“Of course, didn’t I draw a map for you? Just focus on your studies, and the teachers will teach you,” Jiang Lin said.

She told Cheng Rushan that they would take the bus back, but Cheng Rushan replied, “Chengguang should be coming to pick us up.”

He bought the tickets and sent a telegram to Chengguang with their train details. Even if Chengguang was busy, he would arrange for someone else to pick them up.

Jiang Lin patted his waist and said, “I’m really starting to like you more and more.”

They said goodbye to Doctor Lan and agreed to visit him later.

Jiang Min followed them out of the train station.

Looking at the familiar yet strange surroundings, she felt a flood of emotions.

It had been ten years since she last came back.

Even though she had been exiled, she still missed her hometown deeply in her dreams.

Things she thought she had forgotten suddenly came rushing back clearly.

During the first wave of sending people to the countryside, there were drums and gongs, and they wore big red flowers on their chests, excitedly being sent off by train.

At that time, they didn’t know what the future held.

They thought it was just a temporary trip and they would soon be called back, not realizing that this was a lifetime commitment.

They might end up buried far from home, their lives forever changed.

If they hadn’t been allowed to take university entrance exams, they might never have had the chance to return.

“I’m back,” she murmured. The heavy feeling lifted, and she felt much lighter.

Jiang Xinglei said, “Sister, welcome back.”

Jiang Min nodded. “Yes, I’m back.”

Those who hadn’t been forced to leave wouldn’t understand the significance of coming back.

For some people, things they take for granted are their deepest hopes.

Cheng Rushan held Jiang Lin’s hand to keep her from wandering off.

As they left the train station, they saw Chengguang and He Liang waiting outside.

Fang Chengguang and He Liang, who had come with Wensheng, arrived early because the train was delayed, so they had been waiting for a while.

He Liang was jumping around like a monkey, worried about missing them.

Fang Chengguang had his hands in his pockets and was in no rush. “Why are you jumping around? Cheng Rushan is so tall, you can spot him easily. No need for you to be so restless.”

He Liang laughed, “I’m just excited. I want to see if your sister-in-law’s sister is as good-looking as she is.”

Cheng Guang replied, “What does it matter to you if she’s good-looking?”

He Liang said, “It matters a lot! Good-looking people are pleasant to look at.”

Chengguang joked, “No wonder I’m always uncomfortable. Stay out of my sight in the future.”

He Liang playfully hugged him. “It’s fine as long as I’m comfortable. I don’t care about you.”

Fang Chengguang’s face changed, and he pushed him away with his arm.

This guy was hugging indiscriminately without regard for the occasion.

If he did that in public, people might think he was crazy.

Fang Chengguang was tall, and so was Cheng Rushan, so they saw each other immediately.

“You’re here.”

He Liang waved to the side right away, “Wensheng, Wensheng, hurry up, your parents are here!”

Wensheng, who was buying candied haws, got anxious when he heard that.

He said to the old man selling them, “Hurry up, can’t you figure out the change for such a big amount?”

Impatient, he didn’t wait for the change and ran over with a bunch of candied haws in his hand.

Among the many people exiting the station, Wensheng spotted Jiang Lin at once, and he didn’t see anyone else in his eyes.

He shouted happily, “Mom, mom!” Holding the candied haws, he bumped into He Liang with his body, excitedly saying, “Did you see that, Baosheng!”

Jiang Lin had told them she was going to Beidahuang to pick up her eldest aunt.

After she and Cheng Rushan left, Dabao, Xiaobao, and Wensheng thought their parents had gone to pick up Baosheng.

He Liang said, “That’s not Baosheng, that’s your mom’s sister’s daughter.”

Wensheng asked, “Who’s my mom’s sister?”

He Liang replied, “Your eldest aunt.”

Wensheng asked, “Who’s my eldest aunt?”

He Liang was speechless.

Hearing the commotion, Jiang Lin quickly ran towards them, with Cheng Rushan, his face changing color, chasing after her and holding her waist to slow her down.

Wensheng stuffed the candied haws into He Liang’s hands and ran over, his face beaming with excitement, “Mom, I missed you so much!”

He opened his arms to hug Jiang Lin tightly as he used to, but this time, a strong arm blocked him.

Wensheng looked along the arm in confusion and saw Cheng Rushan, “Dad, what are you doing?”

Cheng Rushan said, “Your mom is having a baby, you can’t squeeze her stomach.”

Wensheng’s face lit up with joy, “Is Baosheng coming by train? Dabao and Xiaobao were right!”

He looked at Xiaomeng and Xiaojun, wondering which one was Baosheng.

He shook his head and looked at Jiang Lin’s belly, confused why his dad said his mom was having a baby but not Baosheng.

What did having a baby mean? He didn’t understand at all!

He laughed heartily and picked up Jiang Lin in his arms, insisting on holding her even though she protested.

Cheng Rushan could only go and greet Chengguang and He Liang, while Jiang Lin laughed and said, “Wensheng, put me down. I need to introduce you to my aunt and my siblings.”

Jiang Lin had already informed Jiang Min about the family situation on the train, especially Wensheng’s special circumstances, so Jiang Min was mentally prepared.

Even so, Jiang Min was still surprised when she saw Wensheng.

But seeing everyone so happy, she felt it was all for the best.

Jiang Lin had grown into a kind, mature woman who could take care of others.

As long as Cheng Rushan didn’t mind, everything was fine.

Wensheng greeted everyone, shaking hands with each of them, and then extended his hand to He Liang, who eagerly handed over a candied fruit skewer.

Wensheng made sure to greet and shake hands with everyone, handing out candied fruit skewers to everyone, including Jiang Lin and Jiang Xinglei.

Jiang Lin, who was craving something sweet, happily took the candied fruit skewer from Wensheng.

She used her pregnancy as an excuse to indulge, crunching loudly on the sugary coating.

“Wensheng, you really know how to pick these. This is the best candied fruit skewer I’ve ever had! Hmm, it’s just a little bit worse than the ones Grandma makes.”

Wensheng was thrilled to hear Jiang Lin praise the candied fruit skewers he bought. His face lit up with happiness.

“Mom, I got a raise. The theater is officially paying me now. If you want anything, just let me know,” he said proudly, patting his chest.

Previously, he would do cameo roles without pay or just receive small items in return.

Now, since he performed well, the theater decided to pay him a salary for the new year.

He would earn 46 yuan a month, plus other benefits.

Although his official status was still as a temporary worker, he enjoyed better benefits than some permanent workers, likely because he was the only one in the entire theater with such conditions.

Jiang Lin looked at him in amazement, her face full of admiration and excitement. “Wensheng, you’re amazing!”

Wensheng puffed out his chest proudly and flashed a triumphant smile at his father.

Cheng Rushan: ……

Xiaomeng and Xiaojun were eating their sweet candied haws and looking at Wensheng with curiosity.

They didn’t understand why this grown-up was calling their aunt “Mom.”

But he was really good-looking!

And he gave them candied haws, which was great!

Such a handsome and kind big brother.

Fang Chengguang smiled and said, “Dabao and Xiaobao insisted on coming, even though they had classes. We didn’t let them take time off.”

At that time, there wasn’t a holiday break for New Year’s Day, so they naturally had to attend classes.

Jiang Lin could imagine how disappointed the little brothers were.

Before leaving, she told them she was going to pick up their eldest aunt.

Xiaobao even mumbled about taking the train to pick up Baosheng.

And now… Jiang Lin was sweating, realizing the kids had guessed correctly.

Because there were many people, Fang Chengguang and He Liang brought two jeeps.

Wensheng insisted on riding in the same car as his mom, which naturally pushed Cheng Rushan and Jiang Xinglei to the other car.

Cheng Rushan, worried that it would be too cramped for Jiang Lin, said to Xiaojun, “Come with me.”

Xiaojun was stunned and didn’t want to go.

But Cheng Rushan didn’t give him a chance to hesitate and directly picked him up and put him in the car.

Xiaojun was trembling with fear but didn’t dare to cry.

Fang Chengguang looked back at Cheng Rushan and then at Xiaojun, “Why did you scare the kid like that?”

Cheng Rushan said, “I didn’t. This kid is just well-behaved.” He patted Xiaojun’s head. “Don’t be afraid.”

Xiaojun was so scared that he didn’t even dare to eat his candied haws.

Jiang Xinglei said, “Xiaojun, don’t be afraid. Your uncle never hits anyone.”

Xiaojun was still terrified.

Fang Chengguang smiled at Xiaojun, and seeing his handsome and gentle smile, Xiaojun wiped away his tears and started eating his candied haws again.

Fang Chengguang followed He Liang’s car and said to Cheng Rushan, “I’m going to be reassigned soon.”

Cheng Rushan said, “A promotion is a good thing.”

Fang Chengguang replied, “And congratulations to Captain Cheng on gaining another captain’s position.”

The position of the Discipline Inspection Committee leader was also arranged.

This committee within their military district had some unofficial functions.

Its main role was to monitor their internal affairs, to prevent situations like Wu Jinshui colluding with others, which could damage the military’s reputation and authority.

Thus, it was a very important internal department, requiring its members to be loyal, upright, fearless of power, yet intelligent.

Cheng Rushan was selected immediately.

He listened to Cheng Guang’s words without showing too much excitement.

Cheng Guang said, “Cheng Ge, such a general’s demeanor, staying so calm.”

Cheng Rushan replied, “Is He Liang driving steadily? If not, I’ll switch with him. I don’t want him bumping my wife around!”

Cheng Guang noticed his unusual reaction and exchanged a glance with Jiang Xinglei through the rearview mirror.

Jiang Xinglei smiled, “My sister has some good news that she can’t share with anyone for less than three months.”

Cheng Guang, still trying to figure out what news could be kept secret for three months, suddenly realized: Cheng Rushan was going to be a father again?

This was a common joke among the older men.

When someone’s wife was pregnant but couldn’t announce it due to her instructions, they would say it was “good news that can’t be shared for less than three months.”

He glanced at Cheng Rushan in the rearview mirror and said, “Cheng Ge, you’re quite the strategist, making sure to time things perfectly.”

Cheng Rushan was puzzled. “Time things perfectly? What are you talking about?” He was focused on the jeep in front of him.

Cheng Guang said, “Look at the street.”

Cheng Rushan shifted his attention and saw the walls covered with slogans about family planning and large red banners.

The scene was reminiscent of ten years ago.

“What’s the plan?” Cheng Rushan hadn’t really paid attention to this issue before.

Fang Chengguang replied, “I don’t have a wife, so I’ve never asked about it.”

Cheng Rushan looked around.

The street hadn’t looked like this when he left; how did it become so filled with family planning slogans in just a few days?

There were even more slogans than those for New Year’s celebrations.

Fang Chengguang noticed Cheng Rushan’s cold expression and quickly said, “Don’t worry. Our military district hasn’t started such intensive publicity yet. It begins with major factories and neighborhoods.”

Usually, campaigns start in government offices, factories, schools, and rural areas.

City residents are the easiest to reach because they depend on their jobs for food.

If they don’t comply, their grain supply can be controlled.

That’s why, when the one-child policy was introduced, workers adapted the fastest.

They had no choice but to adapt.

Jiang Xinglei said, “There should be a policy. Even if having more children isn’t allowed, there must be a start date. If someone got pregnant before the policy, they can’t be forbidden from giving birth, right?”

Cheng Rushan remained silent.

The implementation depended on those enforcing it, and he knew the nuances.

With his current capabilities, he wasn’t worried about managing the situation regarding his wife’s pregnancy.

Because they were in a military vehicle, they encountered no obstacles and went straight back to the compound.

Yan Runzhi and Cheng Yunzhi were already at home waiting, having prepared the dough for homemade noodles, ready to cook once everyone arrived.

Dabao and Xiaobao came running back from school. “Have Dongsheng and Linlin returned yet?”

Yan Runzhi said, “If you two skipped school, your mom will scold you.”

Dabao replied, “It’s recess time, plenty of time.” He knew his grandma wouldn’t know the details, so he laughed.

Xiaobao said, “Yeah, we took time off. This isn’t skipping class.”

Yan Runzhi laughed, “Look at you two, so clever.”

Soon, they saw the jeep approaching, and Dabao and Xiaobao ran over. “How old is Baosheng?”

They had been speculating that Dongsheng and Linlin had gone to pick up Baosheng and figured he must be at least two or three years old, maybe even three or four.

Seeing the two kids on the road, He Liang stopped the car and got out.

Dabao and Xiaobao rushed over. “Mom, where’s Baosheng?” They climbed into the driver’s seat and saw Xiaomeng.

Although Xiaomeng was a few days older than them, she looked small.

Dabao and Xiaobao, unable to gauge ages well, thought she looked like a big kid from kindergarten.

Maybe she’s six, Dabao thought.