Chapter 88
Chu Xinghua is already at the end of his strength. He was seriously injured in his early years and has been in poor health ever since. After coming here, not only has he not received any treatment, he has also been always tired. It is not easy for him to persist until now.
He is not even sick. Even if he is sent to the hospital, the doctor will not be able to diagnose and treat him. After all, at this stage, taking medicine and injections are torture. It is better for him to stay like this, which will make him more comfortable.
Birth, aging, sickness, and death are all too common. Chu Xinghua was already old, and Chu Liqiang was mentally prepared. He put aside all his affairs and reported to his superiors, who were understanding. To be honest, he was lucky. Many soldiers only saw a cold tombstone after being discharged. Chu Liqiang was able to see his father for the last time, which was a blessing from heaven.
It was the coldest time of winter, and the snow was falling heavily. The snowflakes outside the window never stopped falling. The coal stove in the house could only bring warmth to the small space, and the walls and the floor were still constantly seeping in with cold. Chu Liqiang took off his military uniform and stayed by Chu Xinghua's bedside. He stayed there for three days, and in those three days, Chu Xinghua said more to him than in the previous thirty years.
Chu Xinghua knew he didn't have much time left, so he told Chu Liqiang everything he knew. His life was like this, but his son's life was only halfway through. He wanted his son to climb higher and not take the wrong path again.
Chu Xinghua talked about everything, including his old subordinates and old friends, their temperaments, who had something on him, and who had an improper private life. Later, after he had finished talking about all these things, he became silent.
Looking at the window through which the light came, Chu Xinghua was silent for a long time, then suddenly spoke: "I'm sorry to your mother."
Chu Liqiang's mother, the daughter of a former landowner, had lived a life of luxury. She chanced upon Chu Xinghua and, captivated by his imposing presence, begged her parents to marry her. The world was still turbulent at the time, and traveling through the turbulent times was no easy feat. She couldn't endure hardship, but she insisted on following him. One year, while they were on the harsh plateau, she caught a cold and died.
It was just a minor cold, but at that time, under those conditions, it was a matter of life and death.
Life is so fragile. Chu Liqiang was only four years old at that time. Without anyone to take care of him, he was like a weed. Chu Xinghua was afraid that he would die as easily as his first wife, so he found another woman.
He didn't just pick a woman randomly. Mrs. Gao was the younger sister of Chu Xinghua's former company commander, who had died young while protecting himself and several other soldiers. Chu Xinghua had been prepared to take care of his family. After his wife's death, he went to the company commander's hometown and saw Gao Caixia, then only seventeen years old. He realized that she and her brother were living in extreme hardship, so he asked her if she would marry him.
In that era, love was the ultimate luxury. Only well-fed literati would lament and write about romance, while the vast majority struggled through blood and mud. Chu Xinghua always believed his decision was right, until the day he lost power and Gao Caixia's sudden change of heart made him realize what a mistake he had made.
Chu Xinghua's eyes were cloudy, but he still looked out the window steadily. Chu Liqiang sat beside him. When he heard what he said, his heart did not waver. After two seconds, he said calmly and pertinently: "My mother has a miserable life. You have done her no wrong."
Having said this, he stopped talking, but even if he didn't say it, Chu Xinghua could understand what he was not going to say next.
He did not let his wife down, the only person he let down was himself.
With a deep sigh, Chu Xinghua continued, "When you return, talk to Chu Shao more. He will be seventeen soon. You and your son have been apart for so many years. It doesn't matter if you are physically apart, but the most important thing is that you can't be apart in your heart. It's a pity that I won't be able to see the day when Chu Shao gets married and has children."
Chu Liqiang: "Don't talk nonsense, you are in good health. After the Spring Festival, I will ask Chu Shao to buy a ticket to come here. He is as tall as me now. In two years, maybe he can surpass me."
Chu Liqiang was just trying to comfort Chu Xinghua, and Chu Xinghua could tell. So, he didn't respond, but his eyes gradually became blurred. After a long while, he suddenly woke up again, "I brought all the relics left by Xiaoyu. You were originally keeping them, but after you were taken away, I wanted to hide them. Gao Caixia wouldn't let me touch them, so I had a fight with her. The box was broken, and the things inside were also damaged. Chu Shao, give it to your father. You must keep them well and don't break them again."
Chu Xinghua was already talking incoherently, and Chu Liqiang listened quietly, and only agreed after he finished speaking.
On the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, Chu Xinghua was less lucid and more confused.
On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, Chu Xinghua couldn't even recognize the person beside his bed.
On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, the snow finally stopped, and the dazzling sun broke through the clouds and finally reappeared in people's sight. However, Chu Xinghua, the old general who had toiled all his life, closed his eyes forever.
Chu Liqiang's mother was named Meng Xiaoyu. She died on the plateau and was buried on the plateau. For decades afterwards, her grave was never moved because that was her last wish. She didn't want to travel around after her death. The Meng family doesn't have to insist on returning to their roots. As long as they are still on Chinese soil, no matter where they are, they are their roots.
Chu Xinghua also said this when he was conscious, so Chu Liqiang did not bring Chu Xinghua's ashes back to the capital. After the snow stopped, he found a place with relatively open scenery nearby and buried Chu Xinghua there.
Others thought Chu Xinghua was dead, and Chu Liqiang would be sad for a long time, so no one dared to disturb him. When Chu Liqiang came, his guard also came. Chu Liqiang asked him to go to the train station to see if he could still buy a train ticket to the capital. If not, ask the nearby military region to see if they could be sent to the vicinity of the capital by plane.
The Chinese New Year is in two days. After being lonely for so long and having just seen his father off, Chu Liqiang really wants to spend this Spring Festival with his family.
The guard went out to buy a ticket, and Chu Liqiang stayed alone in Chu Xinghua's room, sorting out Chu Xinghua's belongings. Actually, there was nothing to sort out, so he put away all the things on the surface, and then Chu Liqiang moved the bed in the room.
He didn't know if what he said that day was true or not, but the thing that belonged to Meng Xiaoyu did exist. His childhood memories of his mother were vague, but there was one thing he always remembered. His mother had said it was a family heirloom, and when he grew up, it would be passed down to him. Meng Xiaoyu died before he grew up, and the thing was kept by Chu Xinghua. Later, when he married and had children, he didn't think about it anymore. Anyway, it was safe with Chu Xinghua.
Later, their family was separated and Chu Liqiang completely forgot about this thing until Chu Xinghua mentioned it.
After moving the bed, there was a thick layer of dust underneath, which showed that Chu Xinghua hadn't touched it for a long time. People sent down to the countryside were not allowed to bring in prohibited items without permission. The reason Chu Xinghua hid the items here was because he was afraid of being discovered. So he certainly wouldn't have simply hidden them under the bed, but somewhere more secret.
Chu Liqiang searched for a long time before he found that a brick under the bed was loose. He took the brick away and found a red cloth bag inside. He blew away the dust on it and took out the red cloth bag. He moved very carefully. After all, Chu Xinghua said that this thing was broken and there might only be a few fragments inside. But when he took half of it, he was stunned.
Chu Liqiang quickly picked up the red cloth bag, unfolded it and saw that it was empty.
Chu Liqiang: "..."
I originally thought that his father became confused when he was dying, but now it seems that he may have been confused for a long time.
——
That day, when Chu Shao came back from delivering snacks, Chu Jiujiu heard familiar footsteps and immediately ran downstairs to ask him if Grandpa Wang had eaten and if he said anything.
Chu Shao: "Yes, he ate it. He asked me to tell you against my will that the snacks you made are delicious."
Chu Jiujiu: “…”
With a bit of embarrassment on her face, she explained to herself, "I didn't perform well today. Wait until I perform normally. Then, you can give it to them again and let them have a taste."
Chu Shao took off his coat and refused, "If you want to send it off, go do it yourself. If I do it, people will think I did it. I'm not that bad."
Chu Jiujiu: “…”
"I'm going to see you off, how am I supposed to introduce myself?"
There was no one else at home at the moment. Grandma Han was taking a nap in the bedroom. Wen Xiuwei and Han Shengyi were both out, so they didn't need to be so careful with their words.
Chu Shao: "Just introduce yourself as you usually do. After the New Year, you should go to school. Aren't you going to go out by then? You will meet people sooner or later. Don't worry too much. No one will pry into your details."
Chu Jiujiu stirred her hands, still feeling uneasy. "Forget it, let's talk about it later. Wait a little longer..."
After saying that, she went back listlessly. Chu Shao noticed that her mood was not right and wanted to go over to ask her a few questions, but after thinking about it, he did not move. Chu Jiujiu's mood always changed quickly. Maybe after a while, she would be happy again.
Chu Jiujiu was indeed feeling low today, not just emotionally but also physically, though she didn't have a fever. She took out the necklace again and put it on, never taking it off again. She drank a bowl of magical water and fell asleep on the bed. When she woke up, she heard someone downstairs excitedly say, "I've been selected!"
Chu Jiujiu rubbed her eyes and thought, what did I mean by being selected?
After two seconds, she realized what was happening. Her eyes widened as she hurried downstairs. Just as she left her room and hadn't even reached the stairs, she asked anxiously, "What? You were chosen? You got the role of the captain's daughter?"
Wen Xiuwei nodded happily at her, "The director's letter has arrived. He asked me to go to the studio for training on the third day of the Lunar New Year. After the Lunar New Year, we will officially start filming."
Chu Jiujiu cheered as soon as she heard it, rushed over quickly, and hugged Wen Xiuwei. Wen Xiuwei was also very excited today and held her tightly. After a while, Chu Jiujiu found that Grandma Han had not come out, so she quickly turned around and said, "I'll go wake Grandma Han up. She will definitely be happier when she hears it!"
Chu Jiujiu turned around and was about to run. Wen Xiuwei was originally smiling, but when she saw a little red on Chu Jiujiu's pants, her eyes suddenly widened.
"Wine!"
Chu Jiujiu was still unaware of what was happening. She turned her head and looked at Wen Xiuwei in confusion, "What are you doing?"
…
Today, the Han family has two good things. One is that Wen Xiuwei was finally selected. From today on, she is an actor. Although it is not a formal position, with Wen Xiuwei's ability, they believe that she will become a formal employee sooner or later!
The other good news couldn't be celebrated so grandly, but everyone was still secretly happy about it, because Chu Jiujiu finally became a teenage girl!
Her period hadn't come yet, and Grandma Han was quite worried. After all, many girls get their period at eleven or twelve, but it was rare for her to finally get it at fourteen. Grandma Han couldn't help but worry. It was her initial hardship during those few years in Qingzhu Village that had caused her health problems. If there had been no further signs of menstruation, Grandma Han would have prescribed Chinese medicine for her. Fortunately, it hadn't reached that stage yet.
Chu Jiujiu was taken to the bathroom by Wen Xiuwei, looking bewildered. After she took off her pants, she finally understood what had happened. The menstrual belt that she had always been confused about was finally being used by her. After everything was done, she sat on the bed, blushing, and listened to Wen Xiuwei's popular science about "girls."
The first time was unstable, Chu Jiujiu always heard others say that it would be painful and uncomfortable. She thought that the bad spirits on the first day were the symptoms she would experience. To be honest, she was relieved. It seemed that she was a lucky person and dysmenorrhea would never happen to her.
The next day, Chu Jiujiu realized that she had drawn the conclusion too early.
From the moment she woke up, Chu Jiujiu didn't want to get out of bed. Her stomach felt heavy and uncomfortable, and even moving her legs felt uncomfortable. The only good thing was that she could sleep without anyone paying attention to her. When she slept, she had no other feelings in her dreams.
In the morning, Grandma Han made her brown sugar porridge, two boiled eggs, and a bowl of old hen soup, which made her feel just like she was in confinement. Dysmenorrhea did not affect Chu Jiujiu's appetite. She ate both the porridge and the eggs. After she finished, she looked at Grandma Han eagerly, her eyes asking if there was any more.
Grandma Han: “…”
Others can't even eat a grain of rice due to dysmenorrhea, but her little ancestor is quite unique.
Grandma Han couldn't help but laugh. Afraid Chu Jiujiu would feel full, she didn't bring her any more food, but instead gave her a bag of salted dates as a snack. When they got downstairs, Grandma Han raised her kitchen knife and clattered the chopping board. Seeing her, Han Shengyi knew they were going to have a full banquet at noon thanks to Chu Jiujiu.
…
Wen Xiuwei was out again. Although the director asked her to come back on the third day of junior high school, the studio needed to get her information in advance, especially her status as an educated youth. This was complicated, and they had to wait a few more days. Chu Shao was called away by Wang Hongye, and no one knew where he went. Chu Jiujiu lay in bed. She was energetic while eating, but after that, she became listless again.
Lying on the pillow, Chu Jiujiu arranged the Yanjin dates into a heart shape. There was no one in the room, so she muttered softly.
"Eat a date, it's all in the shape of love for you."
As soon as she finished speaking, a puzzled voice sounded behind her: "Whose shape do you love?"
Chu Jiujiu didn't move, just rolled her eyes. Han Shengyi walked over to her and sat down. He glanced at the Yanjin dates arranged in a heart shape, then with a wave of his hand, he shoved them all back into the brown paper bag. He washed his hands in a basin nearby, then dried himself with a half-damp towel.
This basin of water was filled by Wen Xiuwei last night. Chu Jiujiu was sweating coldly in the middle of the night, and the hot water bottle didn't work, so Wen Xiuwei filled a basin with hot water and wiped her sweat with a hot towel. Today, her symptoms are gone, and Wen Xiuwei left in a hurry, so the basin of water has been left here.
Chu Jiujiu didn't answer Han Shengyi's question, and Han Shengyi didn't care. He slowly wiped his hands dry and rubbed them gently twice.
He is different from Chu Shao. Chu Shao is a natural furnace. His palms are always hot no matter what time it is. His palms are always cool, cool in summer and cool in winter.
Chu Jiujiu knew this, so when Han Shengyi's palm covered her forehead and felt a faint warmth, Chu Jiujiu subconsciously blinked twice.
“I don’t have a fever,” she said.
Han Shengyi's palm stayed on her forehead for a few seconds, then he withdrew his hand and smiled at Chu Jiujiu who was lying there. "I know, it's just in case."
Chu Jiujiu pursed her lips and stopped talking.
Chu Jiujiu never gets sick, and this is the first time Han Shengyi has seen her looking so listless. He feels uncomfortable, but his tone is much softer than before. "You're still not feeling well."
This was an affirmative sentence. Chu Jiujiu hummed, then raised her eyes: "Why are you still at home?"
Han Shengyi looked down at her and said, "If I'm not at home, where can I go?"
Chu Jiujiu curled her lips. "How should I know? Weiwei goes out every day, Chu Shao goes out every day, and you are just like them. It's just that this colorful world is so dazzling~"
Han Shengyi: “…”
"Are you angry?"
Han Shengyi has always been attentive and would immediately notice anything strange about Chu Jiujiu. This time, he was a little late because she had dysmenorrhea. Han Shengyi couldn't tell whether she was angry because she was feeling unwell or because of something else.
However, the angry person was Chu Jiujiu. Her anger was like that old-fashioned oil lamp, with a flame only as big as a soybean, which could be extinguished with a light press.
When Chu Jiujiu heard this question, she opened her mouth to refute, but she didn't have the strength. Halfway through, she closed her mouth and looked at Yan Jinzao, pretending that she didn't want to talk.
"It seems like you're really angry," Han Shengyi seemed to be talking to himself, but in fact he was talking to Chu Jiujiu. "Why? Let me analyze it. You just said that Wen Xiuwei and Chu Shao were both running out, and I'm the same as them. You're angry because we're always going out."
Without waiting for Chu Jiujiu to speak, Han Shengyi shook his head and denied the statement himself. "No, Jiujiu is not such an unreasonable person. If the reason is not in the first few sentences, then it must be in the last one. The colorful world is fascinating. Who do you think has been bewitched?"
Chu Jiujiu's eyes moved a few times, and the fingertips that were originally placed naturally on the pillow trembled unconsciously. She still didn't say anything, but her expression had betrayed her. Han Shengyi looked at her and smiled gently, "Is it me?"
Grabbing the edge of the pillowcase twice, Chu Jiujiu replied in a way that made it even more obvious: "I didn't say it was you."
Finally, Chu Jiujiu spoke, and then Han Shengyi fell silent again. Chu Jiujiu didn't look at him. She waited for a while, but didn't hear him speak. She couldn't help but turn her head and look at the person sitting next to her. Han Shengyi was looking at the basin, looking like he was thinking. After a second, he felt someone was looking at him, and he turned his gaze slightly.
Chu Jiujiu was stunned when she met Han Shengyi's eyes. Han Shengyi's eyes, like his personality, were usually very gentle, so she liked being around him, which made her feel very comfortable. But now, the gentleness in his eyes was less, and there was a bit more seriousness.
Originally, this was nothing, but Chu Jiujiu felt strange when she saw it, because she was the one who felt lost because Han Shengyi always went out to play without her, but after being noticed, she was the one who saw Han Shengyi being so serious and felt that his attitude was a little excessive.
When Chu Jiujiu saw Han Shengyi like this, she immediately wanted to speak and say that she was just joking, but before she could say anything, Han Shengyi was one step ahead.
"I'm not blinded by the world of beauty and glamour." Han Shengyi explained for himself.
He raised the corners of his lips slightly. Chu Jiujiu knew that he didn't want to laugh, but was used to laughing. So when he talked to people, he always smiled habitually, just like Grandpa Han.
However, Grandpa Han’s smile makes people feel like spring breeze, but Han Shengyi’s smile does not have this effect.
Lowering his eyes, he continued, "When this year is over, I will be sixteen."
Chu Jiujiu looked at him, and her heart moved when she heard him talk about the issue of age.
"My grandfather joined the Party when he was sixteen, and my father went to study in the Soviet Union when he was sixteen. I've wasted a lot of time in Qingzhu Village. It's time to pick it up again."
Chu Jiujiu frowned unconsciously and asked, "What are you going to pick up?"
Han Shengyi: "Connections."
These two words can explain a lot of things. The people Han Shengyi knew when he was a child were all sons of high-ranking officials. He wanted to pick up these connections and then get to know more people through them.
Chu Jiujiu understood, but she still had some questions. "Now that you've found so many connections, what do you want to do next?"
Hearing this question, Han Shengyi was confused for a moment.
A long time ago, he wanted to return to the capital, to seek revenge, to climb high and become a big shot that no one dared to offend. To do that, he needed many, many friends. But now, he has returned to the capital and still wants revenge, but becoming a big shot no longer seems so necessary.
His grandfather is still in a high position and powerful. He alone can solve many problems. He doesn't need to climb to that position himself. What's more, it will take him many years to climb up.
Just like the smile on his face, making new friends is also something he does habitually. As for what kind of results he will get after doing so, Han Shengyi has not considered it yet.
After a moment of silence, Han Shengyi gave a short laugh and said, "I don't know, maybe it will be useful in the future."
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