Chapter 23 He hasn't done enough installing telephones.
"Dad?" Brother Qin frowned. "Dad didn't say anything."
"If it weren't for Dad, would the Song family have been able to return to the city at this time?" Sister-in-law Qin didn't believe that her father hadn't helped the Song family; he must have been secretly supporting them. "So many people are watching our family, and Dad did this..."
“It’s not necessarily Dad,” Brother Qin said. “Dad wouldn’t have left such a big matter undiscussed. He retired a long time ago to protect himself.”
Brother Qin knew perfectly well that his parents didn't have much contact with Song Fenglan because they were afraid that Song Fenglan would affect their family.
"There's some connection," Sister-in-law Qin still said.
At this time, Qin Yizhou's uncle, Dr. Lin, went to the Song family. Dr. Lin had studied both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. He hadn't been sent down to the countryside, and his family was relatively well-off; he sometimes went to other places to make a living. The farm where the Song family had been sent down wasn't too far from the capital; it only took a few hours by train.
Qin Yizhou took a liking to Song Fenglan. Before they were married, Qin Yizhou learned that Song's parents had been sent to the countryside, so he asked his uncle to visit them. His uncle had medicine and could bring some to Song's parents, and could also send them supplies regularly. Qin Yizhou often had to carry out missions and do other important things, so he didn't necessarily have time to do these things.
After Qin Yizhou and Song Fenglan got married, Dr. Lin would make a special trip to the farm two or three times a year to check on Song's parents and bring them some medicine. Some of the medicine was for strengthening their bodies and maintaining health, and since Song's parents weren't the type to do manual labor, it would be very difficult for them to do heavy work.
When Mr. and Mrs. Song returned, Dr. Lin didn't need to go to the farm, so he bought some things and came over.
When Song's mother saw that it was Dr. Lin, she quickly welcomed him inside.
"Dr. Lin, please sit down." Song's mother poured tea for Dr. Lin.
Song's mother's eldest son and daughter-in-law's child was seriously ill, and they were at their wits' end. They called Dr. Lin, who then assisted them in everything they needed. Song's mother was extremely grateful to Dr. Lin, knowing that without Qin Yizhou's connections, Dr. Lin wouldn't have been able to help their family so much.
"We haven't even paid your medical bills yet, why are you sending us things?" Song's mother said, feeling embarrassed.
"We're all in-laws, why bother with such formalities?" Dr. Lin said with a smile. "You don't need to pay me for the medical expenses either. If you feel bad about it, you can donate the money to the welfare home. The children in the welfare home are pitiful too; they have a hard life."
“Okay, we’ll do as you say,” said Song’s mother. “We can come back…”
“You have an outstanding daughter,” Dr. Lin said, “and your brother, who is so capable.”
“When a person dies, it’s like a lamp going out; there’s nothing more to say.” Song’s mother sighed. What’s the use of saying anything? He’s dead, and he didn’t bring any greater benefit. How could those people possibly think they were good people? If he dies abroad, they’ll say that Song Xingyun died for himself, not for the country.
Instead of struggling, it's better to be more relaxed and cooperative, which will save you from suffering.
“I only found out you were exonerated when Yizhou called me. This is good news,” Dr. Lin said. “Yizhou told me to tell you not to go to the Qin family. You are the woman’s parents, so it should be them visiting you. Yizhou is usually in the army and has all sorts of missions to carry out. He didn’t take good care of Fenglan or you.”
"He's fine," said Song's mother. At least Qin Yizhou was still willing to marry Song Fenglan. Song Fenglan had said that she had been set up and the two of them had come together by chance. Song's mother knew that someone of Qin Yizhou's status could find many ways to stop him from marrying Song Fenglan, and the Qin family also didn't want Qin Yizhou to be with Song Fenglan.
“No way, he hasn’t done enough,” Dr. Lin said. “He’s always out and about, and hasn’t been able to take good care of his wife and children. They have to stay with his wife’s family.”
Dr. Lin had suggested that Song Fenglan stay at the Lin family home, but Qin Yizhou refused. Dr. Lin was Qin Yizhou's uncle, and also his elder brother's uncle. His elder brother and his group would also be going there, and in the end, it would be Song Fenglan who suffered.
Qin Yizhou couldn't simply leave the military; he couldn't leave. If he left the military and transferred to Song Fenglan's side, Song Fenglan would likely suffer even more.
Qin Yizhou wanted to divorce Song Fenglan for two reasons: first, Song Fenglan didn't love him, and he didn't want to waste her life; second, he felt incompetent and unable to protect his beloved wife.
Qin Yizhou didn't rebel against his parents much. He did tell them to let Song Fenglan stay with Aunt Yu, and they agreed. However, when it came to marriage, they disagreed, and he protested. But in daily life, Qin Yizhou didn't play much of a role; all he could do was send money and tickets.
"I'll come over and take your pulses," Dr. Lin said. "I can take a look and then tell Yizhou about it."
"Thank you for your trouble." Song's mother said with gratitude. The Qin family might be a little cold to them, but Qin Yizhou's uncle was very nice.
If it weren't for Qin Yizhou, Song's parents would have suffered even more on the farm. After Qin Yizhou married Song Fenglan, their lives became much easier.
Qin Yizhou didn't mention it to Song Fenglan; it was just a small matter, and there was no need to talk about it.
At this moment, Qin Yizhou was summoned to Political Commissar Zhao's office. Commissar Zhao already knew how formidable Song Fenglan was. They had received orders to protect Song Fenglan at all costs. The reason their unit was so close to the research institute was precisely to protect the scientists.
“From now on, you should go back earlier,” Political Commissar Zhao said. “You don’t need to go on this mission.”
"What mission?" Qin Yizhou asked.
“You don’t need to go,” Political Commissar Zhao said. “Now, your most important task is to protect your wife. This is a unanimously approved order. You are Comrade Song Fenglan’s husband, and no one will suspect anything if you are in her presence. Your wife’s uncle was assassinated abroad, and those people certainly did not expect your wife to be so outstanding.”
Commissar Zhao sighed. None of them had known the Song family was so capable. Song Fenglan's sudden emergence and the emergence of such excellent technology had caused regret among those in power. They wondered if Song Fenglan had been allowed to conduct the research earlier, perhaps she could have developed something even more useful.
Even geniuses need hands-on experience and research. If Song Fenglan hadn't become a middle school teacher and hadn't had access to some materials, she wouldn't have achieved what she has today.
Song Fenglan achieved certain results, and instead of hiding them or harboring any resentment towards the country, she presented them directly. This demonstrates that the Song family is wholeheartedly devoted to the nation; they have no ulterior motives and are all very pure-hearted people.
“All these years, you’ve worked so hard on your missions, wasn’t it all so that your father-in-law and mother-in-law could be exonerated as soon as possible?” Political Commissar Zhao said.
Qin Yizhou wanted to do more tasks and earn more merit points so he could help his parents-in-law. With the recent turbulent situation, Qin Yizhou felt that an opportunity was right in front of him. He had previously asked the people at the farm to treat Song's parents better and prevent their health from deteriorating further, but getting his parents-in-law to come back was still very difficult.
He was an ordinary person, someone who carried out missions with his own hands and the weapons of the army. If he hadn't done it, someone else would have. What he could do, others could do too; he wasn't anything special.
Qin Yizhou understood this clearly. Once, during a dangerous mission, he even wrote a will. Worried that his wife and children would be treated unfairly, and afraid they wouldn't fare well after his death, he wrote in his will that all his death benefits would go to his wife and children, and that if his son died unexpectedly, the benefits would also go to his wife. Furthermore, he stipulated that if he passed away, his wife could remarry with their child; she didn't have to send the child to the Qin family, or if she wanted to, she could.
Qin Yizhou didn't say these things in front of Song Fenglan. He believed that those were things of the past and there was no need to talk about them. He had chosen to carry out those missions himself, not because his wife forced him to do them. The missions he took were also beneficial to his future, so it couldn't be said that he did them for his parents-in-law.
“My efforts are not as great as my wife’s,” Qin Yizhou said. “She made the greatest effort.”
"Women are just as capable as men," Political Commissar Zhao said. "When we first found out, we all found it incredible."
Previously, Political Commissar Zhao had only heard his wife talk about trivial family matters, and he thought Song Fenglan was just like other military wives—a simple woman, someone who handled mundane affairs. He never imagined she was so capable; no wonder Song Fenglan didn't like being around Shi Guilan.
Indeed, such an outstanding person shouldn't be held back by trivial matters.
Political Commissar Zhao felt that his wife hadn't handled the matter well, and that she was still somewhat biased towards Shi Guilan. Shi Guilan, the wife of Staff Officer Xu, had been here for many years, which inevitably led many people to subconsciously side with her. They all felt that because Shi Guilan was an older woman, they should stand by her side.
This is wrong!
This outdated idea is harmful!
“It’s not that we haven’t asked you to do missions. Your most important task is to protect your wife and the research institute,” Political Commissar Zhao said. “Don’t forget, this is the most important task of our unit. We are the army, not the air force, but this is our most important task.”
There are air force personnel here; they are also here for test flights, etc. Pilots are also a valuable asset of the motherland.
"I accept the order," Qin Yizhou said.
"You and your wife should have a good talk and work on your relationship," Political Commissar Zhao said. "You didn't know your wife was so capable, did you?"
"I don't know." Qin Yizhou shook his head. He only thought his wife was an ordinary junior high school teacher. If he had known that his wife had such abilities, he would have definitely let her go to the research institute as soon as possible.
“Between husband and wife, you still need to understand each other. It’s not like you do your thing and she does hers. It’s no wonder your sister-in-law didn’t tell you before. Before everything was settled, would you believe that a middle school teacher who only graduated from high school would know these things?” Political Commissar Zhao said. “I don’t know if you believe it or not, but we don’t.”
Political Commissar Zhao was telling the truth. They would only think that Song Fenglan was joking. They would think that Song Fenglan definitely did not have such great abilities and that she must be trying to fool them.
“We’re not researchers, how would we know these things? Even if my sister-in-law put those materials in front of us, we still wouldn’t understand them.” Political Commissar Zhao looked at Qin Yizhou, hoping that Qin Yizhou and Song Fenglan could get along well. Couples need to understand each other so that they can move forward hand in hand.
Everyone says Song Fenglan didn't accompany the army, but why don't they mention that Qin Yizhou wasn't by Song Fenglan's side?
When Political Commissar Zhao heard what his superiors said, they all felt that it was already remarkable that Song Fenglan was still alive. If foreign hostile forces had known about Song Fenglan's existence earlier, she might have followed in her uncle's footsteps.
This is something that sends chills down your spine just thinking about it, and it makes you shudder.
There are quite a few scientists who have been assassinated in China, and scientists who wanted to return home were also assassinated. Foreign reactionary forces do not easily make their country strong.
“You should also be a good husband and father,” Political Commissar Zhao said. “It is said that loyalty to the country and filial piety are difficult to balance, and the same is true for marriage and loyalty. You have the opportunity, so you should cherish it. People like us inevitably neglect our families and make them bear more burdens.”
Commissar Zhao had been young once, and he knew the difficulties involved. His wife had argued with him before; he was busy with his own affairs and hadn't paid attention to things at home. His wife said, "When will you spend more time at home? When will you understand the difficulties your family faces? She's a living, breathing person too, and she needs care."
Mrs. Zhao and Political Commissar Zhao had argued. Political Commissar Zhao knew that many military wives had been in the same situation. These men hadn't let the country down, but they had let their families down far too much. They simply dumped all their family's possessions on their wives and didn't contribute anything extra.
"I know," Qin Yizhou nodded.
After Song's parents were exonerated, Madam Zhao spoke directly with some people in the family compound. Some things needed to be discussed to prevent these people from bullying others with prejudice. Song Fenglan had already gotten a job at the research institute; she didn't need to argue with these people.
Song Fenglan did not live in the tenement building, nor did she take their jobs; Song Fenglan owes them nothing.
"What?" Shi Guilan was stunned when she heard Madam Zhao's words under the big tree. "How is that possible?"
“It’s true,” Madam Zhao said. “Uncle Qin was assassinated while trying to return to the country to serve the country. The Song family shouldn’t have suffered those things.”
The relevant departments instructed everyone to maintain a unified narrative: the Song family was exonerated because of the deceased Song Xingyun. Song Xingyun was an extremely talented scientist; if he were still alive, he could have accomplished many things. And if he hadn't intended to return to China, he wouldn't have been assassinated.
"How do you think Song Fenglan became Professor Su's niece?" Madam Zhao said. "Professor Su knew Song Fenglan's uncle; they were very good friends. Fenglan is also intelligent and has the same demeanor as her uncle. When Professor Su and the others learned of the Song family's plight, they were shocked and deeply saddened."
"..." Shi Guilan didn't understand. Didn't these people know about the Song family before? They must have known before. Why didn't they help them before, but are they helping them now?
“Shi Guilan, you too, stop causing trouble for others,” Madam Zhao said. “Qin Tuan’s family has been here for so long, how many times has she come to see you? It’s always you who goes to her and causes her trouble!”
"I……"
"Did you remember?" Madam Zhao's face turned cold. She clearly didn't want to hear Shi Guilan's explanation; there was nothing to explain.
“Whether she remembers it or not, she has to remember it.” Old Mrs. Cao said, “Shi Guilan, remember these things, understand? You married my son-in-law, so you still have to be obedient and sensible, and not be as shameless as before.”
Shi Guilan nodded, and Old Lady Cao continued, "Don't you have a mouth? Don't you know how to speak?"
“I’ve got it!” Shi Guilan said.
"By the way, isn't your cousin getting married soon?" Old Mrs. Cao said. "Go get some red cloth and send it to her, so that people won't say our family doesn't know etiquette."
"Are you getting married?" Madam Zhao asked.
“Yes.” Shi Guilan nodded.
"Who did you choose?" Madam Zhao had never heard of it.
"It's settled..."
"It doesn't matter who you're engaged to, what matters is that you're getting old and should get married sooner rather than later," said Old Mrs. Cao. "Don't spend all your time thinking about other people's men, don't you think?"
Grandma Cao already knew about Shi Guilan and her cousin's affair, and the old lady felt extremely ashamed. There were other men in the world besides Qin Yizhou; why were Shi Guilan and her cousin always fixated on him? No wonder others thought there was something wrong with them.
The family compound was quite small, and there weren't many recreational facilities at that time. Many people knew that the Song family had been exonerated and that Song Fenglan's social status was no longer problematic.
Everyone thought that Song Fenglan had managed to exonerate the Song family quietly, and that she was truly capable. Such a person is calm and low-key, while someone like Shi Guilan would announce any good news so everyone would know.
"There really is a big difference between capable and incapable people."
"I used to think that Qin Tuan's cat was a cowardly cat that didn't dare to stick out its claws."
“She knew the importance and urgency of the matter, and she respected us military wives. She didn’t make things worse.”
"Kindness is often taken advantage of. The Qin family is just too kind-hearted, and they've been bullied for so long."
"So Qin Tuan's uncle was so powerful, yet he was killed for the sake of the country."
...
These people naturally admire those who sacrifice for the country. Without those who followed one after another, there would be no country as we know it today, and they would not be able to live such a peaceful life.
Song Xingyun's story spread like wildfire, and many people sighed with emotion upon hearing it.
Those who once thought Song Fenglan wasn't good enough now felt ashamed. The Song family was full of loyal and righteous people; whether or not they had relatives abroad was unimportant. Those people might also want to return home, but they couldn't; if they did, they might be assassinated.
Who knows if Song Xingyun still has something left in those people's hands? If those people dare to touch it, they'll lose their lives.
The government was unaware of this matter beforehand, and the Song family, not wanting to leech off the dead, kept quiet. Their silence was also a way to protect themselves and avoid assassination; after all, with Song Xingyun gone, how much protection could the Song family possibly receive?
Madam Su was playing with Qin Zihang in the Qin family courtyard when Fatty Sister brought Zhang Xiaohu over.
The portly woman couldn't help but sigh a few times. She felt ashamed of her initial misunderstanding of Song Fenglan, even though she quickly realized her mistake and stopped thinking badly of Song Fenglan. The portly woman recalled the scene when Song Fenglan first arrived at the family compound; Song Fenglan looked so forlorn.
“Fenglan never told me about these things; she’s just too low-key,” said the plump woman.
"She was afraid that if she told you, you wouldn't believe her, and it would only cause you more trouble," Madam Su said.
"That's true," said the plump woman. "Everyone thinks she has a bad class background, and some people avoid her for fear of getting involved with her."
“You don’t.” Madam Su’s gaze was fixed on Qin Zihang, who was playing in circles with Zhang Xiaohu.
Kids always love to spin around. Two of them would spin around and around without getting dizzy, laughing out loud.
Adults find it hard to understand why children like to play these things; adults generally think they're quite boring.
"I had a misunderstanding at first too," said the plump woman. "My husband came over for dinner and went back saying that Fenglan couldn't cook. I thought Fenglan was a pampered young lady who never lifted a finger. Later I found out that Fenglan makes very delicious pastries and other dishes. She's not incapable of cooking; she's clearly very good at it."
The fat woman openly admitted her mistake, which was her own problem, not Song Fenglan's.
"With the Song family exonerated, I bet many kids are thinking about playing with Zihang now," said the plump woman.
Previously, some parents told their children not to play with Qin Zihang or get too close to him. Fatty didn't say that to her child, but others did tell her it was best not to let Zhang Xiaohu play with Qin Zihang. Fatty didn't take their words to heart.
In Fatty's eyes, Qin Zihang was a very cute child, and Song Fenglan had been quite kind to the Zhang family. Song Fenglan had even taught Fatty how to make pancakes, and they had previously made steamed buns and mantou together. How could Fatty bear to stop associating with such a good person as Song Fenglan?
"Zihang, Hangbao, don't stop playing with me."
"Don't play with others, play with me, and I'll play with you."
"We're best friends, why don't you hang out with me?"
...
When Zhang Xiaohu heard what his mother said, he specifically told Qin Zihang these words, afraid that Qin Zihang would play with others and not with him anymore.
“I can write with you,” Zhang Xiaohu said, “but don’t refuse to play with me.”
"It's up to you," Qin Zihang said. "You need to write, learn arithmetic, and be a good baby."
“I can do it,” Zhang Xiaohu said. “My name is Zhang Xiaohu, but I’m not tigerish at all. I can be well-behaved, even better than a cat, even better than Fu Wangwang.”
Zhang Xiaohu likes playing with Qin Zihang, even though Qin Zihang is two years younger than him. He still especially enjoys coming over. Qin Zihang is fun, and there are little dogs around too.
“Okay, you’re a good boy,” Qin Zihang said. “I’m my mom’s good boy, and you’re your mom’s good boy too.”
"Mmm." Zhang Xiaohu nodded vigorously.
"Come on, let's dig some soil and plant some flowers." Qin Zihang picked up a small shovel.
Zhang Xiaohu also took a small shovel, and he squatted down next to Qin Zihang, and the two of them dug the soil together.
“You have to do it like this,” Qin Zihang said. “Dig a small hole, not too big. If it’s too big, you’ll fall in and trip, and Huahua won’t grow up.”
“Dig,” Zhang Xiaohu said.
Looking at her youngest son, so well-behaved and obedient, the plump woman didn't see anything wrong with him listening to a child older than himself. She thought Qin Zihang was very clever, able to write and do arithmetic; she wished her youngest son were half as smart as Qin Zihang.
Qin Zihang's father was a regimental commander, his mother worked at a research institute, and his maternal grandfather's family was exonerated.
This shows that Qin Zihang has a bright future ahead of him. Of course, one's own child should play with Qin Zihang as much as possible. Playing together from a young age creates a special bond.
"Fenglan has it tough, she has to work and take care of her child," said the plump woman. "It's all thanks to you."
"I just do some small things," Mrs. Su waved her hand. "I'm usually alone at home, which is quite boring. This is a good opportunity to help take care of the children."
When Mrs. Su heard her husband talk about Song Xingyun and how Song Fenglan had managed to achieve something significant in the junior high school laboratory, she was deeply moved. Song Fenglan was so hardworking, so dedicated, and so resilient; Mrs. Su sympathized with and admired her.
"Hello, Fenglan," Madam Su said with a smile. "My husband has praised her countless times, saying she has the same demeanor as her uncle, and asking why she only thought of finding her uncle now, since she would have come much earlier. The sooner she came, the less she would have suffered. We had no choice before; we were too busy and didn't know much about their family situation. Not only my husband, but also Professor Cai and the others, they were heartbroken when they learned about Fenglan's family. They had a very good relationship with Fenglan's uncle, and if it weren't for his protection, they might have been in trouble too."
Back then, Professor Su, Professor Cai, and the others naturally wanted to protect Song Xingyun, believing he was far more capable. Faced with death, Song Xingyun didn't think he could outdo so many people on his own, and he knew he most likely wouldn't return, and those people would be watching him closely. Song Xingyun thought that if he couldn't go back, it would be good if the others could.
“Some things, well, that’s true. If they say it themselves, others might not believe it. They have to hear it from someone else for others to believe it,” Madam Su said. “My husband has said it several times, that Fenglan is pitiful, that she has suffered a lot of injustice.”
Several times, Madam Su considered storming into Shi Guilan's house; Shi Guilan had gone too far. But she also felt that going directly to Shi Guilan's house would be too easy on her; the momentary satisfaction would be followed by others thinking they had gone too far. They didn't go to Shi Guilan's front; the rumors surrounding her were like needles pricking her.
Shi Guilan had previously spread rumors about Song Fenglan, saying that Song Fenglan must be ugly, that Song Fenglan was a rich bourgeois heiress, and that Song Fenglan couldn't endure hardship...
Then we must let Shi Guilan experience this feeling too, let her know how painful it is to be subjected to rumors that cannot be explained.
“Fenglan doesn’t like to talk,” the plump woman said. “It’s because she’s always been wronged and had to endure it. She got used to it and got through it. Shi Guilan is a military wife, the wife of Staff Officer Xu, and Fenglan was afraid of dragging her husband down, so she endured it again. In the end, she suffered too much. Unlike me, I don’t have to endure it like that.”
Fat Sister was originally from the countryside, and her class background was not problematic. If others dared to talk about her, she dared to talk about them back. Even though she tolerated it to some extent, she didn't tolerate it for too long.
“Indeed,” Madam Su nodded.
In the evening, Madam Su prepared to take Qin Zihang back to her home. She needed to go back to cook dinner, which would allow Qin Zihang to finish eating before giving him a bath.
At this moment, Qin Yizhou returned.
"So early today?" Mrs. Su asked, puzzled.
"No overtime, have breakfast early." Qin Yizhou said, "Aunt, I'll take care of Zihang. Why don't you have dinner here too?"
“Alright, your uncle will probably be working overtime at the research institute again and may not be coming back,” Mrs. Su said. “I won’t stand on ceremony with you.”
Mrs. Su watched Qin Yizhou put on his apron and go to the kitchen, then she looked at Qin Zihang. Mrs. Su thought that Qin Yizhou was a soldier, and such a person would inevitably neglect his family, but marrying Qin Yizhou was the most suitable thing for Song Fenglan. In this special era, marrying Qin Yizhou would allow Song Fenglan to receive some protection in those years, and her life would be better.
Don't think that Mrs. Su didn't know what kind of lives those families who were criticized and denounced were living. Some died on the farm, and some were driven insane.
Darkness, extreme darkness; those things were not just a little bit dark.
Those who haven't experienced those things simply cannot comprehend how much darkness and horror there was.
"I'll wash the vegetables," said Mrs. Su.
"No need, you can help take care of Zihang." Qin Yizhou didn't ask Madam Su to do those things; he could do them himself.
After talking with Political Commissar Zhao, Qin Yizhou wanted to stay home even more. Knowing his wife's capabilities, he felt increasingly inadequate; he hadn't supported her enough, hadn't done enough. He felt utterly useless, and it was no wonder Song Fenglan hadn't come to him before—she relied on herself, not him.
What use is a grown man if he can't protect his wife or help her out?
His wife has a son and is capable, so why would she still want him as her husband?
Qin Yizhou felt a pang of anxiety, fearing that one day his wife would file for divorce. He didn't want to divorce her, not at all. He had previously considered divorce because he wanted his wife to have a better future, but after they met, Qin Yizhou couldn't let go of her hand.
As Mrs. Su watched Qin Yizhou skillfully wash the vegetables, she joked, "Did you used to work in the mess hall?"
"No," Qin Yizhou said. "I've just learned a little. When we're on missions outside, sometimes we have to learn more on our own; we can't always wait for others."
"It's good to learn more skills," said Madam Su.
“Yes,” Qin Yizhou said.
Madam Su stopped staring at Qin Yizhou and went to look at Qin Zihang.
Qin Zihang sat there obediently, practicing his writing. He wanted to write more so that his mother could see his handwriting when she came home. He wanted to show her how well he had studied. He hoped that when he grew up, he could become a capable person, instead of just someone who knew how to play.
"Well written," said Madam Su.
"My mom taught me." Qin Zihang proudly raised his head. "My mom knows a lot. She said if I learn more, I'll be very capable in the future."
“Your mother is right,” Mrs. Su said. “Learning more will always be beneficial.”
"I want to be smarter than other kids," Qin Zihang said.
"Yes, you will." Mrs. Su nodded. "You have your mother, you are your mother's child, of course you will be very smart."
"I'm just like my mom," Qin Zihang said happily. "Just like my mom."
“Yes, just like Mom,” Mrs. Su said.
Song Fenglan won't be back at the research institute anytime soon. The institute's leadership plans to create a team for her to lead research on a new fighter jet.
Song Fenglan is very knowledgeable, and many professors and researchers have already recognized her capabilities. She can explain those modification plans fluently and clearly, and even point out problems. Regarding the new fighter jet, Song Fenglan has many ideas; if they are theoretically feasible, then they must put them into practice.
Without destruction, there can be no construction. The institute cannot suppress newcomers; they must be given opportunities to rise to prominence.
Although Song Fenglan has only been at the research institute for a short time, her abilities are undeniable. Everyone should have more faith in her. Even if she fails at first, failure is the mother of success, and she will eventually succeed. The rest of them have failed countless times and still need to keep trying.
“This is a great opportunity for you to showcase yourself,” Professor Su said, patting Song Fenglan’s shoulder.
Song Fenglan didn't feel embarrassed. She brought advanced knowledge with her, she had a team, and she could make decisions, so she could get things done much faster. If she had to go through layers of reporting every time she did something, and if there was a bottleneck at any level, then Song Fenglan couldn't do those things and would have to wait.
The research institute gave Song Fenglan a great deal of autonomy, allowing her to make more decisions, and the institute would fully support her. They didn't believe Song Fenglan was being used by foreign reactionary forces to trick them; what was there to trick them about? It was a new fighter jet; not all the knowledge points could be fake.
"Thank you." Song Fenglan knew that Professor Su had played a role in this.
“You deserve it.” Professor Su looked at Song Fenglan, and for a moment he saw Song Xingyun. Then, Song Fenglan’s face appeared before him. “You are very similar to your uncle, but you are different individuals. You got to where you are today on your own, not because of your uncle. You are not a substitute for your uncle.”
"Hmm?" Song Fenglan asked in confusion, wondering why Professor Su suddenly brought this up.
"It's alright," Professor Su said. "Don't you have a meeting with your team members later? Come on, let's go eat first, we'll talk after we eat. Are you missing Zihang?"
"I kind of miss her." Song Fenglan nodded. How could a mother not miss her child?
"Don't worry, your aunt is here," Professor Su said.
Professor Su's talk about stand-ins wasn't meant to put pressure on Song Fenglan; he was simply reminding himself that they couldn't treat Song Fenglan as Song Xingyun. Song Fenglan and Song Xingyun were two distinct individuals, despite their familial ties.
They can't keep talking about Song Xingyun, and they can't let Song Fenglan live in Song Xingyun's shadow. Song Fenglan doesn't need to live in anyone's shadow.
If we're talking about shadows, it's that they live in Song Xingyun's shadow, and now with Song Fenglan, many will live in her shadow as well. No matter how hard they try, it will be difficult for them to surpass Song Xingyun and Song Fenglan; the Song family has exceptionally high talent here.
"With my aunt here, I feel at ease," Song Fenglan said. "If something really happened, it wouldn't be this quiet. I'm at ease."
“It’s normal to worry. Mothers tend to worry about these things more easily than fathers,” Professor Su said. “You have it tough too, you have to do so many things.”
“When Zihang grows up, he can say that his mother is a scientist, not a junior high school teacher,” Song Fenglan said. “Scientists seem more impressive than junior high school teachers, and many children think so.”
"Everyone else is thinking about how to make their child more capable, but you're the opposite, you're thinking about how to make yourself more capable," Professor Su chuckled.
"We need to set a good example for our children," Song Fenglan said. "No..."
If you set a good example, how can you inspire your children to move forward?
It's better to push yourself than to push your child. You're an adult; you have more self-control and can do more. You can still strive for improvement. You can't just say you're already an adult, your future is set, and no matter how hard you try, it won't change anything.
No, I need to work harder myself so that my child can excel and stand tall when they go out into the world.
Around 7 p.m., after Mrs. Su finished dinner and went home, Qin Yizhou helped Qin Zihang take a bath and change his clothes, and Qin Yizhou also went to do the laundry.
"Mom hasn't come back yet," Qin Zihang muttered. "I can already see the little stars in the sky."
Qin Yizhou was washing clothes in the yard, and Qin Zihang moved a small chair and sat down next to him. He missed his mother.
"Mom's busy," Qin Yizhou said. "Your dad's here with you."
"I miss my mom," Qin Zihang said. "Mom used to come home early to be with me. Did something happen to her?"
"No," Qin Yizhou replied. "Mom has to work overtime. She has something to do and will be back later."
"What's wrong?" Qin Zihang tilted his head. "Is there anything more important than Hangbao?"
"..." Qin Yizhou did not expect Qin Zihang to say that.
"Mom said Hangbao is the most important," Qin Zihang said.
“What Mom did was to protect our Hangbao, and Hangbao is of course the most important,” Qin Yizhou said. “In the past, Mom took care of you. You should give Dad a chance to take care of you. You can’t keep tiring your mom. Mom works very hard.”
"Yes, that's right." Qin Zihang nodded.
Just then, a sound came from the door. Qin Zihang thought it was his mother returning, so he ran over, only to find it was a stranger.
"Who are you looking for?" Qin Zihang asked.
"We've come to install a telephone," the visitor replied.
Qin Yizhou and his wife didn't have a phone at home, so they had to go to a public phone booth to make calls. It was fine during the day, but at night they had to go out, which was too troublesome. Having a phone at home would be much better and more convenient. Their superiors had arranged for someone to come and install a phone. They had originally planned to come during the day, but considering that these people might not be home during the day, they decided to wait until evening.
"Install a telephone?" Qin Zihang didn't quite understand. He turned to his father and said loudly, "Dad, install a telephone."
Ta-da! Qin Zihang jogged over to Qin Yizhou's side.
Coincidentally, the plump woman was hanging out the freshly washed clothes to dry in the yard when she heard Qin Zihang's words. She peeked over the fence and listened intently.
"Is this Comrade Song Fenglan's home? We received a notice to install a telephone at Comrade Song Fenglan's home," said the telephone installer. When he saw Qin Yizhou, he added, "You must be a family member of Comrade Song Fenglan. We'll install the telephone now, and it will be ready to use as soon as it's installed."
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