Chapter 110
When they first set out, Guan Jueming looked very happy. His weather-beaten eyes were sparkling, and he kept telling his sister about his son's childhood.
But as the distance got closer and they were about to reach Hongxing County, Guan Jueming suddenly became nervous. The smile on his face disappeared, his face turned slightly pale, his lips were tight, his eyes were full of anxiety, and his hands were clenched together tightly, as if he could faint at any time.
Guan Chenxiang reached out and patted his brother's hand, and said in a deep voice: "Brother, don't be nervous. We should trust Xiaojun. He is already sixteen years old. He will have the ability to distinguish right from wrong."
"I don't know what he looks like now. The last time I saw him, he was only four years old. In the blink of an eye... more than twelve years have passed." Guan Jueming held a photo of his son when he was a child in his hand, his eyes slightly red.
Xia Qingtang looked back at him and said, "Teacher Guan, Xiaojun must be a big boy now. He might even be taller than you."
"Yes, his mother is also tall. Maybe he is really taller than me now. After all, the Chinese New Year is coming soon. After the Chinese New Year, he will be seventeen years old..." Guan Jueming wiped the corners of his eyes and forced a smile.
Today is December 30th, 1979, and the new year will begin the day after tomorrow. The city is decorated with lights and colors everywhere, preparing to welcome this brand new year.
Hu Yanni said that her old classmates had also arranged a reunion, but Xia Qingtang had not originally planned to attend, so Hu Yanni would go with Gu Xing'an today.
Xia Qingtang knew the importance of the 1980s, but she didn't know if it was because she had a chance to live it all over again, so she was actually in a very calm mood. When she thought about the new era that was about to come, her heart was filled with expectations and a hint of complexity, and she wasn't as moved as others.
Guan Chenxiang said: "Yes, Xiaojun will be seventeen soon. Many people of this age would have gone to work or farm in the countryside. Xiaojun must be sensible now, so don't worry, brother."
"I'm not worried about that. I'm afraid... Xiaojun's mother never told him... that he has a father like me..." Guan Jueming finally expressed his biggest worry. "If he doesn't know that he has a biological father, then my sudden appearance now would be a huge deal for a teenager. Children of this age have the most complicated minds. What if he can't figure it out for a while? Would it be too rash for me to go there like this?"
Guan Chenxiang said, "If his mother had never mentioned you as her biological father, we would have to go there today. Xiaojun is not a child anymore, and now that he knows about his biological father, we should give him some time to digest it. When he grows up and figures it out, he will come to find his brother. Comrade Tang is not a good person, but he still hopes for his son. He is unlikely to raise his son into a waste. Also, you are so smart, Xiaojun will not be a fool. As long as Xiaojun is smart and can read, sooner or later he will be able to distinguish right from wrong and understand how difficult it is for you. The one who kept it from him was his mother, not you, his father. On the contrary, you have been looking for him. He knows how hard you have worked, and he will understand in the future."
Xia Qingtang immediately agreed, "That's right, Teacher Chenxiang is right. As long as Xiaojun is in high school now, even if he can't accept this today, sooner or later, he will accept it. Let alone other things, Teacher Guan, you are a university teacher now, and the school values you very much. It's normal for you to be promoted to a department head or something like that. A biological father like this is good for Xiaojun, and as long as he is not a fool, he will keep in touch with you."
"Yes, there are more universities now, and everyone wants to go to university. My brother and I are both university teachers, and we both have good incomes. We can save money together to help Xiaojun find a wife. As long as he is not a fool, he will accept us." Guan Chenxiang said: "If he is as cold and realistic as his mother, then my brother's job will be the biggest attraction."
Guan Jueming smiled bitterly: "It's really... realistic..."
"Yes, this is the reality. It's been so many years, brother, don't you see it clearly?" Guan Chenxiang held his brother's hand tightly and said, "So, don't worry, maybe Xiaojun's mother is trying to find his brother! His biological father has a stable job now, she must want you to contribute some money!"
Although Xia Qingtang didn't say anything, he thought so in his heart.
Although she did not know Guan Jueming's ex-wife, through various descriptions, she could probably tell that Comrade Tang was a person who was very aware of the times and very flexible. He could change his behavior at any time to get the best benefits for himself.
Xie Jinxuan suddenly said, "Okay, if we turn down the road ahead, we'll drive into Hongxing County. Now that we're here, we'll definitely have to see Xiaojun before we go back."
Guan Chenxiang said: "That's right, I must meet Xiaojun in person!"
"Okay." Guan Jueming immediately sat up straight, looking more nervous than before.
The area of Hongxing County is not too large, and most of the place is still the kind of rural housing that can be seen everywhere.
We drove all the way to the center and saw some two- and three-story buildings, as well as cinemas, supply and marketing cooperatives, Xinhua Bookstore, factories and other places. More and more people came, and we could see people carrying baskets and loads on their shoulders to come to the county town to attend the market.
There were large steamers piled high at the entrance of the state-owned restaurant. The waiters were taking out hot steamed buns and dumplings. The scene was bustling everywhere.
Seeing all this, Guan Jueming's mood gradually calmed down. He said, "This Hongxing County seems to be pretty good. It should be good for Xiaojun to live here."
"It looks pretty comfortable." Guan Chenxiang said, "But I still hope Xiaojun can go to university in the provincial capital."
Xie Jinxuan drove the car to the residential area outside the county party committee compound, then stopped at the gate and got out to register.
Comrade Tang is indeed an extraordinary person. This is her third marriage, and she is able to marry a deputy county magistrate of Hongxing County with her son. Xia Qingtang is full of curiosity about this person.
Although he did not leave the province, before coming here this time, Xie Jinxuan still asked his former office leader to help him issue a certificate so that he would not be stopped at the door when he came here.
Sure enough, after seeing Xie Jinxuan's certificate, the guard opened the gate and let them drive in. He also pointed out the way for them: "Drive along this road, turn left at the fifth intersection, and the first small courtyard is the home of Deputy County Chief Ren."
"Okay, thank you comrade." Xie Jinxuan put away the certificate, got back into the car, and drove inside.
This residential area does not have a large population, but it is still very large. It has buildings such as a cafeteria and a basketball court. There is also a large playground on the right side where you can see many children running and playing.
At this time, almost every household has had breakfast and is taking a break today, which is just the right time for the children to come out and play.
Guan Jueming kept his eyes on the basketball court and the playground, not missing any young people who were exercising.
Guan Chenxiang said: "Brother, there are so many people, I can't keep up."
"I know." Guan Jueming smiled and said, "I just hope Xiaojun is not at home, so that I can talk to his mother first, and then discuss where to meet."
The car soon arrived in front of the small courtyard that the security guard mentioned. This small courtyard was also a bungalow, but it was not small in size. Half of the courtyard was a vegetable field, where green vegetables, leeks, black cabbage, and garlic sprouts were planted, all growing well.
The other half of the space is covered with a grape rack and the ground is paved with simple tiles. Two bicycles are parked there, as well as a small table and two bamboo chairs. It looks very lively.
Because the weather is cold, the door is closed. You can see the pipe of the coal stove sticking out of the window over there, so the house should not be cold.
Xie Jinxuan stopped the car and said, "Teacher Guan, do you want to go up and knock on the door, or should I help you?"
Guan Jueming's whole body was shaking at this moment, and his lips were trembling uncontrollably. He thought for a long time and said, "I'm afraid I can't do it. Jinxuan, you go."
"Okay." Xie Jinxuan said, and got out of the car.
Xia Qingtang also got out of the car, and the two of them walked to the iron gate of the small courtyard and stood there.
Xie Jinxuan immediately patted the iron door and shouted, "Excuse me, is anyone home? Comrade Tang, are you home?"
After shouting twice in succession, there was movement in the house. There was a sound of footsteps, and then the door was opened. A very beautiful middle-aged woman walked out of the house: "Who is looking for me?"
Just as Xia Qingtang expected, Comrade Tang was indeed very good-looking.
Although she is already forty years old, she does not look old. She looks like someone in her thirties. She has fair skin and her facial features are a little plain but pretty. She is tall with slender limbs. It's just that because of her age, her waist is a little thick, but it doesn't matter. She is still a very good-looking woman, and her every move is very feminine, which forms a very sharp contrast with her plain facial features.
She was wearing a light blue turtleneck thick sweater, light grey trousers, and a pair of homemade grey cloth cotton shoes. Her half-long black hair was tied into a short ponytail, which matched her temperament very well.
She looked at the young and good-looking Xie Jinxuan and Xia Qingtang outside the door, and was slightly stunned for a moment, and said: "Are you looking for me?"
"Yes, we are looking for you. May I ask if you are Comrade Tang?" Xie Jinxuan said politely.
Comrade Tang nodded: "I am, but who are you? We don't know each other, right?"
"Yes, we don't know each other, but you should know my teacher. His name is Guan Jueming, and he came with me." Xie Jinxuan said in a deep voice.
An expression of extremely complicated surprise immediately appeared on Comrade Tang's dull face. She opened her eyes wide, opened her mouth, and even her nostrils slightly opened.
She rushed to the iron gate like lightning: "Do you care about Jueming's students? Is he still alive? Where is he?"
After these words came out, Xie Jinxuan and Xia Qingtang were stunned. Xia Qingtang said: "Of course Teacher Guan is still alive, what are you talking about?"
"How could he still be alive? I heard that he's dead. He didn't survive on the farm and starved to death!" Comrade Tang's eyes almost popped out. "Don't try to fool me!"
"Why would I lie to you? I'm studying at the provincial capital university, and Teacher Guan works there, and Teacher Chenxiang also works there." Xie Jinxuan said, "If you don't believe me, just come out and see for yourself."
"Come out and take a look?" Comrade Tang saw the jeep parked next to him and was immediately shocked. "You mean... Guan Jueming is in the car?"
"Yes, Teacher Guan is in the car." Xie Jinxuan said.
"You...you don't lie to me...I..." Comrade Tang's hands began to tremble and his face turned ugly.
Xie Jinxuan simply walked to the side of the jeep and said, "Teacher Guan, please get off."
As he said that, he opened the car door. Guan Jueming hesitated for a long time, but finally got out of the car.
The moment Comrade Tang saw Master Guan Jueming, his whole body froze like a puppet.
"Ah, Xiao Tang, long time no see..." Guan Jue greeted with a clear face. His hands were shaking and his eyes were slightly red, which showed that he was very excited.
Comrade Tang suddenly took a step forward and walked towards Guan Jueming. Guan Jueming was startled and wanted to step back but dared not move, and was grabbed by Comrade Tang.
She reached out and grabbed Guan Jueming's wrist, then squeezed it hard.
"Hey, what is this for?" Guan Jueming was puzzled.
"You are warm." Comrade Tang said.
"Ah, I'm sitting in the car, it's not that cold, so my hands shouldn't be cold." Guan Jueming said blankly.
Comrade Tang reached out and pinched his face again: "It's still hot."
"Hey, it hurts a little. Xiao Tang, what are you doing? I... can't understand it?"
"You are warm, you are alive, you are actually alive! You are not dead?" Comrade Tang suddenly burst into tears, "Why didn't you tell me you were not dead? Why are you pretending to be dead?"
Guan Jueming was unable to utter a word this time. He just stared blankly at Comrade Tang with an innocent and curious expression on his face.
Guan Chenxiang also got out of the car at this time. She walked over, pulled her brother over, and said coldly: "You are the one who died! It's so early in the morning, and you can't speak human language?"
Xie Jinxuan said: "Comrade Tang seems to think that Teacher Guan is no longer alive. I don't know where he got this false information from."
"What fake news? This is what my parents told me! If Guan Jueming hadn't died, why would I have remarried with my child? If Guan Jueming was still alive, he should have supported me and my child!" Comrade Tang wiped away his tears and said viciously: "Since you are still alive, why didn't you ever come to find us? Do you know how old your son is? Are you qualified to be a father?"
Guan Jueming was speechless, Guan Chenxiang sneered: "What are you talking about? How many times has my brother gone to your mother's house to look for you? It was you who took Xiaojun and remarried to another place, and you didn't let your parents tell my brother your address! My brother spent so many years to find you! If you hadn't remarried and returned to this province this time, we still wouldn't be able to find you!"
"What did you say? You went to my mother's house to find me? Stop talking nonsense! My parents have told me that you have never been to my house once! After so many years, my parents went to the farm to see you. They said that you could not take care of yourself and didn't want to take care of me and my son at all! After that, you died on the farm! I thought at the time, you deserved it!" Comrade Tang's expression looked very devastated, even a little hideous.
Xie Jinxuan said, "Calm down. The fact is, Teacher Guan is standing right in front of you. It should be obvious who is lying, right?"
Comrade Tang's body swayed, her legs went weak and she almost fell down. Fortunately, Xia Qingtang was next to her and helped her up.
She finally stood up, tears suddenly streaming down her face: "Indeed, you are still alive, you are still alive..."
Guan Jueming said, "Ah...what happened? You...I have been to your parents' home no less than a hundred times since I came out of the farm, several times a month. Every time, your parents said that you and Xiaojun are doing well in other places and I don't need to worry about them. They also said that Xiaojun is your son and has nothing to do with me...I really went to beg your parents this month, but they still wouldn't tell me where you are. If I didn't have a good student who has a wide network of contacts and helped me find out that you remarried and came to Hongxing County, I'm afraid I would never find you in this life."
Comrade Tang grabbed his hand and cried loudly: "Why...why..."
"No, what are you talking about..." Guan Jueming was at a loss. He wanted to pull his hand back but was afraid to do so. He could only look to his sister for help.
Guan Chenxiang said, "Talk to me first, don't just cry. Your parents are lying to you, why are you crying? It was you who wanted to cut off ties with my brother back then. You ran so far away and didn't even leave a word for my brother. How dare you cry now?"
Comrade Tang was about to speak when he saw the door open again and a short man with gray hair walked out: "Zilan, who's looking for you? Isn't it cold outside? If you have guests, please come in and talk!"
The man was probably in his fifties, with a very ordinary face. Not only was half of his hair white, but his face was also full of wrinkles. He looked like a man who had suffered a lot. He was very short, probably not even as tall as Xia Qingtang, but he had a broad frame and looked pretty strong.
This should be Comrade Tang’s remarried husband, who is now the deputy county magistrate. I heard that his first wife died of illness a few years ago. After several years, he was too busy with work to remarry. Last year, he began to retire to the second line. Then someone introduced her to him. He fell in love with Comrade Tang at first sight and remarried her soon.
Comrade Tang was much younger than him. His children, who were deputy county magistrates, had already started their own families and careers. They were opposed at first, but Comrade Tang spent some time interacting with them, and finally their children agreed, so Comrade Tang married and brought her son.
Comrade Tang quickly wiped her tears, walked to the iron gate, and said, "Old Ren, I have something to say to you alone. Can we go inside and talk?"
Although she was out of control before, she immediately calmed down when Lao Ren came out, which shows that she is not a simple person.
Old Ren was stunned for a moment, looked at the people outside the yard, and seemed to realize something. He nodded and said, "Okay, let's go inside and talk. What about these guests?"
Xie Jinxuan said: "Don't worry about us, we can wait outside."
"Okay then." Lao Ren took the lead and walked into the house.
Comrade Tang whispered, "Guan Jueming, I'll go in and tell Lao Ren whether he wants you to see your son. We need to discuss this as well."
"Why should I discuss this with my son when I meet him?" Guan Jueming was a little angry.
"It's because you haven't taken care of your son or raised him for so many years! You don't have the qualifications!"
"What you said is not right. That was due to special reasons. When I get out, I will come to find you immediately. It was your parents who didn't tell me about you. If you want to blame someone, you should blame your parents! In short, my son is mine. I will not leave until I see my son today!" Guan Jueming suddenly became determined.
"you!"
Guan Chenxiang said, "Okay, go in and talk to Comrade Lao Ren first. We drove all the way here from the provincial capital, and if we can't see Xiaojun, none of us will leave."
Comrade Tang glared at her fiercely but said nothing. He just wiped his eyes and turned to go into the house.
Several people were waiting outside the door. Some neighbors came out and cast curious looks at them when they saw them. Xie Jinxuan smiled and greeted them.
Guan Jueming said: "I still can't figure out why Tang's parents said I was dead?"
Xia Qingtang said: "I think I know why, because this kind of thing also happens to my parents."
The Guan brothers and sisters looked at Xia Qingtang curiously. Xia Qingtang said, "It's very simple. Comrade Tang's last marriage probably had some problems, so it couldn't go on, so she had to come back from another province with her children. But she came back, which was a burden to the family, and her parents would definitely not want to accept them. Comrade Tang is beautiful, has a good figure, and looks very young. At this time, finding her an older man with good conditions can not only reduce the burden on her parents, but also receive an unexpected gift. Her parents must have planned such a good thing a long time ago. As for Teacher Guan, even if you have returned to the university to work, the parents of the Tang family are old. They are worried that the old days will come again, so they must not contact Teacher Guan again. But they are also afraid that Comrade Tang is unwilling to marry an old man. The only way is to say that you have passed away, and Comrade Tang has no hope. But her son has not grown up yet. In addition to listening to her parents' words and getting married, does she have any better way?"
Everyone was silent after hearing this. After a long while, Xie Jinxuan said, "It should be the same as Qingtang said."
Guan Chenxiang said, "How could Comrade Tang be such an obedient person?"
"She is not obedient either. Now that Teacher Guan is gone and there is no one to raise her son, marrying Lao Ren is the best choice. As you can see, Lao Ren lives alone in such a big house, he has food, drink and money, and she can count on this man to help her raise her son. This person must have many problems, but at least she has not abandoned her children. From this point of view, she is still very good." Xia Qingtang said.
Guan Jueming sighed: "What happened to her previous husband? Did he die too?"
"It shouldn't be. When I asked people for information, they said that Comrade Tang divorced Comrade Tang because she had been married to that man for many years but couldn't have children. The man wanted a son, so she married him and then married a younger woman, hoping to have a son." Xie Jinxuan said.
"It's not easy for her either..." Guan Jueming lowered his head.
Guan Chenxiang said, "She has had a hard time? Brother, are you starting to sympathize with her now? Don't forget, when our family got into trouble, she immediately severed ties with you and left without mercy. Regardless of whether she is a qualified mother or not, you have no reason to sympathize with her."
Guan Jueming said, "I know, Chenxiang, don't get excited. I know you're still angry. But for me, the past is not important anymore. I just want to see Xiaojun now. The rest has nothing to do with me."
Guan Chenxiang nodded: "Brother, don't worry, we will definitely see Xiaojun today."
They discussed for a long time in the room, and when their hands and feet were a little cold, the door was finally opened.
Lao Ren came out and said with a smile, "Comrades, please come in. I already know who you are. Please come in and talk."
As expected of a leader, his emotions are very stable and he is very polite.
He opened the iron gate and several people followed him into the house.
The layout of the house is the most typical layout of a cadre family of that era. The house is very clean and there are several pots of flowers indoors. It looks like someone is taking care of it every day.
Comrade Tang stood there with red eyes. When she saw everyone coming in, she said, "I've talked to Lao Ren. He said he wanted to talk to Guan Jueming first."
Guan Jueming said: "Of course, I only have one wish, which is to see my son. For so many years, this is all I have wanted."
Lao Ren said, "Sit down, everyone sit down and talk. Zilan, make a pot of tea and bring out some snacks."
"Got it." Comrade Tang went to the kitchen.
Old Ren continued, "Hello, Teacher Guan. I am Tang Zilan's current lover. My last name is Ren, so you can just call me Old Ren. I met Comrade Tang last year, and we got to know each other for a while. We registered at the beginning of this year, and then Zilan moved here with Xiaojun. I found a temporary job for Zilan, doing odd jobs in the county. Xiaojun is studying in the county high school, in the first year of high school, and his grades are pretty good. I knew before that his biological father was a university teacher, so it's no wonder that his grades are so good."
Guan Jueming rubbed his hands nervously: "Xiaojun... your grades are very good?"
"Yes, his grades are very good, but his personality is a bit weird. He doesn't like to talk to people. The school always says that our family should pay more attention to his mood. That's why I want you to come in and talk first. I need to make a basic judgment before I can decide whether to let Xiaojun meet you."
"What? You make the judgment? If you can't make the right judgment, then my brother will lose his son?" Guan Chenxiang said angrily.
"Don't get excited yet, let's talk it over." Old Ren smiled and said, "I'm Xiaojun's stepfather, and I'm doing this for his own good. You're Xiaojun's aunt, right? Since you're Xiaojun's elder, you don't want to see Xiaojun looking unacceptable, right?"
"Where is Xiaojun now?" Guan Chenxiang asked.
"He joined a reading club at school. He would go to study with his classmates on Sunday mornings and would not come back until noon." Lao Ren said, "When did you know about Xiaojun and his mother?"
"Yesterday at noon, the moment I found out, I decided to come and see Xiaojun." Guan Jueming said: "I haven't seen my child for more than ten years. This is not my fault, nor is it caused by me. Xiaojun will be 17 after the Chinese New Year. I believe he can understand this."
"I heard from Zilan that your entire housekeeper was imprisoned on the farm. At that time, she had to separate from you for the sake of the child. In order to support the child, she had no choice but to remarry and move to another place. As a gay man, I feel sorry for her. It has been very difficult for her until today. If you meet Xiaojun, can you be more considerate of his mother's difficulties and not say anything else to Xiaojun?"
Guan Chenxiang said, "Who has it easy? Deputy County Chief Ren is indeed a leader. When he said these words, it seemed as if my brother had let Comrade Tang down. My brother has been in contact with Comrade Tang's parents for so many years, and I don't know how many times he has gone there, but they just refuse to tell us the whereabouts of the mother and son. Our family has become like this now, how can my brother have it easy again?"
Old Ren said in a deep voice: "I understand what you said. Indeed, in that era, no one had it easy. I said this just to hope that you will not be prejudiced against Zilan. She was a weak woman. At that time, in order to protect herself and her child, she could only do some last resort."
Guan Chenxiang wanted to say something, but Guan Jueming stopped his sister. He looked at Old Ren with a calm face and said, "Comrade Ren, just say whatever you want to say. I am not interested in anything in the past, and I have never thought of settling accounts with anyone. I can even write off the fact that Comrade Tang's parents cheated on me. I have a stable job and a stable life now. My sister and I are in good health. I only have one thought, and that is to see my son. If you need me to do anything, you can just tell me, and I should be able to agree to it."
Old Ren then said, "I know that Teacher Guan is an understanding and kind person. It's like this, because Xiaojun left you with his mother when he was very young. Zilan didn't know what would happen in the future, and she didn't want her son to have too many worries, so many years ago, she told Xiaojun that she left you because you did something wrong, so she had no choice but to divorce you. I hope you can help her with this."
Guan Chenxiang was so angry that her face turned red, but she looked at her brother and held back from saying anything.
Guan Jueming only lowered his head to think for a few seconds, then raised his head and said with a smile, "Okay, no problem. Comrade Tang's words are not false. At that time, I was indeed judged by society to have done something wrong. Is that all you want to say?"
"Yes, that's all. As long as you are willing to help make this happen, everything else can be discussed." Lao Ren said, "As for the fact that his grandparents deceived them, we will tell them the truth. I am also very angry about this."
Having said this, Comrade Tang came out carrying a large tray.
There was a beautiful ceramic pot on the tray, as well as a circle of exquisite small cups, which looked very elegant.
She put the pottery on the coffee table, then took a cup and poured a cup of tea for everyone, put a plate of pumpkin seeds in the middle, put away the tray and sat next to Lao Ren.
Xia Qingtang silently observed the eye contact between her and Lao Ren. It was obvious that Comrade Tang could completely control Lao Ren.
But think about it, if she wasn't such a capable woman, how could she have gotten married and continued to be in a better position with her son?
On the one hand, she wanted to live a better life, and on the other hand, she wanted to establish a good image in front of her son. She didn't want Xiaojun to think that she was a mother and wife who could not share hardships, so she asked Lao Ren to discuss it with Guan Jueming.
If Guan Jueming didn't agree, they would definitely not let Xiaojun appear.
"So are we settled on this? When can I see Xiaojun?" Guan Jueming said anxiously.
Lao Ren said, "I will go out and pick up Xiaojun in a while. On the way, I will tell him that his biological father is still alive. Don't worry, Xiaojun and I have a good relationship. I will wait until he is emotionally stable before bringing him into the house."
"Then I'll leave it to you." Guan Jueming breathed a sigh of relief. "When Xiaojun and I meet, you, as parents, can be present throughout the meeting and supervise me."
"This is not important. I believe in Teacher Guan's character. You will definitely not say anything too much in front of the child. After all, the child is a good child, and you certainly don't want any shadow in the child's heart." Old Ren was still smiling, but that smile seemed very hypocritical.
Fortunately, Guan Jueming didn't care about these. He had only one wish, which was to see his son and let his son know that he was still alive and still there.
Old Ren chatted with Guan Jueming for a few more sentences, then started talking to Xie Jinxuan.
Xie Jinxuan said directly: "I am a student of Teacher Guan, and I am currently studying at the provincial capital university. My grandfather is Comrade Xie Qiming. I wonder if Deputy County Chief Ren has met him?"
Old Ren's expression changed immediately. He was obviously surprised, but he quickly concealed his surprise and continued, "Unfortunately, I have never worked in the provincial capital. I have been there twice before, but I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Xie. I didn't expect that you are from the Xie family. It is a blessing for Mr. Guan to have such a good student like you."
Guan Jueming said: "Yes, if it weren't for Jinxuan's wide network of contacts and many friends, I'm afraid I would never be able to find the whereabouts of Xiaojun and the others in my lifetime."
"Comrade Xie, do you have any acquaintances here?" Lao Ren said with a smile.
"Yes, there are two friends here, one is a comrade-in-arms, and the other is a friend I met when I was a child. Oh, you should also know that friend as the deputy county magistrate. His name is Kong Ye." Xie Jinxuan said.
"Secretary Kong's youngest son?"
"Yes, it's him."
Lao Ren was still smiling, but the smile was beginning to look a little forced.
Afterwards, his tone of voice became noticeably more respectful, and Comrade Tang's expression turned ugly.
After half past ten, Lao Ren said, "I'm going to pick up Xiaojun now. You guys sit here for a while. We probably won't be back until after eleven."
"Okay." Guan Jueming stood up, his eyes full of expectation, "I'll leave this matter to you."
"Don't worry, I will bring Xiaojun back safely." Lao Ren walked out with a smile.
After he left, the room was silent for a long time.
Guan Jueming broke the silence and asked, "Do you have any photos of Xiaojun over the years?"
Comrade Tang was stunned for a moment: "Yes, do you want to see it?"
"Can you show it to me?"
"Okay." Comrade Tang said, and went to one of the rooms. After a while, he came out and put an old photo album on the coffee table. "Take a look."
Guan Jueming picked up the photo album and opened it. The first photo was a photo of Xiaojun and his mother. He immediately looked through it with surprise.
Inside are photos of Xiaojun over the years. There are not many photos, but there are three or four every year. Some are solo photos, and some are group photos with Comrade Tang. The backgrounds are also different. Some were taken in the park, some in the zoo, and some in school.
Xiaojun is gradually growing taller. In a recent group photo, he is already taller than Comrade Tang, who is about 1.7 meters tall.
It can be seen that Comrade Tang has indeed raised his son well. Xiaojun is always well dressed in the photos, his eyes are bright, and he does not look skinny.
"He is really taller than you..." Guan Jueming's eyes turned red. He reached out and touched Xiaojun in the photo, tears streaming down his face.
Guan Chenxiang took a handkerchief and handed it to his brother, then said softly, "Xiaojun looks like a very nice young man."
"Yes, he looks very energetic." Guan Jueming wiped his tears and looked at Comrade Tang with a smile, "Thank you for taking such good care of Xiaojun."
"He's my son, and it's my duty to raise him." Comrade Tang paused, then continued, "Before I married and moved to another province, I asked my parents to leave you a letter with the address of where I would marry. Didn't you receive it?"
Guan Jueming nodded: "No, your parents said you don't want to have anything to do with me anymore, and they didn't give me any letters."
"I'm so stupid. For so many years, I thought I was very smart, but I didn't expect that I was fooled by my own parents..."
"It's all over."
"What do you mean by the past? When I came back from other provinces, the first thing I wanted to do was to find you! You are Xiaojun's father, you were betrayed and should be working at the university! You can definitely support Xiaojun and me! But they told me that you died on the farm a long time ago! If they hadn't lied to me, why would I marry such an old man?" Comrade Tang's emotions got out of control again, and she covered her face and cried.
Although she cried very sadly, none of the people present were moved. Xia Qingtang even grabbed a handful of pumpkin seeds and handed them to Guan Chenxiang, inviting her to eat them together.
Comrade Tang cried for a while, then looked up at Guan Jueming. Seeing that he had no expression on his face, he asked, "How are you now?"
"I'm doing fine. Since I returned to school, I've received back pay for those years, and we've been given a house. I live with my sister, and I cook for myself when I have time, and eat in the cafeteria when I don't. I live a very comfortable life. The winter and summer vacations are long, and the winter vacation is coming soon, so I'll have time... to accompany Xiaojun." Guan Jueming said, "What I mean is, if you don't object and are willing to let me spend more time with Xiaojun, I'll have a lot of time soon."
Comrade Tang looked at Guan Jueming with a complicated look. Xia Qingtang immediately glanced at Guan Chenxiang beside him and gave her a wink.
Sure enough, Comrade Tang asked, "So... have you remarried?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
