The first person to discover Zong Ping was Lin's mother.
After Zong Shao and Lin Wei toasted with their child in their arms, she did not follow her son-in-law and daughter to sit in the front, but found a seat at the table where most of the guests were children.
Because her seats were facing the road behind, she saw Zong Ping and his three companions as soon as they got off the old bus.
However, she had not seen Zong Ping for at least twenty years, so she could hardly remember what he looked like. With a quick glance, she only felt that he looked familiar. It was Mingming, who was sitting next to her, who said "Huh" and whispered to his brother, "That grandpa just now looks like dad." Lin's mother heard it and then she remembered who the man was.
Mother Lin's face suddenly changed, and she stood up and walked out.
She took big steps, and when she walked through the house and to the front yard, the group of people just happened to be walking around the kitchen towards the front door.
And Lin's mother also saw clearly the appearance of the man walking in the middle.
When he was young, Zong Ping could be said to be the most handsome young man in the village. If he had not lost his parents at a young age, he would have been considered Chen Xinglan's child husband, and there would have been many people who came to propose marriage to him.
But time has not been particularly kind to him. He is less than sixty years old this year, but most of his hair has turned white and his face has wrinkles. He just maintains a good figure, not too thin, and without a big belly, and with his superior facial features, he looks like a handsome old man.
It’s a pity that it’s all show and no substance!
Mother Lin frowned and glanced around, then saw the woman on his right.
Although there were four of them in their group, the other middle-aged officer and the young soldier were walking on Zong Ping's left side. It was self-evident who the middle-aged woman was following and what her identity was.
If Zong Ping came alone, Lin's mother might have endured the pain because today was her granddaughter's full moon celebration. But when she saw him appearing with that woman in public, the fire in Lin's mother's heart instantly ignited, and she asked loudly: "What are you doing here?"
Originally, everyone in the yard was toasting each other, and they noticed that there were not many people at the door. When Lin's mother called out, everyone immediately looked outside.
Upon seeing this, many officers stood up.
Mother Lin didn't notice anything unusual. She walked up to the four people, pointed at Zong Ping and cursed, "Where is this place? How dare you show up with this woman?"
Because of Mingming's words, Lin's mother quickly recognized Zong Ping, but Zong Ping was unable to recognize Lin's mother immediately. After all, they had not seen each other for decades and they both looked different.
So when he heard Lin's mother's question, Zong Ping frowned slightly and asked, "Excuse me, who are you?"
Mother Lin choked and introduced herself: "My name is Zhang Erni, a friend of your ex-wife Chen Xinglan, and Zong Shao's mother-in-law!"
Zong Ping suddenly realized what was going on. Just as he was about to speak, Zong Shao had already walked through the crowd and stood in front of several people. He raised his hand and saluted Shen Wen: "Hello, Chief!"
It was not only Zong Shao who came over to salute. It could be said that all the soldiers in the yard, whether drunk or not, gathered over.
Shen Wenjin was feeling embarrassed. Although he knew that Zong Ping and Zong Shao had a bad relationship and that bringing people here might affect the atmosphere of the banquet, he really didn't expect that before they even entered the yard, someone would rush out and scold Zong Ping.
Moreover, this person is a friend of Zong Ping’s ex-wife and Zong Shao’s mother-in-law.
Therefore, when Shen Wenjin saw everyone gathering around him, he felt as if he had been pardoned. He returned the military salute and said, "Eat your food, don't worry about us."
After that, he looked at Zong Shao again and said in a gentle tone: "Xiao Zong, I heard that your daughter is having a full moon banquet today. It just so happens that your father is coming today, so I brought him here. Ahem, you think we should sit down and have a drink, you shouldn't mind, right?"
Although Lin's mother had seen Shen Wenjin a long time ago, she was so angry that she didn't think about his identity. It was not until she saw Zong Shao saluting and calling him "chief" that she felt regretful.
It’s not that I regretted scolding Zong Ping and his wife, but I regretted scolding them in front of Leader Zong Shao.
Although she was from the country, had never been to school and had little experience, her two visits to the island made her understand a lot of things. She knew that the leader of the army could not call everyone what he wanted.
For example, when Battalion Commander Zong Shao came over, he would just call him Lao Qin. In private occasions, he would not even use the facial-level address. When he met the leaders of the regiment, he would call them by their surnames and rank instead of calling them "chief".
Not to mention that Zong Shao wasn't the only one who came to salute.
Mother Lin felt that the person whom she had just ignored must be of a very high rank.
Therefore, when she heard Shen Wenjin's nonsense, she rolled her eyes in her heart but held back and kept silent.
Not only Lin's mother fell silent, but also the guests who were originally talking loudly, as well as Lin Wei who was holding the child behind her, and Zong Ping and Wu Shujuan in front of her.
The first to speak was Zong Ping, who called out, "Xiao Shao."
Battalion Commander Qin also came over, patted Zong Shao on the shoulder, and advised in a low voice: "Since the commander has said so, why not invite the people in? After all, it is a happy day."
Although he didn't know what happened between Zong Shao and his son, he had to give some face to the commander who was trying to bring them together.
Zong Shao didn't answer, but just turned slightly.
Captain Qin knew that he was trying to give in, so he smiled and invited Shen Wenjin and others to come inside.
With Captain Qin mediating, Shen Wenjin breathed a sigh of relief and let Zong Ping go in first.
Zong Ping also breathed a sigh of relief. In the early years, he felt that Zong Shao was ignorant of the immensity of the world for competing with him. Other young people hoped that their parents would use their connections to help them find a good job, but Zong Shao was different. He tried his best to pave the way for him, but he was still unwilling to accept it.
At that time, he thought that he just needed to go out and try his luck. Only after hitting a wall would he realize how lucky he was and learn to humble himself.
Who would have thought that Zong Shao not only did not run into any setbacks, but instead made a name for himself with his own abilities. On the contrary, as he grows older, he misses the old days more and more, and is more eager to see his grandchildren.
So some time ago his wife advised him to take the initiative and take advantage of his granddaughter's full moon celebration to come to the island and try to repair his relationship with his son. After considering it, he agreed.
Hence this trip.
Therefore, although Zong Ping hoped that his son would invite him in, he knew that his son had a stubborn temper. Thinking of the purpose of his visit, he sighed and walked inside.
After only a few steps, he heard his wife's voice: "Xiao Shao, what are you doing?"
"This is my daughter's full moon banquet. No strangers are allowed." Zong Shao blocked Wu Shujuan with his hand and said coldly.
Wu Shujuan barely managed to maintain a smile on her face: "Look at what you said, how can I be considered a stranger?" After saying that, seeing that Zong Shao did not make any concessions, she could only shout, "Old Zong!"
Zong Ping turned around, frowned and said, "Xiao Shao, Xiao Wu is your elder anyway."
"I don't have many elders. My father-in-law is in my hometown and my mother-in-law is around me. I don't know what kind of elder this person is?" Zong Shao asked back.
Although Zong Ping came to seek peace, he couldn't help but feel annoyed when he saw Zong Shao's attitude. He frowned and said, "She is my wife and your mother. How can she not be considered an elder?"
Zong Shao's voice suddenly became louder: "My mother died a long time ago!"
Zong Ping frowned even more tightly when he heard this. He wanted to speak more, but before he could get his words out, Lin's mother cut him off: "Don't show off your authority as an elder here. The relationship between you and this woman is known only to heaven, earth, you and me!"
Zong Ping looked at Lin's mother and said, "What does our conversation have to do with you?"
Zong Ping has been in a high position for many years, and he still looks very imposing when he frowns. Lin's mother was almost frightened, but she realized the next second that it was not her who did anything wrong, so what was she afraid of?
Thinking of this, he said confidently: "I am Xinglan's good friend and Zong Shao's mother-in-law. Do you think this matter has anything to do with me? Zong Ping, don't think that just because you are capable now, no one knows about your past. If Xinglan's father hadn't adopted you, you would have starved to death. But you are so good that you don't recognize anyone now that you are rich..."
People who had a not-so-glorious past and have become successful later in life are most afraid of others bringing up past grievances. Zong Ping is a typical example, and his face suddenly turned pale and blue.
Wu Shujuan saw this and said, "Lao Zong, forget it. Since my mother-in-law doesn't welcome me, I'll go back to the car and wait for you."
Hearing the words "mother-in-law", Lin's mother was immediately disgusted and stopped talking and cursed: "Who is your relative!"
Zong Ping wanted to leave with Wu Shujuan, but she noticed his thoughts and said softly, "It's the baby's full moon party. As the baby's grandfather, how can you not attend? It's fine with me."
After saying that, he turned and walked out.
Hearing this, Zong Ping turned to look at Lin Wei. Although he had never seen her before, she was the only one holding the baby there, so her identity was obvious.
However, Zong Ping was not looking at Lin Wei, but the child in her arms. From his angle, he could just see the child's sleeping face.
People of his age hope to have many children and grandchildren. As their health gradually declines, they long for family affection more.
If he and Wu Shujuan could have a child after remarrying, Zong Shao might become dispensable in his heart, and he would be able to be patient and deal with Zong Shao. But there is no if, he has no other children except Zong Shao.
And this is also the main reason why he is willing to bow his head.
While Zong Ping was thinking, Shen Wenjin spoke up to smooth things over, "Shall we take our seats now?"
Zong Ping came back to his senses and hummed.
Captain Qin hurriedly asked everyone to take a seat, and then he nudged Zong Shao with his arm and said, "Don't look at the monk's face, look at the Buddha's face."
Although Lin's mother didn't finish her words, Captain Qin had already figured out what was going on with Zong Shao's parents. They were nothing more than a lovesick woman and a heartless man. This kind of thing was too common in the early days of the People's Republic of China, and it even triggered a wave of divorces.
But he felt that no matter what happened in the past, he was still Zong Shao's biological father. He came all the way to attend his granddaughter's full moon banquet, and if he was not allowed to attend, it would not only look bad now, but would also not be good for Zong Shao in the future.
Filial piety is important nowadays. Although his biological father is not a human being, if Zong Shao does not acknowledge his biological father for this reason, it will inevitably affect his reputation and even his future.
What's more, the person with Zong Shao's biological father is the commander-in-chief of the base. He is really worried that Zong Shao will get stubborn and offend his superiors.
Fortunately, Zong Shao did not make a mistake. He lowered his head and said to Lin's mother, "Mom, please take your seat."
Although Lin's mother hated Zong Ping, she was not someone who did not know the seriousness of the matter. She did not say anything else, but only asked, "Are you okay?"
"It's okay." Zong Shao said, turned around, walked to Lin Wei, patted her on the shoulder, watched her sit back, and followed her to the table.
However, after Shen Wenjin saw Zong Shao's actions, he noticed the child Lin Wei was holding. He glanced at his old classmate and said to Zong Shao, "That's your wife and daughter, right?"
"Yes." Zong Shao said.
Shen Wenjin continued, "Since today is your daughter's full moon celebration, could you trouble your wife to bring the child over for us to see?"
Afraid that Zong Shao would be unwilling, Battalion Commander Qin said with a smile: "Oh, yes, Commander, you just arrived, you must have never seen Zong Shao's daughter."
Zong Shao was not as foolish as he thought. He stood up and said, "I'll go call her."
Then he walked up to Lin Wei and asked, "Will you come with me to meet Commander Shen?"
Hearing Zong Shao's words, the people sitting next to Lin Wei made way for her, and she also stood up holding the child. But before she walked out, Zong Shao took the child from her arms, held her daughter in one hand, and walked to the table where Shen Wenjin was sitting.
Over there, Shen Wenjin was introducing Lin Wei to Zong Ping: "Teacher Lin is an excellent teacher in our military district primary school. The average scores of her classes are always among the best in every exam."
Following Shen Wenjin's introduction, Zong Ping looked at Lin Wei.
To be honest, he was not very satisfied with Lin Wei as his daughter-in-law.
It’s not that I look down on Lin Wei’s academic qualifications. After the great movement began, too many people were forced to interrupt their studies. He felt that Lin Wei had no ability. Although Shen Wenjin praised her to the skies, it was a fact that she got her previous job by taking advantage of his ex-wife, and her current job by taking advantage of his son.
Besides, with his son's conditions, he could find any girl he wanted in the capital, but because of his mother's anger, he was forced to marry a country girl who could not help his career at all.
But he also knew that his son had long since left him and would not listen to anything he said. What's more, the couple has three children each, which means they are basically tied together for life.
If he jumped out to oppose, it might even affect the already little remaining father-son relationship.
Therefore, Zong Ping did not show his dissatisfaction with Lin Wei. He took out the gift he had prepared in advance from his pocket and said, "I was busy and couldn't attend your wedding with Xiao Shao. I have always felt very sorry. Before coming to Yazhou Island, I specially picked out a watch. I hope you like it."
Lin Wei did not reach out to take the watch, but just looked up at Zong Shao and asked for his opinion.
Zong Shao pushed the box containing the watch out and said, "When we got married, I bought Weiwei a watch, but she doesn't need it."
"Is that so?" Zong Ping asked thoughtfully, "Then this watch is for you to use?"
"I have a watch, too."
Captain Qin tried to smooth things over by saying, "You've been using that watch for years, and it doesn't tell the time correctly. It's time to change it."
Shen Wenjin was also trying to persuade him, so Zong Shao took the watch and gave it to Lin Wei.
Zong Ping smiled when he saw this, looked at the child in Zong Shao's arms and asked, "What's her name?"
"Zong Zeyun."
"I remember you have two sons, named Zeming and Zerui?" Zong Ping asked, "Are they at home today?" He asked this question even though he already knew the answer. There was a banquet at home, so of course the two children would be at home.
Before Zong Shao could speak, someone went to the back and called Mingming and Ruirui over.
Not many people in the back yard knew about what happened in the front yard, not to mention that Ming Ming Ruirui was just a child and didn't care about these things. So when he was called over, he was a little confused. When he saw Lin Wei and Zong Shao, he asked, "Mom and Dad, why did you call us?"
Mingming Ruirui and Zong Shao looked very similar when they were young. Zong Ping saw this and his eyes became moist. He waved and asked, "Are you Mingming or Ruirui?"
Mingming had seen Zong Ping a long time ago and thought he looked like his father. Now he looked up at his father, then at Zong Ping, and said in amazement, "You look like my father!"
Zong Ping's smile widened: "I'm your father's father, of course I look like him."
After teaching the vowels and vowels, Lin Wei began to teach her three children how to address relatives. However, these were all learned last year. They obviously forget things easily, and there are only so many elders in the family and no chance to get familiar with them, so they have forgotten what to call their father's father.
But Mingming was not panicked at all, even though he always boasted that he was the smartest person in the world. But in fact, he knew in his heart that his younger brother was much smarter than him, it’s just that his younger brother didn’t like to show off.
Therefore, when mom and dad are not around, Mingming will habitually ask his younger brother when he encounters questions he doesn't understand.
Although my parents were there, the white-haired grandfather was also there. It would be inappropriate to ask too loudly in front of him, so Mingming said "oh" and then lowered his voice to ask, "What is dad's dad?"
Ruirui did know the answer, so she leaned over to her brother's ear and whispered, "It's Grandpa."
Mingming was shocked, forgetting his previous concerns and asked loudly: "But isn't our grandfather dead?"
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