Lin Lan struggled for a long time, but still couldn't get the hang of sewing the quilt. After a few stitches, she’d either lose the needle or prick her finger; one way or another, it was incredibly inconvenient.
She sat there feeling sullen for a while, but this wasn't a problem that could be solved by IQ or EQ—it was purely manual labor.
People with "handicapped" hands really couldn't afford to be hurt like this.
After a long time, Lin Lan hadn't made any progress and had poked several holes in her fingertips. Feeling a sudden wave of frustration, she simply decided to go to the private plot to till the soil in preparation for planting vegetables.
She needed to store up Chinese cabbage, radishes, and potatoes for the winter. With five children at home, she already felt the pressure regarding food and vegetables.
By late morning, she returned home as the children arrived one after another, and she hurried to put things away to start cooking.
Erwang was driving Sanwang, Maisui was leading Xiaowang, and Xiaowang was chasing after Wangwang and the two little ducks, but Dawang was nowhere to be seen.
Xiaowang ran in happily, "Mom, I managed to make a sound!" As he spoke, he held up his flute and began to play a series of "toot-toot" sounds.
Lin Lan’s eyes lit up, "Xiaowang is truly amazing!"
Erwang said, "We ran into the principal while out cutting grass, and he cut a reed for us and showed us how to scrape a membrane to stick on it."
Lin Lan realized it was really her own negligence; the supply and marketing cooperative didn't sell flute membranes, and she hadn't taken it seriously anyway, since she only bought it to coax the children.
She hadn't expected Xiaowang to be self-taught and actually be able to play it; it was truly impressive.
Maisui entered the room, saw the quilt on the kang, and said joyfully, "Mom, does this mean I can have my own quilt?"
She was the only girl in the family, and once she grew older, she couldn't share a quilt with her brothers, so she definitely needed one of her own.
The older and younger brothers didn't have that luxury.
As she spoke, she reached out to lift it and try it out, but Lin Lan quickly pressed her hand down, "Don't make a mess of it; I haven't finished sewing yet. Go make dinner first."
Erwang, however, seemed to see something in Lin Lan’s expression and whispered, "Mom, why don't you ask Daniang to come over and help?"
"Your Daniang still has to work, and she has a whole family to look after; where would she find the time?"
Erwang gave a playful, knowing smile.
Lin Lan looked at him, Hey, you little brat, what do you know?
"Time to cook! Let me see how many eggs we’ve saved; we’ll have stir-fried tomatoes with eggs for lunch."
"Mom, let's have stir-fried leeks with eggs instead, and use the tomatoes for soup." Sanwang ran in, sweat dripping down his forehead, making the crescent-shaped scar particularly bright.
If he were any darker, he could be called Little Bao Gong.
Lin Lan felt a pang of guilt, "Alright, we'll make the stir-fried leeks with eggs that Sanwang likes."
They had three hens at home, so eggs weren't in short supply—the real shortage was cooking oil.
While cooking, the children scrambled to play with the radio, but after a long time of static, the sound became more and more distorted until it finally ran out of power.
Erwang blamed Maisui, "Was it you who snuck it out again to show off?"
Maisui’s cheeks flushed, but she refused to admit it, "Nonsense! I’m out cutting grass all day; when would I have taken it out?"
Sanwang was chewing on a tomato, juice smeared all over his face, "Second Sister, didn't you take the radio out to listen to it with Yurong and Manmaner?"
Maisui lost face and chased Sanwang to hit him, "Why do you have to be everywhere!"
Sanwang ran off.
Just then, Dawang returned riding a bicycle, carrying a large bundle of tree branches. In late autumn, some villages would prune their trees, and the commune members were allowed to pick up the branches to take home for firewood.
However, only Dawang dared to go to the neighboring village to pick them up.
Sanwang hid behind Dawang, "Big Brother, Big Brother, my sister is trying to kill me."
Dawang shot a glance at Maisui.
Maisui was unconvinced, "Keep talking nonsense and see what happens."
Sanwang: "When have I ever talked nonsense? I’ve seen it several times."
Lin Lan called out, "Everyone, come back and wash your hands for dinner!"
She then coaxed Erwang, "Why are you so unhappy? It’s just out of power, it’s not broken."
Erwang: "Batteries are so hard to buy; if it’s out of power, it’s just the same as being broken."
"It’s fine, don’t worry. Your father is back. We’ll let him figure out a way."
Erwang felt a bit better, but still didn't forget to lecture Maisui, "Mom, you have to be careful. Don't raise Maisui to be like Xiaogu, only knowing how to be vain and show off."
Lin Lan thought: Your own habits are much worse than Maisui's.
"Doesn't she have you? My Erwang is so hardworking and capable, simple and plain—how could your sister go astray? You lead your sister; Mom trusts you." As she said this, she rubbed Erwang’s hair as encouragement.
Erwang felt warm inside, "Then you have to make her listen to me more; she always says she’s the older sister and that I should listen to her."
"Fine, fine, fine," Lin Lan laughed, then turned to Maisui, "Look at how capable Erwang is—he cooks well and helps you with your chores. You should coax him a little; boys are only hardworking when they're coaxed."
Maisui giggled, "Then do you coax Dad?"
Lin Lan: "Eat, just eat."
As the family ate, Lin Lan said, "School is starting in a couple of days. I have to go talk to the principal and have all of you go to school."
Not one left behind—though Xiaowang could wait for two years.
Sanwang: "Mom, can you not talk about this while we're enjoying a good meal?" It was such a mood killer!
Lin Lan: This brat!
Erwang and Maisui were the right age, and having been with Lin Lan, they had been "brainwashed" to no longer resist school.
Xiaowang was still young, so there was no rush, but Dawang was slightly older, and he and Sanwang were the most resistant.
"I said that going to school was for lunatics before, but that was just Mom joking. Mom apologizes. Now I think that only by going to school can you have a future; you can learn a lot of knowledge and not be a fool."
Sanwang touched the scar on his forehead; it was a little itchy, and he still didn't want to go to school.
Lin Lan looked at him, "You like swimming. Do you know why people can float in the water? Do you know why you can drown if you choke on water?"
Sanwang: "I just paddle and I float. It's just like choking when you're eating; you can also choke to death."
Erwang said, "But people who drown can float even without paddling."
Sanwang couldn't figure that out, but he still didn't want to go to school.
Lin Lan didn't say much more; in any case, school was mandatory. She would wait for Han Qingsong to come back and handle it.
After a while, noise came from the brigade department.
Sanwang stood up in a rush, "Dad is back! I’m going to call Dad for dinner."
Dawang put down his chopsticks, "I’m done."
Lin Lan: "..."
"Since when were you finished eating?"
Dawang pointed to the winnowing basket, "I ate two and a half pancakes."
Lin Lan took a look; sure enough, the basket was more than half empty, and he had also finished a bowl of tomato egg drop soup, but Dawang hadn't touched the stir-fried leeks with eggs.
In such a short time, he had actually eaten two pancakes.
Lin Lan hadn't even noticed. My goodness, I can't afford to feed him!
She smiled and said in a soft voice, "Oh Dawang, are you full? Don't leave yourself hungry."
Dawang shuddered, "I'm full. I’m going to cut grass."
Soon there wouldn't be any grass left to cut, so he had to cut as much as possible now, dry it, and store it for the livestock to eat during the winter.
For every basket of grass cut now, the production team would add half a gongfen.
Lin Lan felt that Dawang was still very sensible after all.
"Dawang, Dawang! Are you done eating yet? Hurry up, everyone else has already left, they're waiting for you." Someone called from outside.
Dawang leapt out, grabbed his basket, and ran off.
Lin Lan: "...I just thought you were making progress, but turns out you were just running off to play."
This child was also something else; playing around didn't delay him from cutting grass, though she didn't know what he was playing—it always seemed so sneaky.
Sigh, a son grown up is of no use to his mother; his father will have to be the one to discipline him.
Dawang had just left when Han Qingsong returned. Sanwang was busy telling his father that he was still too young and couldn't go to school.
Han Qingsong: "Your mother makes the decisions about family matters."
Sanwang’s steps suddenly grew heavy.
Lin Lan urged them to hurry and eat.
With their father at home, the children felt the pressure, each rushing to finish and head off to do their own things.
With the weather turning cold, Lin Lan thought Sanwang shouldn't go back into the water, so she didn't bother him. Sanwang complained that Erwang was too bossy and not as fun as his older brother, so he turned and ran out.
Xiaowang was much more cheerful now; whenever Lin Lan was busy, he followed his older brothers and sister.
Erwang and Maisui led Xiaowang out to cut grass and pick up firewood, and if they had the chance, they would also pick up grain that had fallen in the fields.
In the blink of an eye, the children were all gone, and one could still hear Erwang and Maisui bickering.
Lin Lan brought out the remaining bowl of stir-fried leeks with eggs and a small basin of soup; she hadn't eaten yet either.
Han Qingsong didn't speak while eating. Like Dawang, he was fast, and soon said he was finished.
After he finished, Lin Lan saw that the bowl of stir-fried eggs was still left; he hadn't touched it at all. "Eat the stir-fried eggs."
Han Qingsong: "I'm full. You eat."
Lin Lan: I was afraid you’d be bored alone, so I waited for you to eat together, and look at you—you finished your fill in a few bites. In the end, I’m the one eating the slowest. Seems like I should just eat first next time.
She was curious as to why Han Qingsong had returned so quickly, "How were those people punished? People like that really should be severely sentenced; the impact is too bad. If they can just break into anyone's house whenever they like, how can the common people sleep peacefully in the future?"
According to her understanding, cases of theft like this were generally handled by the Geweihui of each brigade themselves: parading them on the streets, holding large criticism meetings, and then having them return to work, followed by meetings and criticism sessions every few days. Moreover, once the label of "bad element" was attached, it couldn't be removed, and whenever there was a political task, they were used as targets for entertainment.
Of course, there was a lot of room for maneuvering here.
In the same village, everyone was interconnected. As long as it wasn't murder, generally, they would be forgiven. For example, Liu Chunhe—although breaking into a house in the middle of the night to steal was hateful, it wasn't a capital crime, and they were all relatives from the same village who saw each other every day. Unless one was in the "Black Five" categories, Han Yongfang would naturally want to show some leniency.
As for those from other villages, they had to be sent back to their own villages for punishment; others had no right to handle it.
Whether they would be punished after being sent back depended on the decision of that village's officials and the relationship between the person and those officials.
Someone like Zhao Jianshe, who had some minor connections, would at most be educated after returning to the county seat, write a letter of guarantee, and that would be the end of it.
At most, like the thin man and the short man, they might be criticized in a meeting and left with a criminal record, but that would be all.
She felt it was too easy on them. Now, she felt that the blows Dawang had dealt with his club were very satisfying; even if they were released, it wouldn't be a loss.
In any case, in her view, these home-invading thieves were much more hateful than those so-called political prisoners. Many political or economic criminals weren't actually criminals at all—they had just written something that didn't meet requirements or said something that resulted in punishment.
For example, when a movement came, the higher-ups demanded that the unit hold a movement too, requiring mutual exposure, criticism and self-criticism, or perhaps they made a typo while writing a Dazibao or made a calculation error.
That was purely struggling for the sake of struggling.
But these few men were completely guilty; breaking into a home in the middle of the night to steal—it might even have evolved into injury and robbery. It was extremely vicious.
Han Qingsong nodded, "Temporarily detained at the commune; the final verdict will be issued in two days."
According to the process, they had to investigate and collect evidence, see if there was a criminal record, and most importantly, look at their family background. If the background was poor, the crime would be treated as more serious; if the background was good, the punishment could be lighter.
The Geweihui director's intention was likely that they still had to consider whether these people had any backing—for example, Zhao Jianshe, whose uncle seemed to have some connection to the County Geweihui.
Han Qingsong didn't mention these things.
Lin Lan was very happy. Locked up is good; these bad elements must be severely punished!
Back at the Han family residence, Han Laotaitai wasn't even eating. With her face covered in plaster, she moaned and groaned, chanting about why Lao San hadn't brought Lao Si back yet.
At this moment, Liu Chunfang walked in supporting Yu Guzi, "Sister-in-law, I beg you to show mercy—"
Han Dage looked on, blocking them, "What are you doing? Go to the commune to shout if you want."
Liu Chunfang said with a trembling voice, "Big Brother, my mother wants to have a word with the Grand Auntie."
Han Dage refused, driving them away, "There’s nothing to say."
"Let them in!" Han Laotaitai shouted from the room.
Yu Guzi shot a triumphant look at Han Dage, pulled her daughter into the room.
As soon as she entered, Yu Guzi began to cry, "Big Auntie, you have to save our boy. It was all that Zhao Jianshe, that cut-throat! He heard about the 1500 yuan from Lao Si, and he was the one who egged our boy on to scout the place and steal the money!"
Han Dage said angrily, "What are you talking about? It was clearly Liu Chunhe from your side who colluded with outsiders to steal money in our village, so why are you dragging Lao Si into this?"
Lao Si already had the charge of reading reactionary books; if he added colluding with outsiders to steal, that would be a serious matter!
Han Dage was also afraid that Lao Taitai would be fooled by Yu Guzi, so he quickly pointed out the stakes, letting the Taitai know that Yu Guzi didn't have good intentions.
It was just a pity that Lao Taitai’s brain circuits were different. At this moment, in her heart, Lin Lan was the most hateful.
She just wanted to force Lao San to bring Lao Si back, not wanting to delay for even a day.
Lao Taitai reprimanded the eldest, "Shut up, don't say useless things. Bringing your brother back first is the important business."
Han Dasaoniang tugged at Han Dage’s sleeve, telling him not to meddle in other people's business.
Yu Guzi began to hoodwink Han Laotaitai, going on and on. Han Laotaitai thought about how Lao Si was also locked up in the county; at this moment, she felt a sense of shared misery with Yu Guzi.
Liu Chunfang said in a soft, sweet voice, "Grand Auntie, your third son is quite powerful now; he’s transferred to become the Police Bureau Chief of the commune. These small thefts and things are all handled by Third Brother. With just one word from him, whether it’s your Lao Si or our Chunhe, it wouldn't be an issue at all."
As she spoke, she took out two yuan, "Grand Auntie, we’re not well-off right now, but in a while, I’ll buy two zhang of cloth to thank you."
This meant there would be a heavy reward once the matter was accomplished.
Lao Taitai didn't care about those two yuan; she was shocked by the news Yu Guzi brought. Lao San went to the commune to be an official?
This unfilial son, he didn't even tell me!
He’s afraid that after dividing the family, I’d take advantage of his position!
Han Laotaitai was so angry her eyes were burning.
Han Xiaogu, who was hiding in the side room, heard about the two zhang of cloth and came over to take a look, also egging her mother on to go find Third Brother.
"It must be that shrew who’s playing dirty, not letting Lao San come out to pick people up."
Liu Chunfang immediately took her hand, "Sister Qingshan is the one who understands the truth."
Han Xiaogu felt very complimented, "Mom, Third Brother and they came back together; let's go find him."
Han Dage still wanted to persuade them, but was scolded by Han Laotaitai, "You’re all hoping Lao Si won't come back; you’re all black-hearted."
Han Dage turned pale from the scolding and was eager to defend himself, but Lao Taitai wouldn't listen at all, and the group noisily headed toward Lin Lan’s house.
Han Dage even said he’d go find his father to preside over the big picture.
Han Dasaoniang mocked, "You’re really honest, you don't understand anything at all."
Lao Hantou hadn't said a word, hadn't cared to eat, and hadn't shown his face these past few days; he had basically been hiding in the fields to work. It was clear he wanted Lao Taitai to go make a scene with Lao San, forcing Lao San to bring Lao Si back.
Asking him to come back to preside over the big picture—in his dreams.
Didn't you see that the second couple were also hiding like turtles and wouldn't show their faces?
In her opinion, Lao Si returning would clearly mean their eldest household would be the most unlucky and the one to suffer the biggest loss; he should be kept locked up, and the household would have some peace.
This stupid eldest brother was still running around organizing things; he was truly stupid to death.
Han Dasaoniang was incredibly angry, but she also knew her husband's temperament—he wouldn't listen to her at all, look at Lao San instead.
After dinner, Lin Lan prepared to continue sewing the quilt, but fearing Han Qingsong would see it and laugh, she asked him, "By the way, didn't you transfer? What work have you been assigned? Do you need to go to work?"
Han Qingsong said, "I’m in charge of public security at the commune; I reported to my post this morning. If there’s nothing going on, I don't need to go every day."
Although he held three positions, the police bureau was effectively just for show now; the commune members were all kept busy working by the production teams, and there weren't any troublemakers. It was nothing more than receiving a few political prisoners or the like, and he didn't need to personally escort them.
His three positions were mainly to stack his salary, striving so that he wouldn't suffer a loss after transferring.
Lin Lan thought that was about the same as being the security director, "They made you the commune's militia leader?"
That could be considered the same rank, though the militia leader couldn't compare to his rank as a company commander—that was a far cry. In any case, there was a salary, which was pretty good; it was better than coming back to farm.
Han Qingsong nodded, "About the same." In any case, the militia was now also under his control.
Lin Lan didn't hold high hopes for his work; the village security director didn't have a salary, just some subsidized gongfen, and the commune’s former militia leader seemed to only have a few yuan.
Probably less than ten yuan a month.
She now had over two thousand yuan in her hands, so she didn't care about these ten or so yuan.
However, no matter what, he was an official, and he would be issued grain coupons and some ration coupons for non-staple foods.
That was what Lin Lan liked the most.
The country folk not only had no cash, but other than cloth coupons, cotton coupons, and kerosene coupons, they didn't have anything else. Now that Han Qingsong had a position, they would be able to buy more in the future.
She figured that since he had just returned, besides the commune, he also had to contact the cadres at the brigade, so she said, "You just go do your business."
Han Qingsong looked at the quilt on the kang, "There’s nothing busy. You’re sewing the quilt?"
He reached out to pull the quilt that Lin Lan had folded on the kang.
Lin Lan quickly stopped him, "Leave it alone, I’ll sew it myself!"
Han Qingsong had already given a large pull, opening the quilt and revealing the tangled mess of thread inside.
Earlier, Lin Lan had threaded it a bit too long, and after a few stitches, she had tied it in a knot; at this moment, it formed a bump that issued a silent mockery.
Han Qingsong: "..." He couldn't help but curve his eyes slightly.
Lin Lan: ...So embarrassing.
Han Qingsong had already picked up the needle, "I’ll help you."
Lin Lan looked at him in terror; he wasn't about to perform something like Dongfang Bubai or the "Embroidery Bandit."
Han Qingsong met her surprised expression, revealed a hint of a smile, and reached out to her.
His fingers were long and clearly defined—a rather good-looking hand, although it had many callouses and scars.
Lin Lan reached out and shook it; it was hard enough. If this palm were to spank a child, it would certainly be painful, "I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you."
Han Qingsong: ...
He took the opportunity to hold her hand, his thick, large hand immediately enveloping hers.
His large hand was dry and warm, and it carried the strength of years of training.
This feeling made Lin Lan feel a bit strange, her heart racing as she quickly pulled her hand away.
Han Qingsong: "Thimble?"
Lin Lan blushed; he wanted a thimble, so she quickly took one out from the sewing basket.
Han Qingsong tried it, bent the thimble open a bit, put it on his finger, and began to transform into a kind old mother sewing a quilt.
Lin Lan: !!!
Han Qingsong was tall, and sitting on the kang like this made the kang seem small. She watched as he supported the quilt underneath with his right hand while pinching the needle with his left, beginning to sew stitch by stitch.
"The quilt is too thick, and the cotton is old; you have to stitch at an angle, angling in and angling out." Han Qingsong was still explaining the key points to her.
Lin Lan was dumbfounded; she finally got the saying that the man doing housework was the most handsome.
A few minutes later, Han Qingsong said, "We need to find some chalk to mark a straight line, otherwise it’ll be sewn crooked."
Lin Lan crawled over to look, "It’s not crooked, it’s just fine."
No matter how crooked it was, it was still better than her sewing.
Han Qingsong still put it down, "I’ll go to the sister-in-law’s house in the back to borrow some."
Lin Lan immediately said, "I’ll go."
Soon, she borrowed the talcum powder used to mark straight lines for sewing quilts, and under Han Qingsong's direction, she marked several white lines on the quilt.
"Stitch along this, and it won't be crooked." He began to continue sewing the quilt.
Lin Lan followed along to learn, "I’ll start sewing from this side; if we both do it together, it should be faster."
She listened to the tips Han Qingsong told her and felt she had mastered the essentials, but she couldn't see her hand underneath, and one needle down it was easy to...
"Ah!" She hissed and quickly pulled her hand out.
Han Qingsong dropped the needle and thread, took her hand, and squeezed it; blood droplets emerged.
Lin Lan was terrified he would stuff her finger into his mouth like they did on television, so she quickly pulled it back, "It’s nothing, nothing. Who doesn't get pricked a couple of times while sewing a quilt?"
Han Qingsong: "Let me sew it, pour me a bowl of water to drink."
Lin Lan took the tea mug he brought back and poured a mug of water, "We haven't bought a thermos yet, so the water is cold—just make do."
Han Qingsong indicated it didn't matter, "I’m used to drinking raw water outside, it’s nothing."
Lin Lan handed him the tea mug, but he lowered his head to drink from the mug held by her hand, so Lin Lan had to cooperate by tilting it a bit.
After he finished drinking, she saw water droplets on his lips, fearing they would drip onto the quilt, so she wiped it with her hand.
Who knew Han Qingsong would use the tip of his tongue to lick it himself, right on her palm.
A tingling, itchy sensation like being electrocuted—Lin Lan quickly pulled back her hand and, to cover her embarrassment, drank some water from the tea mug to steady her nerves.
After drinking, she realized this was what Han Qingsong had drunk from, and felt a bit embarrassed.
Han Qingsong noticed the changes in her facial expressions—a shy look one moment, a crafty one the next, and then a look of taking it for granted—he didn't understand what inner activity she was experiencing, only feeling that she was very mysterious.
Lin Lan felt his gaze carried heat, her heart in a fluster, and she quickly said, "I haven't packed your bag yet."
She hurried to pack Han Qingsong’s large backpack.
Inside were mainly clothes.
There were two sets of sweatshirts, two sets of spring and autumn clothing, army uniforms, two pairs of Liberation shoes, a few pairs of patched socks, and other bits and pieces.
Han Qingsong had washed them all clean himself.
There were also two bars of soap and two razors with a box of blades.
Lin Lan also found a small stack of various coupons; the military meal coupons were all universally accepted, and there were also a few chi of cloth coupons and sugar coupons.
Lin Lan discovered that these meal coupons had oil on them—she could go buy grain and cooking oil!
She then fished out an aluminum lunch box, which was so heavy it almost sprained her wrist.
So heavy? Is there gold hidden inside?
She opened it to look, and it glittered, blinding her—they were actually some military service medals.
First-class merit, second-class merit, third-class merit—a lunch box full of them!
She picked them up to look; how much must he have risked his life for this?
She couldn't help but turn her head to look at Han Qingsong.
He was sitting straight, turned sideways toward her; the sunlight cast a perfect silhouette of him, with thick brows, a high nose, lips of moderate thickness, and a chin that tilted slightly forward.
He’s actually quite handsome.
Han Qingsong thought she had something to say and turned his head to look at her.
Lin Lan felt a bit embarrassed, lowered her head to continue packing the bag; there were also a few "Red Treasures" books and a notebook the size of a palm.
A letter fell out of the book.
She discovered there was no mailing address or sender, only the receiving unit; this kind of situation was generally an anonymous report letter.
Out of curiosity, she took it out and glanced at it, and it gave her a fright.
The letter reported Han Qingsong for promiscuous behavior, stating he wasn't fit to remain an army officer and should be sent home.
Lin Lan sneered in her heart; it was full of loopholes, obviously made up... Emma, she suddenly remembered, this, this was what "she" had asked someone to write before drinking the pesticide!!!
Lin Lan was so embarrassed she broke out in a cold sweat.
Han Qingsong should be able to guess at a glance that it was her doing? He came back and didn't immediately question her; is he holding a grudge in his heart, waiting for a chance to settle scores with her?
Lin Lan’s heart was suddenly in a flutter, and she couldn't help but steal a glance at Han Qingsong on the kang.
He sensed her gaze and looked toward her again.
Lin Lan pretended not to know anything, quietly stuffed the letter back, and pulled out a "Red Treasures" book, acting as if pleasantly surprised, "You even brought books back."
She flipped through it in a performative manner, "Red Treasures, now our home has Red Treasures too."
It had his annotations, which were actually just statements of his resolve, such as listening to Chairman Mao and following the Party, and so on.
Han Qingsong had learned to read in the army; those characters were like silver hooks and iron strokes, penetrating the paper—truly full of force.
It was just—really ugly!
She turned to the notebook; the first page had a quote from Chairman Mao written out, and behind it were a few sentences of his own reflections—straightforward and simple, without any literary embellishment. In Lin Lan’s eyes, it looked like a beginner's work, simply cute and laughable.
She couldn't help but curve her eyes as she looked at it.
"Can you read?" Han Qingsong’s deep voice suddenly sounded from behind her.
Lin Lan jumped, looking at him in astonishment—when did he come over?
He didn't make a sound at all!
"Yes, I can!" she said with an unyielding look, and recited a sentence by rote.
She only got four characters right.
A hint of a relaxed smile appeared in Han Qingsong's eyes; she had been flipping through it so intently, he had thought she actually understood it.
Lin Lan squinted at the smile in his eyes, finding that he looked better when he smiled than when he didn't, "It’s so good in the army—you can still learn to read. Teach me a bit, will you?"
It didn't matter how many she learned; as long as there was an intention and action to learn, she would have an excuse to be able to read and write in the future.
Han Qingsong didn't refuse; he reached his large hand through her arm into the bag, took out a few books, and incidentally took back the letter and tucked it into his pocket.
He put the books into Lin Lan’s hands, "I’ll leave them for you to keep." Then he went back to continue sewing the quilt.
Lin Lan picked a book and climbed onto the kang, opened the first page to let him teach her, and after a few times, she wanted to learn the second page.
Han Qingsong: "Learn the first page first; master it before moving on."
"Read two more passages to me; if I learn a little more, then chanting it over and over will help me remember it."
Han Qingsong looked at her. Her eyes were bright and clear, revealing a childlike simplicity and playfulness, not filled with calculations like other women, and he couldn't help but be stunned.
Lin Lan blinked, "Why are you looking at me with that prisoner-interrogating look?"
Han Qingsong immediately shifted his gaze, "Nonsense, read the first page for me to hear."
Lin Lan deliberately read a few characters wrong, and Han Qingsong corrected her.
Lin Lan laughed, "I'll learn to recognize characters first; I’m not asking to write them yet. Teach me a few more pages."
Han Qingsong taught her two more pages; Lin Lan learned them all, and could even背 recite them with the book closed.
There was surprise and approval in Han Qingsong's gaze.
Lin Lan said a bit smugly, "The branch secretary always organizes study sessions; the men go to the brigade department to learn, and the women chant a few sentences at home, and if I chant enough, I can remember it."
She’s actually this diligent and eager to learn?
Han Qingsong looked at her again; a strange feeling was stirring in his heart, and thinking of that moment she kissed him on the cheek last time, his chest couldn't help but feel hot.
He decided to continue sewing the quilt.
Lin Lan recited the book, her voice filled with cadence, and she even shook her head like an elementary school student—it was unexpectedly cute, like a young girl.
Han Qingsong felt he couldn't go on sewing the quilt.
"I’ll teach you how to write," he said, and the tips of his ears couldn't help but turn red.
Lin Lan saw this and used a broken fan to fan him, "No need, you sew the quilt."
She said that sewing the quilt was very tiring; look at how tired it made Han Qingsong, he was even sweating on the tip of his nose.
The key was that she didn't want to follow Han Qingsong to learn to write; her handwriting was much better than his. What if he felt inferior?
Besides, what if he was too sensitive and suspected her? She didn't want to reveal any flaws.
She only needed to learn to recognize characters from him; in the future, if she could write, she’d just say she learned it from the children.
Hehe.
……………………………………
While they were talking, Han Laotaitai was crowded into the small courtyard by Yu Guzi and the others.
"Lao San, Lao San!" Han Laotaitai shouted at the top of her lungs.
Han Qingsong hurriedly climbed off the kang to greet them; Lin Lan also hurriedly followed, appearing casual, "I think you had better hurry up and bring Lao Si back, otherwise the old lady won't let it rest."
Han Qingsong went to the courtyard, looked at the crowd, and frowned, "Mom, what is this?"
"Lao San, you’ve become a chief, how come you didn't tell Mom? Mom should at least set out a few tables to celebrate." Han Laotaitai's tone was gloomy, without any appearance of celebration.
Han Qingsong: "Mom, serving the people doesn't distinguish by rank; it’s all glorious. A chief is nothing."
Liu Chunfang looked at Han Qingsong with an expression of worship: "Chief is certainly impressive! The Geweihui even said that all the public security of the commune is managed by the Chief."
Lin Lan hadn't expected Han Qingsong to be a chief and was secretly happy, but seeing Liu Chunfang's expression, she didn't like it and retorted, "Even if it’s impressive, it has nothing to do with you!"
Liu Chunfang was stunned, then retorted angrily: "The Chief is from our village; naturally it has something to do with me."
Han Qingsong said, "This chief of mine is just the security director."
Han Laotaitai immediately said, "How can that be the same? You’re a commune official; Qingsong, hurry up and bring your brother back. You’re the chief; it’s just a matter of one word."
Han Qingsong: "Mom, serving the people cannot be done by favoring relatives and violating the law."
He was already serious, and when he said this, he was even more upright.
Han Laotaitai’s mouth fell open, as if she’d been slapped; she hadn't expected Lao San to show her so little face. She couldn't help but regret it—why hadn't she talked to Lao San quietly? Now that she couldn't back down in front of so many people, she had nowhere to put her old face.
Yu Guzi also accused Han Qingsong of lacking human sympathy, not helping out his own brother or his own village.
Han Qingsong’s face grew stern, and he glanced at her, "Why don't you go and be the chief for me then?"
"You, you... why are you being so difficult?"
Han Qingsong looked stern, "I’m serious."
Lin Lan held back her laughter with some difficulty; they insisted on bickering with a rigid person like Han Qingsong, but ordinary people couldn't handle it when a rigid person acted tough.
At this moment, the security director also returned from the commune and came over to ask about the situation when he heard the commotion.
"Qingsong has just taken office, and you’re already forcing him to make mistakes? Are you trying to send him to the labor camp too? The branch secretary told you all to disperse; don't make trouble out of nothing."
At this time, each village was a self-contained unit; commune members weren't afraid of outside officials, but they were afraid of their village branch secretary and team leader. "The county official is not as good as the one currently in charge"—that was the truth.
Yu Guzi and the others were hollered away by the security director. Han Laotaitai, however, entered the room and sat on the kang, beginning to cry and wipe away tears.
Lin Lan ridiculed her: "You don't need to cry, old lady; why don't you just take a rope and tie his father up and send him over to accompany Lao Si?"
If it were about using Lao San's future or using Lao San to swap Lao Si out, Lao Taitai would definitely be willing. Lin Lan couldn't help but want to retort whenever she saw her like that.
"How are you talking to Mom? Did you egg Third Brother on not to manage Lao Si?" Han Xiaogu hadn't been able to get a word in earlier, but now that they had all left, she wanted to show off her capabilities.
Lin Lan sneered, "Are you talking to me? If it were up to me, even you would be dragged in too, cut~~" Who was afraid of whom?
Han Xiaogu’s face turned white with anger, "You, you... hmph!" She stomped her foot, "Third Brother, look at her."
Lin Lan said unpleasantly: "Everyone do what you need to do; I still have to sew the quilt."
She took a piece of ragged cloth and swiped at Han Xiaogu, "Keep spouting nonsense and I’ll beat you."
Han Xiaogu was so angry she wanted to fight her, but she didn't dare. The fear of Lin Lan chasing her with an axe had already been deeply etched into her mind; she had dreamed many times of Lin Lan hacking her until she was covered in blood.
She looked at Lin Lan, and seeing her Third Brother didn't manage her, she stomped her foot in anger and ran off, leaving the old lady crying there by herself.
Han Qingsong watched the old lady crying and thought for a moment, "Mom, Lao Si has an improper style in the county and attracted retaliation. Now sending him to labor isn't a bad thing. Otherwise, if he stayed in the county, he would sooner or later commit a major catastrophe."
He abided by the things he believed in and would definitely not change easily.
Han Laotaitai's crying didn't work.
Han Laotaitai stayed there crying, stubbornly refusing to leave.
It seemed that if Han Qingsong didn't go pick Lao Si up, she would cry herself to death right there.
Lin Lan was afraid it would be hard for Han Qingsong, so she said: "It’s getting late, you should go to work." She signaled Han Qingsong to go hide; if he wasn't at home, there was nothing the old lady could do.
Once he left, she could drive the old lady away.
Who knew Han Qingsong didn't know if he didn't understand or just didn't care, "The police bureau has nothing to do."
Lin Lan: ...
She said: "Oh my, I still have work; I'm going to sew the quilt first. Suit yourselves."
If you want to cry, cry; being able to cry until the Great Wall collapses would be a real talent.
She felt she had already learned how to sew the quilt, so she climbed onto the kang and imitated Han Qingsong's posture, supporting the quilt with her left hand underneath and pinching the needle with her right to begin.
She imagined it beautifully; she would certainly be able to do it with ease like Han Qingsong!
One needle down... it didn't pierce through; it was too straight, it had to be angled—it went in... it was crooked again, the stitching looked so ugly...
Lin Lan: ...Truly no face.
Han Laotaitai stopped crying, watched Lin Lan’s posture while sewing, and let out a very loud, cold sneer, turning to look at Han Qingsong, thinking that her son must be angry.
As a result, seeing that her son was not only not angry but his expression had even softened, she was both angry and sour, and cursed: "Truly a clumsy wife!"
Lin Lan: ...
Han Qingsong didn't pay attention to the old lady’s ridicule; instead, fearing Lin Lan would prick her finger again, he hurriedly took the needle from her hand, grabbed Lin Lan’s shoulder with his large hand, and signaled for her to move aside, "Let me do it."
Han Laotaitai was even more shocked than Lin Lan had been earlier, unable to care about crying anymore. She pounded the kang and cursed, "Since when does a man handle needle and thread? What is a wife for?"
Han Qingsong said, "In the army, everyone does their own mending."
Lin Lan pursed her lips and smiled, glanced at him, and was very satisfied.
Han Laotaitai watched the two of them flirting (only Lin Lan was) and was already so angry she was about to faint. Pointing at the two of them, she cursed: "Not going to work in the middle of the day, but staying at home messing with your wife—isn't it shameful? Aren't you afraid of people laughing? Can’t you have a bit of ambition?"
Han Qingsong looked at the old lady, "Mom, aren't you going to work for me?"
Han Laotaitai watched his impenetrable expression and refused to listen to her anymore; she stomped her foot in anger, clutched her chest, and left, "Children grown up, Mother can’t control them; with a wife, they don't want their old mother anymore—"
Han Qingsong seemed to have become accustomed to the old lady acting, remained unmoved, and continued sewing the quilt.
Lin Lan hurriedly shouted, "Why are you leaving, old lady? Stay for dinner!"
Han Laotaitai stumbled in anger.
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