"We didn't live outside the capital. My uncle and aunt wouldn't let us leave. During the day, they and grandma took turns taking us to the city to play, and at night we could watch movies in the compound."
"Our Ping'an even took us on a tour of the compound. Some of the old men there asked why Grandpa hadn't gone to the capital. They also asked us to bring a message to Grandpa. They said they had moved to a new compound and Grandpa hadn't been there yet, so they asked us to stay there for a while when the weather warms up."
Zhang Laoer waited for his son to finish speaking before jokingly saying, "Dad, you're so popular. So many people still care about you. Son, did you tell me that your grandfather is very busy right now?"
Shitou nodded with a smile, "I told you. I don't think it's as good as here. You have to register when you come in and out, which is very troublesome."
"You little brat, anyone wants to get in? I heard from your Grandpa Zuo that you're not even allowed near the main gate."
"Dad, it's not that mysterious. There's nothing good about living there. There's always bugles blowing all day long. We were there, and every day when we saw my uncle and his friends running early in the morning, we felt a little embarrassed to sleep in. Later, we followed them to exercise, and we were exhausted."
Father Zhang slapped his grandson on the forehead. "That's unbearable. Ping An hasn't had a day off since he was five. Your uncle has already made plans to do the same thing when Liu Yi and his brother turn five."
"Hehe... these two little guys are stretching their arms and legs early every morning, and they told us that they want to grow up quickly so they can go hunting and make money. Hahaha, they made us die of laughter..."
Father Zhang looked speechlessly at the giggling children. What's so funny about this? Kids, you're so ambitious at such a young age. Isn't it time for you to wake up?
After they had enough fun, Zhang Dad waved his hand and said, "Starting tomorrow, you guys should get up early and run too. The same goes for the eldest and second oldest. Chunming and Xiaobin should also run a few laps if they don't have the night shift."
"ah?"
"Surprised?" Father Zhang looked around at the children and said calmly, "If they really can't get into college, have you thought about their future?"
"Have you seen those educated youth? They all came from big cities. They were able to go to the countryside, but have you ever thought about whether it would be your children's turn?"
Zhang Laoer understood what his father meant. No matter what he did, he had to have a good body first. Otherwise, he would be like those educated youth from the city who couldn't even support himself.
He looked at his eldest brother, then his brother-in-law, and then his younger brother-in-law. He didn't care about the immediate situation, as they were all infants at home. His own eldest son, Shitou, was only fourteen and had just finished high school, so there was no immediate rush.
As for his eldest brother and brother-in-law... Thinking of this, he lowered his eyes. He really needed to go out more often during this period of time and take a look at the people needed by those factories and units.
Huang Cuilan quickly tugged at the man's clothes. What about her two brothers? It wasn't easy for them to get a job, and she couldn't bear to see them go to the army. She wouldn't see them for a year, and what if there was another war?
Zhang Guofu glanced at her coldly, and when he saw her let go immediately, he sighed secretly. As a father, had he never considered his son's future?
Seeing everyone was silent, Zhang Meili clapped her hands and said, "Come on, you're already scared of something that hasn't even happened yet. Listen to our dad first. You all should start running tomorrow morning."
Zhang Chunming nodded. "Yes! When I'm not working, I accompany you brothers to exercise. I'm really jealous of your uncle's muscular body."
Zicong beside him laughed out loud, "Dad, that goal is too far away, let's be realistic."
Zhang Meili slapped him on the head. "How dare you talk to your father like that? You have no respect for your father!"
"Why are you hitting the child?!" Zhang Chunming quickly hugged his youngest son and complained in a low voice.
"Haha, Dad, it doesn't hurt at all. Mom always lifts me up high and lowers me gently. Look at me, I'm wearing thick clothes."
Zhang's father shook his head when he saw this. This girl is so impatient! He needs his wife to talk him down. The child is so old, why is he still embarrassed in front of so many people?
Zhang Laoer saw this and quickly said with a smile, "Sister, are you so direct in the union?"
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Haha, it's because my brother-in-law spoils you that your temper gets worse day by day. My nephew is so good, filial, and humorous. He is much better than a stone."
Zhang Meili looked at her man and said, "You say your nephew is better than Shitou, but I don't agree. All the children in our family are good kids, but your brother-in-law is really good, I agree with that."
Oh, not bad, she even knows how to save her man's face. Zhang Laoer chuckled to himself, but he felt relieved. His brother-in-law was indeed good, but who wouldn't want a gentle wife as a man?
He was really worried that his strong older sister would unknowingly humiliate her man in front of others. When people are offended, they always overthink things, and no matter how much affection they have, they can't withstand the torment.
Zhang Chunming pulled his wife and said, "You are so old and still talking about this. Sit down quickly."
"Don't say that in front of Mom and Dad." Zhang Meili said with a smile, "Dad, don't be too nice to the child from now on. Just be nice to me. When we retire, we can live on our own like Mom and Dad."
This was a clever remark, and Zhang Chunming nodded with a smile. He had already made up his mind: after each of them got married, they would each get their own child, and in the future, the couple would live with their daughter together.
Zhang Laoer saw this scene and looked at Zhang Guofu. The two brothers smiled in a way that didn't know whether to laugh or cry. One is willing to fight and the other is willing to be beaten. Their worries were for nothing.
"Dad, right now, we have to make arrangements for the two brothers, Zuo and Ziwu. No matter what the situation will be like in the future, we have to start preparing first."
Father Zhang agreed with his second son's opinion. He nodded and pondered for a moment. "That's fine. The three of them are graduating this year. Let's find out first. It doesn't matter if they are temporary or regular employees."
Xiao Zuo, Xiao You, and Zi Wu looked at each other and remained silent. With so many people around, it would be difficult for them to publicize the results of their discussion with their uncle.
"What about my uncle?"
Father Zhang rolled his eyes at the second son. This devilish son of his was quite cunning. If the fifth son were here, he would never have asked such a question. He would have easily pushed his nephew into a trap if he had the chance.
"Just figure it out. Finding a job isn't like finding a carrot. It's not that easy."
After all, Father Zhang still felt sorry for his son. He smiled and shook his head. People say that a son resembles his father, but he himself is selfish at heart.
Zhang's mother opened her mouth, but finally closed it.
The third son's grandson could wait, but Qingshan's Tongsuo couldn't. The boy had been idle in the village all winter, and none of the wives his mother had chosen wanted him. The two of them were constantly bickering. This wasn't going to work.
If my father-in-law were still alive, he would never let the Zhang family's first great-grandson live a carefree life. Logically, their second branch should contribute, but what if their second son is involved?
Mother Zhang hesitated with a kind heart, but finally decided to listen to her husband.
He is his own nephew, so he must be thinking about him, right?
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