Chapter 274: Prosperity 274 End of the text

After lunch, Gu Qinglie and Shen Sui took the kids to take a nap at home, while Gu Qingqing followed Chu Dai to the train station to pick someone up.

The Academy of Military Science was not far from the train station, so Chu Dai took her there on his bicycle. There were many people coming and going at the Capital Railway Station, many of whom were wearing green military uniforms.

After parking the bicycle, the man led her inside.

People were coming and going, Gu Qingqing looked up and asked, "What time is the train? Which train? Why hasn't it arrived yet?"

She asked three questions in a row, she was really anxious.

She and Xu Nian had not seen each other for more than three years. She had promised Sister Anian that she would go back to see her after she left the island, but later she became pregnant again and kept delaying the visit.

Fortunately, they had been exchanging letters and she understood Xu Nian's current situation.

"It's still early." The man checked his watch. It was just past one o'clock. "It's the train from Nanyang to the capital. The normal arrival time is 2:30. It will usually be one or two hours late."

In special circumstances, four or five hours is not uncommon.

Gu Qingqing muttered, "I don't know if they had a meal on the train. How about we go to the state-owned store and buy some cakes? I don't know how tall Xiaoyuer has grown."

Over the years, she had been bringing things to Xu Nian via the supply ship, including homemade vegetables, dried vermicelli, pickled radish and all kinds of other things. She even made some extra for her to bring to Little Huanniang.

A copy of the photos taken of the kids was also sent to her.

Xu Nian would catch some dried goods while sunbathing on the island, and the supply ship would bring them back to her. Little Huanniang would even sew her own children's outgrown clothes for her.

Although I left Baisha Island, my friendship with the sisters-in-law I knew well never ceased.

"I'll go buy it. You find a place to sit." The man looked around and pulled her to the waiting room. "Wait for me here."

"Okay." Gu Qingqing took out a handful of bills from her pocket and gave them to him: "You can buy it yourself."

No matter whether it is Chu Dai or Gu Qinglie, no matter how much money you give him to buy something, he will not keep a single cent for himself and will take it all back.

She hardly touched Gu Qinglie's money, just waiting for him to get married and hand over the financial power to his gentle and lovely wife.

"I know." The man nodded slightly, took the money, and put it in his pocket. His fingertips touched the candy, took out two pieces, and put them in her hand.

He strode forward for a distance, then looked back at her. Seeing that she was still there, he smiled and continued walking forward.

Gu Qingqing held two White Rabbit candies in her hands, smiled, and found an empty seat to sit down.

She moved her nose and smelled the aroma of crispy cakes. She turned her head and found that there were people selling baked cakes in the waiting hall. The cakes baked in the charcoal stove were particularly fragrant.

It smells very tempting.

She felt a little upset. If she had known that there was food to buy in the waiting hall, she would not have let her man go to the state-owned store.

This cake smells really good. It must be better than the ones sold in state-owned stores.

And it’s still hot, so Sister Anian and the others can eat it as soon as they get off the train. In this weather, having something hot warms both the heart and the stomach.

Many passengers came up to ask the price. Gu Qingqing didn't hear clearly, but she saw the salesperson take out two large steamed cakes, wrap them in light yellow oil paper, and hand them to the passengers who were buying things.

Looks very affordable.

She had just finished her meal and wasn't very hungry, otherwise she would have definitely gone up to buy two to try them.

Chu Dai came back soon, holding two oil-paper buns tied with a thin rope in her hand. The man straddled his long legs and sat next to her.

"Are you hungry? Do you want to eat something?"

"Not hungry." Gu Qingqing raised her chin slightly and motioned him to look ahead: "Why didn't you know there were food for sale in the waiting hall before, brother?"

"Nanyang really doesn't have this. It seems that each train section of the Ministry of Railways makes it themselves." Chu Dai put the cakes and buns aside, leaned back, and wanted to rest for a while.

Gu Qingqing nodded, indicating that she understood.

At half past two, the train to Nanyang had not arrived yet. Gu Qingqing stared at her watch again and again and went to the platform to wait.

It was not until 3:25 that the green train slowly approached. Gu Qingqing ran after the train for some distance before slowly braking.

"Clang-chi-chi-chi"

After a while, people got off the bus one after another carrying large and small bags.

Gu Qingqing kept her eyes on the crowd, afraid of missing a familiar face.

"Old Chu? Sister Qingqing!" Zhao Ze held Xiao Yu'er in one hand and the luggage bag in his left hand, and shouted again: "Here it is."

He had a big smile on his face and didn't seem tired from the long train ride.

"Qingqing." Xu Nian had squeezed out of the crowd and ran to Gu Qingqing's side. He stood in front of her, looked at her for a while, sniffed, and wanted to say something but the words got stuck in his throat.

The last sentence was: "You are still the same, you haven't changed much."

She was still the girl with bright eyes and white teeth in her memory.

Gu Qingqing's eyes turned red, and she couldn't hold back the tears. She smiled and said, "You're still the same, but your hair is a little longer."

The two women smiled at each other and reached out to hug each other.

Chu Dai took the bag from Zhao Ze and raised his eyebrows and asked, "Is this all you're bringing?"

"Let's take care of it when we get here." Zhao Ze weighed his son who was sleeping on his shoulder, "The weather in the capital is a bit like that in the border town."

Chu Dai smiled and nodded: "You haven't been back for a long time."

"No, there is no chance." Zhao Ze said frankly: "I received the notice to leave the island last month, and it took more than half a month to go through the review procedures."

He has not left the island in the past few years because the procedures are too complicated.

There is a need for inspection for both offshore islands and island departures. Baisha Island is a military stronghold, so the inspection is stricter.

Over the years, he often received photos from Chu Dai, but he never sent him any photos in return because photography was not allowed on the island.

"Let's talk about it when we get back," Chu Dai led him to the exit. "Did you eat on the train? Qingqing prepared some cakes for you."

Xu Nian followed the men holding Gu Qingqing's hand. She couldn't help but feel sad when she heard his words: "... you guys are really thoughtful. The lunch boxes on the train are quite expensive. We bought one for Xiao Yuer. He ate a little and fell asleep. We ate the rest. Now we are not that hungry."

"As it should be." Gu Qingqing looked at the little guy lying on Zhao Ze's shoulder with curiosity, "Xiao Yu'er looks stronger than Tuan Tuan Niannian."

"Yes, they are having fun on the island. Zhang Ta took them to climb trees, dig out bird nests, go to the beach and play in the sea. They did everything." Zhao Ze patted his son's buttocks and said, "Wake up, fish, and see where you are."

Zhao Yu woke up rubbing his eyes, he looked up at his parents, then looked at the people coming and going in the train station, and finally his eyes fell on the couple who looked both familiar and unfamiliar.

When Gu Qingqing was about to speak, he asked uncertainly, "Uncle Chu, Aunt Chu?"

"Ah? Ah." Gu Qingqing was stunned for a moment and subconsciously glanced at the man next to her.

Chu Dai smiled and nodded: "Has your father ever shown you our photos?"

The little boy yawned and nodded languidly.

When he was one year old, Gu Qingqing and the others were still on the island, but he was too young at that time and could not remember anything.

In the past few years, whenever they sent photos to the island, their parents would always look at them again and again, and would also tell him -

"The good-looking one is Uncle Chu. The one with big eyes and curved eyebrows like willow leaves is your Aunt Chu, who held you in her arms when you were a child."

"These two kids who look exactly like you are your younger brothers, who were born a few months later than you. The other two are Xiao Xingxing and Jiaojiao..."

Because his mother often mentioned it, when he saw Gu Qingqing and the others, corresponding photos automatically popped up in his mind and he recognized them quickly.

"You've slept for so long, I don't want to sleep anymore." Zhao Ze put him down: "Walk by yourself and wake up."

Xiao Yuer didn't make any noise and got down from his father's arms obediently.

Chu Dai put the pastries in the bicycle basket, put the luggage bag on the back seat, and pushed the bicycle while chatting.

"Let's go to our place and rest for a while, and spend some quality time together." Gu Qingqing held Xu Nian's arm, reluctant to let go: "The military hospital is a bit far, let Chu Dai and my brother take you back after dinner."

Xu Nian did not refuse, and Zhao Ze readily agreed.

They returned to the Academy of Military Science together. Although Gu Qingqing had a pass, they still needed to register for visits from strangers.

Zhao Ze had a military officer certificate, so the process went smoothly.

Zhao Ze walked with his son in the Military Academy, pushed his glasses with his right hand, and said to Chu Dai: "I will be studying in the capital for two years and then return to the border town."

Chu Dai was slightly surprised, then nodded: "The military hospital in the border town is under construction. Now the border is peaceful and there is no war. It's good to go there."

With Zhao Ze's qualifications and having studied at the Capital Military Hospital, it would not be a problem for him to return to the Border Town Military Hospital and become the deputy director.

He also knew that as a military doctor, Zhao Ze just wanted to maximize his value.

However, he still wanted to remind him of one thing: "Lao Guan and Political Commissar Xu have switched positions and are no longer in the Construction Corps."

"I know." Zhao Ze nodded: "I received a telegram from the head of the customs on the island, giving the brothers a chance to go home and see him. He is leaving the Construction Corps."

Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to go back yet.

Chu Dai patted his shoulder to comfort him.

Xiao Yu'er was listless at first, but when he arrived at the military compound, he saw Tuantuan and Niannian and they quickly started playing together and running around the compound.

The weather was cold now, and running would keep them warm, so Gu Qingqing ignored them.

"There's some Laba porridge in the pot. I'll serve you some."

The little guys didn't have to worry about anything. They just took the cakes in the basket and ate them happily with Xiao Yuer.

Xu Nian took the porcelain bowl she handed over, glanced at the laughing children not far away, and scooped up some Laba porridge to drink: "It's hot and noisy, so good."

Gu Qingqing nodded: "Yes, that's great."

Nineteen seventy-eight, the sixth day of the second lunar month.

Lunar New Year's eve.

Two weeks ago, Gu Canyang received an order from his superiors to go to the Capital Air Force Command Academy for further studies.

He took the train from Nanyang on February 4th and arrived in the capital on the afternoon of the 6th. Chu Dai went to pick him up.

Gu Qingqing was frying meatballs at home. She had learned some of her third uncle's skills and it was enough for her.

Xu Nian helped her taste it.

"How is it?" she asked with a smile.

"It's done." It was a little hot, and Xu Nian couldn't help but stick out his tongue. He turned around and saw a few guys lying on the kitchen door frame.

She laughed a little: "Just pretend to be cold first, the children are waiting impatiently."

It smells so good that anyone would be dizzy.

"Okay, Sister Anian, help me take down the enamel plate."

"good."

Not long after, Chu Dai brought the person back. It was a rare occasion that the train was not delayed today.

To Gu Qingqing's surprise, Xiao Xiao was also there.

She glanced at the girl who was talking to Chu Dai, poured a cup of hot water for Gu Canyang, and asked in a low voice: "Brother, what is this?"

"On my way." Gu Canyang said in a calm tone.

Gu Qingqing wanted to guess her brother's thoughts from his expression and tone, but she had no idea where to start.

This was the first time Xu Nian met her elder brother and she didn't speak for a long time.

It turns out that he is the big brother that Qingqing often talks about.

He just stood there without saying anything, yet it was hard to ignore him.

Old Qin was writing Spring Festival couplets with Shen Sui upstairs, Gu Qinglie and Zhao Ze were playing chess, the kids were sitting on the sofa watching TV, and on the coffee table there were freshly fried meatballs and various cakes, candies, peanuts and melon seeds.

Gu Qingqing glanced at the time, put aside her doubts, and continued to prepare dinner.

After Xiao Xiao finished talking to Chu Dai, he came in to greet Gu Qingqing. Xu Nian heard her son calling her outside and hurried out.

"My dear." Xiao Xiao leaned against the door frame, looking at her slender back, and suddenly said, "Your brother is really hard to pursue."

Gu Qingqing put down the kitchen knife and used chopsticks to pick out a meatball for her: "You didn't just find out, why did you come to the capital this time?"

"I applied for the Army Field Academy." Xiao Xiao took the chopsticks, took a bite of the meatball, chewed it twice and swallowed it, and said vaguely: "If your brother wants to leave, I will definitely follow him."

"I thought you..." Gu Qingqing shook her head and didn't finish her words.

"Do you think I'll give up after hearing that he's coming to the capital?" Xiao Xiao's eyes were filled with heroic spirit: "Snipers never give up their targets easily."

Gu Qingqing was speechless. After a while, she said seriously, "What if my brother never responds? You'll just waste your time like this? You'll suffer a lot."

Xiao Xiao waved his chopsticks nonchalantly: "Except for Gu Canyang, I have never been attracted to anyone. It would be fine if I hadn't met him. You know your brother. Once you've met him, he will never look down on anyone else."

"I accept the fact that he is to blame. Losing is no big deal." She looked calm, which made Gu Qingqing at a loss for words.

But in my heart I couldn't help but admire her courage.

Gu Canyang, who had finished drinking water and was putting down the cup, stopped behind her without her noticing.

After a while, the man turned around and went to the second floor to rest.

At seven o'clock in the evening, we are ready to have dinner.

"This is too rich!" Gu Qinglie rubbed his hands and served a bowl of rice to Old Qin first: "Father, have you prepared the New Year's gift money?"

There were a lot of people today. There were already more than ten of them at home, Xu Nian's family of three were also there, and there was also Xiao Xiao who was eating for free.

Although it was my first New Year’s Eve in the capital, it was incredibly lively.

"Don't worry, we have them all." Old Qin said with a gentle smile.

"First think about whether you have prepared the red envelope," Gu Qingqing served a bowl of bone soup to her godfather, "your nephews and nieces are waiting."

"That definitely can't be less." Gu Qinglie grinned.

After Mr. Qin started eating, Xiao Xiao also started eating. She sat next to Xu Nian and opposite her was Gu Canyang.

She originally wanted to pick up the big bone, but when she saw Gu Canyang drinking the soup slowly, she let go of her chopsticks.

Goudan just happened to take advantage of this opportunity.

"Thank you, Comrade Xiao Xiao." He showed his two little fangs.

Xiao Xiao snorted and laughed: "You're welcome." You'd better pay attention to your eating manners.

Zhao Ze was chatting with Chu Dai about what happened on the island in the past two years. The man listened quietly, interrupting from time to time to ask about Jiang Sheng and the others' recent situation.

The children were all at the tea table, watching TV and eating. The adults were having a great time here, and they were also having a great time.

Xu Nian said to Gu Qingqing: "This year is the most lively New Year I have had in recent years." She was filled with emotion.

In the past few years on the island, although there are a few sisters-in-law who often visit me, it is not as lively as when Qingqing was here.

When she was on the island, the dozen or so soldiers from the Construction Corps would often have dinner together. There was laughter and joy during every festival, and they felt relaxed.

Gu Qingqing picked up a piece of braised pork and gave it to her. "Life is getting better and better now. Let's celebrate the New Year together in the future."

"Okay," Xu Nian also smiled, "We'll celebrate the New Year together in the future."

"Come on, let's have a drink." Gu Qinglie rarely drinks, so he raised his glass first: "I wish we can have this day every year. Every day."

"Cheers." Chu Dai agreed with a smile and clinked glasses with him.

Xiao Xiao also poured himself a glass of wine and said to Old Qin: "Uncle Qin, I toast to you. Don't forget my New Year's gift."

"Okay." Old Qin chuckled and drank the glass in one gulp.

Gu Canyang didn't drink, he just watched them drink. Gu Qingqing poured him a glass of Shanhaiguan soda: "Brother, drink this."

A smile flashed across Gu Canyang's eyes. He placed his slender fingers on the wall of the cup and nodded slightly.

When his eyes fell on the blushing girl opposite him, they paused for a moment and then turned away.

The living room was bustling with laughter. Gu Qingqing took a sip from the man's wine glass, then her facial features wrinkled into a ball as she pushed the glass away.

Chu Dai turned his head to look at her, with a doting smile in his eyes.

Then he picked up the wine glass and took a sip slowly.

I am very happy to be with you, and we celebrate this day every year.

——

over.