"Okay, Brother Yan, it's up to you now."
"Be careful when you go up the back mountain with Little Stone."
"I will."
...
The next day.
Chu Yan went out before dawn.
After agreeing on a meeting place with Shi Gandang, the two went up the mountain.
Before setting off, Ye Nian'an got up early, prepared dry food for Chu Yan to eat on the road, filled two large jugs with spiritual spring water, and told him to be careful.
After all, it's the back mountain, and there's no guarantee that no wild beasts might appear.
Chu Yan patted Ye Nian'an's head and said in a firm yet gentle voice, "Niannian, wait for me to come back."
Ye Nian'an tiptoed and kissed Chu Yan's lips, saying sweetly, "Mmm."
Her appearance made Chu Yan wish he could give his life for her on the spot.
He kissed her again and again with reluctance before finally leaving.
Chu Zhenyuan and the others got up.
Upon learning that Chu Yan had already gone to the back mountain, Chu Zhenyuan said softly, "Niannian, leave things to Chu Yan and Xiao Shitou. Trust them."
"kindness!"
Chu Zhenyuan continued to work on the repairs.
When Lin Xiaojiao and the others went out to work, they saw Chu Zhenyuan and the others still working hard and couldn't help but laugh.
"What an idiot! This is clearly the work of the brigade, but he insists on doing it himself, and he doesn't even get paid."
"It's not as smart as us. We go to work first, earn work points, and then we can get food and wages in the future."
"Alright, just say less."
Wang Xingbang was truly afraid of Ye Nian'an. Seeing that she seemed to be looking this way, he quickly pulled Lin Xiaojiao away.
Don't let yourself get caught red-handed and get beaten up, or cause a scene with the brigade leader. He can't afford to lose face like that!
Around 2 PM, Chu Yan and Shi Gandang finally returned.
"Brother Yan."
Upon seeing them, Ye Nian'an quickly stepped forward and asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, it's nothing."
Chu Yan's eyes were gentle as water: "Let's go inside and talk."
"good."
Everyone put down what they were doing and went into the inner room.
"Little Stone and I went up the back mountain, and we've figured out the route and marked it."
"In the future, if we need to cross the mountain from the back to Hongqi Brigade in Houpu Township, we won't need Little Stone to lead the way; we can get there on our own."
Ye Nian'an was overjoyed, but remembering that Shi Gandang was still there, she suppressed her emotions and said, "That's wonderful."
"Little Stone, thank you so much this time. Here, this is a thank-you gift that your sister-in-law prepared for you."
Ye Nian'an prepared some White Rabbit milk candies and stuffed them into Shi Gandang's hand.
"No, sister-in-law, it's just a small favor, there's really no need for that..."
"Alright, I said I'd give it to you, so just accept it."
Ye Nian'an interrupted Shi Gandang before he could finish speaking.
"Also, sister-in-law, I have a favor to ask of you. Regarding what happened on the back mountain today, I hope you won't mention it to anyone."
"Including the brigade leader and the others, after all, I had relatives there who I hadn't seen for a long time, so I thought of resorting to this desperate measure."
Although going over the back mountain to visit relatives in other brigades does not violate any rules.
But Ye Nian'an didn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble.
After all, their two families are in very special circumstances now, as they have both been demoted and sent to lower levels.
It's hard to guarantee that someone with malicious intent won't tamper with things.
"Sister-in-law, I understand."
Shi Gandang placed the White Rabbit milk candy on the table with a serious expression: "I can keep your secret, but I really can't accept this."
"As soldiers, protecting the country is our duty, but our platoon leader also told us that we cannot take even a needle or thread from the people!"
"When you encounter kind-hearted people in need, you should lend a helping hand without expecting anything in return. This is the quality that a soldier should have!"
"You little rascal..."
Ye Nian'an was so angry at Shi Gandang that she laughed.
Upon hearing this, Chu Zhenyuan said with emotion, "Little Stone, your platoon leader taught you well, and you learned well too. You are both good soldiers and the future pillars of the nation."
"I am so proud that our country has soldiers like you! I really want to meet you, platoon leader, someday!"
There are indeed bad people among the masses, but there are far more good people.
With a pure and devoted heart, they are constantly giving their all and keeping the country's leadership principles firmly in mind.
This made Chu Zhenyuan deeply feel that although he had been wronged, the day when he was exonerated would come sooner or later! It wouldn't be far off!
There are still so many people who believe in them and support them!
Ye Nian'an was also deeply moved by the soldiers' adherence to their principles.
If it were anyone else, they would have already pocketed the White Rabbit milk candy they received.
This is a rare item. If someone hadn't given it to you as a gift, and you hadn't gone to buy it yourself, only wealthy people would be willing to part with it.
This is the best thing to satisfy a craving on a regular day.
"Since you're not accepting the sugar anymore, how about you stay for dinner after you help with the work?"
Just as Shi Gandang was about to speak, Chu Yan patted him on the shoulder: "Listen to your sister-in-law, we just came back from the back mountain and we still need to continue the repairs."
"Our whole family would feel bad if we didn't invite you to this meal."
"I...I understand."
Shi Gandang never had the courage to refuse Chu Yan.
He truly exuded an overwhelming sense of authority, even more intimidating than their regimental commander.
He truly deserves his reputation as a legendary figure in the military, the youngest battalion commander.
After repairing the house to a near-complete state, Shi Gandang stayed behind to finish dinner.
After he left, Ye Nian'an immediately closed the door and began to discuss things with the Chu family.
"After crossing the back mountain, you can see the educated youth settlement of Hongqi Brigade. It's not far. Xiao Shitou did choose a shortcut. It will take us about forty minutes to get there."
"However, climbing up the mountain is physically demanding..."
Chu Yan subconsciously looked at Ye Nian'an.
Ye Nian'an said hurriedly, "It's okay, Brother Yan. Even if it's just for the belief of seeing my family, I can hold on!"
Chu Zhenyuan pursed his lips: "Chu Yan, take Niannian there tomorrow and see if you can see Lao Ye and the others. Fulfill Niannian's wish to see her family first."
"As for us, it's not too late to go when we have the time and the time is right."
After all, the whole family has disappeared; it's too easy to arouse suspicion.
If Chu Yan and Ye Nian'an simply leave, they have someone stationed at the educated youth settlement, which can at least make things a little easier.
"Dad, that's not all. This time, when I went up the mountain with Little Stone, we discovered some interesting things."
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