Chen Lishu nodded, "As life gets better and people have more money in the future, more and more people will buy things, especially children's toys. Even if they don't cost much, their purchasing power is actually very significant."
Liu Yuemin felt a pang of discomfort listening to their conversation.
Among the four sisters-in-law, she had nothing to compare with Zhang Qin. As for the other two, one contracted mountain land, and the other contracted a supply and marketing cooperative. Now, they were discussing it in front of her, clearly showing off.
"I suddenly remembered that Xiao Feng needs to be fed. Third sister-in-law, fourth sister-in-law, you two carry on." Liu Yuemin turned and went back into the house without waiting for them to say anything.
"Every time she doesn't want to work, she either feels unwell or needs to look after the child." Zhang Xiaoju couldn't help but say, watching her leave.
Chen Lishu smiled, "Never mind. It's not much work anyway. If we don't do it, Mom will have to."
Soon, the two of them cleaned the chickens and fish and started preparing the dishes.
...
In a small village under a county town in the southern border, more than three hundred soldiers from the Independent Regiment were stationed. They had built the camp gate with their own hands. Today was the Spring Festival, so the soldiers had pasted bright red Spring Festival couplets on it early in the morning, simple yet festive. Da Feng Novel Network.
"Old Gu, it's a rare day off today. Where are you going?" Zhou Liang asked curiously as he saw him walking towards the outside of the barracks.
"To the county town." He had been on patrol all along. Apart from sending a letter home at the beginning, he hadn't contacted his family again. It was a rare opportunity today, and he wanted to call home.
Hearing that he was going to make a phone call, Zhou Liang also became enthusiastic. He quickened his pace and caught up, "I'll go with you. I haven't been in touch for so long, I really miss my son. I guess he can call me 'Dad' by now."
Just as the two of them were about to open the car door and get in, they suddenly heard a delicate voice say, "Wait."
Jiang Yuning had been paying attention to Gu Xingdong's movements. However, ever since he arrived, he had basically been stationed in the reconnaissance post in the mountains. Even when he returned to the camp, he would quickly finish his business and leave. This time, it was rare for him to stay in the camp for two days, but the barracks were not a place she could easily approach.
Seeing them about to go out, Jiang Yuning hurriedly changed into a dress and chased after them.
"Are you guys going out?"
Zhou Liang smiled and nodded, "We're going to the county."
"It just so happens I want to buy some things." Jiang Yuning glanced at Gu Xingdong, who had not spoken, and cautiously asked, "Can I go with you?"
Zhou Liang went to open the car door, "Why not? Come on up."
Gu Xingdong said nothing. Seeing the two of them get into the car, he opened the driver's door.
The village was a long distance from the county town, and it was mostly mountain roads. The bumpy ride made Jiang Yuning's face turn a little pale by the time they reached the county town.
"Doctor Jiang, are you alright?" Zhou Liang asked with concern.
Jiang Yuning waved her hand weakly, "I'm fine."
"Buy what you need to buy quickly. We'll gather here in half an hour." Gu Xingdong said, turned off the engine, and got out of the car. He turned to explain to Jiang Yuning and then called Zhou Liang to go with him to find a phone booth.
It was the New Year, and most shops were already closed. After a long search, the two of them finally found a phone booth that was about to close.
...
Just as Chen Lishu was stir-frying the chicken, she suddenly heard the village loudspeaker announce, "Chen Lishu, Chen Lishu, there's a phone call for you. Please come to the brigade headquarters to take the call after hearing the broadcast."
"Who would call at this time during the New Year?" Li Xiulan muttered in confusion as she came in with eggs.
Chen Lishu's movements paused when she heard she was being called to take a phone call. Thinking of a possibility, her heart suddenly started beating violently uncontrollably.
"Mom, do you think it might be Xingdong?"
"Isn't he fighting in the south?" But today is New Year's Eve, so perhaps the army would give him a day off.
Li Xiulan didn't bother with anything else and hurried to call her elder daughter Gu Xingping, who was playing with the children outside, "Old daughter, come here, quickly take over the work from your sister-in-law!"
Gu Xingping took the spatula with a confused look, "Mom, I don't know how to cook."
"Just stir-fry it casually. When you feel it's almost done, add water, cover the pot, and light the fire."
While Li Xiulan was giving instructions, Chen Lishu had already taken off her apron. Soon, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law quickly left the kitchen and walked towards the brigade headquarters.
"Auntie, Sister-in-law, you're here. I originally thought there wouldn't be any calls during the New Year and was already packing up to go home. Who knew Dongzi's call would come in." Li Qiang from the broadcast station said with a smile when he saw them come in.
Hearing that it was indeed Gu Xingdong, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law became very excited. Especially Chen Lishu, her breathing was faster than usual.
Gu Xingdong had been away for more than three months. Apart from a letter he sent back earlier, there had been no other news. She didn't dare to tell the elders at home for fear of them getting anxious, so she could only worry alone.
...
Gu Xingdong waited for about ten minutes and then dialed the phone again. As soon as it rang once, the other end immediately answered.
"Hello?" A gentle voice came from the handset. Gu Xingdong felt his heart soften too.
"Lishu?"
"Mm." Chen Lishu only hummed. Suddenly, she didn't know what to say.
She had so many things to tell him, but when they reached her lips, she suddenly felt as if something was blocking her throat, and her eyes couldn't help but well up with tears.
"What's wrong?" After a long silence without hearing her voice, Gu Xingdong immediately straightened his body, his voice unconsciously becoming tense.
"Nothing." Chen Lishu shook her head quickly, "How are you over there? Are you eating well? Are you hungry? What's the weather like there? Is it cold?"
Gu Xingdong suddenly grinned, his narrow eyes narrowing into a beautiful arc, and his deep, pleasant voice flowed from his throat, "Why does your questioning sound so strange?"
Chen Lishu couldn't help but purse her lips and smile, "I'm just concerned about you. You're making fun of me."
Hearing her finally smile, Gu Xingdong was finally relieved. "Everything is fine here. I eat well, sleep soundly, and have even gained two catties... The fruits here are things not commonly seen at home, but it's a pity the journey is too far to mail them back to you."
Listening to his relaxed tone as he carefully reported the situation, Chen Lishu's worried heart gradually settled down.
"Oh, right, Mom is here too. Say a few words to her." Chen Lishu said, handing the handset to Li Xiulan, who was waiting by the side.
"Hello, son, how are you over there? I'm telling you, eat heartily, otherwise, you won't have the strength to fight those bad guys... Remember to cover yourself when you sleep at night. Even if it's hot, you must cover yourself, and remember to cover your stomach, otherwise, you'll easily catch a cold..."
After finally dealing with Li Xiulan, Gu Xingdong puffed out his cheeks and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.