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Chapter 374

~16 min read 3,070 words

The New Year is just about eating, drinking, and visiting relatives.

The Yuan family was a place Lin Zhao had to go; that was her own aunt, she couldn't not go. Spending half a day visiting, without staying for a meal, and without delay, Lin Zhao and Gu Chenghuai took the children and went straight to Uncle Song's house.

Like last year, they ate a reunion dinner at the Song family, the four cubs received a pile of red envelopes, and the family returned to the brigade before dark.

Passing by the educated youth point, Lin Zhao glanced inside.

Lu Baozhen was pulling Nan Qiao's sleeve, looking pitiful, not knowing what she was saying.

"Nannan," Lin Zhao couldn't help but call out.

Even knowing that Lu Baozhen was no longer evil and was just an ordinary child, she couldn't stand seeing the person she had harmed get too close to her.

If the Nan Qiao in the original book knew that her brother's death had something to do with Lu Baozhen, she would probably hate to hack the pitiful child in front of her.

Hearing Lin Zhao's voice, Nan Qiao felt a sense of relief for no reason, pulled away Lu Baozhen's dirty little hand, and walked quickly toward her newly made friend.

"You're back from visiting relatives."

Lin Zhao said "En," and stuffed two handfuls of peanuts into Nan Qiao's hand, "Peanuts from my uncle's house, butter-flavored, try them."

"Thank you," Nan Qiao thanked her.

"Just now... what was going on?" Lin Zhao glanced at Lu Baozhen lightly.

Previously, Lu Baozhen had tricked the children in the village into isolating Yao Bao. Gu Chan specifically rode her bike back to the village, carrying an enamel jar, went to the Lu family's door, and scolded them for half an hour.

Old Lady Lu couldn't beat the Gu family, so she had to take it out on Lu Baozhen. From then on, Lu Baozhen stayed far away from the Gu family.

At this moment, seeing the Lin Zhao family, Lu Baozhen slipped away like a little mouse, hunched over.

Lin Zhao curled her lips.

In this appearance, where was there any sign of the clear, lively, little sun female lead in the book?

Nan Qiao's eyebrows furrowed slightly, "I don't know her, she came to ask me for candy."

"Fortune Treasure" lost its good fortune and couldn't bring benefits to the Lu family, so Lu Baozhen's situation became worse and worse. Even more, because she used to be a lucky star, after losing her good fortune, the Lu family felt that she had offended the gods, so they disliked her even more, and not letting her eat was a common occurrence.

Where was the shadow of the round and cute Lu Baozhen of the past?

Lin Zhao said: "The Lu family is not easy to get along with, it's best to stay away from them."

Nan Qiao believed her and nodded solemnly, "Got it."

She would tell her brother later.

"Zhaozhao, bring your nephews and nieces over after the New Year, I'd like to get to know them."

Lin Zhao's tone was light, "Okay, I'll leave their homework to you."

"Don't worry," Nan Qiao said seriously.

Tutoring a few elementary and middle school students was a piece of cake for her.

Time flew by, and the New Year was over.

Lin Zhao's whole family began to prepare for following the army.

Gu Chenghuai was at home, so he didn't let her help, telling her to say goodbye to those she wanted to say goodbye to, and he would handle the packing himself.

Lin Zhao saw her husband was at ease, did not argue with him, gathered with friends she had good relationships with, and told them she was taking the children to follow the army.

Liang Yi from the post office, Guo Meizhu from the cinema, Wang Ju from the supply and marketing cooperative, Yuan Xiang... there were really quite a few people to say goodbye to.

Afterward, she took Gu Lan and others to see Nan Qiao.

At this time, Nan Qiao had just learned that the educated youth point was going to be expanded.

Sun Xiaoying's personality was not likable, she spoke harshly, and loved to meddle in other people's business. Nan Qiao disliked her in her heart and had been enduring it in every way.

Learning that there was a chance to be separated from her, Nan Qiao was very much looking forward to it.

Today was a good day, and several educated youth were sunbathing in the courtyard.

The Nan siblings were also there.

Nan Yi was reading a book, the sun shining on him.

Lin Zhao glanced at him and found that his complexion had improved slightly.

As expected of the Body-Strengthening Pill from the lucky draw, it's awesome!

"Zhaozhao, sit here." Nan Qiao greeted Lin Zhao and poured her water.

"Nannan, I brought my nephews and nieces to be your students." Lin Zhao's tone was lively.

"Welcome," Nan Qiao said.

She looked at Gu Lan and the others; the youth and the only little girl had bright and spirited eyes, carrying an uplifted spirit that made people's hearts surge.

"Hello, Teacher Nan," Gu Lan and the others shouted in unison.

Nan Qiao chuckled, "Hello."

Nan Yi looked over, his black, bright eyes revealing curiosity, "Sister is going to take students?"

"It doesn't count as taking students." In Nan Qiao's heart, taking students was a complicated matter that couldn't be done sloppily. She explained patiently, "Idle is idle, so I'm finding something to do for myself."

"How is that finding something to do for yourself? It's clearly me opening my mouth, and you being too embarrassed to refuse." Lin Zhao interjected, opened the dried sweet potatoes she brought, and greeted the Nan siblings to eat.

"If these nephews and nieces of mine can be at the top of the class, I'll give you a big red envelope." She said in a joking tone.

There were many people and eyes at the educated youth point, so it was not easy to mention the college entrance examination directly.

Nan Qiao stuffed a few pieces of dried sweet potatoes to her brother; afraid that Nan Yi would not digest them, she did not dare to let him eat too much.

She also smiled, "Then I'll be waiting."

"Don't worry. I guarantee you won't suffer a loss." Lin Zhao stuffed a handful of peanut candy to Nan Qiao again.

"I made it myself, try it."

Learning that Gu Chenghuai had a vasectomy, Lin Zhao was worried that he hadn't nourished his body well, so she did the cooking when she was at home, nourishing the man with soups and water, and also gave him two Body-Strengthening Pills from the lucky draw.

Gu Chenghuai was nourished with a ball of fire in his body, venting it on her every day.

"..."

The dried sweet potatoes were roasted by Lin Zhao herself in her spare time, cut into thin slices, and made with oil and sugar, which was best as a small snack.

She brought a bag for Nan Qiao.

Nan Qiao tasted two slices and praised them repeatedly, "Crispy and crunchy, delicious. I didn't expect you to have this craft, Zhaozhao, you are really amazing."

Lin Zhao's mouth curled up, pretending to be humble, "What's so big about this? The pickled radish and pickled cabbage I make are delicious, sour and crispy, especially appetizing. Everyone who has eaten them likes them."

Of course, the recipe wasn't something she pondered herself; it was obtained from the lucky draw.

"I'll send you two jars later," Lin Zhao said generously, "Anyway, I can't take them with me."

"I haven't been here for a few days, but I've taken advantage of you quite a bit," Nan Qiao said embarrassedly.

"You're lacking, I'm not, don't be embarrassed," Lin Zhao said, "The days are still long, who knows when you'll be in a high position and I'll need your help."

Nan Qiao took out the pearl hairpin she cherished very much, wore it on the side of her hair, and promised solemnly.

"This is a hairpin I bought at the Friendship Store with my own pocket money. I give it to you, which represents our friendship. From now on, no matter when, if you wear this hairpin to find me, no matter what help you need, I will do my best to handle it."

Lin Zhao touched her hair, her smile bright, "Such heavy words, no wonder I feel my head is so heavy."

"Thank you, Nannan, I will cherish it well."

The light seemed to favor Lin Zhao especially; the warm light shone on her, the small fluff on her face was clear, and the exquisite pearl hairpin was pinned on her jet-black, waterfall-like hair, making that exquisite face look even more bright and beautiful.

Nan Qiao had never seen anyone grow up like this even in the capital.

"When I bought this hairpin, I felt that sooner or later I would be able to use it. Sure enough, it's like this, it suits you very well."

Lin Zhao took out a small mirror from her bag and looked at it; the two-row pearl-style hairpin was indeed exquisite, and at a glance, it was foreign goods.

"I like it very much, thank you."

Nan Qiao shook her head; she should thank Zhaozhao. She looked calm enough, but in fact, she was very uneasy in her heart. After learning that her brother was going to the countryside, she hadn't slept a peaceful night, for fear that she wouldn't be able to take good care of her brother.

When she was targeted at the educated youth point, Lin Zhao suddenly stood up. It was no exaggeration to say that she was shining at that moment, as if she were not on the same layer as the others.

Her heart suddenly settled down.

It's no big deal.

"If there's a chance, I'll take you to the Friendship Store, and I'll pay the bill then," Nan Qiao said generously.

The Nan family was a scholarly family, with many capable people in the family, many of whom worked in secret units. The Nan siblings had never worried about money since they grew up. If it weren't for... they wouldn't have even seen an ox cart.

"I'll remember that, I believe there will be a chance," Lin Zhao said with a smile.

Nan Qiao's mouth curled slightly.

The purpose of coming today was achieved, and Lin Zhao left with A-Lan and the others.

On the way.

She exhorted the Gu family children, "Educated Youth Nan is a new friend I made. She is from the capital and is also a college student. She is very amazing. I am handing you over to her; how much you can learn depends on you."

Gu Lan was the oldest and knew that Third Aunt was arranging their future for them. She quietly held Lin Zhao's arm and said obediently, "Thank you, Third Aunt, I will study hard."

Bangbang was the eldest grandson of the Gu family. Having grown up a year, he was slowly becoming sensible. He wanted to set a good example for his younger brothers and sisters.

He nodded solemnly, "Third Aunt, I will definitely not live up to your expectations! I guarantee it."

The Gu family children were all sensible, and Lin Zhao was very relieved, "I believe you."

The road was paved; if they didn't pay attention, there was nothing she could do.

While talking, Lin Zhao returned home.

Bangbang and the others also returned to their own homes.

"You're back." Seeing his wife return, Gu Chenghuai, who was packing luggage, greeted Lin Zhao.

"How is it?" Lin Zhao asked.

"Almost there."

Lin Zhao: "Where are the pickled radish and pickled cabbage? I want them."

Gu Chenghuai guessed something and looked at her, "Sending them to the educated youth point again?"

"Asking when you know the answer. Nannan hasn't prepared food, she has to buy everything. I made a lot, so I'll send her some," Lin Zhao said.

"You are open-hearted to every friend," Gu Chenghuai sighed lightly in his heart, hoping she wouldn't be let down.

Whoever dared to let his Zhaozhao down, he guaranteed he would make the other party unable to cry!

He found the pickled radish and pickled cabbage that Lin Zhao made himself, "They are all here."

Gu Chenghuai was protective of food and couldn't bear to give all the things Zhaozhao made to others, saying, "Just send one jar, take the rest with us, I love eating them."

Lin Zhao took out an earthenware jar of pickled cabbage, then pulled out another jar of pickled cabbage, "Those are enough to eat. You love eating them, I'll make fresh ones for you later."

"Okay, don't be stingy. These two jars of vegetables can sacrifice themselves for the friendship between me and Nannan, it's their good fortune."

Gu Chenghuai saw Lin Zhao was about to pick up the cold earthenware jar and hurriedly took it, "I'll do it."

"You come with me," he said.

Gu Chenghuai was very cautious about sending things to female comrades.

He was a person with a sense of boundaries and would absolutely not give gossips a chance to talk!

"Okay." Lin Zhao was with Gu Chenghuai, and she felt everything was interesting.

The couple came to the educated youth point, put the things down, and left.

Mainly because Gu Chenghuai was not familiar with the Nan siblings, and Lin Zhao did not want her husband to be embarrassed.

Gu Chenghuai understood Zhaozhao's thoughts, and the look in his eyes when he looked at her was full of tenderness.

What the two didn't know was that as soon as they left, there was excitement to watch at the educated youth point again.

Jealousy flashed in Meng Xiaoying's eyes, and she said sourly, "Still a college student from the capital, really knows how to flatter."

Nan Yi withdrew his gaze from the book, looked at her, and asked calmly, "Are you jealous?"

Meng Xiaoying was furious, "Who's jealous? I'm despising, I despise those who get benefits by flattering!"

Song Qian frowned, looked at Nan Qiao, and couldn't help but step out, "You want to flatter, but Comrade Lin doesn't pay attention to you."

"Ga ga ga ga ga ga..." Wen Huaiyuan laughed like a goose, patting his thigh, "She took expired eggs to please Comrade Lin, it would be strange if people liked her. If it were me, I wouldn't pay attention to her either."

Meng Xiaoying was angry, "Where are the eggs expired? You can eat them after boiling them. Lin Zhao is just pretentious. If she doesn't want them, she doesn't want them, I didn't want to give them to her either!"

Wen Huaiyuan had an expression of watching a good show, "Do you dare to say this in front of Comrade Lin?"

Meng Xiaoying naturally didn't dare. Thinking of the look like looking at a dead person that the soldier had cast on her, her limbs went stiff.

"... Hmph."

Having lived at the educated youth point for a few days, Nan Qiao gradually saw the temperaments of these educated youth. Meng Xiaoying looked the most annoying, had a sharp tongue and loved to nag, and was extremely annoying, but... she was a straight shooter and was also a coward. If she were to really do something harmful, she wouldn't dare.

For such a fool, Nan Qiao couldn't bring herself to care about her; it was beneath her.

She opened an earthenware jar, and the sour smell permeated, making people's mouths unconsciously produce a lot of saliva.

Nan Yi put down the book and looked at Nan Qiao eagerly, "Sister, I seem to be hungry."

He was weak since birth. If it weren't for the Nan family's abundant assets, nourishing him with fine grains every meal, he wouldn't have lived until now.

Poor health caused his poor appetite.

Nan Qiao rarely heard her brother say he was hungry. She was stunned on the spot, and after reacting, her beautiful face was full of excitement.

"You wait, Sister will get you something to eat."

Nan Qiao walked quickly into the kitchen, took out her brother's bowl, took a pair of clean chopsticks, thought for a moment, and took half a steamed bun.

She returned to the courtyard quickly.

She got some pickled radish into the bowl.

"Zhaozhao said to use clean chopsticks, and the vegetables won't go bad."

Covering the earthenware jar, Nan Qiao gave the chopsticks to her brother.

"You try it."

Nan Yi picked up a piece of radish; the radish seemed transparent and was very regular in shape.

He put it into his mouth and bit it open gently. A burst of juice exploded in his mouth, sour, and it tasted very refreshing and appetizing.

"Delicious, Sister, you try it too." Nan Yi's eyes were very bright.

Nan Qiao rarely saw her brother so interested in a certain food. She also tasted a piece, and her expression also brightened.

"Really good, Zhaozhao is really amazing."

Nan Qiao returned the chopsticks and said to her brother, "You eat, I'm not hungry yet."

Afraid that her brother would feel dry, she returned to the room, took out malted milk from the cabinet, brewed a cup of malted milk, and carried it out.

"Xiao Yi, drink this bowl of malted milk after you finish eating."

Smelling the scent of malted milk, Meng Xiaoying swallowed her saliva.

So fragrant.

Her stomach rumbled, but she couldn't bear to leave. Even if she couldn't taste it, smelling it was good.

The sun warmed people, and Nan Yi's pale complexion was stained with threads of rosy color.

A strange look flashed across Nan Qiao's face.

Is Xiao Yi's body getting better?

Today he sat for so long without feeling weak, and his face was still red.

She sized up her brother carefully and found that Nan Yi seemed to have gained a little weight...

Nan Qiao's heart beat more violently than ever before. Even when she was admitted to college back then... her emotional fluctuations were not this great. Those light eyes that had always been calm were shining brightly.

Afraid of being happy for nothing, she didn't rush to say it, suppressing the excitement in her heart, but the corners of her mouth were unconsciously raised.

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End of Chapter

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