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

Wang Xingguo arrived at Shijiazhuang Iron and Steel Group, also known as the First Steel Plant.

I took out my work ID and explained my purpose to the security personnel.

A dozen minutes later, Lian Sheng came out on his bicycle.

He stopped his bicycle and said with a smile, "Haha, Xingguo, you've finally arrived! I took the day off today to take you to my home so you can get acquainted with the place."

Wang Xingguo asked with a smile, "Won't this affect your work?"

Lian Sheng waved his hand and said, "No, our department isn't busy lately, and it's rare for you to come back. The main thing is that your workplace is more prestigious. Our factory manager easily approved your leave when he found out you were looking for me."

After saying that, he patted the basket on the bicycle and said, "Look, two ceramic bottles of Moutai, provided by our factory director."

Wang Xingguo and Lian Sheng hadn't seen each other for a long time, so he rode his bike and followed Lian Sheng back to the dormitory compound. After registering, he followed Lian Sheng to his home.

He lived in a tenement building with two bedrooms and a living room, where the kitchen and toilet were shared. The only advantage was that it had central heating.

Lian Sheng's wife is named Jiang Huaiyue, and their son is named Lian Keyan...

There was no other way; the name was given by Grandpa Lian. He was a scientific researcher himself and hoped that his grandson would also become a scientific researcher, so he came up with this name.

The two parked their bicycles and carried their things up to the second floor of the tenement building. Lian Sheng couldn't help but complain, "I can't help it. You know the old man; he always means what he says. But who names their name 'Scientific Research'? I disagree with this name, and he argued that he doesn't understand what romance is. What's romantic about the name 'Scientific Research'? I really don't think it's romantic at all."

Wang Xingguo laughed and said, "Alright, it's just a name. Don't act like I can name the kids myself. My eldest is named Jianhua, and my second is Niannian. I had to accept it even if I had to grit my teeth."

Lian Sheng nodded and said, "You know what, I've met your godfather before, but he was of a high rank back then, so I didn't really get a chance to speak to him. I ran into him last year when I visited Jianhua, and I really didn't dare to say much in front of him. It seemed like the old man's aura was only directed at me. But it was after that that I found out what kind of work you do."

Wang Xingguo asked in surprise, "No, did the old man tell you what kind of job I do?"

Lian Sheng shook his head and explained, "No, Grandpa Lin knows my dad. He has an amazing memory. He only saw me standing next to my dad once, and he remembered it all. He even asked if I was Xiao Lian's child. I was a little stunned. You know, when I met him with my dad back then, we were in the third row. I never thought that after so many years, Grandpa Lin would still remember us."

As they chatted, they arrived at Lian Sheng's house. He unlocked the door, startling Jiang Huaiyue, who was taking care of the child inside. When she saw that it was Lian Sheng returning with his men, she was a little confused because she had never seen Wang Xingguo before.

Lian Sheng explained with a smile, "Honey, this is my childhood friend Wang Xingguo, the guy who told you he works in a classified unit and couldn't attend our wedding."

Wang Xingguo quickly greeted her, saying, "Hello, sister-in-law."

She greeted them warmly, put her son back in his crib, and then prepared to make tea for the two of them.

As Wang Xingguo took out his things, he said to Lian Sheng, "I had ten days of leave this time. Otherwise, it would have been really difficult to come all this way. I would have needed to submit an application and write a reason. It's only because I've always been very diligent at work that this application was approved. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have been able to come here."

I got you some nutritional supplements, including cured meat and sausages, malted milk powder, dried mushrooms and sunflower seeds (given by a friend), and these canned fruits from the south—just to sweeten your palates. I was thinking of bringing some chicken and duck, but unfortunately, an old friend of mine is getting married and took all the chickens and ducks I brought back with him.

Lian Sheng laughed and said, "Why are you being so polite? Things are a bit better now, but I do need a few of these things, so I won't stand on ceremony with you."

Wang Xingguo picked up Lian Keyan, but the little guy was sleeping soundly, so he didn't wake him.

Lian Sheng smiled and said, "Xingguo, I still don't understand, how did you meet Grandpa Lin?"

Speaking of this, Wang Xingguo sighed and then recounted the history between the Wang family and several former leaders.

Lian Sheng was stunned; he never expected things to turn out this way.

He couldn't help but sigh, "What a pity about our aunt..."

Jiang Huaiyue prepared some peanuts and cold seaweed salad for the two of them to have first, as the meal wouldn't be ready so quickly.

Wang Xingguo said to him, "Sister-in-law, don't make it too complicated. Keep it simple. Lian Sheng and I have enough peanuts."

Jiang Huaiyue laughed and said, "That won't do. You two brothers drink, and I'll decide how the food is served."

Lian Sheng said with a smile, "How about that? My wife really gave me face in front of others."

Wang Xingguo laughed and said, "So, you knelt down behind my back?"

Lian Sheng chuckled. His father had bronchitis, but he didn't think it was anything shameful for him to have bronchitis.

After sharing a drink, Wang Xingguo asked, "Is my uncle working in Beijing or somewhere else?"

Lian Sheng explained with a frustrated look, "He works in a classified unit in Beijing, otherwise he wouldn't be so eager to name my son."

Wang Xingguo sighed, "I haven't seen my grandpa and grandma for many years, but now I don't have many holidays, and I'm also in a classified unit, so it's a bit inappropriate for me to visit them."

Lian Sheng poured the wine and said, "Hey, there's no need to see that old geezer. Just come over and visit me more often when you have time. But you're really busy with work. I've been there a few times but haven't found you at home. I only managed to get together with Zhengang and Dayong."

Speaking of which, Wang Xingguo hasn't visited them yet, but it's actually inconvenient. Now that they're married and have children, they all have to focus their energy on taking care of the kids. If he goes, he'll definitely be dragged into drinking, so it's better not to go.

Jiang Huaiyue cooked a lot of dishes, and Wang Xingguo had a good drink with Lian Sheng, talking about family, children, and many other things.

At 3:30 p.m., Wang Xingguo took his leave.

That's life; there are always more partings than reunions. Lian Sheng's family waved goodbye to Wang Xingguo.

Even though the road conditions aren't too bad now, a distance of 15 or 16 kilometers still takes more than an hour to ride.

When they got home, the two little ones were playing in the snow outside, so Wang Xingguo took them back inside, one in each hand.

Children are playful and if you don't keep them in check, they might catch a cold without you even realizing it.

Li Xiuping was making dinner. During the day, Shen's mother actually helped take care of the children here, but at this time, she had to go home to cook.