Chapter 118 Chapter 118 I like it, it has nothing to do with her...
Late June to early July, 1977.
After spending more than half a month in the hospital, Luo Yin was finally able to go home.
Her father and second brother had been waiting for a long time, carrying her small luggage and preparing to leave.
Before leaving, Luo Yin received several mission rewards.
And several of the most important letters.
Some were handed over by colleagues before they left, some were asked to be delivered by them when they visited the sick, and some were even from the wooden team to let them know they were safe.
Besides the advance distribution from Elder Xia, it was delivered by Director You.
As for the Wood Sinking Wood Team, Luo Yin asked them a question and learned that they had already left, but unfortunately, she didn't have time to say goodbye.
Before leaving, I said goodbye to the remaining members of my team at the hospital.
Then he and his family set off for the station.
Because she was injured and the train was heading north, someone was specially assigned to select sleeper berths for them.
The train rumbled along and quickly drove away from here.
Two groups of people were going in and out of the carriage, exchanging nods as if they were old friends.
Fortunately, nothing else went wrong.
Five days and four nights passed quickly.
As the train crossed Shanhaiguan and headed north, the northern wind carried a familiar warmth.
The three of them, father and sons, felt much better after the breeze.
Looking at the boundless wilderness, Luo Yin felt some of the gloom from recovering from her injuries dissipate.
I don't think these are any big deal.
Her father and second brother took good care of her along the way, always buying her hot meals, but Luo Yin's little body still didn't grow much.
His face was also becoming increasingly thin, and he looked like he had lost a lot of weight.
"This won't do, you won't get better if you can't eat this."
Bart was so anxious he was pacing around in circles.
Luo Yin waved her hand, "Father, I'm full, I really can't eat this much."
"It's alright, we'll be home soon. I'll slaughter a few more sheep for my little sister to make her well-fed." Mu Ren felt that home-cooked meals were the most nourishing, and she must be missing her mother's cooking because she didn't like it.
Hearing her second brother say this, she couldn't help but nod.
I think so too.
Knock knock knock~
"We're almost there. Muren, keep an eye on your sister and don't let anyone touch her." Bart, carrying the luggage in one hand, took the initiative to clear the way.
Mu Ren, with a military bag slung across his shoulder, gently helped Luo Yin up, letting her lean against him from behind.
"Second brother, then I'll have to trouble you."
Luo Yin thanked her with a smile, showing no embarrassment whatsoever.
"Don't worry, leave it to me."
After the sleeper car came to a complete stop, the train attendant opened the doors.
People who had been waiting for a long time came out one after another in large numbers.
Through each small exit, pedestrians carrying large and small bags and families moved about.
Until the three of them got off the train one by one.
"Phew, the air outside is so much better." Luo Yin took a few deep breaths, finally feeling alive again.
The memories from there are really too painful to dwell on!
"Let's go out first, then transfer to another bus to go home."
"Time to go home!"
The road away from home is long and winding, but the road home is familiar and comforting.
Seeing familiar scenery, familiar people, and familiar attire, especially, makes those who are away from home feel a sense of warmth and comfort.
That's how Luo Yin ended up. After making it to the county, she finally succumbed to the effects of the medicine and fell asleep.
She slept until she was home, and was woken up by her mother's warm, rough hands.
"Hua Hua, wake up!"
"Um?"
She instinctively rubbed against it, and then a familiar milky scent wafted over.
When I opened my eyes, I saw my mother standing in front of me.
"Mom, I missed you so much, I'm so glad to finally see you."
The mother and daughter kissed and hugged for a while; Ani, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but remind them to stop.
"Ani, I'm back. How are you feeling?"
"Yes, yes, it's good to be home. I'm fine." Ani smiled and said in a friendly tone, "But you look so thin. You'd better eat well now that you're back."
"Hehe, okay, I'll definitely take good care of myself."
Everything is wonderful when I'm home.
Since arriving home and having a few meals with her family, Luo Yin has been spending all her time with her little horse.
Even though she couldn't ride the horse now, she still took care of it personally for a few days, and soon the little horse became close to her.
It wasn't until her second brother returned from the county that she received a message.
"Little sister, the teachers at the county junior high school strongly recommend that you take the graduation exam this time after they heard you came back."
"Oh right, I haven't received my graduation certificate yet."
"Second brother, when?"
"In two weeks!"
"Don't worry, the teachers who presented you with the award last time have already come and know that you are currently recovering from your injury. This is just a formality. As long as you are not too far off, you will pass."
Mu Ren continued, "Besides, if it comes to my sister's grades, it'll be a sure thing."
"All right!"
After being away for almost a year, Luo Yin had almost forgotten the knowledge she had learned from the books.
However, since we've come this far, and nothing major has really happened recently, we might as well pack things up properly to give an explanation for what happened before.
Having made preparations, she found her junior high school review materials in her room and even asked her second brother to buy some from the school and Uncle Qin's bookstore.
After spending more than ten hours a day doing practice questions and reviewing, she quickly got used to this routine, except for the first two days when she was not used to it.
With the resurfacing of her memories, the fragments of knowledge that had been set aside quickly came together, and her review results improved significantly.
Thinking about this gave me confidence for the upcoming exam.
As for whether she would continue to be affiliated with a certain high school after the exam, her answer was yes.
Because she will be away for at least another year, she will definitely need to get her high school diploma when she returns from her mission.
Therefore, she told her family about her plans, and the elders, seeing that she had a clear purpose and a plan, all nodded in approval.
Her father also said that he would carefully choose a school for her next, one that would have less work and more freedom.
Yes, they certainly never doubted their own abilities.
Mid-July is the day of the county's high school entrance exam!
Luo Yin said goodbye to her family, put on her schoolbag, and stepped into the school.
With her long hair fluttering slightly, Luo Yin's mood also changed.
Looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar faces, she became much calmer, as if she had returned to her seventeen or eighteen-year-old self.
"Ding-a-ling~"
"Exam time is up!"
As the pen tip continued to move, information from the exam paper appeared.
Luo Yin's last-minute cramming was quite useful; she wrote down everything she knew and filled in everything she didn't know.
She finally breathed a sigh of relief after the exam was over.
When her second brother saw her come out, he quickly took her backpack. "Little sister, come on, your eldest brother and sister-in-law are back."
"Ah, when? Where is my little nephew?"
"Of course we're back! Let's hurry back, the house must be so lively."
Luo Yin nodded hurriedly, "Wait, Second Brother, go buy your little nephew some gifts."
She patted her pocket. "I brought money."
"Okay, just buy him a toy, that's enough."
"Let's go!"
When the brother and sister came out of the supply and marketing cooperative again, each of them was carrying several things in their hands.
Hehe~
......
"Xiaoshan, look what this is! It's a ball you can kick around! Do you want it?"
Luo Yin waved the footprints in front of her little nephew.
The mistress hid beside her mother, wanting the girl but too embarrassed to do so.
Orgel is his nephew's full name, which means "high mountain" in Chinese, so Aruna gave him the nickname "Little Mountain".
After chatting with her older brother and sister-in-law, Luo Yin stayed close to him.
The little guy has a chubby face and bright, lively eyes that look very clever.
Luo Yin liked it even more, "Call me aunt and I'll give it to you."
Aruna smiled tenderly, like a mother, "Have you forgotten that this is your aunt who brought you delicious fruit? Aren't you your favorite aunt? Quickly greet her."
"Guoguo, it's delicious!"
"Haha, is it delicious? Auntie has more here." Luo Yin said, taking out a few golden dried fruits.
These were all brought from the south this time.
"Here, let me hug you, there's more."
Xiao Shan looked at her with shining eyes, his little mouth moving slightly.
My saliva started flowing unconsciously.
"Yes, yes!"
"Little Aunt, Xiaoshan wants some."
"Okay, here you go." Finally holding the baby in her arms, Luo Yin kissed him several times with satisfaction.
Her little face was chubby and as tender as tofu.
Hehe hahaha~
Seeing that they were having a good time, the people around them were also happy.
The fathers and mothers had already stewed large pieces of meat and bones, and the tender lambs were roasted until they were oozing oil.
Just sprinkle some salt on it and it's ready to eat.
The taste was unbelievably delicious!
Even after the meal, the cheerful and lively schedule was not over.
Everyone lit a bonfire outside and sat around it chatting and laughing.
Ani, her father and mother, her eldest brother and sister-in-law, her second brother and Luo Yin, the six of them plus the sleeping Xiao Shan, the seven of them sat around a table, chatting about the things they had seen and experienced in the past year.
Luo Yin learned that her elder brother and sister-in-law had both been promoted within a year, and their salaries had also changed.
Xiaoshan is also planning to start kindergarten this September.
Her older brother and sister-in-law were also very concerned about her situation. They tried to call her countless times over the past year, but in the end, they never found out anything.
Luo Yin briefly explained her situation, mentioning that the two times she had been in contact with the virus were either in the deep sea or deep in the mountains, making it impossible to get in touch with her.
Even if they manage to get in touch, they can't call back.
“No wonder, we knew we couldn’t even leave an address, that’s why we really couldn’t contact her.” Hada said with a sigh, her gaze filled with tenderness and heartache for her little sister who had grown up.
He's so young, I don't know how many difficulties he's encountered outside. He's lost a lot of weight since he came back.
"Little Flower, you must be careful in the future, so you don't get hurt."
Hada didn't try to dissuade her from going, because he knew very well that this girl was just like him; once she made up her mind about something, it was very difficult to change it.
Conversely, the seemingly most stubborn second brother, Mu Ren, is actually the most down-to-earth and stable of the three siblings.
These are things he gradually came to understand after becoming a father.
Thinking back to when the three siblings went to school together in their early years, he was worried about how his second brother would get married, start a family, and take care of his children. He didn't have to worry about his relatively well-behaved and obedient younger sister at all. But before she even turned eighteen, she was taken away by a transfer order. He didn't even know who her location, unit, or leader was. During that time, he was so worried that he couldn't sleep for nights on end, fearing that she might encounter some kind of accident when she went out. She was young and inexperienced, and he was afraid that Luo Yin wouldn't be able to handle it.
He didn't tell his family about these things, but his wife, Aruna, knew.
Seeing his agitated tone, I couldn't help but pat him reassuringly.
"Big brother, I know. I'll be extra careful from now on." Although Luo Yin didn't understand her older brother and sister-in-law's affectionate behavior, she knew they cared about her, so her attitude became even better.
"Alright, alright, let's not talk about that for now. I have something to say."
“The land for the house has been selected. We plan to start construction once the materials arrive at the end of the month,” Bart said, clapping his hands.
"Wow, that was fast! The plumbing and electricity in the neighborhood are all set up?"
Hada asked in surprise.
"That's about it. Take a look at this place. The location we chose isn't too far, just over 100 kilometers from Qiermengtun. They've already built this infrastructure there, so we just need to rebuild it. It's not too far for us to move there from here."
Qiermengtun is a very familiar name; those who hear it for the first time will immediately recognize it.
Hada took the map and quickly understood the situation by comparing the two sides.
"This place is nice. It's only a few dozen kilometers from the grassland, which will make it convenient for us to graze our livestock in the future. It's also very close to the town, but we may encounter more residents in the future."
Ani nodded upon hearing this, "It's alright, we'll just do what we need to do. The people we encounter are just local herders, not bad people."
As she got older, Ani's traditional nomadic mindset began to change.
Although we are still getting used to settling down long-term, our family has discussed that we will not cut it off abruptly at first, but will start with a period of six to nine months.
They have to spend at least three or four months each year herding livestock.
Otherwise, those livestock would have surely grazed the nearby grasslands bare.
That's definitely not going to work!
Ani then had no more reservations and watched the younger generation gathered together, chatting and laughing.
His son and daughter-in-law were also by his side, and their aged eyes couldn't help but show a happy light.
The yurt became more and more lively with Xiaoshan's presence.
Aruna deliberately left the little one behind to keep the elders company before going back with her older brother, planning to pick him up later.
Luo Yin's results are out, and she did quite well, ranking in the top 50 in the county!
On the day I received my grades, I went back to school specifically.
He received his graduation certificate from his homeroom teacher, who then smiled and handed him a bag of things.
"Teacher, take this and eat it. It's a souvenir I brought back from my business trip."
"Ah, hahaha, the teacher has heard about it. Well done, Luo Yin! This journey is over. I wish you all the best for the future and may you soar to great heights!"
Luo Yin nodded, accepting her teacher's blessing.
Almost a month has passed since she left and started recuperating.
Thinking of the previous letters, she went to the post office and made a phone call to each of them.
The phone call with the wooden team still couldn't get through; it seemed to be from some military base.
After asking the questions, Luo Yin hung up immediately.
Then came the call to the capital, which was to Xia Ge.
She needs to ask about the next steps.
"Beep beep~"
"Hello, who is this?"
"Little Xia, it's me, Luo Yin."
"Ah, Comrade Xiao Luo, hello! You're calling me from your hometown?" Xia Mingjiang immediately recalled the authentic aroma of the meat from before.
The familiar sound of swallowing came through the receiver, and Luo Yin couldn't help but pretend she didn't hear it.
"Ahem, yeah, I'm home recuperating from my injury. I realized it's been a while since we've been in touch. How have you been lately?"
Xia Mingjiang took a big gulp of tea and immediately realized what she meant.
"Ah, you mean the mission? Don't worry, they haven't come back yet. I estimate it will be another two months, but they have to come to the capital in early September for a meeting."
"Oh, it's been that long?"
"But someone will call you to let you know about this. Don't spread it around now that I've mentioned it." He quickly tried to cover it up.
"Ahem, don't worry, I'll keep my mouth shut."
"By the way, can you send me some local specialties from your place?"
Luo Yin fumbled for the receiver. "Hmm, with this kind of weather, I need something that can be stored for a long time; nothing else will do."
Xia Mingjiang's eyes lit up. "Sure, sure. Can you get me some beef jerky and milk tablets? Oh, and milk powder too. I'll send you some money."
"Okay, no problem!"
......
After working through the night again, Xia Mingjiang returned to his dormitory and fell asleep immediately.
I slept straight through to noon the next day.
Fortunately, he had a day off, so he picked up the package delivered from the grassland and headed to Grandpa Qin's house.
He needs to find Aunt Liu to give him a good rest. Who is doing all this hard work and suffering?
"Grandpa Qin, look what I brought you!"
As you pass through the courtyard, you are greeted by two elderly people sitting at a stone table, drinking tea and playing chess.
"Hey, Grandpa Chen, what are you doing here?"
Xia Mingjiang remembered that he had disappeared after his trip to Yunnan Province. Both Xiao Luo and Huo Sen, and even many people from that region, were looking for him. What was going on?
"Where did you go before? We've been looking for you."
The person in question clearly wasn't as interested in Grandpa Qin as he was.
Chen Dong calmly sipped the wine in his small white porcelain cup. "Why are you looking for me? I'm not going to get lost."
"No, you, about that before..." Xia was about to say about the explosion, but she was interrupted before she could finish speaking.
"What? I don't know. Don't ask me."
"no..."
How can you lie so blatantly!
"Hey, how come yours is... exactly the same as mine?" Looking at the familiar jerky on the table, the texture of the head-sized jerky seemed to be from the same piece of meat.
Xia, who arrived carrying a package, was dumbfounded once again.
Seeing that he had a role to play, Old Man Qin calmly stroked his beard and said, "Ah, this is a gift from a junior from the grasslands. They said their family is having a housewarming celebration and they wanted me to share in the joy."
"Oh, is that so?" It's confirmed, it's the same manufacturer and the same producer.
"Are Comrade Xiao Luo and the others moving?"
"Yes, the old man has relented and is preparing to stay permanently."
"Oh, is that so? I was just saying I'd share some of my jerky with you."
Just as he finished speaking, heavy footsteps suddenly came from inside.
Xia looked up and saw that Huo Sen was carrying something out with a sullen face.
"Oh, I knew I couldn't find you at your house, and here you are! What's this? You even cooked it yourself. Is this food edible?"
Old Qin watched the commotion out of the corner of his eye.
Huo Sen put down the iron pot, and his eyes swept over it, spotting the familiar packaging.
"Did you bring it?" he asked curtly.
"Ah, I bought it from Comrade Xiao Luo." Xia scratched her head, feeling that he seemed colder and more aloof than usual.
Hossen's furrowed brows relaxed slightly. "Oh!"
"Wait, what's going on?"
Old Master Qin sipped his wine, while Chen Dong beside him curled his lip. "He's in heat!"
"Pfft~"
Xia had just found a teacup and was pouring tea when she spat it out.
"Ahem, not who, what, is in heat?"
Xia Mingjiang was originally a handsome and upright young comrade, but because of these few words, he was somehow associated with gossip and sleazy behavior.
"No way, Hosen? Someone as cold as him has someone he likes."
"I thought he would never have such thoughts again, but who is it?"
Old Qin treated it as a show, not participating at all.
After Chen Dong finished speaking, he stopped talking and continued eating the dried meat and drinking the wine.
When Huo Sen and Cai came out again, Xia Mingjiang looked at the people who had sat down steadily and boldly asked, "Brother, do you have someone you like?"
"Pfft, cough cough!"
"Cough cough~"
The two elderly people were caught off guard and were frightened.
Huo Sen's hand holding the chopsticks slipped, and the chopsticks fell to the ground.
His expression changed for a moment, then immediately returned to normal.
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Hey, don't deny it. Old Chen and Old Qin said it, and your expression just now tells me you're lying." Xia Mingjiang said with a "don't lie to me" look, and began to count the women who appeared around him.
Even though the two of them work together, he knows his home.
As she counted them one by one, Xia's eyes suddenly lit up.
Huo Sen's nerves had been on edge ever since he pointed it out, and cold sweat broke out on his back after Qin Lao and Chen Lao were mentioned.
I hope we haven't actually been discovered.
Thinking of Ms. Qin Juan at home, Huo Sen felt a rare blush creep up his face.
He's rather shameless; he likes that young girl.
But he... just likes it!!!
“We know everyone around here very well, so it must have happened recently. Could it be that female comrade in the team? I only know a few female comrades. If we exclude those who are married, then there are only three left.”
"It wouldn't be that woman surnamed Mu, would it? I heard she's also in the military. You wouldn't have fallen for her, would you?"
Okay, let's hold on for now!
"No, that's not true."
Hossen's tone of refusal was much firmer.
"Ah, no."
"Who is that? Comrade Yuan Fang, that female comrade is also very good."
"No, don't make wild guesses, hurry up and eat." He said, patting him hard on the shoulder, then got up to wash the chopsticks.
The three who remained looked at each other, with Chen Dong being particularly direct.
"Silly boy!"
"Ah, Mr. Chen and Mr. Qin, you don't actually know, do you? Who is it? I really want to know."
Old Qin ate his dried meat, smiling at him with a profound and inscrutable expression.
"Hehe, guess for yourself."
The person being worried about had no idea what was going on. After realizing there was still time, Luo Yin and her father made a trip to register her student status at the county's No. 1 Middle School, and then she felt relieved for the time being.
I've discussed it with the school and will temporarily not come to school until I have free time later.
The school assessed her past academic performance and current work situation, and readily agreed.
The most important thing in the family now is to follow the team and watch the houses being built every day.
Luo Yin's back injury has mostly healed. Her mother specially asked someone to bring back mutton fat, which she applies every day to help fade the scar.
Luo Yin specially sent something to Old Qin, and in return received several bottles of health and wellness pills.
Ani is now eating much better and his mother and father are gradually starting to eat more.
They initially refused to eat it, but after her persuasion, they said it was good for their health and could improve some backaches and pains.
After gradually taking it, I found that it really worked on some joints and areas that had been worn out over time.
Furthermore, they had heard of Old Master Qin's reputation, which made them trust him even more.
As time passed, Luo Yin resumed her training and grew taller than before.
It has already surpassed the 165 mark and is heading straight for 170.
Luo Yin is quite satisfied with her long legs. Perhaps it's because she gets enough calcium from milk and meat, and she keeps up with her exercise routine, which is why her complexion is getting better and better.
As things changed, the fatigue of the past gradually disappeared.
His energy and spirit were also full and abundant!
I accompanied my family through all the busy work, and when the rooms at the base were almost finished, it was time to set off.
I received the message a week ago, asking her to go to Beijing to attend a symposium.
Having made preparations, Loin said goodbye to her family and prepared to go alone.
But her second brother was worried about her and insisted on coming along with her.
Considering all the things that needed to be done at home, she declined his offer and made it clear that she could manage on her own, only asking him to take her to the train station.
"Brother, don't worry, I'll call you when I get there."
"I'll leave things at home to you."
Luo Yin, carrying a small bag and sporting a neat short haircut, turned and walked away briskly.
"Little sister, be careful!"
Knock knock knock~
The train arrived in the capital just past noon.
After a good nap, Luo Yin felt quite energetic.
As I stepped out of the train carriage and walked along the crowd, I suddenly spotted two familiar figures.
"Sister Xiaofang, Sister You, what are you doing here?"
Unexpectedly, she ran into two familiar older sisters as soon as she arrived. Luo Yin looked around and found that they also looked travel-worn.
"Hey, Xiao Luo, what a coincidence! You just got off at the same stop."
Yuan Fang happily stepped forward, took her hand, and gave her a bear hug.
"That's great, we've finally met again. You didn't reply to my previous letters. I was worried about you. How are you feeling? Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, everything's done. Look how energetic I am now."
Yu Lizhu stepped forward and hugged her, "Xiao Luo, it's been a long time."
"Long time no see! By the way, where did you all come from?"
"Hey, stop talking. After we finished working in Houshan Village in Yunnan Province, we were taken to several other places. It's only now that it's officially over. Unlike you, you've been resting well."
Yuan Fang pinched her cheek enviously, "But things won't be easy for long, there's another mission coming up."
"Let's go, since you're here too, let's go to the guesthouse together."
"Hey, she's already gone, aren't you going to call her back?"
Just after the three left, two people standing not far away stepped forward.
It was none other than Comrade Xia and Captain Huo, whom we all knew.
"No need, we'll see you soon!"
Xia Mingjiang looked at the kid with amusement, "Tsk tsk, I didn't believe it before. If I hadn't asked Aunt Qin, I really wouldn't have known you had this kind of taste, Huo Sen!"
Hosen paused, remaining silent for a few moments.
His sharp eyes met hers. "I like it, it has nothing to do with her."
"Yo yo yo!"
"I'm not going to hide it anymore, but you're getting on in years, do you want me to give you some advice?"
"roll!"
September 5, 1977, a three-story lecture hall in the capital.
The symposium, which can accommodate 100 people, was only half full at the moment.
A simple red banner stood on the podium that read 'Analysis of the Mid-Term Symposium Report of the Four-Pointed Star Project'.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
