A few days later.
Zhou Shan came with Zhou Xiaoxia.
noon.
Zhou Qiang’s family.
"Come on, Uncle Zhou, Sister Xiaoxia, try it out." Zhou Qiang cooked several dishes, including meat and vegetables, and the staple food was noodles.
"Not bad, Xiaoqiang, this fish is delicious, and it hasn't been stabbed yet." Zhou Shan was not too polite.
"Eat more if you like. Come, Uncle Zhou, I'll give you a toast." Zhou Qiang greeted warmly. In his memory, Zhou Shan was a good person.
Zhou Shan became the captain in the village because of hard work.
Zhou Shan is down-to-earth, hard-working, sensible, and friendly to others. Everyone in the village respects Zhou Shan.
"Xiao Qiang, Zhou Tong and his son have been sent to the labor camp. They won't be able to come out for a short time."
"That's good. They are too lazy to cook. They should be given a makeover." While talking, Zhou Qiang helped his younger siblings pick up vegetables, and also helped Zhou Xiaoxia pick up dishes.
Zhou Qiang's younger brother and sister were a little cautious when outsiders were around.
Zhou Xiaoxia also couldn't let go.
"Xiaoqiang, Grandma Liu asked me to sue you without giving you anything or money. She is living a good life in the village." Zhou Shan only talked and did not eat vegetables.
"Uncle Zhou, eat the vegetables." Zhou Qiang also helped Zhou Shan pick up the vegetables. "Uncle Zhou, as I said before, I will do what I can. If I can afford it, I will give it. If I can't, I won't. I won't make a fuss about it." Fatty."
"You" Zhou Shan shook his head helplessly. He and Zhou Qiang are neither far nor close, so it’s not easy to persuade them.
"Uncle Zhou, come on, keep drinking."
Eat and drink for a while.
Zhou Xiaoxia went to play with Zhou Juan and the others.
Zhou Shan asked in a low voice about He Yuzhu, "Xiaoqiang, when will He Yuzhu come?"
"Uncle Zhou, I have asked someone to help deliver the message. He Yuzhu is the cook. He is busy at noon and should be here soon." In the courtyard, there were many employees of the steel rolling mill, and some of them came back at noon. Zhou Qiang asked He Yuzhu to help him pass the message. He Yuzhu comes to visit.
"Xiao Qiang, what about that? Don't tell He Yuzhu first. Xiaoxia is my daughter." Zhou Shan also planned to hide it from He Yuzhu.
"Okay, let's not talk about it for now. Come on, Uncle Zhou, let's have another drink."
"Don't dare to drink. If you drink more, you will have too much and you won't be able to catch the bus. Xiaoqiang, you can drink enough." After drinking a bottle of eighty taels of loose wine, Zhou Shan and Zhou Qiang each drank half of it. Zhou Qiang was fine at all, but Zhou Shan was a little drunk. .
"It's okay. Uncle Zhou, are you going back in the afternoon?"
"Yes, there are still things to do when we go back, and there are a lot of things in the village."
"What about Xiaoxia?"
"Xiaoxia, will you stay here tonight?"
"Uncle Zhou, let's do this. Don't rush back. You will stay here today."
"this"
"Uncle Zhou, I guess you're not worried about Xiaoxia being here alone. If you want to leave, go back tomorrow. You can get to know He Yuzhu better while you're here."
"Okay, Xiaoqiang, please excuse me."
"We are strangers, uncle Zhou. We are a family. Come, eat some food and then drink." Zhou Qiang prepared several bottles of wine without adding any water himself.
It didn't take long.
He Yuzhu hurried back.
He showed his head at the window of Zhou Qiang's house and waved, but did not dare to come in directly.
He knew there was a girl with whom he was on a blind date.
Zhou Qiang opened the door and went out.
"Xiaoqiang, how are you?" He Yuzhu was a little nervous.
"The girl is already here. Her name is Zhou Xiaoxia. She is also from Zhouzhuang. She is 19 years old this year. She looks pretty good, but she has been working in the fields all year round and her skin is a bit tanned."
Zhou Xiaoxia's appearance and figure are pretty good. Although she is not a stunning beauty, she can still be regarded as a handsome little beauty. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be so high-spirited and want to marry in the city.
"Don't be afraid of the dark, you will be white if you raise it." He Yuzhu showed a man's smile.
"Brother Zhuzi, you go back and tidy up, and then come over.
You and Zhou Xiaoxia just chat and talk in my small house.
Of course, you can also go out for a walk together.
Let's see you guys discussing the arrangements. "
"Okay, I'll go back and change clothes." He Yuzhu hurried back to the middle courtyard.
Not far away, the third aunt looked curiously outside the door.
Neighbors nearby were also looking out of their windows.
There are many people in this large courtyard, and if something happens, everyone will know about it within a few minutes.
Zhou Qiang nodded to the third aunt and was about to go back to the house.
I saw the third aunt, walking quickly to Zhou Qiang in three steps and two steps, "Xiaoqiang, Shazhu is back for a blind date? Is the girl who just came here the one you found?" The third aunt was very gossipy.
"Yes, Third Aunt, I found her."
"That girl looks pretty. Where is she from?"
"It's from the Red Star Commune. Third aunt, don't tell anyone about this yet. We'll talk about it later."
"Okay, when it's done, let's let Shazhu prepare a banquet." The third aunt satisfied her curiosity and went home.
The surrounding neighbors had something to talk about after dinner.
Why don't they do anything serious and just think about other people's business?
They are still hungry. With this time, why don't they think more about getting food and other things so that their families can have enough to eat.
Zhou Qiang returned to the house.
"Uncle Zhou, Sister Xiaoxia, He Yuzhu is back, I asked him to go back and clean up first, and wait for him to come to the next door cabin later."
"We're back, let Xiaoxia go next door first?" Zhou Shan was also a little unnatural at this time. After all, it was his daughter who was going on a blind date. His mood was a little complicated.
"No, when He Yuzhu comes, let him wait in the hut first."
Zhou Qiang saw that Zhou Xiaoxia was a little nervous and said, "Sister Xiaoxia, don't be nervous. This He Yuzhu is very easy to get along with. Just think of him as the cook of the village commune."
"Not everyone can be a commune cook." Zhou Shan told the truth.
But the truth made Zhou Qiang a little confused about how to answer the call.
He Yuzhu came over soon.
Zhou Qiang went over with the thermos.
In the room next door, Zhou Qiang was already on fire.
"Xiaoqiang, I'll make tea." He Yuzhu had already changed into new clothes for the Chinese New Year, but no leather shoes.
Zhou Qiang took a casual look.
He Yuzhu immediately asked: "Xiaoqiang, how are you? There's nothing wrong, right?"
"No leather shoes?" Zhou Qiang asked casually.
"No, I haven't bought this yet."
"If you don't, then you won't. Brother Zhuzhu, please tidy up. You'll feel a lot more energetic."
"That is required."
"I'll ask Zhou Xiaoxia to come over."
"Hey, what's that, Xiaoqiang, wait a minute, what are we going to say?" He Yuzhu was still nervous.
"What did you say? Brother Zhuzhu, if you don't know what to say later, just tell me more about your cooking."
"Cooking? Okay, there's a lot to talk about cooking." He Yuzhu nodded nervously. He is not young anymore and has not experienced sex between men and women.
"Wait, I'll be here soon."
Zhou Qiang returned to the big house.
"Sister Xiaoxia, let's go there?"
"Okay." At this time, Zhou Xiaoxia's face was already red. She was also embarrassed.
"I" Zhou Shan hesitated to speak.
"Uncle Zhou, just wait here." Zhou Qiang somewhat understood Zhou Shan's thoughts. Our good cabbage will be sent to the pigs.
"Okay, I'll wait." Zhou Shan's mood was very complicated at this time, and he took the cigarette bag and started smoking.
The cabin next door.
Zhou Qiang took Zhou Xiaoxia inside.
He Yuzhu stood up quickly.
Zhou Qiang smiled slightly,
"Come on, let me introduce you first. This is Comrade He Yuzhu, the chef of the cafeteria of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill.
This is Zhou Xiaoxia, Zhouzhuang
your situation.
Let the two of you talk. "
Zhou Qiang gave a brief introduction and left.
In the hut, only He Yuzhu and Zhou Xiaoxia were left.
He Yuzhu looked at the girl in front of him.
New cotton-padded jacket in red floral fabric.
Two braids.
The face is indeed a bit tanned, but it is not ugly. He is very handsome, and his figure and other aspects also meet his requirements.
like.
He Yuzhu fell in love with Zhou Xiaoxia at first sight.
This is motivated by lust.
The good thing about this era is that if a good-looking girl is a girl, she basically doesn't have to worry about being a 'Neptune'.
If he were 'Sea King', he would be taken away and shot.
This is an era where people can let down their guard and don’t have to worry about what they eat being fake or harmful.
The new wife you marry is the new wife. It’s not something I’ve experienced, and it hasn’t been modified.
Although supplies are scarce, everyone is easily satisfied.
"What about that, Comrade Zhou. Zhou Xiaoxia, please sit down." He Yuzhu was still a little nervous. After all, he is still CN.
He Yuzhu looked nervous.
Zhou Xiaoxia was no longer nervous.
She sat down generously and said, "He Yuzhu, sit down too."
Zhou Xiaoxia also looked at He Yuzhu.
The boy with a crew cut in front of me.
Not short.
As for appearance, it's average, or, ordinary. If you're picky, you can say it's ugly.
Because he is a cook, he has no shortage of food. He is quite strong, stronger than many people.
It seems that marrying him is okay, but I don't know what his personality is like?
"Hey, let me pour you tea." He Yuzhu began to be attentive. After pouring the tea, he hesitated and said, "So, let me introduce myself first.
My name is He Yuzhu, I am 25 years old and I am ethnic Han.
The current salary is..., and I am confident that the salary will be raised by one level soon.
I grew up in Sijiucheng.
When I was a kid, my dad and I used to sell steamed buns.
Later, he worked as an apprentice in a restaurant.
My sister is getting married soon.
The house at home is big.”
He Yuzhu explained his own affairs truthfully.
There was no extravagance, so it was very honest.
After Zhou Xiaoxia listened, she nodded and had a preliminary understanding of He Yuzhu.
"Then let me introduce myself.
My name is Zhou Xiaoxia, from Zhouzhuang, Hongxing Commune.
I am 19 years old this year and I am also Han nationality.
When I was young."
Zhou Xiaoxia also explained her situation in detail.
She grew up in Zhouzhuang and rarely went out.
My experience is very simple. She is either busy with things in the field or doing housework. She is a virtuous girl.
He Yuzhu nodded and had a preliminary understanding of Zhou Xiaoxia.
The two looked at each other, and for a moment, they didn't know what to say. After all they are both boys and girls.
Compared to later generations, they would book a room after knowing each other for an hour. This seems to be incomparable.
"Well, let me tell you about cooking. I can cook Sichuan cuisine." He Yuzhu remembered Zhou Qiang's reminder and started talking about Sichuan cuisine.
"Is your cooking really that delicious?" Zhou Xiaoxia was a little curious.
"Of course. Xiaoxia, why don't you leave tonight, so I can buy some ingredients and show you my skills tonight."
"Okay." Zhou Xiaoxia agreed somewhat reservedly.
"How about, let's go to the vegetable market together. I'll take you around." He Yuzhu didn't even know to take Zhou Xiaoxia to the department store or treat Zhou Xiaoxia to roast duck, so he actually wanted to take him to the vegetable market.
"Okay, let me see what's in the market." Zhou Xiaoxia also wanted to go to the market. She was thinking about buying groceries after she got married.
The two walked outside.
Zhou Qiang and Zhou Shan saw it and came out.
"Captain Zhou, Xiaoqiang, I'll take Zhou Xiaoxia to a nearby vegetable market and buy some ingredients. I'll show off my skills in the evening and we'll have dinner together." He Yuzhu didn't know yet that Zhou Shan was Zhou Xiaoxia's father.
"Okay, Brother Zhuzi, do you want to cook Sichuan cuisine or Tan's cuisine?" Zhou Qiang responded.
"Sichuan cuisine, it's hard to buy the ingredients for Tan's cuisine." He Yuzhu didn't say that he didn't have enough time to cook Tan's cuisine.
"Okay, you go."
While He Yuzhu and Zhou Qiang were talking, Zhou Xiaoxia asked Zhou Shan with her eyes, "Dad, can I go? I want to go."
Zhou Shan felt a little sad, and nodded slightly, "Go." The female student didn't stay in the school, but she stayed behind to form a grudge.
He Yuzhu and Zhou Xiaoxia left.
Zhou Shan was a little restless.
"Uncle Zhou, how about we go to the vegetable market too?"
"Ah? Shall we go too? What are we going to do?"
"Just take a stroll. Uncle Zhou, where do you usually send the dry goods in the village?"
"Supply and Marketing Cooperative Purchasing Station."
"Uncle Zhou, I often go fishing. Over there, some people exchange dry goods, pheasants, and hares for fish." Zhou Qiang and Zhou Shan left chatting.
Zhou Juan and Zhou Fang went to school. Of course Zhou Sheng followed Zhou Qiang to the vegetable market.
In the large courtyard.
The third aunt and other neighbors were looking out from their windows.
Not a moment later.
They all came out together and started gossiping.
"His third aunt, what's going on?"
"It was Xiaoqiang who introduced a target to Zhuzi."
"Introduce a partner to Shazhu? Can you do it? Shazhu is unreliable."
"Why is Si Zhu so unreliable? He has two rooms in his house, and his monthly salary is more than thirty. He is a chef, and he will not be humiliated by his job."
"Si Zhu's mouth is too poisonous and unbearable."
"Si Zhu is only for outsiders. If he treats his wife, he won't be cruel."
"How do you know it?"
"Why can't I know?"
"Si Zhu has no elders in his family and is not under any control. He is actually quite comfortable."
"Sister Silly Zhu is not young anymore. She will get married in a few years."
"Then the living place will be more spacious, and there will be room for the children."
"So Shazhu's conditions are not bad?" In these days and months, the place where he lives is very tense.
"That's true, but Shazhu offended the Cui family's aunt before and refused to introduce a partner to Shazhu."
"Aunt Cui is a well-known matchmaker in the neighborhood. Silly Zhu offended her and asked for trouble."
"Why don't you call me Silly Pillar?"
"Where is the girl that Xiaoqiang introduced to Shazhu?"
"I heard it's from Red Star Commune."
"Red Star Commune? Is it from the countryside?"
"What's going on in the countryside?"
"Those in rural areas have no jobs, no household registration, and no food supply."
"Si Zhu is a cook, why are you worried about not having anything to eat?"
"No, with Silhu's conditions, he can actually find a city."
"It's not like I haven't looked for it before, but I couldn't find the right one."
"Why is there nothing suitable? I know a girl who is from the city and looks good."
"what is it call?"
"It seems to be called Yu Li."
"How old are you? Do you have a job?"
"He must be in his early twenties. He doesn't seem to have a formal job."
"It doesn't matter if you don't have a job. As long as your household registration is in the city, there will be food supplies."
"What about that? My Yan Jiecheng doesn't have a partner yet. Tell me about Yu Li."
"This is Yu Li, she looks so handsome and her skin is fair."
night.
He Yuzhu is cooking at Zhou Qiang's house.
Zhou Xiaoxia helped.
They were busy and chatting, mainly He Yuzhu was talking and Zhou Xiaoxia was listening. They looked like a couple.
Zhou Qiang and Zhou Shan were chatting aside.
"Uncle Zhou, it looks like this can be done."
Zhou Shan nodded and said nothing.
"Uncle Zhou, after He Yuzhu's father He Daqing ran away with the widow, He Yuzhu and his sister He Yuyu were taken care of by Yi Zhonghai, who is the son of the middle school. If He Yuzhu gets married, you still need to sit down and talk with Yi Zhonghai."
"Yi Zhonghai? That man in charge? Why does he take care of the He Yuzhu brothers and sisters?" Zhou Shan knew Yi Zhonghai.
"I don't know. Maybe He Daqing made an explanation when he left."
"Is there an explanation? What explanation? Did you send money?" Zhou Shan asked the key point in one sentence.
"Send money? I don't know. Uncle Zhou, why don't you call Yi Zhonghai over later, have dinner together, and ask about He Daqing by the way."
"Okay, I should ask He Daqing about it, but don't ask any questions." Zhou Shan considered the problem quite thoughtfully.
Not long.
The meal is ready.
"Brother Zhuzi, go and invite the first master over." Zhou Qiang said.
"Ah?" He Yuzhu didn't understand what was going on.
"Captain Zhou wants to ask about your dad and introduce you to someone. He must understand your dad's situation." Zhou Qiang explained.
"Okay." He Yuzhu went to the middle courtyard to invite the uncle.
After a while.
Yi Zhonghai and He Yuzhu came over.
"Hello, Captain Zhou."
"Hello, Master Yi."
Say a few words.
Start eating.
"The food cooked by He Yuzhu is really good!" Zhou Shan praised.
Zhou Xiaoxia also secretly praised He Yuzhu.
Eat and drink for a while.
Zhou Xiaoxia and Zhou Juan went to the hut.
Zhou Shan asked directly: "Master Yi, can you meet with He Daqing?"
Zhou Shan felt that if Zhou Xiaoxia and He Yuzhu got married, they would have to meet He Daqing's in-laws, otherwise it would be outrageous.
"This" Yi Zhonghai is a little embarrassed.
"Captain Zhou, I haven't seen him for several years, why don't we just say goodbye?" He Yuzhu didn't want to see He Daqing.
"This can't be done. He Yuzhu, after all, this is your life-long event. You should tell your dad, right?" Zhou Shan said.
"This" He Yuzhu is still a little embarrassed.
"Then let's go meet He Daqing." Yi Zhonghai said, "I haven't seen He Daqing in some years. He has sent alimony to Zhuzi in the past few years and exchanged letters, but he has never come back."
(Let He Yuzhu know about He Daqing’s mailing of alimony and letters.)
"It doesn't matter if he doesn't need alimony, he should at least come back and see the rain!" Thinking of He Daqing not coming back for many years, He Yuzhu felt a little wrong.
"How much alimony was mailed?" Zhou Qiang interjected.
"Ten yuan a month, for many years." Yi Zhonghai said.
"Ten yuan? A month? This is for everyone! My family's alimony is only two yuan per person per month."
In fact, He Daqing mailed ten yuan in alimony every month, which was not a small amount.
"It's indeed quite a lot." Zhou Shan nodded.
"What's the use of having money? He hasn't come back even once in so many years!" What He Yuzhu wants is family affection. He hoped that He Daqing would come back even once a year.
"Maybe your dad has some difficulties." Zhou Shan said. He considers issues more comprehensively and does not jump to conclusions easily.
He Yuzhu was just about to say, "What difficulties could there be?"
Yi Zhonghai spoke, "No matter what difficulties there are, we shouldn't not show up for so many years."
"What?" Zhou Qiang interrupted, "If you want me to see it, I'd better go directly to see He Daqing. If you have any questions, ask him in person."
"Yes, if there is any problem, let's make it clear in person." Zhou Shan said.
Yi Zhonghai remained silent.
He Yuzhu was in a daze, seeming to think of He Daqing.
"Brother Zhuzi, just this weekend, you, Captain Zhou, and the first uncle, you guys go to find He Daqing together." Zhou Qiang made the decision.
"Okay, let's do it like this. I also want to ask why!" He Yuzhu said.
Zhou Shan nodded and said nothing.
Yi Zhonghai had a little worry in his eyes.
However, he looked at Zhou Qiang and seemed relieved.
(End of chapter)
