After entering the restaurant, they chose a seat by the window. When ordering, Zhang Xiang recommended several signature dishes, including roast goose, poached chicken, and char siu.
While waiting for their food to be served, they chatted about their experiences over the years.
"I've been teaching in the village since I got married, and life has been relatively peaceful," Zhang Xiang said with a smile and a gentle tone.
His eyes revealed a sense of satisfaction, as if he was quite pleased with his life.
Upon hearing this, Song Ziqing couldn't help but exclaim, "That's wonderful! Teaching and nurturing students is a very meaningful job."
His gaze was filled with admiration, expressing his deep envy that Zhang Xiang was able to engage in such a sacred and noble profession.
"And you? You must have many interesting stories to tell over the years." Zhang Xiang looked at them curiously, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. He seemed eager to hear about the strange and wonderful things they had experienced over the years.
Song Ziqing and Lin Chengyu exchanged a smile, and then began to vividly recount their adventures and entrepreneurial experiences.
Those thrilling moments, arduous times, and the joy of ultimate success were all vividly presented to Zhang Xiang through their descriptions.
As time went by, one delicious dish after another was served.
They enjoyed their meal while continuing to chat about the little things in their lives.
Laughter and cheerful voices filled the air, making the whole atmosphere exceptionally relaxed and pleasant.
After the meal, the three of them strolled through the streets, enjoying the unique atmosphere of Guangzhou.
Zhang Xiang exclaimed sincerely, "This is truly a wonderful place. I never felt this way when I lived here before. It was only after I went to the countryside and lived there for a few years that I truly realized how much better life is in the city."
After all, it's more convenient for children to go to school in the city, shopping is easier, and even obtaining various receipts and coupons is easier.
“Yes, you only know how to cherish something after you’ve lost it!” Lin Chengyu nodded in deep agreement, echoing Zhang Xiang’s words.
Lin Chengyu deeply understands the hardships and difficulties of rural life, and in comparison, he has a more profound understanding and appreciation of the convenience and advantages of city life.
In his previous life, he spent a long time in Shengang Village, so he was very familiar with everything about rural life.
Those were extremely difficult days. They not only frequently faced hunger and cold, but also experienced a severe shortage of various daily necessities.
They couldn't even afford soap, which is essential for washing clothes, and had to rely on plain water to wash their clothes.
However, if you encounter particularly dirty clothes, even after a long washing process, water alone cannot completely clean them.
Looking back, after living in the village for a long time, his clothes were covered with patches, and what bothered him most were the dirty clothes that were difficult to clean. He looked sloppy and unkempt.
I still vividly remember the strange looks he received from the city dwellers whenever he walked into the city in such tattered clothes.
That's why, in his previous life, he simply stopped stepping into the city altogether. Even if he lacked certain items, he would ask the educated youth or villagers in the village to help him buy them.
"However, the countryside has its advantages too."
Zhang Xiang then changed the subject, his tone becoming more relaxed: "The air there is fresh and pleasant, as if it can wash away the weariness of the soul; moreover, the human touch is stronger, with neighbors looking out for each other, making people feel a deep sense of warmth."
It was only after he left home to go to the countryside that he discovered that not only did his neighbors and friends in the city treat him like a stranger, but even his parents and brothers at home treated him like they were from two different families, fearing that he would come back to freeload.
He's not even as good as the villagers of Shengang Village. When they go out to sea to catch some food, they'll share some with him.
Song Ziqing nodded in agreement: "That's right, cities and villages each have their own advantages. Cities have bustling streets, convenient transportation, and diverse entertainment options; while villages offer a tranquil environment, simple folk customs, and a leisurely pace of life."
Just then, Zhang Xiang suddenly asked a question: "Hey, have you guys ever thought about going back to Shenzhen-Hong Kong Village to take a look?"
His gaze swept over Song Ziqing and Lin Chengyu, as if expecting some kind of response.
Song Ziqing and Lin Chengyu exchanged a glance, both reading a hint of surprise in each other's eyes.
They didn't understand why Zhang Xiang would suddenly bring up this topic, and their hearts were filled with questions.
"Why are you suddenly asking this?" Song Ziqing frowned, looking at Zhang Xiang with a puzzled expression, trying to find the answer from his face.
Zhang Xiang smiled, trying to ease the tension, but a hint of longing still lingered in his eyes: "I was just thinking about it casually... Grandpa and Dad at home miss you all very much."
They always bring up things you did in the village, and once they start, they never stop.
Lin Chengyu was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I'm afraid it's not possible now. Our identities are rather special, and we can't easily go to other places. If we go to Shengang Village, it might bring some unnecessary trouble to the village."
So, let's wait a little longer... We'll definitely go back to visit when the time is right. We'll bring our children along to see our uncle and cousins.
His voice carried a hint of helplessness, but more so a clear understanding of the current situation.
"Yes, that's true." Zhang Xiang nodded understandingly. "Now is indeed not the time. Let's talk about it another time when there's an opportunity."
The three continued walking, enjoying the street scenes of Guangcheng along the way.
Song Ziqing couldn't help but think of the former Shengang Village. Although it wasn't as prosperous as Guangcheng, it had its own unique charm.
"Actually, I sometimes miss the days in Shengang Village," Song Ziqing said with emotion.
“Yes, that period was tough, but also very fulfilling,” Lin Chengyu echoed.
"However, we're doing quite well now," Zhang Xiang said with a smile. "We've all built our own careers and achieved some success."
"Haha, that's right!" Song Ziqing and Lin Chengyu laughed in unison.
They walked through the streets, reminiscing about the past.
Despite the passage of time, that deep friendship remains unchanged.
"By the way, Ah Xiang, have you and You Ying come to check on our family recently? Our ancestral home in Shengang Village is uninhabited now, and I wonder how it is inside?"
Song Ziqing was quite fond of his ancestral home, after all, it was a real stone house, built by his ancestors in the late Qing Dynasty!
The wood used is extraordinary—it's all the famous pear wood transported from Diaoluo Mountain in the southern province!
These are all old things with a history of over a hundred years, and they are very sturdy!
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