Old Deng is reborn in the 1980s, and he starts by severing his father-son relationship!

As soon as she said it, Old Mrs. Shen realized she had misspoke. She glanced at Chen Deshun and, seeing that he seemed normal, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Chen Jianguo and the old man walked ahead, some distance away from the mother and son.

After thinking for a moment, Old Mrs. Shen tentatively asked in a low voice, "Second son, have you thought about finding someone else?"

She had long considered having her second son remarry.

Especially after seeing the cold stove and empty pots at Chen Deshun's house, I felt even more worried for my son.

Since we've already gotten this far, let's take this opportunity to sound out our son and ask him what he really thinks.

Chen Deshun raised an eyebrow. The old lady's thoughts were jumping around too fast. How did she suddenly bring up this topic?

Seeing that her son remained silent, Old Mrs. Shen started talking on her own, advising, "You're good-looking, physically healthy, and a permanent employee of a large state-owned factory with a decent salary. It shouldn't be difficult for you to find someone around your age. Divorced women won't do, but widows will. That way, when the children are all grown up and have their own families, at least you'll have someone to talk to."

At that time, a new version of the Marriage Law had not yet been introduced; the 1950 Marriage Law was still in use, even though the law allowed divorce on legitimate grounds.

However, divorce was generally regarded as "morally corrupt," dishonorable, and irresponsible at the time, especially by the older generation, who preferred to marry a widow rather than get involved with a divorced woman.

"Mom." Chen Deshun had no prejudice against divorced women or widows; he simply didn't want to talk about it.

Grandma Shen glanced at him sideways: "What's there to be embarrassed about? You're the only one left single among your siblings. I understand why you didn't look for someone when Xiaofang left. But how many years have passed now?"

Chen Deshun looked helpless and could only make up an excuse, saying, "I'm so busy with work every day, I don't have time for that."

Seeing that Chen Deshun was trying to evade the question, Old Lady Shen snorted, "Chairman Mao said that revolution and production should not be neglected. But for you, it's become an excuse to be a bachelor? The machines in the factory need to be taken care of, but the house is cold and empty, and that's not a problem? You come home every day and talk to four walls?"

Chen Deshun turned his face away and replied in a muffled voice, "Mom, I'm fine on my own, it's peaceful."

"Quiet?" Old Mrs. Shen raised her voice, then lowered it again, chuckling softly, "Ha, your house is quiet? Quiet enough that even a mouse would come out with tears in its eyes! I'm your mother, do you think I don't understand? That's not quiet, that's desolate! It's not a home, it's not a human being!"

Her tone softened as she said this: "Xiaofang was someone I asked to introduce to you. I know she's a good wife, and you've reserved a place for her in your heart that no one can take away. But reserving a place is one thing, but a living person has to look forward and life has to go on, right? If she's watching over you from heaven, knowing how you've lived like an ascetic all these years, would she be at peace?"

"Mom, I've let it go," Chen Deshun said softly.

"Really let go? If you've let go, why don't you find someone else?"

Grandma Shen immediately seized the opportunity, staring intently into Chen Deshun's eyes for a long time before saying, "Here's what we'll do: when your father and I get back, we'll ask someone to find you a good match."

She paused, a figure flashing through her mind like a movie, and immediately asked, "What do you think of Wang Xia from our village? She used to chase after you every day when you were little. I think she had a crush on you since you were a kid, always calling you 'Brother Deshun.' We all know each other well. If I talk to her about it, I guarantee it'll work out!"

Chen Deshun blinked, his lips twitching slightly. "Mom! You really are my mother. If I remember correctly, didn't Wang Xia get married a long time ago? Please don't try to play matchmaker."

Old Mrs. Shen slapped Chen Deshun on the back with a dull thud: "You brat, how long has it been since you came back to the village? What do you know? Her husband died of a sudden illness a couple of years ago, and Wang Xia is a widow now! She's four years younger than you. If you were more diligent, who knows, I might be able to hold another grandson next year!"

Although they are all experienced people who have seen the world, their words were rather direct.

Chen Deshun, who was not thick-skinned to begin with, blushed deeply from his ears to his neck: "Mom... please stop talking, I don't like widows."

Grandma Shen was taken aback, then looked her son up and down as if he were some rare animal: "You don't like widows? Then what do you like? The thing is, you're already this old, where am I going to find you a virgin who's never been married?"

As she spoke, she suddenly seemed to realize something, her eyes widening: "What? You wouldn't be thinking of taking advantage of a young and beautiful woman, would you?"

"Oh……"

Chen Deshun looked up at the sky at a 45-degree angle. The sky was azure, but his mood was dark gray.

What on earth is his mother talking about?!

I really don't have the mind to do that right now. With all this debt at home, a mountain of debts, and a bunch of ungrateful kids, what decent girl would want to marry into this family? Wouldn't that be pushing someone into a fire pit?

A gust of wind blew by, swirling up a few fallen leaves from the roadside.

The old man, who was walking ahead, turned around and realized his wife and son were gone. He turned back to see the mother and son strolling slowly behind him and shouted, "Hongyu, second son, what are you two dawdling for? Hurry up!"

"They're here!" Chen Deshun responded as if he had been granted a pardon, and immediately quickened his pace, chasing after them as if he were fleeing.

Grandma Shen pursed her lips, watching her son's hurried retreating figure, and thoughtfully stroked her chin.

To be honest, apart from being a bit older, her second son is excellent in every way – looks, job, character. He's more than a match for a young, unmarried woman.

This tender grass... isn't necessarily inedible.

When I get back to the village, I'll have to ask around and see which family has a girl of good character.

It would be best if she had a big bottom, so she could have more children. Who knows, she might actually give her another big, fat grandson next year.

Soon, a five-story red brick building came into view.

There's a small flower bed in front of the building, made of cement. The soil inside has just been turned over, and I don't know if it's planted with vegetables or flowers.

"We're here, this is my home."

Chen Jianguo stopped and pointed to the small building in front of him with great pride.

He wanted to show his abilities to his grandparents as much as possible.

Only in this way will Grandpa and Grandma understand that Chen Jianguo is the most promising child in the Chen family and the only hope for the Chen family to turn their lives around.

Who knows, his grandparents might be happy and give him money too, and in the future, whenever there's something good, they'll make sure he gets it.

"Wow, this building is really impressive!"

The old man tilted his head back, his neck aching, and clicked his tongue in amazement: "It's even more impressive than the three big brick houses of our village's brigade secretary!"

"Can a village compare to a city?"

Grandma Shen retorted to the old man, but her eyes were full of smiles.

Her grandson's success brings her pride as a grandmother.

"Grandpa, Grandma, please wait here for a moment. I'll go upstairs to get the money."

As Chen Jianguo spoke, he was about to step upstairs.

"etc."

Chen Deshun's unhurried voice sounded from behind.

"Dad, what's wrong now?"

Chen Jianguo paused, turned around, and spoke with a hint of impatience.