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

The two families lived close by and had grown up playing together since they were little.

However, when they were sixteen or seventeen, the two brothers were often taken away by Zhang San Gong to work, and each trip would last for more than half a month. Gradually, their relationship became less close.

However, since they were childhood friends, the two naturally became familiar with each other upon meeting.

Zhao Lei took the teacup and sat down on the stone stool by the door, saying, "Linzi, have you ever repaired any red brick houses while working with the Third Master all these years?"

Zhang Lin is 1.65 meters tall, not very tall, with dark skin and an honest and simple appearance.

In terms of appearance, he is quite different from Zhao Lei, who is over 1.8 meters tall.

As soon as he returned, he heard his mother talking about how Zhao Lei made money and took care of the family after he came back, how he bought a 28-inch motorcycle for Qin Yuchan, and how he wanted to build a red brick house and so on.

However, he was not jealous at all; on the contrary, he was very happy for Zhao Lei.

When Zhao Lei mentioned the red brick houses, he didn't show the same surprise or fawning look as the other villagers. Instead, he calmly said:

"A red brick house? My dad, my second son, and I actually built one. Lei Zi, I heard you want to build a red brick house? Are you planning to start construction?"

Zhao Lei nodded and said frankly, "Yes! My family's old house is older than my deceased father, and it has been passed down for three generations by my generation."

I don't plan to pass it on to Little Stone. Besides, with more people in the family, those few dilapidated houses aren't enough to live in. So I want to fix the house as soon as possible and try to move into the new house before the Lunar New Year this year.

I know Linzi, Sangong, and Xiaosen; you're all skilled in this field. As soon as I heard you were back, I took some time to come and ask if you'd have time to help me build my house.

At this moment, another strong young man came out of the kitchen. He also had dark skin, but he was nearly 1.7 meters tall and his whole body was full of strong muscles.

He was walking towards us, shirtless, holding a huge ceramic bowl, and eating rice as he went.

"Hey, Brother Lei, when did you get here?"

Zhao Lei glanced at Zhang Sen with annoyance: "You brat, I've been here for ages, what have you been doing hiding in the kitchen?"

"Hey, Brother Lei, I'm getting more rice in the kitchen. Have you eaten yet, Brother Lei?"

Zhao Lei waved his hand: "Alright, I've already eaten. Is this enough for you two brothers?"

Looking at the two brothers, Zhao Lei couldn't help but sigh. One was honest and simple, and the other was all brawn and no brains; neither of them were cut out for studying.

Fortunately, he is hardworking, but his only drawback is that he has a huge appetite.

Zhang Sen picked up a few pieces of food from the dining table in the main room and put them in his bowl. Then he sat down on another stone stool by the door, facing Zhao Lei.

While shoveling rice into his mouth, he listened to Zhao Lei talking to his older brother and father.

Upon learning that Brother Lei's family was going to build a red brick house, he immediately patted his sturdy chest, making a loud thumping sound.

"Don't worry, Brother Lei, if you need your house repaired, call me and I'll be the first one there!"

Zhang Sen is 23 or 24 years old this year, more than 4 years younger than Zhao Lei.

However, what he remembers most vividly is that his older brother Zhao Lei has always taken good care of him since he was a child.

Because the two families were neighbors, Zhao Lei was naturally taller, while his two brothers were shorter. Sometimes they would be bullied when they were out, but Zhao Lei would always stand up for them and fight for them.

So in Zhang Sen's eyes, Zhao Lei was his good brother. How could he not help when his family was in trouble?

At this point, Zhang Sangong said, "Leizi, our family hasn't taken on any other jobs since then. But you'll have to wait a while before you build your house."

Zhao Lei asked in confusion, "What's wrong? Third Master?"

"Oh dear, look outside for yourself."

Holding a rice bowl in one hand and pointing to the fields outside the door with the other, Zhang Sangong said, "Look, the production brigade is having a meeting tomorrow. What do you think it's for? It means the busy farming season is about to begin. There will be one crop of farm work after another in these cornfields and rice paddies."

Zhao Lei slapped his forehead, suddenly realizing, "Oh dear, how could I have forgotten about that?"

Then he turned to Zhang Sangong and said, "Sangong, does what you're saying mean you'll have time after the busy farming season?"

Zhang Sangong laughed heartily: "Haha, Leizi, you're repairing your house? Of course I, Sangong, will help! Do you even need to tell me? After we finish harvesting the brigade's grain and handing over the grain tax, the three of us will come all the way to repair your house!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lei was overjoyed.

"Great, Third Master, that's wonderful! Then it's settled. But don't worry, while the brigade isn't officially allowed to hire people privately, I can pay you wages privately."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Sangong was immediately displeased.

"Huh? Lei Zi, what are you saying? As an elder, Third Master is just feeling sorry for you, kid."

Your father died young, and your mother, who was frail, also passed away a few years ago. Perhaps it was fate. You originally had an older brother and an older sister, but unfortunately, they didn't survive their childhood and both died young.

"You're the only child left in your Zhao family. Our Zhang family and your Zhao family have been neighbors for over a hundred years, and now you're the only one left in your generation. I treat you like my own child!"

Zhao Lei was somewhat moved when he heard this.

Unexpectedly, although Granny Zhang was a gossip, Grandpa Zhang was so loyal and affectionate.

However, Zhao Lei felt that Zhang Sangong's words made sense.

To be honest, their family and the Zhang family have been neighbors for over a hundred years.

At least in Zhao Lei's memory, his grandfather and great-grandfather had already settled here.

As for anything beyond that, he had little recollection of it.

The two families live less than 100 meters apart and have been neighbors for over a hundred years. Even without blood ties, it is an extremely rare bond and connection.

"Your Excellency, I don't know how to thank you enough."

Granny Zhang chimed in, "What are you thanking me for? Lei Zi, aside from your unpleasant way of speaking, Granny Zhang still likes you quite a bit."

Although you can be a bit of a nuisance sometimes, your three children are very popular with your grandmother. By the way, where are my three precious kids? Why didn't you bring them along?

Zhao Lei said with a smile, "Hehe, Third Aunt, Yu Chan is taking care of the child at home."

At this moment, Granny Zhang finished eating. She put down her bowl and chopsticks and patted her bottom.

"Alright, you men can chat here. I'm going to find my three precious darlings."

Sigh! Lei Zi, you've really done well. The only son in your Zhao family has married three wives and had three children.

It's a pity that Grandma San didn't have that good fortune. She raised two roosters that never crowed, her two daughters were never married, and she didn't even have a grandson to hold. It really makes me so angry!

As she spoke, Granny Zhang walked toward Zhao Lei's house, cursing and swearing.

Zhao Lei chuckled to himself as he heard Zhang Sanpo's veiled and overt complaints.

Hahaha......

Are the two roosters not crowing a veiled insult to Zhang Lin and Zhang Sen for not having children yet?