Chapter 123: “not As Good As Reunion”
Lin Zhao had no opinion, “Alright.”
She painted another pie, “If there’s another opportunity, I’ll keep an eye out for Second Brother.”
Her luck was good; with some pastries, she could definitely find one.
Lin Shisheng draped his arm over his younger sister’s shoulder and said with a grin, “Then I’ll have to trouble you, little sister.”
Lin Zhao said indifferently, “What’s the big deal? It doesn’t take much effort from me.”
“Best if it doesn’t take much effort.” Lin Shisheng said. If it took a lot of effort, he wouldn’t feel right asking for it.
After the sky darkened, the Lin Family plus Gu Chenghuai this son-in-law headed toward the foot of the mountain.
They took a small path, and there weren’t many people on the road.
The Lin Family was shaken by Meng Jiusi, but the shock this matter brought to Meng Jiusi was also extraordinary.
He had no appetite even for dinner. While picking firewood at the foot of the mountain, his mind was in chaos, many thoughts flashed through, yet it seemed like he wasn’t thinking of anything, his heart was empty, his mind was empty, and the whole person was very dazed.
Was it possible he was from the same commune, the Dongfeng Brigade Lin Family’s child?
He had biological parents, had elder brothers, and even had a younger sister…
He wasn’t abandoned; he was trafficked by human traffickers right after birth, and his family never gave up on him, always searching for him.
Meng Jiusi felt he should be happy, but thinking of his youthful hardships and displacements, he couldn’t smile no matter what.
Actually, no one was to blame for this matter.
He was one of the lucky ones; some children were deliberately abandoned by their families, or given away, or even sold for grain. His family… at least remembered him and never stopped looking for him.
Two bundles of firewood sat beside Meng Jiusi. He sat on the yellowish grass, his long legs stretched out, looking up at the sky.
Like a lost child.
Saying he was lost was accurate; up to now, he had always been lost.
The Lin Family saw Meng Jiusi and paused for a moment before walking toward him.
Meng Jiusi also noticed the Lin Family, his gaze sweeping over Lin Heling and Song Xiwei, his hands clenching tight.
He moved his lips, just about to stand up.
Lin Heling gently pressed the young man’s shoulder and sat beside him, his gaze gentle as he asked, “On the left side of your right foot’s big toe, is there a black spot?”
After Song Xiwei gave birth, the first person she handed the child to was Lin Heling. He had checked little three and little four over and over; little three was fair and clean, without even a single mole on his body, little four had a small leaf-shaped birthmark behind his ear, and a small black spot on the left side of his right foot’s big toe.
If the young man in front of him even had that black spot, it would further confirm that he was his little four.
Lin Zhao and the others instinctively looked toward Meng Jiusi.
Meng Jiusi’s pupils shook.
He moved his lips, his voice slightly hoarse, “Yes.”
With those words, he took off his shoe, revealing that black spot.
“It’s really him.” Lin Heling laughed, looking up at Song Xiwei with a joyful tone, “Xiwei, it’s little four, it’s our little four.”
Song Xiwei looked at Meng Jiusi; this young man resembled his father by about thirty percent, “Mm, he looks like you.”
Just a bit darker and rougher.
Lin Zhao half-squatted down, staring intently at Meng Jiusi, staring until the other looked away embarrassed.
Seeing Fourth Brother’s embarrassment, she smiled brightly and called out, “Fourth Brother.”
These two words “Fourth Brother” made Meng Jiusi’s heart tremble fiercely.
He glanced at the bright-eyed, kind girl, then lowered his eyes, neither responding nor rejecting.
He… had a younger sister, a blood-related younger sister, his own family member who didn’t despise him when everyone else shouted to beat him.
A few seconds later, his dazed mind turned the corner, “Mm.”
He responded.
Surprise flowed from Lin Zhao’s eyes as she grabbed Song Xiwei’s arm, “Mom, my Fourth Brother responded.”
Meng Jiusi uncomfortably turned his head away, avoiding Lin Heling and Song Xiwei’s expectant eyes.
He said, “The Meng Family raised and taught me; I don’t want to change my surname.”
Lin Heling said, “Not changing is right. Your mom and I won’t force you to change your surname. As long as you don’t reject us and are willing to accept our kindness toward you… that’s enough.”
Meng Jiusi was stunned for a moment, then turned back to look at him, meeting a pair of gentle, guilty eyes.
He was silent for a beat, then said, “I, I don’t blame you.”
As long as he knew the parents who gave birth to him didn’t deliberately abandon him, that was enough to console his half-life of suffering.
Lin Heling’s heart trembled.
He thought, if it were himself, after enduring so much hardship, it would be hard not to resent.
Little four had grown up well.
His broad hand grasped Meng Jiusi’s, gently stroking the thick calluses on his hand, Lin Heling’s eyes slightly wet.
“You’ve suffered. It was Dad who failed to watch over you.”
His voice carried a faint tremor.
Meng Jiusi hurriedly said, “It’s not your fault.”
After saying that, his stomach let out a rumbling sound.
“Fourth Brother is hungry. Good thing I brought food.” Lin Zhao’s mouth curved up, silently giving herself a thumbs-up as she took the bamboo basket from Gu Chenghuai’s hand.
She opened the bamboo basket lid.
Inside was a full bowl of dumplings.
The aroma of white flour wafted out, making the hungry person even hungrier.
Meng Jiusi hadn’t eaten a proper meal in over a month; seeing these white flour dumplings, it was hard not to crave them.
He was very shocked; he hadn’t expected Lin Zhao to bring food.
Lin Zhao took out the dumplings from the bamboo basket and shoved them into Fourth Brother’s hands, also giving him chopsticks, “Fourth Brother, try them quick. I made the dumpling filling myself; the taste is especially good, leek meat filling. We’ve all eaten already; I saved these specifically for you.”
Lin Shisheng teased, “So you brought dumplings. I knew you and your brother-in-law were being all secretive.”
Seeing Meng Jiusi look toward him, he straightened up, “I’m Lin Shisheng, your Second Brother.”
After saying that, he elbowed Lin Shichang, introducing, “This is our eldest brother, Lin Shichang. You also have a twin brother named Lin Shichang.”
“If you were home, you’d be called Lin Shirong. Our four brothers together make prosperity, flourishing, and abundance.”
A twin brother?
Meng Jiusi heard this news for the first time and curiously asked back, “Do I look like him?”
Lin Shisheng looked at him several times and shook his head, “At first glance, not really, but looking closely, there’s about thirty percent resemblance.”
Seeing little four sitting there dumbly not eating the dumplings, he urged him, “Eat the dumplings. Aren’t you hungry? Don’t stand on ceremony; we’re all family here.”
“Right, all family.” Lin Zhao clasped Gu Chenghuai’s hand and shook it lightly, introducing to Fourth Brother, “This is my husband, Gu Chenghuai. We’ve been married for several years and have four kids. You should’ve seen the eldest and second; they’re that pair of brothers who look very alike. It was second drawing a little leaf behind his older brother’s ear that made me suspect you were my Fourth Brother.”
Gu Chenghuai’s low, pleasant voice sounded, “Fourth Brother.”
Meng Jiusi nodded, “Take good care of my little sister.”
“Fourth Brother, rest assured.” Gu Chenghuai said.
Lin Zhao lifted her chin proudly, looking at the man, her words full of domineering, “See, now there’s one more person to protect me. You have to yield to me even more from now on.”
Gu Chenghuai’s brows and eyes softened, “I’ll yield.”
Meng Jiusi smiled. Though he wasn’t familiar with these people yet, his heart felt very warm.
The mud and filth covering his chest seemed to slowly dissipate with their words, sunlight shining in, his stiff limbs softening.
He ate a dumpling.
Very fragrant.
The best-tasting dumpling he’d ever eaten.
Brought to him by his little sister, his… blood sister.
His eyes grew hot, but his mouth curved up.
After Meng Jiusi finished the dumplings, he set down the bowl and looked toward Lin Heling at his side. He still couldn’t call out “Dad,” so he pursed his lips and asked, “…Where’s the one who’s my twin?”
Lin Heling didn’t force him to call him Dad; the child had just learned of their existence and needed time to adjust.
“Little three is a soldier, stationed outside. He hasn’t come back in several years. Finding you is good news. Your mom and I will write to him. When he returns, we’ll bring him to see you.”
Meng Jiusi: “Good.”
Really good—his brother who came into this world with him had grown up by his parents’ side and even become an honorable soldier.
Lin Zhao sat on Fourth Brother’s other side, casually inquiring about his matters in a friendly tone.
“Fourth Brother, were you in the capital before?”
Meng Jiusi nodded, “Yes.”
His family was curious about his affairs, so he didn’t deliberately hide them.
“The Meng Family that adopted me has generations of doctors; my grandfather was also a very skilled practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.”
The grandfather he referred to was Old Master Meng Yiheng, who had gone to the countryside with him.
Lin Zhao asked, “Does Fourth Brother know traditional Chinese medicine too?”
“Yes.” Meng Jiusi answered, a wry smile on his face, “Now it’s all labeled as feudal remnants.”
Lin Zhao’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, “What’s wrong with medical skill.”
“It’s not traditional Chinese medicine that’s wrong.” She emphasized.
Not wanting to say things that would affect Fourth Brother’s mood, she smiled and said, “Fourth Brother, I have a《Qing Nang Shu》, a pure gold-handled willow leaf saber, a dragon-tiger mortar and pestle, a purple sandalwood medicine scale, and spirit coffin nine needles. Do you want them? As a welcome-home gift from your little sister.”
Meng Jiusi was utterly shocked, frozen in place.
He kind of wanted to pinch himself.
Had he heard right?
“Do you know how precious these things are?” Meng Jiusi’s expression was complex.
Any of the items his little sister listed, if put out there, would be priceless treasures, especially that book—lost for so many years.
“No matter how precious, nothing compares to our family reuniting.” Lin Zhao said casually.
“Fourth Brother, we’ve been waiting and waiting for you to come home.”
Meeting his little sister’s serious eyes, warmth colored Meng Jiusi’s gaze. He realized not only had he suffered, but his family had endured torment too.
“I’m back. From now on… our family will never separate again.”
Lin Zhao’s heart relaxed, and she happily asked, “Fourth Brother, are you willing to acknowledge us?”
The other Lin Family members also looked at him expectantly.
Meng Jiusi tensed his jawline under their gazes.
“With my status, you all don’t despise me…”
Song Xiwei interrupted him, “What status? We’re family.”
“Your mom’s meaning is, family never despises each other.” Lin Heling added.
Meng Jiusi said, “As long as you don’t fear the trouble I bring, we’re family.”
This was in response to Lin Zhao.
“I’m not afraid.” Lin Zhao said with a smile, “Fourth Brother, our family has no cowards; no one’s afraid. Get used to us family members bit by bit.”
Meng Jiusi had a good attitude toward Lin Zhao and agreed to whatever she said, “I will.”
“Fourth Brother, if you need anything, just say it straight; we’ll prepare and send it over.” Lin Zhao said enthusiastically.
Without waiting for Meng Jiusi to answer, she asked with concern, “Fourth Brother, I heard from the twins your foot is injured. Can it be treated?”
Meng Jiusi’s heart felt warm and melty. He wanted to ruffle his little sister’s hair but wasn’t used to such affection, so he rubbed his fingers and said, “It can be treated. I need silver needles.”
Lin Zhao asked, “Will spirit coffin nine needles work?”
“Spirit coffin nine needles are very precious; it’d be a waste on me. Keep them. Ordinary silver needles will do.” Meng Jiusi didn’t want to take advantage of his little sister.
“Why keep them? I don’t know how to acupuncture anyway. Fourth Brother, endure one more night; I’ll bring them tomorrow, along with that set of things.”
“No.” Meng Jiusi refused, “There’s no place to put them here. You keep them.”
Seeing his little sister unhappy, he quickly added, “Lend me the needles first.”
“I’m not standing on ceremony with you, and you know my status is special now; there are inspections from time to time. If they’re discovered, those things would inevitably be destroyed.”
Lin Zhao knew Meng Jiusi had a point and didn’t argue further, “Alright, I’ll keep them for now. Once you’re cleared of the accusations, I’ll give them to you.”
Meng Jiusi dazed for a moment.
Cleared of accusations? Was there still hope?
Lin Zhao slapped Fourth Brother’s shoulder, gazing at him, “Fourth Brother, don’t overthink it. The road is winding, but the future is bright. You’ll definitely live with your head held high from now on. Have confidence in yourself, got it?”
Meng Jiusi smiled, “Good.”
With family around, things couldn’t get worse!
Seeing it wasn’t early, Song Xiwei said, “Little four, it’s late. Let’s stop here for today. I’ll come tomorrow and bring you some things.”
Changes of clothes, grain, toothbrush, toothpaste, towel and other toiletries, toilet paper and other daily necessities. Right, and a pot—no pot means he can’t even cook rice. Other things, she’d have to think more.
Lin Zhao took the initiative, “Mom, I’ll prepare for Fourth Brother. It’s convenient for me to bring things to Fourth Brother. If you and Dad come too often, it’s easy to attract attention.”
Song Xiwei thought about it and agreed, “If your Fourth Brother has any matters, don’t forget to pass word to me and your dad.”
“Mm-hmm.” Lin Zhao raised her right arm, holding up three fingers, and said, “I guarantee to tell you everything in detail, alright?”
Song Xiwei’s brows relaxed, “Good.”
Lin Zhao wasn’t entirely unprepared. Before leaving, she gave Meng Jiusi some things she’d casually prepared, “Fourth Brother, there are peach crisps inside, a can of canned fruit, and mosquito repellent… take them.”
In this short time, Meng Jiusi had a preliminary understanding of his little sister’s temperament. He didn’t stand on ceremony and accepted the items, thanking her, “Thank you.”
Lin Heling ruffled his daughter’s hair, saying warmly, “Zhaozhao is getting more and more thoughtful.”
Lin Zhao slightly lifted her chin. She wouldn’t say it was a reminder from the kids’ dad, hee hee.
After saying a few more words, the Lin Family left the foot of the mountain.
Meng Jiusi watched his family leave before turning back to his place.
The rundown house at the foot of the mountain had been repaired; the holes in the roof were filled, the doors and windows replaced with new ones, and a two-meter-high courtyard wall built around it. It no longer looked so empty and dangerous.
Seeing Meng Jiusi return, Meng Yiheng sized up his grandson, “Why so late back? Didn’t run into any trouble, did you?”
“No.” Meng Jiusi sat across from Old Master, set down his things, and looked at the grandfather who raised him, hesitating to speak.
Old Master Meng was curious and said, “What’s this? Between grandfather and grandson, is there anything we can’t say?”
Meng Jiusi’s hands clenched together, his whole body tense.
“Grandfather, if I said I found my biological parents, what would you think?”
Old Master Meng was shocked, “You’ve found your biological parents?”
He wasn’t unwilling for his grandson to acknowledge his biological parents; he just hadn’t expected it to be so coincidental. When they first picked up Jiusi, the Meng Family had posted notices to find his family, but got no news.
Meng Jiusi nodded.
“What attitude do they have toward you?” Old Master Meng feared his grandson’s family would disappoint him, his heart suspended.
Meng Jiusi’s gaze softened, “They’re great, don’t despise my status. My little sister even brought me dumplings; she made the filling herself. Tasted great.”
Like showing off a treasure, he brought out the peach crisps, “These are peach crisps from my little sister.”
Old Master Meng only cared about one thing, “How were you lost?”
