Looking at the familiar slum in front of him, a trace of nostalgia flashed in Zhou Ziwen's eyes.
After working in the countryside for several years, he finally returned to the place where he was born and raised.
Although he would bring his wife and children home to visit relatives every year before, the time was too short after all.
But now it’s different. He has been admitted to university and is no longer an educated youth.
When they walked into the slum, it was working hours and there were not many people in the yard, but the noise of Zhou Ziwen and the others returning still alarmed many people in the yard.
They opened their doors and came out to check the situation.
In this day and age, people are still very vigilant.
An old lady with gray hair walked out of a room, sewing in her hands.
She squinted her eyes and looked carefully at Zhou Ziwen and his group. When she saw that it was Zhou Ziwen, a surprised smile immediately appeared on her face.
"Oh, isn't this Ziwen? You're finally back!" The old lady said as she walked quickly towards him.
"Hello, Aunt Li!" Zhou Ziwen greeted with a smile.
"Okay, okay, I'm glad you're back!" The old lady responded enthusiastically, her eyes falling on Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying behind Zhou Ziwen, and the children they were holding in their arms. "Oh, these are little Yueyue and little Xuanxuan! I haven't seen you for a year, and you've grown so much."
As she spoke, the old lady reached out and gently touched little Yueyue's face. Little Yueyue looked at the old lady curiously, not shy at all.
"Xiao Yueyue, do you still remember grandma?" the old lady asked with a smile.
Little Yueyue blinked her eyes and said in a baby voice, "Remember, hello grandma."
After hearing this, the old lady laughed even more happily.
At this time, other neighbors also gathered around, and everyone said words of welcome and asked about their life in the countryside.
An old man asked with a smile: "Ziwen, aren't you an educated youth in the countryside? Why are you back so early?"
Zhou Ziwen smiled and replied, "Uncle Wang, the country has reinstated the college entrance examination. I've been admitted to university, and I'm no longer an educated youth."
"Oh, he was admitted to university! This is such a great thing!" Uncle Wang widened his eyes in surprise, and then an admiring smile appeared on his face.
"Ziwen, you're amazing! It's been a while since we've had a college student in this compound. You've brought honor to our compound!"
When the neighbors heard the news, they all gave thumbs up and expressed their admiration.
"Ziwen has been a smart kid since he was young. I knew he would have a bright future!" said an aunt.
"Yes, if he gets into university, he will be a pillar of the country in the future!" another old man agreed.
Zhou Ziwen scratched his head a little embarrassedly and said, "Uncles and aunts, you are too kind. I also caught up with the good times. The country gave us this opportunity, so I have the opportunity to go to university."
At this time, Zhou's mother heard the noise and came out of the house.
Seeing her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren all come back, she immediately smiled and her eyes were slightly red.
She walked forward, first looked at Zhou Ziwen carefully, then shook his hand tightly and said:
"Son, you're finally back! Mom has been looking forward to seeing you every day."
Zhou Ziwen looked at his mother's excited expression, his heart filled with guilt and emotion. He quickly said, "Mom, I'm back. How are you feeling?"
"I'm in good health, don't worry." Mother Zhou responded with a smile, then turned her gaze to Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying. "Qiaoyi, Shiying, you've had a hard time on the journey. Come on, come inside and sit down."
At Zhou's mother's invitation, everyone walked into the house.
Although the house is simply furnished, it is tidy and full of home warmth.
Zhou's mother was busy serving tea and water to everyone, and she kept saying, "Today is such a good day. Our family is reunited again."
"Mom, let me introduce you. This is Shen Zhaodi and this is Tang Yaoyao. They are both educated youth from the same brigade as us. They have also been admitted to university, but they don't have a place to live at the moment, so they are staying at our house for the time being."
Zhou Ziwen took Shen Zhaodi and Tang Yaoyao and introduced them to Zhou Ma.
Zhou's mother said warmly, "Zhaodi, Yaoyao, welcome to our home! From now on, please treat this place as your own home. Don't be polite!"
Shen Zhaodi and Tang Yaoyao smiled and nodded somewhat awkwardly, thanking Zhou's mother.
The neighbors also said: "Ziwen is a warm-hearted child. Everyone is relieved that you live here."
Zhou's mother then asked Zhou Ziwen: "When does your university start?"
Zhou Ziwen replied, "There's still some time left, so we can use this time to prepare."
"Yeah, you have to prepare a lot of things to go to college," said a neighbor.
Chen Shiying took out the chestnuts, peanuts and pine nuts they brought back from the countryside and invited her neighbors to taste them.
"Everyone, come and try some of these. We brought them back from the countryside. They are so fresh."
Neighbors gathered around, picked up chestnuts, peanuts and pine nuts, tasted them and praised them.
"These chestnuts are so sweet and much better than those bought in the city!" said an old lady.
"Yes, these peanuts are also very fragrant and the grains are plump." An old man also agreed.
Xiao Yueyue and Xiao Xuanxuan saw that everyone was enjoying the meal, and they also clapped and laughed.
Little Yueyue said in a baby voice: "Grandma, Grandpa, it's delicious."
It made everyone laugh.
At this time, Zhou's father came home from work. Seeing the lively scene in the house, he was stunned at first, then he understood what was going on and a relieved smile appeared on his face.
"Dad, you're back!" Zhou Ziwen said as he walked up to him.
"Well, you're back." Father Zhou nodded, his eyes falling on Shen Zhaodi and Tang Yaoyao.
Zhou Ziwen quickly introduced them, "Dad, this is Shen Zhaodi, and this is Tang Yaoyao. They are from the same brigade as me, and they've also been admitted to university. They're staying at our house temporarily."
Father Zhou smiled and said, "Welcome, welcome. From now on, you can treat this place as your home."
We chatted for a while and then the neighbors dispersed one after another.
Zhou's mother started preparing dinner, and Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying also went to help.
Shen Zhaodi and Tang Yaoyao helped look after the children and played with them.
Zhou's father sat aside and reminisced with Zhou Ziwen.
"You kid, you didn't even tell us you got into college," Zhou's father said, pretending to be angry. "It's such a big happy event, so we should prepare in advance."
Zhou Ziwen explained with a smile: "Dad, I also wanted to come back to give you a surprise. And I was busy with various procedures at the time, so I didn't have time to write a letter."
Father Zhou nodded slightly, his eyes filled with relief: "Dad is really happy that you can get into college. You don't have to suffer in the countryside anymore."
"Yes, Dad, although it has been hard in the country these past few years, I have also gained a lot."
Zhou Ziwen said with emotion, "I have learned a lot of knowledge and skills that cannot be learned from books. I also understand the difficulties of life and learn to cherish it." (End of this chapter)
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