Reborn in 1982, the prodigal son returns

it's getting dark.

Old Zhou stood up, the chair leg scraping against the ground with a dull thud. He downed the last drop of wine in his glass and wiped it with the back of his hand.

"It's getting late, we should head back."

Zhou Laoshuan's voice was tinged with alcohol.

Lin Weiguo also stood up.

"Stay here, it's getting dark."

"No, no."

Zhou Laoshuan waved his hand:

"We still have livestock to feed at home, and I'm worried about leaving Xiaoyu alone at home."

Zhao Xiuying came out of the kitchen:

"Leaving already? We've only wrapped half the dumplings; they'll be cooked in no time."

"Sister-in-law, I really don't want to eat anymore."

Zhou Laoshuan's wife held Zhao Xiuying's hand:

"I'm happy today, I'll come again another day, I'll come again another day."

Zhao Xiuying didn't insist on keeping him any longer. She turned around and went back to the kitchen to get a package. She put the paper package into Zhou Laoshuan's husband's basket. The roast chicken and cooked food in the basket had already been taken out, leaving room for the paper package.

"I'll take it back for Xiaoyu to eat. I fried these myself."

"Hey, hey."

Zhou Laoshuan's wife took it, pressed her finger on the paper package to make sure it was secure.

Lin Nuo stood at the door, holding the two bottles of Fenjiu that were almost empty. But he couldn't throw the bottles away; he would keep them to store bulk liquor.

Qi Dawu stood next to Lin Nuo, his hands hanging at his sides.

Old Zhou walked to the door and suddenly stopped:

"Noko."

"Hey, Uncle Zhou."

"Come here."

Lin Nuo took two steps closer. Zhou Laoshuan reached out and put his hand on his shoulder:

"I have an old buddy named Zhang, nicknamed Zhang the Foreman, who lives in the back mountain valley. Spring is coming, and if you're interested, I can take you to him so he can teach you to identify medicinal herbs and hunt."

Lin Nuo was taken aback. He hadn't expected Zhou Laoshuan to bring this up. Zhang Batou—he'd heard that name before; Zhang was a well-known old hunter in the area, but he was eccentric and didn't like to socialize. The villagers said he "talked to the mountains more than to people."

Without an introduction, he wouldn't even get a word in edgewise. In his past life, someone brought him wine and stood at the door for an hour, but he didn't even open it.

"Uncle Zhou, thank you so much."

Zhou Laoshuan waved his hand:

"No need to thank me. By helping Da Wu, you've helped Xiao Yu and our family. We should be the ones thanking you."

His voice wasn't loud, but every word he spoke was sincere, as if he were saying something that was perfectly natural.

Lin Nuo shook his head:

"Uncle Zhou, to be honest, it's our Lin family who has wronged you. About what happened with our third son..."

Old Zhou's expression remained unchanged:

"Let's not talk about it anymore. It's all in the past, let's turn the page. It's the New Year, let's not dwell on these things."

He lowered his voice even further:

"On the day of Da Wu and Xiao Yu's wedding, I'd like to invite your father... to be their parents. Da Wu's parents are both gone, so your father is his father, and your mother is his mother. What do you think?"

"Okay," Lin Nuo said. "I'll go talk to my dad."

Zhou Laoshuan nodded, turned to leave, and then glanced back at Qi Dawu.

"Da Wu".

Qi Dawu suddenly raised his head:

"Come over for dinner tomorrow. Your mom will make dumplings for you."

Qi Dawu opened his mouth, and squeezed out a single word: "...Sigh."

Zhou Laoshuan's wife came over and gently patted Qi Dawu's arm:

"Come early."

Qi Dawu nodded vigorously.

We saw the two elderly people off at the hospital gate.

The gate closed, and the wooden fence slammed against the door frame with a dull thud.

Lin Nuo and Qi Dawu each took one side of Zhou Laoshuan and his wife as they walked back. A path had been trampled into the snow, but it was dark and the path was hard to spot.

Lin Nuo held up a lantern made of sheet metal, which was rusted and covered with a layer of dust on the glass cover. The light was not bright, but it was enough to illuminate the road beneath his feet.

Qi Dawu walked beside Zhou Laoshuan's wife, occasionally reaching out to help her. When they encountered potholes, he would say, "Auntie, slow down."

When they reached the entrance of Xiahe Village, Zhou Laoshuan stopped and pulled Lin Nuo aside.

"Nuozi, don't worry about Zhang Batou's matter. I'll take you there in a few days."

His voice was very low, so low that only two people could hear it.

"Okay, Uncle Zhou."

"He has a strange temper and doesn't talk much, but he has a good heart. When you see him, don't say much, just greet him politely and offer him a cigarette. If he ignores you, don't get angry, that's just how he is."

As Zhou Laoshuan spoke, he took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, pulled one out, and put it in his mouth.

Lin Nuo nodded: "I've got it."

Zhou Laoshuan glanced at Qi Dawu again. Qi Dawu stood a few steps away.

"Da Wu will come tomorrow, Nuozi, you don't need to come with him. Let him come by himself."

Zhou Laoshuan spoke.

Lin Nuo smiled and said, "Okay."

Zhou Laoshuan grunted in acknowledgment and turned to enter the village. His wife followed behind him, took a few steps, then turned back and waved to Qi Dawu.

Qi Dawu stood at the village entrance, watching the two elderly people's figures disappear into the twilight, and remained there for a long time without moving.

"Let's go." Lin Nuo patted his shoulder.

Qi Dawu said "Hey" and followed Lin Nuo back.

After walking half a mile, he suddenly spoke:

"Brother Nuozi".

"Um."

"What...what should I wear tomorrow?"

His voice was filled with anxiety.

Lin Nuo couldn't help but laugh: "Wear your clean one."

"That one's faded from washing..."

His voice was even softer.

"What's wrong with whitening? As long as it's clean, that's fine. Grandpa Zhou values ​​people, not clothes."

Lin Nuo's voice wasn't loud, but it was steady.

Qi Dawu hummed in agreement, took a few more steps, and then suddenly asked:

"Brother Nuozi, what do you think I should do when I get there? Should I help chop wood? Fetch water? Or should I sweep the floor first?"

Lin Nuo glanced back at him. In his previous life, when he served Su Wanqing's father, it was pretty much the same process.

"When you get there, greet your parents. Then ask them what chores they need to do. Don't just sit and wait for your meal."

Qi Dawu nodded vigorously.

Lin Nuo shook his head and smiled. He raised the lantern higher, illuminating the road ahead. The snow shimmered silver-white under the light, like a layer of shattered silver.

Early the next morning.

Lin Nuo got up as soon as it was light.

Zhao Xiuying was already busy in the kitchen:

"So early?"

"Let's go to Grandpa's house."

"Should we eat first before we go?"

"We'll talk about it when we get back."

Lin Nuo pushed open the courtyard gate, rubbed his hands together, and steam rose from his palms.

There was no one on the village road. The snow had been trampled down and formed a thin layer of ice, making it slippery to walk on. He made sure each step was firmly planted before taking the next.

These are lessons learned from the fall.

The gate to Lin Weidong's house was already open. The gate was ajar, and the yard was swept clean.

Lin Nuo went inside. The door to the main room was ajar, and the curtain was hanging down.

Liu Guixiang's voice came from inside:

Who is it?

"Auntie, it's me, Nuozi."

"Come in, come in, the door's open."

Lin Nuo pushed open the door and went in. The stove in the main room was burning brightly, the tin chimney was glowing red, and the kettle on the stove was steaming.

Liu Guixiang came out of the kitchen carrying a bowl of porridge. The porridge was steaming hot, and the rim of the bowl was scalding hot. She used a rag to cushion it. The rag was old, washed until it was white, and the edges were frayed.

"Have you eaten? Sit down and eat."

"Not yet, Auntie."

"That's perfect, the porridge is freshly cooked, and your grandpa hasn't eaten it yet either."

Liu Guixiang turned around and fetched another bowl, placing it on the table. She then took a plate of pickled vegetables and two steamed buns. The pickled vegetables were made from pickled radishes, shredded finely and mixed with sesame oil. The sesame oil glistened on the radish shreds.

Lin Nuo didn't stand on ceremony. She sat down and took a sip of the porridge. It was rice porridge, cooked until thick, with the rice grains all blooming. A thin layer of rice oil formed on the surface of the porridge. Drinking it warmed her from her throat to her stomach, keeping her feeling hot all the way.

Lin Weidong came out of the inner room, wearing a dark blue cotton-padded jacket. He looked at Lin Nuo with some confusion.

"What's up?" His voice was soft.

Lin Nuo put down his chopsticks, swallowed the porridge in his mouth, and wiped his mouth.

"Sir, I'd like to discuss something with you."

"explain."

"Regarding the children's schooling in the village. An Ziping and the others have to get up before dawn every day and walk several miles to the next village. It's cold in winter and hot in summer, and the adults are worried about them. I was thinking... could we clean up that shed in the village and have Wanqing teach the children to read after spring?"

Lin Weidong paused, holding the bowl of porridge. The rim of the bowl pressed against his lips, but he didn't move.

"Wanqing is willing?" he asked.

"She was willing. She's always enjoyed teaching children. Anzi studied with her for those few days, learning to read very diligently."

Lin Weidong didn't speak, picked up the bowl of porridge and took another sip, this time slowly. Liu Guixiang came out of the kitchen, stood at the doorway and listened for a moment, then interjected:

"That's great. So many people in the village worry about their children's schooling. Last year, Old Li's grandson fell on his way to school and broke his arm. He had to recover for several months. The child suffered, and the parents were heartbroken. If there were a school in the village, who would want to send their child away? It would be so convenient, just a short walk away."

Lin Weidong glanced at her, and Liu Guixiang stopped talking, turned around and went back to the kitchen, but she didn't lower the curtain, leaving it hanging there, listening intently.

"Wan Qing was cultured; teaching children to read would be no problem for her."

Lin Weidong spoke:

"But the school can't be run for free. The parents have to give something, food or firewood, we can't let her work for nothing. Wanqing is a teacher, not someone who's used for nothing."

Lin Nuo nodded:

"Of course. I came here to tell you about this first, and if you think it's okay, we can discuss it with the village chief."

Lin Weidong thought for a moment:

"There's no need to go to the village chief. I can decide this myself."

He turned around and looked at Lin Nuo:

"The shed is ready; we just need to tidy it up and it'll be usable. Each family can bring their own tables and chairs; those with old tables can bring them, and those without can bring chairs. We can't let the children stand and write. I'll have a carpenter make a blackboard, paint it with black paint, apply two coats, and it'll be ready to use once it dries. After spring, I'll have someone repair the shed, patching up anything that needs patching. It's a blessing for our village that Wanqing is willing to teach."

Lin Nuo stood up:

"Sir, thank you for your help."

"What's the trouble?"

Lin Weidong waved his hand, and the enamel mug swayed in his hand:

"This is important. Does your father know?"

"I haven't told him yet, I've come to discuss it with you first."

Lin Weidong nodded, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly:

"You've actually been doing quite a bit of serious work lately."

Liu Guixiang took the bowl and whispered:

"Your uncle is happy, but he won't say it. He's the kind of person who knows what's going on, but he won't say it."

Lin Nuo smiled but didn't reply.

After staying for a while, Lin Nuo went home.

Lin Nuo was thinking about this on the way.

Su Wanqing would be happy if she knew about this.

She always wanted to be a teacher. She told him that in her past life.

When Lin Nuo returned home, Zhao Xiuying was tidying up in the kitchen.

"have eaten?"

"I've eaten. Mother, I've already eaten."

He headed straight for the east room, walking much faster than usual, his footsteps thumping on the ground.

Pushing open the door, Su Wanqing sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), glancing at him with some surprise. Lin Nuo also sat down on the edge of the kang.

"Late Qing".

"Um."

"I told the old man."

"What did you say?"

Su Wanqing was taken aback. Her voice was very soft, so soft that it sounded like a casual question, but her fingers were still pressed on the paper and did not lift them up.

"Regarding the school, the old man said it's fine. He'll have someone set up the shed, each family can bring their own desks and chairs, and he'll find someone to make the blackboard. Classes can start after spring."

Su Wanqing lifted her fingers from the paper, slowly closed the calligraphy booklet, and placed it beside her pillow.

"……real?"

"It's true. The old man said it himself."

Su Wanqing didn't speak, but just lowered her head, seemingly lost in thought.

"From now on, you will be Teacher Su."

Lin Nuo spoke in a relaxed tone.

Su Wanqing looked up at him, this time with a wider smile.

"You're just being cheeky."

The voice was soft, but carried a familiar warmth that had been absent for a long time.

Just like when we first got married.

Lin Nuo's heart skipped a beat, and he reached out to hold her hand.

"Late Qing".

"Um."

"Once the school opens, I'll make you a sign. We'll hang it at the entrance and write 'Liujiagou Primary School' on it. It'll be made of wood, painted, and the letters will be written in red paint, big enough to be seen from far away."

Su Wanqing looked at him without saying a word. But her fingers moved slightly in his palm, gently clasping his.

Let's linger here for a while.

Lin Nuo came out of the east room, stood in the courtyard, and looked up at the sky.

He remembered what Old Zhou had mentioned about Zhang the foreman. In a few days, he would go and visit this old hunter. With a crossbow and guidance from an expert, the wild animals and medicinal herbs in the mountains would be money; he was determined to give them a good life in this lifetime.

As he was thinking, the courtyard gate was pushed open.

Qi Dawu stood at the door. He was wearing a faded blue cotton-padded jacket, the blue cloth had turned grayish-white from washing, but it was very clean, the collar was neat, and the buttons were fastened tightly.

"Brother Nuozi, I...I'm going to Xiahe Village."

His voice was still trembling.

Lin Nuo looked at him and smiled: "Go ahead. Remember to call Mom and Dad."

Qi Dawu sighed and turned to leave, but his walking posture was different, as if he had just learned to walk.

He turned and went into the kitchen, saying to Zhao Xiuying:

"Mother, in a few days, please ask around and see if anyone has any old tables or benches. The school needs them."

Zhao Xiuying was chopping vegetables, the knife resting on the cutting board, the blade still clinging to the bright green leaves. She looked up at him, her eyes shining.

"Did your grandpa agree?"

"I agreed."

Zhao Xiuying gave a "hey," slammed the knife down on the cutting board, and the blade embedded itself, standing upright. She wiped her hands on her apron and said with a smile:

"That's great news. Wanqing becoming a teacher is a blessing for our village. Your father will be so happy when he finds out."

Lin Nuo smiled. Although being a teacher doesn't earn much money, he would support Su Wanqing as long as she wanted to, and he would earn money to support her in the future.