Chapter 91: Barrier

Guo Xing didn’t expect his comrade to have such a hidden concern. “Zhang Qiang, why didn’t you tell us earlier? We can still take care of things from a distance. You should take care of your cousin more in the future. We can’t predict what we’ll be doing in the future. Besides, you know what those people used to do. Turning a blind eye to certain things should be enough. Don’t take it too seriously.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhenhe also had something to discuss. “Comrade Guo is right. I also have something to discuss with you. These people are somewhat educated. I want the children to learn some skills from them. In the future, they can contribute to our revolutionary cause and serve our country’s next generation. It’s only right for them to serve the hardworking masses, don’t you think?”

Guo Xing and Zhang Qiang were silent for a moment before saying, “Yes, I think that’s a good idea. You can let the children learn from them at the production team. I’ll talk to them about it tonight.”

After bidding farewell to the lonely elderly with her children, Zhang Lan slowly walked along the road back home.

Upon returning home, she reheated the meal for her children. The three men on the kang were still drinking, but Zhang Lan suspected that the two of them were a bit tipsy.

After Wang Zhenhe saw the guests off, she asked, “Zhenhe, how much did they drink tonight? Can those two handle their liquor?”

Wang Zhenhe slyly smiled at his wife. “Those two usually drink low-alcohol beverages. But today, I bought liquor with high alcohol content. Do you think they can handle it?”

Mingyuan spat out a fish bone and said, “Dad, you’re really cunning. Drinking high-alcohol liquor not only saves money but also reduces the amount you drink. You’ve become smarter, Dad.”

Wang Zhenhe chuckled and ruffled his short hair. Seeing their father’s silly expression, the siblings couldn’t help but laugh along.

“Zhenhe, tomorrow I’m taking our daughter to the city to visit Aunt Zuo I’m worried about leaving just Zuo He there alone. It’s good to check on him and explain things to my Uncle Zuo. Those two old men helped us a lot today. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t know if things would have gone smoothly. Sigh, finally our children will be able to learn some skills. I hope they won’t be bullied like we were. My children will have a bright future, and I doubt anyone will dare to cause trouble.”

Zhang Lan won’t forget the past, no matter how magnanimous a person is, they will come to understand things at the moment of life and death.

So, at this moment, Zhang Lan already considers her in-laws as strangers. When Wang Zhenhe heard his wife bring this up, he felt increasingly guilty. “Wife, this won’t happen again. If they dare to cause trouble, even our children could handle them. Rest assured, no one will dare to harm you. I will take on my responsibility. I was wrong before, always thinking we were a family. How could we not live together peacefully? Unfortunately, I gave them countless chances. None of them knew how to cherish or show gratitude. Such family members are better off not being part of our lives. I still have you all.”

This was the most emotional thing Wang Zhenhe had said in so many years. He always thought actions spoke louder than words, but he realized he hadn’t done well, and he hadn’t even spoken comforting words. No wonder his children and wife were hurt and expressed their silent anger in such a dramatic way.

So, when he spoke those words today, the room instantly fell silent. Everyone looked at him with disbelief. If there was a hole, Wang Zhenhe would have wanted to crawl into it. After so many years, what had he done? Even his children couldn’t trust him as a father. Guilt and regret tore at his heart. “Children, today is the first and last time I say this. From now on, watch my actions. I can’t sever ties with my mother’s side. I will provide for her, but that’s it. I won’t agree to any more demands.”

Wang Qian calmly said, “Dad, she’s your biological mother, and that can’t be changed. But you need to stand firm. If you still prioritize your siblings and use so-called family ties as an excuse, we’ll simply move out. I don’t want to stay in this house anymore, even if it means begging or starving on the streets. Dad, remember what you said today. My brother and I will hold on to it.”

Mingcheng also took on the role of the eldest. “Dad, this is the last time. If you continue to indulge them, we’ll move out and let you continue to spoil them. At most, it will just produce another waste. If they involve us, I absolutely don’t want to see that in the future.”

Wang Zhenhe was taken aback by the stern attitude of his children. He hadn’t expected that over the years, he had sown seeds of distrust in his children’s hearts. This was something he had never anticipated. He had always thought his children were still young, but now he realized how wrong he had been.

Looking at everyone with a serious expression, he said, “Children, today I promise you that if anyone from your grandmother’s family bullies you again, I will protect you. This is my commitment.”

The conversation that evening was somewhat heavy, but certain things needed to be addressed. Even among family, if the barrier isn’t removed, it can become a permanent scar that time cannot heal. Sensing the right moment, Zhang Lan quickly changed the subject, “Alright, now that your dad has made his promise, we don’t need to worry anymore. Have you all finished eating? I’ve prepared hot water for you to bathe. Zhenhe, you and the boys go first, and then me and the girls will follow.”

The four siblings had finished eating. Zhang Lan and her daughter tidied up, while Wang Zhenhe took his sons to bathe. The father and sons seemed to be having a good time inside, as laughter occasionally echoed from the side room. Wang Qian could tell that the laughter was genuine and heartfelt.

After resolving their issues, the family slept well that night. The next day, Zhang Lan took Wang Qian to the county town.

However, upon getting off the bus, the mother and daughter sensed that something was amiss in the city. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry, walking faster than usual. Puzzled, they hurried to Zuo’s small courtyard. Even the usually slightly ajar gate was tightly shut. After taking out the items they had brought, Zhang Lan knocked on the gate.

“Who’s there?” The voice from inside was indeed Zuo’s grandmother, but it sounded somewhat nervous. “It’s us, Grandma Zuo. We’ve come.”

Hearing the familiar voices, Grandma Zuo quickly opened the gate, swiftly pulled them into the courtyard, and then peered outside before closing the gate.

“Why have you come? The city has been quite chaotic these past few days, and everyone is on edge.”

From Grandma Zuo’s words, Wang Qian gathered that there had been a conflict between two factions, causing widespread unease in the city.

So, with a smiling face, she held Grandma Zuo’s hand and said, “Grandma Zuo, don’t worry. They can’t cause a big commotion. Just eat and rest as usual. There’s nothing major happening.”

At that moment, she recalled a line from the movie “Little Soldier Zhang Ga,” “Don’t be too happy now, for fear of a reckoning later. Those people are like locusts after autumn, and they probably won’t last long. In four years, the sky will be clear again.”

Not finding Zuo He in the house, she asked, “Grandma Zuo, where is Zuo He?”

Grandma Zuo smiled and replied, “He’s at school. I’ve been personally picking him up and dropping him off these past few days. I’ll have to go pick him up later. It’s not safe now, so we need to be careful. Niece, you prepare the meal at home. I’ll go pick up the child.”

Grandma Zuo didn’t treat the mother and daughter as guests, so she was very casual, making Zhang Lan feel comfortable.

“Auntie, you go ahead. I’ll take care of things at home.”

After Grandma Zuo left, the items brought by the mother and daughter hadn’t been sold yet. Wang Qian roamed around and then said, “Mom, I’ll go to Aunt Shan’s place to see if we can sell them nearby. If not, we’ll figure something out. I’ll go check first.”

Wang Qian went straight to Shan Shuzhen’s house. It was almost noon, and Shan Shuzhen was just returning home to cook. Seeing the young girl lingering at her doorstep, she couldn’t help but smile. “Qianqian, it’s been a while since you last came. The neighbors have been looking forward to it. What good things have you brought this time?”

Seeing Shan Shuzhen return, Wang Qian quickly explained the items she had brought. “Wow, so many good things! Wait in our yard, and I’ll call them over to buy. Have you brought your items?”

Not seeing the girl carrying anything, Shan Shuzhen assumed the items were left at a relative’s house. “Qianqian, You bring the items over. I’ll go and let people know. It won’t take long.”

Wang Qian quickly ran back to Zuo’s small courtyard, asking her mother to help deliver the first batch. By the time they arrived, quite a few people were already waiting there.

The locals were excited to see Wang Qian after not seeing her for a few days. They were thrilled to see the variety of seafood she brought, and each person bought some. However, they left immediately after making their purchases, all looking tense.

Once the items were almost sold, they gave Shan Shuzhen her share and hurried back to prepare dinner. The meal was sumptuous, mainly consisting of the items they had brought, along with vegetables from their garden.

“Qianqian, I’m back,” Zuo He said as he entered, breaking free from his grandmother’s hand and running over, his school bag swinging in front of him.

Seeing the little guy’s excitement, Wang Qian smiled gently. “Zuo He, how’s everything at your school? Is it safe?”

The boy nodded and shook his head. “It’s okay. Everyone is on edge. My classmates are too distracted to focus on their studies. It’s chaotic all day long. They don’t even listen to the teachers. I can’t even hear what the teachers are saying.”

Grandma Zuo looked worried as she watched her grandson. She was aware of the situation but had no good solution.

Seeing the adorable pouting expression on the little guy’s face, Zhang Lan suggested, “Auntie, how about this? Let Zuo He come to our place for school during this time. When the situation in the city improves, he can return. Why don’t you come with us as well?”

However, Grandma Zuo shook her head. “Niece, you take Zuo He with you first. I can’t leave right now. I have to report every day. I can manage on my own, but the child can’t. Take him with you. When things improve, I’ll come and bring him back.”