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

Lunch is ready; many of the dishes were brought over by our former boss.

He asked Wang Xingguo, "Do you have any specific ideas for your next task?"

Wang Xingguo paused for a moment, then replied, "Grandpa Lin, this is what I'm thinking: since the people I've arranged have passed the political vetting, I'll train them on how to handle various emergencies, strictly require them to implement the 'Five No's and Three Guarantees' regulations, and finally, teach them the specific handover procedures."

While deboning the fish for Wang Niannian, the old leader calmly replied, "You've forgotten something, and it's the most important thing. Think carefully about what you've forgotten."

After thinking for a moment, Wang Xingguo immediately understood and asked, "Grandpa Lin, do you mean ideological work?"

The old leader nodded and instructed, "That's right! The team you're building must be loyal to the people, the organization, and the country. Serving the people can't just be a slogan; you must focus on ideological work and make everyone understand what cause they are fighting for."

Just like you, you couldn't grasp anything before, but after taking this position, I'm particularly gratified. Because you found your purpose, knew what you should do, and worked hard to do it. The higher-ups appreciate you because no matter how mischievous you are, you have your country and people in your heart, and you have your own beliefs—that's what they admire about you.

Wang Xingguo scratched his head sheepishly and said, "I didn't think much about it; I just felt I should do it, so I did it."

The old leader sighed and said, "Have you never understood why someone wants to transfer you to work at the base?"

Wang Xingguo nodded. He was indeed curious about this matter and couldn't figure it out no matter what he did.

The former leader replied, "Actually, several senior leaders felt you were capable of the job. Your loyalty to the country and the organization has been tested, and everyone thinks you are competent. It's all my fault, though. I had my own selfish motives, so I hoped you would decline the offer."

"My child, please don't blame me. I'm sixty-three years old this year. I'm not a saint, and I have my own selfish desires. I want to see you all more. I'm getting old, and besides the responsibilities on my shoulders that require me to work hard, all I have left is to watch my children grow up..."

In fact, Wang Xingguo didn't think his former leader had done anything wrong; his life had actually been very difficult.

He joined the organization, but his family was killed by the invading Japanese army.

He adopted his aunt, but she collapsed before dawn.

He experienced the pain of losing family members and the sorrow of losing comrades-in-arms—he tasted it all…

Wang Xingguo said softly, "I don't think there's anything wrong with it, Grandpa Lin. I'm a very easily satisfied person. Actually, it's good that things are like this now. I can spend more time watching Jianhua and Niannian grow up. I've been traveling a lot for work these past few years, and I've missed out on spending a lot of time with Jianhua. I don't want to miss out on Niannian's growth either."

Everyone wants to be a high-ranking official, but I never had that ambition. A soldier's medals are earned through countless wounds. A high-ranking official's glory comes from shouldering countless responsibilities. Actually, I've regretted it. If I had lived a peaceful life back then, instead of recklessly pursuing wealth, perhaps I could be spending every day with my family today.

Perhaps this kind of thinking is rather unambitious, but what kind of person can be considered successful? I've thought about this question before, but I couldn't find the answer. Until one time when I came home from a business trip and found that my son was shy and timid around me like a stranger because I had been away for so long, my heart was pierced, and at that moment I finally understood what I wanted.

Life is a series of choices with both gains and losses. Most people dwell on what they've missed, but never consider what they gained from those lost opportunities. I believe the world is balanced; losing one thing means gaining something else, it's just that those involved haven't realized it.

The former leader asked, "So?"

Wang Xingguo grinned and said, "I lost what you call my future, but I gained more time with my family. From other people's perspectives, it might seem like a loss, but who has asked me? I think I've gained a lot! Time with family is something that can't be bought with anything. You have to judge value for yourself, but I think it's worth it, and that's enough."

The former leader smiled and asked, "No regrets?"

Wang Xingguo nodded earnestly and said, "I will never regret it!"

After finishing lunch, the former leader smiled, got into his car, and left.

After seeing off the old leader's car, Wang Xingguo returned to the house and was hugged tightly by Li Xiuping, who kissed him repeatedly on the face.

Wang Xingguo's words just now really moved her.

Wang Xingguo hugged Li Xiuping tightly and said cheerfully, "Wife, don't be like this. It's so embarrassing with the four children watching us."

Li Xiuping rested her head against his chest and replied with a smile, "I don't care. What's wrong with me hugging my man? Won't they hug their lovers when they grow up?"

Wang Xingguo said seriously, "That makes sense. Do you think I should give them a good beating with a feather duster? One of these two bastards wanted to tie me to a missile, and the other wanted to fire and send me to heaven. It seems like if I don't give them a good beating while they're still young, I won't have another chance."

Li Xiuping burst into laughter, unable to contain herself any longer.

They're still children!

They're still too young to understand!

Let them grow up and then find some excuse to give them a beating, so they'll remember it for a lifetime...

If they smoke now, they'll forget about it in a few years, which is really not worth it.

"Mommy~ Daddy~"

As soon as Wang Niannian called out, Li Xiuping knew what was going on and quickly ran to carry her to the toilet to urinate.

Shen's mother came over. She didn't want to eat lunch here, so she would go home to cook and eat at mealtimes.

Li Xiuping had tried to persuade her many times, but she just wouldn't listen.

According to her, the Shen family has already owed them too much, so they can't even take advantage of them for meals.

Actually, her having this idea made Wang Xingguo and the others feel quite helpless, because they didn't think it was necessary.

We're all on the same side, and we don't lack money or things, so what's there to argue about?

Wang Xingguo is very generous to his own people. He hadn't met those clansmen many times, but knowing they were his people and had protected him, he was willing to help them through their difficulties.

Director Wang is such a kind person!

Of course, kindness is only shown to one's own people.

For example, Wang Xingguo could be particularly kind to those Japanese devils, and he wanted to plant them in the ground of the space to see if a bunch of Japanese devils could grow next year.

Help them research how to increase the birth rate!