"Your dad's coming back! What did he say?"
Huge news! Chang Xingwang is back and someone will be taking care of the kids!
Zhou Hongyu immediately put down what she was doing and turned to stare at Chang Meiying.
"That's all, that's it!" Chang Meiying shook the paper in her hand.
Grandma Chang went to pick her up from school and, on her way back from buying groceries, encountered a post office worker who gave her this piece of paper.
Her father didn't write a letter, but sent a telegram, which was very stingy, containing only a short sentence.
Zhou Hongyu was taken aback at first. This time it was a bit strange. In the past, Chang Xingwang would fill the envelope with news as soon as he received it, and he was so talkative that it was annoying.
However, she quickly smiled again.
Whatever, no news is better than bad news. Since we're here, let's just accept it and wait until Chang Xingwang comes home to find out.
Old Man Chang learned from Old Woman Chang that his second son was coming back, and he couldn't help but bring up old grievances.
"Hongbing and his wife are too hasty. If they had been more patient, Xingwang might have been able to help solve Yaozu's schooling problem when he returned!"
Chang Yaozu scored higher than Erlaizi, but ended up going to the same school, an agricultural school, and studying an even worse major: sow postpartum care.
Old Man Chang felt incredibly embarrassed whenever he went out and was asked about it!
Granny Chang nodded with a half-smile and retorted, "I didn't even know your son became a high-ranking official outside and could arrange a better school for Yaozu. Is this the same son of yours?"
Old Chang looked embarrassed.
He almost forgot that his second son was only slightly better than the average person; he was ultimately not some high-ranking leader who could be brought to the forefront.
Old Chang remained stubborn: "You can't say that. You stay at home guarding your little plot of land, so you don't know anything about what's going on outside. These days, the most sought-after people in the unit are those who have returned from supporting remote areas. They've been tested and tempered by the people. Maybe the second son will have a chance to meet one or two big leaders. If he can think of a way, he might be able to help Yaozu!"
Granny Chang poured cold water on the idea: "Second son is never one to take shortcuts!"
"That's true!" Old Man Chang sighed deeply.
My second son is too stubborn. He had the best grades when he was in school, but he didn't get into university. He didn't plan to retake the exam and instead signed up to support remote areas without even saying a word. No matter how much Old Man Chang scolded and beat him, he wouldn't change his ways.
Nowadays, those classmates who used to be far inferior to their second child but stayed in Beijing have bright futures.
Furthermore, some classmates and friends went with me to support remote areas back then. After so many years, many of them have found an opportunity to come back, but my second son has been gone for decades. I'm afraid I won't see him again until his parents pass away or his children get married.
Old Man Chang didn't know how many more times he would see Chang Xingwang before he passed away.
*
A military hospital located deep in the mountains near Beijing.
After returning from running errands, Xiao Zhuang, who was missing an arm, finally arrived at a hospital room after going through numerous checks. Although it was an acquaintance, he was still stopped without any politeness.
This demonstrates the high level of security in the ward.
Xiao Zhuang held up the contract in his hand: "I need to report the situation to the leader!"
The heavily armed guards solemnly said, "Please wait a moment, the commander is busy with other matters!"
Xiao Zhuang nodded, took his things, and stepped aside.
In the ward, Chang Xingwang sat pale on the hospital bed. His old superior was trying to persuade him to change his mind and not let his romantic feelings ruin his promising future.
"...Xiao Chang, your superiors have complete trust in you. Your perfect completion of this mission shows that you have even greater potential for advancement. You must not be short-sighted or preoccupied with trivial matters at home. You must always remember that the country still needs your contributions!"
Chang Xingwang listened quietly as he finished speaking, and the old commander thought there was hope.
Chang Xingwang began, "Leader, I have been away from home for many years and have failed as a son, a husband, and a father. I want to spend more time with my family in the future and make it up to them!"
The old commander remained silent. What he said was true, but just as someone had advised him not long ago, the Northwest Base could not find a second person with better leadership skills than Chang Xingwang!
Chang Xingwang is not only highly skilled in his work, but also has exceptional interpersonal skills. He holds multiple positions and is a capable person whom one can trust.
If Chang Xingwang could stay at the Northwest base and contribute to the country, he could save the country a considerable amount of money.
However, forcing it would be too inhumane, after all, Chang Xingwang has dedicated decades of his youth to the Northwest, and his family also needs his company.
The old leader is facing a difficult choice. Isn't there a more suitable solution?
"Xiao Chang, let's compromise. I'll explain the situation to the higher-ups on your behalf. The country still values human relationships and won't expect you to dedicate your entire life to the Northwest. As for you, don't insist on being transferred back to Beijing at this time! Hold on for a few years! Once the person who takes over your position arrives, keep a close eye on things and only come back when they've taken over!"
Chang Xingwang remained unmoved: "Old commander, year after year, I should have come back long ago. I care about the country, and the country should think about me too! I am a human being, not an emotionless machine. After experiencing life and death in the Middle East, I have seen through the illusions of the world!"
Hearing this, the old commander had to swallow the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
Just as they were about to return to the city after their trip to the Middle East, they were betrayed by spies, and the group almost didn't make it back.
If it weren't for the guards protecting him with their lives, Xiao Chang would probably have only brought back a box.
Xiao Chang's bodyguard also lost an arm as a result, and before long he had to retire early with tears in his eyes. He was also a young man with lofty ambitions.
Thinking of the sacrifices these people made for the country, the old leader's heart softened.
If Xiao Chang insists on coming back, then let him come back. We can't let people who have contributed to the country be sad. He'll take the lead in overcoming any difficulties!
Although he had already acquiesced to Chang Xingwang's choice, the old leader still harbored a trace of resentment when he thought about the mess Chang Xingwang left behind.
The old commander stood up, put on his hat, and said, "I can't control you young people anymore. Do whatever you want. I'll cover for you if anything happens!"
Chang Xingwang clutched his abdominal wound and watched his old commander walk away.
Even though his old superior refused, he insisted on coming back, and no amount of difficulty could stop him!
The old leader led a group of people out of the ward, and the unknown junior, Xiao Zhuang, quickly lowered his head.
The sound of hurried footsteps swept past, and just as Xiao Zhuang was about to look up, he heard his idol praising him.
"Good lad!"
As the footsteps faded into the distance, Xiao Zhuang's eyes welled up with tears. The guard standing at the door couldn't help but step forward and bump his shoulder.
"Xiao Zhuang! The old commander is praising you! My God! You're the person I envy most now!"
...
Song Qingshi heard from somewhere that Chang Xingwang, who was supposed to replace him, was currently in the capital!
He got angry and rushed into his older brother's office despite his secretary's attempts to stop him.
"Big brother, something terrible has happened! Chang Xingwang is back!"
There was also an elderly man in his early sixties who looked like a leader in the office.
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