Bai Fumei in the 70’s

Zhao Lanxiang was caught by him and kissed. They kissed until her cheeks are steaming hot.

She feels the slight enthusiasm in his blood and looked at the way he looked at her as if he couldn't wait to kneel down and propose. Her heartbeat almost overwhelmed the laughter coming from the Li family's courtyard.

Sweat oozes from the palm of her hand.

"Don't make trouble, go back."

She whispered to He Songbai.

The enthusiasm in He Songbai's heart cooled down, and then he put down the girlfriend's hand in embarrassment.

His dark-brown face turned red suspiciously. He realized what he had done just now was...just like a hooligan! He sighed with relief and felt that he is more and more unruly.

Zhao Lanxiang looked at him with a smile and shook his hand. "Okay, don't be too shy, there are serious things to do later."

"Hurry back to drink wedding wine. The only precious wedding in your eldest sister's life, you can't hide outside like this. Get over it."

There were two reasons why He Songbai "hide" outside. When the girlfriend called him, he followed.

Second, it is because many members have come. He Songbai subconsciously got used to the cold eyes of others and deliberately avoided it when toasting to avoid embarrassment. To be honest, his own doesn't care about those who look down on other people, but he is afraid that someone will be bitter on this happy day, and he will say something unpleasant.

Zhao Lanxiang touched the man's ear lovingly, and encouragingly say, "Go."

"The bride's younger brother should come forward at this time and share the 'firepower'."

Zhao Lanxiang could tell that the man is a bit mindful of his own background. Even on such a day of great joy, he has to pass it carefully.

What He Songbai did not know was, on the day after the collapse of Niujiao Mountain, after the director of the women's federation and the second brigade's captain, He Laifu, sent chickens to commend their "good behavior", Zhao Lanxiang wrote the commendation letter and review materials for the "progressive members" of collective life.

She wrote a memoir to the party, and a few days later, the major safety accident was published in the provincial newspapers, and by the way, a small piece of blurb was squeezed out to these "heroes."

He Songbai was so busy during this time, he was rushing around to make up for his brother-in-law's medical expenses, and of course, he didn't bother to pay attention to the changes in the attitude of the people in the village towards him.

However, He Songbai soon feels it.

There was a smile on his face, but it was somewhat restrained. When facing the crowd, the curvature of his mouth seemed to be deliberately calculated. He didn't have the joy from the heart when he faced his own people, he even spoke flatly, not much, and tend to be a little silent.

"I'll come, I'll come."

He took the big bowl that Li Daniu had brought to his mouth, and drank it all.

This bulk rice wine is three cents per pound, cheap and spicy. The Li family bought 20 pounds in one go. There is not enough food and wine to finish, so everyone could have a good time.

The three men of the Li's family were so instigated that they are already drunk to death. Where could Daniu, Dama, and Dagou drink so much wine before...

However, the pig farm where He Songbai works is always stocked with high-concentration spirits, which are strong and spicy. The butchers can get a refreshing drink every day after working hard to kill the pigs.

After He Songbai have been drinking for one summer, his tolerance of wine surged.

Daniu got a helping hand and was very happy to push He Songbai forward.

"Introducing, this is my sister-in-law's brother, everyone let me go and just come to him!"

He Songbai honestly took one drink after another. It was probably that his skin is too dark and the wine did not make his face red, the members did not make him drunk after a round of drinks. He drank gently, drank and drank, and accept the drinks from all the people. After the members were drunk, He Songbai was relieved.

Unlike the cynicism he expected, the people are a little more sincere.

He happily drank a few more glasses with Li Daniu, forcing them to squat in the latrine and reluctant to come out.

Zhao Lanxiang looked at He Songbai from a distance, and she couldn't help but lower her head, pursed her lips, and smiled.

The wedding banquet lasted from noon to afternoon, and they returned home contentedly until the sun went down.

Sister He has to spend the first night at her husband's house, because the next day she had to cook a meal and tea for her in-laws, and the couple would return to the He family's house tomorrow.

Zhao Lanxiang specially taught her to make potato and egg omelet, which is fragrant and delicious, and it is not difficult to make. It is very suitable to be used to please in-laws.

Grandma didn't go out for the wedding feast but ate alone in the house. Although she was deserted she is at ease. After He Songbai finished drinking, he went to the room to carry his old grandmother on his back and walked around the He family's house.

This is about the first time she has gone out in the past ten years. The grandmother looked at the blue waters and green mountains of Hezi village, with past events flashing in her eyes.

She couldn't help but stretch her neck and looked at these mountains and rivers coldly, timidly, and nostalgically.

He Songbai said, "Grandma, the gang of four is down!"

The grandmother replied, "It's good that they fell, it's good to fall..."

"I will stay a bit longer and see with my own eyes what will happen to the country."

"Your sister got married today, and I have fulfilled my wish. I am very relaxed and happy. Songbai... You are left."

He Songbai subtly sensed that this topic could not go any further, and quickly changed the conversation.

"When I went to the hospital, grandma, your old friend was particularly sorry that elder sister is deaf and gave her a check."

"He said that she could be treated with surgery. It might be a little expensive to restore her hearing... And, maybe it's useless. After all, Elder sister is getting older. But I want to treat her."1

Grandma uttered a word and went silent, her head is snuggling on her grandson's shoulders, her turbid eyes showing guilt.

"When your eldest sister became deaf, it was exactly when our family was in trouble. The adult did not take good care of her and she had a high fever for a few days."

He Songbai said lightly, "Eldest sister will not blame you. I will work hard to save money for Eldest sister to treat her illness.

Grandma hugged her grandson's neck, "Grandma's good Songbai... I made you suffer."

The gold in the family has been used up, not much could be saved. The remaining stash was buried under Niujiao Mountain, but it is so chaotic that it can't be found.