Chapter 130: The Field

Lin Zhao rubbed her son's soft little face. "There's no roof. What should we do?"

"Fix it! Ask my grandpa and my uncles—my uncles on mom's side can fix it too. Let them do it." Hang Bao immediately came up with a solution.

Lin Zhao smiled. "Look at you, so small, yet you've already arranged the whole family."

Yu Bao looked at the courtyard, unbothered, his eyes sparkling. He turned to Gu Gu Chenghuai. "Dad, can you find someone to fix the house?"

Gu Gu Chenghuai's voice was low and patient. "Your mother entrusted the renovation to your uncle Gong. Specialists will come in a few days. I'll handle the bricks, tiles, and glass."

"Dad, I want big glass windows. Is that okay?" Yu Bao rarely made requests of his father.

Gu Gu Chenghuai stroked his head. "Of course. What else do you want? Say it all—I'll figure it out."

His tone was calm, yet it filled the child with deep reassurance.

"Mom said, for our new house, she'll have someone build us a wardrobe, a desk, and clothes racks, and paint the walls white… Can we do the same in the city?" Yu Bao asked hopefully.

"Yes." This request was easily granted.

Yu Bao gripped his father's hand—the soft, warm touch nearly seeped into Gu Gu Chenghuai's heart.

Large hand holding small hand, those deep, dark eyes softened with boundless tenderness.

"What do you want, Hang Bao?"

Hang Bao's eyes darted around. "I want a bookshelf."

Gu Gu Chenghuai nodded. "Arranged."

Uncle Song carefully inspected the courtyard, nodding occasionally. "The layout's excellent. After renovation, Zhao Zhao will live here very comfortably."

"We need to dig a well—for easy water access. The wellhead must be sealed properly; there are children in the house."

Aunt Song nodded. "This is a standalone courtyard—it's far more comfortable than an apartment building. Apartments just look fancy; in reality, they're worse than this courtyard."

"Mom, you like courtyards? Would you be willing to swap our house for one?" Song Song Yuncheng guessed his mother wouldn't agree.

Aunt Song really didn't want to. "Your father and I are used to our home. Besides, our apartment is the largest in the staff housing building. If we trade it, I'll regret it."

People are like that—the unattainable always seems best.

Song Song Yuncheng smiled knowingly. "Mom, when I get my own housing, I'll try to pick a courtyard. If not, I'll swap with someone so you can live in one and enjoy it."

Aunt Song rejected the empty promise. "Wait for you to get housing? Forget it."

Besides, a courtyard full of people is worse than an apartment.

No no no!

Lin Zhao crushed the weeds underfoot. "It's simple if Auntie wants to live in a courtyard—come live here. I welcome you with open arms and legs."

"I welcome you too!" Yu Bao grinned, tilting his head.

Hang Bao added, "I welcome you too."

Song Qian Bao quietly held Lin Zhao's hand, his clear, starlike eyes scanning everywhere. Yao Bao tugged at the grass, but Gu Gu Chenghuai stopped her.

The two little ones also chimed in, their voices soft and sweet: "I also…"

Aunt Song's heart warmed. "Good."

After seeing the courtyard, Uncle Song already had a clear idea of how to renovate it—even the blueprint was formed in his mind.

It was getting late—

Uncle Song handed Yu Bao the bag he'd been carrying, smiling warmly. "Yu Bao, Song Qian Bao, and Yao Bao have gifts. So do you and Hang Bao. These are from Uncle Gong."

Yu Bao's eyes crinkled. "Thank you, Uncle Gong."

"Uncle Gong, what's in this? Is it food?" Hang Bao peered into the bag.

Uncle Song smoothed down the boy's messy hair and laughed. "A radio."

Gu Gu Chenghuai's gaze paused slightly.

Honestly, he'd never met such a generous uncle.

And…

As a girl who'd been doted on by her uncle, Lin Zhao was only briefly surprised, then calmed instantly.

She simply hugged Aunt Song.

Softly she said:

"Auntie, did my uncle tell you in advance? He didn't just buy this on his own, did he?"

"I know," Aunt Song pinched Zhao Zhao's nose and smiled. "Don't worry—it's not expensive. Your uncle found the materials and had someone modify it."

"He thought the radios looked ugly, so he had them shaped like cats and painted."

Lin Zhao straightened up, feigning displeasure. "Uncle, you never cared this much for me before!"

"Look at you, comparing yourself to your own children," Uncle Song said fondly. "For your courtyard, I used a hundred points of care. Happy now?"

Lin Zhao was satisfied. "Fine. Thank you, Uncle!"

Uncle Song: "No need to thank me!"

Yu Bao and Hang Bao took the gifts from Uncle Gong, their eyes curving into crescent moons. They'd thought they were too old for presents.

"Uncle Gong, can radios play stories?" Hang Bao looked up.

"Yes. You can also listen to revolutionary songs. Your Uncle Song Yuncheng said you have a loud voice and love to sing. After thinking it over, I decided to give you both radios—they're good for learning and entertainment. Do you like them?" Uncle Song said.

"Love them!" Hang Bao shouted loudly, spreading his arms wide in a huge circle. "So much love! Thank you, Uncle Gong! Uncle Gong is the best!!"

Yu Bao smiled politely, his gaze full of affection toward Uncle Gong. "I love them too. Thank you, Uncle Gong!!"

"Use them well. When you start school, study hard, and grow up to support your mother."

The twins nodded firmly.

The group left the dilapidated courtyard. Uncle Song offered to drive Lin Zhao's family home. Without them noticing, he gave his eldest son a glance.

Song Song Yuncheng turned and walked away.

Gu Gu Chenghuai glanced at his rapidly retreating back, pretending nothing had happened.

As they walked and talked, they soon passed the supply and marketing cooperative.

"Mom, this is where you work!" Yu Bao beamed.

Song Qian Bao turned his head, eyes wide and bright, gazing at the place his brother pointed to, shining with wonder.

Noticing his younger son's gaze, Gu Gu Chenghuai ruffled his head.

"Yes, this is where I work," Lin Zhao said, weary from tomorrow's early shift.

Uncle Song thought: Before the rainy season arrives, the courtyard must be fixed—otherwise Zhao Zhao will have to keep traveling back and forth. He knew the road was muddy; if she had an accident on the way, it would be their fault. Even catching a cold from the rain was unacceptable—it was miserable.

Meanwhile, Song Song Yuncheng ran home, grabbed a large bundle, and rode his bicycle to catch up with Lin Zhao's group.

"Knew you'd dawdle," he said.

He patted the bicycle seat, tucked his white shirt into his pants, and swung his long leg over—making the old two-wheeler seem less tall, radiating youthful energy.

"Yu Bao, Hang Bao, hop on. I'll give you a ride."

Yu Bao eyed the huge bundle on the back. "How do we sit?"

"I'll ride slow. You two squeeze in front?"

Sitting with his brother didn't bother Yu Bao. "Fine."

"I'm fine too," Hang Bao shoved his shoulder against his brother's, grinning broadly. "Mom says before we were born, we were squished together in her belly. I even fought with my brother for food. When we were born, I was bigger than him."

Yu Bao didn't want to hear about how his brother had once been bigger. He pulled him closer to the bike.

"Hang Bao, do you want to sit in front or back?"

Hang Bao said, "Either's fine. You pick first."

"I'll take the back," Yu Bao said without hesitation. He figured the front let you grip the handlebars better; the back didn't.

The radios were heavy; the twins carried them together.

Hang Bao asked Uncle Song Yuncheng, "Uncle, can we hang this on the handlebars? It's the gift Uncle Gong gave me and my brother. Do you know what it is?"

Song Song Yuncheng didn't know. Old Song had been mysterious—even the little leather balls and cloth tigers for Song Qian Bao and Yao Bao had been secretly prepared.

"A radio!" Hang Bao announced loudly.

Song Song Yuncheng said, "Then you've got something to do in the village. Good!"

"Come on, hop on!" He lifted the two boys onto the front bar.

Once they were seated, he wrapped his arms around them, holding them steady—satisfied.

"Sister, Brother-in-law, I'll take Yu Bao and Hang Bao home first. You walk slowly," Song Song Yuncheng said, then kicked off hard, the bicycle speeding away.

Song Song Yunjin pouted.

Lin Zhao laughed. "Don't be upset. My house will be built soon—I'll save you a room. Come live in the village and play however you like."

So soon!!?

One sentence turned Song Song Yunjin's pout into a grin.

"Sister, you better remember to call me!" he warned.

"Don't worry, your sister has a great memory," Lin Zhao pushed away his overly cheerful face, turning to Uncle and Aunt Song. "Uncle, Auntie, no need to see us off. Go back. I'll bring the four kids over for meals when I have time."

Uncle and Aunt Song both smiled.

"Zhao Zhao, the big bundle Song Yuncheng brought contains things your aunt and I hastily prepared for the little four. The net bag holds gifts for all four kids," Uncle Song said.

Lin Zhao's tone was light. "Got it."

After bidding farewell to Song's family of three, Lin Zhao's family headed toward the production team.

She and Gu Gu Chenghuai each carried one child.

The man wanted to carry both, but Yao Bao refused, opening her arms wide, her bright, clear eyes fixed on Lin Zhao, cooing, "Mommy… hold me…"

"Clingy little thing," Lin Zhao bounced her daughter gently, whispering.

Yao Bao pretended not to hear, eyes closed, long lashes fluttering, her pink lips moving softly: "Baby… asleep now~"

The voice was soft and cuddly.

Lin Zhao teased her, "Baby's asleep, right? Then why are you still talking?"

Seeing Yaobao's tiny body stiffened. After several seconds of silence, she suddenly began mimicking her grandfather's snoring.

"Huh～puff～!"

Lin Zhao laughed uncontrollably, kissed the baby's cheek, and continued walking at a leisurely pace.

Seeing Song Qian Bao, leaning against Gu Gu Chenghuai's shoulder, frowned slightly. He knew his sister was faking, wanted to tell Mama, but felt it wasn't right—he looked deeply torn.

Lin Zhao winked at him. Seeing Song Qian Bao smiled back, sweet and obedient.

……

The Song family didn't rush home; they took a detour to the park for a stroll.

As they walked, Song Song Yunjin spotted someone familiar, grabbed her parents' hands, and dragged Uncle Song and Aunt Song behind a tree.

"Dad, Mom—it's Xiangxiang!"

Uncle Song and Aunt Song were confused. So what if it was Xiangxiang? They were elders—why hide?

Before they could ask, Song Song Yunjin whispered, voice rising like a wild boar caught in a melon patch: "Xiangxiang's with a man!"

"?"

Uncle and Aunt Song exchanged a glance, stopped resisting, and obediently stayed behind the tree, peering out cautiously.

They met a pair of sharp eyes.

It was the young man.

The couple snapped their gazes back instantly, shame flickering in their eyes.

Uh-oh. Caught.

After a moment of silence, Uncle Song spoke: "Let's go back."

"Huh?" Song Song Yunjin exclaimed in surprise. "Aren't we going to ask her a few questions?"

"Ask what? Xiangxiang's too shy—do you think she'd handle me barging in?" Xiangxiang isn't Zhaozhao, Uncle Song said. "I'll support her only when she's truly committed to that young man."

He'd checked Li Song—the lad was upright, no bad habits. If Xiangxiang married him, she wouldn't go wrong.

Song Song Yunjin thought about it and agreed.

Xiangxiang used to refuse to sit on their sofa, speak as softly as a mosquito buzzing, and looked so timid. If his parents had rushed out… the image was too terrifying—he couldn't bear to imagine it.

Aunt Song had just peeked out and seen the young man. As she walked toward the park exit, she told Uncle Song: "That young man's good—doesn't look sneaky or cunning. Full of integrity. No surprise he's been through military training."

Uncle Song nodded.

The people hiding behind the tree left. Li Song retracted his gaze.

Yuan Xiang looked over. "What were you looking at?"

"Nothing." Afraid of startling his girlfriend, Li Song didn't mention that someone had just been watching them.

"Oh."

Li Song suggested, "Feel like watching a movie?"

"Mm."

"Come on, I'll take you." The two headed to the cinema again.

Today's time together had made Li Song and Yuan Xiang slightly more familiar with each other. Though still a bit awkward, they were certain: they both liked each other.

A wedding was only a matter of time.

……

Over here.

Song Song Yuncheng brought the twins back to the village.

The two boys had been gone less than a day, yet it felt like years—they found everything familiar and dear.

Hearing that Xiang Yubao and Hengbao had returned, Xiao Tiejui sprinted over and hugged them tightly.

"Xiang Yubao! Hengbao! You're finally back!"

Xiang Yubao patted his buddy's back, grinning broadly. "We said we'd be back this afternoon."

Xiao Tiejui loosened his arms. "Where did you go in town? Did you watch a movie?" His voice brimmed with longing and curiosity.

Hengbao's loud voice rang out: "We didn't watch a movie—but Mom took us ice skating! It was so fun! Way more fun than movies!"

"...?" Xiao Tiejui's small head filled with a giant question mark. "Who's your mom?"

Xiang Yubao thought his buddy was a bit slow, but he didn't mind. He patiently explained: "My mom is my niang! People in town don't say 'niang'—they say 'mommy.' My brother, sister, and I are town kids—we should say 'mommy,' so we changed."

Xiao Tiejui suddenly understood.

He grinned goofily. "Can I call her mommy too?"

"Of course!" Xiang Yubao draped an arm over his buddy's shoulder like a little adult, encouraging him: "Little Li Bao, you'll become a town kid someday—you can call your niang 'mommy' too."

"Hehe." Xiao Tiejui scratched his head. "Then I'll change too."

After all, he followed the twins' lead.

Yuanbao squeezed into the group. "Xiang Yubao, Hengbao—what's ice skating?"

"Ice skating is..." The twins explained to their friends, who gasped and cooed in awe.

"Town's so fun!!" Yuanbao exclaimed. "What else? What else did you do?"

"We went to the photo studio too," Xiang Yubao said. "Your photos are in Mom's bag—she'll give them to you when she gets back."

Yuanbao's eyes lit up. "Yes! Yes! I want to see them!"

Ye Tie Niu jumped out. "Xiang Yubao, what else did you do?"

"We went to Uncle Gong and Aunt Gong's place. They live in an apartment building—so tall, multiple floors! They live on the third floor—it's super high up!"

"They've got a soft sofa too. Do you know what a sofa is? It's for sitting—but it's soft. Sitting on it feels amazing—your butt doesn't hurt at all." Xiang Yubao shared his town experiences in his childish voice.

Hengbao added: "Aunt Gong made us a whole table of delicious dishes—I ate until my tummy was full. Oh, and Uncle Gong gave my brother and me gifts!"

The children stared at the twins, utterly fascinated.

"What kind?"