Chapter 169 - 168: Zhao Wendong’s Pride

Chapter 169: Chapter 168: Zhao Wendong’s Pride

He had gone to bed late, so by the time he got up the next day, the sun was already high in the sky. Zhao Wendong poured a ladle of cold water into a basin to wash his face, only to get a hard slap on the back from his mother, Chen Yanmei.

"What’s the hurry? Wait a second, I’ll add a ladle of hot water for you. Aren’t you afraid of shocking your system on such a cold day?"

As she spoke, she scooped a ladle of hot water from the pot and poured it into Zhao Wendong’s basin. Looking at the rust-spotted washbasin, Zhao Wendong realized their last big shopping trip had only updated a few of the household items. There were still so many things that needed replacing, like the washbasin and the thermos flasks. He made a mental note to buy them next time.

He washed his face thoroughly, lathering up the soap twice. Watching from the side, Chen Yanmei winced, her heart aching at the sight. Her boy had become capable, sure, but his wasteful habits hadn’t changed one bit. In this day and age, how many families in the whole village even owned a bar of soap? And those who did treated it like a treasure, using just a tiny bit at a time. To lather it up twice like Zhao Wendong did was an act so extravagant it would outrage both gods and men.

He dried his face with his own brand-new towel, which hung from a rope on the wall. He couldn’t help but recall the grimy, blackened towel the whole family had shared when he was first reborn. A sense of pride welled up in him. At the very least, his efforts over the past few days had borne fruit. The family now had an electric flashlight, and their dining utensils, table, clothes, and bedding had all been replaced with new ones.

Not to mention, he had saved his father’s life, freeing the family from starvation and their previously tragic fate. He had gotten together with Lin Zhiyin and even unexpectedly found a wife for his second brother. ’Isn’t everything moving in a better direction?’ As long as he had enough time, Zhao Wendong believed he could slowly replace everything else. Their lives would get closer and closer to the best possible standard of living for this era, and he would be able to help more of his relatives and friends along the way.

Breakfast wasn’t ready yet, but Chen Yanmei had already taken a batch of fried scallion pancakes off the griddle. Zhao Wendong placed four of them in a small dustpan, then, after a moment’s thought, also picked up half a bag of sorghum rice and headed out the door. He was planning to visit Third Master Zhao.

"General, let’s go!"

"WOOF WOOF WOOF!"

At Zhao Wendong’s call, all three dogs excitedly followed him, tearing off in every direction as soon as they were out of the yard.

’So happy!’

Hearing General and the others’ thoughts, Zhao Wendong’s mood lifted even higher. ’Sometimes, you just can’t be too serious about life.’ This era was one of scarcity and hardship. There was no internet, no cell phones, no instant noodles or Coke. But looking at it from another angle, wasn’t it also an era where it was incredibly easy to find satisfaction and simple happiness? He, Zhao Wendong, was already content just to be back. All that was left was to enjoy the family bonds he had craved his entire previous life. The companionship of loved ones was the greatest happiness of all.

Before they even reached Third Master Zhao’s house, the three dogs grew excited. They had caught their old master’s scent. Zhao Wendong opened the door and led the dogs inside. As was his custom, he first patted the large brown horse. The horse snorted, glanced at him and the dogs, then flicked its tail and went back to eating its dry hay.

’Not fresh at all. Don’t wanna eat it.’

Hearing the horse’s thoughts, an idea struck Zhao Wendong. ’Aren’t there a lot of green pastures near the hot spring? I’ll bring some back for the big brown horse next time, give it a little treat.’ It had certainly gone through a lot of trouble following him back and forth these past few days. It was time he rewarded it properly.

In the inner room, a small table was set up on the kang bed. On it sat a small pot of corn grit porridge and two cornbread buns. Third Master Zhao and Little Bastard’s grandfather were sitting across from each other, eating. When he saw Zhao Wendong enter, Third Master Zhao’s face twisted in disgust.

"I knew it was you, you little brat. Are you here to freeload? This is our meal; there’s none for you."

"Look at you, being so stingy. Here, this is for you, out of respect. And these are still warm. You two should eat up."

Zhao Wendong set the half-bag of grain aside and then placed the scallion pancakes on the table. Little Bastard’s grandfather looked very frail, his back hunched even while sitting. He glanced at the three dogs wagging their tails at him on the floor before turning his eyes to Zhao Wendong.

"Son, where’s my grandson? I’ve been asking all day, but they all told me to wait for you!"

Zhao Wendong pointed to the pancakes and said with a smile,

"You two eat first. You can listen while you eat."

Little Bastard’s grandfather nodded, picked up a pancake, and began to chew it slowly and carefully. Third Master Zhao chuckled and grabbed one for himself.

"I guess I’m benefiting from your visit. This little rascal’s never brought me any pancakes before."

"Third Master, you’ve got to be fair. If I gave them to you, wouldn’t you just turn around and give them to Granny Liu? I was just saving you the trouble, so I decided to give them to Granny Liu directly!"

"Why, I’ll beat you to death, you little rascal."

Furious, Third Master grabbed his pipe bowl, ready to smack Zhao Wendong, who jumped off the kang and dodged with a laugh. Watching them horse around, Little Bastard’s grandfather’s lips curled into a slight smile, and the knot in his chest loosened a little. Seeing Zhao Wendong act this way, he figured his grandson must still be alive. Otherwise, Zhao Wendong wouldn’t be so relaxed.

"Little Bastard is my brother, so his grandfather is my grandfather. From now on, I’ll call you Grandmaster!"

"Grandmaster, eat slowly. I’ll tell you the whole story from the beginning."

Zhao Wendong cleared his throat and started the story, beginning with Fatty Li spotting Lin Zhiyin in the county town. He recounted everything up to the fight yesterday, how Little Bastard helped him subdue Wang Dana, and how they returned to the Commune to hear that Li Guangming had come looking for trouble. Little Bastard’s grandfather listened silently without a word, quietly eating his pancake and drinking his porridge.

When Zhao Wendong got to the part where Little Bastard insisted on going to the county, the old man’s hand began to tremble uncontrollably. Zhao Wendong then went on to explain all the arrangements he had made in detail, including what he had learned afterward yesterday.

After Zhao Wendong finished, a look of relief surprisingly appeared on Old Ai’s face.

"That’s good. My grandson... he was actually living in misery every day. I know he was enduring it all for my sake. Nobody here likes him, they all make fun of him, but he had no choice. Just like his mother, both of them are pitiful souls with bitter fates. This time, he’ll be in a new place where no one knows his past. He can finally live a good life. That’s good... It’s just... will I ever get to see him again in this lifetime?"

"Grandmaster, don’t you worry. I promise you’ll see him again."

"Mm, I believe you, Zhao the kid. Can you tell me what that Port District is like?"

"It’s incredible there! The buildings are hundreds of meters tall, the roads are filled with cars, people’s clothes don’t have any patches, and they get to eat rice and noodles for every meal..."

Although Ai Zhongguo’s grandfather found it hard to believe, the world Zhao Wendong painted still made him very happy. If his grandson could live in a place like that, it would be a blessing in disguise. For the first time, a smile appeared on his deeply-wrinkled face.

"Good, that’s good. Thank you, Zhao the kid."

"You’re my grandmaster now, why be so formal with me!"

Zhao Wendong smiled too. His biggest fear had been that the old man wouldn’t be able to move past it; everything else was manageable. After he spoke, he turned to Third Master Zhao.

"Third Master, let my grandmaster stay with you for a few days. I’ll figure out a place for him to live in the meantime."

"Get lost, get lost! You don’t even have a proper place yourself, what’re you gonna figure out? I’m usually alone here, and now I’ve got some company. Just let him stay here for good. Brother Ai and I knew each other when we were young. You don’t need to worry about it."

"That’s right. Brother Zhao San and I knew each other when we were young, hehe."

Grandmaster Ai chimed in as well. Zhao Wendong was surprised. He hadn’t expected Ai Zhongguo’s grandfather to be younger than Third Master Zhao. Based on his appearance, he looked much, much older.

"Alright then, we’ll talk later. I’m heading out now, going into the mountains to get some food!"

"Get lost, get lost!"

Third Master Zhao waved his hand impatiently. A glint appeared in Zhao Wendong’s eye.

"I see Grandmaster isn’t in the best of health. I’ll go get Granny Liu to come take a look at him later, see how we can get him back in shape. Third Master, you’d better prepare to give my Granny Liu a warm welcome!"

"You little brat! Are you trying to piss me off? If you don’t get lost right now, I’ll break your legs!"

Zhao Wendong’s words instantly infuriated Third Master Zhao, who grabbed a broom to give him a whack. Zhao Wendong burst out laughing and ran off. General and San Gou barked twice at Grandmaster Ai, wagging their tails, before scurrying away after Zhao Wendong.

Only after Zhao Wendong had left did Ai Zhongguo’s grandfather let out a sigh, large teardrops rolling down his cheeks.

Third Master Zhao patted his shoulder and said softly,

"Old Ai, don’t be sad. That kid may sound flippant, but he’s reliable when it comes to getting things done. If he says your grandson is fine, then he’s definitely fine. He even said you’re his grandmaster now, so you just wait and enjoy the good life. You’ve got one grandson to take care of you now, and another one who’ll come back to see you in the future. Isn’t that wonderful!"

"Yes, it is wonderful. I just feel so bad for my grandson. He’s never even left the Commune in his whole life, and now he’s gone so far away."

Little Bastard’s grandfather’s face broke into a wistful smile, as if a thought had occurred to him.

"I have to live well. I have to try my best to live, and wait for the day my grandson comes back. I’m still hoping to see him get married and have children!"

When Zhao Wendong came out, he happened to run into Lin Zhiyin and Jin Xiuying coming from the Educated Youth point toward his home. Both women had changed into their thickest clothes and were wearing heavy, cotton-padded shoes. By the time they arrived, Er Gou was also there. The whole family gathered around to start the meal.

The newly bought round table wasn’t big enough to seat so many people, so Chen Yanmei and Song Xiaoyu busied themselves serving, planning to eat after the others were finished. Little Tuanzi was a bit unhappy today. She held Zhuangzhuang in one arm, her big, adorable eyes glistening with tears.

"Third Brother, you just got back and you’re leaving again? Little Tuanzi is going to miss you."

Zhao Wendong stroked her hair. With better nutrition these past few days, the little girl’s hair was much softer than before, no longer feeling like dry thatch. Her face was also starting to fill out a little. He believed that after a little more time, her cheeks would be perfectly squishy.

"We have to go hunting in the mountains. Hunting is how we get things to eat and use! Little Tuanzi doesn’t want to go hungry like before, right?"

As if recalling something terrible, Little Tuanzi’s tears started to fall immediately.

"No, Little Tuanzi doesn’t want to be hungry again."

WHAP!

Zhao Wendong got another swat from his mother.

"Why are you scaring her for no reason!"

She picked up Little Tuanzi and comforted her softly.

"There, there, sweetie. Your Third Brother is very capable now. Our family’s life will only get better and better!"

Little Tuanzi nodded, her eyes still brimming with tears, and raised a tiny fist toward Zhao Wendong.

"Go, Third Brother! Little Tuanzi will be good and wait for you at home!"

"Hahaha, okay! Let’s go! Let’s all go for it!"

As soon as Zhao Wendong finished speaking, Yadan, who was lying on the kang, rolled over, craned her little neck, and suddenly shouted,

"Go~ Go~"

This made everyone laugh. Song Xiaoyu, grinning from ear to ear, picked up her daughter and turned her to face the crowd.

"See? Yadan is starting to learn to talk! She’s cheering you on!"

’Just making my presence known.’

"AWOO~"

"CHIRP~"

"WOOF WOOF WOOF!"

Now, it wasn’t just the baby. The animals, led by the little tiger Zhuangzhuang, also joined in the commotion. The house instantly turned into a chaotic mix of a zoo and a wet market.

Hearing Zhuangzhuang’s cry, Zhao Dashan suddenly remembered something and quickly said to Zhao Wendong,

"This little tiger is growing a bit slowly. I think we should get it some milk to drink. I’m afraid just eating meat isn’t enough; it’s still too young."

"Mm, alright. I’ll keep an eye out for some."

Zhao Wendong’s mind started racing, wondering where he could get milk to feed it. It was only because Zhao Wendong had brought the little fellow back that they could afford to raise it at all. The tiger cub consumed nearly two pounds of raw meat a day, which had to be fed in four or five separate meals. Each meal had to be minced meat, with no salt or any other seasonings. If it got cold, it had to be slightly warmed up, lest its stomach couldn’t handle it. It was a high-maintenance creature.

It was lucky to have run into a ’big shot’ like Zhao Wendong, and to have Zhao Dashan, an old hunter familiar with its habits, lying on the kang all day with nothing else to do but take care of it. But everything was a double-edged sword. Not only was the little tiger being cared for, but Zhao Dashan was also benefiting greatly.

Before, he couldn’t stand lying in bed all day and had been getting more and more irritable. With the little tiger to look after, he now had something to do and no longer felt miserable being stuck on the kang. Now, Zhao Dashan was more attentive to the little tiger than he was to Zhao Wendong. But strangely enough, besides Little Tuanzi and Lin Zhiyin, the cub was only really receptive to Zhao Wendong. It couldn’t care less about Zhao Dashan, even though he was the one who tended to it every day.