Chapter 127: “the Hanging Heart Dies”
The Song Family brothers took the Gu Family’s four kids and left, making the living room much brighter.
“Aunt Song called out enthusiastically, ‘Zhaozhao, Cheng Huai, have some tea.’ She grabbed candy and watermelon too.”
Lin Zhao took a leisurely sip of tea.
Uncle Song smiled, “The tea you gave me—you haven’t tasted it yet, have you?”
“No.” Lin Zhao shook her head with a beaming smile, “I know you love tea, Uncle. As soon as I got a can, I thought of giving it to you. I haven’t even smelled it, let alone tasted it.”
Whether her words were true or not, they warmed his heart anyway.
Uncle Song’s face was full of gratification, “I know you’re filial.”
Lin Zhao set down her tea cup and turned serious, “Uncle, I have good news for you. Don’t get too excited.”
“What?” Uncle Song looked puzzled, his mind racing with all sorts of thoughts.
Could it be…
Zhaozhao is pregnant again?
At that thought, his brows furrowed into little knots, and his glance at Gu Chenghuai flashed with displeasure.
Gu Chenghuai: “?”
Lin Zhao had no idea what Uncle was guessing. Her tone was serious and earnest, her face straight, “Uncle, my Fourth Brother has been found!”
Boom—
The sound of his mind exploding.
Uncle Song froze in place, his ears ringing, before he finally came back to his senses after a long moment.
He stared hard at Lin Zhao, his gaze locked on her, his voice tight, “Zhaozhao, who did you say?”
He must have misheard!
“Your Fourth Brother?” Uncle Song’s voice nearly cracked.
Lin Zhao nodded earnestly, “Yes, my Fourth Brother.”
Uncle Song suppressed his excitement, leaning toward her, his words urgent, “Where is your Fourth Brother? How is he? Is he healthy? Is he married? Does he have kids…?”
He had too many questions that needed answers, and a string of them poured out.
Lin Zhao raised her hand in a calm, keep-it-secret gesture.
Her voice was low.
“My Fourth Brother was one of those sent to our village for re-education. He had some issues with his status, and his leg was injured by someone, but it’s fine. He knows medical skills. I’ll bring him needles tonight, and he can treat himself.”
Before Uncle Song could ask, she continued without pause, “My Fourth Brother is married and has two kids, but he got divorced. The kids are with their mom in the city. We didn’t ask for more details. I’ll find out more once we’re closer.”
From Lin Zhao’s expression, Uncle Song knew Fourth Son’s situation was bad. His suspended heart sank completely once she finished.
It really was.
Bad class background.
At least he’s okay.
“As long as he’s okay.”
He had seen those sent to the brigades—truly miserable. Some had nothing but the clothes on their backs, their eyes dull and lifeless, like wandering souls.
“Zhaozhao, if Fourth needs anything, tell me. I’ll prepare it.”
Lin Zhao smiled, “Uncle, have you forgotten I work at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative? I can get lots of things.”
Uncle Song smiled with eyes full of indulgence, “I know you’re capable. If you need my help anywhere, just say so.”
“I definitely won’t stand on ceremony.” Lin Zhao looked perfectly justified.
The smile deepened in Uncle Song’s eyes. He patted the top of her head, helpless yet affectionate.
He hadn’t seen much of her these years and worried Zhaozhao had grown distant from him.
“Cheng Huai, thanks for helping Zhaozhao with her job.” Uncle Song said with a smile.
Gu Chenghuai helping his niece get a job really scored points with him.
“It’s all thanks to you supporting Zhaozhao’s schooling. She’s a high school graduate—jobs aren’t hard for her to find.” Gu Chenghuai was modest, not thinking himself great. He believed the platform mattered, but personal ability mattered more.
If his wife hadn’t studied so much and been doted on by her uncle to be bright, confident, and generous, she couldn’t have handled that job.
Uncle Song smiled and said no more.
There were plenty of educated kids, but so many junior high grads were jobless—didn’t they lack connections? Society was complex yet simple. Ability was icing on the cake; without it, opportunities could still lead upward.
“Zhaozhao, how’s your dad’s health?”
Lin Zhao sipped her tea and smiled, “Very good. My dad’s on new medicine, getting better bit by bit. My mom says he sleeps well at night now. Every afternoon, she drags him out for a couple of walks.”
“If he can sleep and walk, he’s really better.” Uncle Song felt relieved. He knew how deep his sister’s and brother-in-law’s feelings ran—decades of being together day and night. Neither could leave the other.
Lin Zhao thought of her yard on East Street. She scooted next to Uncle Song and looked at him pleadingly, “Uncle, can you find craftsmen to renovate a yard?”
“Why do you ask?” Uncle Song was puzzled, “Isn’t your family building a brick and tile house? Renovate what?”
“I mean the yard I have in the county town.” Lin Zhao explained, lips curving slightly. She stopped there, waiting for him to ask.
“You have a yard in the county town?” Uncle Song was baffled, “Which yard?”
Lin Zhao spoke slowly and lightly, “On East Street. It’s rundown, been empty a long time. The yard ended up in my hands. I want to renovate it. My parents said to ask you, since you know lots of people and would help.”
Aunt Song knew the yard and asked in surprise, “The one facing the street?”
“Yes, you know it, Aunt?” Lin Zhao looked at her.
“Of course. That yard was eyed by lots of people before. The street office clerk took it back. Didn’t expect it to end up with you.” Aunt Song was happy for Zhaozhao, “You’re so lucky. It’s not small, good orientation and layout. Renovated, it’ll be more comfortable than an apartment building.”
She didn’t ask how Lin Zhao got it. If Zhaozhao was asking Old Song for help, the property rights were surely fine.
From his wife’s tone, Uncle Song gathered the yard was good. He said, “Zhaozhao, Cheng Huai, take me to see it this afternoon. I’ll check it out first, then find people for you. Tell me any ideas you have—I’ll note them down and get it done neatly.”
He was meticulous in everything, especially for his niece’s yard.
Gu Chenghuai added hot water to Lin Zhao’s cup, his voice low and steady, “I have no opinions. Whatever Zhaozhao says.”
Uncle Song frowned, thinking he wasn’t involved.
About to say something, Lin Zhao spoke lightly to Gu Chenghuai, “You handle buying bricks and glass, finding people to dig a well. Oh, and install power lines. I want electric lights, new furniture, and a sofa…”
She listed a string of requests.
Gu Chenghuai listened carefully, noting them one by one, “Okay, you don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”
Considering he’d return to the troops later and she’d be home alone bored, he suggested, “Want a television?”
Uncle Song realized he’d overthought it. His expression eased. Whether the guy was pretending or genuine, at least he cared.
Lin Zhao didn’t notice Uncle’s expression change. Her eyes sparkled, “You can get a television ticket?”
Seeing the excitement in her eyes, how could Gu Chenghuai not understand? “I’ll figure it out.”
He’d write Yun Jian back home and ask if he could get one.
A television.
This was an era when having a radio let you lord over the neighborhood.
Lin Zhao hesitated a moment, “Isn’t that too flashy?”
“Not flashy. Every penny we have is legit. No need to fear.” Gu Chenghuai soothed her.
His expression was calm, not a hint of bluff.
“It’s expensive, right?” Lin Zhao felt a bit sorry for the money.
Several hundred, probably?
Gu Chenghuai’s expression didn’t change, “No problem. We earn to spend. As long as you’re happy, any price is worth it.”
Lin Zhao scooted over, hugged his arm, and shook it, “Since you say that, I want a television.”
She knew the original plot. Televisions would go from black-and-white to color, get bigger and clearer. But those were just concepts in her mind. In fact, she’d barely seen a black-and-white one.
“Get the ticket and we’ll buy it. I’ll ask around and try to have it before the county yard is renovated.” Gu Chenghuai promised.
“Great, I’m already looking forward to it.” Lin Zhao’s brows and eyes curved up.
Gu Chenghuai looked at her smile, wishing he could deliver a television right then.
Uncle Song said nothing, growing more satisfied with Gu Chenghuai. He could tell the young couple interacted like this daily.
As long as Zhaozhao was happy, he was at ease.
Creak—the door was pushed open.
The Song Family brothers came in with the four kids.
Except the dragon-phoenix twins, all held white ice creams.
Song Yunjin handed one each to his sister and brother-in-law, “Sis, brother-in-law, have ice cream to cool off.”
Song Yuncheng distributed to his parents.
“Why buy for me?” Aunt Song swatted her son’s shoulder. Song Yuncheng exaggeratedly bared his teeth.
He grumbled resentfully, “Mom, you know my sis’s temper. If I skip you, she’ll punch me for sure.”
Gu Chenghuai raised a brow, looking surprised at Zhaozhao.
Lin Zhao shot a murderous glare at Yun Cheng, “Song Yuncheng, you want a beating?”
She raised her sandbag-sized fist, her expression threatening.
Song Yuncheng drew a finger across his mouth, full of pleading, “I was wrong. I’ll shut up.”
The little person in his heart was crying loudly.
He hadn’t said anything wrong.
Before, he’d bought ice cream with homework sale money. Thinking his mom didn’t like ice, he skipped her. His sis chased and punched him. Her strength was huge—his arm swelled!
Song Yuncheng apologized in time, but Heng Bao had heard.
The little friend licked his ice cream, eyes curious as they drifted over, “Mommy, you hit people when you were little too?”
Song Yuncheng thought: Yeah, she hit hard, super feisty and strong.
Lin Zhao glared at Yun Cheng, then softened her gaze, looking gentle and good-tempered, “Your uncle was wrong, so I educated him.”
Yu Bao looked obedient, “Mommy, I won’t be wrong.”
Hearing that, Heng Bao looked at his brother seriously, “Bro, everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Grandpa said so.”
Isn’t no mistakes too absolute?
Yu Bao was a little smarty. His mind turned, and he changed his words, negotiating, “Mommy, if we mess up, tell us first. If we don’t fix it, then spank the kids, okay?”
Uncle Song saw and heard it all, thinking these two kids were really clever.
Lin Zhao bit off a mouthful of ice cream, let it melt in her mouth, swallowed, and glanced lightly at Yun Cheng.
Song Yuncheng dodged her gaze, meeting Yunjin’s sympathetic one. His heart clogged for a moment.
Yeah, he hadn’t been wrong—his sis’s eyes really had killing intent.
Lin Zhao’s voice softened, “Okay, I’ll give verbal warnings first.”
If that fails, spank the butt.
The twins relaxed.
Gu Chenghuai saw Lin Zhao eating fast and said caringly, “Zhaozhao, don’t eat so fast. Careful of tummy ache.”
He looked at the twins, “You two too.”
The dragon-phoenix twins were little and couldn’t have too much ice. Yu Bao let them each lick once, then stopped his siblings, stuffing milk bottles into their hands.
Qian Bao wasn’t fussy, sitting on the sofa edge, holding his little milk bottle and drinking obediently.
Yao Bao didn’t want milk, wanted ice. Seeing little brother not crying, she rubbed her teary eyes, took her little pink milk bottle obediently, and gulped it down.
Heng Bao winked at Yu Bao, leaned in, and whispered in his brother’s ear, “See? I said once Qian Bao’s handled, Yao Bao’s no threat.”
The loud little friend whispered plenty loud, clear to everyone’s ears.
Even Yao Bao heard. The little dumpling frowned, cheeks puffing.
Uncle Song and Aunt Song laughed hard.
Heng Bao was such a treasure.
Gu Chenghuai said, “Eat your ice cream nicely.”
“Oh.” Heng Bao grinned and chomped his ice cream.
Song Yuncheng, fearing his sis bored, tossed his stick and suggested, “Sis, want to go ice skating? My treat.”
Lin Zhao finished her ice cream. Gu Chenghuai took the little wooden stick from her hand, wiped her fingers with a handkerchief, then beckoned the twins over. Yu Bao and Heng Bao came over grinning, hands out.
“Ice skating? If I remember right, isn’t the ice rink closed?” Lin Zhao looked at Song Yuncheng.
“It closed, but who knows why it reopened.” Song Yuncheng had no interest in why, “Sis, while it’s open, let’s go. If it shuts for good or turns into something else, no more chances.”
Lin Zhao hadn’t gone in years and really wanted to, “Okay, let’s go!”
Song Yuncheng clutched his chest, flopped on the sofa, pretending heartbreak, “Your family of six—my wallet’s emptying!”
Everyone laughed at his antics.
Yu Bao asked, “Mommy, what’s ice skating?”
“I know, I know.” Song Yunjin volunteered, “You wear shoes with wheels and glide on the ground. Whoosh—one push and you’re far. Got it?”
Yu Bao’s little head couldn’t picture it. He tried relating, “Like skiing?”
“…Kinda.” Song Yunjin said.
Yu Bao furrowed his little brow, “I don’t like snow. Snow’s too cold. Hands and feet cold, face and ears cold. Hands and feet itch.”
They got cold because their cotton-padded clothes were old, not warm, no hat, scarf, or gloves. Outside, they’d freeze.
Lin Zhao felt guilty and heartbroken, hugging her son, “Won’t be cold this year. I’ll make you new cotton-padded clothes, cotton hats, and gloves. With those, you can play in snow without cold.”
Kids always looked forward to new clothes.
Yu Bao snuggled in mommy’s bosom, face beaming.
He said, “Mommy needs new cotton-padded clothes too.”
Lin Zhao’s heart melted, “Mommy and daddy have them. Whole family does.”
The twins grinned wide.
Song Yunjin just learned Yu Bao and Heng Bao had frozen hands and feet in winter before. He looked at Aunt Song, “Mom, don’t I have two old cotton-padded clothes? Unpick them, refluff the cotton, make some for Yu Bao and Heng Bao.”
“No need to tell me—I’m doing it.” Aunt Song said.
She’d started long ago, just slow. Half a month and still not done, now finishing up.
Song Yunjin slung an arm around Heng Bao’s shoulders, smugly looking at him, “Hurry and thank me. Plus mommy’s promising some—you’ll have two!”
“Thanks, uncle!” Heng Bao thanked seriously, “When I earn big money later, I’ll buy you new cotton-padded clothes too!”
Song Yunjin didn’t take it to heart, laughing, “Okay, I’ll wait.”
