Chapter 94

The return journey to the city was the same as when they had come. During lunchtime, Han Cheng rested for at least two hours, while Su Xiaoxiao and the children could rest anytime of the day.

In the evening, they dined at a state-owned restaurant in the city and also dropped by the Health Department to send some local specialties to Chen Bingyang before heading back to the military base.

The family hurried back, and they managed to arrive at the base just before the sunset completely disappeared behind the mountains.

The children still seemed a bit gloomy, as if the entire military district’s atmosphere had become unusually low.

Zhou, Fen, Mian, Fan, and Huahua were all doing well. The fruits and vegetables at home were well taken care of. After a few days away, it seems that nothing has changed, yet there was a feeling that something was different.

Han Cheng cleaned the house with the children, and Su Xiaoxiao picked up a bag of local specialties for Han Cheng to take to Zhao Xianfeng’s house.

After Han Cheng had just boiled the hot water, thinking that it would be a while before the children could take a bath, he reached out and said, “I’ll go and come back in a moment. Wait for me to return before bathing the kids.”

The two older kids were fine with taking baths on their own, but Xiao Doubao couldn’t bathe on his own.

Su Xiaoxiao nodded and adjusted the hand-knitted scarf she had made for Han Cheng around his neck, saying, “Go early and come back early. You’ve had a long day driving. Rest early tonight.”

The children were still squatting by the chicken coop, watching the chickens, and Han Cheng took advantage of their inattentiveness and quickly pecked Su Xiaoxiao on the lips. He said, “When the water gets hot, you can also take a bath and rest.”

Su Xiaoxiao nodded and said, “I understand. Go ahead.”

The temperature at the military compound was a bit warmer than in Su Xiaoxiao’s home village, but it was still quite cold in the winter.

Han Cheng braved the cold wind as he headed to Zhao Xianfeng’s house. Along the way, he didn’t encounter many people. Although the courtyards were adorned with bright red New Year couplets, the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by a growing sense of oppression.

It wasn’t until he reached Zhao Xianfeng’s front gate that he noticed white lanterns and white cloth hung there, and the black character “奠” on the lantern made Han Cheng’s vision blur.  ^[1]The character “奠” can specifically refer to the act of offering sacrifices or libations as part of these funeral rituals. It signifies the solemnity and mourning associated with the … Continue reading

‘Could it be…’

Han Cheng rushed to Zhao Xianfeng’s door.

The person who opened the door was Xiao Du. Han Cheng anxiously asked, “What happened?”

Xiao Du, with red eyes, replied, “Director Han, Sir, has passed away.”

Han Cheng: “Why is this so sudden? When did it happen?”

Xiao Du: “Sir has always been in poor health. He didn’t make it through this winter, as it was too cold. He passed away on New Year’s Eve, and the funeral was held yesterday.”

Han Cheng almost couldn’t stand steady, and he spoke with difficulty, “Why didn’t you notify me to come back and pay my respects?”

Xiao Du shook his head. “Our squad leader said it’s not easy for you to accompany our sister-in-law to her parents’ house. He didn’t want to dampen your spirits during the New Year. The old man must have had the same thought.”

After Han Cheng’s parents passed away, he only treated a few seniors as his elders, including Comrade Tan, who was far away in the capital, and Old Chief Zhao. If they had told him in advance, no matter how far he was, he would have found a way to rush back to see the old master off.

Life is unpredictable, and now it’s too late to say anything. “I’ll go inside and offer incense to Old Master.”

Inside the room, the gloomy atmosphere had not yet dissipated. Xiao Yu was scribbling and drawing on the table, Zhou Yuhua sat silently beside him, and Zhao Xianfeng stared at the black-and-white portrait of the old man.

Xiao Du broke the silence. “Captain, Head Han is here.”

Zhao Xianfeng saw Han Cheng, and his eyes turned red, but he still remained calm as he said. “You’re here.”

Han Cheng nodded, knowing that it was no use saying anything at this moment, and replied, “I’m here; please accept my condolences.”

Zhao Xianfeng nodded and pretended to say it in a relaxed voice. “Seventy years in life are rare. He passed away peacefully in one’s sleep; we were mentally prepared for this, so it’s not too sudden.”

Han Cheng put down what he had in his hands. He lit incense and bowed deeply three times in front of the old master’s tablet.

“Is he at peace?”

Zhao Xianfeng nodded. “Very peaceful.”

Han Cheng patted Zhao Xianfeng’s shoulder and said, “It’s getting late today. I’ll bring Xiaoxiao and the children to pay their respects to the old man tomorrow.”

Zhou Yuhua said, “Goodbye. It’s the New Year, and Xiaoxiao is pregnant now. We can talk about it later.”

Zhao Xianfeng also said, “You’re my brother, there’s no need to pay too much attention to these formalities. By the way, we’ve received news from the capital. The matter regarding the old leader’s son has been cleared up. His wife’s ancestors are not from the other nation; they’ve been border people for three generations, not spies. He should be able to return at the latest by mid-year, and the old leader’s actions won’t be restricted anymore. As for whether he can return to his post at the military hospital, it depends on his personal preference.”

Han Cheng clenched his teeth and said, “It took five or six years to clear up such a trivial matter. I wonder what they’ve been doing.”

Zhao Xianfeng patted Han Cheng on the shoulder and said, “During these extraordinary times, we all have to go through procedures like this. It’s fortunate that he’s coming back safely.”

How many people have had their fates sealed and can never return?

Han Cheng understood, but whenever he thought of the elderly man in the dilapidated courtyard who had sacrificed all his youth to the military hospital, he couldn’t help but get angry.

Han Cheng thought of another issue, “I don’t know how to tell Zhuzi. He has no idea about his own family background.”

Moreover, he had completely adapted to their family’s life. Now, if they were to tell him that his grandmother and the people he thought were his parents aren’t his biological family and that his real parents and grandfather are still alive and ask him to go back to live with them, Han Cheng couldn’t bring himself to say it.

Zhao Xianfeng also knew that Zhuzi was living well in Han Cheng’s family, but when his biological parents returned, he would undoubtedly want to be with them.

“At least we have half a year’s time; no need to rush. We’ll find an appropriate time to tell him.”

Just then, Zhou Yuhua happened to walk away. It seemed like these two had either been overwhelmed by sorrow or were too careless, as they had forgotten to avoid Xiao Yu and said such important information in front of him!

When they finally realized and looked at the little guy, he was blinking his big eyes, looking at them with curiosity, and said, “What are you going to say to Zhuzi? What is Zhuzi’s background?”

Zhao Xianfeng walked over and rubbed his son’s head. “It’s nothing. There’s something that happened, so don’t talk to Zhuzi about matters on his mother’s side, so he won’t get upset.”

Xiao Yu’s confusion deepened. “Isn’t Zhuzi’s mother my Aunt Su? What’s wrong with my aunt?”

The advantage of having a not-so-bright son became evident at this point, and it was not so easy to deceive him if he were like Xiao Fantuan.

Zhao Xianfeng asked his naive son, “What does Zhuzi call your aunt Su? “

Xiao Yu suddenly realized, “Aunt Su? Right, so my aunt Su is not Zhuzi’s mother?”

So the question arose, “Why can Zhuzi keep living in my aunt Su’s house, but I can’t?!”

Zhao Xianfeng’s sadness was almost entirely dispelled by his naive son’s words. He said to Han Cheng, “I don’t want this son anymore; you can take him back and let his aunt Su raise him. Maybe he’ll become smarter!”

Han Cheng looked at him with annoyance. “It’s late. I’m going back now. Remember to let me know if there’s anything else.”

Zhao Xianfeng patted his shoulder. “Go ahead.”

Xiao Yu ran over and grabbed Han Cheng’s pants. “Uncle Han, do you still lack a son? I don’t want this father either. I want Aunt Su to be my mother and you to be my father!”

Han Cheng lifted the little guy, rubbed his head, and said, “Your dad is just joking with you. He loves you the most. It’s too late today; you can go to our house to play with Fantuan and the others tomorrow.”

Xiao Yu looked regretful.

……

When Han Cheng returned home, Su Xiaoxiao had already finished washing up.

Not only her, but all three children had also freshened up. It was just past eight o’clock, and the three little ones had all gone back to their rooms to play. Su Xiaoxiao was already so tired that her eyelids were drooping.

With her eyes closed, Su Xiaoxiao asked, “What took you so long?”

Seeing that she was about to fall asleep, Han Cheng first told her about his grandfather’s situation and then filled her in on what was happening with the Zhu family.

The amount of information was a bit overwhelming, and Su Xiaoxiao’s drowsiness vanished instantly. Whether it was the sudden departure of her grandfather or Zhu’s background, she couldn’t digest it all at once.

Han Cheng hadn’t had a chance to shower and was a bit dirty to hug her, so he gently pinched her cheek and said, “Don’t think too much. If you’re tired, go to sleep first. I’ll take a shower.”

Su Xiaoxiao had a vague suspicion that Zhu’s background was not simple but didn’t jump to conclusions: “When will the Zhuzi return to the capital?”

Han Cheng shook his head. “It’s not certain if he’ll go back to the capital. If Zhuzi’s parents return to their original positions, he’ll come back to our unit. But if they want to go to the capital to be with their grandfather, the Zhuzi will have to go with them. In any case, be mentally prepared.”

Su Xiaoxiao sighed. “Zhuzi is such a good kid. Despite being about the same age as Fantuan, he’s responsible and takes care of people. I really don’t want him to leave.”

She touched her belly and jokingly said, “If I could have a daughter, that would be great. When she grows up, she could pair up with Zhuzi, and then he’d still be part of our family.”

Han Cheng found her train of thought a bit perplexing and couldn’t help but be speechless. Is this what they call cultivating a son-in-law for their daughter from a young age?

Su Xiaoxiao softly touched her belly and said, “Baby, can you understand Mommy? If you’re a girl, can you give Mommy a little kick?”

As she spoke, Su Xiaoxiao’s expression froze in amazement.

She incredulously touched her lower left abdomen and looked up at Han Cheng with joy. “Han Cheng, the baby just moved. She really kicked me!”

Su Xiaoxiao is more than four months pregnant, and this is the first time she has felt the baby move.

Han Cheng was also very surprised and didn’t care about his dirty body. He crouched down in front of Su Xiaoxiao, his ear resting on her stomach, and said, “Baby, it’s Daddy. If you heard me, move again.”

Then Han Cheng really felt Su Xiaoxiao’s belly vibrating a few times. He looked at Su Xiaoxiao, who was so happy that she looked like a fool, and said, “Xiaoxiao, it’s our daughter. She can hear us! She must be a girl!”

Chen Aimin, that silly guy, used to tease him for not having a daughter. Well, now his daughter is here!

Su Xiaoxiao naturally knew it was just normal fetal movement after four months, but there was always a glimmer of hope. After all, the probability of having a daughter or a son is 50%. It might just be a daughter.

Su Xiaoxiao touched Han Cheng’s face and said, “If it’s really a girl, the only disappointed person at home will be Xiao Doubao. He’s the one who always wants a little brother. My mom often says that kids’ words are the most accurate. He hasn’t come out for a day, so it’s hard to say.”

After greeting their “daughter,” Han Cheng, in high spirits, took the opportunity to kiss Su Xiaoxiao on the cheek and said, “Fantuan and Zhuzi, aren’t they also children? Only Xiao Doubao insists it’s a little brother. Four to one, it’s a daughter!”

Seeing this playful side of the usually composed Han Cheng, Su Xiaoxiao urged him, “Go take a shower. You’ve been driving all day. Get some rest.”

Han Cheng’s mood had improved considerably after interacting with his “daughter.” Although Old Master Zhao, his grandfather, had passed away peacefully, he was still grieving.

……

The children felt more refreshed after their baths. As they passed by the children’s room, they heard laughter and joy, unaware of what had happened.

Han Cheng entered the room and spoke earnestly to the children, “Xiao Yu’s grandfather has passed away. When he comes to play tomorrow, try to be a little more accommodating and make him happy.”

Xiao Yu, who was five years old, didn’t quite grasp the concept of death yet, so he adjusted his emotions quickly when he saw that there was nothing wrong earlier. Nevertheless, Han Cheng still gave instructions to the children.

Xiao Doubao was too young to understand such matters, but Xiao Fantuan had experienced his mother’s departure, and Xiao Zhuzi had experienced his grandmother’s passing. When they heard the news, they both fell silent for a moment.

Xiao Zhuzi said, “Uncle Han, don’t worry. We will be considerate of Xiao Yu. Grandpa Zhao will also become a star in the sky, just like my grandma, watching over us in another world.”

Han Cheng ruffled Xiao Zhuzi’s hair and said, “Xiao Zhuzi is right. Ensuring that we’re all well in our respective worlds is the greatest respect we can offer them.” 

Perhaps influenced by Su Xiaoxiao’s son-in-law rhetoric, Han Cheng surprisingly thought that it might be a good idea to raise a son-in-law at a young age for his own daughter.