Chapter 159

Sha Zhu dodged it with a quick move, returned home with a large lunch box of vegetables in his net bag, and quickly made chicken soup so that he could deliver it to Sister Qin when she got home from get off work.

"Mom, silly uncle won't give me good food."

Banggeng is a tough kid who plays by himself in the yard all day long and doesn't need anyone to take care of him.

Chen Bihua was operating a sewing machine. She not only sewed and mended things at home, but also helped others with some work. At this moment, she was making a single piece of clothing and could earn three kilograms of food coupons from others. Otherwise, most of the food coupons at home would have been taken away by her mother-in-law, and there would not be enough food coupons.

Hearing this, he said, "Bang Geng, don't mess with your silly uncle. He's not easy to talk to. If he gets angry, he'll beat you up."

"Oh, Uncle Silly is not good."

Banggeng stood there for a while, then ran off to play by himself in the front yard, waiting for his dad to come back and buy some delicious food.

However, at this time Jia Dongxu was playing chess under a big tree on the other side of Beixinqiao. His opponent was Li Zhiguo, whom he met halfway on his way back.

"General! Dongxu, your chess skills are not good enough. You need to practice more."

Li Zhiguo could sit on a small stool and cross his legs. There was an old man standing on each side watching the game and giving advice. Looking at the Dongxu brothers on the opposite side, they were outnumbered and it would be a miracle if they could win.

"Brother, you are still the best!"

Jia Dongxu didn't mind losing, he just wanted the atmosphere. It felt like he was on the same level as his brother, they could play chess or go fishing together when they had nothing to do, and he was living a good life.

"Okay, Dongxu, you play chess with the masters for a while, I have to go back and rest."

Li Zhiguo came out too early and couldn't bear it anymore, so he went back home and lay down.

"Jingru, turn on the radio!"

"Okay, brother-in-law!"

After Xiao Jingru tuned up the radio, she took Xiao Guanxiang to play in the backyard.

Li Zhiguo yawned and took out his household registration book. There were three people on it, but soon there would be four.

"Head of household: Li Zhiguo, male. Date of birth: May 12, 1930."

"Li Zhiguo's wife: Qin Huairu, female. Date of birth: August 12, 1933."

"Li Zhiguo's son: Li Guanxiang, male. Date of birth: October 3, 1953."

He is already twenty-six years old, twenty-seven in age. Time flies.

Four years have passed in a flash and my son is already three years old.

Among the brothers in the courtyard, Jia Dongxu is a few months younger than him.

Sha Zhu was born in 1935, so in 1952, he was eighteen years old.

As for Xu Damao, he had his age increased in order to get the job of projectionist, so he is actually younger than Sha Zhu.

It was normal to change the age when the country was founded. In the past two years, more changes have been made. Some were for work, marriage, retirement replacement, and some were for increasing food rations, etc.

During the future family planning period, three brothers in a family with a five-year age difference can be changed into triplets without paying a penny of fine.

……

Siheyuan, front yard.

Jia Zhang took care of Qin Huairu all the way back to the courtyard, which shocked everyone who saw it.

Yan Bugui pushed the frame of his glasses, thinking he was dizzy.

"I say, are you two going together?"

Jia Zhang smiled and said, "It's Old Yan. Qin Huairu is about to give birth and is very sick. We live in the same courtyard, so I have to take better care of her."

"You're right."

Yan Bugui was dumbfounded. If you, Jia Zhang, had had the awareness of taking care of your neighbors earlier, you would have captured He Daqing long ago and would not have let him escape.

"Uncle, I'm going back first."

Qin Huairu was still confused. Jia Zhang seemed like a different person today. She thought about it and felt that her man must have said something to Jia Zhang, which caused her to become like this.

"Come back quickly, Li Zhiguo has already returned."

Yan Bugui is still taking care of his bicycle. He rode it to school today and took a ride around, which earned him a lot of face.

Then Jia Zhang supported Qin Huairu's arm and walked all the way to the middle courtyard, which made the aunts stunned. She even helped her all the way to the backyard.

"Li Zhiguo, I sent the person back to you."

Jia Zhang shouted, "She only got two cents. This job was so easy and it was a piece of cake. She wanted to come back too."

"Got it!"

Li Zhiguo sat up from his chair, put away his household registration book, and went out to pick up his wife.

"Then I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning."

Jia Zhang left happily, and when she got home she played with the stick. She didn't have to do anything else but wait for dinner.

"I say, is there something wrong with Jia Zhang's brain? Hasn't she always been at odds with Qin Huairu? She often gossips about her behind her back."

"That's right. Qin Huairu regretted her marriage and almost became the daughter-in-law of the Jia family. If it weren't for that bad boy, ah! Anyway, it's not normal."

"How can an old person take care of his son's former blind date? Jia Zhangshi doesn't have that conscience."

"I say you guys stop guessing. It must be Li Zhiguo who is cheating again. Jia Zhangshi can't beat him."

"Alas! It's been so many years, and the bad boy has already had his second child, but he still hasn't changed!"

The aunties gathered together to chat, and then went out for a walk after dinner, so they had more things to talk about.

Just as they were about to go back and continue cooking, they saw Sha Zhu coming out of the house holding a casserole.

"Hi, you're all here, what are you talking about?"

Sha Zhu greeted casually with a smile on his face, and the chicken soup was ready.

"What's that smell? It smells so good. Silly, you stewed a chicken. Where are you sending it to?"

"Where did you get the chicken? I didn't see you buy any."

The aunties started to talk about it one after another, saying that there seemed to be something weird in the courtyard today.

"Hey, I bought this chicken at the market. Sister Qin is about to give birth, so she can't lack nutrition. I'll deliver it to her. I'm leaving now."

Sha Zhu took the casserole and ran to the backyard.

"Oh my, how many people has Li Zhiguo deceived?"

"Isn't it? Qin Huairu has Jia Zhang to take care of her at work, and when she's off work, she has her own mother at home, and Sha Zhu brings her chicken soup. Life is so easy."

"The key point is that Li Zhiguo himself did nothing. It's really hard for him to live like this." The aunties sighed and thought of themselves. Qin Huairu was about to give birth, and they had to prepare some things to send to her.

It turns out that Li Zhiguo has a second child and is taking advantage of the entire hospital!

"Silly Zhu, you really brought chicken soup over here."

Li Zhiguo was discussing with Qin Huairu about holding a full-month banquet in the future. There would be a new baby in the family soon, which was a big happy event, so they decided to have some fun. Then, they saw that kid Sha Zhu coming.

"Of course I have to give it to you. It's cooked just right. Sister Qin, drink it while it's hot. I have to go back first because I still have to cook for Yu Shui."

Sha Zhu put the casserole on the dining table and wanted to leave.

"Silly Zhu, wait."

Qin Huairu quickly stopped him and said, "Shazhu, my sister is not lacking in nutrition. Take this chicken soup back and give it to Yushui. She is in the period of growth."

"No need, there is food in the rain."

Sha Zhu thought, Sister Qin is such a nice person, she even knows to eat closely to her younger sister.

"That won't do!"

Qin Huairu felt that she shouldn't accept this pot of chicken soup, as Sha Zhu and his sister had to make a living.

"okay!"

Li Zhiguo said, "Jingru, go get two bowls. Shazhu, take two bowls back, one for Yushui and one for the old lady."

The reason why he mentioned the old lady was because the deaf old lady had not caused any trouble in the past few years, and his mother-in-law had always lived in the house.

Although he paid rent, the house will become his as time goes by. It's just chicken soup for the soul, and he is generous with other people's money.

"Okay, brother-in-law!"

Xiao Jingru hurried to the kitchen.

Soon, Sha Zhu happily took the chicken soup and left. He first went to his sister's room and said as soon as he entered the door: "Yushui, this is the chicken soup your sister Qin sent you. Drink it while it's hot."

"Silly brother, aren't you the one making chicken soup?"

Yu Shui was confused, she had just seen everything.

"Hey, that's the chicken your sister Qin asked me to buy. I stewed it for her. I left a bowl for you. I won't tell you anymore. I have to send a bowl to the old lady."

Sha Zhu left in a flash, completely forgetting that it was Li Zhiguo who gave him the chicken soup.

He went to Yi Zhonghai's house in a flash, and said as soon as he entered the door: "Madam is resting, I brought you some chicken soup."

"Okay, okay, it's a gift from my grandson, my wife really appreciates it."

The deaf old lady looked happy and wanted to talk to Shazhu.

"Madam, I have to go back to cook. I'll talk to you another day."

Sha Zhu left in a flash, and when he got home he started kneading dough. He then steamed some dough in the evening to eat, which made him full.

"Xiao Yi, look how filial Sha Zhu is. He even brought me chicken soup." The deaf old lady added, "I think it's all because of my eldest grandson's good leadership. The chicken soup was even distributed to his family when it reached his home. He Daqing doesn't know how to teach his children."

Yi Zhonghai also smiled and said: "Yes, Li Zhiguo sometimes does things a little bit out of tune, but he still respects the elderly and is filial, so his mother-in-law lives a good life.

We must let Shazhu learn from him and not forget the traditions of our school."

In a blink of an eye, it was National Day. Li Zhiguo and several of his brothers went to join the workers' team at the square early in the morning.

More than 500,000 people will attend the National Day ceremony today. What does this mean? It is equivalent to at least one person coming from every household in Beijing.

That was the sound of gongs and drums, and the sound of firecrackers!
There were tens of thousands of soldiers undergoing the review, but the weather was not good and it actually rained.

But the impact is not big, this little rain cannot defeat the iron will.

"Look, those paratroopers and infantrymen are riding in Jiefang brand cars. I've seen them in the newspaper."

"I've seen it too. It's a truck we made ourselves. I heard it was designed by someone from Beijing."

Li Zhiguo felt a little ashamed. Seeing the models he had made turned into trucks carrying soldiers passing through the square, his heart was filled with pride.

"Look, what is that? How come I don't recognize it?"

"Wang Lao Er, you are so short-sighted. Oh, I don't know it either. What is it?"

Everyone in the team of workers was confused as they didn't recognize that big guy.

"Ah! It's an excavator produced by our steel mill."

"Look, it's really our excavator coming."

I saw a truck carrying a red excavator driving over, attracting Chinese and foreign reporters to take pictures.

Li Zhiguo was also very happy, but he was looking at the sign held by the crowd, which read: "Long live world peace!"

After the ceremony, Li Zhiguo joined the workers in the parade, shouting slogans and letting the raindrops fall on his body. It felt very different, because in the future he would only be able to pick up the keyboard and would not be able to swim.

"Let's go find a restaurant and have a drink outside at noon!"

Li Zhiguo wiped the rain off his face and drank some wine to warm himself up.

"Okay, it's my treat today!"

Xu Damao volunteered, which made the brothers all confused.

"Xu Damao, what's going on with you? Have you picked up any money recently?"

Shazhu started yelling, "Li Zhiguo didn't say anything, why are you inviting me?"

"I'd love to, buddy has money."

Xu Damao became proud, "Shazhu, hurry up and ride your bike to take me to the restaurant for shabu-shabu mutton lunch."

"Okay, it's your treat today. I'll give you face."

Shazhu got on his bike and thought it would be nice to get a free meal.

"Dongxu, you come and ride the bike."

Li Zhiguo also called the Dongxu brothers and it was time to set off.

Seeing that his four brothers were leaving, Liu Guangqi, who still had no job and had to eat long meals at home, became panicked.

He quickly shouted: "Brothers, what should I do? Can you take me with you?"

"Guangqi, two bicycles are not enough to take you. Can you find a place over at Xinjiekou? If you can, just run over here."

Li Zhiguo shouted, since Damao was treating them all, one more person wouldn't be a loss.

"Yes, I can find it, brother, wait for me!"

Liu Guangqi ran quickly in the rain. In order to eat the mutton hotpot, he followed the bicycle for several kilometers. He did not fall behind, but also did not dare to run ahead.

We finally arrived at the place, but the rain stopped. So all our work was in vain.

"Hey guys, hurry up and serve the mutton hotpot. Pick out the good ones and don't use the leftovers to fool people."

When they got to the store, Shazhu started yelling. He was a chef and couldn't be cheated.

"Okay, with Brother Li here, how dare I cheat anyone?"

The waiter found a clean towel and came over to help Li Zhiguo wipe his hair. This shows his strong sense of service.

"Hey, I forgot that we have regulars here."

Sha Zhu sat down, thinking that with Li Zhiguo around, he would not be afraid of being at a disadvantage wherever he went.

Xu Damao looked at the menu, picked out a few dishes, and asked the shopkeeper to bring some wine.

Jia Dongxu was not idle either. He went and got two plates of peanuts.

Today was different from the past. He at least had some money in his pocket. Although he had never been to a big restaurant of this level, he had been to many small restaurants and had developed his courage.

Only Liu Guangqi sat half-way on the bench, not daring to say a word. He had no money in his pocket and could not straighten his back.

"It's almost done, man. Thanks!"

Li Zhiguo asked the waiter to stop wiping his hair. His hair was much drier now, but it messed up his hairstyle!

"Brother Li, drink first. I'll ask the kitchen to serve the food quickly."

The guy left happily. If he tried to please Li now, maybe Brother Li would reward him later.

"Brother, you are awesome!"

Liu Guangqi sat next to him with a fawning look on his face. He was from the backyard and had seen this brother's glory since he was a child.

"well enough!"

As Li Zhiguo spoke, he took out a crumpled pack of cigarettes from his pocket. It was unopened, so at least it wasn't wet. He opened it and distributed it around.

Liu Guangqi bravely asked for one and quickly picked up the matches on the table to help light the cigarette.

Xu Damao said at this time, "We agreed to have five brothers, but Lao Cai ran away. How about letting Guangqi take the place of the substitute?"

Sha Zhu refused and said, "Guang Qi doesn't even have a job, how can he be our brother? He is not suitable for us!
Besides, among the four of us brothers, Li Zhiguo and you have bicycles, and Jia Dongxu and I have tricycles. We are on different levels.”

Jia Dongxu also said: "That's right, although Guangqi and we are of the same generation, our conditions are incomparable."

Well, two people immediately objected.

"Li Zhiguo, what do you say?"

Xu Damao was unwilling to give up and wanted to make Liu Guangqi the leader to strengthen the power in the backyard.

"Wait a little longer, let's investigate first. Apart from anything else, Guang Qi is beaten by the second uncle every day at home. If this gets out, what will happen?"

Li Zhiguo did not let Liu Guangqi come up as a substitute, but there was a gap between them. Besides, this kid would have to run away sooner or later and he could not be tamed.

"Brother, I don't have a job. When I make money, if my dad dares to touch me, I will be angry with him."

Liu Guangqi felt that his self-esteem had suffered a severe blow, but he really couldn't resist at home.

Sha Zhu said hurriedly: "Yes, you have to tell your father, otherwise you will suffer."

"Come on, silly Zhu, why weren't you anxious when your father didn't run away? He also beat you a lot."

Xu Damao directly exposed his shortcomings, and he is not much better off.

There was also Jia Dongxu, who was also beaten a lot, but Li Zhiguo was the only one who remained strong.

After a while, the food came and we ate mutton hotpot, which was so warm.

After drinking a few rounds, Xu Damao suddenly said, "Li Zhiguo, Sister Qin is about to give birth."

"It happened in the past few days, but there was no movement when I left home this morning. I have already applied for maternity leave."

Li Zhiguo has already made all the arrangements, so he can have a drink now, but he has to go back to guard in the afternoon.

"That's good, it must be a boy!"

Xu Damao is looking forward to Sister Qin's second child also being a boy. Doesn't this prove that Li Zhiguo is good at giving birth to boys?

Moreover, Li Zhiguo has two sons, so he doesn’t have to worry about his retirement. Isn’t that great?

"What boy? I just want a daughter."

Li Zhiguo thought that he already had two sons, it would be nice to have a daughter to take care of him.

He changed the subject and said, "By the way, Dongxu, are you not planning on having a second child?"

Jia Dongxu was still eating. He had a big appetite from riding his tricycle every day, and his alcohol tolerance was also improved. Hearing this, he quickly put down his chopsticks and said, "I would like to, but Bihua said to wait until the stick is bigger."

"Don't wait any longer. Hurry up and have a second child. Raise the child early so you can retire. Do you want to keep working to earn money?"

Li Zhiguo also drank a little too much, and he directly instilled the idea of ​​lying down, raising children to provide for old age, and raising them up early so that he could collect alimony.

"Brother, you are right. I will have a second child later."

Jia Dongxu grinned and thought that if he had another son, his retirement life would be more stable.

Sha Zhu was silent, he couldn't participate in this topic, he didn't even have a partner. Otherwise, let Liu Guangqi join the brothers team to provide a backup.

After the meal, everyone went back to the yard to change clothes and left together. Liu Guangqi, who had just gotten a free meal, had no choice but to walk back.

We all grew up together as young men, so who hasn’t suffered?

When they arrived at the yard, the four of them parted ways. Li Zhiguo went to the backyard and when they reached the corridor, Xu Damao suddenly had something to say.

"Li Zhiguo, I will go back to my dad's place tomorrow to get a few bottles of good wine. They have been in the old house for many years."

(End of this chapter)