shall I give you a ride to school?" Zhou Ming rolled up the banner and asked Song Wanqing.

"Okay, wait for me a moment, I'll go get my bag." Song Wanqing replied with a smile, turned around and ran into the yard. Seeing Song Changhe sitting in the yard in a daze, she slowed her pace a bit and said with a hint of pride, "Grandpa! Did you hear that? Zhou Ming got an award for bravery! He and Zhou Yan caught a group of ruthless bandits!"

"I heard you. I'm just getting old, not deaf," Song Changhe said calmly, taking a sip of tea.

“Grandpa, don’t you think he looks like you?” Song Wanqing leaned forward. “When you were young, weren’t you also a hero who rode a horse and fought against injustice?”

Song Changhe waved his hand: "Go to your class."

"Hmph, I'm a teacher, not a student." Song Wanqing snorted, went inside to grab her bag, jogged out the door, closed the door behind her, sat on the back of her bicycle, and said crisply, "Let's go."

The bicycle drove away.

Song Changhe gently placed the covered bowl in his hand on the stone table and sighed softly.

looks like?

He must have looked like that fifty years ago.

The times have changed.

But it seems the person hasn't changed.

He truly saw the spirit of youthful chivalry in this young man.

……

After closing for the evening, Zhou Yan went outside and saw Zhou Ming teaching Zhou Momo boxing under the tree at the entrance.

"Hey!"

"what--"

The little guy stood in a horse stance, punching each blow with precision and rhythm, shouting with great energy.

“Ming-ge,” Zhou Yan said.

"All done?" Zhou Ming smiled and turned around, pointing to the banners and certificates of honor in the bicycle basket beside him, a hint of pride in his smile. "Got yours?"

“Take it, two portions,” Zhou Yan said with a smile.

"Double?" Zhou Ming stopped laughing and leaned closer. "Why? How come you get double? Doesn't that mean you have two bonuses?"

"There's no way around it, your little brother is really outstanding." Zhou Yan pulled him inside and showed him the two banners hanging on either side of the menu wall, like left and right guardians.

"Oh, you bravely rescued the female college student who fell into the water. You should be awarded a banner." Zhou Ming nodded in realization, then turned to Zhou Yan and instructed, "You landlubber, don't jump into the river next time. You can't be reckless like this."

"Yes, I know." Zhou Yan nodded. Even though he himself had dared to fight back against four knife-wielding thugs in the car, he was showing special concern for him. He changed the subject and said, "This Sunday, Mr. Song asked me to help him organize a family banquet to invite his old comrades-in-arms. Are you free to help me out?"

"Really?!" Zhou Ming's eyes lit up, but he was also a little puzzled: "You... how do you know Mr. Song? I haven't even spoken to him yet."

“We met at dinner last Sunday. He was very satisfied with the food I cooked, and I thought maybe I could introduce you to him, so I agreed,” Zhou Yan said.

"Great! I'm definitely free, I can cancel anything!" Zhou Ming clapped his hands excitedly and looked at Zhou Yan, saying, "Zhou Yan, thank you."

"We're like brothers, no need for thanks." Zhou Yan laughed, then asked with a gossipy look, "How's your relationship with Teacher Song going?"

"What progress?"

"Besides eating together and going to class together, is there anything else you do? Like holding hands or something?"

"How can you just hold a girl's hand like that!" Zhou Ming said righteously. "Zhou Yan, you need to be more pure in your thinking!"

Zhou Yan: ...

Well, let's say he's more innocent.

Zhou Ming and Zhou Yan chatted for a while before heading back. Zhou Momo squatted in a horse stance for a bit, then plopped down on the ground, looking up at Zhou Yan with a puzzled expression: "Brother... my legs seem a little strange."

"What happened?" Zhou Yan quickly stepped forward and lifted her onto a stone bench.

"It seems to have stopped moving, and it feels numb." The little guy pouted, looking a bit aggrieved.

"You've been squatting in a horse stance for too long, your legs are numb." Zhou Yan smiled and reached out to gently massage her legs for a while.

"Huh?! It's done!"

The little guy swung his short legs, and a smile returned to his face.

"Why do you want to learn martial arts?" Zhou Yan reached out and pinched her cheek.

"When I grow up, I want to be a police officer!" the little guy said firmly, his eyes unwavering. "I want to be a hero like you and Ming!"

"Okay, then practice hard." Zhou Yan nodded with a smile.

"Hmm!" The little guy jumped off the stool and ran to the side to practice his boxing with a chuckle.

Zhou Yan changed his clothes and went out for a run.

"Zhou Yan!" A voice rang out as they passed the entrance to the textile factory's staff dormitory, and Xia Yao, dressed in sportswear, jogged up to catch up.

"What a coincidence," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

"It's not a coincidence, I waited for you on purpose." Xia Yao smiled and said, "You need a companion for a night run."

"I usually don't come out until after seven o'clock." Zhou Yan raised his hand to look at his watch, and said a little embarrassedly, "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Xia Yao smiled and shook her head: "It's nothing. I was actually drawing just now. The drawing board is still in the guard room."

"What are you drawing?"

"you guess."

"Design drawings for Jiading silk?"

"No, it's a moment to honor heroes."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yan turned to look at her, her smile gentle and generous.

"It's not finished yet. I'll show it to you when it's done in a couple of days."

"it is good."

"You are so brave! You even dared to stand up against a ruthless robber with a knife! The elderly people who had their money stolen and the women who were bullied must be very grateful to you."

"actually, I……"

"I know, but next time you must protect yourself and not get hurt, I'll worry."

"it is good……"

Zhou Yan rarely spent time alone with girls, but he felt a strong emotional connection with Xia Yao, a connection that was incredibly powerful.

The two ran a lap along the riverbank, and by the time they returned to their dormitory building, it was already dark.

"Go on upstairs. I'll leave once I see your room light is on," Zhou Yan said gently as he escorted her downstairs.

"Okay." Xia Yao took the picture book from the guard room and went upstairs.

Soon after, the lights came on in the windows on the third floor.

Zhou Yan was about to turn and leave when the window suddenly opened, and Xia Yao poked her head out, smiling and waving at him.

In the darkness, she was like a bright spot, full of vitality.

After a long day of work, Zhou Yan was in a state of near-death at this time of day.

Seeing her smile made me feel a bit alive again.

Zhou Yan waved his hand and turned to leave.

He needs to go back and collect his money and keep accounts; only then can he truly come back to life.

Back at the hotel, Zhou Yan took a shower, changed into clean clothes, and came out to find Old Zhou giving Aunt Zhao a shoulder and neck massage as she admired the certificate of honor.

Aunt Zhao closed the certificate of honor and said, "Do you think I should go to a literacy class to further my studies? I only recognize Zhou Yan's name among these characters, and a few of the simplest ones."

"Are there still literacy classes now?" Zhou Yan asked doubtfully.

Zhou Miao nodded: "Yes, the town's primary school is still running nighttime literacy classes. The school teachers are in charge of teaching, and there are three classes every week. I went to ask about it this afternoon."

"That's great, Sanshui. I just casually mentioned it at noon, and you've already asked about all these things." Aunt Zhao was quite touched.

"You're great, Sanshui," Zhou Momo, who was drawing nearby, praised.

"Zhou Momo, why are you yelling like that?" Aunt Zhao laughed in exasperation.

Zhou Momo put down her crayons, tilted her head in confusion, and asked, "I followed my mother's lead and shouted it?"

"No..."

"It's alright, let her shout whatever she wants." Old Zhou smiled indulgently.

"And what about me?" Zhou Yan asked.

"Don't force me to take off my belt and whip you when I'm happiest." Old Zhou rolled his eyes at him. "It's a new belt, it hasn't been blessed yet."

Zhou Yan: ╮(╯▽╰)╭

Well, he's running away from home today to go on a long voyage!
He has absolutely no status in this family!

“Mom, if you still have the energy after work every day, I think you should sign up for a course. In this day and age, literacy is still very important.” Zhou Yan looked at Aunt Zhao and said earnestly.

“Your personal abilities are outstanding. Once our restaurant grows bigger and stronger, I will definitely entrust you with important responsibilities, at least to the level of lobby manager.”

When you're managing a group of employees, literacy and basic writing skills will be more helpful in carrying out your work. If I have other arrangements and need you to oversee a restaurant, then you'll also need to learn bookkeeping and auditing.

"To be a manager!" Aunt Zhao's eyes lit up, and she nodded decisively, "Okay! I'll sign up tomorrow!"

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(End of this chapter)