The mother of the era is reborn to support her cannon fodder children!

Chapter 158 "The Gift"

The children's room was filled with excited yet deliberately quiet children's voices, and Lin Zhao walked over out of curiosity.

Leaning against the doorway.

The room was packed with children.

"What are you talking about? Why is it so lively?"

Her voice, tinged with laughter, rang out.

When Yu Bao saw his mother, a bright smile first appeared on his little face. He ran over and took his mother's hand. His little expression was proud and adoring, and his voice was as soft as cotton, "Thank you, Mom, for decorating our room. We love it so much."

The child tried his best to gesture with his little hands.

Lin Zhao's eyes softened, and she gently rubbed the top of her son's head. It felt so soft; he was an angel baby.

"I'm glad you like it. I'll buy you a desk lamp once the brigade gets electricity."

Hengbao held his mother's other hand, tilted his head back, and asked, "What's a table lamp? Is it the light on the ceiling?"

"No, the desk lamp can be placed on the desk for reading and writing, it won't strain your eyes," Lin Zhao explained softly.

"I like the desk lamp. Mom is so nice." Hengbao's eyes crinkled with happiness.

Yu Bao rubbed his head against his mother's arm, like a harmless little animal.

At this moment, Yuanbao spoke up in his childish voice, "Aunt Lin, the twins said they have blueprints for their bed. Can I borrow them? I want my mom to make this bed for me too."

Lin Zhao was slightly taken aback.

He then smiled and said, "No need to borrow, the brigade carpenter can do it. If any of you want one, just have your parents go to him."

The children wrote down her words and thanked her politely.

"Thank you, Aunt Lin."

Previously, the children in the village didn't know how to say thank you, but after spending a lot of time with the twins, they gradually learned polite language.

While they were thinking about the new bed, they didn't forget their business and helped the twins move their things before leaving.

Lin Zhao didn't let the children work for nothing; she gave each of them two fruit candies, which delighted the children.

The twins' mother shared candy with them!

Two still!

Spinning around happily.

"Aunt Lin is so kind."

"Yu Bao, if you need anything in the future, just call me. You don't need two candies, one will do."

"Hengbao, I can do it too. I'm strong, one of me is as good as two."

"I'm the stronger one."

"I'm older."

"Humph."

"Humph!"

The boat of friendship can capsize at any time.

Lin Zhao chuckled. That's how kids are; they don't hold grudges, and they're fine in half a day after a fight.

With the help of everyone at the Gu family's old house, the belongings of the third branch were quickly moved to the new home.

Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang were helping to organize the kitchen. Both of them were diligent and quick-witted, and soon everything was arranged neatly.

Mother Gu nodded in approval.

Her daughters-in-law are all quite good.

She completely forgot how much she regretted her actions when Lin Zhao made a fuss about separating the family and then neglected her four children afterward!

It just goes to show that people are forgetful.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law could help tidy up the kitchen, but they couldn't interfere in the third room. They told Lin Zhao and offered to leave.

The house needed tidying up, so Lin Zhao didn't stand on ceremony and simply said that she was hosting a dinner party at the new house tomorrow and invited everyone to come over.

Hoshino and the others were overjoyed.

My aunt is treating us to a meal, there will definitely be meat, and we'll have meat to eat! How wonderful!

Thinking about tomorrow's meal, I left with light steps.

Xiao Libao didn't leave; he's going to sleep with Hengbao tonight.

Lin Zhao intends to cultivate the children's self-reliance; she only helps make the beds, leaving the children to tidy up their desks themselves.

The twins, who were of no help, had just been brought over by Gu Lan and were lying on their low bed, their bright black eyes looking around, obedient and adorable.

A mattress was laid on the low bed, covered with a dark blue sheet. Two small floral pillows were placed against the wall at the head of the bed, and a small red blanket was folded up next to the foot of the bunk bed.

Lin Zhao quickly made up Yu Bao's bed.

Yu Bao likes solid colors, so she laid out a light green printed bed sheet for her son, which looks refreshing and is in line with the season.

After laying out the lower bunk, Lin Zhao stepped onto a small wooden ladder and began to lay out the upper bunk.

Upon seeing this, Yu Bao put down what she was holding, frowned, walked over, looked up at Lin Zhao, and her eyes were full of worry.

"Mom, step carefully, don't fall."

A child who is overly attached to their mother can endure a scrape on their own without crying, but cannot bear to see their mother get hurt.

Hengbao and Tiechui also ran over, their eyes fixed on Lin Zhao's feet, which were clad in cloth slippers, their expressions tense.

"..."

It's only a short distance; falling from there won't cause any serious injury.

Lin Zhao paused slightly as she looked at them from above. The children, not even six years old, were so small, but they were already very sensible and knew how to express their care.

Her heart sank, and her eyes softened.

"Don't worry, I'm standing very steadily, I won't fall."

"Go and tidy up the small desks."

The three kids glanced at each other worriedly, then obediently tidied their desks.

He would glance at Lin Zhao every now and then.

The little hands carefully smoothed out the books and placed them on the shelf, one by one, very seriously.

Place the calligraphy practice books and notebooks on the table so they can be easily grabbed.

The desks have drawers, one for each person, and are marked with "Big, Two, Three, Four".

Yu Bao was the first to see the words. He turned to Lin Zhao and asked, "Mom, there are words on the drawer. Does the big character represent me?"

“Yes.” Lin Zhao finished making the bed, jumped down from the wooden ladder, and explained softly, “I was originally going to carve your names, but…”

She paused for a moment before saying, "Your formal names have many strokes, so we'll continue using your old nicknames."

The old carpenter found it too troublesome and had no other choice.

“Da is the eldest son’s Da, Er is the second son’s Er, San is the third son’s San, and Si is the fourth son’s Si.”

"Four drawers, one for each of you, each using your own. As the older brother, you can't take from your younger siblings, understand?"

Hengbao was very happy to have a drawer.

He excitedly shouted, "I know! My drawer is number two. I can put my things in the drawer with the number two on it, but I can't put things in my older brother's or younger brother's or younger sister's drawers."

Lin Zhao cupped the little girl's clever face in her hands, "Smart."

Yu Bao's eyes showed envy, and he also wanted his mother to touch him. His eyes flashed, and he said, "I will keep an eye on my younger brother and sister."

"Okay, Yu Bao is the best. With you as my precious baby, I can save a lot of trouble. You're great." Lin Zhao praised him profusely.

Yu Bao couldn't suppress the urge to smile.

Mom said he's the best boy ever! He's Mom's best son!

Hengbao was unhappy and kept pestering Lin Zhao: "Mommy, what about me? What about me?"

“You’re the second child, so you’re the second best,” Lin Zhao said with a smile.

Hengbao, quick-witted as ever, immediately replied, "Qianbao is the third best, and Yaobao is the fourth best, right?"

"……Correct."

Upon hearing this affirmative statement, Heng Baole spoke up.

Lin Zhao changed the subject, "The table is tidied up nicely. You three are really amazing. Li Bao helped Yu Bao and Heng Bao tidy up the house. We'll eat here tonight."

Li Bao happily agreed, "Okay."

Hengbao hugged Libao, smiling brightly, "We're good brothers. If Libao moves, we'll help him too."

Lin Zhao laughed and said, "Yes, you three are good brothers. So, may I ask, my three good brothers, are you hungry?"

She glanced at her watch; it was just past four. The children loved running around the village; they were full of energy and got hungry quickly.

Hengbao rubbed his stomach. "I'm hungry."

"Mom, what are we having for dinner today?" he asked expectantly.

"How about some liangpi (cold skin noodles)?"

Hengbao looked blankly at her. "What is liangpi? Is it delicious? I've never had it before. Is it as good as wontons?"

Wonton is a favorite food of the twins.

Lin Zhao said, "It's delicious! It's perfect for summer. It's sour and spicy, and very appetizing."

"I want to eat!" Hengbao shouted.

Yu Bao stood obediently in place, saying, "I'll eat whatever Mommy makes. Everything Mommy makes is delicious."

The emotional value is full.

Little Li Bao nodded, "Yes, my third aunt cooks better than my mother."

Lin Zhao was getting quite carried away.

Her face was full of smiles. "You three, tidy up your toys. I'll call you when dinner is ready."

The room also had a play corner, with an artistic grass mat made by Gu's father covering the cement floor. The mat was quite large, measuring 1.8 meters by 1.8 meters, and a cat-head shaped pegboard was nailed to the wall, specifically for storing the children's toys.

The twins and Li Bao put toys such as tin frogs, rag dolls, ping-pong paddles, and cloth balls on it.

Then sweep the floor clean.

In this way, the whole house was completely transformed.

Simple and beautiful.

It's better than where kids in the city live.

Later, when the four children went to join the army, they did not feel inferior to the children who grew up in big compounds and big cities.

When the teacher asked them to write an essay, Yu Bao wrote the following passage.

My mother is an extraordinary mother. She has many ideas and lives a free and unrestrained life, which many people cannot understand. However, this kind of mother gave us a unique childhood. I went to the provincial capital when I was five years old, and shared a radio with my younger siblings... a radio that was unique in the world. While other children were happy because of a piece of candy, my mother gave us chocolate, soda, ice cream... We had everything that children in the city had. She taught us to read and write, and personally guided us to explore the world. My mother loves us wholeheartedly, and I... love my mother very much.
anyway--

Lin Zhao left the children's room and wandered to her and Gu Chenghuai's living room, where things had been neatly arranged.

The walls, painted white, are very bright, and the floor, being cement, is clean with little dust.

Hearing familiar footsteps, Gu Chenghuai turned his head slightly. "Have the rooms for the four kids been tidied up?"

"There's only a little bit left, and we're all hungry. I'll go cook."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chenghuai quickly made up the bed sheets, walked towards Lin Zhao, grabbed her hand, and pressed her down onto the stool.

“Today is your birthday, don’t bother, sit down and rest, I’ll do it,” the man said without room for argument.

Lin Zhao's eyes were warm, and a smile spread across them. "Okay, I'll lie down for a while. Call me when you're done. Your son wants to eat cold noodles. Do you know how to make them? If not, ask your mother."

"Liangpi? Easy." Gu Chenghuai couldn't make complicated dishes, but he knew how to make simple ones like liangpi; he'd seen his mother make them before.

"Wait."

He walked outside and gently closed the door behind him.

Before closing the door, she slightly curved her lips, her eyes filled with tenderness.

Lin Zhao smiled, changed into clean clothes, and lay down on the bed.

The sheets are new, and they smell wonderful when you lie on them.

The mattress was soft, the window was wide open, and the afternoon sunlight had a gentle feel. A breeze blew in, and the bamboo curtains swayed gently, making it a perfect place to sleep. Lin Zhao slowly drifted off to sleep.

Forty minutes passed in that nap.

When she opened her eyes again, she heard the voices of Lin Shichang and Lin Shisheng.

Lin Zhao blinked and listened carefully; it was indeed them.

She lifted the thin blanket, sat up, casually gathered her long, black hair, slipped on her cloth slippers, opened the door, and walked out of the room.

"Zhaozhao, you're awake. Did you get enough sleep? Were we too loud and disturbed you?" Lin Shisheng said apologetically.

Lin Shih-chang also said, "If you're sleepy, you can sleep a little longer. We won't talk anymore."

Lin Zhao walked over and took the water that Gu Chenghuai handed her. She had a habit of drinking half a glass of water after waking up to soothe her throat.

"I woke up on my own, it has nothing to do with you."

She put the enamel mug back and looked at the Lin brothers, "Why are you here, eldest brother and second brother?"

Lin Shichang laughed and said, "Are you still half asleep? It's your birthday today. Your father isn't here, and you didn't come either. Your sister-in-law even said she was going to make you longevity noodles."

He felt a pang of regret when he realized he had forgotten to remind Zhao Zhao when he picked up Meng's two nephews.

“Gu Chenghuai said he would make it for me,” Lin Zhao said.

Lin Shichang looked at his brother-in-law in surprise, "Chenghuai can make longevity noodles?"

"Yes." Gu Chenghuai nodded.

While his wife was asleep, he tried making it and found that it was indeed easy to do, and the taste was quite good.

Lin Shichang patted his brother-in-law on the shoulder, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

After praising his brother-in-law, whom he used to dislike but now finds agreeable in every way, he gave Lin Zhao the things he had brought. "Zhao Zhao, your brother bought you a silk scarf. The person said it's from Haishi and is very popular with young girls. I hope you like it."

Before Lin Zhao could speak, she continued, "There are still clothes your sister-in-law made for you inside. She asked me to pass on a message to you, wishing you a happy birthday. She's heavily pregnant and it's inconvenient for her to come, so please don't mind."

Lin Zhao is not pretentious.

She accepted the gift with great enthusiasm, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

"It's alright! Thank you, brother. Please thank your sister-in-law for me."

Lin Shih-chang: "Okay."

Lin Zhaochao reached out to Lin Shisheng and said matter-of-factly, "Where's my second brother's gift? Give it to me."

"How can you be like this, asking for gifts without any restraint?" Lin Shisheng said with a smile.

His body, however, betrayed him; he took out a square box and placed it in his sister's palm.

"What is this? And why is it in a box? It's so mysterious." Lin Zhao's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but stammer.

"Open it and take a look." Lin Shisheng said confidently, knowing that Zhaozhao would definitely like the gift he gave her.

Lin Zhao opened it without ceremony, and inside was a bright green jade bracelet.

Her expression changed slightly, and she slammed the box shut, instinctively lowering her voice.

"You've been speculating and profiteering??"

It wasn't that Lin Zhao was cowardly, but in the original book, many people in their commune were executed for speculation and profiteering. Wei Xiangdong was considered to have escaped punishment, but he still met a tragic end.

This line of work is really dangerous, especially here. The plot goes like this: there's a high probability of getting caught and sentenced for speculation and profiteering.

As soon as Lin Zhao finished speaking, Lin Shichang began to roll up his sleeves, while Gu Chenghuai frowned slightly as he looked at his brother-in-law.

Lin Shisheng sensed something was wrong and quickly said, "I didn't."

He looked helpless. "I got this by chance. I don't even go to the black market. How could I do anything illegal or criminal? My mother would break my legs. How could I dare to break the law?"

Lin Zhao knew all too well that her second brother was not an honest man.

She stared at Lin Shisheng, but couldn't detect the slightest bit of guilt in him.

That's a really good act.

"We don't need that, don't take the risk."

Lin Shisheng remained calm and honest, saying, "I know, I didn't engage in speculation or profiteering."

He would at most collect some goods in the village and make a small profit. He kept a low profile, and even the people who took the goods from him didn't know his identity.

Although he had only been doing this for a short time, he already knew all the ins and outs of it.

He had a friend in the county who had connections and always encouraged him to join.

He felt that the other party's business was too big, and Qiu Lian was also easily swayed and couldn't keep secrets, so he refused.

After Qiu Lian went back to her parents' home, Lin Shisheng started working on it. He knew it was dangerous and was very careful.

He plans to save enough money to buy a job with a transport team.

My older brother has a job now, it's time for him to get moving!

Lin Zhao didn't delve into it further. She had already given him all the necessary reminders. Her second brother was a father of two and knew what he was doing.

She waved the box in her hand, her serious expression fading, and smiled, "Second brother, this bracelet will be very valuable in the future, are you really going to give it to me?"

"Otherwise, it's your 24th birthday present." Lin Shisheng said nonchalantly, "You're my own sister, how could I regret giving you a gift? Do I have no shame? You keep it, and if you like it, I'll get you another one."

For some, these old things are not as good as a pound of meat.