Reborn in 78, I made my fortune by working in the mountains, supporting three families on my own.

Zhao Lei tied the items to the back seat of the car.

"What do you know? We're working so hard building houses every day, shouldn't we improve everyone's meals? Besides, the candy is for Peipei and Yuanyuan, you can't stop the kids from having it if they're craving it, can you?"

Five people, carrying large and small bags, left the town, mounted their old bicycles, and hurried home.

It was already afternoon when we returned to the Peace Brigade.

The workers in the yard are still busy.

Zhao Lei parked the car, put the wages and food coupons inside the house, and sat down in the yard to catch his breath.

Qin Yuchan brought over a bowl of water, squatted down beside him, and said in a low voice, "Sanshi, there's something I need to remind you. Do you remember when Wang Zongbao asked us to help him find a match? It's been several days, have you asked Uncle Changlin about it yet?"

Zhao Lei slapped his forehead: "Oh dear, I almost forgot. I've been so busy hunting these past few days that I completely forgot about it."

Qin Yuchan rolled her eyes at him: "You, Zongbao entrusted such an important matter to you, and you can forget about it. Look at Xiaocui and Zongbao, the way they're exchanging glances, if this drags on any longer, something bad might happen."

Zhao Lei thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay, we'll give everyone a day off tomorrow while we wait for the materials. After dinner, I'll keep Uncle Changlin behind and have a good talk with him."

Qin Yuchan was finally satisfied: "That's more like it."

As usual, Zhao Lei invited the workers to stay for dinner after work in the evening.

On the dinner table were braised wild boar, stewed lamb bones with radish, stir-fried greens, and a pot of white rice; the aroma wafted far and wide.

After the meal, the relatives and friends who had helped wiped their mouths, thanked them, and said goodbye.

The Zhang brothers, Zhang Lin and Zhang Sen, left first, followed by Wang Dalong and Wang Xiaohu. Qin Bowen helped clear the dishes.

Qin Changlin picked up the pipe from the corner, stood up, dusted himself off, and prepared to leave. Zhao Lei quickly called out to him, "Uncle Changlin, wait a moment, I have something I want to ask you."

Qin Changlin paused, then turned around: "What's up, Lei Zi? Going hunting again? Okay, I'll go back and get my gear."

"It's not about hunting."

Zhao Lei walked over, put his arm around Qin Changlin's shoulder, and led him into the main room. "Come in and sit down. Have some water and I have something to tell you."

Qin Changlin was a little puzzled, but he still followed him into the main room.

Zhao Lei led him to sit in the main seat, and Jiang Xinyue brought over hot tea.

Su Wanqing and Qin Yuchan also came over.

Qin Changlin, holding his teacup, looked at the family, somewhat bewildered: "Lei Zi, why are you all surrounding me? What happened?"

Zhao Lei sat down opposite him, considered his words carefully, and got straight to the point: "Uncle Changlin, we've hunted and fished together so many times, and you've spent a lot of time with Wang Zongbao. What do you think of this kid?"

Qin Changlin took a puff of his pipe, raised his eyebrows and thought for a moment: "He's pretty good. This kid isn't as stubborn as his grandfather, nor is he as dense as his father. On the contrary, he's quite clever. Although he lacks experience in hunting and fishing, he's willing to learn and obedient. He'll learn whatever you teach him. He's a good prospect."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lei and his three ex-wives couldn't help but smile.

Unable to contain herself, Qin Yuchan chimed in, "Uncle, I think Cousin Xiaocui is getting on in years; it's time to arrange a marriage for her. Do you have anyone in mind?"

Qin Changlin took a couple of puffs of his cigarette, thought for a moment, and said, "Indeed, I've been thinking about this lately. A daughter is beyond her father's control once she grows up, and Xiao Cui is nineteen this year. It can't be delayed any longer."

Zhao Lei quickly chimed in, "Uncle Changlin, what do you think of Wang Zongbao and Xiao Cui?"

With things so clearly stated, Qin Changlin's expression changed instantly.

He took the pipe out of his mouth, placed it neatly on his knees, and frowned.

When Zhao Lei's family saw his expression, their hearts were in their throats.

Qin Yuchan spoke first: "Uncle, just say what you're thinking, don't keep it to yourself."

Zhao Lei quickly chimed in, "Uncle Changlin, Zongbao's family is a bit poor, but he's a hardworking and clever guy. He's earned quite a bit of money hunting and fishing with us these past few days, and I reckon he's saved enough to support himself."

Besides, I think he and Xiao Cui are quite a good match; they look good together.

Jiang Xinyue chimed in, "Yes, Uncle Changlin, Xiao Cui is a year younger than Zong Bao, which is a perfect age. They're both young, and their personalities match well."

Su Wanqing added, "Men should marry when they're of age and women should marry when they're of age. I could tell when they were working together that they got along very well."

Seeing that Qin Changlin still remained silent, Qin Yuchan grew a little anxious: "Uncle, Brother Zongbao is a very honest person. He privately approached me and Sanshi, asking us to ask you what you think. Give me a straight answer, is it okay or not?"

Qin Changlin remained silent.

Zhao Lei grew anxious and pulled out a Daqianmen cigarette from his pocket, handing it to him: "Uncle Changlin, have a smoke first."

Qin Changlin waved his hand and put the tobacco stick back in his mouth.

A pair of weathered old eyes slowly swept across the faces of Zhao Lei's family, and suddenly he burst out laughing.

"Heh heh, Lei Zi, you whole family are trying to fool this old man by working together like a gang?"

Zhao Lei quickly said, "Oh, Uncle Changlin, what are you saying? I just want to do something good, not play matchmaker."

Qin Yuchan chimed in, "Yes, Uncle, we've watched Zongbao grow up. Apart from being a little cunning, he doesn't have any other flaws. Besides, he's their only son. They're a bit poor now, but the money his father and Wang Sangong earn will all go to this kid in the future."

Jiang Xinyue added, "Uncle Changlin, if you're worried, let them get to know each other first. It's not like they have to get married right now. What do you think?"

Su Wanqing nodded in agreement: "Yes, we should always give young people a chance."

The family members took turns praising Qin Changlin.

After listening, Qin Changlin suddenly tapped his pipe and burst into laughter: "Alright, alright, stop talking! I know what you mean."

Zhao Lei and his three ex-wives were all stunned.

Qin Changlin smiled and pointed at them, saying, "Actually, I figured it out a long time ago."

Zhao Lei jumped to his senses: "You figured it out? What did you figure out?"

Qin Changlin put his pipe in his mouth: "That kid Zongbao comes to my house every few days, bringing a fish one day and a rabbit the next, saying he hunted too much and couldn't finish it. I'm not stupid, why would he bring me all the game he can't finish? Xiao Cui's face turns as red as a monkey's bottom every time she sees him, do you think I can't tell?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lei breathed a long sigh of relief, then quickly pressed on, "Then Uncle Changlin, what do you mean...?"