Chapter 36 Yu Songchuan was almost lost in…
Yu Songchuan was almost lost in this government compound! The small buildings with blue bricks and gray tiles, the neat rows of sycamore trees, and the people in cadre uniforms hurrying by... everything here made him yearn for it.
He couldn't help but fantasize: How wonderful it would be to live in a place like this?
Although it's not possible now, maybe I'll be able to live in a military compound in the future!
"Sis, do you think I have the skills and intelligence to become a top soldier?"
Yu Jiajia almost laughed: "King of Soldiers??? You really dare to dream!"
Yu Songchuan: "I forgot to tell you, when I went to look for my bicycle last time, I ran into Brother Yuanzheng. He's a soldier, and he really admires me. He even said that when I turn 18, he'll take me to join the army! I'll be able to join the military in three years!"
Three years later, in 1972, the peak of the Down to the Countryside Movement arrived. There were three options: work, going to the countryside, and joining the army. Joining the army was definitely the best. She said, "That's great! If you go to the army, you'll definitely be the most capable and the smartest! You'll absolutely be the king of soldiers."
She also knows the ancient Five Animal Frolics. If Yu Songchuan can master it, wouldn't he be able to fly over rooftops and walk on walls?
She needs to find a suitable opportunity to teach Yu Songchuan, and it would be best if Cheng Xiuying could also practice with him.
Yu Songchuan: "Third sister, when I become a king of soldiers, I'll take you to live in the military compound."
The pie in the picture was so big and round that Yu Jiajia rolled her eyes. How long would she have to wait? But she couldn't dampen the child's enthusiasm, so she said, "Okay, when the time comes, we'll plant fruit trees and flowers in the yard too."
Yu Songchuan rode his bike through the beautiful garden and stopped in front of Building 6. He locked the bike to a street lamp and also locked the one he brought with him.
No matter where you are, this car must be locked.
The siblings carried their belongings upstairs and quickly found room 206.
As soon as Zhou Mingyuan opened the door, he saw Yu Jiajia and Yu Songchuan and stepped aside to let them in: "Jingqiu, Jiajia and Songchuan are here!"
The couple lived alone in a one-bedroom apartment, which was kept clean and cozy.
A light green tablecloth covered the square table in the living room. A few sprigs of roses, set against a backdrop of vibrant green leaves, were arranged diagonally in a plain white porcelain vase. Beside them, a fruit bowl held purple grapes, apples, and peaches. The sweet aroma of fruit mingled with the delicate fragrance of flowers, filling the entire room.
This demonstrates the Zhou family's superior circumstances.
Hearing the commotion, Xu Jingqiu immediately came out from the inner room to greet them, her eyes lighting up: "Jiajia! Songchuan! Come in and sit down!" She warmly took Yu Jiajia's hand, but her gaze fell on the things in their hands, and she frowned and said: "You've come all this way, why did you bring things?" She then told Zhou Mingyuan to hurry up and go to the cafeteria to buy braised pork and half a roast chicken.
They ate early today and have already eaten.
Yu Jiajia and her brother quickly stopped them. Yu Jiajia said, "We just came to see you. We'll leave after sitting for a while. My mom is waiting for us to come back for dinner." She smiled and handed over the things she had brought: "Sister Xu, these are ribs and eggs. Please take them to nourish your body."
Xu Jingqiu quickly refused, "How can that be! Meat coupons are so hard to collect these days." Meat is so precious these days, and a family's monthly meat ration is only so much. How can we accept theirs?
Yu Jiajia: "You can keep it. It was a reward from the Public Security Bureau. We still have some at home."
"A reward from the Public Security Bureau?" Xu Jingqiu was taken aback. She exchanged a glance with Zhou Mingyuan, then quickly pulled the siblings down to sit and stuffed fruit into their hands. "Tell me what happened."
The siblings then briefly recounted how they had saved the person.
It took Xu Jingqiu and Zhou Mingyuan a while to come to their senses, and only then did they notice the medal pinned to Yu Songchuan's chest. They were both surprised and delighted: "This is a third-class merit!!" She couldn't help but exclaim, "You two are so kind-hearted. Not only did you save people, but you also helped catch bad guys... No wonder you were able to save the two of us back then."
Zhou Jingqiu pressed for details, but Yu Songchuan shook his head: "The Public Security Bureau hasn't revealed the specifics of the case, and we don't know either."
Xu Jingqiu became increasingly curious and turned to ask her mother!
Yu Songchuan: "I was planning to come see you yesterday morning, but my bicycle was stolen." He then recounted how he lost and found his bicycle.
Xu Jingqiu slammed her hand on the table as she listened, "That Xu family is absolutely wicked! Last time they stood by and did nothing but steal things, and this time they stole a bicycle. Luckily, they were caught!"
The two stayed for a while before getting up to say goodbye.
Before leaving, Xu Jingqiu and Zhou Mingyuan insisted on stuffing two large net bags full of things into their hands: grapes, apples, peaches, pastries, and canned goods.
Yu Jiajia was both amused and exasperated: "Sister Xu, we came to see you, not to buy goods?"
"These were all freshly picked from my parents' yard!" Xu Jingqiu shoved the net bag into Yu Songchuan's hands without further ado. "Take the canned goods back and try them, they're really sweet. I won't force you to take anything else, is that alright?"
Yu Jiajia and Yu Songchuan could no longer refuse.
Zhou Mingyuan escorted the siblings downstairs, stood at the door and watched them walk away before turning around and going upstairs.
On the way back, it was already dark. Yu Songchuan was in a hurry to get home to eat braised pork ribs, so he rode his bike quite fast, making the ride very bumpy. She grabbed Yu Songchuan's clothes and said, "Slow down, it's too bumpy. Mom is definitely waiting for us."
Yu Songchuan had no choice but to slow down the car a bit. Recalling everything in the government compound, he sighed, "I really want to grow up soon and start my career as soon as possible."
Yu Jiajia: "I don't want to. Going to school is so comfortable; if I don't want to go, I can just not go. But I have to go to work every day!"
Yu Songchuan: "Going to work is so much better. My mom takes all my money as soon as I have it, saying she's saving it for me to get married. I'm still so young! I can't even afford a popsicle anymore."
Yu Jiajia: "It's no big deal. I'll treat you to a cream popsicle tomorrow."
Yu Songchuan: "Fourth sister, you're so kind. When I become a top soldier, I'll buy you a watch."
Yu Jiajia:......
When they got home, Cheng Xiuying called Yu Jiamin to bring the food and took the things from the car handle: "Why did you bring back so much stuff?"
Now that her family has plenty of resources, Cheng Xiuying doesn't lack these things; what she values is Xu Jingqiu's connections. Xu Jingqiu's mother is the editor-in-chief of the Qingshan Daily, and more importantly, Xu Jingqiu's father is the director of the county party committee's logistics department, in charge of grain and ration coupons! Her maternal grandfather is even more powerful, having just been promoted to a position in the municipal party committee.
How can this relationship be severed?
Yu Songchuan: "Sister Xu initially offered more, but we didn't accept any of it; we only took this part."
Yu Jiajia: "Mom, let me wash the grapes for you. Try them, they're so sweet."
Cheng Xiuying: "Let your older brother wash them. Eldest brother, wash the grapes." She pulled Yu Jiajia: "Are you tired? The braised pork ribs are ready, eat more."
Yu Jiajia: "Mom is the one who's worked so hard! Mom should eat more." She picked out a big, red grape and fed it to Cheng Xiuying: "Mom, when I was eating grapes at Sister Xu's house, I wanted you to try some too. Mom, is it good?"
The grapes were a little sour, but the sweetness outweighed the sourness, making them very delicious. Cheng Xiuying felt a sweet sensation spread from her mouth to her heart. "Delicious!"
The others also tasted the grapes, enjoying them and feeling sweet inside. With a table full of meat and fruit, life was incredibly comfortable.
Yu Jiajia: "Mom, hasn't my second brother come back yet?"
Cheng Xiuying: "Don't worry about him. He's a grown man, he'll be fine outside. I left some ribs for him in the pot." She picked up her chopsticks and placed a large, meaty rib on Yu Jiajia's plate. "Eat."
Yu Jiajia was touched: "Thank you, Mom." She took a bite of the tender stewed pork ribs: "Second Sister's cooking is so delicious!"
Cheng Xiuying wouldn't indulge others. She said, "Pork ribs are delicious even when boiled in plain water."
Yu Jiajia also put a piece on Cheng Xiuying's plate, "Mom, you should try it."
Cheng Xiuying took a bite, and Yu Jiajia asked expectantly, "Is it good?"
Cheng Xiuying smiled, knowing what Sibao wanted to hear. She said, "Delicious." She even praised, "Jiamin's ribs are quite good."
Yu Jiajia: "Yes!"
Two pounds of pork ribs and two potatoes were added, a very generous portion. There was also a cold salad of cabbage and cucumber, so everyone could eat their fill.
Cheng Xiuying glanced at her eldest son, who was eating heartily. He wasn't hungry at noon and didn't want to eat, but now that he had meat to eat, he was enjoying it more than anyone else. What could a boyfriend compare to a feast?
Yu Songqing had been starving all day and was already past the point of hunger. When he saw the ribs, his eyes lit up. He felt terrible and probably didn't want to eat anything, but his body simply couldn't fight against the braised ribs. He had never seen so many ribs put together before.
Even a bowl of pork rib noodles at a state-run restaurant only costs four pieces of pork ribs!
He needs to eat more so he'll have the energy to work tomorrow. He's already lost love, and he can't afford to stagnate at work.
After the ribs and potatoes were finished, the broth was soaked clean with steamed buns, and the plate was sparkling clean.
The family sat together, chatting and eating grapes. Cheng Xiuying took out a stack of receipts and counted them. Half a carcass of pork weighed a full 60 jin! The ribs weighed 20 jin, and the pure meat weighed 40 jin.
The lamb hind leg was given a quota of six jin (approximately 3 catties).
Fifty pounds of seasonal fruit were sold on receipts for one or two pounds each.
Everything is available without time limits.
But Cheng Xiuying felt that these things were not safe enough to keep at the food station, so she had to get them and eat them quickly. She cured the pork, chicken and duck into bacon and kept them at home to eat slowly.
Rice and flour are especially durable.
We'll braise the pig's head on Saturday and bring it back to Hongcheng Brigade as an offering.
Lamb leg is also a good thing, but we should wait until it gets a little colder and can be stored for a while before getting it.
Take your time with the fruit; it is indeed a rare item, but it's not in the same league as meat. If the food station really won't give it to you, then forget it.
She never intended to sell them!
They don't do anything like speculation or profiteering.
Now, countless eyes are watching their family, just waiting for her to make a mistake and report her.
So many people, whether openly or secretly, asked her if she could exchange some receipts, but she didn't.
Is money important? Well, of course it is, but a career path is even more important.
She's about to become an official!
Everyone was excited when they saw that stack of receipts; they knew they would never lack meat at home again.
Yu Songchuan: "Mom, let me touch it!"
Cheng Xiuying let him touch it, and Yu Jiajia also joined in the fun and wanted to touch it. In the end, everyone touched the ticket.
Cheng Xiuying coughed lightly: "Life is getting better and better, and there's more and more hope for the future. Maybe I'll become the head of the security department tomorrow."
Hongding, if you work harder, I'll ask Engineer Chen to give you some guidance. If you pass the Level 5 fitter exam, you can become a leader.
Boss, you've focused all your energy on work. Go and study harder, and become an engineer as soon as possible.
My second son isn't home, but I think he'll definitely get a promotion soon.
Third brother, I don't think you should be a teacher. You should be a policeman. Being a teacher is all about enduring hardship; when will you ever get ahead? If you become a policeman and solve a few more cases, you'll be promoted. You're really good at tracking and solving cases; your quick wit is just like mine.
My four children are the least of my worries; they're all doing well.
The fifth brother gets up early every day to run and practice boxing to keep his body in good shape; otherwise, no army would accept him.
Yu Jiajia clapped her hands enthusiastically, "Mom is absolutely right!!! I will definitely work hard!"
Cheng Xiuying affectionately patted Yu Jiajia's hair: "You also need to balance work and rest. The publicity department is still short of a deputy section chief, and I think you're quite suitable."
Everyone: ...
Yu Jiajia didn't know what to say, she could only say, "Mom is right!"
Yu Songchuan: "Mom, don't worry, I not only run in the morning, I also run at night! When I join the army, I will definitely be the best soldier among the new recruits. I want to be the king of soldiers and be invincible!"
Cheng Xiuying rolled her eyes: "With your arrogance, you really are invincible."
No one else knew what to say; the pressure was immense.
Yu Hongding felt a heavy weight in his heart. The difference between a level 5 fitter and a level 4 fitter was like heaven and earth! Could he possibly pass the exam?
Yu Songqing felt that his mother was talking without understanding the situation; there was a huge gap between an engineer and an assistant engineer.
But the two of them still have a chance to succeed, since they're on the same path. They just need to keep pushing forward; even if they can't reach the top, they can still see the bigger picture.
The most speechless one is Yu Jiamin. She thinks she can just become a police officer because she wants to? Zhao Zhao arranged all her jobs through hard work. What makes her think she has the ability to be a police officer?
Cheng Xiuying took back the receipts, stuffed them into her pocket, and said, "Meeting adjourned."
Yu Jiamin went to clear the dishes, and Yu Jiajia followed Cheng Xiuying into the house. She said to the ambitious Cheng Xiuying, "Mom, do you want to fly over walls? I know a move that will make you invincible once you master it."
"??? Flying over rooftops and scaling walls?" Cheng Xiuying was shocked. Her first reaction was that Sibao was just trying to coax her, but Sibao had always been naive and had never lied before.
Yu Jiajia: "Actually, it's a bit of an exaggeration. You'll only know the truth after you practice."
Cheng Xiuying: How do you know this?
Yu Jiajia whispered, "An old man with a white beard taught me that in my dream."
Cheng Xiuying: ...
She is indeed a bit superstitious, but this sounds so absurd, it doesn't seem like the truth.
Cheng Xiuying didn't press further. It's good to be a little confused sometimes. She said, "Sweetie, practice it for Mom."
The ancient Five Animal Frolics consists of ten movements, imitating the actions of five animals: tiger, deer, bear, monkey, and bird, with two movements for each animal. The tiger movement includes tiger raising and tiger pouncing, with some complex sequences. Combined with internal energy cultivation techniques, it looks very powerful.
These moves seem to be ingrained in Yu Jiajia's bones. She knows how to practice them and how to coordinate them with internal energy cultivation techniques, but she is still an amateur. Her body leads her to practice.
It's often said that laymen watch the spectacle, while experts see the details.
Cheng Xiuying is an expert. She has been practicing boxing with her father since she was a child and has fought with her siblings since they were young. She has real skills and can tell at a glance that this set of skills is extraordinary. She closed the doors and windows, pulled the curtains tight, and asked Yu Jiajia to practice again, this time at a slower speed.
She also participated in the rehearsal.
The Five Animal Frolics looks simple, but it's very difficult to practice. She could only practice the form, but not the key points.
Yu Jiajia practiced several times in a row, instructing her mother as she practiced, first teaching her the external skills, but not the mental techniques for the time being.
Cheng Xiuying didn't know if the Five Animal Frolics could actually make one fly over walls, but she was sure it could strengthen the body and make one more agile! The more she learned, the more excited she became, and she almost mastered the Five Animal Frolics. Seeing the sweat on Sibao's forehead, she took a handkerchief and wiped it away, then took her hand and made her sit down and rest: "Mom thanks Sibao." She also opened a can of fruit for her to eat, "Sibao's stamina isn't good, so we'll practice every day from now on."
Yu Jiajia held up a can of food and offered it to Cheng Xiuying to eat with her.
She didn't really want to practice the Five Animal Frolics, but it would be a waste not to learn something so good. She wasn't aiming for superhuman agility, just being able to protect herself would be great. Combined with the stun gun and 'crisis prediction,' it would definitely be amazing. She said, "Mom, let's take Songchuan with us! He wants to be a top soldier." She was amused by this remark; Yu Songchuan was truly arrogant beyond measure! "Let's also ask Third Sister if she wants to practice. In case of trouble later, she might actually become a police officer! Dad, Eldest Brother, and Second Brother should practice too; it'll strengthen their bodies. Health is the foundation of everything!"
Cheng Xiuying hugged Yu Jiajia and gently stroked her hair, her eyes incredibly tender: "Sibao, just say that you saw this in a book before and remembered it by chance."
Yu Jiajia: "Hmm. Mom, this is external martial arts. There's also internal martial arts. Once Mom has mastered the external martial arts, I'll teach you the internal martial arts techniques."
Cheng Xiuying laughed: "If Mom could fly over walls and roofs, I really think the head of the security department of the steel rolling mill wouldn't be good enough. I could become a top soldier too."
Yu Jiajia covered her mouth and laughed, "My mom could be a high-ranking official!"
Cheng Xiuying called everyone into the house again, but didn't see Yu Songqing. "Where's your older brother?"
Yu Songchuan: "He's secretly crying in bed." He called out twice, but his older brother didn't answer; he just didn't want to come over.
A grown man crying and whining over a woman, he really needs to be taught a lesson.
Yu Songqing was indeed secretly crying. When he wasn't full, all he could think about was eating. But once he was full, he started thinking about his love again and couldn't control his emotions. He hid under the covers and cried. He pretended to be asleep and had no idea that his underling had discovered him.
Cheng Xiuying's temper flared up instantly. She rolled up her sleeves and rushed to the west room. Sure enough, she heard a soft rustling sound. A grown man was hiding under the covers, shedding tears. She punched Yu Songqing several times, but she was still not satisfied. She hit him even harder, pounding on him like hailstones.
Yu Jiajia: "Mom, stop hitting me! Your hand is all bruised. Does it hurt?"
Yu Songqing: ? ? ?
Yu Jiamin handed over a feather duster.
Cheng Xiuying picked up a feather duster and started hitting Yu Songqing.
Yu Songqing couldn't even run away; he was pinned to the bed and beaten until the feather duster broke. Only then did Cheng Xiuying let out a sigh of relief. "How could I have given birth to such a good-for-nothing son? Men shed blood and sweat, not tears. You actually hid under the covers and cried for a woman." She then pointed at Yu Jiamin and Yu Songchuan and scolded, "If you two ever get infatuated with someone else, I'll beat you up too."
Yu Songchuan: "I wouldn't do that."
Yu Jiamin was even less likely to do that. How could she possibly let one guy get her upset? If one didn't work out, she'd just find another. "Big brother, I really don't understand. What's so great about Lu Xiaoqing? How about we make a bet? If Lu Xiaoqing doesn't come back, she'll most likely get married soon. I'll help you find out about the family that's marrying into her new family. If Lu Xiaoqing does come back, then we need to find out even more. It's probably because she couldn't climb up to the next big thing, so she can only grab onto you, the one she's already taken advantage of."
Yu Jiajia thought her third sister was very eloquent and capable!
Yu Songqing said in a hoarse voice, "Xiaoqing isn't as materialistic as you. She's simple and kind, and she was forced to break up with me."
Yu Jiamin laughed in exasperation: "Fine, I'm materialistic? You're so naive, are you blind?"
Yu Jiajia: "Big brother, you've gone too far! How could you say that about third sister? My third sister is smart, beautiful, gentle, and kind—she's the best third sister ever. If you're not materialistic, then don't ride the bicycle that Mom and third sister found for you, and don't eat the meat from home!" She comforted her third sister: "Third sister, don't listen to your brother's nonsense!"
Every single member of the Yu family is materialistic, not a single one is naive. Pshaw!
Yu Jiamin looked down at Yu Jiajia, her lips curving into a smile. Her fourth sister was so cute.
Cheng Xiuying really wanted to break Yu Songqing's legs, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She picked up a feather duster and continued to beat him. "This is because you ate too much and got bored. The meat in the house has nothing to do with you. From now on, just watch out. Don't eat a single piece of meat. Don't ride your bicycle either. Just pretend your bike is stolen."
Yu Songqing felt like the sky had fallen.
He only secretly shed two tears to mourn his love, so why did it cause such public outrage?
Cheng Xiuying threw down the feather duster, losing all interest in leading the children in practicing the Five Animal Frolics; she was incredibly frustrated.
Yu Hongding: "Xiuying, count the meat tickets again. You'll be happy once you've counted them."
Yu Jiajia hugged Cheng Xiuying's arm and said, "Mom, don't be sad. I'm here for you. I'll take care of you. My second brother and third sister, Songchuan, will also take care of you."
Yu Songchuan also coaxed Cheng Xiuying with a string of nice words.
Cheng Xiuying: "Oh, why did I let the eldest brother eat meat tonight? He should have gone hungry, he doesn't deserve it!"
Yu Jiajia: Hahahahahahaha.
After Cheng Xiuying finished counting the hostages, she wiped her third-class merit medal and Chairman Mao badge, and her mood instantly improved.
Yu Songchuan: "Mom, why did you call us just now? If you don't tell me, I won't be able to sleep tonight."
So the family started learning the Five Animal Frolics. They could only practice by drawing and imitating; there wasn't enough room to practice in the room.
Yu Jiamin and Yu Songchuan were both very interested and studied very diligently.
Yu Songchuan was very talented in this area, and he had a good memory. After practicing it twice, he had already mastered it quite well.
Yu Jiamin almost memorized it after studying it three or four times.
Yu Hongding's back really couldn't take it anymore. This was too difficult. He had mastered the technique in his mind, hands, feet, and back, but putting it all together was like performing a shamanistic ritual. He wanted to run away from it.
Cheng Xiuying: "This is what Sibao learned in a book before. When he heard that Laowu wanted to be a king of soldiers and Laosan wanted to be a policeman, he remembered this. You guys practice it secretly. Once you've mastered it, Sibao will teach us the subsequent internal energy cultivation methods. Then our whole family will be martial arts masters."
Yu Songchuan's eyes welled up with tears: "Fourth Sister, you're so kind! When I become a top soldier, I'll buy you three big items."
Yu Jiamin didn't know when she wanted to become a police officer, but she wanted to repay Jiajia's kindness. "Thank you, Jiajia."
Yu Jiajia smiled sweetly: "We're all family! Don't be so polite."
Cheng Xiuying: "Sibao said that, but you can't be ungrateful. You have to remember Sibao's kindness."
She wants everyone else in the family to treat Sibao well!
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Author's note: I was amazing today! I wrote 11,000 words, posted 6,000, and kept 5,000.
Big brother's problem will be resolved slowly, don't worry, my darlings, mwah.
Thank you everyone for the nutrient solution. Seeing the nutrient solution level rise rapidly makes me feel incredibly happy.
Thank you so much, Xiqing Muxue, for your long review. I'm so happy that everyone likes this book and Jiajia.
I'm super powerful now, and I can continue to earn 10,000 units a day tomorrow.
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