Chapter 271: Prosperity 271 Previous Chapter Contents Next Chapter  "Uncle" Niannian heard the voices at the door, ran out barefoot on the wooden floor, suddenly hugged his thighs, and knocked his little head on his legs.

Her hands were very strong and she wouldn't let go of him.

"Here I am." Shen Sui came back to his senses, bent down and picked up the little guy, looked at his growing eyes, and said with a gentle expression, "How's your recitation of the Thousand Character Classic going?"

Xiao Niannian was deflated when he heard this. He buried his head in his thin neck and rubbed it. He said in a muffled voice, "Uncle, you don't care at all whether I grow taller or eat more. You only care about this."

"I'm very sad. I don't want to talk to you right now. Please let me take my time."

After hearing what he said, Shen Sui looked at her sister questioningly.

Gu Qingqing patted the little guy's raised butt and said speechlessly, "He just plays around and makes a lot of friends in the compound. He doesn't go home all day."

Little Nian Nian didn't even blush when his mother revealed his true colors. He just hid in his uncle's arms and giggled.

Shen Sui rubbed his little face and said softly, "After the New Year, you can go to the children's primary school. There will be teachers to take care of you in school. When you come back, I will ask you to recite your text."

"Ah," Niannian cried out in pain, "Uncle, you don't love Xiaobao anymore."

"No, I love you." Shen Sui said this calmly.

Xiao Niannian blinked and said, "Then I believe my uncle."

Listening to the conversation between the uncle and nephew, Gu Qingqing shook her head and said, "I'm going to cook. Jiaojiao and Xiaoxingxing will be waking up soon. Please help my sister make some milk powder."

"Okay, leave it to me." The boy nodded in response.

Qin Zhou came back at half past six. Gu Qingqing was still busy in the kitchen. She was in a hurry today and didn't buy any vegetables. They just had to eat whatever they had.

"Godfather." Chu Dai carried his youngest son downstairs, holding a bottle in his hand to feed him. Little Xingxing's eyes were sleepy, half closed and half open.

Obviously he hasn't woken up yet.

"Adai." Qin Lao smiled, "Sit down and talk."

Chu Dai chuckled and nodded, then sat next to him holding his son.

Qin Zhou's eyes fell on his sleepy grandson for a long time, and he sighed, "The last time I saw Xing Lan, he couldn't walk yet."

The man smiled and nodded. "You have been in the capital for almost a year. In a little while, he will be two years old."

"I have arranged for Tuantuan and Nian Nian to go to school," Old Qin pulled a thin army green blanket from the side and gently covered the little guy's back, "They will take the exam on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month."

Now, one needs to take an exam to be promoted from the Yuhong Class to the first grade, but Tuantuan Nian Nian skips the Yuhong Class and goes directly to the first grade.

Thanks to Mr. Qin's relationship, they don't have to take the exam, but Chu Dai still wants to see how much the two little guys have remembered of what they have learned at home in the past two years. If they really can't pass, it won't be a waste for them to continue in the Yuhong class.

They chatted about the kids in the living room and then talked about going to the Political Science Institute.

"Report the day after tomorrow. The duration of study is two and a half years, and there are accelerated courses that last one and a half years," Chu Dai frowned slightly, then relaxed. "Godfather, are there many officers coming to the Political Academy this time?"

As far as he knew, there were more than a dozen people from the Southern Military Region, not to mention people from other war zones and major corps, not to mention the sub-war zones under the Southern Military Region.

This year, both the college entrance examination and major military academies are very grand.

"Quite a few," Old Qin nodded with a smile, "Many people were also transferred from the Academy of Military Science."

While they were talking, Gu Qingqing had already come out with the dishes. She greeted her godfather first, then stood at the stairs and called out, "Asui Gu Qinglie, come down to eat. Don't stay upstairs all the time."

"Here I come." Gu Qinglie was playing with his niece. Jiaojiao was very brave. You threw her into the air and then caught her. She was not afraid at all, but giggled instead.

"Chirp, chirp, fly, fly" she flapped her little hands, and the silver bracelet bell on her wrist rang crisply and pleasantly.

"No need to fly, let's eat first." Gu Qinglie rubbed the small tuft on her head and grinned, "Uncle will take you to the department store tomorrow."

Jiaojiao shook his head, "Jiujiu, no money."

Tuan Tuan followed his uncle downstairs, grabbing his clothes and saying, "Yes, last time I wanted to eat cakes, but you had no money and no tickets."

Gu Qinglie was speechless. He didn't know how to tell the two little guys that it's not that he has no money, but all his money and bills are with the girl.

Moreover, it was their mother who ordered not to buy pastries, saying that they tricked their grandfather and uncle into buying pastries every day and then refused to eat at mealtimes, and that she would not tolerate their bad habits.

"Second brother." Shen Sui stood on the stairs behind him holding Nian Nian, looking down at the back of his head. "Walk faster."

There were four dishes and one soup in the evening.

Braised eggplant, stir-fried pork with green onions, a large plate of steamed egg custard, stir-fried cabbage, and a bowl of fresh mushroom soup.

"I just strolled around casually and didn't go to the farmer's market to buy vegetables. Godfather, please eat first." Gu Qingqing handed the bowl to the man and asked him to serve the rice to Old Qin.

"It looks very appetizing to me." Qin Zhou said gently.

He took the porcelain bowl from Chu Dai and started to eat.

"The food here is as good as the one in the cafeteria of the Academy of Military Science." The orderly carried Tuan Tuan to a chair.

"That's good." Gu Qingqing also sat down.

Xiao Xingxing and Jiaojiao were sitting at the coffee table eating rice with egg custard. Because the TV was unplugged, Jiaojiao could only stare blankly, taking a bite of rice and looking at his brother.

"Brother, switch." Jiaojiao scooped some rice from his brother's bowl with a spoon and thought his tasted better.

Little Star turned his head to look at her and silently pushed his bowl over.

Jiaojiao smiled happily and took one bite after another, and found that the rice in his brother's bowl tasted better.

Gu Qingqing filled two small bowls with mushroom soup and placed them on the coffee table. "It's hot. Drink the soup after dinner."

The two babies nodded obediently.

Gu Qingqing's eyebrows were curved.

She has four children at home, and she has never had to worry about them.

Tuantuan's studies every year are taken care of by his grandpa, father and uncle. Little Xingxing is quiet and not noisy. If you give him a Lu Ban lock, he will sit there and play all day long.

As for Jiaojiao, a little more care is needed, but usually it is her brothers who take care of her and run around the military family compound. When the men come back from their missions, they take turns holding her.

After dinner, Gu Qinglie cleared the table and washed the dishes, while Old Qin went to the study to organize the materials on national defense and military affairs to be submitted to the central government.

The weather here is cold, and Chu Dai is burning a coal stove.

There were a lot of coal briquettes piled outside the door. The orderly brought a few coal stoves and started a fire with him.

Chu Dai took the palm-leaf fan handed to him by his wife, squatted in front of the coal stove, pointed it at the air outlet and fanned slowly, "Tuan Tuan Nian Nian will sleep with Asui tonight."

"Yes," Gu Qingqing said casually, "Second brother said that he doesn't need a stove in his room, so it's not cold."

Gu Qinglie is not afraid of cold or heat and is particularly durable.

"good."

They didn't sleep for long in the afternoon. Xiao Xingxing and Jiaojiao felt sleepy after watching TV for a while after dinner. Gu Qingqing asked the man to bring the coal stove to the room and get a basin of hot water to wash them.

"I'm afraid you'll catch a cold if you take a shower in this weather." Gu Qingqing unbuttoned her youngest son's coat and hung it on the back of a chair. "We were still wearing light clothes in Nanyang a few days ago, but I didn't expect that we'd be wearing coats today."

Chu Dai held his daughter by the fire and handed her a towel. "We need to go to the department store tomorrow to buy some thick clothes for the kids. It's too late to go to the tailor shop now."

They didn't bring any clothes when they came here, and only brought one or two thick clothes. He and Gu Qinglie were fine, because they would be given winter military uniforms when they went to the Political College. Gu Qingqing and the kids were all very afraid of the cold.

"I'll do whatever you say." Gu Qingqing wrung out the towel, wiped her youngest son's face first, and then wiped his body.

"Are you going to take a shower later?" she asked.

"Go take a shower. You've been stuck on the train for so long that you smell like coal smoke. Don't you hate the smell?" he said with a smile.

Jiaojiao leaned in her father's arms, fiddling with the longevity lock on her neck with her fingers. She listened to her father and mother's words, tilting her head back and saying, "Dad..."

"Hmm." The man lowered his eyes and looked at her.

"I want to eat candy"

Chu Dai subconsciously touched his pocket and found that the woman was looking at him. He withdrew his hand and touched his nose. "No more."

"Woo woo." The little girl kicked her legs. "Just one bite." She heard the sound of the candy wrapper just now. Her father definitely didn't want to give her candy.

There is no way that Dad doesn't have sugar on him.

Chu Dai was somewhat softened by her, "Wife"

Gu Qingqing sighed, "Then I need to brush my teeth later."

Jiaojiao nodded like pounding garlic and "brushing teeth"

The man pinched her chubby little face, took out a White Rabbit milk candy from his pocket, slowly opened it under his daughter's expectant eyes, and then handed it to the woman's mouth.

Gu Qingqing took a look, opened her mouth and bit it.

Jiaojiao grabbed her father's sleeve and said to him, "Bunny, she wants to eat White Rabbit candy too."

"Give it to Auntie first." The man took another one and stuffed it into her hand. "You can't miss it."

When I unwrapped the candy wrapper and put it in my mouth, I squinted my eyes with satisfaction and said, "It's so sweet!"

The man burst out laughing.

Xiao Xingxing didn't like sweets very much, and he didn't ask for candy when he saw his sister eating it. Gu Qingqing was helping him put on his underwear. The man stretched out his long legs slightly and kicked the coal stove towards him.

"I'm out of facial oil, so I need to buy some cooling oil." Gu Qingqing dressed her son quickly and pulled the quilt next to him to cover him. "There are a lot of things to buy tomorrow. I'll make a list later so I don't forget."

It's too dry here, unlike Nanyang, where the air is moist.

The man agreed to everything and put his daughter on the bed and asked her to wash herself.

"I'm going to take a shower first." He stood up and took clothes from his luggage bag.

"Okay." Gu Qingqing had no time to care about him, because Jiaojiao was holding the candy with both hands and refused to let go of it in her mouth, so she couldn't take off her clothes.

"Chu Shuyue," she said angrily and amusedly, "Wipe it off before eating."

Jiaojiao's eyes were exactly the same as hers, clear and lively. "Mom, wipe it." She reluctantly took the candy out of her mouth and held it in her right hand.

"It's not that I don't allow you to eat it," Gu Qingqing saw the grievance on her face and said distressedly, "If you eat too much sugar, your teeth will get worms, and you don't like to brush your teeth. If you brush your teeth every day, mother will definitely not say anything to you."

"Bao Er brushes his teeth" Jiao Jiao did not hesitate, his big eyes blinked "twice"

"Okay, you said so. Twice a day. If I don't see you brushing your teeth tomorrow morning, you won't be able to eat candy so often in the future."

"Okay," she responded quickly.

Gu Qingqing couldn't do anything with her, she was too good at acting like a spoiled child. When you wanted to be mean to her, she would admit her mistake first. If you didn't give her food, she would pester you and make trouble.

Will use all means to achieve the goal, even if it is sometimes circuitous.

I don’t know who I learned this from.

After eating the candy, Jiaojiao obediently went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. The man had already finished taking a shower. Gu Qingqing thought about taking a shower tomorrow, so she changed into pajamas and lay down on the bed.

The man walked to the window and opened it slightly to let in some cool breeze.

The cold wind outside was blowing wildly, whistling past.

The room was warm.

The bed sank, and Gu Qingqing turned on her side to coax her daughter to sleep. Little Xingxing had fallen asleep long ago and went to bed on time at nine o'clock every day.

The man hugged her waist from behind, rested his chin on the top of her head, and rubbed the ends of her hair.

"Thank you for your hard work." I accompanied him from south to north, running around everywhere.

Gu Qingqing tilted her head slightly, and her forehead hit his chin. Looking at the man's strong jawline, she suddenly smiled.

Jiaojiao had fallen asleep, so she simply turned over and nestled in the man's arms, facing him.

She said in a normal tone, "We are where you are. I don't find it hard."

Her hand slid along the hem of his clothes, touched the painful scar on his waist, and slid down without making a sound.

"I" Chu Dai was about to say something, but suddenly froze.

The woman looked up and asked innocently, "What's wrong with you?"

"No." The man lowered his eyes and looked at her, his Adam's apple rolling up and down, his eyes dark and unclear.

After a while, he chuckled and said, "It's fine."

The author would like to thank the little angels who voted for me or irrigated nutrient solution during 2022041023:44:052022041123:26:05

Thanks to the little angel Nanbei An for casting the mine;

Thanks to the little angel Yiyea Qiuyu for irrigating the nutrient solution, 157 bottles; Nanbei Anian, 30 bottles; Mihu Xiaoxianyu, 23 bottles; Zhian, 22 bottles; Xiaoxiao, 14 bottles; Xuanxuan, 10 bottles; 27911388, Sister loves to eat snail rice noodle, 1 bottle;

Thank you very much for your support. I will continue to work hard.

Ahhh, thank you for the mines in Nanbeitou, thank you little cutie

There is also a boss who voted in my column, but I can't see the nickname. Thank you, little angel. Love you guys.

Thank you Qiuyu, Nanbei, Xiaoxianyu, An'an, Xiaoxiao, Xuanxuan, 388, and the snail noodle sister for feeding the nutrient solution. Thank you bosses hehe

I wish all the bosses a happy life and everything goes well.

I'm going to write about Xiao Xiao and the eldest brother in a separate chapter. Xiao Xiao is a very brave girl, and the eldest brother is too indifferent. He needs some normal emotions. I want to polish him off a little bit, haha.

Qingcheng actually guessed some of it, just like Yangyang, it’s too easy to spoil the plot orz

Moonstone is used to change the cover image link.

Today's update is over, bosses, go to bed early.

Good night.

Thanks to Duoduo for catching the bug, it has been fixed.

Love you bobo

I saw Miaomiao’s long comment. Wait a moment, I will explain it slowly.

First of all, thank you very much Miaomiao for your love. I am really, really grateful to the little angels who have been with me until now.

Maybe because it was not explained in the previous text, Chu Daili's contributions are no less than Goudan's. The wounds all over his body are proof of that. He has fought in too many battles. He is a very arrogant man. He joined the army in the Southern Military Region and later took Bai Yan to the Construction Corps in the border town.

Maybe it was to prove to Commander Chu that he was not bad, he fought without regard for his life, and his promotion was indeed not based on connections. As the regiment commander, Guan Xun often scolded him, but as an elder, he felt sorry for him.

I should have written about Baisha Island in detail, but the progress was too fast at that time. Looking back now, there are many things that I left out.

Important military facilities such as hidden caves for anti-atomic speedboats, missile storage depots, missile loading and unloading depots, and communications depots were all built by Chu Dai and his men. This is a very important coastal defense project. The military base is like a ferocious beast lurking on an isolated island, directly strangling the throat of neighboring countries and making them dare not invade.

If Chu Dai stayed on the island, he would be the head of the garrison, and if he stayed longer, he would become the commander of the garrison. But he chose another path, preferring to be a deputy head of the headquarters. Although this path is more difficult, it can take you further.

My ultimate position for him is Secretary of Defense, but that will take years of hard work.

In fact, I also feel that their story seems to have just begun. I am also a little dazed. I didn’t grasp the rhythm of this book well. I am very sorry about this. This article has many shortcomings. I really appreciate everyone reading it.

Gousheng is really amazing, even I am surprised. He does not have the same background as Chu Dai. No matter what Chu Dai is like, the uncles and aunts he has come into contact with since childhood are all very powerful people, so he has a long-term vision.

Gu Canyang relies entirely on himself. He has a very stable mentality. He is very, very, very outstanding. He is the kind of person who can remain calm and composed and plan strategies. The only miscalculation may be that Goudan married Qingqing before him, haha.

Goudan is also very capable. His strength is his perseverance. He never shrinks from fear or retreats when faced with difficulties. The people in the Gu family are simple-minded and a bit silly.

Most of the characters that appear have a role to play. Xue Xu and Chu Zhao are not bad, especially Xue Xu, who is very ambitious and does not bother to rely on his father's connections.

But I probably won’t write it.

Tuan Tuan Niannian and Xiao Xingxing Jiaojiao will be great when they grow up, because they have been carefully taught by their two grandpas and uncles since they were young, so they have a solid foundation.

However, for some reasons, the extra chapter will only briefly mention the children's stories and write something warm.

In fact, I have seen some comments saying that the heroine has no aura, is too ordinary, and has no role. Qingqing is indeed quite ordinary, haha, not as pretty as her brother, nor as powerful as her brother. She is just a girl who is spoiled by the whole family, very kind and pure.

But Qingqing is like a bond. Without her, Chu Dai would not make many choices, Qin Zhou would not have much interaction with them, and Chu Yuan would not feel the warmth of home. He loves to go to Gu's house for the New Year, haha, he likes that relaxed and warm atmosphere.

Qingqing is the central figure. Without her, they would all be scattered. It is because of her that these people are connected together, like a big net, closely connected.

Asui is also very capable. He has a photographic memory and is being trained by Mr. Qin as his successor. Because of his childhood experiences, he is more tenacious and ferocious than others. Sometimes I feel that he is a bamboo in the wilderness, but in fact he is just a weed. No matter what desperate situation he is thrown into, he can always come back to life in the spring breeze.

He is the kind of person who appears gentle on the outside, but is actually quite kind at heart.

Compared with someone like Old Qin who is as gentle as jade from the inside out, he is still far behind.

I am actually more worried about Xinglan, his personality is most similar to Gousheng, too bland. And he will be doing scientific research in the future, so it will be difficult for him to find a wife, haha.

That's all. Thank you again Miaomiao for your long review. I'm really happy and love you.

Thank you also to all the little angels who accompanied me.

Qiu Xi is right. I have been a bit rushed recently because I promised my bosses that I would finish it as soon as possible. I wanted to finish it by the end of February. At that time, I was worried that everyone would get tired of reading it because my book is positioned as an ordinary daily text. It does look too bland, without any ups and downs, so it is easy to feel bored.

I forgot to answer Huo Huo's question. Because they do not belong to the same combat unit, the sentry will call Chu Dai, who is much higher in position than himself, "Chief". However, his and Gu Qinglie's levels are also high enough to be called this title.

Go to bed early.

Don't stay up late

I try to write spin-offs for things that are not included in the main text. The main reason is that my update speed is really slow. If I could update three chapters a day like before, the main text would have been finished long ago. I am too slow.

The main text should be finished in the next two days [I have said this many times and my face is red]

I am a bit slow in writing, so I really appreciate the tolerance of my bosses.

Finally, if the subject matter was not limiting, I really wanted to write Chu Yuan’s story. When he was young, he was truly full of vigor and ambition.

From courage to strategy, he is truly unmatched, and it will be difficult for Chu Dai to surpass his father.

Chapter 272: Prosperity 272 Previous Chapter Contents Next Chapter  The next morning, there was a hazy white fog outside the window, which was the cold air that had accumulated overnight.

Chu Dai and Gu Qinglie got up at five o'clock. Their biological clocks were very accurate.

Gu Qinglie went to the military academy canteen to get food, and Chu Dai heated the milk in a pot.

Old Qin made all the arrangements very well. The four kids all ordered fresh milk, which was no different from what they had in Nanyang.

Gu Qingqing slept until half past six, and her hand subconsciously reached to the side.

The man sitting on the bed leaning against the headboard laughed and said "wake up"

"Yeah." Gu Qingqing put her hand on his thigh and looked up at him. "Are you hungry? I'll go make some breakfast. I bought some flour yesterday and it's just right for kneading and making noodles."

She supported the man's legs with her hands and tried to get up.

"My second brother has gone to the cafeteria to get food, so you don't have to cook." Chu Dai held her waist and let her lean on him, his white fingertips entwined with her black hair. "The milk is warming in the pot, they can drink it when they wake up."

He turned off the fire when the water boiled, because the heat could not escape because of the lid on the pot.

"Where are godfather and Asui?" When Gu Qingqing heard that she didn't have to cook, she snuggled back into his arms to enjoy the warmth, yawning continuously.

"Godfather and Asui are eating in the cafeteria. Don't worry. They should be back for lunch at noon." Chu Dai leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Sleep a little longer. It's cold in the morning."

Gu Qingqing nodded dazedly, hugged his waist, buried her head in his neck, and soon fell asleep again.

Little Xingxing woke up earlier than his sister. As soon as he opened his eyes, he met his father's dark eyes. The two looked at each other for a moment, and then he got up and put on his clothes.

No communication throughout the process.

Chu Dai thought it was quite interesting. There were four kids in the family. Dabao and Xiaobao were talkative, not to mention Jiaojiao, who was sometimes a little scoundrel.

Only the third child speaks very few words a day and is not very keen on cakes and snacks. He will take them if you give them to him, but will not make a fuss if you don’t.

Chu Dai and Gu Qingqing seldom acted like parents in front of the four kids. Most of the time, they did not treat them as children. When ordering food in a state-owned restaurant, they would let them order what they liked. When Gu Qingqing bought groceries, she would always ask the kids what they wanted to eat.

There is rarely any parental discretion in their family. Even though Gu Qingqing was worried that the little ones would hurt their teeth if they ate too much candy, she didn't really take away all the sweets.

I just turned a blind eye to the way they tricked my grandpa and uncle into buying snacks.

Chu Dai didn't have any requirements for his children. It didn't mean that the children of the Chu family had to follow in their parents' footsteps. They could do whatever they wanted.

"Daddy." Little Xingxing took the sweater and coat from the bedside, put it on and said to him, "Grandma."

He waved to his youngest son, who was standing on the quilt at the end of the bed, "Come here."

Little Star walked towards him slowly.

He also did not forget to avoid his mother's legs under the quilt.

Chu Dai put his left foot on the floor, bent his right leg slightly and placed it on the edge of the bed, with his legs open.

Gu Qingqing hugged his waist and lay in his arms.

The man put his right arm around his wife's waist and extended his left hand towards his son.

Little Star held his big hand and sat on his left leg.

"Wait until mother and sister wake up, then we can eat together, okay?" he asked softly.

Little Xingxing glanced at her mother who was sleeping soundly on her father's right shoulder and nodded.

The father and son faced each other in silence.

Chu Dai discovered that this little guy looked really like Gousheng, with beautiful eyebrows and eyes.

Little Xingxing pursed her lips and calmly faced the amusement and scrutiny in her father's eyes.

After a while, the man asked him, "Is there anything I need?" He was going to the department store today, so he asked hello in advance to prevent the little guy from going there without saying a word.

Little Star thought for a moment and said, "Chirp, Luban Lock."

"Uncle promised to buy you a Luban lock." The man smiled and said, "Okay."

Silence again.

The room was very quiet, with only the sound of a woman's shallow breathing.

Little Xingxing sat on his father's lap, waiting for his mother and sister to wake up.

Chu Dai leaned his head against the headboard, chin slightly raised, and glanced at his calm little son from the corner of his eye.

He is not like his brothers. Once he sits in a certain place for a while, he would twist and turn as if there are nails under his buttocks and he can't stay still at all.

He suddenly became a little curious about what Gousheng looked like when he was a child.

There is no need to think about Gu Qinglie and his wife. The brother and sister are both noisy and naughty.

I haven't heard much about Gu Canyang's childhood from Goudan and Qingqing.

The coal stove in the room had been extinguished long ago. Seeing that his son was not wearing socks, he slightly lifted the quilt, tucked the little guy between him and Gu Qingqing, and let him sit by himself.

Gu Qingqing was awakened by the noise of the father and son. She rubbed her eyes and asked in a hoarse voice, "What time is it?"

"Five past seven." The man glanced at his watch and saw his little son staring at it, so he simply stretched out his wrist and casually placed it on the little boy's leg.

"Solve it yourself."

The man's wrist bones were thin and white, the light blue veins on his arms were clearly visible, and a faint purple color could be seen.

Little Xingxing didn't hesitate and unfastened the silver clasp with her little hands, looking serious.

Gu Qingqing got up from the man's arms, stepped on the bed, walked past the legs of the father and son, found some thicker clothes from the luggage bag and went to the bathroom to change.

Chu Dai leaned lazily against the head of the bed, letting the little guy take off his watch without any intention of helping.

Although little Xingxing is not talkative, he is now at an age where he is curious about everything and explores it.

Snacks and candies are very tempting to Jiaojiao, and these little stars like Luban Lock watches very much.

Just like Tuantuan used to like listening to his uncle and Grandpa Qin talk about history and politics, Niannian liked to sneak into Grandpa's room where he played sand table simulations.

The things that the little guys are interested in occasionally overlap, but they are also very different.

"Click" the watch buckle was unfastened, making a crisp sound.

Gu Qingqing just pushed the door open and Jiaojiao was also awakened.

"Baby," she found her daughter's clothes from the luggage bag, lifted the quilt and pulled the little one out of the bed, "Get up and eat."

Jiaojiao was still not fully awake and tilted his head to look at his brother who was sitting on the bed playing with his watch.

Chu Dai propped up his head with one hand and lay on the bed, looking at him, "What time is it now?"

Little Star, who was studying his watch, said calmly, "Seven o'clock."

Chu Dai raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Ten points." The little guy hesitated for a moment.

He didn't know how to read a watch yet, and he knew it was seven o'clock because his father had just told him.

Chu Dai glanced at the dial and knew that the kid was just guessing. He said helplessly, "It's 7:12 now."

Surprisingly, the little guy guessed it right.

Gu Qingqing was dressing her daughter. She couldn't help laughing when she heard the conversation between the father and son. "Stop playing and go eat first. The list I made last night is on the bedside table. Take it."

"Okay." The man stood up and casually put the folded note on the bedside table into his pocket. He then bent down to find his son's little shoes and put them on him.

The family of four went downstairs reluctantly. Tuantuan and Niannian had already finished their breakfast and were watching TV. Gu Qinglie was holding a newspaper in his left hand and eating a cornmeal bun in his right hand.

"Are you up?" he asked casually. "You heated up the four cups of milk in the pot, right?"

"Yes." Chu Dai pulled out a chair, held his youngest son and sat down next to him, looking back at the kids lying on the sofa watching TV. "Tuan Tuan drank every year."

"Drink it," Gu Qinglie put the newspaper on the table, "They will go to school after the New Year, so they need to buy notebooks and pencils."

Goudan cares very much about his nephews.

After all, I watched him grow up, and we had a revolutionary friendship where we slept in the same bed and ate snacks in the bedroom together.

"Qingqing made a list, take a look." Chu Dai took out the note from his pocket and gave it to him, then took the warm milk next to him and stuffed the small enamel cup into his son's hand.

The little Xingxing sitting in his arms was really hungry. He stopped playing with his watch and drank slowly from the enamel cup with both hands.

Jiaojiao was placed on a chair by her mother. She was chewing a broken cornmeal bun in her hand. The way she ate was inexplicably similar to her uncle.

Today's breakfast in the military academy canteen is cornmeal buns, pickles, millet porridge and multi-grain pancakes.

Gu Qingqing took out a few bowls from the kitchen, scooped a bowl of millet porridge and handed it to the man, then put a spoon into the bowl.

Chu Dai scooped a spoonful and blew it to cool it down, "Drink some porridge, dear."

Little Star put down the half-drunk milk and opened his mouth obediently.

After he finished half a bowl, the man stuffed half a steamed bun into his mouth and said, "Go to your brother."

Little Xingxing finished the last half cup of milk, held the steamed bun in his left hand and his watch in his right hand, and slowly went to find his brothers.

Chu Dai snorted and looked away.

Gu Qingqing asked Goudan, "Have you drunk the porridge?" She pretended to serve him some.

"Drink, drink, don't worry about me." Gu Qinglie looked at her long list and asked sincerely, "Do we have enough industrial coupons? Is there still hope for my bicycle, girl?"

Gu Qingqing rolled her eyes and said, "It's within reach. It's just a sewing machine. What's the big deal?"

“Can you use it?”

"Don't I know how to learn?" she asked back.

"Okay." Gu Qinglie bit the steamed bun and said vaguely, "I'll get it back for you."

Gu Qingqing served herself a bowl of millet porridge and fed her daughter first before eating herself.

"That's more like it."

At eight o'clock, a family of seven went out in a mighty procession.

The weather is nice today, the sun is shining brightly, and it has dispelled some of the chill.

Tuantuan walks by himself every year without being held or carried, while Jiaojiao likes to run around and follows his brothers until he is sweating profusely.

Little Xingxing was lifted up by his uncle and sat on his thick shoulders. Gu Qinglie held his calves with both hands and told him, "Hold tight to your uncle's neck, don't let go."

He was afraid that the little guy would fall backwards, but he didn't want him to fall, as he held his legs firmly. He was just worried that he would fall backwards and injure his spine.

Children are vulnerable in every way.

This is a long alley with a lot of people on the street. What surprised Gu Qingqing was that there was a state-owned vegetable store.

In Nanyang, it is a collective market, not a state-owned one, but a collectively run one by the production team.

Gu Qinglie looked at the buildings on both sides and couldn't help smacking his lips. "This state-owned vegetable store is in a great location."

"It's good." Gu Qingqing followed the three running children with absent-minded eyes. "The location is very good. It's in the middle of the long street and not far from the military courtyard. There should be a lot of people coming here to buy vegetables."

There are a lot of people here now, some even come with basins to buy tofu.

As soon as Chu Dai heard it, he knew that the brother and sister were not saying the same thing, so he waited for what to say next.

As expected, Goudan grinned, "If the enemy sneaks in, give me a machine gun, and I lie on the roof of the state-owned vegetable store, I can quickly control the entire street without even needing reinforcements."

What a wonderful place.

Gu Qingqing ""

Seeing her speechless expression, Chu Dai couldn't help laughing out loud.

Chapter 273: Prosperity 273 Previous Chapter Contents Next Chapter  "What if the commanding heights are occupied by the enemy?" Chu Dai picked up his little daughter who was running towards him and asked Goudan calmly.

Gu Qinglie pondered for a moment, carefully looked at the nearby terrain, and then said, "I will ask the headquarters for instructions on the battle plan. So, if the favorable terrain is occupied by the enemy in advance, what will you do?"

He passed the problem to Chu Dai again.

"The command center will order you to adapt to the situation." Chu Dai pinched his daughter's face, which was slightly red because she ran too fast.

Gu Qinglie sighed, "Then I can only hide at night and wait for the opportunity to strike."

"Daddy Feifei" Jiaojiao was so jealous when he saw his brother sitting on his uncle's neck that he kept waving his little hands.

The man used a little force in his arms to lift her up to his neck, and said with a smile, "Hold on tight."

Gu Qingqing was protecting her daughter's back and asked her "How does it feel to sit so high?"

The little guy grabbed his father's ear and thought seriously, "Cold."

Gu Qingqing burst out laughing.

Chu Dai looked at her with an ambiguous expression, "Want to try it?"

The woman scolded him, "I'm not a child."

"You can be a child." Gu Qinglie said from the side, "With your small body, your brother can carry two at a time."

"Forget it," Gu Qingqing waved her hand, "I'm afraid you'll throw me down."

"That can't be done," he said seriously, "If my brother knew about this, he would definitely not let me off."

"He is in Nanyang and can't control you." Gu Qingqing said casually.

The department store was not far ahead, so they were in no hurry and walked around slowly.

There are state-owned vegetable stores, state-owned restaurants, state-owned shops, state-owned grain stores, and non-staple food stores here.

Everything you need.

"He will come during the Chinese New Year." Gu Qinglie calculated the date, "That's next month."

Gu Qingqing was really happy. "Then I'll prepare some New Year's goods in advance."

Laba Festival is just a few days away, and she is not worried about her father being alone in Nanyang. He has already said that he will go to Datunzi Village to celebrate the New Year this year.

In previous years, when the brigade cleaned the pond, slaughtered pigs, distributed the meat, and distributed grain at the end of the year, Chu Yuan liked to join in the fun and even help weigh the fish.

The villagers of Datunzi Village and Dagouzi Village were a little uncomfortable with him at the beginning. After all, he was a military district commander and was so down-to-earth that people were a little afraid to approach him.

After Chu Yuan went to Datunzi to celebrate the New Year for several years in a row, the villagers gradually became familiar with him, and some even took the initiative to invite him to pick mushrooms in the mountains. He also often went to the back mountain with barefoot doctor Hao Yizhen to dig Chinese herbal medicines.

"We need to prepare more." Chu Dai said leisurely beside him, "Especially cakes and snacks, since there are so many children at home."

Jiaojiao loosened the hand that was holding his father's ear a little, and smiled with his mouth wide open and eyes narrowed.

"Buy this before the Chinese New Year." Gu Qingqing couldn't miss the little action of the father and daughter. She deliberately said, "Cakes like this are not durable and go bad easily."

"How could that be? We finished it in just two days, so there's no chance it would go bad." Gu Qinglie was the first to refute.

He loved to eat canned fruit, lobster cakes, almond cakes and other pastries. The four little ones shared half of the biscuits in the tin cans at home, and he ate half by himself.

He was also the one who took the lead in hiding in the room to eat snacks.

Gu Qingqing snorted and laughed, saying "I won't buy it."

Gu Qinglie turned his head to look at Chu Dai, with a wronged look on his face, "Control your wife, she treats your brother harshly, did you see that?"

The man chuckled, "Don't talk to me in that tone. I'm a little scared."

Tuan Tuan was tired from running every year, so she would walk obediently in front of her father and uncle. She was not anxious but calm when she heard her mother's words.

With my grandfather here, I can eat whatever I want.

Arriving at the department store, they went to the stationery section first.

Tuantuan would start the first grade after the Chinese New Year every year, and Shen Sui would be in the second year of high school, so they would both prepare some thin notebooks and pencils.

Tuan Tuan chooses the pen by himself every year. Seeing his eldest son standing on tiptoe to reach for the fountain pen, Chu Dai grabbed his youngest daughter's leg on his shoulder with one hand and lifted the little guy with his right hand. "The writing on the fountain pen cannot be erased. Are you sure you want to buy it?"

"Yes" he said without hesitation.

"Okay," he said, seeing Nian Nian looking up at his leg, "give your brother one too."

"Okay." Tuantuan took two Hero brand pens and bought some ink.

Gu Qingqing was picking out thin books for them. Some were poorly printed, with ink spots on the paper, and the kraft paper on the cover was stuck to the first page.

"I want this mother" Niannian shook her arms and acted coquettishly.

He likes to slowly tear apart the kraft paper and the papers that are stuck together, which gives him a great sense of accomplishment.

She was about to get another thin notebook, but when she heard her son's words, she stopped and gave him the notebook.

She picked out a few more notebooks, bought some erasers and pencils, and took her daughter off the man. "Let's go see if there are any nice flowered jackets and buy one for our Jiaojiao, okay?"

"good"

The mother and daughter went to the clothing area again. Chu Dai picked up two bottles of ink and said to the kids, "Go find your uncle and brother. We're going to look at the bicycles."

"Uncle and Little Star went to the toy area." Tuantuan said sharply.

Chu Dai rubbed his hair and said, "Then why are you still standing there, Comrade Chu Jinghong, turn left and march in step."

Comrade Chu Jinghong ignored him, grabbed his brother's hand and ran away.

When they got to the department store, they were like having a blast, walking around everywhere, looking at everything, and asking the saleswoman if they didn't know what was what.

The salesperson had a sweet smile and was surprised to see two almost identical little ones, not to mention that the two children were fair and tender and especially cute. She also explained patiently.

Chu Dai found the uncle and nephew in the toy area, where there were different styles of Luban locks and nine-linked rings, rattles, and boxed sea, land, and air flying chess.

He took a box and asked Goudan, "Have you gone to look at bicycles after buying them?" He has to report to the School of Political Science tomorrow, so it would be faster to ride a bicycle.

"Let's go." Gu Qinglie put his nephew down from his shoulder and said, "Have you decided which one you want to buy, bastard?"

Little Star shook her head, "Both."

Every family here has Luban locks. My second grandfather is a carpenter. Knowing that he likes to play with wood, he made many different styles for him.

Already have a box.

He really had no interest in what was happening.

"Okay then," Gu Qinglie took a quick look and picked up a nine-link chain. "How about we buy one like this?"

"Yes." The little guy's baby voice softened his emotionless face.

"Oh, that's troublesome." Gu Qinglie couldn't help scratching his head. "How about this, uncle will buy you a bicycle and take you around. We won't look at this anymore."

Little Star thought about it and nodded.

Gu Qinglie then picked up the little guy again and followed Chu Dai to the second floor where the three major items were sold.

Gu Qingqing picked out cotton jackets for the four little ones, and also bought one for Shen Sui according to his size.

He grows fast, and the arms of the jacket I prepared for him last year are too short, with some of it sticking out, which looks cold.

After choosing her clothes and paying the money, she went to look for the men.

Chu Dai was very efficient in shopping. He pushed the bicycle and tried it out to make sure it was OK. "This is the one I'll take."

Gu Qinglie sat on it and tried it out. His height was suitable for a 28-inch bicycle. "The industrial coupons should be enough."

"Enough." Chu Dai said casually, "I haven't bought any big items in the past two years. Qingqing wants to buy a sewing machine, right? Go and have a look."

Tuan Tuan stood next to the bicycle every year, pedaled the pedals, and watched the wheels turn, unable to help but smiling.

The two brothers were whispering to each other, and no one knew what they were talking about.

In the end, he bought two Fei Ge brand bicycles and a Bee sewing machine, and spent all the industrial coupons he had accumulated over the years.

Gu Qingqing bought two boxes of clam oil and cooling oil, and went to buy some cloth, excitedly planning to make pajamas for the men. "I bought pure cotton material, which is very comfortable to wear. I'll make one for each person first." She had never made clothes before, so she thought it would be fine as long as they were wearable.

Gu Qinglie thought for a moment and said, "Why don't I just wear the old ones. They'll be more comfortable when I'm used to them."

Chu Dai followed up and said slowly, "I'm wearing old ones too. Frugality is a good quality for a soldier. You can make two more for Gousheng."

"Okay then." Gu Qingqing didn't think much about it, "Let's go back."

It's past ten o'clock now, and I have to go to the state-owned vegetable store to buy some vegetables. Godfather and Asui will be home for lunch.

The men had no objection.

They pushed their bicycles, and the things they bought were either hung on the handlebars or placed in the basket in the front. Tuantuan and Niannian insisted on sitting on the back seat, but Xiaoxingxing and Jiaojiao did not make a fuss and instead looked at the various shops on the street with curiosity.

The sewing machine was delivered to the entrance of the military academy by the department store, and they could just move it themselves when the time came.

When they arrived at the state-owned vegetable store, Gu Qingqing saw that the tofu was very fresh and had a strong soybean flavor. She smiled and asked, "Comrade, how much is the tofu?"

"Five cents a pound. Do you have a ticket? Comrade, why don't you bring a basin with you?" the salesperson asked puzzledly.

It won’t be easy to take it back later.

"Wait a moment," Gu Qingqing took out a floral cloth bag and opened it to reveal a roll of banknotes. She searched for a long time but couldn't find the bean product ticket. She said embarrassedly, "I forgot to bring it. I'll come back later."

"Okay." The salesperson glanced at the money in her hand and knew that she was not making excuses, so he kindly reminded her, "Remember to bring an enamel bowl."

"Okay." She bought some eggplants and potatoes. There was still meat at home, so some green onions would be enough.

There are not many green vegetables in the capital at this season, and cabbage is more common.

She bought two large cabbages. She had pork at home but no vermicelli, so she thought of kneading some bread into a pork and cabbage dumpling.

When I first arrived, I found that this place is not as convenient as Nanyang. There are not many kinds of vegetables available for purchase, most of which are long-lasting food such as radishes, cabbages and potatoes. Don't even think about seafood.

No.

Gu Qingqing sighed inwardly, thinking that it might be difficult to prepare food.

Laba Festival soon arrived, and Gu Qingqing got up early in the morning to cook Laba porridge. At the same time, she received good news.

"Zhao Ze and Xu Nian have come to the capital." The man leaned against the door frame and said with a smile.

This is the message I received yesterday. I will be able to pick someone up at the train station this afternoon.

Gu Qingqing was stunned for a long time, then suddenly threw herself into the man's arms, unable to hide the happiness on her face. "Really?"

The man leaned his back against the door frame, his expression unchanged. He lowered his head and rubbed her nose, chuckling, "Really."

Chapter 274: Prosperity 274 Previous Chapter Contents Next Chapter  After lunch, Gu Qinglie and Shen Sui took the kids to take a nap at home, while Gu Qingqing followed Chu Dai to the train station to pick someone up.

The Academy of Military Science was not far from the train station, so Chu Dai took her there on his bicycle. There were many people coming and going at the Capital Railway Station, and many of them were wearing green military uniforms.

After parking the bicycle, the man took her inside.

People were coming and going, Gu Qingqing was looking forward to it, "What time is the train? Which train hasn't arrived yet?"

She asked three questions in a row, she was really anxious.

She and Xu Nian haven't seen each other for more than three years. She had promised Sister Anian that she would go back to see her after leaving the island, but later she became pregnant again and kept delaying the visit.

Fortunately, they had never stopped exchanging letters, and she also understood Xu Nian's current situation.

"It's still early." The man checked his watch. It was just past one o'clock. "It's the train from Nanyang to the capital. The normal arrival time is 2:30. It will usually be one or two hours late."

In special circumstances, four or five hours is not uncommon.

Gu Qingqing muttered, "I don't know if they had dinner on the train. Why don't we go to the state-owned store and buy some cakes for Xiaoyuer. I don't know how tall he has grown."

Over the years, she has been bringing things to Xu Nian via supply ships, including homemade dried vegetables, vermicelli, pickled radish and other things. She even made some extra for her to bring to Xiao Huanniang.

A copy of the photos taken of the kids was also sent to her.

Xu Nian would go fishing on the island, and the dried goods she dried would be brought to her by the supply ship. Xiao Huanniang even sewed her own children's clothes that were too small for her.

Although I left Baisha Island, I have never severed the friendship with the sisters-in-law I know well.

"I'll go buy it. You find a place to sit." The man looked around and pulled her to the waiting room. "Wait for me here."

"Okay." Gu Qingqing took out a handful of banknotes from her pocket and gave them to him. "You can buy it yourself."

No matter whether it is Chu Dai or Gu Qinglie, no matter how much money you give him to buy something, he will not keep a single cent for himself except for the purchase money and will take it all back.

She hardly touched Gu Qinglie's money, just waiting for him to get married and hand over the financial power to his gentle and lovely wife.

"I know." The man nodded slightly, took the money, and put it in his pocket. His fingertips touched the candy, took out two, and put them in her hand.

He strode forward for a distance, then looked back at her. Seeing that she was still there, he smiled and continued walking forward.

Gu Qingqing held two White Rabbit candies in her hands, smiled, and found an empty seat to sit down.

She moved her nose and smelled the aroma of crispy pancakes. She turned her head and found that there were people selling sesame cakes in the waiting hall. The pancakes baked in the charcoal stove were particularly fragrant.

It smells tempting.

She was a little annoyed. If she had known that there was food to buy in the waiting room, she would not have let the man go to the state-owned store.

This cake smells really good and should be better than the ones sold in state-owned stores.

And it’s still hot. Sister Anian and the others can eat it as soon as they get off the train. In this weather, having something hot warms the heart and stomach.

Many passengers came forward to ask the price. Gu Qingqing didn't hear clearly, but she saw the salesperson take out two large sesame cakes, wrap them in light yellow oil paper, and hand them to the passengers who were buying things.

Looks pretty affordable.

She had just finished her meal and wasn't very hungry, otherwise she would definitely go upstairs and buy two to try.

Chu Dai came back soon, holding two oil-paper buns tied with thin ropes in her hand. The man straddled his long legs and sat next to her.

"Are you hungry? Do you want to eat something?"

"I'm not hungry." Gu Qingqing raised her chin slightly and motioned him to look ahead. "Why didn't you know there were food for sale in the waiting hall before, brother?"

"We really don't have this in Nanyang. It seems that each train section of the Ministry of Railways makes it themselves." Chu Dai casually put the pastries and buns aside, leaned back, and wanted to rest for a while.

Gu Qingqing nodded, indicating that she understood.

At half past two, the train to Nanyang had not arrived yet. Gu Qingqing stared at her watch again and again and went to the platform to wait.

It was not until 3:25 that the green train slowly approached. Gu Qingqing ran after the train for some distance before it slowly braked.

"Clang, chi, chi"

After a while, people started getting off the bus one after another, carrying large and small bags.

Gu Qingqing kept her eyes on the crowd, afraid of missing any familiar faces.

"Old Chu Qingqing's sister," Zhao Ze held Xiao Yu'er in one hand, carrying the luggage bag in his left hand, and called out again, "Here it is."

He had a big smile on his face, and didn't look tired from the long train ride.

"Qingqing." Xu Nian had squeezed out of the crowd and ran to Gu Qingqing's side. He stood in front of her, looked at her for a while, sniffed, and wanted to say something but the words got stuck in his throat.

The last sentence is "You are still the same, you haven't changed much."

She was still the girl with bright eyes and white teeth in her memory.

Gu Qingqing's eyes turned red, and she couldn't hold back the tears. She smiled and said, "You're still the same, but your hair is a little longer."

The two women smiled at each other and reached out to hug each other.

Chu Dai took the luggage bag from Zhao Ze, raised his eyebrows and asked, "You only have so little stuff?"

"We can buy it when we get here." Zhao Ze weighed his son who was sleeping on his shoulder. "The weather in the capital is a bit like that in the border town."

Chu Dai smiled and nodded, "You haven't been back for a long time."

"Yes, there is no chance." Zhao Ze said frankly, "I received the notice to leave the island last month, and it took more than half a month to go through the review procedures."

He hasn't left the island in the past few years because the procedures are too complicated.

There is inspection required for leaving the island and for leaving the island. Baisha Island is a military stronghold, so the inspection is quite strict.

Over the years, he often received photos sent by Chu Dai, but he never sent him any photos in return because photography was not allowed on the island.

"Let's talk about it when we get back," Chu Dai led him to the exit. "Did you eat on the train? Qingqing prepared some pastries for you."

Xu Nian followed the men holding Gu Qingqing's hand. She couldn't help feeling sad when she heard his words. "You guys are really thoughtful. The lunch boxes on the train are quite expensive. We bought one for Xiao Yuer. He ate a little and fell asleep. We ate the rest. We're not that hungry now."

"As it should be." Gu Qingqing looked at the little fellow lying on Zhao Ze's shoulder curiously, "Xiao Yu'er looks stronger than Tuan Tuan Nian Nian."

"Yes, they are having fun on the island. Zhang Ta took them to climb trees, rob bird nests, and catch fish on the beach. They did everything." Zhao Ze patted his son's butt. "Wake up, fish, and see where you are."

Zhao Yu rubbed his eyes and woke up in a daze. He looked up at his parents, then glanced at the people coming and going in the train station, and finally his eyes fell on the couple who looked both familiar and unfamiliar.

When Gu Qingqing was about to speak, he first said uncertainly, "Uncle Chu, Aunt Chu"

"Ah ah." Gu Qingqing was stunned for a moment and subconsciously glanced at the man next to her.

Chu Dai smiled and nodded, "Has your father shown you our photos?"

The little boy yawned and nodded languidly.

When he was one year old, Gu Qingqing and the others were still on the island, but he was too young at that time and could not remember anything.

In recent years, whenever they sent photos to the island, their parents would always look at them again and again, and would tell him

"The handsome one is Uncle Chu, the one with big eyes and curved eyebrows like willow leaves. This is your Aunt Chu, who held you in her arms when you were a child."

"These two kids who look exactly the same are your younger brothers, who were born a few months later than you. The other two are Xiao Xingxing and Jiaojiao."

Because his mother often mentioned them, when he saw Gu Qingqing and the others, the corresponding photos automatically popped up in his mind and he recognized them quickly.

"I've slept for so long, I don't want to sleep anymore." Zhao Ze put him down and said, "Walk by yourself and wake up."

Xiao Yuer didn't make a fuss and got down from his father's arms obediently.

Chu Dai put the pastries in the basket and the luggage bag on the back seat, and pushed the bicycle while chatting.

"Let's go to our place and rest for a while, and spend Laba Festival together." Gu Qingqing hugged Xu Nian's arm, reluctant to let go. "The military hospital is a bit far, let Chu Dai and my brother take you back after dinner."

Xu Nian did not refuse, and Zhao Ze readily agreed.

They returned to the Academy of Military Science together. Although Gu Qingqing had a pass, they still needed to register for visits from strangers.

Zhao Ze had an officer's certificate, so the process went smoothly.

Zhao Ze walked with his son in the Military Academy, pushed up his glasses with his right hand, and said to Chu Dai, "I will be studying in the capital for two years and will be returning to the border town."

Chu Dai was slightly surprised, then nodded and said, "The military hospital in the border town is under construction. The border is peaceful now, there is no war, so it's good to go there."

With Zhao Ze's qualifications and having studied at the Capital Military Hospital, it would not be a problem for him to return to the Border Town Military Hospital and become the deputy director.

He also knew that as a military doctor, Zhao Ze just wanted to maximize his value.

But there is one thing he still wants to remind you of: "Lao Guan and Political Commissar Xu have switched positions and are no longer in the Construction Corps."

"I know." Zhao Ze nodded. "I received a telegram from the commander of the Guanguan Group on the island, telling the brothers to have a chance to go home and see him. He is leaving the Construction Corps."

Too bad I haven't had the chance to go back yet.

Chu Dai patted his shoulder to comfort him.

Xiao Yuer was originally listless, but when he arrived at the military family compound, he saw Tuantuan and Niannian and they quickly started playing together and running around the yard.

The weather is cold now, and running will keep you warm, so Gu Qingqing ignored them.

"There's some Laba porridge in the pot. I'll serve you some."

The little ones didn't have to worry about anything at all. They took the cakes from the basket and ate them happily with Xiao Yuer.

Xu Nian took the porcelain bowl she handed over, glanced at the laughing children not far away, and scooped up some Laba porridge to drink. "It's so lively, so nice."

Gu Qingqing nodded, "Yes, that's great."

February 6, 1978.

Lunar New Year's eve.

Two weeks ago, Gu Canyang received an order from his superiors to go to the Capital Air Force Command College for further studies.

He took a train from Nanyang on February 4th and arrived in the capital on the afternoon of the 6th. Chu Dai went to pick him up.

Gu Qingqing was frying meatballs at home. She had also learned some of her third uncle's skills, which were enough for her.

Xu Nian was there to help her taste it.

"How is it?" she asked with a smile.

"It's done." It was a little hot, and Xu Nian couldn't help but stick out his tongue. He turned around and saw a few little guys lying on the kitchen door frame.

She was a little amused. "Pretend to be cold first. The children are waiting anxiously."

It smells so good that anyone would be confused.

"Okay, Sister Anian, help me take down the enamel plate."

"good."

Not long after, Chu Dai picked up the person and today's train was rarely delayed.

To Gu Qingqing's surprise, Xiao Xiao also came.

She glanced at the girl who was talking to Chu Dai, poured a cup of hot water for Gu Canyang, and asked in a low voice, "Brother, what are you doing?"

"On the way." Gu Canyang said in a light tone.

Gu Qingqing wanted to guess her brother's thoughts from his expression and tone, but she had no idea where to start.

This was the first time Xu Nian met her elder brother and she didn't speak for a long time.

It turns out that he is the big brother that Qingqing often talks about.

He was hard to ignore just by standing there and not saying anything.

Old Qin was writing Spring Festival couplets with Shen Sui upstairs, Gu Qinglie and Zhao Ze were playing chess, the little ones were sitting on the sofa watching TV, and on the coffee table there were freshly fried meatballs and various cakes, candies, peanuts and melon seeds.

Gu Qingqing looked at the time, put aside her doubts, and continued to prepare dinner.

After Xiao Xiao finished talking to Chu Dai, she came in to greet Gu Qingqing. Xu Nian heard her son calling her outside and hurried out.

"Qingqing." Xiao Xiao leaned against the door frame, looking at her slender back, and suddenly said, "Your brother is really hard to pursue."

Gu Qingqing put down the kitchen knife and poked a meatball for her with chopsticks. "You didn't just find out. Why did you come to the capital this time?"

"I applied to the Army Field Academy." Xiao Xiao took the chopsticks, took a bite of the meatball, chewed it twice and swallowed it, and said vaguely, "If your brother wants to leave, I will definitely follow him."

"I thought you..." Gu Qingqing shook her head and didn't finish her words.

"I thought I would give up when I heard that he was coming to the capital." Xiao Xiao's eyes were filled with heroic spirit. "Snipers never give up their targets easily."

Gu Qingqing was speechless. After a while, she said seriously, "What if my brother never responds? You will suffer if you just waste your time like this."

Xiao Xiao waved her chopsticks nonchalantly, "Except for Gu Canyang, I have never been attracted to anyone. It would be fine if I hadn't met him, but you know your brother. Once you meet him, you will never look down on anyone else."

"I accept the fact that he's to blame. Losing is no big deal." She looked calm, which made Gu Qingqing at a loss for words.

In my heart, I couldn't help but admire her courage.

Gu Canyang, who had finished drinking water and was putting down the cup, stopped behind her without her noticing.

After a while, the man turned around and went to the second floor to rest.

At seven o'clock in the evening, it's time to have dinner.

"This is too rich." Gu Qinglie rubbed his hands and served a bowl of rice to Qin Lao first. "Godfather, have you prepared the New Year's money?"

There are a lot of people today. There are already about ten people from their family. Xu Nian's family of three are also there, and there is also Xiao Xiao who is eating for free.

Although it was my first New Year’s Eve in the capital, it was so lively.

"Don't worry, we have them all." Old Qin said with a gentle smile.

"First think about whether you have prepared the red seal," Gu Qingqing served a bowl of bone soup to her godfather, "your nephews and nieces are waiting."

"That definitely can't be less." Gu Qinglie grinned.

After Old Qin started eating, Xiao Xiao also started eating. She sat next to Xu Nian and opposite her was Gu Canyang.

She originally wanted to pick up the big bone, but when she saw Gu Canyang drinking the soup slowly, she let go of her chopsticks.

Goudan just happened to take advantage of this opportunity.

"Thank you, Comrade Xiao Xiao." He showed his two little fangs.

Xiao Xiao snorted and laughed, "You're welcome." You'd better be more careful about your eating manners.

Zhao Ze was chatting with Chu Dai about what happened on the island in the past two years. The man listened quietly, occasionally interrupting and asking about Jiang Sheng and the others' recent situation.

The children were watching TV and eating at the coffee table. The adults were having fun here, and they were also having fun.

Xu Nian told Gu Qingqing, "This year is the most lively New Year I have had in recent years." She was filled with emotion.

In the past few years on the island, although there are a few sisters-in-law who often visit, it is not as lively as when Qingqing was here.

When she was on the island, the dozen or so soldiers from the Construction Corps would often have dinner together. There was laughter and joy during every festival, and they felt relaxed.

Gu Qingqing picked up a piece of braised pork and gave it to her. "Life is getting better and better now. Let's celebrate the New Year together in the future."

"Okay," Xu Nian also smiled, "We'll celebrate the New Year together in the future."

"Come on, let's have a drink." Gu Qinglie rarely drinks, so he raised his glass first and said, "I wish we can have this day every year. Every year we have this day."

"Cheers." Chu Dai agreed with a smile and clinked glasses with him.

Xiao Xiao also poured herself a glass of wine and said to Old Qin, "Uncle Qin, I toast to you. Don't forget my New Year's money."

"Okay." Old Qin laughed softly and drank the glass.

Gu Canyang didn't drink, he just watched them drink. Gu Qingqing poured him a glass of Shanhaiguan soda and said, "Brother, drink this."

A smile flashed in Gu Canyang's eyes. He placed his slender fingers on the wall of the cup and nodded slightly.

When his eyes fell on the blushing girl opposite him, they paused for a moment and then turned away.

The living room was bustling with laughter. Gu Qingqing took a sip from the man's wine glass, then her facial features twisted into a knot and she pushed the glass away.

Chu Dai turned his head to look at her, with a doting smile in his eyes.

Then he picked up the wine glass and took a sip slowly.

I am very happy to be with you, and to have this day every year.

The main text ends.

Chapter 275: Prosperity - Extra (I) Previous Chapter Contents Next Chapter  After staying in the capital for half a year, Gu Qingqing gradually got used to the climate here. Xu Nian lived a little far from her, so he would bring some things over from time to time.

Xiao Yuer likes to play with Tuantuan Nian Nian very much. He comes to stay overnight whenever he is free, and Xu Nian feels at ease.

There seems to be no progress with Gousheng and Xiaoxiao. One is in the Air Force Command College in the south of the city, and the other is in the Army Field College in the north of the city.

We don't meet often.

In early July, Tuan Tuan and Shen Sui were on summer vacation, and the military academy also had a half-month vacation. When the man came back, Gu Qingqing discussed with him, "Why don't you take the children back to Datunzi Village to play?"

I used to go back during the Chinese New Year, in the dead of winter, and it was extremely cold.

Tuantuan loves to play in the snow every year, but they have weak constitutions and catch colds easily.

Both brothers were born prematurely and got sick more often than Xiao Xingxing and Jiaojiao.

Chu Dai didn't hesitate and said, "Okay."

Mr. Qin had plenty of time, so when he heard their plan, he agreed immediately.

The next day, the family went to the Capital Station in a grand manner. Tuantuan and Niannian walked by themselves, Xiao Xingxing was held by Gu Canyang, and Jiaojiao sat on Gu Qinglie's shoulders.

Chu Dai and Shen Sui carried their luggage bags, went to the ticket office, bought tickets, and entered the station.

It takes one and a half days from the capital to Nanyang, and one day and one night to Yancheng, so you can leave the train station early the next morning.

Originally, Gu Qingqing wanted to ask Xiao Xiao and Xu Nian if they wanted to go over and play together. Xiao Xiao and Zhao Ze were both willing to go, so Xu Nian had no choice but to bring Xiao Yuer home to accompany him.

"I didn't make steamed buns because the weather is hot. If you get hungry later, you can buy some food on the train." Gu Qingqing said after finding a seat.

The men had no objections. Old Qin was a very easy-going person and he smiled and nodded in agreement.

Arriving at the train station early in the morning, Gu Qingqing felt a little sleepy. She leaned her head against the window and began to yawn. Chu Dai took Nian Nian over and let him sit on his lap. At the same time, he put his finger to his mouth and whispered, "Don't make noise. Let mother sleep for a while."

The little guy immediately became obedient.

The train rattled along, and at noon a conductor came over with a cart. “Stir-fried green peppers, shredded pork, and vegetarian potatoes. 30 cents a portion.”

Gu Qingqing immediately stood up and said, "Hello comrade, please bring me eight copies."

There were ten of them, and the adults each had one portion, Tuantuan each had one portion, and Niannian each had one portion. Xiao Xingxing and Jiaojiao couldn't eat much, so they just had to share some with her and Chu Dai.

"Okay, that's $2.40 in total. Just bring the lunch box to the dining cart later."

The flight attendant was quick and skillful and handed over the aluminum lunch box and chopsticks.

You don’t need food coupons to eat on the train, and the prices are not much different from those in restaurants, so it’s quite cost-effective.

Gu Qingqing opened the lunch box and reached out to Gu Canyang who was sitting opposite her, "Brother, give me Sanzi, I'll feed him."

Gu Canyang shook his head and said in a very calm voice, "No, I'll feed you."

I don’t know if it’s because they look alike and have similar personalities, but Xiao Xingxing likes to stick to his eldest uncle and always has an “up to you” attitude towards his father and second and third uncles.

Gu Qingqing found it very interesting.

She didn't fight with Gu Canyang for the food and sat down to eat again.

The little ones have grown up and are sensible now. They go to sleep well after dinner and don’t make any noise. But when they wake up, they can’t sit still and run around in the carriage.

Chu Dai grabbed his eldest son by the back of his collar and brought him back. “Why are you running? What if you bump into someone?”

"My butt hurts" Tuantuan pouted and said to him coquettishly, "Daddy will just be away for a while"

The man couldn't stand his clinging nature, so he put his son down and told him, "Don't run, don't go to the locomotive."

Shen Sui stood up after hearing this and said, "Brother-in-law, I'll watch him."

"OK."

After sitting on the train for a whole day and a night, Gu Qingqing felt her buttocks were numb and her waist was about to break, while the men, on the other hand, were in high spirits and nothing happened.

"Aren't you all tired?" she couldn't help but ask.

"This is just a short distance away. There's no wind or sun, and there's a place to sit and eat." Gu Qinglie crossed his legs, looking nonchalant. "There weren't such good conditions during the war."

The men all wore cotton and linen short-sleeved shirts made by Gu Qingqing. Some of the sleeves were asymmetrical, one long and one short, and some of the hems were crooked.

They don't care at all.

Gu Qinglie held Xiao Jiaojiao in his arms, hooked his fingers around her longevity locks and swung them slowly, "Hey, girl, you really know how to pick the right time to come back."

"Hmm" Gu Qingqing didn't know what he meant and looked at him with confusion.

Chu Dai used a kettle to get hot water, and when it cooled to a certain temperature, the couple began to make milk powder for Xiao Xingxing and Jiaojiao.

"When is the double harvest season now?" Gu Qinglie couldn't help but remind her, "It's just when they are short of manpower, and we caught up with them."

He doesn't care. He likes to do everything and can't sit still.

Gu Qingqing couldn't help but pat her head, muttering, "I haven't been back for too long, I forgot about it."

I didn't tell my family in advance that I was going back this time. If her father knew, he would be furious.

Happy

Bringing back so many laborers will help speed up the harvest.

"The train has arrived at Yancheng Station"

Gu Qingqing sighed and got out of the car with the children.

It was a coincidence today that people from the Wudi Production Team came in their tractors to buy farm tools and took them back with them.

"Qingqing, your father and mother are not at home. They are busy in the fields. There should be no one at your house now." The uncle who drove the tractor dropped them off at the entrance of the village and said with a bright smile, "Why don't we take you directly to the fields?"

Gu Qingqing was silent for a moment, then she said, "Uncle, let's put the luggage back first and go to the fields to help later."

"Okay, then I'll go back to the brigade headquarters first, and I'll bring the sickle over later." His smile deepened.

"Okay, you're busy."

"I'll go find my in-laws first." Old Qin saw the golden rice fields in the distance, and walked forward with his hands behind his back. "Don't worry about me."

Looking at his free and easy back, Gu Qingqing breathed a sigh of relief.

"Let's go back first and look for a straw hat. The sun is really too hot."

"Let's go." Gu Qinglie was in a good mood. He would rather work in the fields than sit on the train. It was nice to harvest rice.

The little ones had already run away with their grandfather, and Gu Qingqing was too lazy to care about them. The fields were full of people from Datunzi Village and Dagouzi Village, so nothing could happen.

When I returned to the Gu family's yard, the door opened as soon as I pushed it. The house was never locked, and there was indeed no one in the yard.

Chu Dai went to the second floor to put his luggage first. Gu Qingqing went to the kitchen, found the largest white porcelain teapot, picked up some tea leaves, picked up the kettle on the stove, and filled the teapot.

Gu Qinglie went to the utility room to look for a straw hat. His second uncle liked to weave futons and straw hats with straw, and there were a lot of them at home.

Gu Canyang picked up the white porcelain teapot on the stove and waited for them in the yard.

Gu Qingqing was holding an enamel cup in her hand. Gu Qinglie came out of the utility room and put a straw hat on her head.

"It fits quite well." It's just the right size and won't fall off.

She was originally under direct sunlight, but now there was a shadow in front of her eyes, which she thought was good.

"Let's go quickly. Dad will definitely know that we are back."

The uncle driving the tractor is probably waiting for them in the field now.

"Let's go." Gu Qinglie handed a straw hat to Gousheng, and put one on Shen Sui and Chu Dai who had just come downstairs. "Old Chu, you've never harvested rice before, have you?"

"Really not," Chu Dai raised his hand to adjust the brim of his hat and replied with a smile.

"Then you have to give it a try. You might have to come back often during the summer vacation." Gu Qinglie grinned.

"Stop talking and let's go. It will be time for lunch if you dawdle any longer." Gu Qingqing urged again.

"Let's go, let's go."

The houses in Datunzi Village are concentrated in one area, and the rice fields have been reorganized so that they look neat and tidy at a glance.

The rice fields are full of villagers bending over to harvest rice.

"Mother," Jiaojiao stumbled towards her, "Grandpa," she panted, her tender white little hand pointing in another direction.

Sure enough, Gu Jin stood up and waved to them, indicating that they should hurry over.

Gu Qingqing glanced at the man and said, "Your father-in-law is calling you."

Chu Dai smiled and said, "Are you calling me alone?"

"Call us." Gu Qinglie put his arm around his shoulders and said, "Look at Gousheng and Asui, learn from their ideological awareness."

Gu Canyang and Shen Sui had already gone to the fields. Gousheng bent over and rolled up his trouser legs, revealing a section of his white calves.

He went down to the mud field first.

Shen Sui followed closely behind, and the uncle who was driving the tractor handed them a sickle.

In the golden rice fields, some people are standing on threshers threshing rice, some are handing rice ears beside, and some are bending over and cutting rice.

It is now past ten o'clock and the sun is getting stronger and stronger. Gu Qingqing quickly joins them and goes back to prepare meals after harvesting the field.

Every year, Tuantuan would take his younger brothers and sisters to the rice fields to pick up scattered rice ears. Chu Dai and Gu Qinglie began to compete in the speed of harvesting rice.

"Let's go to the supply and marketing cooperative in front to buy some sugar popsicles to quench our thirst. I don't know if there are any watermelons at home." Gu Qinglie moved quickly and cut a large piece.

"There should be some. There's a bucket next to the water well, and there seem to be two watermelons soaking in it." He happened to take a look when he passed by.

"You have really sharp eyes." Gu Qinglie laughed heartily. He straightened up, rubbed his palms, and continued to cut rice.

"Not bad." The man said modestly.

"Qingqing, why didn't you say hello when you came back? It's the busy farming season now. Can Adai do this job?" Shi Rushuang asked her daughter beside her, a little worried.

Her brother-in-law was born in a large compound, his father was the commander of a military region, and he himself was also an officer. He probably had never worked in the fields in his life.

"Gousheng and Goudan can do it, so why can't he?" Gu Qingqing wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. It was too hot, so she took off her straw hat and fanned herself for a while. "Don't worry about him, he's happy."

"Adai is a good kid. When you two just got married, he followed your brother Axiong to the mountain to chop firewood. He came back with a large load of firewood to chop himself. During the New Year, before we got up yet, he had already boiled water for washing our faces in the kitchen." The more Shi Rushuang talked, the more satisfied she became with this son-in-law, and she liked her youngest son more and more.

This guy finally did something reliable.

Listening to A'niang's praise of the man, Gu Qingqing couldn't help but smile, "He is really good." He is very good to her and her family. He is never impatient with the children sticking to him, and he never vents his negative emotions outside on them.

"I'm just worried about your eldest brother and second brother's marriage," Shi Rushuang couldn't help but sigh, "They're not young anymore, and your sister has been married for four or five years and has four children, but they still haven't found a husband."

"Your eldest brother has his own ideas, and I can't control him. He's your second brother." Shi Rushuang was a little distressed. "He jumps up and down like a monkey all day long, not stable at all. Who would trust their daughter to him?"