Chapter 103
Wan Chun Ju's voice had always been loud. Which such yell, the dog and the old hen in the yard were startled.
Inside and outside the courtyard, there was a sudden burst of chickens flying and dogs jumping.
Who would have thought that strong Wan Chun Ju was actually afraid of ghosts?
Her legs softened and her eyes rolled. The next moment she laid flat on the ground.
Little Dong Yun shrugged. Like an little adult, she sighed: "I'm so sorry. My mom is so useless. Let you see a joke!"
Da Qiao found Younger Sister's adult-like behavior amusing. She couldn't resist rubbing her head as she spoke, "Go and get your dad to come over and carry your mom in."
Little Dong Yun's little head nodded; looked very well-behaved. She turned around and ran toward the house. After two steps, she stopped and looked back at Huo Chi, "Elder Brother, I like you. You are just as good looking as me!"
In little Dong Yun's opinion, all the good-looking things in the world belonged to the same category as her. So she naturally liked good-looking Huo Chi.
Huo Chi: "..."
Seeing the twitching corners of Huo Chi's mouth, everyone couldn't help but laugh.
Huo Chi turned his head and asked Da Qiao, "Is she always like this?"
Da Qiao smilingly nodded: "En, Younger Sister Dong Yun is very confident!"
Although Younger Sister Dong Yun was indeed not pretty, she really liked this younger sister. The most rare thing was that she was brought up by Eldest Aunt and raised crooked.
Qiao Family welcomed Huo Chi's arrival and brought out all the delicious food at home.
Huo Chi watched Qiao Family busy for him. His heart felt it was being filled.
In the past few years, he had been in the army. Although Lieutenant General Jiang treated him well and like he was his own nephew, he was always under the supervision of others. There were always a feeling of being inconvenience to another.
The most worrying thing was that he was thousands of miles away from home. Even when he missed his family again, he won't be able to come back in these few years.
Fortunately, this life was finally coming to an end!
At noon, Qiao Hong Xia and Wang Yan Sheng brought their children over. Everyone was very curious about the two children.
Both Qiao Hong Xia and Wang Yan Sheng were good-looking. Naturally, their children wouldn't be ugly. Still, they weren't as delicate pretty as Da Qiao and the other.
Yi Ming loved his younger siblings very much. The two younger ones also listen to Elder Brother. The three siblings get along very harmoniously and lovingly. From this, it can be seen that Yi Ming wasn't treated differently in this family.
This was indeed the case.
Not long after Qiao Hong Xia married Wang Yan Sheng, Wang Yan Sheng decided to change Yi Ming's surname and told the outside world that he was his son. The two youngest members of the family still didn't know that Yi Ming was their half-brother.
For blended family, the most sensitive was the children brought by the previous family. If any part was done, they may feel that they weren't welcome and think they were redundant.
Fortunately, this didn't happen to Yi Ming. He looked so cheerful and active.
Seeing this, everyone felt relieved.
At noon, Xue Chuan personally cooked and made a plate of braised fish, a plate of secret garlic-flavored pork ribs, a plate of fragrant double-cooked pork, and a large pot of wolfberry leaf egg soup.
Now half of the fields in the production team were planted with wolfberry. Everyone basically used wolfberry leaves in cooking every day.
During the period, Wang Yan Sheng talked about the development of wolfberry. He said the country was interested in developing the economy now. Then Qili Village can expand the planting area of wolfberry.
After everyone heard this, there was a round of discussion and joy again.
Thanks to taking wolfberry route, the economic situation of the production team had been getting better and better in the past few years. Before, Qili production team could only be ranked in the middle-lower rank in the community. Now when the whole community mention Qili production team, who didn't envy them?
After eating, Da Qiao and Huo Chi left Qiao's house and came to their secret base - West Wood.
Since Huo Chi left, Da Qiao rarely came here.
In recent years, West Wood had also been developed and planted with many wolfberry trees. Now more and more people came here.
At noon, no one came to West Wood. The two came to the waterfall.
The rushing water dashed down from the top of the waterfall and splashed on the stones. It felt cool against the hand.
Da Qiao sat down on a stone. Raising her head up, she looked up at Huo Chi and asked, "Elder Brother Huo Chi, do you have anything on your mind?"
From the time they met until now, he always had a smile hanging on his mouth. However, Da Qiao felt that the smile didn't reach his eyes.
Huo Chi leaned on a big rock opposite her. He raised his eyes slightly to look at her and replied, "How do you know I have something on my mind?"
They had been separated for more than four years. She had also changed from the soft and glutinous dumpling to a girl that one can't take their eyes off.
She had fair skin like cow's milk, delicate painting-like facial features, thin waist, and long legs. She had taken shape of a little beauty; exactly like the person he saw in his dream.
That's right, since they parted, Huo Chi would dream of Da Qiao every once in a while like before. Da Qiao in the dream grew up with time.
The last time he dreamed of her was two months ago. She looked similar to now. If there was any difference, it was that she seem to had grow taller.
Recalling the scene when she called him Younger Brother Huo Chi when they met for the second time, the corner of his mouth couldn't help curling up.
Da Qiao said: "When Elder Brother Huo Chi is really happy, the corners of your eyes will drop slightly. Just now, I haven't seen Elder Brother Huo Chi smile like that."
"You remember it very well."
Huo Chi didn't expect that after so many years, she could still remember some of his subtle actions. His heart felt warm.
Da Qiao's little head nodded: "En, I remember everything about Elder Brother Huo Chi very clearly."
When she said this, she put her hands on her thighs, like a good student; so well-behaved.
The corner of Huo Chi's mouth raised a little higher: "I am thinking about something. Before I came back, I received a call from my mom. Although she didn't say anything, I have a feeling that something must have happened at home."
Da Qiao's fan-like eyelashes blinked: "Why do Elder Brother Huo Chi say that?"
Huo Chi spoke: "My dad came back after being missing for many years. It stands to reason that my mom should be overjoyed. But when she called me, her tone was very restrained. I couldn't find a trace of joy in her words!"
The small expression on Da Qiao's face became serious too: "Has Elder Brother Huo Chi asked Auntie Fang?"
Huo Chi nodded: "I tactfully asked my mom but she avoided it. Just said wait until I go back to the capital."
Da Qiao pondered, but couldn't come up with a reason: "Since Auntie Fang didn't say, she must be afraid of Elder Brother Huo Chi getting worried. In this case, Elder Brother Huo Chi shouldn't think too much. You will know when you go to the capital."
Huo Chi nodded.
It was impossible to not worry. However, he didn't want Da Qiao to worry with him, so he nodded.
Da Qiao looked at the direction of the capital and remarked with a look of longing: "I heard that the capital is very big and beautiful. I must get admitted to the capital's college in the future!"
However, she was only in her second year of junior high school. It will be a good few years before her college entrance examination.
Huo Chi raised his eyes and stared at her: "Do you want to go to the capital?"
Da Qiao nodded like a pecking chick. Her eyes were bright: "En en. I wanted to go since I was read literacy textbooks in elementary school!"
Huo Chi: "Aren't your grandparents going to send your elder cousin sister to the capital for registration? Why don't you take the opportunity and join them?"
Da Qiao was stunned for a moment: "But I got classes."
Huo Chi: "With your intelligence, haven't you already learned the knowledge of the second year of junior high by yourself long ago?"
Da Qiao's pink lips parted open: "Elder Brother Huo Chi, you are so amazing. You can actually guessed it!"
She had indeed learned all the textbooks for the entire second year of junior high school by herself. She was currently studying the textbooks for the second semester of high school's year one by herself.
Originally, according to her self-learning ability and grades, she was fully qualified to skip grades. It was just that she was too young. If she skipped grades again, she would be under fourteen when she took the college entrance examination!
At that time, even if she was admitted to the capital's college, her family wouldn't let her go. So she didn't skip grades, but climbed up with her current class.
The corners of Huo Chi's mouth raised again: "Is there any need to guess? Since you've already learned it, it wouldn't be a problem to go to the capital with us, right?"
Da Qiao's eyes lit up: "Yes, Elder Brother Huo Chi, you are right. I'll go tell Grandfather and Grandmother!"
Saying that, she jumped up and was about to run off. However, she was stopped by Huo Chi.
Huo Chi took out a small figure carved out of wood from his pocket and handed it to her, "This is for you."
Da Qiao accepted it. The next moment, she made sounds of admiration: "It looks like me! Elder Brother Huo Chi, how did you do it?"
The last time she sent a photo was three years ago. Although Qiao Family was better off than the average family, money couldn't be casually spent.
It cost a dime to take a photo. How can such a luxurious thing be done every year. So she only sent a photo once after being separated for more than four years.
Seeing how she loved it, Huo Chi's lip corners curled: "Didn't you just say that I'm smart? How can such a small matter be hard to me?"
Da Qiao looked adoringly. Her little head nodded: "Elder Brother Huo Chi is amazing! Elder Brother Huo Chi, can I ask you to carve another one for me?"
Huo Chi's body straightened up: "Speak."
Da Qiao pursed her lips and jollily replied: "I just want Gu Gu."
Huo Chi: "..."
Although he had guessed that there was a 90% chance that she would mention Gu Gu before she spoke, he still held hope in his heart that she would ask him for a wooden figurine of him.
Facts had proved that in her heart, his status was still inferior to Gu Gu!
Heart felt blocked.
Seeing that he wasn't moving, Da Qiao called out, "Elder Brother Huo Chi, is my request too difficult?"
Huo Chi came back to his senses and shook his head: "It's not difficult. I'll go back and carve one for you."
Sculpting wasn't difficult for him now. But in order to learn, his hands got knife-cuts all year round. There was no need to tell her about such things though.
Da Qiao smiled in delight. The two merrily chatted as they exited west wood.
As soon as Da Qiao returned, she immediately told her grandfather and grandmother that she wanted to follow them to the capital.
Now everyone in the production team knew that Xue Chuan and Qiao Xiu Zhi didn't date An Ping or the twins the most, but Da Qiao, a granddaughter! The two simply held her in their hands as if they wee afraid of her falling and kept her in their mouth as if she'll melt.
If everyone knew that Qiao Xiu Zhi bought a house for Da Qiao in the town, everyone would be so frightened that their eyes and jaws dropped.
Sure enough, after hearing Da Qiao's words, Xue Chuan and Qiao Xiu Zhi agreed after slight pondering.
In their opinion, it was good to let Da Qiao go out and see more.
So that night, they announced this news to Qiao Family.
The other children were extremely envious. But no one was blinded by jealous for Da Qiao or resented her because of it.
Who told them to have grades not as good as Da Qiao? Or that they were too young and weren't suitable for long-distance travel!
While Qiao Zhen Guo felt extremely aggrieved: "Dad, Mom, you didn't let me go? Instead, you bring Niece Da Qiao?"
Qiao Xiu Zhi said: "I didn't let you go? I told you to go later. You have four children. When the other three get admitted in the future, would you lack the opportunity to go?"
Qiao Zhen Guo found it reasonable when he thought about it and immediately threw his grievances to the horizon.
Seeing her man settled down after a few words from her mother-in-law, her heart instantly felt blocked again!
On the other hand, An Ping only had food in mind: "Elder Sister Da Qiao, I heard from my classmates that the roast duck in the capital is very delicious. And there are also western restaurants. Can you bring me a roast duck back later?"
Da Qiao cheerfully nodded: "No problem. I'll bring three or four back later!"
Later when she go to the capital, Da Qiao discover that the minimum price of roast duck in the capital is staggeringly expensive!
But that's future story.
——
Because Qiao Dong He had to rush for the college registration, everyone set off after two days.
Originally, Huo Chi was going to be brought over to the capital by Wang Yan Sheng. Now that Qiao Family was taking the same road, Wan Yan Sheng didn't go. Instead, he returned to the army with Qiao Hong Xia.
Considering how Qiao Dong He would be gone for a year and wouldn't go home during this period, everything that was available and can be used will be packed and sent over.
After packing up, there was actually several baggage!
Fortunately, Qiao Xiu Zhi was equivalent to five or six people alone. Da Qiao was also a super strong. The other three person can also help. So these things wasn't a burden to everyone.
The group set off to the county to take the train. Unexpectedly they encountered Qiao Dong He's classmate, Luo Jun Liang at the train station.
Luo Jun Liang was a friendly person. When he saw Qiao Dong He, he greeted her a wide grin and said, "It's you! Which college are you going to?"
Qiao Dong He pursed her lips and her cheeks became pink: "I was admitted to the teacher college in the capital. How about you?"
Luo Jun Liang clapped his palms and grinned: "What a coincidence! So am I!"
Hearing this, Qiao Dong He couldn't help widening his eyes. She also found it was a coincidence: "You also signed up for teacher college?"
Luo Jun Liang nodded and said with a smile: "Yes. My grades just passed by. I was worried to death before; fearing that I would not be able to be admitted!"
Luo Jun Liang's grades were usually around the upper-middle level in school. Never thought he would perform exceptionally this time. Several points more than usual.
Even so, his grades weren't as good as Qiao Dong He.
When Qiao Dong He heard what he said, she immediately felt a sense of finding a bosom friend: "Actually, this time I also performed exceptionally well. When I applied for this school, I was very certain I'll get it!"
It was just because she really wanted to study at teacher college in the capital, so she wanted to take a gamble. She was lucky enough to be admitted!
The more the two chatted, the more they got along. Then the man next to Luo Jun Liang coughed and solemnly spoke, "Jun Liang, is this your classmate? Why don't you introduce her to your family?"
It was Luo Jun Liang's father, Luo Qing, who was speaking. He was the director of the town's supply and demand cooperative. Also Qiao Zhen Min's director back then.
Luo Jun Liang didn't know his family's relationship with Qiao Family, so he pointed at Qiao Dong He and introduced her to his family: "This is Classmate Qiao. She was in the class next door to me in high school. Her grades are better than mine!"
Luo Qing took a look at Qiao Dong He and felt that the girl was very polite. So he nodded to her.
Qiao Dong He felt out of her comfort zone in front of strangers. She greeted with a blushing face: "Hello, Uncle Luo."
Then she introduced her family to Luo Family.
It would had been fine if they didn't introduce. But as soon as the introduction happened, Luo Qing realized that something was wrong.
Luo Qing knew Qiao Xiu Zhi. When Qiao Zhen Min was still working in the supply and demand cooperative, she came to the supply and demand cooperative to look for her son. He had seen her once from a distance.
At the beginning, he had just transferred and wanted to consolidate his power in the supply and demand cooperative. So he took a strike against Qiao Zhen Min. Later, after Qiao Zhen Min left, he learned from other people that Qiao Family was actually a relative of deputy chief of the police station!
At that time, he was very worried; afraid that Qiao Zhen Min would retaliate against him. After a period of worry and fear, he found that nothing happened.
It turned out to be he was being small-minded!
Therefore, seeing Qiao Family at this time, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty.
Qiao Xiu Zhi had never met Luo Qing. Naturally, she didn't know his identity.
Luo Qing didn't want to say it at first, but he had to face Qiao family for so long on this train journey every day. He couldn't stand it and finally apologized to Qiao Family on the third day.
Luo Jun Liang never thought his dad could do such a thing and was very shocked. On the other hand, he felt very apologetic to Qiao Dong He.
He apologized to Qiao Dong He: "I'm sorry. I didn't know my dad did that to your uncle!"
Qiao Dong He waved her hand: "You don't need to apologize to me. It's not your fault."
This was Luo Jun Liang's dad's doing. Not him. What's more, he only knew about it today like herself.
Qiao Xiu Zhi accepted Luo Qing's apology.
Although Luo Qing targeted Qiao Zhen Min, he didn't do anything insidious. The matter had been long over. Why should she take such trivial matters to heart.
Besides, his son and Qiao Dong He were in the same school. If the relationship between the two wes good, she can ask him to take care of Qiao Dong He. It was unsettling to leave a girl outside alone.
Luo Qing didn't expect Qiao Family to forgive him so easily. He was relieved. At the same time, he felt that Qiao Family's teaching was very good. He privately told his son to take care of Qiao Family's girl more after school start.
Luo Jun Liang was naturally agreed without objection.
——
After ten days and ten nights, everyone arrived at the capital.
Huo Family knew that their son and Qiao Family came to the capital together. They had already sent someone to guard the train station.
When she saw her son walking out of the train, Dai Shu Fang burst into tears: "My son, let Mom take a good look at you! You've grown taller. And your appearance has changed!"
Huo Chi was good-natured and allowed his mom look around. His eyes were red.
Huo Hua Qing hadn't seen his grandson for a good few years. Now he saw his grandson safely come back, he was overjoyed to the points of tears.
The train station was full of people, not a place to talk.
Although Dai Shu Fang was very excited, she quickly restrained herself. She turned around and thanked Qiao Family: "Auntie Xiu Zhi, thank you for bringing Chi-er here. You guys come to my house first. Afterward, we will send you to school!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan refused.
Father and son have been separated for so many years. On such an important occasion, it stands to reason that Huo Zheng Chen should come. However, they haven't seen Huo Zheng Chen and Dai Shu Fang and Huo Hua Qing were keeping it silent about it.
The two of them were very keen to sense something amiss. Presumably something happened to Huo Family. So they might not be in the mood to entertain them at this time.
Besides, the car that Huo Family drove over couldn't take so many people. So they directly went to the school for registration.
Upon Qiao Family's decision, Dai Shu Fang didn't insist on it. She did repeatedly tell them to go to the Huo's house after reporting to the school and must not secretly run away!
On this point, Qiao Family agree.
Qiao Family and Luo Family made way to teacher college for registration.
Huo Family went home in their car.
On the way back, Huo Chi couldn't help but ask his mom, "Mom, where's my dad? Why didn't he come? Did something happen?"
Dai Shu Fang originally wanted to let her son rest for two days before telling him about it. But now he mentioned it, she couldn't hide it and told him about Huo Zheng Chen's wife and children outside.
When Huo Chi heard this, he immediately pulled a long face.
In fact, Dai Shu Fang had left some leeway for the other party. Since that day, Huo Zheng Chen hadn't appeared again. It was heard that Wang Anna had a miscarriage.
She didn't feel sorry though. At that time, Wang Anna fell by herself. No one pushed her.
Huo Chi was burning with anger. The veins on the back of his hands were bulging: "Mom, what are you going to do?"
When Huo Hua Qing heard his grandson's words from the front seat, he felt helpless and worried.
Both the palm of his hand and the back of his hand were flesh. However, it was his daughter-in-law and grandson who have been by his side all these years. If it weren't for them, he would have died long ago.
So at this time, if he said anything that favored his son, it would only hurt the hearts of his daughter-in-law and grandson.
He had already made up his mind that he would live with his daughter-in-law and grandson.
Son had been missing for so many years. Now that he had another family, let's continue to treat him as missing.
Dai Shu Fang watched her son with a conflicted expression on her face: "Chi'er, I... I want to divorce with your dad."
The Huo Zheng Chen she knew died twelve years ago. The current Huo Zheng Chen wasn't the Huo Zheng Chen she knew. He wasn't her husband. He was Wang Anna's husband!
She felt a man who had been touched by another woman was dirty. She didn't want him even if he was gift-wrapped to her!
When Huo Chi heard his mom's response, he stated without hesitation, "Then divorce!"
Anyway, he hadn't had a father in the past twelve years. It won't matter if he doesn't in the future!
In Huo Chi's heart, his family only consist of his mom and grandfather. If the so-called dad would hurt his family, he would definitely kill him without hesitation!
Dai Shu Fang's heart pulsed with agitation at her son's words. Her eyes couldn't help turning red.
She thought how her son had no fatherly love since he was young. If they divorced, her son wouldn't follow Huo Zheng Chen.
This meant that her son will not get fatherly love in the future. This made her feel that she owed her son.
Huo Chi noticed his mom's struggle and comforted: "Mom, you don't have to worry about me. I've grown up. We've survived all the worst in the past. We won't need him in the future!"
Dai Shu Fang stared at her son, who had grown into a teenager and rubbed his head with red eyes: "Okay. My Chi-er has finally grown up. Mom will depend on you from now on!"
Huo Chi solemnly nodded.
In the future, Huo Family will be protected by him!
Huo Hua Qing, who was sitting in front, sighed in his heart when he heard his daughter-in-law and grandson's exchange. He didn't say anything though.
Divorce then.
PreviousWan Chun Ju's voice had always been loud. Which such yell, the dog and the old hen in the yard were startled.
Inside and outside the courtyard, there was a sudden burst of chickens flying and dogs jumping.
Who would have thought that strong Wan Chun Ju was actually afraid of ghosts?
Her legs softened and her eyes rolled. The next moment she laid flat on the ground.
Little Dong Yun shrugged. Like an little adult, she sighed: "I'm so sorry. My mom is so useless. Let you see a joke!"
Da Qiao found Younger Sister's adult-like behavior amusing. She couldn't resist rubbing her head as she spoke, "Go and get your dad to come over and carry your mom in."
Little Dong Yun's little head nodded; looked very well-behaved. She turned around and ran toward the house. After two steps, she stopped and looked back at Huo Chi, "Elder Brother, I like you. You are just as good looking as me!"
In little Dong Yun's opinion, all the good-looking things in the world belonged to the same category as her. So she naturally liked good-looking Huo Chi.
Huo Chi: "..."
Seeing the twitching corners of Huo Chi's mouth, everyone couldn't help but laugh.
Huo Chi turned his head and asked Da Qiao, "Is she always like this?"
Da Qiao smilingly nodded: "En, Younger Sister Dong Yun is very confident!"
Although Younger Sister Dong Yun was indeed not pretty, she really liked this younger sister. The most rare thing was that she was brought up by Eldest Aunt and raised crooked.
Qiao Family welcomed Huo Chi's arrival and brought out all the delicious food at home.
Huo Chi watched Qiao Family busy for him. His heart felt it was being filled.
In the past few years, he had been in the army. Although Lieutenant General Jiang treated him well and like he was his own nephew, he was always under the supervision of others. There were always a feeling of being inconvenience to another.
The most worrying thing was that he was thousands of miles away from home. Even when he missed his family again, he won't be able to come back in these few years.
Fortunately, this life was finally coming to an end!
At noon, Qiao Hong Xia and Wang Yan Sheng brought their children over. Everyone was very curious about the two children.
Both Qiao Hong Xia and Wang Yan Sheng were good-looking. Naturally, their children wouldn't be ugly. Still, they weren't as delicate pretty as Da Qiao and the other.
Yi Ming loved his younger siblings very much. The two younger ones also listen to Elder Brother. The three siblings get along very harmoniously and lovingly. From this, it can be seen that Yi Ming wasn't treated differently in this family.
This was indeed the case.
Not long after Qiao Hong Xia married Wang Yan Sheng, Wang Yan Sheng decided to change Yi Ming's surname and told the outside world that he was his son. The two youngest members of the family still didn't know that Yi Ming was their half-brother.
For blended family, the most sensitive was the children brought by the previous family. If any part was done, they may feel that they weren't welcome and think they were redundant.
Fortunately, this didn't happen to Yi Ming. He looked so cheerful and active.
Seeing this, everyone felt relieved.
At noon, Xue Chuan personally cooked and made a plate of braised fish, a plate of secret garlic-flavored pork ribs, a plate of fragrant double-cooked pork, and a large pot of wolfberry leaf egg soup.
Now half of the fields in the production team were planted with wolfberry. Everyone basically used wolfberry leaves in cooking every day.
During the period, Wang Yan Sheng talked about the development of wolfberry. He said the country was interested in developing the economy now. Then Qili Village can expand the planting area of wolfberry.
After everyone heard this, there was a round of discussion and joy again.
Thanks to taking wolfberry route, the economic situation of the production team had been getting better and better in the past few years. Before, Qili production team could only be ranked in the middle-lower rank in the community. Now when the whole community mention Qili production team, who didn't envy them?
After eating, Da Qiao and Huo Chi left Qiao's house and came to their secret base - West Wood.
Since Huo Chi left, Da Qiao rarely came here.
In recent years, West Wood had also been developed and planted with many wolfberry trees. Now more and more people came here.
At noon, no one came to West Wood. The two came to the waterfall.
The rushing water dashed down from the top of the waterfall and splashed on the stones. It felt cool against the hand.
Da Qiao sat down on a stone. Raising her head up, she looked up at Huo Chi and asked, "Elder Brother Huo Chi, do you have anything on your mind?"
From the time they met until now, he always had a smile hanging on his mouth. However, Da Qiao felt that the smile didn't reach his eyes.
Huo Chi leaned on a big rock opposite her. He raised his eyes slightly to look at her and replied, "How do you know I have something on my mind?"
They had been separated for more than four years. She had also changed from the soft and glutinous dumpling to a girl that one can't take their eyes off.
She had fair skin like cow's milk, delicate painting-like facial features, thin waist, and long legs. She had taken shape of a little beauty; exactly like the person he saw in his dream.
That's right, since they parted, Huo Chi would dream of Da Qiao every once in a while like before. Da Qiao in the dream grew up with time.
The last time he dreamed of her was two months ago. She looked similar to now. If there was any difference, it was that she seem to had grow taller.
Recalling the scene when she called him Younger Brother Huo Chi when they met for the second time, the corner of his mouth couldn't help curling up.
Da Qiao said: "When Elder Brother Huo Chi is really happy, the corners of your eyes will drop slightly. Just now, I haven't seen Elder Brother Huo Chi smile like that."
"You remember it very well."
Huo Chi didn't expect that after so many years, she could still remember some of his subtle actions. His heart felt warm.
Da Qiao's little head nodded: "En, I remember everything about Elder Brother Huo Chi very clearly."
When she said this, she put her hands on her thighs, like a good student; so well-behaved.
The corner of Huo Chi's mouth raised a little higher: "I am thinking about something. Before I came back, I received a call from my mom. Although she didn't say anything, I have a feeling that something must have happened at home."
Da Qiao's fan-like eyelashes blinked: "Why do Elder Brother Huo Chi say that?"
Huo Chi spoke: "My dad came back after being missing for many years. It stands to reason that my mom should be overjoyed. But when she called me, her tone was very restrained. I couldn't find a trace of joy in her words!"
The small expression on Da Qiao's face became serious too: "Has Elder Brother Huo Chi asked Auntie Fang?"
Huo Chi nodded: "I tactfully asked my mom but she avoided it. Just said wait until I go back to the capital."
Da Qiao pondered, but couldn't come up with a reason: "Since Auntie Fang didn't say, she must be afraid of Elder Brother Huo Chi getting worried. In this case, Elder Brother Huo Chi shouldn't think too much. You will know when you go to the capital."
Huo Chi nodded.
It was impossible to not worry. However, he didn't want Da Qiao to worry with him, so he nodded.
Da Qiao looked at the direction of the capital and remarked with a look of longing: "I heard that the capital is very big and beautiful. I must get admitted to the capital's college in the future!"
However, she was only in her second year of junior high school. It will be a good few years before her college entrance examination.
Huo Chi raised his eyes and stared at her: "Do you want to go to the capital?"
Da Qiao nodded like a pecking chick. Her eyes were bright: "En en. I wanted to go since I was read literacy textbooks in elementary school!"
Huo Chi: "Aren't your grandparents going to send your elder cousin sister to the capital for registration? Why don't you take the opportunity and join them?"
Da Qiao was stunned for a moment: "But I got classes."
Huo Chi: "With your intelligence, haven't you already learned the knowledge of the second year of junior high by yourself long ago?"
Da Qiao's pink lips parted open: "Elder Brother Huo Chi, you are so amazing. You can actually guessed it!"
She had indeed learned all the textbooks for the entire second year of junior high school by herself. She was currently studying the textbooks for the second semester of high school's year one by herself.
Originally, according to her self-learning ability and grades, she was fully qualified to skip grades. It was just that she was too young. If she skipped grades again, she would be under fourteen when she took the college entrance examination!
At that time, even if she was admitted to the capital's college, her family wouldn't let her go. So she didn't skip grades, but climbed up with her current class.
The corners of Huo Chi's mouth raised again: "Is there any need to guess? Since you've already learned it, it wouldn't be a problem to go to the capital with us, right?"
Da Qiao's eyes lit up: "Yes, Elder Brother Huo Chi, you are right. I'll go tell Grandfather and Grandmother!"
Saying that, she jumped up and was about to run off. However, she was stopped by Huo Chi.
Huo Chi took out a small figure carved out of wood from his pocket and handed it to her, "This is for you."
Da Qiao accepted it. The next moment, she made sounds of admiration: "It looks like me! Elder Brother Huo Chi, how did you do it?"
The last time she sent a photo was three years ago. Although Qiao Family was better off than the average family, money couldn't be casually spent.
It cost a dime to take a photo. How can such a luxurious thing be done every year. So she only sent a photo once after being separated for more than four years.
Seeing how she loved it, Huo Chi's lip corners curled: "Didn't you just say that I'm smart? How can such a small matter be hard to me?"
Da Qiao looked adoringly. Her little head nodded: "Elder Brother Huo Chi is amazing! Elder Brother Huo Chi, can I ask you to carve another one for me?"
Huo Chi's body straightened up: "Speak."
Da Qiao pursed her lips and jollily replied: "I just want Gu Gu."
Huo Chi: "..."
Although he had guessed that there was a 90% chance that she would mention Gu Gu before she spoke, he still held hope in his heart that she would ask him for a wooden figurine of him.
Facts had proved that in her heart, his status was still inferior to Gu Gu!
Heart felt blocked.
Seeing that he wasn't moving, Da Qiao called out, "Elder Brother Huo Chi, is my request too difficult?"
Huo Chi came back to his senses and shook his head: "It's not difficult. I'll go back and carve one for you."
Sculpting wasn't difficult for him now. But in order to learn, his hands got knife-cuts all year round. There was no need to tell her about such things though.
Da Qiao smiled in delight. The two merrily chatted as they exited west wood.
As soon as Da Qiao returned, she immediately told her grandfather and grandmother that she wanted to follow them to the capital.
Now everyone in the production team knew that Xue Chuan and Qiao Xiu Zhi didn't date An Ping or the twins the most, but Da Qiao, a granddaughter! The two simply held her in their hands as if they wee afraid of her falling and kept her in their mouth as if she'll melt.
If everyone knew that Qiao Xiu Zhi bought a house for Da Qiao in the town, everyone would be so frightened that their eyes and jaws dropped.
Sure enough, after hearing Da Qiao's words, Xue Chuan and Qiao Xiu Zhi agreed after slight pondering.
In their opinion, it was good to let Da Qiao go out and see more.
So that night, they announced this news to Qiao Family.
The other children were extremely envious. But no one was blinded by jealous for Da Qiao or resented her because of it.
Who told them to have grades not as good as Da Qiao? Or that they were too young and weren't suitable for long-distance travel!
While Qiao Zhen Guo felt extremely aggrieved: "Dad, Mom, you didn't let me go? Instead, you bring Niece Da Qiao?"
Qiao Xiu Zhi said: "I didn't let you go? I told you to go later. You have four children. When the other three get admitted in the future, would you lack the opportunity to go?"
Qiao Zhen Guo found it reasonable when he thought about it and immediately threw his grievances to the horizon.
Seeing her man settled down after a few words from her mother-in-law, her heart instantly felt blocked again!
On the other hand, An Ping only had food in mind: "Elder Sister Da Qiao, I heard from my classmates that the roast duck in the capital is very delicious. And there are also western restaurants. Can you bring me a roast duck back later?"
Da Qiao cheerfully nodded: "No problem. I'll bring three or four back later!"
Later when she go to the capital, Da Qiao discover that the minimum price of roast duck in the capital is staggeringly expensive!
But that's future story.
——
Because Qiao Dong He had to rush for the college registration, everyone set off after two days.
Originally, Huo Chi was going to be brought over to the capital by Wang Yan Sheng. Now that Qiao Family was taking the same road, Wan Yan Sheng didn't go. Instead, he returned to the army with Qiao Hong Xia.
Considering how Qiao Dong He would be gone for a year and wouldn't go home during this period, everything that was available and can be used will be packed and sent over.
After packing up, there was actually several baggage!
Fortunately, Qiao Xiu Zhi was equivalent to five or six people alone. Da Qiao was also a super strong. The other three person can also help. So these things wasn't a burden to everyone.
The group set off to the county to take the train. Unexpectedly they encountered Qiao Dong He's classmate, Luo Jun Liang at the train station.
Luo Jun Liang was a friendly person. When he saw Qiao Dong He, he greeted her a wide grin and said, "It's you! Which college are you going to?"
Qiao Dong He pursed her lips and her cheeks became pink: "I was admitted to the teacher college in the capital. How about you?"
Luo Jun Liang clapped his palms and grinned: "What a coincidence! So am I!"
Hearing this, Qiao Dong He couldn't help widening his eyes. She also found it was a coincidence: "You also signed up for teacher college?"
Luo Jun Liang nodded and said with a smile: "Yes. My grades just passed by. I was worried to death before; fearing that I would not be able to be admitted!"
Luo Jun Liang's grades were usually around the upper-middle level in school. Never thought he would perform exceptionally this time. Several points more than usual.
Even so, his grades weren't as good as Qiao Dong He.
When Qiao Dong He heard what he said, she immediately felt a sense of finding a bosom friend: "Actually, this time I also performed exceptionally well. When I applied for this school, I was very certain I'll get it!"
It was just because she really wanted to study at teacher college in the capital, so she wanted to take a gamble. She was lucky enough to be admitted!
The more the two chatted, the more they got along. Then the man next to Luo Jun Liang coughed and solemnly spoke, "Jun Liang, is this your classmate? Why don't you introduce her to your family?"
It was Luo Jun Liang's father, Luo Qing, who was speaking. He was the director of the town's supply and demand cooperative. Also Qiao Zhen Min's director back then.
Luo Jun Liang didn't know his family's relationship with Qiao Family, so he pointed at Qiao Dong He and introduced her to his family: "This is Classmate Qiao. She was in the class next door to me in high school. Her grades are better than mine!"
Luo Qing took a look at Qiao Dong He and felt that the girl was very polite. So he nodded to her.
Qiao Dong He felt out of her comfort zone in front of strangers. She greeted with a blushing face: "Hello, Uncle Luo."
Then she introduced her family to Luo Family.
It would had been fine if they didn't introduce. But as soon as the introduction happened, Luo Qing realized that something was wrong.
Luo Qing knew Qiao Xiu Zhi. When Qiao Zhen Min was still working in the supply and demand cooperative, she came to the supply and demand cooperative to look for her son. He had seen her once from a distance.
At the beginning, he had just transferred and wanted to consolidate his power in the supply and demand cooperative. So he took a strike against Qiao Zhen Min. Later, after Qiao Zhen Min left, he learned from other people that Qiao Family was actually a relative of deputy chief of the police station!
At that time, he was very worried; afraid that Qiao Zhen Min would retaliate against him. After a period of worry and fear, he found that nothing happened.
It turned out to be he was being small-minded!
Therefore, seeing Qiao Family at this time, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty.
Qiao Xiu Zhi had never met Luo Qing. Naturally, she didn't know his identity.
Luo Qing didn't want to say it at first, but he had to face Qiao family for so long on this train journey every day. He couldn't stand it and finally apologized to Qiao Family on the third day.
Luo Jun Liang never thought his dad could do such a thing and was very shocked. On the other hand, he felt very apologetic to Qiao Dong He.
He apologized to Qiao Dong He: "I'm sorry. I didn't know my dad did that to your uncle!"
Qiao Dong He waved her hand: "You don't need to apologize to me. It's not your fault."
This was Luo Jun Liang's dad's doing. Not him. What's more, he only knew about it today like herself.
Qiao Xiu Zhi accepted Luo Qing's apology.
Although Luo Qing targeted Qiao Zhen Min, he didn't do anything insidious. The matter had been long over. Why should she take such trivial matters to heart.
Besides, his son and Qiao Dong He were in the same school. If the relationship between the two wes good, she can ask him to take care of Qiao Dong He. It was unsettling to leave a girl outside alone.
Luo Qing didn't expect Qiao Family to forgive him so easily. He was relieved. At the same time, he felt that Qiao Family's teaching was very good. He privately told his son to take care of Qiao Family's girl more after school start.
Luo Jun Liang was naturally agreed without objection.
——
After ten days and ten nights, everyone arrived at the capital.
Huo Family knew that their son and Qiao Family came to the capital together. They had already sent someone to guard the train station.
When she saw her son walking out of the train, Dai Shu Fang burst into tears: "My son, let Mom take a good look at you! You've grown taller. And your appearance has changed!"
Huo Chi was good-natured and allowed his mom look around. His eyes were red.
Huo Hua Qing hadn't seen his grandson for a good few years. Now he saw his grandson safely come back, he was overjoyed to the points of tears.
The train station was full of people, not a place to talk.
Although Dai Shu Fang was very excited, she quickly restrained herself. She turned around and thanked Qiao Family: "Auntie Xiu Zhi, thank you for bringing Chi-er here. You guys come to my house first. Afterward, we will send you to school!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan refused.
Father and son have been separated for so many years. On such an important occasion, it stands to reason that Huo Zheng Chen should come. However, they haven't seen Huo Zheng Chen and Dai Shu Fang and Huo Hua Qing were keeping it silent about it.
The two of them were very keen to sense something amiss. Presumably something happened to Huo Family. So they might not be in the mood to entertain them at this time.
Besides, the car that Huo Family drove over couldn't take so many people. So they directly went to the school for registration.
Upon Qiao Family's decision, Dai Shu Fang didn't insist on it. She did repeatedly tell them to go to the Huo's house after reporting to the school and must not secretly run away!
On this point, Qiao Family agree.
Qiao Family and Luo Family made way to teacher college for registration.
Huo Family went home in their car.
On the way back, Huo Chi couldn't help but ask his mom, "Mom, where's my dad? Why didn't he come? Did something happen?"
Dai Shu Fang originally wanted to let her son rest for two days before telling him about it. But now he mentioned it, she couldn't hide it and told him about Huo Zheng Chen's wife and children outside.
When Huo Chi heard this, he immediately pulled a long face.
In fact, Dai Shu Fang had left some leeway for the other party. Since that day, Huo Zheng Chen hadn't appeared again. It was heard that Wang Anna had a miscarriage.
She didn't feel sorry though. At that time, Wang Anna fell by herself. No one pushed her.
Huo Chi was burning with anger. The veins on the back of his hands were bulging: "Mom, what are you going to do?"
When Huo Hua Qing heard his grandson's words from the front seat, he felt helpless and worried.
Both the palm of his hand and the back of his hand were flesh. However, it was his daughter-in-law and grandson who have been by his side all these years. If it weren't for them, he would have died long ago.
So at this time, if he said anything that favored his son, it would only hurt the hearts of his daughter-in-law and grandson.
He had already made up his mind that he would live with his daughter-in-law and grandson.
Son had been missing for so many years. Now that he had another family, let's continue to treat him as missing.
Dai Shu Fang watched her son with a conflicted expression on her face: "Chi'er, I... I want to divorce with your dad."
The Huo Zheng Chen she knew died twelve years ago. The current Huo Zheng Chen wasn't the Huo Zheng Chen she knew. He wasn't her husband. He was Wang Anna's husband!
She felt a man who had been touched by another woman was dirty. She didn't want him even if he was gift-wrapped to her!
When Huo Chi heard his mom's response, he stated without hesitation, "Then divorce!"
Anyway, he hadn't had a father in the past twelve years. It won't matter if he doesn't in the future!
In Huo Chi's heart, his family only consist of his mom and grandfather. If the so-called dad would hurt his family, he would definitely kill him without hesitation!
Dai Shu Fang's heart pulsed with agitation at her son's words. Her eyes couldn't help turning red.
She thought how her son had no fatherly love since he was young. If they divorced, her son wouldn't follow Huo Zheng Chen.
This meant that her son will not get fatherly love in the future. This made her feel that she owed her son.
Huo Chi noticed his mom's struggle and comforted: "Mom, you don't have to worry about me. I've grown up. We've survived all the worst in the past. We won't need him in the future!"
Dai Shu Fang stared at her son, who had grown into a teenager and rubbed his head with red eyes: "Okay. My Chi-er has finally grown up. Mom will depend on you from now on!"
Huo Chi solemnly nodded.
In the future, Huo Family will be protected by him!
Huo Hua Qing, who was sitting in front, sighed in his heart when he heard his daughter-in-law and grandson's exchange. He didn't say anything though.
Divorce then.
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It's sad but it's probably the best solution for Dai Shu Fang. Since Father Huo has been 'gone' for 12 years, it shouldn't be hard to have him be gone for the rest of their lives either. Thank you for the chapter!
ReplyDeleteSame feeling if it was me, the wife. Like, i can forgive him for having amnesia but having another wife is a different story.
DeleteTrue. I would have made the same décision and not because he had another familly, after all je was amnésic, but because of his actions layer. He lied to his first familly and after thé miscarriage caused in part by his on irresponsability hé doesn't even comme to see them
ReplyDelete