"It doesn't matter where we live. We don't have any relatives in Hai City anymore."
There was a subtle hint of loneliness in Grandma Qi's voice.
"We finally have Wenjuan and her family here. We live such a good life now. Our home is bustling with people every day. The thought of going back and being alone with the three of us makes me feel scared."
Upon hearing this, Grandpa Qi frowned, and his tone was a little anxious:
"My dear, why don't you understand? Our return to Hai City doesn't mean we have to sever ties with Wen Juan and the others! The country is developing rapidly now, and Hai City, as a key development area, is changing more and more every day.
As a member of the older generation of railway workers, I've always wanted to witness these changes firsthand and contribute to the development of our country. Besides, railway workers have benefits, and train rides are free, so you can come back to see them anytime you want.
After hearing this, Xu Mengyao thought it was a great thing. These were three ready-made Haishi household registrations!
But looking at Grandma Qi's condition, she still considered it carefully before speaking:
"Grandpa and grandma, you're both right, you just look at things from different perspectives. But for Maomao's future, I also think it's a good choice for you to return to Hai City. Think about it, grandma, isn't it because the educational environment in the mining area is not good that we went to the trouble of transferring Wenxia from the mining area to the city to attend school?
But if you compare Hai City's educational resources to Huan City's, they're definitely much better. Maomao is a smart and obedient child. If he's given a better educational environment, he'll definitely become an outstanding person in the future!"
Having said this, Xu Mengyao paused, observing Grandma Qi's reaction. She saw her expression gradually soften, and a flicker of emotion flashed in her eyes.
So, she struck while the iron was hot: "And what Grandpa Qi said is right. The newspapers and TV have said that Hai City is the focus of national development. Hai City will definitely be more prosperous than its heyday, just like the development and changes of the capital.
I've always wanted to visit Haishi and experience its prosperity and vitality. When I take the college entrance exam, I hope to go to Haishi. If you go back, we will find time to visit you during our holidays."
"Wenjuan, are you serious? Are you really going to Hai City to see us?" There was a hint of anticipation in Grandma Qi's voice.
Xu Mengyao smiled and affirmed: "Of course it's true, grandma, don't worry, no matter where we are, we will always be a family."
Grandma Qi's frown finally relaxed, and the gloom on her face was swept away. She took Xu Mengyao's hand and said softly:
"Good boy, with your words, grandma feels relieved."
As these words fell, the dark clouds hanging over the Qi family disappeared.
On that bitterly cold winter day in December 1990, the atmosphere inside the Pujiang Hotel was filled with warmth and excitement. With the ringing of the bell at the Shanghai Stock Exchange's opening ceremony, China's capital market opened a new chapter.
All this has nothing to do with Xu Mengyao. At this moment, she is on the other side of the country, performing a busy and heartwarming relocation story.
As the morning light breaks, the railway bureau's family compound is already bustling with activity, and the entire compound is vibrant with the rising sun.
Today is the day when the eleven families in the family compound are about to embark on their journey back to Hai City. Although Grandpa Qi has also filled out an application for transfer back, he has chosen to postpone his official work date until after the New Year, hoping to spend a reunion New Year with the Huang family with Grandma Qi and Maomao.
This group of people went ahead, and their unit specially approved a train carriage for them to move furniture. After all, they had lived in Huanshi for more than ten years. Although they could still live in public housing when they arrived in Haishi, they had to buy all their daily necessities by themselves.
So everyone basically moved away everything that could be moved, including furniture, home appliances, and even those seemingly insignificant small items. Every bit of it carried the memory of life in the city and witnessed their years of struggle in a foreign land.
Xu Mengyao followed Grandpa and Grandma Qi closely as they weaved through the crowd. She wore a thick cotton coat, her cheeks flushed from the cold, but she was still busy and cheerful, sometimes helping to move furniture, sometimes reminiscing with neighbors who were moving out.
"Wenjuan, look at this washing machine. I asked you to bring it to me from Pengcheng last year. How about it? It's still new." An uncle said with a smile.
Xu Mengyao raised her thumbs up and responded: "Uncle, it must be your family who takes good care of it. It looks like a new one after moving to Hai City."
The aunts next to them also spoke up:
"Look at this vase of mine, look at this four-piece suit, and all the clothes for my family were bought from you. If you ask me what I'm most reluctant to part with after moving away, it must be you sisters. There will be no one to bring good things for us to choose from in the future~" His tone was very disappointed.
"Oh, Auntie, I'm so happy to hear your coaxing words. There are so many good things in Haishi. If you guys really want to buy something and can't find it, just write me a letter and I'll mail it to you when I buy it~"
Everyone burst into laughter when they heard her say this. At this time, Grandma Li beside her quietly pulled her aside.
"Girl, your grandma said she'll leave the house to you after they're gone. I was wondering if you could help look after my house, too. I've cleaned the rooms, and there's nothing left in them, but it's still a keepsake, right? It would be even better if I could rent it out. It doesn't matter how much, the most important thing about a house is its popularity. It'll get ruined if it's left unoccupied for a while."
Upon hearing this, Xu Mengyao immediately nodded in agreement:
"Okay, Grandma Li, I'll come over often to let you know. When you're settled in Hai City, remember to write me a letter with your address so I can let you know if the house is rented out."
"Yes, yes, thank you. Remember to rent it to someone who likes cleanliness and cherishes it. It doesn't matter how much money they pay."
Grandma Li handed the key to her and gave her repeated instructions.
Xu Mengyao took the key: "Don't worry, I know."
"Everyone, it's almost time. Let's take care of everyone's things and set off."
Grandpa Li, the leader, directed everyone with a gentle yet powerful voice. His gaze sometimes fell on the carefully wrapped furniture, and sometimes swept affectionately across every corner of the family compound, as if bidding a final farewell.
Grandma Li was standing by, wiping the corners of her eyes from time to time, with a faint smile on her face, which was a remembrance of the past years and an expectation for the future.
The neighbors carefully pushed and lifted the carts to carry their belongings, and the large group flowed like a slowly flowing river towards the train station.
As the last item was placed in the carriage, they began to hug and say goodbye to their friends and family who had come to see them off. The train whistle sounded, and people began to board the train one after another, leaning out of the windows to wave to them.
Xu Mengyao responded with a smile while standing on the platform, watching the train disappear from her sight. She knew that they were heading towards a better life and was very happy for them.
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