In 1959, what's wrong with me pedaling a tricycle?

After listening to Wang Xingguo's words, Shen Qingqing finally understood why the brothers were so good to their old neighbor.

It's so hard to repay favors!

Shen Qingqing asked, "If... I mean, if your older brother didn't offer to pay to settle this debt of gratitude, what would Xingguo do?"

Wang Xingguo was a little surprised, but he explained, "Sister-in-law, don't misunderstand. I won't do anything to them. I just plan to have Uncle Zhao deliver some food to their family and, by the way, let them know that I'm currently doing classified work, just to scare them off for always stopping you, wondering if they're trying to pry into state secrets. As for the favors we owe them, we can't be expected to pay them back forever, can we? My brother just said he needed some money, so I'll have him go and make the trip first. If he can resolve it, great; if not, I'll just have Uncle Zhao scare them a little."

Wang Xingmin exclaimed, "Oh my, Second Brother, you're so clever! We should have used your method to solve this. I don't think they'll be satisfied with what you did, Eldest Brother. After all, supplies are hard to come by right now, and they definitely want more food."

Wang Xingguo nodded and said, "I also think it's a bit difficult, but I can't really argue with my brother. There's no harm in letting him try."

As the group was discussing this matter, Director Zhao came to knock on the door.

Everyone hurriedly opened the door, and to their surprise, Li Laishun, who had already eaten dinner, also wanted to come over and play with his grandson.

After exchanging greetings, Li Laishun refused even a cigarette, fearing it would disturb his grandson's health.

Wang Xingguo and Director Zhao lit cigarettes, and Li Xiuping made tea for them.

Wang Xingguo explained the situation to Director Zhao.

Director Zhao frowned and said, "Although it's true that favors are the hardest to repay, they didn't do much back then. You've helped them so much, you've already repaid that favor. Xingguo, you're still a bit young. The reason they're not contacting you and your older brother is simply because they know that the favor has been repaid, and it's less likely they'll be refused if they approach Xiuping and the others."

Before Wang Xingguo could say anything more, Director Zhao waved his hand to interrupt him and continued, "I was the one who led the team to retrieve your father's body, I was the one who fought for your older brother's job and compensation, and I was the one who arranged your parents' graves. Who would dare to claim these favors? I didn't tell you these things because I didn't want you to feel indebted to me. I didn't expect them to play dumb and use these things as their own to deceive people. Do they really think they've done your family such a big favor?"

Wang Xingguo was dumbfounded.

They only remembered the favor because they thought it was their neighbor who did all these things. So it turns out they didn't do it at all?

Wang Xingguo angrily said, "Damn it, no wonder they always said not to bring up the past when we brought this up before. So they weren't the ones who helped with it at all!"

Director Zhao sneered, "Ha, who do you think they are? To put it bluntly, they have no rank and no connection to your family. Even if they wanted to go to the wire factory to discuss business, they wouldn't even be allowed to enter."

Now that the truth was out, Wang Xingguo was furious. He had been so grateful for this favor, only to find that these bastards had taken it for granted!

Director Zhao comforted them, "Anyway, it's good that you know now. You don't owe them anything. I'll just warn them about this."

Wang Xingguo gritted his teeth and said, "These people are shameless! I always thought these neighbors were all nice people. Uncle, just tell them I'm doing a secret mission right now, and ask them if they're trying to pry into state secrets by stopping my sister-in-law and wife all the time. That'll scare them to death!"

This is truly an embarrassing moment!

Director Zhao nodded and said, "That's good. I'll send someone to investigate them tomorrow night. I reckon they'll have to avoid you from now on."

Wang Xingguo said with a frustrated look, "Uncle, look, you did the deed without telling us, and I was completely fooled."

Director Zhao glared at him and said, "What can I say about this? I only care about my own conscience when I do things, not about getting your thanks. Is it really necessary for me to go all the way to talk to you about this?"

Wang Xingguo couldn't help but ask, "Uncle, why are you so nice to us? Do you owe my dad money?"

Director Zhao rolled his eyes at Wang Xingguo. Seeing that everyone was looking at him with curiosity, he slowly explained, "Back in the days of the Military Control Commission, I was a soldier and didn't know anything about civil affairs, so I recruited some literate people to do the work, and then your father applied for the job."

Your dad is a really good guy. He knows a little bit about everything, and he's knowledgeable about all sorts of people. With his help, I was able to get my work sorted out. Later, I arranged a job for him at the electric wire factory and moved your house to one in Fuxiang Hutong.

Well, your dad and I are kindred spirits. Back then, he had to be very frugal to support you and your siblings on his single salary. But he also loved to drink, so he would often come over and mooch drinks from me, and he would also frequently offer me advice.

That's how we became good friends. I felt very guilty when your dad died because I was the one who arranged his job. I didn't know that operating the machine would be so dangerous. I felt ashamed to face you.

I used my connections to change your brother's job position. I investigated the job you applied for in 58 and found that so many accidents had happened over the years. I was afraid that it would be dangerous for you to do that job, so I took it upon myself to replace your name with someone else.

But you little rascal, you're such a worry! You actually went and started selling things. I was planning to wait until I found you a safe and promising job before arranging one for you, but suddenly they stopped hiring, and you, you brat, came along and said you wanted to drive a tricycle.

I was thinking that riding a tricycle and selling a few things illegally within the jurisdiction of the neighborhood committee wouldn't be a big problem, and I would try my best to protect you. But I had no idea that you had so many relatives in your hometown and knew so many leaders. Seeing that the more you caused trouble, the bigger the problem became, I was quite worried at first.

Later, when I found out that a high-ranking official was looking after you, I was completely relieved. Now you're finally on the right path. When I die, I can tell your father that I've been looking after you and your siblings for him..."

Wang Xingning cried; she had no idea that an uncle was secretly protecting her and her siblings.

There were many things Wang Xingguo didn't know. He only knew that Director Zhao had been very good to him, but he didn't know what was going on behind the scenes. Now he finally understood.

Director Zhao smiled and comforted her, "Silly girl, what's there to cry about? You're living a good life now, that's better than anything else. Your parents in heaven must be very pleased that you and your siblings are so united and loving."

Li Xiuping hugged Wang Xingning and wiped her tears with a handkerchief.

Wang Xingmin said to Director Zhao with a serious expression, "Uncle, I will definitely repay your kindness when I grow up."

Director Zhao patted Wang Xingmin's head and said with a smile, "Uncle doesn't want you to repay me. I just hope you can live a good life. Don't be like your second brother. Although he's doing quite well now, he used to cause us so much worry. We were always afraid he'd go down a path of no return."

Wang Xingguo scratched his head, reflecting on what he had done over the past few years, and laughed somewhat awkwardly.