"That’s a must, we’re just doing it to better contribute to our hometown’s development and earn a good name!" Lian Hai laughed heartily amidst the crowd, leading the agreement with his brother Liu’s statement.
Ning Jianshe followed closely behind: "Isn’t it true? No matter if it’s Nanjing or Beijing, nowhere compares to our Liu family village!"
Lian Yue, Qiu Fang, and several team leaders and village officials who admired and trusted Liu Shouren also chimed in.
People, you know, have a herd mentality.
With their shout, a bunch of passionate young folks quickly followed suit, fearing that if they were one second late or lowered their voices by one degree, it wouldn’t show their determination to actively participate in hometown construction after returning from their studies.
Liu Shouren nodded with a smile, fully affirming the enthusiasm of these freshly minted college graduates for hometown construction. Meanwhile, under the disapproving eyes of their parents or partners, he announced that once they returned to the village, the village committee would grant them double the treatment compared to the jobs they were originally assigned.
This statement sparked immediate cheers of joy.
After all, the reason for studying day and night and getting into college, besides serving the country and making a name, was mainly to support the family and strive for a better life.
If staying at home could achieve the integration of ideals, reputation, and living standards, who would be willing to leave their hometown?
Moreover, developing the hometown and serving the country are not contradictory at all!
The Liu family village is also the Republic’s Liu family village. Making it better, more beautiful, and more prosperous is simultaneously developing the hometown and serving the country, isn’t it?
Of course, many have had enough of the hardships in the countryside and never wish to return after jumping into the big pond.
They’d rather earn less, be happy to live in apartments, work in offices, and commute by bicycle or even motorcycle.
However, years later, when they look back at the earth-shattering changes in their hometown and consider entering factories, companies, or even the village committee, they realize: going through layers of screening and selecting is as difficult as passing the national civil service exam!
But that comes later, so we’ll leave it aside for now.
At this moment, knowing that both sets of siblings have been admitted to universities in Beijing, Shuzhen and Lianshan proactively visit, intending to help take care of several little ones, saving them the trouble of worrying about studying and home simultaneously.
"Brother, Saozi, really thank you for your kindness. But you’re quite busy yourselves, not to mention with your own six kids. We wouldn’t dare to shamelessly drag behind any further," Lian Hai chuckled, scratching his head, full of gratitude yet refusing the arrangements.
"Indeed! Jiezi and Xiao Rui are mischievous, and Jiajia is no easy one either. The three are like little monkey kings who would definitely cause chaos without our watchful eyes. Just their mischievousness alone would keep Saozi and brother busy, leaving no time or energy to engage in seed research!" Qiu Fang covered her mouth, playfully teasing her trouble-making kids.
Lian Jie, Lian Jia, and Lian Rui, the little troublemakers, collectively expressed discontent, wanting to retort against their mother’s unkind words. But they figured that rebutting might result in no way of going to the long-yearned Beijing, but instead being left as pitiful stay-at-home kids in the Liu village. So, the three children’s small shoulders instantly shrank, unanimously choosing to play dumb.
The child-loving Ning Jianshe naturally couldn’t bear to say his kids were mischievous, instead unwillingly putting a burden on his brother and Saozi, fearing long-term separation would distance their relationships.
"There’s no but, Saozi rest assured. When we heard Brother Liu’s tone about restoring college exams and preparing to participate, we had already arranged the kids. Uncle Wu and Uncle Wei Lai had long helped arrange schools for the little ones; once we settled the procedures, we could directly send them to school. The school is already informed, so we can look after them also.
Initially, we planned for both families to rent in the same courtyard, adults and children mutually caring for each other. But after the celebration banquet, Uncle Yang handed over a deed for his recently returned courtyard set. Right near Q University, convenient for transport and a good two-entry courtyard, it’s perfect for both families.
Yesterday, he said he asked Uncle Wu to find people to clean the house, and Wu Hao found a set of reliable old couple to look after the home, children, and cook!
Thoughtful and meticulous, we really don’t know how to thank them enough..." Lian Yue interjected, quickly expressing everyone’s goodwill and her preparations.
Seeing Lian Hai, Qiu Fang, and Ning Jianshe nod in confirmation, Shuzhen didn’t dwell further; after all, as long as the kids are properly arranged it’ll be okay.
Yet Lianshan frowned in discontent, glaring horizontally at Lian Yue: "Since there have been arrangements, why wasn’t it told earlier? Making your Saozi worry and stress over how to take care of the kids. Thinking to stabilize the rear wholly so you could concentrate on your studies!"
Lian Yue was at a loss for words: can she say they were still negotiating with Old Yang, insisting on splitting costs clearly with family, paying rent regardless of whose house? Old Yang said he was indebted to everyone’s care over these years, and finally caught a chance to repay, so no one should obstruct him from playing the host.
Sigh, the elder brother who sacrificed for his siblings back then, delayed his own life for making sure they were raised and established. Now involving Saozi, everything becomes unprincipled favoritism.
Fortunately, she, the sister, is reasonable and not jealous, and Saozi is considerate without showing off. Otherwise, how could harmony exist between sisters-in-law?
Immediately afterwards, Lian Hai, Lian Yue, and the others began preparing for the upcoming school start.
Since they all got into universities within Beijing area, Lianshan and Shuzhen couldn’t help but prepare gifts for Wu Liguo, Wei Lai, Wu Hao, and Feng Anhuai to take along.
Such as hazelnuts, pine nuts, dried mushrooms, monkey head mushrooms, and wood ear that are abundant here. They also brought village-brewed fruit wines like persimmon wine, red bean wine, Eleutherococcus wine, and goji wine. Furthermore, several chickens, ducks, geese were slaughtered to make plenty of dried chicken, roasted goose, and roast duck.
Of course, considering they already had plenty of luggage, and had to take care of six kids.
Plus sending gifts to Beijing for Liu Shouren and Liu Shouyi’s families, there were too many details to keep track of. Liu Shouren, the newly minted exemplary cadre, helped get them a sleeper compartment using his cadre status.
This side sends people onto the train, another side informs about the train number and carriage for someone to pick them up. Ensuring less trouble for people and no loss of belongings!