Chapter 266: Cured Her Inner Conflict

The New Year wasn't even over, and Lin Zhao had to go back to work!

Used to sleeping until she woke up naturally, suddenly having to get up early, office workers want to go crazy.

Tossing and turning all night, she didn't sleep well, yet the next day Lin Zhao woke up on time.

Seeing the four cubs sleeping soundly beside her, she angrily pinched the cheek of Xiang Yubao, who was closest to her.

The next second, Xiang Yubao opened his eyes, saw his mother's face, smiled at her, and then sat up.

"Mom, I'll see you off to work." He rubbed his eyes, his voice hoarse from just waking up.

Lin Zhao was stunned: "You'll see me off? You went to sleep so early last night, was it because you wanted to get up early today to see me off?"

Xiang Yubao answered earnestly: "Yeah, I'll see Mom to the entrance of the village."

Lin Zhao's heart was flooded with waves of emotion, rubbing her son's little face: "You really are my good son."

"No need, you lie down; I'll get up myself. Look after your younger brothers and sister, and listen to your grandma obediently."

Xiang Yubao blinked: "You don't need me to see you off?"

"Right, I don't need you to see me off. It's very cold outside; don't catch a cold. If you catch a cold, I'll have an even bigger headache." Lin Zhao pressed Xiang Yubao's shoulder with one hand and pulled the quilt up with the other.

"Then I'm really going to sleep?" Xiang Yubao studied his mother's expression.

"Sleep, sleep; look after your younger brothers and sister." Lin Zhao exhorted repeatedly.

The little one saluted and lay straight: "Mom, ride your bike slowly on the road."

On New Year's Eve, Gu Chan had returned the bicycle. She knew her third sister-in-law had to visit relatives.

"I know, you're such a little person, yet you worry so much." Lin Zhao got out of bed and put on her shoes.

Xiang Yubao tried hard to tilt his head to look at her, his voice soft: "Because you are my mom."

Lin Zhao was slightly startled, walked to the bedside, and kissed her eldest son's forehead: "You are also my precious son; sleep obediently, I'll be back in the afternoon."

Xiang Yubao touched the spot where his mother had kissed him, his eyes and brows curving into a smile.

Mom didn't kiss his younger brothers and sister; this kiss was a unique reward, which really made him happy.

The sky wasn't very bright, and after the lights were turned off, it was even darker inside; afraid the children would be scared, Lin Zhao left a crack in the curtains before leaving.

"Is this okay?"

After receiving Xiang Yubao's affirmative reply, she added: "Da Huang and Amber are both outside; if anything happens, call them."

The two dogs couldn't help with anything else, but they could help by barking at people.

"Mm-hmm." Xiang Yubao responded.

"Then I'm leaving, see you in the afternoon." Lin Zhao left these words and closed the door.

She left home wrapped up tightly, facing the cold wind; there were birds chirping on the road to lead the way for her, and the air was exceptionally fresh, which made her mood improve by a few points for no reason.

Lin Zhao arrived at the supply and marketing cooperative and saw Li Fen, whom she hadn't seen for days. During the New Year, all sales clerks took turns on duty; given that Lin Zhao and Wang Ju were new, they rested from New Year's Eve to the fourth day, and the others followed this pattern.

Wang Ju and Lin Zhao met at the entrance, and both raised their arms to cover their mouths, yawning.

"Pfft—!"

They looked at each other and laughed.

"Didn't sleep well last night."

"Had nightmares all night last night."

Lin Zhao and Wang Ju said almost simultaneously.

As the words landed, they pursed their lips and smiled.

"Looks like you're not that enthusiastic about work either." Lin Zhao pushed the door open, signaled for Wang Ju to go in first, followed closely behind, and closed the door behind her.

Wang Ju revealed a complex expression: "To tell the truth, who really likes work?"

"There are many, like my uncle and aunt, and cousin Yun Cheng, etc., many people." Lin Zhao's expression was respectful.

There is a considerable group of people who love their work because, for them, work is building the motherland, shaping the backbone for future generations; they are full of energy, burning their own light and heat, just hoping that the suffering country can stand tall in the world, hoping that the people of this country can stand tall.

Wang Ju knew which type of people Lin Zhao was talking about, and her expression also became somewhat solemn and respectful.

"Mm, there are many such people."

It's not that they don't want to learn, but they are powerless, always lacking that enthusiasm.

She graduated from a technical secondary school, so her education was considered high, but she felt lost about her future work and life.

Her father said that if you don't know where the road leads, just find a job and work first; time will give the answer.

"That's really great." Lin Zhao sighed, "With such people emerging generation after generation, those who want to be lazy can lie down more securely."

This was the first time Wang Ju heard this, and her eyes brightened slightly: "That makes so much sense."

It suddenly cured her inner conflict.

She gave Lin Zhao a thumbs up, went around to her counter, and started to stock the goods. Wang Ju didn't like work, but she was more serious than anyone when she was busy.

After Xiang Yubao and Gu Hangbao got up, they took their younger brothers and sister to the old house, and after breakfast, they played at the door.

"Xiang Yubao, Gu Hangbao."

A familiar voice rang out.

Xiang Yubao looked up, saw it was the second uncle, stood up hurriedly, and his excited voice rang out: "Second Uncle?"

His words carried undisguised confusion.

"Second Uncle, why are you here? My mom went to work."

Lin Lin Lin Shisheng: "I'm not looking for your mom; I'm looking for you two."

Xiang Yubao's eyes were even more confused: "What's up?"

"Didn't you two ask me to find kittens? I found two; Meng Jingmo and Meng Meng Xiaobai said to let you pick first, so I brought both." Lin Lin Lin Shisheng said unhurriedly.

"Kittens?!!" Xiang Yubao's eyes were bright: "Where? I want to see."

After saying this, he called his younger brother: "Gu Hangbao, Second Uncle brought kittens; let us choose!"

Gu Hangbao was also excited: "Second Uncle, where are the kitties?"

"At your house."

Hearing this, the twins disappeared from where they were, kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Going to see kitties!" Gu Hangbao's voice was loud, causing Yuan Bao and other children to chase after them.

"Twins, wait for us, we want to see the kitties too."

"Kitties, I want to see the kitties!"

The children who were playing in the village a second ago disappeared from where they were, rushing into his house after Xiang Yubao and Gu Hangbao.

"Wow, there really are kitties, such small kitties, they can't even walk steadily." Yuan Bao exclaimed.

Ye Tie Niu worried: "Twins, do you know how to raise kitties? They are so small, what do they eat?"

Da Zhuang said: "They must eat grain."

"Little cats can't bite coarse grain buns!"

The little ones were noisy, and it was very lively far away.

Da Huang and Amber were very interested in the new friends, nesting not far away watching the little cats, occasionally stretching out their front paws, wanting to pull at them, but were stopped by Xiang Yubao.

"Da Huang, be good." He said, "You are too strong; the little cats will hurt."

The two dogs were inexplicably scolded, became much better, lay on the ground, watching quietly, and didn't move their paws again.

Gu Hangbao asked Xiang Yubao: "Brother, which kitty do you want?"

"What about you?" His brother asked back.

"I want the black one, is that okay?" Gu Hangbao's eyes were full of anticipation.

Lin Lin Lin Shisheng brought two little milk cats, one pure black, one yellow, both with ears pricked up, eyes round, looking simple and cute.

Xiang Yubao was worthy of being Gu Hangbao's twin brother; he also took a fancy to the black one and let out an excited cry.

"Sure."

Gu Hangbao carefully picked up the little black cat with both hands, held it up in front of his chest, and introduced it to his little friends: "Yuan Bao, Ye Tie Niu... this is the new member of our family, a cute little black cat, look, isn't it good-looking?"

"Mm-hmm, really good-looking. Twins, the kitties you chose are the best-looking!" Yuan Bao chimed in.

Gu Hangbao was triumphant.

He looked at Lin Lin Lin Shisheng and said: "Second Uncle, we've chosen; we want this black kitty. You can take the little yellow one back."

Little yellow cat: Little yellow? Who is little yellow? Annoying humans with no sense of boundaries.

Xiang Yubao touched the little yellow cat's head to comfort it, saying milkily: "Little cat, you are also very good-looking; we didn't choose you because we could only choose one, not because you aren't good-looking. Don't be sad, Brother Meng Jingmo and Meng Meng Xiaobai will be good to you. When we go to follow the army with Mom, you can still see your..."

Thinking of something, he looked up at Lin Lin Lin Shisheng: "Second Uncle, is the little yellow cat a brother or a sister?"

"... It's a sister." Lin Lin Lin Shisheng said.

Gu Hangbao looked at the little black cat, couldn't tell, and asked: "What about little black?"

"Little black is a brother." Lin Lin Lin Shisheng followed Gu Hangbao's naming convention.

Xiang Yubao's little face was conflicted, little black...

This name really wasn't great.

As an older brother, it wasn't good to directly dislike his brother, so Xiang Yubao's eyes turned, and he said to Gu Hangbao: "Gu Hangbao, Mom agreed to let us raise a kitty; is she the best mom?"

"Yeah." Gu Hangbao agreed very much.

Xiang Yubao then asked: "Then shouldn't we ask Mom to name the kitty?"

"Right!" Gu Hangbao felt his brother's words made sense.

"Phew!" Xiang Yubao let out a sigh of relief.

Lin Lin Lin Shisheng laughed.

How should he tell his two big nephews that their mother would most likely name it "Coal Ball."

"Xiang Yubao, how was your mother's mood this morning?"

Xiang Yubao: "Not good, Mom almost couldn't get up."

The energy Lin Zhao had when she couldn't get up in the morning was too obvious and didn't escape the eldest cub's eyes.

"Guessed it." Lin Lin Lin Shisheng's eyes showed helplessness, "Let her stop working that job; she won't listen, insisting on suffering this."

Xiang Yubao knew what his mother was thinking: "Mom would be bored at home; she said work can pass the time. Except for the deep winter when it's too cold to get up, everything else is quite good."

He had a good memory; everything Lin Zhao said was remembered by him word for word.

Lin Lin Lin Shisheng didn't say anything more.

"Are you two sure you want the black cat? Then I'll take the yellow one back to Mo Mo and Meng Meng Xiaobai?"

"Okay." Xiang Yubao replied.

Lin Lin Lin Shisheng didn't waste words and took the little yellow cat home.

Before he left, the two little guys kept reminding him to go back early and not freeze their kitty.

They valued the cat more than their own second uncle; little ungrateful things.

Meng Jiusi's vacation was limited; he had to work after the New Year and didn't have time to stay longer. The kitten had been carefully cared for by them for a few days, could eat, sleep, and play, so the father and two sons plus one cat embarked on the return journey.

The train environment at this time was relatively chaotic; chickens and ducks could be brought on, let alone a kitten that couldn't be found if you didn't look carefully, so they got on the train smoothly.

They were in a sleeper car, so their situation was considered good.

Meng Jiusi pulled down the window and waved at Lin Zhao: "Go back, be careful on the road."

Lin Zhao shook her head: "I'll go back once the train starts."

"Little brother, eat the things I made for you as soon as possible, don't let them spoil. The chili sauce Aunt gave can be stored; when eating, use clean chopsticks and keep it sealed at all times. Look after Mo Mo and Meng Meng Xiaobai; if there's a chance, I'll go see you."

Meng Jingmo and Meng Guangbai's eyes were slightly red; hearing their little aunt say she would go see them, they were stunned for a moment, then joy dyed their brows.

"When?" Meng Jingmo climbed on the window, his eyes shining.

"... When the weather is warm." Lin Zhao didn't fob the children off, saying the result she had seriously thought about.

"Okay, we'll wait for you. Little Aunt, you must come; when you do, I'll take you to eat the braised meat in the army canteen; it's delicious." Meng Jingmo said with a smile.

"Okay. Look after Meng Meng Xiaobai on the road, don't talk to strangers, if you encounter anything wrong, call an adult immediately, if your father isn't there, ask for help from people wearing special uniforms..." Lin Zhao exhorted.

"Got it." Meng Jingmo said in a light tone, "I'll remember everything Little Aunt said, don't worry, we will arrive safely, and we'll write to you when we get there."

This trip was only Little Brother taking two children, and it was far away, so Lin Zhao racked her brains and told Meng Jingmo and Meng Guangbai all the anti-abduction methods.

The train whistled a few times and moved forward slowly.

"You guys sit down, we'll keep in touch by letter." Lin Zhao followed the train forward, "Little Brother, take care of yourself, call home if anything happens—"

Meng Jiusi had half his body out the window, responding constantly, waving at his sister.

His eyes were slightly sore, and while a warm current surged in his heart, it was filled with reluctance.

"Dad, when you have time later, bring us back again." Meng Jingmo clumsily comforted his father.

Meng Jiusi rubbed his son's head and took them both into his arms.

"Okay, I'll bring you back when there's a chance."

He would come back even without his son saying so; his home was here, and his blood relatives were here too.

Only Lin Zhao saw Meng Jiusi off today; Lin Shichang had something at the factory, Lin Lin Lin Shisheng had gone out driving, and Lin Heling and Song Xiwei saw them off to the county, and the couple went to watch a movie.

... What was there to see off? They had nothing to do; if they missed their youngest son, they would find the brigade leader to open a few introduction letters and go to the army to see him.

Lin Zhao left the train station, ran to the cinema, took out the ticket her classmate had left her, and snuck in.

She sat next to her father and mother.

Lin Heling saw her, pointed at her vaguely, and revealed a helpless smile.

The emotion in his eyes was very clear: You didn't want to come when asked before, but you love to sneak in.

Song Xiwei didn't look surprised at all, gave Lin Zhao a handful of pine nuts, pointed at the movie screen, and then turned her attention back to the movie.

Lin Zhao came late, but it didn't affect her watching; she watched with great interest.

These pine nuts are really delicious; I wonder how Dad made them?

Forty minutes later, the family walked out of the cinema.

Lin Heling: "Saw your little brother off?"

"Of course, you and Mom didn't go, so I had to go; otherwise, everyone else has family to see them off, but only my little brother doesn't, how lonely, how sad." Lin Zhao said with dissatisfaction, shouting for her little brother.

"It just so happened that your mother was interested in the movie, and if we missed it, we'd have to wait for another chance; your little brother isn't that petty." Lin Heling was helpless.

His sons were all broad-minded, none of them petty, even the youngest who grew up outside.

"You guys can't be like this in the future." Lin Zhao put herself in his shoes and felt she couldn't bear it, "You can't just not see me off if I go to follow the army... I'll definitely cry if I can't see you."

"You'll cry even worse if you see us." Song Xiwei poked her directly.

"Mom!" Lin Zhao was dissatisfied.

Song Xiwei shook her head: "Calling Mom is useless; you know what kind of person you are. It would be fine if your father and I didn't appear, but if we did, you'd definitely wail, crying and saying you weren't going to follow the army..."

Lin Zhao covered her ears.

Not listening, not listening. ===== CHAPTER 267 =====