School is starting!

Tian Futang interjected, “Isn’t this taking the capitalist road?”

“No way… can’t do this…”

“…”

Seeing Tian Futang say this, Zhao Dongchuan and Sun Shaoping stopped discussing the matter.

“Dad, I heard you blew up Shenxian Mountain behind the village?”

“No… no… just blew up a bit to build a large dam…”

Speaking of this proud achievement, the joy on Tian Futang’s face increased a few shades, and he said with feigned nonchalance.

“Oh, Uncle Futang, you’re really amazing! To blow up that mountain, you made many people in Jinjiawan move… It’s truly not easy…”

“How is Tian Er?” Zhao Dongchuan asked.

“Tian Er is doing great! Still the same as before! Didn’t you say last time that you wanted to take care of him a bit, not let him wander into ditches and alleys for fear of an accident… Oh, by the way, on the day of the mountain blast, it was a good thing Tian Haimin pulled him back, otherwise he would have run into a ditch again… I’m afraid something would have happened…”

Sun Shaoan said with a chuckle.

“That’s good…”

Zhao Dongchuan smiled slightly and nodded.

Tian Er also narrowly escaped disaster… “Brother Zhao, how many days are you staying this time?”

Lanxiang looked at the gentle and refined Zhao Dongchuan and asked softly.

Although certain unspeakable thoughts still flashed in her mind from time to time, they were deeply hidden.

The educated youth brother she admired in her youth was already married; she could only silently offer her blessings.

“I might stay for a few days…”

After chatting for a few moments, everyone bid farewell and went home, as they all had things to do… Zhao Dongchuan and Tian Runye stayed in Shuangshui Village for a few days, then returned to Huangyuan.

It was already January, and the Lunar New Year was fast approaching.

He planned to finish up things here with Tian Runye, then head straight to the capital for the New Year, and wait for the semester to begin.

That night, Tian Runye lay beside him, looking melancholic.

“What are you thinking about?”

Seeing Runye preoccupied, Zhao Dongchuan couldn’t help but ask.

“Hmm… Dongchuan… I’m wondering… if I should still go to this university…”

“Hmm? Why would you think that?”

“You see… I finally got pregnant… If I go to university, I’m worried it might affect the fetus…”

“Oh, Runye, what are you thinking… My mother will take good care of you… Only the month of delivery requires bed rest; other times, just be careful… And I estimated that the due date happens to be during the summer vacation… At worst, I’ll talk to the school leaders then… You can take a leave of absence and start school a bit later…”

Hearing Zhao Dongchuan say this… Tian Runye gradually felt relieved… Zhao Dongchuan arrived at the Cultural Center that day, and everyone greeted him warmly.

“Section Chief Zhao, congratulations! You got into Peking University…”

“Section Chief Zhao, congratulations on your new son! Congratulations, congratulations!”

“Teacher Zhao, please sign my name!”

“…”

He went to the Director’s office.

“Little Zhao, you’re here!”

Director Wang was hunched over his desk, writing something with a pen… Seeing Zhao Dongchuan enter, he invited him to sit down, then continued writing.

“Have you finished your enrollment procedures?”

“They’re done…”

“Mm-hmm…”

“Let me tell you something, I’ve communicated with the bureau, even though you’re going to school… you’re still a writer from our Huangyuan…”

“I’ve communicated with Director Du; when the Writers Association is established later, you’ll be among the first to join… And given your works, being elected as a director… should be a sure thing!”

“Thank you, Director Wang, for your guidance…”

Zhao Dongchuan stood up and thanked him.

“Little Zhao, keep up the good work! I look forward to your new works!”

Director Wang said earnestly.

“…”

Zhao Dongchuan felt a little awkward; his mind hadn’t been on writing lately, so he had no new works. It seemed he needed to produce some new works during this period… February 6, 1978, the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, New Year’s Eve.

Zhao Dongchuan led Tian Runye into the living room, where Guo Ping was serving dishes onto the table.

Meanwhile, Zhao Zhengguo, wearing an apron, was cooking in the kitchen.

This year, the Old Zhao family was truly filled with joy!

Their son, Zhao Dongchuan, and daughter-in-law, Tian Runye, both got into Peking University, and they would be able to live together in the capital from now on.

Even more delightful was Runye’s pregnancy.

For a family with only Zhao Dongchuan as the sole heir, the significance of continuing the family line was self-evident.

Normally, couples their age would have three or four children, if not five or six, but their family only had Zhao Dongchuan.

Therefore, they poured a great deal of affection into the little life in Runye’s belly.

“Come, come, come! Braised pork belly…”

Zhao Zhengguo brought a plate of fragrant pork belly to the table.

“Alright, all the dishes are here… Let’s eat!”

Zhao Dongchuan took a bottle of moutai and poured it for everyone; Runye poured herself some soda.

“Wishing Dongchuan and Runye good studies at Peking University, always improving!”

“Wishing Mom and Dad good health and all the best!”

“Hahahaha…”

“…”

A reunion New Year’s Eve dinner, everyone beaming with smiles.

Outside, fireworks bloomed, and firecrackers crackled… Another year had passed… On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, after visiting his great-uncle, grandfather, grandmother, and aunt’s family, Zhao Dongchuan held Tian Runye’s hand and strolled through the streets of the capital.

“Dongchuan, it’s truly unbelievable that we’ll be living in the capital from now on…”

Looking at the festive atmosphere on the streets and the simple yet joyful expressions on the faces of passersby, Runye couldn’t help but exclaim.

“This will be our new home from now on…”

“Mm-hmm…”

Runye responded softly, feeling a warm sense of happiness.

“We’ll stay with Mom and Dad for now… Later, I’ll find a way to rent a small courtyard outside… There are too many people in the large courtyard, and it’s inconvenient for us to come and go…”

“Mm-hmm, I’ll listen to you…”

Zhao Dongchuan gently stroked Runye’s head, a slight smile on his face.

Ever since Runye became pregnant, she had become increasingly obedient… In short, she was thinking less and less… Is it true that pregnancy makes you silly for three years?

...February 22, 1978, the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, Wednesday, Peking University South Gate.

Zhao Dongchuan carried two large bags, one his and one Runye’s, containing clothes and toiletries.

They were slowly walking towards the South Gate; as local students, they didn’t need to take the school’s Jiefang trucks from the train station like other new students from all over the country.

At a prominent spot at the South Gate, a red banner with white characters was hung.

It bore the three large Song-style characters for “Welcome Station.”

Many new students had already arrived, carrying large and small bags, and were completing their enrollment under the guidance of senior students or teachers at the welcome station.

Their faces were filled with excitement and curiosity, brimming with youthful vitality.

They were full of anticipation and excitement for Peking University.

Zhao Dongchuan and Tian Runye had already strolled around the Peking University campus a few days prior, so compared to other new students, they were more familiar with Peking University.