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

Chapter 261 "The Difference Between One and N"

"I said, it's all your own hard work, it has little to do with me," Lin Zhao said indifferently.

Old Zhuangtou didn't care. He knew Comrade Lin was a good person, and everyone in the commune thought so too.

A hint of pride flashed in Meng Jiusi's eyes as she looked at him apologetically, "My sister is a little embarrassed."

"It's nothing. Comrade Lin is from the city and isn't used to the way things are done in the village. I understand." The old man waved his hand.

Lin Zhao: Huh?

What are you saying?!
She genuinely didn't think she had made any significant contribution. The mushroom cultivation technique was something her father had painstakingly developed through practice; she had only provided a written guide, which didn't amount to much.

What did Grandpa Zhuang say? That he owed me a favor? That's way too much!

Meng Jiusi helped Lin Zhao onto the oxcart, and then sat down himself.

Chatting with the old man from the village.

"Uncle Zhuang, have you prepared all the New Year's goods?"

Old Zhuangtou glanced back and saw that everyone on the oxcart was seated. He cracked his whip, and the whip made a snapping sound as it cut through the air.

The ox's hoof left its original spot.

He answered Meng Jiusi's question, "It's prepared, everything is prepared!"

"Now that there's extra money at home, every household has sold meat!"

Old Zhuangtou's face was full of smiles.

“It’s Chinese New Year, and my family has meat too.” Hengbao moved forward and took the initiative to start a conversation.

“Yes, there has to be meat during the New Year. After a year of hard work, the adults need to treat themselves, and the children need to taste meat too,” the old man agreed.

"Kids all like meat." Hengbao said something seemingly pointless before revealing his true purpose.

"Grandpa Zhuang, is it hard to drive the oxcart?"

Old Zhuangtou turned to look at him, his kind old face crinkling with smiles.

"What? You want to learn?"

Hengbao didn't expect his purpose to be exposed so quickly, and gave an awkward laugh.

He stretched out his hand, put his thumb and pinky together, and chuckled, "I kind of want to."

"You can't even think about it." Old Zhuangtou shook his head and refused him. Afraid that the child would be unhappy, he explained, "You're too young to learn. When you're a few years older, if you still want to learn, I'll teach you."

Hengbao looked at the white hair on his head for a while, and then said, "Then eat and drink well, stay healthy, and I'll come find you."

It's no wonder Hengbao is like this. After the weather turned cold, an elderly person in the Fengshou Brigade passed away. For the first time, the twins understood that people will leave when they get old.

Because of this, Yu Bao, Heng Bao, and Li Bao huddled together and secretly cried.

She was especially clingy to her grandparents during those days.

Old Zhuangtou was unaware of this, but he felt a sense of warmth.

"Okay, I'll eat and drink well and wait for you to grow up healthy... then come find me to learn how to drive an oxcart."

Heng Bao was overjoyed. "Then it's settled!"

"It's a deal." Old Zhuangtou was indulging him.

No one could dislike a child who is clean-cut, cheerful, generous, and polite.

Hengbao was full of curiosity about the oxcart. As he talked, he moved closer to the old man and sat down next to him.

"Grandpa Zhuang, do you think driving an oxcart is the same as driving a car?"

Old Zhuangtou: How would he know that?
But he thought to himself, it must be the same principle, right?

"...Grandpa doesn't know that when you grow up, learn to drive an oxcart, and then learn to drive a car, you'll see the difference."

Hengbao thought Grandpa Zhuang's words made sense and said, "Yes, I'll tell you when I find out."

Listening to him use "you" repeatedly, Lin Zhao said to Yu Bao, who was sitting obediently beside her, "Bao, when you talk to someone as old as your grandfather, you can't use 'you' or 'you,' you have to use 'you,' it's very impolite to say 'you.' When we get off the bus, tell Heng Bao what I said, okay?"

"I know," Yu Bao nodded obediently.

"Just like giving Grandpa something with both hands, right?" He looked at his mother expectantly.

"Yes." Lin Zhao praised him as his eldest son wished. "You have a good memory. Good habits should be cultivated from a young age. Yu Bao, you did a great job."

Yu Bao's eyes crinkled with joy as she smiled and, mimicking her mother, whispered, "I will supervise my younger siblings and make sure they are also polite children."

"I believe you." Lin Zhao put one arm around his shoulder and gently rubbed his head.

The few people sitting in the car, including Jingmo, seemed to be deep in thought and took it to heart.

Meng Jiusi watched his younger sister teach the children, a proud smile appearing in his dark eyes.

Zhao Zhao has raised her child very well.

Noticing Meng Jiusi's gaze drifting over, Lin Zhao looked over and asked, "What's wrong?"

"You've taught the children very well," Meng Jiusi praised.

The look on his face was as if he were looking at some parenting expert.

Lin Zhao remained silent for a moment.

“I have no parenting experience. I teach them the same way my parents taught me.”

Meng Jiusi was slightly taken aback.

Did your parents teach Zhaozhao and the others the same way?
For some reason, a series of scenes flashed through his mind, and he suddenly felt that with such enlightened parents, his eldest brother, second brother, third brother, and Zhao Zhao must have had a very good childhood.

I feel a little envious, and a little regretful.

"very nice."

Lin Zhao sensed the young man's excitement and changed the subject, "Young man, who's going to cook our family's New Year's Eve dinner this year?"

"Father said he would do it." Meng Jiu thought of how caring his parents were for him, and the regret in his heart gradually disappeared, leaving only joy.

“Dad also said that he would make whatever we like,” he added.

Lin Zhao was very excited, "It's been so long since I've had Dad's cooking, I really miss it. I'll definitely eat a lot tonight."

She was so busy at the supply and marketing cooperative before the Lunar New Year that she didn't even have time to go back to her parents' home!
"Eat without worry, I've prepared some to aid digestion," Meng Jiusi said.

"I forgot to ask, how's work going, bro?" Lin Zhao asked with concern.

Just as he was about to ask, he remembered that Meng Jiusi worked at a military hospital, and his work should be kept confidential.

She quickly added, "I forgot you had a job change, so pretend I didn't say anything."

Meng Jiusi was both amused and exasperated. "It's not like we can't mention it at all."

"I'm doing well, and this job is more comfortable than my previous one. The military is very peaceful, and I adapted quickly, so you don't need to worry."

He offered, "My education is decent, my medical skills are passable, and my salary is quite good. There are also bonuses for developing new drugs. My place of residence isn't far from the hospital, there are schools in the military base, making it convenient for Jingmo and Guangbai to attend, and there are also supply and marketing cooperatives, so I can buy basic necessities..."

If you want to buy something rare, you have to take a bus to the city.

For example, the soft leather cotton shoes he gave to his four sons were bought in the city.

Meng Jiusi recounted in more detail to Lin Zhao what he had written in his letter to his sister.

After all, Zhaozhao would join the army sooner or later.

Jingmo and Guangbai occasionally added to the story, sharing many interesting anecdotes.

As they got more and more into the conversation, Hengbao, who had been chatting with the old man, couldn't sit still any longer and moved back to his seat.

He would ask about his father and the cat from time to time.

Upon hearing Jingmo mention that the military also had retired military dogs, the twins' pupils widened.

"Have you met before?" Yu Bao asked Jing Mo.

"I've met you," Jingmo said calmly.

"Xiaobai and I want to adopt a pet, but my dad is too busy with work and can't take one for the time being." Her words were tinged with disappointment.

Meng Jiusi patted his son on the shoulder and comforted him, saying, "We'll have the chance to adopt one for you sometime in the future."

He had concerns: "Adopting a military dog ​​is not a simple matter. If you want to adopt one, you must be fully prepared. It is a life, a life entrusted to us humans. You cannot make a hasty decision."

“Your great-grandfather and I are busy with work, you and Xiaobai are in school, and we rarely even turn on the stove at home, so how can we raise a dog?”

Meng Jiusi listed out the difficulties of raising a dog to his two sons one by one.

Xiao Bai pointed to Big Yellow Amber, who was running freely alongside the oxcart. Without him saying a word, Meng Jiusi could guess what he meant.

Meng Jiusi said helplessly, "If your aunt and the others are busy, there are also people from the Gu family to take care of Dahuang Amber."

Their family didn't have a strong connection with the military. When he and his grandfather were busy, there was no one to take care of even Xiaobai, let alone the dog.

Little White lowered her eyes and said, "Oh." She could only hug the little golden monkey tightly, drawing warmth from it.

He really wants to have a companion.

Yu Bao patted Xiao Bai's head, comforting his little cousin, "When we go to join the army, you can raise him. If you're busy, Heng Bao and I can help you."

Xiao Bai raised its head, its dark eyes bright.

He looked at Lin Zhao, knowing that he should ask his parents about raising dogs.

Jingmo pretended to be calm, but couldn't help but cast his gaze at his aunt.

Lin Zhao nodded, "Sure, you two can each raise one."

Upon receiving a definite answer, Jingmo and Guangbai were both delighted.

The two brothers stood shoulder to shoulder, discussing which heroic dog they should adopt.

Hengbao took Lin Zhao's arm.

As soon as he arrived, Lin Zhao guessed that Erzai was going to make another request.

"What kind of trouble are you going to cause now, little Gu Zhiheng?"

Hengbao chuckled, "Mommy, can we get another military dog?"

Lin Zhao knew long ago that there was only one difference between having one pet and having many.

The number of family members will definitely increase.

“Yes,” she said. “It’s the same whether you’re herding one sheep or a flock of sheep.”

Moreover, she has a great fondness for dogs that have performed meritorious service and is willing to provide for these lovely heroes in their old age.

"Yay!!" Hengbao was so happy that he tried to stand up, but the oxcart swayed and he fell to the side. Meng Jiusi quickly helped him back to his right side.

"Slow down."

Hengbao scratched his head. "I'm so happy."

Meng Jiusi disagreed, "Being happy doesn't mean you can disregard your own safety. Your mother has a hard time raising the four of you all by herself, so don't make her worry too much."

Hengbao took the words to heart, sat up obediently, and held onto the armrest.

He smiled at his uncle and tried to cover for himself, saying, "Uncle's here."

Meng Jiusi's expression relaxed. "I know you're sensible."

We chatted and laughed all the way, and even the slight bumps in the ride were ignored.

The oxcart drove into the Dongfeng Brigade.

Meng Jiusi gave directions, and the old man drove the oxcart straight to the Lin family's door.

At this time, every household is busy putting up couplets, and the village is filled with a lively New Year's atmosphere. Children are running and jumping, and laughter is heard everywhere.

"Zhaozhao, are you taking the kids back to your parents' home for the New Year?" a neighbor auntie called out from afar.

Lin Zhao carried Qianbao and Yaobao off the oxcart, and worried that the children's legs would go numb, so she massaged them.

Hearing the question, she looked up and smiled, "Yes, it was my brother's first year coming home for the Chinese New Year, and we had a reunion dinner together."

"They really should eat it, it's a pity Shifan didn't come back." The neighbor auntie felt sorry for the Lin family.

This is a rare family reunion dinner for the Lin family in decades.

"Your husband hasn't come back either?"

Lin Zhao smiled and said, "Wearing those clothes, I had no choice but to come back."

"You've had it tough," the neighbor sighed.

The villagers, seeing how majestic and chubby Big Yellow and Amber were, curiously gathered around to take a closer look.

"These two dogs are so well taken care of, how do you feed them?"

"The little one has grown so fast! It's only been a short time since I last saw it, and it's already grown so tall! Oh my, look at its little face, it's even more clever than a big dog."

"What's moving in Yu Bao's arms? Has the feather duster come to life?"

A group of people gathered around the oxcart, chattering and marveling at its magnificence.

Lin Heling and Song Xiwei heard a noise outside the door and went out.

Song Xiwei glanced at the crowd, and the previously noisy crowd immediately quieted down. The villagers, embarrassed to linger any longer, quickly dispersed.

Lin Zhao gave her mother a thumbs up, "Mom, you're amazing, you're the best."

A hint of a smile appeared in Song Xiwei's eyes as she gave her a reproachful look before taking Qianbao and Yaobao.

Yao Bao couldn't wait to show off her new clothes to her grandma, her little voice clear and bright, "Grandma, look!"

The expression on his face made no attempt to hide his desire for praise.

"She looks great, Yaobao looks really good in this outfit." Song Xiwei followed her granddaughter's lead, but didn't forget Qianbao either, "Qianbao looks very energetic too."

Qianbao's expression remained calm.

Lin Heling didn't just stand there dumbfounded. He took Qianbao and started talking to the old man.

Da Dan and the others were putting up paper-cut window decorations inside the house when they heard the noise and came out to greet their aunt. They saw the things on the oxcart and helped carry them home.

Before long, the oxcart was empty.

Old Zhuangtou also had things to do at home, so he didn't linger and had to take his leave.

The Lin family didn't try to stop him. Ignoring his protests, Lin Shisheng insisted on giving him the thank-you gift and then ran home.

"It's a thank-you gift, not a bribe or a favor. Why can't I accept it?" Lin Shisheng said as he ran. "Uncle, be careful on your way back. I won't see you off."

After saying that, he ran into the yard.

Old Zhuangtou couldn't refuse, so he had to drive away.

When I got home and opened the thank-you gift from the Lin family, I found it was a bag of fried meatballs.

He remarked with admiration that the Lin family was truly kind and generous.

The main house of the Lin family was warm and inviting.

Lin Zhao felt cold in her legs and feet, so she climbed onto the kang (a heated brick bed) without any hesitation. Holding a warm enamel mug in her hands, she leaned back comfortably, feeling as relaxed as could be.

This kang (heated brick bed) was originally built for the frail Lin Heling. It was lit every year as soon as the weather got cold, and it's still warm now.

Meng Jiusi was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting his younger sister to be so relaxed in front of their parents.

"It's so warm," Lin Zhao sighed contentedly.

Back at her parents' home, she was still a child herself, so she didn't need to take care of the children; her eldest son and the others took good care of them.

"Auntie, do you need a thermos?" Xibao came over and asked considerately.

"No need. I'm a little hungry, is there anything to eat?"

Xuanxuan immediately chimed in, "Yes! My grandpa just fried some meatballs, want some?"

"Get me a few," Lin Zhao said without ceremony.

"Auntie, wait here, I'll go get it." The little girl went out of the house.

Song Xiwei noticed that Lin Zhao was sitting improperly, but didn't say anything to her. She only said, "If your legs and feet are cold, soak them in herbal medicine."

"I'm fine, I'm in good health," Lin Zhao said with a smile. "It's just that I didn't move the whole way in the car, and the wind got in, so I felt a bit chilly."

Meng Jiusi stepped forward, grasped his sister's wrist, and carefully took her pulse.

There is indeed nothing wrong with it.

It's no exaggeration to say that Zhao Zhao's body is more robust than many people's.

"You're in good health."

Lin Shisheng interjected, "Zhao Zhao has been healthy since she was a child. She has never even caught a cold. She cherishes her life. If she feels even slightly unwell, she will complain immediately."

Lin Zhao stated confidently, "If you're sick, you should get treatment promptly; it's unacceptable to avoid seeking medical help."

Meng Jiusi agreed with this statement.

but--

"Let's not talk about this during the New Year..." He gave his sister a red shrimp pastry, "Have a piece of candy to sweeten your mouth."

Lin Zhao really liked the red shrimp crisp candy, thinking it tasted even better than White Rabbit candy.

She also felt that the previous topic was unlucky, so she happily took it, stuffed it into her mouth, and mumbled, "You guys eat some too. Eating candy during the New Year means a sweet and happy year ahead."

(End of this chapter)