On the train, the eldest child was reading a comic book, while the second child and Xiaoduo were playing.
Zhao Qinglan and Li Huai sat on a bench by the aisle, chatting and enjoying the scenery outside the window.
"When we get to the capital, will we stay in a guesthouse?" Zhao Qinglan asked, since they weren't going back to the Li family's residence.
"No need, I have a place to live," Li Huai said with a smile.
Now it was Zhao Qinglan's turn to be confused. "What house?"
“My mother actually left behind a small courtyard, but Li Zhenhua didn’t know that.” He showed no respect whatsoever when Li Zhenhua, his father, was mentioned.
When he thought of his mother, Li Huai showed a look of nostalgia.
Actually, it was only because her father told her not to care about material possessions that her mother was truly indifferent to fame and fortune. But thinking of her son, she secretly left him a house after donating most of her wealth.
Actually, I was just afraid that my father would be unhappy if he found out.
Unexpectedly, it ended up becoming his keepsake.
He still remembers when his mother was hospitalized and near death, she called him over and secretly told him the location of the house deed.
Actually, his mother had taken him to that courtyard when he was a child.
The courtyard wasn't very big, with only one entrance, but its layout was exquisite in every way, featuring flower beds, a fish tank, and a swing.
He still remembers his mother pointing to the swing and laughing, saying that she used to swing on it when she was a child.
"Didn't you say you haven't been back for a long time? Is that courtyard still habitable?" Zhao Qinglan frowned. No matter how good the house is, it probably won't last long if no one lives there.
"It's habitable, and someone is watching over the house."
Speaking of which, my mother did so many good deeds back then, and there are still people who remember this kindness.
The man looking at the house now is a veteran with outstanding military achievements but some disabilities.
If it weren't for this identity protecting me, this house wouldn't have been preserved a few years ago.
Li Huai had never even mentioned this house to his friend Zhang Yu before.
Of course, he wasn't afraid Zhang Yu would find out; he was just afraid that if too many people knew, Li Zhenhua would find out.
He was capable of turning his own family against him, and he felt that if Li Zhenhua found out, he might do something to the house to protect his own reputation.
Although he would never hand over the house left by his mother to Li Zhenhua, it was probably better to avoid trouble.
Even if he didn't want to admit it, he knew in his heart that in Beijing, if he were to openly and honestly confront Li Zhenhua, he would be no match for him.
After all, aside from his background, he was just a deputy regimental commander in a remote military region, and he couldn't possibly compete with General Li Zhenhua.
Knowing this, Zhao Qinglan was completely relieved, and even a little happy.
Unexpectedly, their family owns a courtyard house in Beijing.
The capital city is still so small. Even if this courtyard is in a remote location now, it will probably be a good location in the future.
She wasn't thinking about taking advantage of them; it's just that the houses in the family quarters weren't theirs to begin with, but this courtyard was what truly belonged to their family.
For a person, a house is a place to put down roots.
Having a place to live brings peace of mind.
After the train traveled to a few more stations, all the empty sleeper berths were filled.
Zhao Qinglan didn't necessarily want to switch to a lower bunk. Even just an upper bunk would be great as long as her family was together.
After glancing at the other passengers with them, Zhao Qinglan spoke up directly and frankly.
"Gentlemen, we are a family of five. We bought three berths, but one is in the front carriage. We would like to switch berths so we can all be together. By the way, our tickets are for Beijing. If anyone is willing to switch berths with us, would you be willing to switch?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Zhao Qinglan immediately added, "It's okay if we don't change it. I was just asking."
They spoke directly to the middle-aged man on the upper bunk.
"Let's switch places, I'm going to the capital too."
"Thank you so much, comrade. May I ask your surname?"
"My surname is Jian, comrade, you're a soldier, right?" the middle-aged man suddenly asked, looking at Li Huai.
"I am, comrade, how did you know?" Li Huai asked. After all, he wasn't wearing a military uniform either. Could it be that he could tell from his behavior?
Li Huai guessed correctly.
"Haha, you guys who've been in the army for a long time are all the same. I've seen it all." After laughing, the middle-aged man didn't mention what he did specifically.
There was no identification on the tickets at this time, and some people could even use them directly if they found them.
Zhao Qinglan then exchanged her ticket with Comrade Jian.
"Thank you so much, Brother Jian. Would it be convenient to exchange contact information? We'll treat you to a meal when we get to Beijing."
Comrade Jian waved his hand and left. "It was nothing, no need."
They got the tickets, and the family could stay together, which made both Zhao Qinglan and Li Huai happy.
As soon as Comrade Jian left, some young girls in the middle bunk opposite him curiously looked at Li Huai.
"Are you really a soldier?"
Since the girl meant no harm, Li Huai nodded. "Yes."
These days, people generally have a good impression of soldiers, and Zhao Qinglan's family and the other passengers staying with them quickly became acquainted.
Perhaps it was because they trusted the soldiers too much, feeling that with Li Huai around, they wouldn't worry about losing their belongings even when they went out to use the restroom.
The two children have lived in the military family area since birth. All the uncles and elders around them are soldiers, and the children they play with are also children of soldiers. They have never experienced the special "treatment" that soldiers receive outside.
Now I even feel a sense of pride.
Knowing that food was available on the train and that they had brought a lot of things, Zhao Qinglan didn't bring much food. She only packed a box of malted milk powder and some biscuits as snacks for the children.
When it was time to eat, Zhao Qinglan took out an enamel mug, rinsed it with water, and then soaked a large mug of malted milk powder in it.
Li Huai also bought some vegetables and steamed buns.
In this day and age, those who can afford a sleeper berth are generally not in bad shape, otherwise they wouldn't be able to buy a sleeper ticket.
Many people bought food from the car, so Li Huai and his group didn't seem out of place among them.
The main reason is that the food on the train doesn't require food coupons, so it's a good deal.
Just as Zhao Qinglan and the others finished their meal, the train conductor came over to ask if they had changed their tickets yet, and offered to help if they hadn't.
Zhao Qinglan thanked them for their kindness.
People tend to feel sleepy after eating and drinking a lot.
Seeing her yawn, Li Huai said directly, "Qinglan, if you're tired, you and the children should rest. I'll look after the things."
"Aren't you going to take a break?"
"I'll rest by sitting down, don't worry about me."
Zhao Qinglan didn't try to be brave and simply climbed up to the top bunk to sleep.
The older and younger children squeezed into one bed, while Xiaoduo slept on her own first.
When it's time to go to bed at night, Zhao Qinglan will sleep with her daughter.
Seeing how considerate Li Huai was to his wife Zhao Qinglan, the girl's eyes sparkled after asking Li Huai a question.
"Brother, are all soldiers as considerate as you?"
Li Huai was at a loss for words when asked this question.
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