CHAPTER 146: CHAPTER 116: LIN FAMILY OF BEIJING (PART 1)

In the late autumn of Beijing, the weather has already begun to turn cold. The strong wind blows, and sand inadvertently lands in your mouth. The streets and alleys are full of Beijing flavor; it’s now rush hour, and the crowd surges. After work, the people disperse, and acquaintances exchange a few quick words before hurriedly parting. Those on bicycles pedal quickly to get home as everyone is busy preparing dinner, and those with children need to pick them up.

Close to the main road, passersby include those wearing factory uniforms, unit uniforms, and many people in patched coats and cotton-padded jackets, walking briskly while wrapping their hands and occasionally greeting familiar faces with smiles. In this crowd, a pair of men and women in military uniforms stand out, not only because they are pushing two gleaming bicycles but also because the man looks handsome and the woman pretty. Together, they walk like a picturesque scene.

After the couple walks away, you can vaguely hear the woman complaining, "You know, mom is quite something. She didn’t make it clear in her message. Isn’t it just that my dad is coming back today? Why did she ask us all to go back?"

The man comforts her, "Don’t worry; maybe there’s something to discuss about our eldest sister’s child. Aren’t you curious? We haven’t seen your niece, and we don’t know how she’s doing after staying in the countryside for so long."

"What’s there to worry about? That’s her home, and she’s part of the Zhou Family. Her family must be pampering her. I bet she’s doing fine, considering how much money my elder sister sends every month. They must be treating her like a little princess."

"Hehe, I doubt it. Rural areas often favor boys over girls; who knows what might have happened. Something must be up; let’s hurry. Our sisters-in-law are likely already there."

The couple heads towards the military complex with the crowd, "There are so many people. If I had known, I wouldn’t have brought the bike. Did you bring the entry permit?"

This couple, the woman is Zhou Jiao’s aunt Lin Liyin and her husband Li Jianjun. They received a message from the elderly lady at home at noon, asking them to return today. Now, the two have left their child at home and quickly made their way here.

At the military complex’s main gate, some soldiers stand guard with wooden rifles, occasionally patrolling, while others keep an eye on those entering and leaving.

After Lin Liyin showed her entry permit, the couple pushed their bicycles further inside. As it was the end of the workday, there were many soldiers and their families on the road.

The military complex covers a large area and is well-equipped with living facilities. Upon entering the main gate, you can see the service center, the medical team, and next to the partition wall, there is a large-scale nursery and a school complex consisting of elementary and middle schools. Not to mention that the complex also has a cinema, swimming pool, and other entertainment facilities. Living here is more convenient than outside.

"Liyin, you’re back. Your dad just got home. Are you here to see that old fellow, right? Hurry up and bring your partner inside." On the way, an old man saw them and cheerfully told them to go inside quickly.

Lin Liyin stopped, smiling as she said, "Uncle Chen, weren’t you playing chess at the rest home today? Since my dad is back, you should come over to my house for a sit."

The old man waved his hand, "Not today. Mr. Lin just got back; let him rest for a night, and I’ll look for him tomorrow." After speaking, he started walking towards his home.

Lin Liyin and her husband pushed their bicycles and turned a corner— in front of them were a dozen or so quaint little courtyards. The Lin Family’s house was situated in the middle. Unlike others, Mrs. Lin hadn’t planted vegetables in the yard; only two flower beds in the corner left unattended, with withered plants inside.

The entire courtyard was small, a traditional one-entry courtyard. Currently, Mr. Lin and his wife lived in the main house, and Lin Lishan and her sisters each had a room to the right of the main house. The East Wing had three rooms where the eldest son Lin Aiguo’s wife, Chen Jingru, and their two children lived. The west wing was a room for the second son, who had returned to Beijing from the Northwest.

"Haha, this must be the telegram sent by Xiao Wu. This kid was worried that his mother-in-law would have no one to pick her up. That family is very hospitable, simple, and has an excellent reputation in the area. They probably prepared many things for Shanshan to bring back this time."

Mr. Lin’s hearty laughter echoed from the living room. Lin Liyin and her husband exchanged smiles as they stepped into the living room, where everyone who could come home had already gathered to listen to Mr. Lin speak.

"Dad, you’re back. Eldest sister will be home tomorrow; why didn’t you wait one more day to come back together?" Lin Liyin curiously asked him.

Mr. Lin waved for Li Jianjun to sit down and replied to her, "I had a mission and couldn’t delay. She didn’t say she was returning a day later. She probably feels relieved seeing Jiao Jiao doing well and is eager to meet your brother-in-law."

Lin Liyin shouted loudly, "What? My brother-in-law? Who?"

Mr. Lin wasn’t angry at her outburst; he smiled at his wife, "It’s time to tell them. Everyone who should know already knows. Even our Jiao Jiao and her husband guessed that her father is still alive and will return soon."

Mrs. Lin looked at him in surprise, incredulous. Seeing that he nodded to her, she came back to herself and asked him, "Are you saying Jiao Jiao and her husband guessed a long time ago that Zhou Xiaozheng is still alive? Did Zhou Xiaozheng secretly visit her or have someone check on her? Impossible. Our Shanshan has been searching for him so desperately that she’s almost driven mad. If there were a chance, Zhou Xiaozheng could have hinted to Shanshan."

Mr. Lin sighed and said solemnly, "It’s a long story; the child has gone through a lot. Sigh, let it be. She only found out that Zhou Xiaozheng was alive a few days ago, just suspecting it was true recently. That child is very much like Zhou Xiaozheng, exceptionally outstanding, not an average person. No one in our family can compare."

Lin Liyin glanced at her sisters-in-law, and seeing their expressions, she realized they had long known that Zhou Xiaozheng was alive. What about her elder brother? Lin Liyin cautiously probed, "Sister-in-law, so my elder brother is still alive, right?"

Chen Jingru nodded at her, "They are both alive; no one else knows. The authorities said they could return home by the end of the month. Previously, we were required to keep it secret, but now it shouldn’t be necessary. But still, be cautious not to say it outside." After speaking, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes, but seeing her daughter lower her head, she sighed in relief.

Lin Liyin turned to Mr. Lin and said, "Dad, tell us, what happened? How is elder sister getting along with her daughter? Are they okay?"

Mr. Lin glanced at her, shook his head, and remained silent. He picked up a tea cup, took a sip, and clicked his tongue. The tea wasn’t as good as the leaves Zhou Jiao had given him, and he sighed regretfully.

Seeing everyone staring at him, waiting for him to speak, Mr. Lin just remained silent. He smiled meaningfully, wanting to see who among them had more patience than Jiao Jiao. If Jiao Jiao were here, she wouldn’t be asking, she’d be pondering quietly instead of looking at him eagerly, waiting for him to reveal his moves.

Watching even his young son-in-law getting restless, Mr. Lin rolled his eyes and started counting in his mind...