Chapter 96
Wang Yan Sheng was on the road for five to six days. He had to go to Lieutenant General Jiang's house to get the identity certificate. It was already ten days later when he returned to the production team.
Lieutenant General Jiang's relative's child came to the municipal city to seek medical treatment before dying. Later, after being declared incurable, they were moved to Lieutenant General Jiang's house. In other words, he wasn't in the production team when he died, but in Lieutenant General Jiang's house.
In this way, the production team didn't know that the child had died of illness. When his parents went back, they told the production team that he had been brought to the army by Lieutenant General Jiang to live in the army. While Lieutenant General Jiang's neighbor thought that the child had long returned to the production team.
The two sides could deceive the sky and ocean.
The child who died of illness was the same age as Huo Chi. Once Huo Chi lived in the army for more than ten years, the production team couldn't recognize him even if he went to the production team. No one would ever find out about it.
Back to the production team. Because it was lunch time, not a figure could be seen along the way. That was until he walked past a century-old tree. A slender figure walked toward him.
Da Zhi was returning from the educated youth center. She didn't expect to see the person who once made her dream... Wang Yan Sheng.
Her heart was beating like a drum. It beat so fast. She lowered her head to straighten her clothes and hair. Then she walked toward the other party with a sweet smile.
She felt that this was the last chance God gave her. She must seize it no matter what!
Ever since she was 'forced' to marry Gou Sheng, she felt like she was in hell. Each day was worse than death. Gou Sheng was ugly and incompetent. How could deserve to marry a heavenly celestial like her?
She originally just wanted to be a fake couple with him. But that beast. She was ... by him the first day she moved in...
Thinking of what Gou Sheng forced her to do, her face flushed even more. Her chest heaved up and down violently.
It was a pity that Wang Yan Sheng's eyes never turned to her from the beginning to the end. His whole heart was thinking of seeing his fiancee.
"Colonel Wang..."
Seeing Wang Yan Sheng ignoring her and directly walking past, she felt aggrieved and embarrassed.
Hearing the words 'Colonel Wang' go longer than the mountain range, Wang Yan Sheng found it too greasy. He turned around and stated with a serious face, "What's the matter?"
Da Zhi bit her lower lip lightly and replied, "Colonel Wang, don't you remember me? I'm..."
"I'm asking you what's the matter?" Wang Yan Sheng didn't listen to her at all and coldly interrupted her.
Da Zhi's face flashed red and white.
She wanted to say that she had fancied him for a long time. She intended to present how knowledgeable she was. What's more, she was from the city. The most important thing was that she hadn't given birth to other men's children. She was a hundred times better than Qiao Hong Xia!
But before she could open her mouth, a rush of nausea rushed to her throat. She turned her head, and retched to the side.
Seeing her like this, Wang Yan Sheng was about to find someone over when he noticed an auntie walking over.
"Oh, isn't this Wang Family's old Third? Did you get a leave to come back?" The auntie's voice was as loud as a gong. Her pair of triangular eyes swept between the two of them.
Expressionless, Wang Yan Sheng spoke: "Auntie Huang, this... I don't know who this is. She suddenly vomited in front of me. If you know her, give her a hand."
When Da Zhi heard his words, she was so vexed that he vomited even more.
The auntie patted her thigh and yelled: "Gou Sheng's wife, it can't be that you're pregnant?"
In midst of vomiting, Da Zhi: "..."
What she hated most was that the people in the production team calling her Gou Sheng's wife. What kind of garbage name was this. She felt sick every time she heard it.
Wait. What did the auntie just say?
She was pregnant?
Can't be! Certainly can't!
But when she thought about this month's dozen-days late period, her face gradually paled. Her whole body was struck by lightning.
Seeing the auntie present, he left them be. He turned around and strode away.
One after another, the other production team saw Wang Yan Sheng coming back and came up to greet him.
Some people were very envious when they saw Wang Yan Sheng carrying large and small bags. However, at the sight of Wang Yan Sheng's serious face, no one dared to ask.
After Wang Yan Sheng left, everyone held their old porcelain bowls and chatted about it as they atte.
Someone said: "Although Wang Family were separated in the past, the two elderly were still living and they lived together. It's not a big difference whether the family was separated or not. Now, it's different. They will be four families in the future! "
"It is like this. Now the parents are gone, the siblings will become relatives no matter how close they are! To put it in a bad way, with old Fifth Wang, the other members of Wang Family should be relieved!"
"Ain't that right. He was just a piece of rat poo! I don't envy Wang Family though. I envy Hong Xia. Why didn't I see that she was so lucky before?"
"Hong Xia got a very good life. All these women in the surrounding areas can't compare to her! It's strange. I never considered Hong Xia to be good-looking before. Why is she getting prettier the older she get now?"
"Now that you said that, it's true! Not only her, but the rest of Qiao Family are all good-looking. Oh, this isn't right. It should be excluding Eldest Qiao's wife and her precious daughter!"
At the mention of Wan Chun Ju's ugly daughter, the topic instantly took a turn.
...
Wang Yan Sheng went home first. Then he went to the top of the mountain with his eldest brother to pay his respects to his dad.
After returning, he took out all the things he brought back. Some were given to his three brothers. The rest were taken to Qiao's house!
Watching him go to Qiao's house with so much stuff, Liu Cui Hua sighed, "In the heart of old Third, it seems there will be only Qiao Family in the future!"
Wang Shui Sheng glanced at her and scolded: "What are you talking about? The things belong to old Third. He can give them to whomever he wants. You must not talk nonsense in front of him or you can go back to your maternal home!"
Liu Cui Hua was angry and embarrassed: "I'm just casually commenting. I've been married to you for so many years, when did I talk nonsense?"
Wang Shui Sheng recalled that his wife had a good sense of proportion compared to those women in the production team and his tone softened: "I'm afraid that one day you accidentally leaked it out and other overheard it!"
The speaker thought of nothing, while the listener sensed something. If these words reach the ears of old Third, it will be bad.
Now that their parents were gone, the family had long split up. Everyone will have to live their own lives from now on. With old Third's personality, he might never look for them again in the future if they became greedy!
Liu Cui Hua understood her man's meaning and assured: "Don't worry. I will never say this again!"
Knowing that Wang Yan Sheng took so many things to Qiao's house, the other two sisters-in-law weren't very comfortable. Despite their displeasure, none dared to show it.
Wang Yan Sheng didn't know the thoughts of his family. Even if he did, he wouldn't care. Over the years, he had contributed enough to his family.
From next year, he will have his own small family. Everything in the future can only belong to his small family.
As for his brothers, if they know to be grateful, everyone can get along well. He will naturally help those if he can help. If not, then everyone will be just ordinary relatives.
When he arrived at Qiao's house, he found Qiao Family's children picking pears under the pear tree. Quite lively scene.
As soon as he walked in, Pi Pi immediately sensed him and barked at him twice. Probably remembering who he was, he soon stopped barking.
After these barks, Qiao Family naturally noticed him.
Da Qiao was the first to react and sweetly called out, "Future Uncle!"
Hearing this addressment, Wang Yan Sheng was very satisfied. In the near future, he would be able to remove the word 'future'.
He tried to make a friendly expression. But before he even opened his mouth, he heard a series of "Future Uncle" one after another.
The others were fine. However, little Yi Ming also called him "Future Uncle". It made him a little dumbfounded.
The sensible children couldn't help laughing when they heard it. The little ones didn't know what the elder brothers and elder sisters were laughing at. It didn't matter if they didn't know. They just laughed along!
So in an instant, Qiao's courtyard was filled with joy and laughter.
Wang Yan Sheng looked at the group of children in front of him and felt warm. He can't wait to join such a warm and harmonious family.
When Qiao Hong Xia heard the movement, she ran out and found Wang Yan Sheng standing like a mountain at the door. With a swoosh, her face flushed. "You're back."
As soon as Qiao Hong Xia came out, Wang Yan Sheng couldn't see anyone else anymore. His blazing eyes stared at her. He confirmed, "En, I'm back."
Qiao Hong Xia felt hot all over from his gaze. On top of that, the other children were looking at her. She became more and more at a loss: "You, I... I haven't finished washing the dishes yet. I'll go in first."
After speaking, she ran away.
Entering the stove room, she felt like there were a few naughty deer in her heart; making her flustered.
As she squatted down to wash the dishes, she recalled the way he looked at her just now. Her heart felt sweetened. She also felt very embarrassed. Her cheeks were like smeared with rouge.
Qiao Hong Xia was shy. So Lin Hui had to come out and help her entertain him.
Everyone in Qiao Family had a share of what Wang Yan Sheng brought. Even Qiao Zhen Jun and Qiao Zhen Min who were working outside.
Just based on this thoughtfulness, one can see how much he valued Qiao Hong Xia.
Lin Hui wasn't jealous at all. She was happy for her. But she missed her man more and more in her heart.
When Wang Yan Sheng came over, the main purpose was to say a few words to Qiao Hong Xia and look at her more. However, she only came out once and never came out again after that.
This made Wang Yan Sheng very disappointed. Even if she came out, they probably can't have a proper conversation with so many eyes from Qiao Family.
Sighing, he returned.
At night, he took advantage of the darkness to go to the pigsty again.
Although everyone's attitude toward Huo Family had changed now, they were still wicked ones. What's more, he wasn't in the production team all year round. It went without saying they didn't know each other. That's why people in the production team can't know they have interactions.
What's more, it was best that no one know what will happen next.
Seeing Wang Yan Sheng coming over, Huo Hua Qing was a little surprised. Soon, he calmed down: "Did Guo Hai send you here?"
Wang Yan Sheng nodded and told the other party what Lieutenant General Jiang had instructed to him bit by bit.
After finishing speaking: "I think this arrangement of Lieutenant General Jiang is the best for the child. But in the end you have to make your own decision. Elder Huo consider it. I will stay in the production team for a few days. Two days before I leave, I'll ask for your opinion again!"
After Huo Hua Qing heard it, an excited expression appeared on his face: "No need to consider. I'll agreed to it!"
Ever since he was cast down as a wicked ones, he wasn't reconciled to his grievances. He never did anything wrong to the people of the country in his life and ended up like this.
Son was dead. Grandson followed them to work on the farm like a sinner. He used to toss and turn for countless nights for the future of his grandson; fearing that his grandson would be trapped there for the rest of his life.
Now that there was such a good opportunity, what else was there to consider?
Although the child will change his name and surname because of this, it was nothing if he can live. In the end, it was just a way of addressing.
Besides, if he changed his name, he wasn't a descendant of Huo Family then?
Wang Yan Sheng could understand Elder Huo's excitement. He remained silent for a while before responding, "Elder Huo should discuss it with the child and the child's mother. It is best not to let him go to the army with a rebellious heart."
Huo Hua Qing pondered and replied, "Okay, you thought it through. Then we'll go with what you said. Come back in two days!"
Wang Yan Sheng nodded and handed over the supplements he brought.
He bought some of these things. Majority of them were instructed by Lieutenant General Jiang to bring over.
Huo Hua Qing persisted on declining. Wang Yan Sheng didn't give him this chance. He turned around and went back into the night.
Huo Hua Qing couldn't wait for tomorrow to tell his daughter-in-law and grandson and immediately woke them up.
After listening to her father-in-law's words, Dai Shu Fang was very excited: "Dad, what you said is true? Has everything been arranged by Lieutenant General Jiang? Will it be discovered?"
Though she was reluctant to have her son become someone else's child and go to the army, she could bear it when it was her son's future!
Only Huo Chi was the calmest. A little unusually calm.
Seeing her son like this, Dai Shu Fang felt like cold water poured on her face and instantly calmed down: "Chi'er, don't you want to go?"
Huo Chi thought for a while before honestly nodding: "I don't want to be someone else's son. Nor do I want to leave you either!"
Grandfather was getting older and older. He had accumulated a lot of injuries in those years on the farm. He was worried about being away for so long. If something happens to him one day, he will regret it for the rest of his life!
Likewise, he was worried about his mom.
Not everyone on the production team was a good guy. He had to stay and take care of them!
Huo Hua Qing spoke: "Good boy, we can't bear to part with you, but this is the only chance for you to leave the pigsty. Grandfather is old. The person I'm most worried about is you. If you are really filial, go!"
Grandson had been raised by his side since he was born. How could they not be reluctant to part?
If he had other ways, he won't let him leave and let him change to someone else's surname. He had no choice!
If he and his daughter-in-law both pass away in the future, what will happen to the child?
Qiao Family were all good people, but no matter how good they were, they will never let their granddaughter or daughter marry a wicked one and live in a pigsty for the rest of her lives!
He wasn't blaming Qiao Family. If he was in their place, he wasn't willing either. Measure other people's corn by one's own bushel. That's why, he was willing to send his grandson out and didn't want him to be ruined in this place for the rest of his life!
Dai Shu Fang added: "Chi-er, both Mom and Grandfather are reluctant to let you go, but only sending you away is the best arrangement for you. As for Mom and Grandfather, you don't have to worry. Now the production team treat us well. Isn't there Qiao Family? If something happens to us, they will definitely not let us die!"
Huo Chi lowered his head. The corners of his mouth pursed tightly and didn't speak.
Huo Hua Qing was so anxious at sight of his grandson's reaction.
Seeing that her father-in-law was about to scold, Dai Shu Fang hurriedly said, "Dad, why don't you go to rest first. I'll persuade Chi-er. Although this place is far away from other villagers, we might be heard if someone passes by."
Huo Hua Qing looked at his grandson who was still silent and sighed: "Okay, properly explain it to him. Don't scold him"
When Dai Shu Fang heard her father-in-law's response, she smiled and spoke, "I know. I will properly explain to him."
After Huo Hua Qing left, Dai Shu Fang pulled her son to her side and said softly, "Chi-er, Mom understand what your thought, but you really can't stay here. Let's not talk about the future and take now. You see Da Qiao go to school. While you can't go. She will go to junior high school and high school in the future. Can you still be friends by then?"
Huo Chi raised his head and agitatedly responded: "Of course. Da Qiao isn't that kind of petty person!"
Dai Shu Fang nodded: "Da Qiao is a good child. She's kind-hearted and sensible; naturally won't look down on you. But can you converse together? You don't understand what she understands. She will go to town and become an employee or teacher in the future. It may be difficult to come back to the production team in the future. And you. You can only stay in the pigsty for the rest of your life!"
Staying in the pigsty wasn't the worst. If Lieutenant General Jiang can't protect them in the future, they may be sent back to the farm. Their situation would be even worse!
Huo Chi went silent again.
Needless to say, he had already felt the distance between himself and Da Qiao.
Every time Da Qiao came back from school, she would tell him about what happened at the school. He felt envious and depressed.
What bothered him the most was that he had never been to school. He didn't even know how to imagine.
So every time she mentioned this topic, he didn't know how to respond.
Also when Shen Family came over, Shen Family was dressed so decently and drove a car. Every time they came, they brought a lot of things for Da Qiao; food and clothing. Without exception, everyone in the production team envied Da Qiao.
Their Huo family received so much help from Qiao Family, especially from Da Qiao. He kept all these in his heart.
It was just that this 'debt' was getting larger and larger. With his ability, he had no way to repay it!
This made him extremely depressed and inferior.
As his mother, Dai Shu Fang knew from her son's reaction that he had budged: "Chi-er, will you be obedient? Mom knows that you are reluctant. We can meet again in the future."
Huo Chi lowered his head and muffled out, "Can we really meet again?"
Dai Shu Fang nodded: "That colonel Wang who came just now is the future son-in-law of Qiao Family. Da Qiao's aunt will definitely come back in the future. You can just follow them back then."
This was half true.
It was probably plausible now. In the future, Qiao Hong Xia will follow him to the army. As Wang Yan Sheng's position rises, they may not be able to come back once a year.
But she can't say these words. Otherwise, with Huo Chi's temperament, he definitely doesn't want to go.
Huo Chi stood up and stated, "I'll think about it."
Dai Shu Fang breathed a sigh of relief when she heard her son's words. If he could consider it, it meant that he was willing in his heart. It was just that he couldn't get over his emotions.
This night, Huo Family had a sleepless night.
...
The next day, Huo Chi wanted to find Da Qiao, but Da Qiao had already gone to school. He had to wait for her to come back from school.
As soon as Da Qiao returned to the production team, she noticed Elder Brother Huo Chi wandering in the bushes from a distance.
She hurriedly let her cousins know before flying over.
Qiao Dong He had already gone to the town for study. She usually lived at the school. Only on weekends, Qiao Zhen Guo would ride the bicycle to pick her up from the town.
Now it was just Qiao Dong Ying, An Ping, and Da Qiao attending school in the community. The other children were too young to go to school.
"Elder Brother Huo Chi, are you waiting for me?" Da Qiao ran over and said softly.
Huo Chi let out an 'en' and nothing else. He turned around and headed towards West Wood.
Da Qiao was stumped.
What happened to Elder Brother Huo Chi?
He seem a low-spirited. Did something happen?
Thinking of this, she hurried to catch up.
On the way, Da Qiao asked a few times, but Huo Chi kept his mouth shut and didn't say anything. In the end, Da Qiao could do nothing.
After sneaking into West Wood, Da Qiao took out two white rabbit candies from her schoolbag, handed one to Huo Chi, and said, "Elder Brother Huo Chi, after eating candy you'll be happy."
Huo Chi looked at white rabbit candy in her palm and felt more and more depressed.
Most people can't eat one of white rabbit all year round, while Da Qiao can eat it often as well as give it to him.
His mom was right, if he continued to stay here, the distance between them would get bigger and bigger. Even if Da Qiao was willing to interact with him, he wouldn't have the face to appear in front of her.
He imagined about when he grow up; Da Qiao became a teacher and he is picking dung in the production team with rattan baskets...
The picture was so 'beautiful' that he instantly broke out in a cold sweat!
Seeing that he didn't take white rabbit, Da Qiao forced the candy onto him: "Elder Brother Huo Chi, is there something on your mind? Tell me, I might be able to help you! I'm considerate and caring little cutie!"
When Huo Chi heard what she said toward the end, he finally couldn't help laughing: "Okay, considerate and caring little cutie, if I say... I will be leaving the production team soon, will, will, you be sad?"
Da Qiao was startled. Her eyes widened: "Elder Brother Huo Chi, you are leaving the production team. Where are you going?"
She heard from her grandfather about Elder Brother Huo Chi's family coming up from the farm. She didn't know what kind of place the farm was before, so her grandfather told her in detail.
After hearing this, she felt very sad. She didn't expect Elder Brother Huo Chi to have it so hard before. What made it even more unbearable was that her grandfather had almost been taken to the farm!
So in her heart, the word farm was equivalent to hell.
Huo Chi felt a little better when he saw Da Qiao being worried and sad for him. Still, he insisted on asking, "So will you be sad?"
Da Qiao's little head nodded: "Yes, I will be very sad. Elder Brother Huo Chi, don't worry. I'll ask my grandmother to see if she has a way to keep you from being sent back!"
Huo Chi was a little stunned: "Sent back? Sent back to where?"
Da Qiao blinked her long eyelashes and replied, "Send back to the farm? Isn't that what Elder Brother Huo Chi mean just now?"
Huo Chi didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "No. We aren't getting sent back to the farm. What's more, it's not the whole family leaving. Only me leaving."
Da Qiao's big almond eyes blinked. There was a big question mark in those big eyes.
Huo Chi took in her reaction; she was like a silly rabbit in a daze. So cute and playful. He couldn't help reaching out and pinch her face. He didn't exert much force though.
Da Qiao had a good temper with people she knew. Even if she was pinched, she didn't get angry. She foolishly sent her face over; as if fearing that others won't be able to pinch her.
Huo Chi felt she was silly. But he didn't know why he felt his heart soft.
Then he told Da Qiao about the message Colonel Wang brought over: to fake death and then changing his name and following him to the army. At the end, he reminded her: "You can only know about this matter. You must not tell anyone else, understand?"
Da Qiao nodded like a pecking chick and obediently complied: "I understand. I won't tell others. But Elder Brother Huo Chi, I can't even tell my grandfather and my grandmother, right?"
In her heart, her grandfather and her grandmother were the people she trust the most. She didn't want to keep any secrets from them.
Last time she inadvertently exposed the existence of the koi jade pendant in front of her grandmother. Later, her grandmother asked her. But her response was the same as before. No matter how anxious she was, she couldn't say anything.
Later, her grandmother stopped asking. Just reminded her that no matter how anxious she was in the future, she couldn't expose the existence of koi jade pendant in front of outsiders, not even her parents.
Huo Chi pondered about it and replied, "Your grandfather and grandmother can know. Other than them, no one else can!"
Da Qiao smiled with crescent eyes and nodded her little head: "Okay, I will only tell my grandfather and grandmother. No one else!"
Huo Chi found that his hands were itchy again from the sight of her obedient appearance: "Do you think I should go?"
Da Qiao thought for a while and answered, "En. Although I am reluctant to part like Grandpa Huo and Auntie Fang, I think you should go, Elder Brother Huo Ci."
Huo Chi raised his eyebrows: "This way, you won't be able to see me in the future. And I won't be able to make straw hens for you every year!"
Da Qiao softly spoke: "But when Elder Brother Huo Chi goes to the army, he can go to school like my cousins and I. Also, when you miss me, you can ask Uncle Wang to help you send me a letter. I will reply to you. I have money!"
She was now a little rich woman. She had saved a small treasury of three yuan and can buy a lot of stamps!
Huo Chi: "..."
Alright. Another thing that frustrated him; he had no money. He can't even take out a penny!
"I understand. I will go back and tell my grandfather and mom that I will go. But Qiao Nian Nian, you must not forget me. If I don't reply to you, you must still write to me!"
When he goes to the army, he will find a way to help people with work and earn some change. This way, he can buy stamps and send letters back.
It was just that he can't guarantee the situation over there. So he had to notify Da Qiao in advance.
Da Qiao obediently acknowledged, "Okay, I will write letters to Elder Brother Huo Chi!"
After speaking, the two pinky-swear.
The sun slanted westward and the sky gradually darkened. Although the two little one had endless things to say, they could only hurry out.
After coming out of West Wood, the two made an appointment two days later to cook chicken for the last time in West Wood.
...
After Wang Yan Sheng came back, he had been looking for opportunities to meet Qiao Hong Xia alone. Finally, he found an opportunity.
"Hong Xia." Wang Yan Sheng stepped out from behind the wolfberry tree and stared at her with hot gaze.
Wolfberry tree was categorize as a shrub. Generally. it can grow to half a meter or one meter high. The wolfberry tree cultivated in later generations can grow to two meters. The production team's wolfberry trees didn't reach two meters. Still, they were taller than ordinary wolfberry trees. From visual inspection should be about one meter fifty.
This growth was completely beyond everyone's imagination. Even Huo Hua Qing was shocked at the time. He didn't understand why the production team's wolfberry tree would grow so well.
Research after research, it can only be attributed to production team's fertile land being conducive to the growth of wolfberry trees.
This was a very important and gratifying thing for the production team and Huo Family.
If wolfberry can really develop, they will stabilize in the production team in the future.
When Wang Yan Sheng proposed to let everyone change to grow wolfberry, only eight of the two hundred households in the production team agreed. This included his three brothers and Qiao's two households.
In other words, out of the rest of the production team, only three households followed suit.
After the replanting, the eight households stopped growing green vegetables and other beans. Sometimes, when they wanted to eat those, they had to exchange things with the production team.
At that time, there were people who said all kinds of sarcastic things.
Now, everyone can see that the wolfberry tree was growing tall and good. The wolfberry fruit that it bears had gradually matured. Since May, the wolfberry had been blooming and fruiting. Batches after batches had been harvested.
The resulting wolfberry fruit was soft in color and full of flesh. Even people who weren't expert can see that this was an excellent wolfberry fruit.
What's more, wolfberry leaves can also be picked off to cook and eat. It was said that eating them was good for the eyes.
The people in the production team became envious one after another. Many went to Wang Shui Sheng's house and declared that they would also switch to growing wolfberry.
However, Wang Shui Sheng didn't agree. Instead, said that he would report it to the community. If the community agreed, he would plant a large number of this crop when the time come.
Because the wolfberry tree was tall and dense, Qiao Hong Xia didn't see anyone inside when she came over. She was so frightened that she almost screamed.
Wang Yan Sheng didn't expect to scare his sweetheart, so he hurried over: "Don't be afraid, Hong Xia. It's me!"
Qiao Hong Xia took a closer look before breathing a sigh of relief. She gave him an pointed look and said, "You really gave me a scare. Why did you hide in such a place?"
Wang Yan Sheng fixed his eyes on her face and spoke in a low voice, "I want to see you."
Qiao Hong Xia's face instantly turned red, like a ripe red apple. Her cheeks were crimson. Very attractive.
Wang Yan Sheng couldn't even turn his eyes away.
He had the urge to hug her tightly into his arms: "Hong Xia, you are so pretty!"
Qiao Hong Xia's face was so red that she could fry an egg. Her ears and neck also turned red. Her gaze didn't dare to raise to look at him. She refuted: "Don't say it! If people heard, I won't forgive you! "
These words was really embarrassing. If someone heard it, how will she meet people in the future?
Wang Yan Sheng responded: "I have seen it when I came here, and there is no one around!"
Qiao Hong Xia felt shy and speechless. What she meant was for him to not say anything. Not if there was anyone present. Even if no one, not allowed to say it!
She moved away while picking wolfberry leaves. But wherever she went, Wang Yan Sheng would be close to her.
His body was like a hot iron. She could feel his heat through his clothes. She took two steps back as if she had been burned.
Unexpectedly, her big stride didn't her wired state. With a turn of her step, she was about to fall to the ground.
Wang Yan Sheng took one step closer and stretched out his hand to pull her. The basket in her hand fell to the ground, while he hugged her whole body!
The two were close to each other; no gap between them.
Qiao Hong Xia felt that she was about to burn up: "You, you let me go!"
Wang Yan Sheng didn't let go, but instead held her even tighter: "Hong Xia, you are so wonderful."
His arms were like iron, tightly hugging her slender waist.
The next moment, he gave her a quick peck on the face before letting her go.
He wanted her very much, but the two weren't married yet. He couldn't do anything to bring her shame.
Qiao Hong Xia blushed so hard. She kicked him before turning around and run away. Halfway through her run, she couldn't help turn around and scolded, "Rogue!"
Wang Yan Sheng touched his hot ears with an embarrassed expression flashing pass his face.
After she left, he recalled the scene just now. He couldn't help but let out a toothy grin again.
He really hoped to get married soon. But his dad passed away. The date of their marriage had to be delayed again.
Seeing that she ran away without the basket, Wang Yan Sheng had no choice but to pick up the basket and pick up all the wolfberry leaves before sending it back to Qiao's house.
When he sent it back, it went without saying he didn't see Qiao Hong Xia again.
While Qiao Hong Xia's sister-in-law, Lin Hui looked at him with a playful look. It seemed that he could only 'run away' in the end.
...
In order to give something as a souvenir to Elder Brother Huo Chi, Da Qiao had been embroidering for a good few days.
She knew that Elder Brother Huo Chi liked her embroidery, so she embroidered Elder Brother Huo Chi, herself, and Gu Gu again. The two of them and a chicken were roasted chicken in West Wood.
Gu Gu: ?
She also wrote a letter to him in advance and asked him to open it after he arrived in the army.
Huo Chi felt warmth when he received the gift from her. But when he saw the embroidered handkerchief, he couldn't help sputter.
If Gu Gu could speak, she would definitely be unable to resist berating.
There were too few things he can take out. But after this period of research, he had been able to weave twelve zodiac signs. So this time he gave Da Qiao the grass-woven twelve zodiac signs.
When Da Qiao saw these straw-woven animals, he liked them very much.
She held her zodiac rabbit and said, "This is me. A soft and cute rabbit."
Then she picked up a cow. She pointed at him and remarked, "This is you, stubborn old yellow cow!"
Huo Chi: "..."
Why didn't he find out before that Da Qiao could choke people to death out of the blue?
Was this the characteristic of Qiao Family?
One must know that Da Qiao's Eldest Aunt always get retorted by her man and she often jumped with anger. It was pretty much a normal scene for the production team.
There was also Da Qiao's elder cousin brother who had inherited this feature perfectly. Amazingly from time to time, his speech was gob-smacking.
Still, he didn't like Da Qiao becoming like this. He reached out and grabbed the little rabbit in her hand and stated, "Give the rabbit to me. You keep the old yellow cow!"
Da Qiao blinked her eyes and said, "Why? I don't like the old yellow cow. I like rabbits!"
Huo Chi harrumphed: "No reason. The rabbit is mine anyway!"
Da Qiao's face bulged with anger: "Elder Brother Huo Chi, you are really domineering!"
Huo Chi didn't speak. He insisted on not giving her the rabbit. In the end, Da Qiao could give up.
Afterward, the two had a roast chicken. The next day, Huo Family reported to the production team that their grandson fell into the river and was washed away by the water!
In order to act this scene, Huo Hua Qing and Dai Shu Fang went all out. They sobbed and screamed; vividly interpreting the loss of a child.
If placed in modern times, the best actor and actress must be them!
Although the people in the production team look down on the wicked ones, everyone didn't want something to happen to them as they will rely on these wicked ones to guide the production team on growing wolfberry.
Therefore, everyone put down their work to help with the search. After searching for a long time, no living person was found. Neither was a body.
Some people assumed the child had been swept by the current to far far away, while some people thought the child may had been dragged to the bottom of the water by the aquatic plants. Anyway, no matter which scenario, there was no rescue.
Huo Hua Qing and Dai Shu Fang cried as if the sky was collapsing. Then both passed out.
Wang Shui Sheng had to send them back to the pigsty and said that they were allowed to rest for a day.
Most of the people in the production team were simple people. Seeing them like this, they all shook their heads in pity.
Over at Qiao Family's side. Da Qiao had told her grandparents in advance. No one else knew.
After learning Huo Family's misfortune, they were shocked and in disbelief. They felt sorry for Huo Family.
An Ping said, "Why that kid... Doesn't he usually know how to swim?"
An Ping didn't like Huo Chi at first, because he was afraid that he would teach Younger Sister Da Qiao bad things. But as he got along, he felt that this person wasn't bad and accepted the other. Occasionally, they played together.
Never expect the other party to die like this!
Lin Hui was soft-hearted. She couldn't help but wipe her tears a few times when she thought about it. She took a lot of things to Huo Family in the pigsty and gave her condoloences.
Huo Family was very grateful to Qiao Family, but they dared not show it on the surface. They can only keep up the sorrowful act all the time.
That night, Wang Yan Sheng and Huo Chi quietly left the production team.
Long nights meant many were dreaming. If they left during the day, they will definitely be seen.
Once they exit the production team, Huo Chi couldn't help but look back in the direction of the pigsty and Qiao's house. His eyes gradually turned red.
Wang Yan Sheng patted him on the shoulder and spoke, "Let's go. When you have the ability in the future, you will definitely not regret today's decision!"
Huo Chi didn't know if he would regret it, but he couldn't go back now he taken this road.
He had to be a man above others so his family won't be looked down upon forever!
And he had to 'repay the debt' to Da Qiao. So he must have the ability!
In the pigsty, Huo Hua Qing and Dai Shu Fang had already burst into tears.
Spring and autumn came and went. Time slipped by like flowing water and a year had passed in a blink of an eye.
Wang Yan Sheng was on the road for five to six days. He had to go to Lieutenant General Jiang's house to get the identity certificate. It was already ten days later when he returned to the production team.
Lieutenant General Jiang's relative's child came to the municipal city to seek medical treatment before dying. Later, after being declared incurable, they were moved to Lieutenant General Jiang's house. In other words, he wasn't in the production team when he died, but in Lieutenant General Jiang's house.
In this way, the production team didn't know that the child had died of illness. When his parents went back, they told the production team that he had been brought to the army by Lieutenant General Jiang to live in the army. While Lieutenant General Jiang's neighbor thought that the child had long returned to the production team.
The two sides could deceive the sky and ocean.
The child who died of illness was the same age as Huo Chi. Once Huo Chi lived in the army for more than ten years, the production team couldn't recognize him even if he went to the production team. No one would ever find out about it.
Back to the production team. Because it was lunch time, not a figure could be seen along the way. That was until he walked past a century-old tree. A slender figure walked toward him.
Da Zhi was returning from the educated youth center. She didn't expect to see the person who once made her dream... Wang Yan Sheng.
Her heart was beating like a drum. It beat so fast. She lowered her head to straighten her clothes and hair. Then she walked toward the other party with a sweet smile.
She felt that this was the last chance God gave her. She must seize it no matter what!
Ever since she was 'forced' to marry Gou Sheng, she felt like she was in hell. Each day was worse than death. Gou Sheng was ugly and incompetent. How could deserve to marry a heavenly celestial like her?
She originally just wanted to be a fake couple with him. But that beast. She was ... by him the first day she moved in...
Thinking of what Gou Sheng forced her to do, her face flushed even more. Her chest heaved up and down violently.
It was a pity that Wang Yan Sheng's eyes never turned to her from the beginning to the end. His whole heart was thinking of seeing his fiancee.
"Colonel Wang..."
Seeing Wang Yan Sheng ignoring her and directly walking past, she felt aggrieved and embarrassed.
Hearing the words 'Colonel Wang' go longer than the mountain range, Wang Yan Sheng found it too greasy. He turned around and stated with a serious face, "What's the matter?"
Da Zhi bit her lower lip lightly and replied, "Colonel Wang, don't you remember me? I'm..."
"I'm asking you what's the matter?" Wang Yan Sheng didn't listen to her at all and coldly interrupted her.
Da Zhi's face flashed red and white.
She wanted to say that she had fancied him for a long time. She intended to present how knowledgeable she was. What's more, she was from the city. The most important thing was that she hadn't given birth to other men's children. She was a hundred times better than Qiao Hong Xia!
But before she could open her mouth, a rush of nausea rushed to her throat. She turned her head, and retched to the side.
Seeing her like this, Wang Yan Sheng was about to find someone over when he noticed an auntie walking over.
"Oh, isn't this Wang Family's old Third? Did you get a leave to come back?" The auntie's voice was as loud as a gong. Her pair of triangular eyes swept between the two of them.
Expressionless, Wang Yan Sheng spoke: "Auntie Huang, this... I don't know who this is. She suddenly vomited in front of me. If you know her, give her a hand."
When Da Zhi heard his words, she was so vexed that he vomited even more.
The auntie patted her thigh and yelled: "Gou Sheng's wife, it can't be that you're pregnant?"
In midst of vomiting, Da Zhi: "..."
What she hated most was that the people in the production team calling her Gou Sheng's wife. What kind of garbage name was this. She felt sick every time she heard it.
Wait. What did the auntie just say?
She was pregnant?
Can't be! Certainly can't!
But when she thought about this month's dozen-days late period, her face gradually paled. Her whole body was struck by lightning.
Seeing the auntie present, he left them be. He turned around and strode away.
One after another, the other production team saw Wang Yan Sheng coming back and came up to greet him.
Some people were very envious when they saw Wang Yan Sheng carrying large and small bags. However, at the sight of Wang Yan Sheng's serious face, no one dared to ask.
After Wang Yan Sheng left, everyone held their old porcelain bowls and chatted about it as they atte.
Someone said: "Although Wang Family were separated in the past, the two elderly were still living and they lived together. It's not a big difference whether the family was separated or not. Now, it's different. They will be four families in the future! "
"It is like this. Now the parents are gone, the siblings will become relatives no matter how close they are! To put it in a bad way, with old Fifth Wang, the other members of Wang Family should be relieved!"
"Ain't that right. He was just a piece of rat poo! I don't envy Wang Family though. I envy Hong Xia. Why didn't I see that she was so lucky before?"
"Hong Xia got a very good life. All these women in the surrounding areas can't compare to her! It's strange. I never considered Hong Xia to be good-looking before. Why is she getting prettier the older she get now?"
"Now that you said that, it's true! Not only her, but the rest of Qiao Family are all good-looking. Oh, this isn't right. It should be excluding Eldest Qiao's wife and her precious daughter!"
At the mention of Wan Chun Ju's ugly daughter, the topic instantly took a turn.
...
Wang Yan Sheng went home first. Then he went to the top of the mountain with his eldest brother to pay his respects to his dad.
After returning, he took out all the things he brought back. Some were given to his three brothers. The rest were taken to Qiao's house!
Watching him go to Qiao's house with so much stuff, Liu Cui Hua sighed, "In the heart of old Third, it seems there will be only Qiao Family in the future!"
Wang Shui Sheng glanced at her and scolded: "What are you talking about? The things belong to old Third. He can give them to whomever he wants. You must not talk nonsense in front of him or you can go back to your maternal home!"
Liu Cui Hua was angry and embarrassed: "I'm just casually commenting. I've been married to you for so many years, when did I talk nonsense?"
Wang Shui Sheng recalled that his wife had a good sense of proportion compared to those women in the production team and his tone softened: "I'm afraid that one day you accidentally leaked it out and other overheard it!"
The speaker thought of nothing, while the listener sensed something. If these words reach the ears of old Third, it will be bad.
Now that their parents were gone, the family had long split up. Everyone will have to live their own lives from now on. With old Third's personality, he might never look for them again in the future if they became greedy!
Liu Cui Hua understood her man's meaning and assured: "Don't worry. I will never say this again!"
Knowing that Wang Yan Sheng took so many things to Qiao's house, the other two sisters-in-law weren't very comfortable. Despite their displeasure, none dared to show it.
Wang Yan Sheng didn't know the thoughts of his family. Even if he did, he wouldn't care. Over the years, he had contributed enough to his family.
From next year, he will have his own small family. Everything in the future can only belong to his small family.
As for his brothers, if they know to be grateful, everyone can get along well. He will naturally help those if he can help. If not, then everyone will be just ordinary relatives.
When he arrived at Qiao's house, he found Qiao Family's children picking pears under the pear tree. Quite lively scene.
As soon as he walked in, Pi Pi immediately sensed him and barked at him twice. Probably remembering who he was, he soon stopped barking.
After these barks, Qiao Family naturally noticed him.
Da Qiao was the first to react and sweetly called out, "Future Uncle!"
Hearing this addressment, Wang Yan Sheng was very satisfied. In the near future, he would be able to remove the word 'future'.
He tried to make a friendly expression. But before he even opened his mouth, he heard a series of "Future Uncle" one after another.
The others were fine. However, little Yi Ming also called him "Future Uncle". It made him a little dumbfounded.
The sensible children couldn't help laughing when they heard it. The little ones didn't know what the elder brothers and elder sisters were laughing at. It didn't matter if they didn't know. They just laughed along!
So in an instant, Qiao's courtyard was filled with joy and laughter.
Wang Yan Sheng looked at the group of children in front of him and felt warm. He can't wait to join such a warm and harmonious family.
When Qiao Hong Xia heard the movement, she ran out and found Wang Yan Sheng standing like a mountain at the door. With a swoosh, her face flushed. "You're back."
As soon as Qiao Hong Xia came out, Wang Yan Sheng couldn't see anyone else anymore. His blazing eyes stared at her. He confirmed, "En, I'm back."
Qiao Hong Xia felt hot all over from his gaze. On top of that, the other children were looking at her. She became more and more at a loss: "You, I... I haven't finished washing the dishes yet. I'll go in first."
After speaking, she ran away.
Entering the stove room, she felt like there were a few naughty deer in her heart; making her flustered.
As she squatted down to wash the dishes, she recalled the way he looked at her just now. Her heart felt sweetened. She also felt very embarrassed. Her cheeks were like smeared with rouge.
Qiao Hong Xia was shy. So Lin Hui had to come out and help her entertain him.
Everyone in Qiao Family had a share of what Wang Yan Sheng brought. Even Qiao Zhen Jun and Qiao Zhen Min who were working outside.
Just based on this thoughtfulness, one can see how much he valued Qiao Hong Xia.
Lin Hui wasn't jealous at all. She was happy for her. But she missed her man more and more in her heart.
When Wang Yan Sheng came over, the main purpose was to say a few words to Qiao Hong Xia and look at her more. However, she only came out once and never came out again after that.
This made Wang Yan Sheng very disappointed. Even if she came out, they probably can't have a proper conversation with so many eyes from Qiao Family.
Sighing, he returned.
At night, he took advantage of the darkness to go to the pigsty again.
Although everyone's attitude toward Huo Family had changed now, they were still wicked ones. What's more, he wasn't in the production team all year round. It went without saying they didn't know each other. That's why people in the production team can't know they have interactions.
What's more, it was best that no one know what will happen next.
Seeing Wang Yan Sheng coming over, Huo Hua Qing was a little surprised. Soon, he calmed down: "Did Guo Hai send you here?"
Wang Yan Sheng nodded and told the other party what Lieutenant General Jiang had instructed to him bit by bit.
After finishing speaking: "I think this arrangement of Lieutenant General Jiang is the best for the child. But in the end you have to make your own decision. Elder Huo consider it. I will stay in the production team for a few days. Two days before I leave, I'll ask for your opinion again!"
After Huo Hua Qing heard it, an excited expression appeared on his face: "No need to consider. I'll agreed to it!"
Ever since he was cast down as a wicked ones, he wasn't reconciled to his grievances. He never did anything wrong to the people of the country in his life and ended up like this.
Son was dead. Grandson followed them to work on the farm like a sinner. He used to toss and turn for countless nights for the future of his grandson; fearing that his grandson would be trapped there for the rest of his life.
Now that there was such a good opportunity, what else was there to consider?
Although the child will change his name and surname because of this, it was nothing if he can live. In the end, it was just a way of addressing.
Besides, if he changed his name, he wasn't a descendant of Huo Family then?
Wang Yan Sheng could understand Elder Huo's excitement. He remained silent for a while before responding, "Elder Huo should discuss it with the child and the child's mother. It is best not to let him go to the army with a rebellious heart."
Huo Hua Qing pondered and replied, "Okay, you thought it through. Then we'll go with what you said. Come back in two days!"
Wang Yan Sheng nodded and handed over the supplements he brought.
He bought some of these things. Majority of them were instructed by Lieutenant General Jiang to bring over.
Huo Hua Qing persisted on declining. Wang Yan Sheng didn't give him this chance. He turned around and went back into the night.
Huo Hua Qing couldn't wait for tomorrow to tell his daughter-in-law and grandson and immediately woke them up.
After listening to her father-in-law's words, Dai Shu Fang was very excited: "Dad, what you said is true? Has everything been arranged by Lieutenant General Jiang? Will it be discovered?"
Though she was reluctant to have her son become someone else's child and go to the army, she could bear it when it was her son's future!
Only Huo Chi was the calmest. A little unusually calm.
Seeing her son like this, Dai Shu Fang felt like cold water poured on her face and instantly calmed down: "Chi'er, don't you want to go?"
Huo Chi thought for a while before honestly nodding: "I don't want to be someone else's son. Nor do I want to leave you either!"
Grandfather was getting older and older. He had accumulated a lot of injuries in those years on the farm. He was worried about being away for so long. If something happens to him one day, he will regret it for the rest of his life!
Likewise, he was worried about his mom.
Not everyone on the production team was a good guy. He had to stay and take care of them!
Huo Hua Qing spoke: "Good boy, we can't bear to part with you, but this is the only chance for you to leave the pigsty. Grandfather is old. The person I'm most worried about is you. If you are really filial, go!"
Grandson had been raised by his side since he was born. How could they not be reluctant to part?
If he had other ways, he won't let him leave and let him change to someone else's surname. He had no choice!
If he and his daughter-in-law both pass away in the future, what will happen to the child?
Qiao Family were all good people, but no matter how good they were, they will never let their granddaughter or daughter marry a wicked one and live in a pigsty for the rest of her lives!
He wasn't blaming Qiao Family. If he was in their place, he wasn't willing either. Measure other people's corn by one's own bushel. That's why, he was willing to send his grandson out and didn't want him to be ruined in this place for the rest of his life!
Dai Shu Fang added: "Chi-er, both Mom and Grandfather are reluctant to let you go, but only sending you away is the best arrangement for you. As for Mom and Grandfather, you don't have to worry. Now the production team treat us well. Isn't there Qiao Family? If something happens to us, they will definitely not let us die!"
Huo Chi lowered his head. The corners of his mouth pursed tightly and didn't speak.
Huo Hua Qing was so anxious at sight of his grandson's reaction.
Seeing that her father-in-law was about to scold, Dai Shu Fang hurriedly said, "Dad, why don't you go to rest first. I'll persuade Chi-er. Although this place is far away from other villagers, we might be heard if someone passes by."
Huo Hua Qing looked at his grandson who was still silent and sighed: "Okay, properly explain it to him. Don't scold him"
When Dai Shu Fang heard her father-in-law's response, she smiled and spoke, "I know. I will properly explain to him."
After Huo Hua Qing left, Dai Shu Fang pulled her son to her side and said softly, "Chi-er, Mom understand what your thought, but you really can't stay here. Let's not talk about the future and take now. You see Da Qiao go to school. While you can't go. She will go to junior high school and high school in the future. Can you still be friends by then?"
Huo Chi raised his head and agitatedly responded: "Of course. Da Qiao isn't that kind of petty person!"
Dai Shu Fang nodded: "Da Qiao is a good child. She's kind-hearted and sensible; naturally won't look down on you. But can you converse together? You don't understand what she understands. She will go to town and become an employee or teacher in the future. It may be difficult to come back to the production team in the future. And you. You can only stay in the pigsty for the rest of your life!"
Staying in the pigsty wasn't the worst. If Lieutenant General Jiang can't protect them in the future, they may be sent back to the farm. Their situation would be even worse!
Huo Chi went silent again.
Needless to say, he had already felt the distance between himself and Da Qiao.
Every time Da Qiao came back from school, she would tell him about what happened at the school. He felt envious and depressed.
What bothered him the most was that he had never been to school. He didn't even know how to imagine.
So every time she mentioned this topic, he didn't know how to respond.
Also when Shen Family came over, Shen Family was dressed so decently and drove a car. Every time they came, they brought a lot of things for Da Qiao; food and clothing. Without exception, everyone in the production team envied Da Qiao.
Their Huo family received so much help from Qiao Family, especially from Da Qiao. He kept all these in his heart.
It was just that this 'debt' was getting larger and larger. With his ability, he had no way to repay it!
This made him extremely depressed and inferior.
As his mother, Dai Shu Fang knew from her son's reaction that he had budged: "Chi-er, will you be obedient? Mom knows that you are reluctant. We can meet again in the future."
Huo Chi lowered his head and muffled out, "Can we really meet again?"
Dai Shu Fang nodded: "That colonel Wang who came just now is the future son-in-law of Qiao Family. Da Qiao's aunt will definitely come back in the future. You can just follow them back then."
This was half true.
It was probably plausible now. In the future, Qiao Hong Xia will follow him to the army. As Wang Yan Sheng's position rises, they may not be able to come back once a year.
But she can't say these words. Otherwise, with Huo Chi's temperament, he definitely doesn't want to go.
Huo Chi stood up and stated, "I'll think about it."
Dai Shu Fang breathed a sigh of relief when she heard her son's words. If he could consider it, it meant that he was willing in his heart. It was just that he couldn't get over his emotions.
This night, Huo Family had a sleepless night.
...
The next day, Huo Chi wanted to find Da Qiao, but Da Qiao had already gone to school. He had to wait for her to come back from school.
As soon as Da Qiao returned to the production team, she noticed Elder Brother Huo Chi wandering in the bushes from a distance.
She hurriedly let her cousins know before flying over.
Qiao Dong He had already gone to the town for study. She usually lived at the school. Only on weekends, Qiao Zhen Guo would ride the bicycle to pick her up from the town.
Now it was just Qiao Dong Ying, An Ping, and Da Qiao attending school in the community. The other children were too young to go to school.
"Elder Brother Huo Chi, are you waiting for me?" Da Qiao ran over and said softly.
Huo Chi let out an 'en' and nothing else. He turned around and headed towards West Wood.
Da Qiao was stumped.
What happened to Elder Brother Huo Chi?
He seem a low-spirited. Did something happen?
Thinking of this, she hurried to catch up.
On the way, Da Qiao asked a few times, but Huo Chi kept his mouth shut and didn't say anything. In the end, Da Qiao could do nothing.
After sneaking into West Wood, Da Qiao took out two white rabbit candies from her schoolbag, handed one to Huo Chi, and said, "Elder Brother Huo Chi, after eating candy you'll be happy."
Huo Chi looked at white rabbit candy in her palm and felt more and more depressed.
Most people can't eat one of white rabbit all year round, while Da Qiao can eat it often as well as give it to him.
His mom was right, if he continued to stay here, the distance between them would get bigger and bigger. Even if Da Qiao was willing to interact with him, he wouldn't have the face to appear in front of her.
He imagined about when he grow up; Da Qiao became a teacher and he is picking dung in the production team with rattan baskets...
The picture was so 'beautiful' that he instantly broke out in a cold sweat!
Seeing that he didn't take white rabbit, Da Qiao forced the candy onto him: "Elder Brother Huo Chi, is there something on your mind? Tell me, I might be able to help you! I'm considerate and caring little cutie!"
When Huo Chi heard what she said toward the end, he finally couldn't help laughing: "Okay, considerate and caring little cutie, if I say... I will be leaving the production team soon, will, will, you be sad?"
Da Qiao was startled. Her eyes widened: "Elder Brother Huo Chi, you are leaving the production team. Where are you going?"
She heard from her grandfather about Elder Brother Huo Chi's family coming up from the farm. She didn't know what kind of place the farm was before, so her grandfather told her in detail.
After hearing this, she felt very sad. She didn't expect Elder Brother Huo Chi to have it so hard before. What made it even more unbearable was that her grandfather had almost been taken to the farm!
So in her heart, the word farm was equivalent to hell.
Huo Chi felt a little better when he saw Da Qiao being worried and sad for him. Still, he insisted on asking, "So will you be sad?"
Da Qiao's little head nodded: "Yes, I will be very sad. Elder Brother Huo Chi, don't worry. I'll ask my grandmother to see if she has a way to keep you from being sent back!"
Huo Chi was a little stunned: "Sent back? Sent back to where?"
Da Qiao blinked her long eyelashes and replied, "Send back to the farm? Isn't that what Elder Brother Huo Chi mean just now?"
Huo Chi didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "No. We aren't getting sent back to the farm. What's more, it's not the whole family leaving. Only me leaving."
Da Qiao's big almond eyes blinked. There was a big question mark in those big eyes.
Huo Chi took in her reaction; she was like a silly rabbit in a daze. So cute and playful. He couldn't help reaching out and pinch her face. He didn't exert much force though.
Da Qiao had a good temper with people she knew. Even if she was pinched, she didn't get angry. She foolishly sent her face over; as if fearing that others won't be able to pinch her.
Huo Chi felt she was silly. But he didn't know why he felt his heart soft.
Then he told Da Qiao about the message Colonel Wang brought over: to fake death and then changing his name and following him to the army. At the end, he reminded her: "You can only know about this matter. You must not tell anyone else, understand?"
Da Qiao nodded like a pecking chick and obediently complied: "I understand. I won't tell others. But Elder Brother Huo Chi, I can't even tell my grandfather and my grandmother, right?"
In her heart, her grandfather and her grandmother were the people she trust the most. She didn't want to keep any secrets from them.
Last time she inadvertently exposed the existence of the koi jade pendant in front of her grandmother. Later, her grandmother asked her. But her response was the same as before. No matter how anxious she was, she couldn't say anything.
Later, her grandmother stopped asking. Just reminded her that no matter how anxious she was in the future, she couldn't expose the existence of koi jade pendant in front of outsiders, not even her parents.
Huo Chi pondered about it and replied, "Your grandfather and grandmother can know. Other than them, no one else can!"
Da Qiao smiled with crescent eyes and nodded her little head: "Okay, I will only tell my grandfather and grandmother. No one else!"
Huo Chi found that his hands were itchy again from the sight of her obedient appearance: "Do you think I should go?"
Da Qiao thought for a while and answered, "En. Although I am reluctant to part like Grandpa Huo and Auntie Fang, I think you should go, Elder Brother Huo Ci."
Huo Chi raised his eyebrows: "This way, you won't be able to see me in the future. And I won't be able to make straw hens for you every year!"
Da Qiao softly spoke: "But when Elder Brother Huo Chi goes to the army, he can go to school like my cousins and I. Also, when you miss me, you can ask Uncle Wang to help you send me a letter. I will reply to you. I have money!"
She was now a little rich woman. She had saved a small treasury of three yuan and can buy a lot of stamps!
Huo Chi: "..."
Alright. Another thing that frustrated him; he had no money. He can't even take out a penny!
"I understand. I will go back and tell my grandfather and mom that I will go. But Qiao Nian Nian, you must not forget me. If I don't reply to you, you must still write to me!"
When he goes to the army, he will find a way to help people with work and earn some change. This way, he can buy stamps and send letters back.
It was just that he can't guarantee the situation over there. So he had to notify Da Qiao in advance.
Da Qiao obediently acknowledged, "Okay, I will write letters to Elder Brother Huo Chi!"
After speaking, the two pinky-swear.
The sun slanted westward and the sky gradually darkened. Although the two little one had endless things to say, they could only hurry out.
After coming out of West Wood, the two made an appointment two days later to cook chicken for the last time in West Wood.
...
After Wang Yan Sheng came back, he had been looking for opportunities to meet Qiao Hong Xia alone. Finally, he found an opportunity.
"Hong Xia." Wang Yan Sheng stepped out from behind the wolfberry tree and stared at her with hot gaze.
Wolfberry tree was categorize as a shrub. Generally. it can grow to half a meter or one meter high. The wolfberry tree cultivated in later generations can grow to two meters. The production team's wolfberry trees didn't reach two meters. Still, they were taller than ordinary wolfberry trees. From visual inspection should be about one meter fifty.
This growth was completely beyond everyone's imagination. Even Huo Hua Qing was shocked at the time. He didn't understand why the production team's wolfberry tree would grow so well.
Research after research, it can only be attributed to production team's fertile land being conducive to the growth of wolfberry trees.
This was a very important and gratifying thing for the production team and Huo Family.
If wolfberry can really develop, they will stabilize in the production team in the future.
When Wang Yan Sheng proposed to let everyone change to grow wolfberry, only eight of the two hundred households in the production team agreed. This included his three brothers and Qiao's two households.
In other words, out of the rest of the production team, only three households followed suit.
After the replanting, the eight households stopped growing green vegetables and other beans. Sometimes, when they wanted to eat those, they had to exchange things with the production team.
At that time, there were people who said all kinds of sarcastic things.
Now, everyone can see that the wolfberry tree was growing tall and good. The wolfberry fruit that it bears had gradually matured. Since May, the wolfberry had been blooming and fruiting. Batches after batches had been harvested.
The resulting wolfberry fruit was soft in color and full of flesh. Even people who weren't expert can see that this was an excellent wolfberry fruit.
What's more, wolfberry leaves can also be picked off to cook and eat. It was said that eating them was good for the eyes.
The people in the production team became envious one after another. Many went to Wang Shui Sheng's house and declared that they would also switch to growing wolfberry.
However, Wang Shui Sheng didn't agree. Instead, said that he would report it to the community. If the community agreed, he would plant a large number of this crop when the time come.
Because the wolfberry tree was tall and dense, Qiao Hong Xia didn't see anyone inside when she came over. She was so frightened that she almost screamed.
Wang Yan Sheng didn't expect to scare his sweetheart, so he hurried over: "Don't be afraid, Hong Xia. It's me!"
Qiao Hong Xia took a closer look before breathing a sigh of relief. She gave him an pointed look and said, "You really gave me a scare. Why did you hide in such a place?"
Wang Yan Sheng fixed his eyes on her face and spoke in a low voice, "I want to see you."
Qiao Hong Xia's face instantly turned red, like a ripe red apple. Her cheeks were crimson. Very attractive.
Wang Yan Sheng couldn't even turn his eyes away.
He had the urge to hug her tightly into his arms: "Hong Xia, you are so pretty!"
Qiao Hong Xia's face was so red that she could fry an egg. Her ears and neck also turned red. Her gaze didn't dare to raise to look at him. She refuted: "Don't say it! If people heard, I won't forgive you! "
These words was really embarrassing. If someone heard it, how will she meet people in the future?
Wang Yan Sheng responded: "I have seen it when I came here, and there is no one around!"
Qiao Hong Xia felt shy and speechless. What she meant was for him to not say anything. Not if there was anyone present. Even if no one, not allowed to say it!
She moved away while picking wolfberry leaves. But wherever she went, Wang Yan Sheng would be close to her.
His body was like a hot iron. She could feel his heat through his clothes. She took two steps back as if she had been burned.
Unexpectedly, her big stride didn't her wired state. With a turn of her step, she was about to fall to the ground.
Wang Yan Sheng took one step closer and stretched out his hand to pull her. The basket in her hand fell to the ground, while he hugged her whole body!
The two were close to each other; no gap between them.
Qiao Hong Xia felt that she was about to burn up: "You, you let me go!"
Wang Yan Sheng didn't let go, but instead held her even tighter: "Hong Xia, you are so wonderful."
His arms were like iron, tightly hugging her slender waist.
The next moment, he gave her a quick peck on the face before letting her go.
He wanted her very much, but the two weren't married yet. He couldn't do anything to bring her shame.
Qiao Hong Xia blushed so hard. She kicked him before turning around and run away. Halfway through her run, she couldn't help turn around and scolded, "Rogue!"
Wang Yan Sheng touched his hot ears with an embarrassed expression flashing pass his face.
After she left, he recalled the scene just now. He couldn't help but let out a toothy grin again.
He really hoped to get married soon. But his dad passed away. The date of their marriage had to be delayed again.
Seeing that she ran away without the basket, Wang Yan Sheng had no choice but to pick up the basket and pick up all the wolfberry leaves before sending it back to Qiao's house.
When he sent it back, it went without saying he didn't see Qiao Hong Xia again.
While Qiao Hong Xia's sister-in-law, Lin Hui looked at him with a playful look. It seemed that he could only 'run away' in the end.
...
In order to give something as a souvenir to Elder Brother Huo Chi, Da Qiao had been embroidering for a good few days.
She knew that Elder Brother Huo Chi liked her embroidery, so she embroidered Elder Brother Huo Chi, herself, and Gu Gu again. The two of them and a chicken were roasted chicken in West Wood.
Gu Gu: ?
She also wrote a letter to him in advance and asked him to open it after he arrived in the army.
Huo Chi felt warmth when he received the gift from her. But when he saw the embroidered handkerchief, he couldn't help sputter.
If Gu Gu could speak, she would definitely be unable to resist berating.
There were too few things he can take out. But after this period of research, he had been able to weave twelve zodiac signs. So this time he gave Da Qiao the grass-woven twelve zodiac signs.
When Da Qiao saw these straw-woven animals, he liked them very much.
She held her zodiac rabbit and said, "This is me. A soft and cute rabbit."
Then she picked up a cow. She pointed at him and remarked, "This is you, stubborn old yellow cow!"
Huo Chi: "..."
Why didn't he find out before that Da Qiao could choke people to death out of the blue?
Was this the characteristic of Qiao Family?
One must know that Da Qiao's Eldest Aunt always get retorted by her man and she often jumped with anger. It was pretty much a normal scene for the production team.
There was also Da Qiao's elder cousin brother who had inherited this feature perfectly. Amazingly from time to time, his speech was gob-smacking.
Still, he didn't like Da Qiao becoming like this. He reached out and grabbed the little rabbit in her hand and stated, "Give the rabbit to me. You keep the old yellow cow!"
Da Qiao blinked her eyes and said, "Why? I don't like the old yellow cow. I like rabbits!"
Huo Chi harrumphed: "No reason. The rabbit is mine anyway!"
Da Qiao's face bulged with anger: "Elder Brother Huo Chi, you are really domineering!"
Huo Chi didn't speak. He insisted on not giving her the rabbit. In the end, Da Qiao could give up.
Afterward, the two had a roast chicken. The next day, Huo Family reported to the production team that their grandson fell into the river and was washed away by the water!
In order to act this scene, Huo Hua Qing and Dai Shu Fang went all out. They sobbed and screamed; vividly interpreting the loss of a child.
If placed in modern times, the best actor and actress must be them!
Although the people in the production team look down on the wicked ones, everyone didn't want something to happen to them as they will rely on these wicked ones to guide the production team on growing wolfberry.
Therefore, everyone put down their work to help with the search. After searching for a long time, no living person was found. Neither was a body.
Some people assumed the child had been swept by the current to far far away, while some people thought the child may had been dragged to the bottom of the water by the aquatic plants. Anyway, no matter which scenario, there was no rescue.
Huo Hua Qing and Dai Shu Fang cried as if the sky was collapsing. Then both passed out.
Wang Shui Sheng had to send them back to the pigsty and said that they were allowed to rest for a day.
Most of the people in the production team were simple people. Seeing them like this, they all shook their heads in pity.
Over at Qiao Family's side. Da Qiao had told her grandparents in advance. No one else knew.
After learning Huo Family's misfortune, they were shocked and in disbelief. They felt sorry for Huo Family.
An Ping said, "Why that kid... Doesn't he usually know how to swim?"
An Ping didn't like Huo Chi at first, because he was afraid that he would teach Younger Sister Da Qiao bad things. But as he got along, he felt that this person wasn't bad and accepted the other. Occasionally, they played together.
Never expect the other party to die like this!
Lin Hui was soft-hearted. She couldn't help but wipe her tears a few times when she thought about it. She took a lot of things to Huo Family in the pigsty and gave her condoloences.
Huo Family was very grateful to Qiao Family, but they dared not show it on the surface. They can only keep up the sorrowful act all the time.
That night, Wang Yan Sheng and Huo Chi quietly left the production team.
Long nights meant many were dreaming. If they left during the day, they will definitely be seen.
Once they exit the production team, Huo Chi couldn't help but look back in the direction of the pigsty and Qiao's house. His eyes gradually turned red.
Wang Yan Sheng patted him on the shoulder and spoke, "Let's go. When you have the ability in the future, you will definitely not regret today's decision!"
Huo Chi didn't know if he would regret it, but he couldn't go back now he taken this road.
He had to be a man above others so his family won't be looked down upon forever!
And he had to 'repay the debt' to Da Qiao. So he must have the ability!
In the pigsty, Huo Hua Qing and Dai Shu Fang had already burst into tears.
Spring and autumn came and went. Time slipped by like flowing water and a year had passed in a blink of an eye.
This chapter was really sadðŸ˜
ReplyDeleteI think the saddest part was the promise to write a letter, even if he doesn't respond. Obviously this is a book so Da Qiao will follow through and time flows differently in novels. But realistically, how many people are still in touch with friends they made when they were 8/10, especially after you've moved apart?
Awww, that last part was so sad :( I wonder how many years is this time skip going to be. Thank you for the chapter!
ReplyDelete