Era: Rise from the Wilderness

This is exactly the change that Li Yunjing is happy to see.

If the foundation is weak, the whole family has to work together to find nourishment from every crack and crevice.

"Dad, please be careful while you're out and about."

He was secretly pleased, but simply nodded calmly. "In business, it's best to proceed cautiously and steadily, and avoid taking too many risks."

Some changes require time and opportunity; they cannot be rushed.

But as long as the father keeps this in mind, with his identity as a purchasing agent and the network of contacts he has accumulated through years of business trips, the room for maneuver in the future will be enormous.

The sky outside the window had become completely dark without us realizing it, with sparse stars dotting the inky blue sky.

The family of three carefully checked the freezer's power supply, doors, and windows before locking the brand-new little lock.

He Ling pushed her 26-inch women's bicycle, Li Hongfeng held onto the 28-inch bicycle, and Li Yunjing pushed his bicycle, walking between his parents.

The streetlights cast the three people's shadows long and short, and the bicycle wheels made a soft rustling sound as they rolled over the concrete pavement.

"It's already past seven o'clock, and my stomach has been rumbling for ages."

He Ling climbed onto the bicycle seat, turned around and called out, "Hurry up, go to the market and see what vegetables they have left, buy some to cook at home. After a busy day, we need to treat ourselves."

"Let's go! Today, the whole family is getting involved to treat ourselves to a nice meal!"

Li Yunjing cheerfully agreed, then hopped on his old bicycle and followed beside his parents.

The old market was almost deserted by then, with only a few stall owners packing up.

They bought some wilted, cheap green vegetables, cut a small piece of pork belly, and after hesitating for a moment, He Ling bought two small crucian carp from a fishmonger who was about to close up shop.

Returning home laden with their purchases, when they arrived back at their familiar courtyard house in Dongshan, the old-fashioned clock on the wall was already pointing to eight o'clock.

Li Hongfeng put the vegetables in the kitchen, then turned and walked out again: "I'm going to Old Wang's convenience store at the street corner to buy some beer. You guys get ready."

In the kitchen, under the dim light of a bulb, Li Yunjing helped her mother pick vegetables and scale fish.

The tap was running, and foam was floating in the sink.

The mother and son chatted casually, with Li Yunjing telling his mother some interesting stories from school, which made He Ling's tiredness disappear.

The oil in the pan was hot, and with a sizzle, the scallions released their aroma, followed by the sound of pork being added and stir-fried. The rich fragrance instantly filled the small kitchen.

Four dishes were quickly served: stir-fried pork slices with garlic sprouts, stir-fried bok choy, braised crucian carp, and a large bowl of tomato and egg soup.

Although simple, it is the most comforting solace after a busy day.

"Where did your dad go to buy alcohol?"

"Why did it take so long?"

He Ling set out the bowls and chopsticks, glanced at the clock on the wall, and frowned slightly. "Isn't Old Wang's shop just a few steps away?"

A strange unease swept through Li Yunjing's heart. He put down the rag he was using to wipe the table and said, "Mom, I'll go take a look."

As soon as he stepped out the gate, he saw his father carrying two bottles of beer, slowly walking towards him from the entrance of the yard.

The dim streetlights stretched his shadow long.

Li Yunjing breathed a sigh of relief and turned to call into the house, "Mom, Dad's home!"

"Old Li, why did you take so long?"

He Ling peeked out from the kitchen, holding a spatula in her hand.

"I ran into an acquaintance on the street, and we stood there and exchanged a few words."

Li Hongfeng waved his hand, placed the beer on the edge of the round table with a muffled thud, and said, "Are you all starving? Let's eat first, and talk while we eat."

The family sat down around the round table they had used for many years.

After a busy, exciting, and stressful day, I'm starving.

The dining table fell silent for a moment, with only the soft clinking of chopsticks against bowls and the subtle sounds of chewing food.

The warm orange light enveloped a simple meal on the table, and also the three tired but content people.

Having almost finished eating, Li Hongfeng picked up his rough porcelain beer glass, took a sip of the frothy draft beer, then suddenly put the glass down and looked at his son, who was engrossed in eating: "Yun Jing, did you get into a fight with someone after school this evening?"

Li Yunjing paused in his chopsticks, his heart skipped a beat.

How did Father find out?

He recalled carefully that although there were many people at the school gate at the time, he did not see his father at all.

Could it be that someone is being nosy and has come to complain about us at home?

"Hmm... there was a little friction."

His mind raced, but he immediately plastered on his usual nonchalant smile. "But don't worry, Dad, I didn't suffer any loss. When has your son ever suffered a loss?"

"You brat!"

Looking at him, Li Hongfeng couldn't help but laugh and scold him, but there was no blame in his eyes, instead, there was a bit of... admiration?

"You gave that kid from the Han family in the west a good beating."

"I went out to buy some wine just now and ran into Old Han. That old guy was red-faced and had a big neck. He even wanted to come over with me to 'have a word with' me."

"It's just kids playing around, why does he, a grown man, want to get involved?"

Li Yunjing glared, deliberately slamming his chopsticks on the table, making a crisp sound. "Fine, he dares to come! Tomorrow I'll definitely find that thug again for a 'sparring match,' and see if he dares to go home and complain again!"

"Who gave you permission to fight?"

Upon hearing this, He Ling immediately put on a stern face and tapped the rim of her son's bowl with the tip of her chopsticks. "Go to school properly, why are you fighting with people? Don't you dare bully others in the future!"

"If you're going to fight, then fight. As long as you don't break anything or leave any evidence against you, that's fine."

Li Hongfeng picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks, slowly put it in his mouth, chewed it, and said in a calm tone with a strange sense of relaxation, "But Old Han is also getting worse as he gets older."

"Is it really worth him losing face and going to the parents over a child's matter?"

"Boring."

Listening to his father's words and seeing his mother's feigned anger but undeniable concern in her eyes, Li Yunjing completely let go of his slight anxiety about the trouble he might get into from the fight.

"He didn't give you any trouble, did he?"

Li Yunjing chuckled, leaning forward slightly in a slightly ingratiating tone, "Will this cause you any trouble at work?"

"What trouble could he possibly cause me?"

Li Hongfeng picked up a piece of fish, picking out the bones, and said with a hint of disdain, "I just came over to deliver a message, asking me to keep an eye on you and stop you from always 'sparring' with his precious son."

He emphasized the word "exchange" a little, and pursed his lips.

Li Yunjing chuckled inwardly.

This old Han is something else. He doesn't care that his own son is harassing girls, but when I try to teach his son a lesson, he still wants to come knocking on my door!

They're so protective of their own.

He considered this matter closed in his mind.

Those two thugs are cowards. A beating and a scare won't make them any trouble.

"dad,"

Li Yunjing changed the subject, bringing up another matter he had been pondering: "Shouldn't we add a liquefied gas cylinder to the convenience store and have someone build a makeshift stove?"

Li Hongfeng and He Ling both looked over.