At the end of 1983, the Tao and Tang families in Guanshan Village were relieved of the gloom that had lasted for three years because of Tao Tao's return. They hung up festive red lanterns, and Tao Changyi even went to the gate to set off a string of firecrackers, which aroused the curiosity of the neighbors.
"Old Tao, is there some good news at home?"
Tao Changyi said with a smile, "Yes, my three grandsons are about to turn three. Let's set off some firecrackers to celebrate."
Tao Tao is no longer in this world, and everyone in the village knows that his daughter sacrificed herself for her country.
The Tao family's low profile in recent years has also made them regret the military doctor girl who once returned to the village heavily pregnant and greeted them warmly.
What a pity, such a promising talent, all wasted!
As a result, her son-in-law also suffered a slump for many years, and he always looked listless whenever she saw him.
It is said that he was once a division commander, but he was heartbroken because of his wife and changed careers so that he could take care of his family.
This family is amazing!
The strong-willed Tang Cuilan, in order to support her four children, insisted on traveling back and forth between the city and the suburbs even in heavy snow, just to earn a little income every day.
Despite the cold weather, quite a few people still sought her out to have their clothes altered. Her small shop could earn a couple of yuan a day, and on good days, she could even make ten or eight yuan.
Even after deducting costs such as water, electricity, and fabric, the income is still quite good, at least better than that of an office worker.
However, it was difficult for her clothing store to buy fabric. It was Zhou Yue who used his connections to find her textile and fabric factories to buy some flawed fabrics, which could be used after being cut.
There were also summer clothes that Tang Cuimei would occasionally send back to her from the south.
Although she could only sell clothes for one season, the clothes from that one season alone exceeded her small shop's income for more than half a year.
If Tang Cuimei hadn't been so busy, her business would have been even more successful.
When she got home from get off work and heard laughter and cheerful voices coming from the neighbor's yard, she thought she had misheard.
Because it had been many years since I had heard such joyful laughter, I went inside and found that no one was there; they had all gone over there.
When Tang Cuilan knocked on the door next door and saw a face that was both unfamiliar and familiar, she was stunned.
Cui Mei didn't tell Cui Lan that Xiao Jiu was still alive, let alone that her face had been surgically altered.
"Eighth Sister, you're back?" This familiar, soft call seemed to create a time illusion, constantly assaulting her auditory nerves.
Tang Cuilan's eyes reddened and tears streamed down her face as a beautiful, living person gradually approached and embraced her.
She looked at her in disbelief, her voice hoarse: "Jiu'er? Is she my ninth sister?"
"Of course! Look, I'm back safe and sound."
However... the whole family has to keep this a secret from me, because Tao Tao is dead and has been posthumously honored as a martyr.
My name is now Zhong Xing, and I'm in Hong Kong!
The last two words, "Xiao Jiu," were whispered in Tang Cuilan's ear, which surprised her even more.
But upon closer reflection, it seems not impossible that her little wine is hiding such a huge secret.
She let out a long sigh of relief: "It's good that you're alive, it's good that you're alive."
He then looked at her face in surprise, "What's wrong with you...?"
"Sigh, if I hadn't altered this face, I would have come back long ago. I can't go back to my old identity, can I? I have to create a new one, right?"
Xiao Jiu explained her experiences over the past few years in just a few words, and Tang Cuilan touched it all with a look of wonder.
"It's incredible. I could hardly tell. As expected of a big city, the level of expertise is really high."
That was a hospital she had been researching for half a year; it was the best in Hong Kong, a joint venture with Great Britain, and a renowned hospital.
It must be reliable, otherwise if it were really messed up, she wouldn't have the face to go home again.
I'm not afraid of you being ugly, I'm afraid you'll turn into a monster after plastic surgery, that would be terrible!
Tang Yiyi and her three sisters spent the whole afternoon at the Tao family's house, so they naturally knew Tao Tao's true identity.
Despite having been repeatedly reminded by the Tao family, Tang Cuilan still went on and on about it several times after returning home.
"You absolutely must protect your aunt's identity. When you're out and about, keep your mouth shut tight, understand?"
I think you don't want your aunt to really be gone, right?
When the news of Xiaojiu's sacrifice reached home, the five of them, mother and daughters, cried together, because their beloved aunt had passed away.
Now that her aunt has come back to life, Tang Yiyi, as the eldest sister, naturally took on the responsibility entrusted to her by the adults.
"Mom, don't worry, we won't talk nonsense. Besides, Auntie said she'll leave after we start school."
Tang Cuilan also learned about the family's plans from Xiao Jiu, and knew that staying in Northeast China might expose their identities.
So even though everyone was reluctant to part with her, and even Tao's parents had let go of their worries, what else could she not let go of?
"As long as they are a family together, living in harmony and happiness, that's better than anything else. We should wish them well."
——
After Xiao Jiu returned home, she didn't rush to connect with the children; instead, she busied herself with adding bricks and tiles to the house.
"I never imagined that the vegetables and fruits we harvested together three years ago would not be available to eat for another three years."
In the cellar, Xiao Jiu put in small batches of vegetables and fruits harvested from Guanshan Village to make it look like a process.
"Before I leave, I'll decorate this cellar for you. Since the temperature is low, let's put out less stuff for now."
"You're still planning to keep it from him?" The plane exploded, how could anyone survive?
Xiao Jiu sighed, "He almost said it several times, but then he held back. He wanted to know, but I didn't tell him, and he felt it wasn't appropriate to ask directly. I'll tell him slowly when we get to Guangzhou. I can't hide it from him anymore."
“You’ve all been through so much, and we’ve all seen how he’s taken care of us over the years.”
This child is suffering inside. He's heartbroken, yet he still has to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of us.
Knowing that your father and I work hard, he tries his best to help us out. He is both caring and considerate.
Even Cuilan and her five daughters were taken care of; she's someone you can entrust with your care.
"Why don't you come back to Guangzhou with me?"
Faced with such loving parents, Xiao Jiu felt somewhat inseparable from them, especially since it was she who brought them to Northeast China in the first place.
She left so suddenly, leaving them behind. The guilt in their hearts was beyond words.
However, Tao Changyi and Zhao Lingli both shook their heads at the same time.
"In one's life, it's impossible to stay in one place forever. You're young, so there's nothing wrong with traveling around."
We're getting old and don't want to make a fuss anymore. Compared to our hometown, this small village with fewer people is quite suitable for retirement.
Work for half a year and rest for half a year. The scenery is beautiful and there aren't many people around, so there will be less trouble. Besides, your older brother and the others are coming over soon.
Cuilan is a filial daughter who has always taken care of us, and we also help her take care of her children, so everyone is happy.
So you should go now and don't worry about us. Come back and visit when you have time. We'll be happy as long as you and Zhou Yue are doing well.
It's truly heartbreaking to see parents' hearts filled with love and concern for their children. From beginning to end, they treated her like their own daughter, cherishing and planning for her future.
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