Chapter 1541

Ye Yaodong thought Chen Baoguo was still in Shanghai overseeing the cleanup, and he was considering when to call and ask him to hire a woman to clean the Western-style house.

The construction was nearly finished, leaving only final tasks, so progress reports were no longer frequent—about once every four or five days.

Clean the Western-style house ahead of time, so when they arrive, they can move in directly and spare Lin Lin Xiuqing the trouble of cleaning.

Ye Yaodong thought of everything, just wanting to provide his wife and children with a comfortable, pleasant environment.

On the sixth morning after his parents departed for home, Ye Yaodong received a call from Lin Lin Xiuqing, saying they had arrived home the previous night.

They got home in the dead of night; it was inconvenient to call Lin Lin Xiuqing to arrange a tractor to pick them up, so his mother went to Hongsheng Restaurant, announced herself, borrowed the phone, and called back.

Lin Lin Xiuqing got up in the middle of the night, went to the workshop, and woke the night shift worker to drive the tractor to the town pier to pick them up.

"Father kept muttering all night, saying she's always causing trouble—making the family arrange a tractor at three in the morning. If they hadn't carried so much cargo, they could've walked back themselves."

"What's wrong with that? No one knew when the boat would dock."

"I told him that too, but he said Mother disrupted everyone's sleep and made me get up in the middle of the night to work. After I hung up, I thought they'd just gotten off the boat, so while waiting for them, I boiled them some late-night snacks—they could eat right when they got back."

"They're putting on a show—afraid you'll be upset. Father complains aloud, but he's really speaking to you."

"I know, and it's no big deal. I checked—Mother brought back a lot: big and small items, from clothes to food and daily necessities. This morning, people from the old house came by to collect goods. I just helped Ye Huimei sort everything out; even the extra items were snapped up right away."

"That's good—making a little extra profit isn't bad. Did you calculate how much you made?"

"I did—it's over six hundred yuan, plenty. More than her annual salary. When she counted it, she was overjoyed. Most of the profit came from clothes; the small items only earned a few jiao or a yuan each—not much."

"That much from one trip?"

Ye Yaodong was surprised. Nowadays, people still spent money in jiao and fen—how could the profit reach over six hundred yuan? That meant these women must have bought thousands worth of goods.

Over these past few years, they'd clearly made a lot—everyone's conditions had improved, and they could now spend freely.

At this spending level, they could rival state factory workers.

Factory workers had status, yet these village women spent their days gutting fish and weaving nets—and still spent so freely?

Actually, they'd surpassed state factory workers.

"It's not just our village women buying—women from nearby natural villages also asked Mother to buy for them. She made more profit on big clothing items. She even said I should go next time, asking if anyone else needed things, and promised to bring more back when I return for the New Year."

"She's got nothing better to do—she could just carry things herself. Why drag you into it? Do you lack a few yuan? Don't listen to her—it's a hassle. Just enjoy your own shopping. Don't exhaust yourself carrying bags and bags. You've got three kids."

"I told her that too—she can shop freely alone, but we have to watch three kids—we don't have time to buy a pile of stuff for villagers."

"Mm."

"Then Ye Huimei took over and said she'd go after the New Year—if anyone needs anything then, they can say so."

"She's got nothing better to do either—she's got three kids. Why go to Shanghai to carry goods for villagers? Who'll watch the kids?"

"I don't know. Maybe she just got a sudden impulse and didn't think it through."

"Don't overthink it. The whole village has so few people—how much spending power can there be? This time, Mother bought a huge batch already—it's more than enough. Who else has money to spend? Those who could afford it already spent it. They only splurged because the New Year's near. The rest don't have much spending power—it's already saturated. Don't think about it."

"Mm. You're right. I'll tell Ye Huimei later, so she won't get tempted."

"If you really want to make this money, opening a shop in town would work better—there are more people who can afford to spend."

Lin Lin Xiuqing nodded as she listened. "You're right."

"Lin Guang isn't short on money. Why is she so obsessed with making this? The kids are still young, haven't started school—how does she have time for this?"

"Maybe she thinks it's easy money and doesn't want to miss out."

"There are plenty of profitable businesses and industries. Can she make all the money in the world?"

"Let's drop it. By the time she goes up after the New Year, it'll be a month or so."

"Mm. Did Father say when they're leaving?"

"He said they'll arrive at the town pier around noon on the fourth. We'll go over early to wait."

"The fourth? Already? Did the kids finish their final exams?"

"Almost. They said they'll get one day off for New Year's Day—primary schools take exams first, then middle schools. After exams, they get vacation."

"Oh, good. It's better to come early—you can stay longer. The rooms are already arranged. I'll lay out the bedding these two days—just waiting for you."

"Mm. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up. I'll call you again when we're about to leave."

"Alright."

Lin Lin Xiuqing hadn't yet received a reply from her eldest brother, so she didn't tell Ye Yaodong whether he and Ye Dasao planned to come or who would go.

Only when they were about to leave did she mention that her eldest brother was coming along to see the sights, while Ye Dasao would stay behind at the shop to care for the children and work.

In truth, the children on that side also wanted to come—but it was only a wish.

Even the girls in Ye Ye Yaopeng and Ye Ye Yaohua's homes had never been up—too young, still in school. The boys were a bit older.

Lin Lin Xiuqing couldn't even bring her own three children—how could she think of bringing others? Especially since both her brothers-in-law were at sea—if she brought them up, wouldn't she have to take care of them?

Ye Yaodong knew having one more brother-in-law come didn't matter—he just told someone to prepare one extra bed.

If they were lucky, the brother-in-law might even run into Lin Lin Guangyuan coming to deliver the list.

It had been ten days since he'd brought the leaders over—he figured it wouldn't be long now.

In this time, he had to arrange everything in advance. When his father arrived, he'd need two days to hand over the delivery duties before he could accompany them to Shanghai.

But he couldn't accompany them long—only two days at most. Then he'd have to let them roam on their own; he needed to return and handle affairs—it was nearing the New Year, and things were busy.

The brother-in-law coming now was perfect—he could accompany Lin Lin Xiuqing shopping, and Ye Yaodong could also have Chen Baoguo join them.

Ye Yaodong had already planned the itinerary meticulously. He was a busy man now—without planning days ahead, he couldn't possibly take time off.

Before Lin Lin Xiuqing and the others arrived, he'd arranged everything he could—only the handover to his father remained.

The three children, the moment they stepped off the boat, were ecstatic, shouting and screaming excitedly.

Ye Ye Xiaoxi leapt straight onto him, hugging him like a kangaroo.

Ye Yaodong could only laugh and lift her up, holding her tight. "Whoa, how come you feel heavier?"

Ye Ye Xiaoxi's face dropped instantly, her smile gone. "No, you're lying. I've lost weight. Everyone says I've lost weight, grown taller, lost cheek fat."

"Really? Did everyone say that—or did you say it? Let me take a look."

"You've really lost weight!" She stepped down from his arms and stomped her foot in anger.

Ye Yaodong pinched the soft flesh on her cheek and smiled, "You really have lost weight—less flesh, and you've grown taller too. You weren't heavier before; you just got taller."

"That's right, exactly."

"Fine, since you'll never get married, I'll support you."

Ye Yaodong also patted both his sons on the shoulders, sensing each had grown noticeably taller.

Ye Ye Xiaoxi pouted, twisted her body, and swung her empty backpack, "You've changed—you don't even compliment me anymore."

"Didn't I just compliment you on growing taller? My daughter's getting more elegant by the day, more like me—she'll be a long-legged beauty someday."

"Hehe…"

Satisfied.

"Why are all three of you carrying backpacks? Did you bring your winter break homework to do here?"

Lin Lin Xiuqing laughed in rebuttal, "Pfft—there's nothing but snacks in those backpacks. We've been eating our way here, and we plan to pack even more stuff back."

"How much money did you bring? And you're planning to fill a whole backpack with stuff to take home?"

Ye Chenghu said, "Hehe, Dad, we came here to have fun with you—aren't you supposed to pay for us? We didn't bring any money."

"Then sign IOUs."

Ye Yaodong brushed him off casually and exchanged a few more pleasantries with his brother-in-law.

But Lin Xiu looked pale as death, weak and listless, as if he might collapse at any second.

After asking after him briefly, Ye Yaodong learned he'd never ridden a boat this long before, so he quickly led them toward the processing plant.

Yet the three children, after disembarking, each beamed with energy—true children of the sea.

Everyone here was seeing it for the first time, shouting and squealing with excitement.

Ye Ye Chengyang: "Bro! It's big here, so big…"

Ye Chenghu: "Hurry, hurry, come quick—there's a sign here: Dongsheng Processing Plant…"

"I recognize it—I know all these characters…" Ye Ye Xiaoxi also ran over excitedly.

Ye Ye Chengyang: "There aren't as many buildings here as over there."

Ye Chenghu: "Dad, how many homes do we have? How many houses?"

"Why?"

"There won't be enough room—I won't be able to fit! I'll have to run back and forth between them!" Ye Chenghu was already worrying about not having enough space.

"None of your business—I didn't tell you to live in all of them alone."

"Grandma says her money will all go to you and Uncle Ye Dabo and Uncle Ye Erbo—so your future belongs to us too."

Ye Yaodong raised his hand as if to punch him, "I'm not dead yet."

Lin Lin Xiuqing looked utterly exhausted, "Stop fooling around—get inside, find your rooms, I'm dead tired. How can you still run around like this without getting tired?"

"Not tired!" all three chorused.

"Between boats and cars—if my stomach weren't empty, I'd have thrown up my bile."

Lin Lin Xiuqing nodded, "Yeah, riding this long on a boat is torture—I feel like my brain's turned to mush, and I'm walking like I'm floating."

"Go rest first. My brother threw up for two days on the way—he didn't vomit the first day, but kept vomiting the second and third, until he got used to it."

"No wonder he looks so awful."

He looked like he was about to drop dead—dark circles under his eyes, face gaunt, on the verge of collapse.

"Come on, let's go upstairs first."

Watching the three children dash wildly around the factory, Ye Yaodong called out, "Don't run around randomly—especially not in the workshops, they're dangerous. None of you are allowed inside. Behave yourselves and go upstairs to rest first."

The three reluctantly ran back and followed him upstairs.

Lin Xiu went straight to his room to rest.

Lin Lin Xiuqing collapsed onto a chair the moment she entered the room and immediately stopped the three from climbing onto the top bunks.

"You haven't bathed—no getting on the bed. You're filthy. You've been on the boat for days—you stink. You sat anywhere on the deck, and now you dare climb into bed?"

"I'll go get you hot water. I already sent someone to buy food—it'll be here soon."

Watching him leave, the three followed him out. Lin Lin Xiuqing didn't bother stopping them—she'd rather not watch, it saved her trouble.

After all, their father was with them—they wouldn't vanish here.

But now they looked so energetic; after running all over the factory, bathing, and eating, they immediately drooped. At dinner, their eyes were barely open. After eating, they climbed into bed and passed out instantly.

Ye Yaodong tucked the blankets around them. "I thought they were made of iron and couldn't tire."

"They were just excited after getting off the boat and arriving at the factory—their adrenaline kept them going until now. After bathing and eating their fill, of course they're tired now."

"You should rest too. It's windy today, the sky's gray—perfect for sleeping."

"Mm, when are we going to Magu?"

"Let my father rest first. I'll hand over the work tomorrow, and we'll go the day after."

Ye Yaodong explained his plan to her, adding he could only stay two days before returning to wrap up the holiday arrangements.

Lin Lin Xiuqing had no objections.

Their timing was perfect—earlier that afternoon, he'd received a call from Lin Lin Guangyuan, and luckily hadn't reached the dock yet, so he could answer.

Lin Lin Guangyuan said he'd come the next morning to deliver the personnel list; sending it early would let him understand their backgrounds and arrange positions ahead of time.

He also needed to confirm whether anyone had objections—if so, adjustments would be needed before final confirmation.

Then the military could notify each individual to prepare before the New Year, so they'd all report for duty before work resumed after the holiday.

The moment Ye Yaodong received Lin Lin Guangyuan's call, he immediately sent someone to fetch Lin Xiu.

"Ah, damn, my dad's here?"

"Surprised? Or not?"

"Uncle, this is way too unethical—you told me I didn't need to go through the trouble of making them come all this way; they're very likely to find nothing."

"Isn't this just dumb luck? Besides, I didn't call your dad over—it was your aunt who suggested it, and she brought it up; I didn't say a single word."

"Fine, since you're here, let's take this as a chance to broaden our horizons. What incredible luck that my father actually ran into us tomorrow."

"Good—you can also talk to your dad about any ideas you have. It's rare to have face-to-face time; you haven't gone home in over three years since joining the military, and your dad misses you."

During compulsory service, there's generally no family visit leave, especially for someone in the Navy's technical branch—you only get visit leave after becoming a non-commissioned officer, during your term."

But whether you can take leave for the New Year still depends on the unit's mission."

So Lin Guang had genuinely not seen his father in three full years; some things couldn't be clarified over the phone, and tomorrow was a good chance to talk."

Lin Xiang Hui also felt this trip was worth the trouble—he was glad he'd come, since now he could see his son again and broaden his horizons."

When he answered the phone, his face was full of smiles; he was already looking forward to it."

After hanging up, he kept muttering to himself about how lucky he was, that he hadn't come for nothing."

Ye Yaodong didn't have time to chat more—he still had to arrange for the dock shift in the afternoon—so he told them to make themselves at home and instructed the two supervisors to look after them."

When he finally got back, it was already midnight twelve; but because he'd slept too much during the day, his family of three plus one hadn't gone to bed—the rooms were still brightly lit, noisy and bustling."

"What time is it? Still not sleeping? Stop making noise—you'll disturb the other workers."

"Dad, why are you back so late?"

"Dad, do you always come back this late?"

Ye Yaodong replied as he took off his clothes, "Yeah, I'm always this late—sometimes even later. Do you think I sit around all day? Money isn't that easy to make."

"Dad, you've worked hard—I'll give you a back rub."

"Fine—one person rubs my back, two rub my legs, get me comfortable, and I'll take you to Shanghai tomorrow to shop till you fill your backpacks."

"Oh wow, awesome～"

Lin Lin Xiuqing scolded, "Just the other day you were complaining they were taking you for a fool, and now you're begging to be spoiled?"

"It's just a little money, compared to…" Ye Yaodong paused, then wisely cut himself off, "... better than them spending it on marbles, right?"

He'd originally wanted to say it was far cheaper than taking them out to an entertainment venue."

Taking someone out for a massage costs way more than just this small amount for the kids."

"Dad, you're the best."

"Dad, you've worked so hard!"

"Dad, when I earn money, I'll take good care of you—I'll buy you anything you want."

"Dad, I'll massage you every day, knock your back for you."

Ye Yaodong closed his eyes and enjoyed it, "This is the meaning of having children."

Lin Lin Xiuqing watched the three fawning over him and snapped, "Why have I never heard you say this to me? When did you ever give me a massage or rub my back? All you care about is pleasing your dad."

Ye Ye Chengyang grinned and soothed, "Mom, we're with you every day—we don't hang around Dad like this."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi added, "Mom, I'll sleep with you tonight,"

Ye Yaodong opened his eyes.

Ye Chenghu said, "Dad works hard outside, Mom—when we get home, we'll all give you massages. We'll only rub Dad's back for a few days, so he can enjoy it for just a few days."

The first half sounded decent—what did the second half mean?

What do you mean he can only enjoy it for a few days?

"So I can only enjoy it for a few days? Then you won't sleep tonight—you'll rub my legs all night, so I can truly savor these few precious days."

"Ah, Dad, there's plenty of time ahead."

"Didn't you just say I can only enjoy it for a few days? Then I have to squeeze every bit out of these limited days."

"That's not what I meant—I meant I spend less time with you, more time with Mom."

"If you can't study, then when you grow up, go work on a ship—help me run the fresh-hauling boat to collect goods."

With this level of social sense, he's better off working alone than dealing with people."

Ye Chenghu was delighted—he could also live here permanently with Ye Chenghe and Ye Ye Chengjiang."

"Fine, then wait a few more years for me."

"You're in fifth grade now, right? You should…"

"I'm in seventh grade—who's in fifth grade? Dad, you don't even know what grade I'm in?"

"Ah, already seventh grade?"

Lin Lin Xiuqing snapped, "You don't even know your son's in seventh grade?"

"How was I supposed to know? I haven't been home much this year—last time I was home was in May, so I didn't pay attention to this."

"Dad, do you know how old I am?"

"Of course I do."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi interrupted, "Dad, do you know what grade I'm in?"

"Don't treat me like an idiot—you were crying and begging for stationery before school started, and your mom refused to buy it—I mailed it to you myself."

"Big brother, Dad loves me more—he remembers I'm in first grade, but not that you're in seventh."

Ye Chenghu clenched his fist and made a threatening gesture at her.

"Enough—you don't need to rub me anymore. Go to sleep—it's late."

Ye Chenghu: "I can't sleep."

"Then I'll sleep—you stand by the bed and rub my legs."

"I'm going to sleep right now."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi quickly slipped into Lin Lin Xiuqing's bed, "Mom, I'll sleep with you—hugging me keeps you warm."

"How old are you? You're in first grade—still sleeping with your mom? Aren't you ashamed? Sleep in your own bed—I'll sleep with your mom, I have things to talk to her about."

"Then I want to buy a new pencil case, and a cartoon pencil box, and cartoon-erasers, and a horn..."

"Buy them all, buy them all. Go sleep in the next bed."

Lin Lin Xiuqing tugged him, "She said she wants to buy a horn, she wants to buy a suona!"

"Hehe, Dad already promised, he keeps his word. I'll go sleep in the next bed right now."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi had already hopped off the bed nimbly, climbed into the next bed's quilt, and lay down.

Ye Yaodong looked at Lin Lin Xiuqing; he'd been tricked.

"How did you get so cunning?"

She rolled her eyes. "Who told you not to listen carefully to what she says? You agree to everything she says."

"How was I supposed to know she dug a pit for me to jump into, putting her real purpose at the end?"

"Now she's so shrewd. I don't know who she takes after."

"Why do you want to buy a horn?"

Ye Ye Xiaoxi stuck her head out from the quilt. "To wake you up."

Ye Yaodong was choked speechless.

"Aiming too high, you haven't mastered any of them, yet you want more."

"You promised." She pulled her head back into the quilt, refusing to hear any explanation.

"That brat..."

Ye Chenghu shouted from the top bunk: "Dad, I'm the most honest one. They're all no good. Little Nine even sold all my stationery, saying we can buy new ones when we get there. If we don't sell the old ones, how can we buy new ones?"

"You're just stupid; she couldn't take mine."

"Then perfect. You have a pile in your hand, so you don't need to buy new ones. I have none left."

"Dad said if he gets a good massage, he'll buy everything. You big fool, still talking. Keep talking and nobody gets anything."

Ye Chenghu shut up, daring not to say more. "Sleep."

(End of this chapter)