"Godfather, I have three days off. It's a pity that I can't go back to see you and Godmother. How have you been recently? I miss you and Godmother so much."
"Yesterday, your godmother was planning to visit you and the children at the end of the year. Xiaowu hasn't started work yet, so you'll have three days off. Don't rush back. I'll find time with your godmother to visit you."
"Well, you might not be able to come before the New Year."
Zhao Chuangguang paused and immediately asked, "Where are you now?"
"The post office. When I call home, Liuyi and Wuyi always rush to talk to me. With those two kids around, it's hard to even make a phone call."
"Godfather, Liuyi and Wuyi can recognize a lot of big characters now, and they can count. It's a pity that they can't count consecutively."
"Oh?" Zhao Chuangguang asked with interest, "Then tell me what big characters these two little ones know? As for numbers, they may be interested in those few numbers while they are still young, and they will naturally have no problem with them when they grow up."
"Haha... my dad said the same thing. They study calligraphy every day, from top to bottom and right to left. They've learned four or five characters and are enjoying it. On June 1st, they keep repeating the numbers 124597, and on May 1st, they do the reverse, starting from 98753421."
Zhao Chuangguang quickly wrote down two sets of numbers with the pen in his hand.
"Godfather, I heard Ping An say that he plans to send you a letter. I guess it will take at least a month or two since the kid is dragging his feet, but the letter will definitely be sent."
"Okay, don't push the child. Does your little darling want to go to elementary school this year?"
"He plans to go back next year. He wants to spend a year with his two younger brothers in the nursery, and when they get used to it and are fine, he can go to school. But this is not what he wants. But I'll let him. As long as the children are safe and sound, that's more important than anything else. Don't you agree, godfather?"
"My daughter is smart. Even if it's a year later, it's still a year later. The child is still young and not yet of school age. You should also pay attention to safety over there."
"Okay. Godfather, when you have time, go to the village with Godmother. The fruits in our yard should be ready for harvest."
"No problem, I'm just about to go find your father-in-law."
"I'll call you when my brother gets back to work. I'm going to hang up now. Please tell my godmother I miss her so much."
Putting down the phone, Zhao Chuangguang felt the two sets of numbers, lit a cigarette, and leaned back, closing his eyes to rest. After a long moment, he finally pulled a cigarette from the box and lit it.
The face that usually smiled amidst the smoke rings was now unusually serious. If Huang Huimin had seen this, she would have guessed that her husband was thinking about something important.
And Zhao Chuangguang is indeed like that.
From the moment he received Zhou Jiao's call, he understood the hidden meaning, not to mention that there was a series of secret codes between them, the father and daughter.
Outsiders might only know what Zhou Jiao's playful, childish words meant, but Zhao Chuangguang knew his daughter was worried about him.
Thinking of this, Zhao Chuangguang suddenly smiled.
After get off work, Zhao Chuangguang walked home separately from his colleagues as usual.
It was summer at the time, and the days in the Northeast seemed even longer. It was still daytime from dawn at four in the morning until after eight in the evening.
At the dinner table, Zhao Chuangguang mentioned Zhou Jiao's call but didn't discuss anything else. After the couple chatted for a while, he mentioned his plan to visit his in-laws in the county town.
Huang Huimin nodded in agreement. "My sisters-in-law and I have prepared some things. You can take them to Mr. and Mrs. Zhang. We can tell them not to be so polite in the future."
In recent years, except for staying at home during the winter, Zhang Guoqing's father always sends fruits, vegetables and local specialties to her from time to time, and she is just thinking of returning the favor.
Zhao Chuangguang smiled and shook his head. "It's no use talking to him. The crazy ones have also told him that. Brother Zhang has always said that it was Xiaowu who was filial to his uncles. He is a sincere man."
When Zhao Chuangguang drove to the county town, before he even reached the courtyard, he saw Zhang Dad wearing red armbands and several older women and men patrolling the streets.
"Brother Zhang, are you still off work?"
When Father Zhang saw the car stop and heard the voice, it was indeed Brother Zhao. He laughed happily and said, "I was just about to go back. It's been a while since we last met. I'm glad to see you again."
"Wait a minute, I'll say hello to them, and then we'll go home."
Zhao Chuangguang watched the cheerful Father Zhang walk back to say goodbye. The loudmouth should have just stood there. Seeing Father Zhang like this reminded him of Zhang Guoqing.
Equally polite and cordial. Truly father and son!
Zhao Chuangguang's arrival made Zhang's mother very happy. She hurried to tell her two sons to come and accompany their uncle Zhao. However, Zhao Chuangguang refused. He had more important matters to attend to and had no time to advise the younger generation.
He didn't say much, dragging Zhang's father along to go drink with Zhao Dashan. He would give some advice if necessary, but how much they understood was their business, and he didn't want to reveal too much and involve his daughter.
"Why are you thinking about the past today? Aren't you busy lately?"
Zhao Chuangguang tried to leave, "This means you're not welcome. I'm leaving now."
Zhao Dashan knew what a bear he was, so he grabbed his arm and dragged him to the living room. "Alright, brother, I said something wrong. How about drinking three cups as punishment?"
"No problem! Everyone knows that you are afraid of your wife and dare not drink."
"Let's just talk about the eldest brother instead of the second brother, okay?" Zhao Dashan gave him a disdainful look and changed the subject, "Are you going to work tomorrow?"
"Yes, I have."
After hearing what he said, Zhao Dashan realized that something must have happened, otherwise it would be impossible to get to the county town before the weekend. He felt both worried and grateful.
Cheng Hongli set the table with wine and food and left, leaving only three people in the room.
After a few casual words, Zhao Chuangguang said casually, "This year may be colder than previous years, so we should prepare everything in advance."
Zhang Dad looked at Zhao Dashan when he heard this. Why is this so wrong? It's still summer now, so this is interesting.
Zhao Dashan picked up the wine and said, "Come on, I'll toast you."
Zhao Chuangguang knew what the other party was thinking, and he scolded with a smile: "You idiot, just this glass of wine?"
"We're brothers, so why not be polite? How about I treat you to a nice restaurant in the provincial capital tomorrow? Okay, good brother, right?"
"No need to be particular." Zhao Chuangguang hesitated for a moment, then continued jokingly, "Red Pepper is different. Aren't you afraid she'll check your accounts?"
"You don't understand my wife's temperament yet. She just..."
Zhao Chuangguang interrupted, "As long as you understand. Come on, Brother Zhang, you drink too. I'm so happy that Xiaowu opposed his brother's move to the finance office. Is the boss doing well at work now?"
At this point, even if Zhao Dashan was slow-witted, he already understood. However, he believed he was worthy of his country and his title as a soldier, so he wasn't worried.
Father Zhang nodded repeatedly, "I heard from Uncle Chen that he's doing a good job. As for me, I don't expect him to be as capable as Xiaowu, but he's living a good life now."
Zhao Chuangguang smiled and said, "People often say that contentment brings happiness. Brother Zhang understands the profound meaning of this. Come, I'll toast you."
After half a round of drinking, Zhao Chuangguang said goodbye and left on the pretext that he had to go to work the next day.
At the gate of Zhao Dashan's house, watching the car leave, Zhao Chuangguang pulled Zhang's father, who seemed to be lost in thought, back to the room.
"Did you hear that?"
Father Zhang nodded. "I don't quite understand, but I understand a little bit."
"That's fine. If anything goes wrong, you won't be involved. When Xiaowu officially starts working, we should hang a sign at our house saying, 'Military Family Home.'"
"This matter is under your control. I'll leave it to you."
"There's no need for us two families to be polite." Zhao Dashan shook his head disapprovingly.
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