Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

Uncle Wei Changsheng opened his mouth, wanting to say something comforting, but didn't know where to begin. In the end, he simply patted his third brother's shoulder heavily. Aunt Zhao Jinhua's eyes also reddened. She held Li Xiuzhi's hand and whispered, "Third Aunt, you've all been through so much..."

Wei Chen listened quietly, observing the complex and unspoken expression on his third uncle's face, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He understood his uncle's difficult choice. Between immense opportunity and heavy family responsibility, his third uncle chose the latter. This choice, seemingly sacrificing much, upheld a man's most fundamental commitment to his family. He respected his third uncle's decision.

As a result, of the two spots that were originally allocated, only one has been used, leaving one remaining.

"Since Lai Shun family has given up," Grandpa spoke again, looking at Wei Chen, "Chen boy, this spot was earned by you. If Lai Shun family can't use it, then it's still yours. You can decide what to do with it."

All eyes turned to Wei Chen once again. A permanent position at a steel rolling mill would be fiercely contested by any family. Now, this precious position was back in Wei Chen's hands, at his disposal.

Wei Chen didn't answer immediately. He lowered his eyes slightly, as if he was thinking. In fact, the moment his third uncle said he was giving up, a figure had already appeared in his mind—his cousin, Wei Zhenzhen, who had married into Xingshou Commune.

In the original owner's memories, the fragments about this cousin were clear and warm. After his father passed away early, the family lost its pillar, and his mother, Wang Xiulan, struggled to make ends meet with him and his younger sister, Wei Ran.

Back then, the eldest sister, who was not yet married, would often come to Wei Chen's house to help her mother take care of the children and look after Wei Chen and her younger sister! After all, her mother had to work in the fields to support the two siblings! After getting married, Wei Zhenzhen, who lived not far from her parents' home, would secretly come to help whenever she had free time, bringing some of her saved food rations or a few eggs.

She helped Wang Xiulan with laundry and mending, and took care of young Wei Ran. Even when she herself was hungry, she would secretly give half a pancake to Wei Chen, who was still a boy at the time, so that he wouldn't go hungry. Those small acts of kindness, like sparks in the cold years, warmed the hearts of the orphan and the widow.

Wei Chen always remembered this kindness. A while ago, when he returned to his village, he made a special trip to Xingshou Commune to visit his cousin. His cousin, Wei Zhenzhen, is now twenty-two years old and has a son named Huzi, who just turned three. Her husband, Wei Qiang, is an honest and hardworking man, but he can only find odd jobs at the commune, and his income is extremely unstable.

The father-in-law, Wei Changshuan, had a stable job watching over the warehouse at the commune's grain station, but the salary was low, barely enough to support the family. The young couple lived a very frugal life, with little prospect of improvement.

For a family like my cousin's, a permanent position is like a godsend, enough to change the fate of their entire family.

Thinking of this, Wei Chen raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the elders in the room, and slowly said, "Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Third Uncle, since Third Uncle's family doesn't need it, this spot is just sitting there. I do have someone in mind, so I'd like to propose it and ask the elders to consider it."

"Oh? Tell me about it," Grandpa gestured.

"I was thinking," Wei Chen said calmly but clearly, ", "could this spot be given to my sister Zhenzhen's family?"

"Zhenzhen?" Uncle Wei Changsheng was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Wei Chen to suggest giving such an important opportunity to his daughter. "Chenzi, you..." Uncle was a little too excited to speak.

"Uncle." Wei Chen nodded, "Before Sister Zhenzhen got married, she helped our family a lot. When my mother was unwell, Sister Zhenzhen often came to help with chores and take care of me and Ranran. I have always remembered these kindnesses."

Now that Zhenzhen is married, life isn't easy for her either. Her husband, Wei Qiang, is an honest man, but he can only do odd jobs, and his income is unpredictable. Uncle Wei works as a warehouse keeper at the grain station, but his income is also limited. Hu Zi is still young, and money is needed for everything.

He paused, then looked at his grandfather: "Sister Zhenzhen is hardworking and kind-hearted. Brother-in-law Wei Qiang is also an honest and hardworking man. Giving this opportunity to their family, whether it's Sister Zhenzhen or Brother-in-law Wei Qiang, will give them hope for the future. It's also... my way of repaying Sister Zhenzhen for the help she gave our family back then."

Wei Chen's words were reasonable, containing both gratitude and consideration of the practical situation. Wei Zhenzhen was the eldest daughter of his uncle Wei Changsheng and Wei Chen's cousin; they were close by blood. Most of the elders in the family knew about the help she had given to Wei Chen's family before her marriage.

After listening, Grandpa Wei Laoshuan didn't immediately express his opinion. Instead, he looked at his eldest son, Wei Changsheng, and asked, "Changsheng, Zhenzhen is your daughter. What do you think?"

Wei Changsheng's face showed a complex expression. His daughter had endured hardship, and as her father, he naturally felt heartbroken. Now, a tremendous opportunity presented itself, one that could lift his daughter and son-in-law out of their predicament, and deep down, he was willing to accept it. However, the spot had been earned by his nephew Wei Chen and given up by his third brother's family, making him somewhat embarrassed to ask.

Aunt Zhao Jinhua, however, was already agitated. Zhenzhen was her own flesh and blood, and she hadn't married far away. She knew best whether her daughter was doing well in her husband's family.

The Wei family wasn't exactly wealthy, and the son-in-law didn't have a proper job. His daughter was raising her grandson, and they were struggling financially. She had worried about them a lot. Now, hearing Wei Chen offer to give the spot to his daughter's family, she felt as sweet as if she had drunk honey, yet she also felt incredibly indebted to Wei Chen.

"Chenzi..." Zhao Jinhua's eyes reddened again, this time with emotion and joy, "Back then, your sister Zhenzhen only lent a hand and didn't help much, but you... you still remember that..."

"Auntie, it's not about the size of the bond, but the sincerity of the heart," Wei Chen said gently. "Sister Zhenzhen had a hard time back then, yet she still thought of us. That kindness is more precious than anything else."

Grandpa Wei Laoshuan took a puff of his cigarette and nodded slowly. "Zhenzhen is indeed a kind and righteous girl. She used to visit the second son's family quite often. It's a good thing that Chenwazi is grateful." He looked at Wei Changsheng, "Changsheng, you're Zhenzhen's father, say something."

Wei Changsheng rubbed his rough hands together, finally making up his mind, and said, "Father, Chenzi, since Chenzi has this intention and remembers Zhenzhen's kindness, this spot... goes to Zhenzhen's family, I... I have no objection! I also know Wei Qiang, he's reliable and doesn't cheat or shirk. Whichever of them gets into the factory, I guarantee they'll do well!" His words were both an agreement and a guarantee for his daughter and son-in-law.

Third Uncle Wei Laishun also spoke up, "Chenzi has considered everything carefully. Zhenzhen is family, and life is tough for her too. We should help her if we can. Giving this spot to Zhenzhen's family is appropriate." He gave up his spot, but seeing that it went to his niece's family, who also needed help, his regret lessened, and he felt a sense of satisfaction in helping others.

Grandma Wang, wiping away tears, said, "Zhenzhen is a good child, she deserves help, she deserves help!"

Seeing that the elders had no objections, Wei Chen said, "Then it's settled. We'll leave early and let my mother and sister go back first. My older brother and I will take a detour to Xingshou Commune to talk to Sister Zhenzhen and Brother-in-law Wei Qiang. Let them discuss it and decide who is more suitable to go, so I can report their names to the factory and complete the formalities."

The matter was thus settled. A precious spot that might have caused conflict found its most suitable home through kinship, gratitude, and mutual understanding. The eldest uncle's family was happy for their daughter, the third uncle's family was reluctant but also relieved, the grandfather was gratified by the harmony among his descendants and their ability to support each other, and Wei Chen also had a weight lifted from his mind.

Breakfast began in this complex yet generally harmonious atmosphere. Although it was just a simple reheating of yesterday's leftovers, cooking porridge, and steaming some mixed flour buns, everyone ate with exceptional relish.

Because they knew that from this day forward, the fate of their family would be quietly altered by these two precious spots. And the source of this change was the calm and composed young man sitting at the table—Wei Chen.

Outside the window, the sky had fully brightened. Although it was still cold, the clouds seemed to have thinned, and the sun could be seen peeking through them.

Wang Xiulan had already packed up by morning. They had to get back to Beijing today, as Wei Chen had to go to work tomorrow. They had originally planned to leave in the afternoon, but since Wei Chen was going to detour to his cousin's house, they decided to leave earlier!

After the meal, Wei Chen stood up and solemnly said to his grandparents, uncles, and aunts, "Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Third Uncle, Aunt, we still need to go to my cousin's house to tell her the good news, so we'll leave early this morning!"

Grandpa Wei Laoshuan nodded, puffing on his pipe: "Alright, leave early, no rush! Go back, work is important. Be careful on the road."

Grandma Wang held Wei Chen's hand and patted Wei Ran's head, her eyes a little red: "Come back and visit often, okay? Don't just leave and not send any more news."

"Oh, Grandma, don't worry, I'll come back to see you and Grandpa whenever I have time." Wei Chen replied, then turned to Wei Feng, "Brother Feng, you and your family should make some more preparations. The day after tomorrow, Wednesday, set off early in the morning and go directly to the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill in Beijing to find me. I'll write down the address for you. When you get there, just tell the security guard you're looking for Wei Chen from the security department. I've already taken care of all the necessary procedures here, so you can just report for duty when you get there."

Wei Feng nodded excitedly, rubbing his hands together: "Hey! I've got it, Chenzi! We're leaving first thing the day after tomorrow!" He wished he could sprout wings and fly to the place that could change his destiny.

"You don't need to bring too much stuff. The factory will provide a set of bedding, and you can bring an extra blanket, as the dorms get cold in winter! The factory will provide most of the other basic items! Just make sure you bring your letter of introduction, your household registration certificate, and the registration form I gave you." Wei Chen carefully instructed again, "Be careful on the road. Once you get to the city, don't wander around. Go straight to the factory."

"Don't worry, Chenzi, I've got it all in mind!" Wei Feng's honest face was full of seriousness.

Wei Chen then looked at his third uncle, Wei Laishun, and third aunt, Li Xiuzhi, and said sincerely, "Third uncle, third aunt, don't overthink it. There's still a long road ahead, and there will be other opportunities. Guo'er and Min'er are both smart; support their education well, and they will have a bright future. If you encounter any difficulties, just let me know."

Wei Laishun felt a pang of sadness, but hearing his nephew's words brought him some comfort. He nodded and said, "Chenzi, you're so kind. Third Uncle... Third Uncle thanks you." His words were few, but his affection was evident.

Li Xiuzhi wiped her eyes and whispered, "Chenzi, take good care of your mother and Ranran on the way."