In the past, transportation was very slow.

It's a shame beer isn't popular in the country yet, and there are no refrigerators. To enjoy it, I probably have to wait a few more years.

Zhao Dongchuan ate quickly while thinking, until he licked the last grain of rice into his mouth.

After eating, he washed up quickly, then Zhao Dongchuan walked to the table, turned on the desk lamp, and took out a few letters Jia Bing had given him before he left work.

One was a reply from Li Yuer in Pengcheng, one was from his parents in his Hometown, and surprisingly, one was from Zhang Jian, the editor of "Yan River" journal in the provincial capital.

Looking at the words "Zhang Jian" on the envelope, Zhao Dongchuan rummaged through his drawer and found the invitation letter that had arrived with the acceptance notice. A hint of guilt surfaced in his heart; he had been so busy that he had completely forgotten about it.

He had originally planned to find time to meet him in the provincial capital, but then he went back to Shuangshui Village and dealt with the black market, completely forgetting about it!

Out of politeness, Zhao Dongchuan opened this letter first and began to read it.

As he had guessed, it was a "chastising" letter. In it, Zhang Jian warmly inquired about his recent situation, mentioned some positive reviews of his work from the society, and also asked when he would be free to "condescend" to visit the provincial capital. Finally, he asked if he had any new works recently and hoped to be contacted first, among other things.

After much thought, Zhao Dongchuan wrote a reply. He first apologized to Zhang Jian, then talked about his recent situation and the matter of "yellow earth." Finally, he emphasized that he would meet him in the provincial capital soon to discuss the publication of new works, which soothed Zhang Jian's hurt feelings.

After writing the reply, Zhao Dongchuan felt much lighter, and the slight guilt was gone.

It seems I'm too kind, always unwilling to let others down!!! Zhao Dongchuan thought to himself.

He then opened the letter from his parents in his Hometown. This was a reply to Zhao Dongchuan's "good news" letter. In the letter, "Old Zhao" was very excited and relieved about his achievements. At first, they didn't quite believe it, but seeing the author's signature on the journal: Zhao Dongchuan, Shuangshui Village, it couldn't be faked.

They quickly accepted the fact that their son, Zhao Dongchuan, had made something of himself, which made them excited for many days, unable to sleep all night.

He had mentioned in his previous letter that his parents should try to keep a low profile, and he wondered if it would be spread everywhere.

"Let them be happy, these hard days are coming to an end!"

Zhao Dongchuan smiled and put the letter away. He had written a letter a while ago, so there was no need to reply now.

He took out Li Yuer's letter, opened it, and began to read. In the letter, Li Yuer talked about some of her daily life and responded to some questions she had previously discussed with Zhao Dongchuan. At the same time, she inevitably mentioned the progress of his new work, and finally subtly asked when he could come to Pengcheng.

Zhao Dongchuan smiled as he read the letter, feeling as if he were seeing her. In this era, carriages and horses were slow, and mail was also slow, so when writing letters, people poured their emotions into them, making them feel very intimate to read, unlike later generations when, with the explosion of technology, everything became very convenient, but communication became increasingly cold.

Technological development brought convenience, but it also made people lose some things.

But the times are always moving forward, and only those who have experienced it truly understand the many flavors within.

Zhao Dongchuan picked up his pen to reply, and by the time he finished, it was late at night. He then organized the envelope and went straight to sleep.

The next morning, Zhao Dongchuan dropped the letter into the mailbox and went to work.

On his way to the office, Zhao Dongchuan ran into Director Wang, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

"Director Wang, good morning!" Zhao Dongchuan greeted the Director.

"Comrade Xiao Zhao, good morning!" Director Wang looked at him with a smile.

"Teacher Jia said you've been working tirelessly lately, and a new work is about to be released?"

"Yes, I'm writing a novel set against the backdrop of the yellow earth. I've already written more than half of it, and there's just a bit left to finish!" Zhao Dongchuan replied with a smile.

"Very good, the waves behind push the waves ahead. I didn't misjudge you, I look forward to your new work!" Hearing Zhao Dongchuan's affirmative reply, Director Wang smiled even more happily.

He parted ways with Director Wang and entered the office.

"Teacher Jia, good morning!"

"Xiao Zhao, you're here. I didn't get a chance to ask you yesterday, how have you been lately?" Jia Bing asked.

"Very well, the book is almost finished!"

Jia Bing nodded and said, "Work hard, the future belongs to you young people!"

Then Zhao Dongchuan began another busy day. Having been away for many days, much work had fallen behind and needed to be caught up quickly.

At the end of the workday, Zhao Dongchuan suggested visiting Sister-in-law Shufen at Jia Bing's home, and Jia Bing gladly agreed.

So after work, Zhao Dongchuan, with his bag on his back, rode his bicycle, and Jia Bing sat on the back seat. They chatted casually on the way and soon arrived at Jia Bing's home.

The big black dog, "Baron," hearing the sound, shot out with a whoosh.

"Woof! Woof! Woof!" He ran around the two of them.

"Baron, let's go, inside!" Jia Bing said to Baron.

Zhao Dongchuan parked his bike in the yard and followed Jia Bing into the house. Inside, Sister-in-law Shufen was sweeping the floor with a broom, cleaning up.

"Oh, don't move. Didn't I tell you not to do these things? I can do it!" Jia Bing saw her, quickly stepped forward, took the broom, and complained.

"I just can't sit still. Before, I did all the housework, and now that I'm not allowed to, I'm still not used to it." Shufen lowered her head a bit shyly.

"You're pregnant now, try to do less. I'll go cook, you rest!" Jia Bing said, sweeping the scattered leaves on the ground into a dustpan and dumping them in the corner outside the yard.

"Hello, Sister-in-law!"

"Oh, Xiao Zhao, you're here too! I'm sorry, I didn't see you just now!" Shufen then noticed Zhao Dongchuan had also arrived.

"Hahaha, it's nothing, don't be so polite with me. Today, Teacher Jia and I will cook, you rest well!" Saying this, Zhao Dongchuan followed Jia Bing into the kitchen.

Jia Bing was clearly clumsy at cooking, looking a bit flustered. It seemed he rarely cooked, and only started doing so recently after Sister-in-law Shufen became pregnant.

Fortunately, with Zhao Dongchuan's help, it was different. After all, Zhao Dongchuan had basic cooking skills; while the food he made might not be exceptionally delicious, it was at least presentable.

As the dishes were served, the three sat down and began to eat!

Zhao Dongchuan watched Jia Bing eat, occasionally picking up food for Sister-in-law Shufen, a scene of tender affection that struck him with a ten-thousand-point critical hit.

"Damn it, I'm here to eat dog food!" Zhao Dongchuan complained inwardly.

"Teacher Jia, have you seen a doctor for a check-up?" Zhao Dongchuan asked while eating.

"I took Shufen last week, and all indicators are normal!" Jia Bing said with a happy expression.

"What month is the due date?"

"The doctor said it's around March, after the New Year!" Jia Bing said, picking up a piece of meat and putting it in Shufen's bowl.