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Wang Qian pulled the little girl close and took out a piece of candy from her pocket. “Xiao Mei, this is for you to enjoy.”
Xiao Mei glanced at the candy in Wang Qian’s hand and hesitated before accepting it, looking to her brother and grandmother for approval before taking it.
“Sister, I want candy!” the youngest boy exclaimed joyfully upon seeing the candy.
Xiao Mei peeled a candy for each of her siblings and placed it in their mouths before guiding them to the inner room.
The elderly lady chatted with Wang Zhenhe, sharing their family’s story. Wang Qian learned that Yang Nuo’s father used to be the former chief of the Public Security Bureau. Speaking out in sympathy for the former leader’s situation led to his father’s arrest. His mother, a former opera singer, made a mistake in a performance due to distraction from her husband’s arrest, resulting in both of them being sent for labor reform.
Leaving Yang Nuo’s home, the group felt somber. “Dad, what will happen to their family in the future? If their parents aren’t exonerated, their days will only get harder,” they pondered.
Wang Zhenhe sighed, holding his eldest daughter’s hand. The difficulties faced by Yang Nuo’s family were more severe than he had imagined. With mostly children in the household and elderly individuals unable to work, even if Yang Nuo and his sibling didn’t attend school, finding employment wouldn’t be easy. Tough times lay ahead without money.
“Wang Qian, let’s cut back a bit at home and provide some assistance to both their families. We can’t do much with excess, but helping Yang Nuo could shape him into a better person. If left unchecked, he might stray off the right path. Let’s consider it as nurturing the future of our country.”
During dinner that evening, Mingyuan noticeably ate less than usual, leaving Wang Zhenhe puzzled. “Son, why does tonight’s meal not suit your taste?”
Mingyuan earnestly replied, “Dad, I want to save some food. If we eat too much, our family’s supply might run out.”
Amused, Wang Qian and Wang Zhenhe chuckled quietly. “Mingyuan, eat without worries. We have plenty of food. Let me tell you a secret—Dad bought a lot from the black market. Don’t hold back; eat until you’re full.”
From then on, Wang Zhenhe occasionally sent provisions to both families. He convinced Yang Nuo and Cong Tao to return to school, covering the expenses himself.
Geng Lianhua highly praised her son-in-law’s actions. Initially drawn to Wang Zhenhe for his kind-hearted nature, she entrusted her ailing daughter to him. Despite enduring challenges after marriage, she believed in good deeds reaping rewards. Seeing he daughter in good health affirmed this belief. With conditions permitting, she believed in extending help whenever possible.
“Mom, do you think I’m too kind-hearted?” Wang Zhenhe finished packing the provisions and prepared to deliver them to the two families.
Geng Lianhua shook her head, “Zhenhe, Mom knows your intentions. As long as we have good intentions and are doing good deeds, it’s all good. Mom supports your actions. Your daughter probably has the same kind-hearted thoughts as you. Take the provisions over and bring some vegetables too. Eating only pickles isn’t ideal, especially with all the children at home.”
With his mother-in-law’s support, Wang Zhenhe happily set off with the items. His visits were warmly welcomed by the children of both families. His presence meant they wouldn’t go hungry, so they eagerly assisted him, addressing him as “Uncle” with sweet words and gestures.
The bond between the two elderly ladies and Wang Zhenhe grew stronger. Yang’s grandmother affectionately started calling him “nephew” instead of “comrade.”
“Auntie, let’s not let the children’s education suffer. If they need to go to school, we’ll make sure they do. I’ll cover the fees. Let’s not hinder their future. Please discuss this with Cong’s grandmother. I’ll take the kids to school tomorrow. Despite our current difficulties, things will improve. Once Yang Nuo’s parents return, there will be hope for your family,” Wang Zhenhe proposed.
The issue of the children’s education had always troubled grandmother Yang. It wasn’t that she didn’t want them to study but rather that she couldn’t afford the fees, struggling even to feed them properly, let alone manage school expenses.
Touched by Wang Zhenhe’s words, the elderly lady’s eyes welled up. “Nephew, how can our family repay your kindness? Besides, your family isn’t wealthy yet you support four children’s education. How can I accept more of your money?”
Feeling embarrassed, grandmother Yang realized they had already received so much help and couldn’t bring herself to accept more money.
Wang Zhenhe looked sincerely at the elderly lady, “Auntie, please don’t say that. We’re doing this for the children. Once their parents return, I won’t need to contribute anymore. The fees aren’t much, and I’ve covered them for now until their parents are back.”
The following day, Wang Zhenhe took Yang Nuo, Cong Tao, and their siblings back to school, reintroducing all the children to the classroom. Yang Nuo and Cong Wei were both in their final year of high school, in the same grade as Wang Xuan. This arrangement allowed them to accompany each other after school, providing another layer of protection.
Returning to school with their backpacks, the children from both families, aside from feeling grateful, were determined to study diligently. The value of education became more apparent to them when financial constraints threatened their schooling.
The provision of assistance with food continued until May. By then, the parents of Yang Nuo and Cong Tao had returned from the farm. The two families, now reunited and exonerated, were overjoyed and also heard of Wang Zhenhe’s actions—a person who had helped in their time of need.
Yang Mingxuan and Cong Wei personally visited to express their gratitude, forming an instant bond with the three men. Wang Zhenhe’s kind and genuine nature quickly won over their appreciation.
Upon learning that Yang Mingxuan had once worked as a security guard for the elderly Wu, Wang Zhenhe marveled at how small the world truly was. Unexpected reunions and connections seemed to be everywhere, even encountering someone familiar to Uncle Wu.
“Hehe, brother Yang, it seems we are fated to meet. Uncle Wu once stayed with us as well, but he has since returned. Isn’t it remarkable how our paths have crossed?”
Yang Mingxuan excitedly grabbed Wang Zhenhe’s arm, “Brother, are you serious? That’s wonderful news! I thought the old leader was still in labor reform. Knowing he’s alright now puts my mind at ease.”
Wang Zhenhe chuckled, “Yang brother, when Uncle Wu comes over, I’ll definitely invite you to meet him.”
Upon their return, Yang Mingxuan and Cong Wei not only received compensation but also had their official positions restored. Yang Mingxuan continued his work in public security, while Cong Wei was reassigned to the Land Bureau.
“Brother, if you ever need help in the future, just give us a call. We know our way around the city better than you do.”
Having lunch with Geng Lianhua and the two men, they observed the simple meal the Wang family had. Without extravagant dishes, their admiration for Wang Zhenhe grew. Initially assuming he was from an affluent background, they learned during the meal that the house had once belonged to the former leader. Wang Zhenhe, a true rural man, came from generations of humble families.
Reflecting on their initial assumptions, they felt a sense of remorse.
Since their parents’ return and exoneration, individuals who used to flatter Yang Nuo and Cong Tao’s family but turned hostile after their troubles now sought to cozy up to them again. However, the brothers had matured through their experiences and no longer held onto their former feelings of superiority. They saw through these individuals’ intentions, responding with a calm smile and minimal words. Having undergone significant changes themselves and feeling the warmth of the Wang family, they had abandoned their previous arrogance. Now, their focus was solely on studying diligently, determined not to disappoint Wang Zhenhe’s initial kindness.
As the approaching seven to eight years of Gaokao (college entrance examination) loomed, Geng Lianhua stayed in the city to assist. Zhang Wanyou and Wang Zhenhe’s couple would come over on Sundays, bringing seafood to sell.
During this time, Geng Lianhua made significant profits from selling seafood. However, Zhang Wanyou seemed a bit displeased on this visit.
“Old man, what’s going on? Did Zhou Ping cause trouble for you again?” Geng Lianhua thought the old man was generally kind-hearted and wouldn’t intentionally offend anyone, so the possibility remained that someone was causing trouble for him, possibly due to superstitions about bad luck.
Zhang Wanyou sighed, “It’s not about causing trouble, but that shrew is spreading rumors in the village, saying that we plan to move in with our youngest son and that our house will be left to them. Can you imagine how angry I was to hear that? I haven’t even left, and they’re already talking about giving away the house.”
Hearing this, Geng Lianhua became even angrier. “Let that wench spout nonsense. Even if I were to give away my house, it wouldn’t be to her. Our house is for Weiguo. Regardless of whether our son returns or not, as parents, we cannot show favoritism. Each son and his family will have their own house. I won’t shortchange anyone. If she thinks she can have my house, she’s dreaming.”
When Wang Qian returned for lunch and heard about the situation, she realized that Zhou Ping was escalating things and manipulating public opinion. Wondering who was advising her, Wang Qian knew Zhou Ping had long harbored thoughts about the family properties for her son’s future marriage. However, directing her attention towards her grandfather made Wang Qian sneer inwardly. She vowed to deal with this troublemaker when she had the chance.