The Age of Rebirth: Winning since the educated youth went to the countryside

Happy times are always short, and soon it's time to say goodbye.

Although Dad Chen was reluctant, he understood that his daughters and sons-in-law had their own lives and responsibilities.

He silently helped Zhou Ziwen move the luggage onto the carriage, his eyes full of concern and care.

"Ziwen, be careful on your way back. Remember to write to me when you get to the city," Dad Chen reminded.

Zhou Ziwen nodded vigorously and said, "Dad, don't worry. I will take good care of Qiaoyi and Shiying. You should also pay more attention to your health."

Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying were already in tears. They hugged Chen's father tightly and were unwilling to let go.

Chen Qiaoyi sobbed and said, "Dad, we will miss you. You should eat well on the farm alone and don't get too tired."

Father Chen patted their backs gently and comforted them, "Silly children, why are you crying? Daddy is here and everything is fine. You don't have to worry."

The carriage started slowly, and Zhou Ziwen's family waved goodbye to Chen's father and everyone else.

Little Yueyue was sitting in the carriage, waving her hands and saying in a baby voice, "Goodbye, Grandpa."

Father Chen stood there until the carriage disappeared from his sight, then he turned around and slowly left.

A few days later, they returned to Sijiucheng smoothly. This time, they spent about half a month visiting relatives.

By now, the Chinese New Year is almost here.

The streets and alleys of the old city are filled with the strong atmosphere of the New Year. People are busy buying New Year's goods. The streets and alleys are decorated with lights and colorful lanterns, creating a lively scene.

As soon as Zhou Ziwen and his family returned home, Zhou's mother came to greet them, holding Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying's hands, looking at them carefully, her eyes full of concern: "Are you tired from the journey? Come in and rest."

Little Yueyue ran around the house excitedly, full of curiosity about everything at home, and kept shouting, "Grandma, Grandma."

Mother Zhou smiled and picked up little Yueyue, kissing her again and again: "Oh, my dear granddaughter, do you miss grandma?"

Little Yueyue answered in a baby voice: "I miss grandma."

Zhou Ziwen looked at the heartwarming scene and his heart was filled with warmth.

He put down his luggage and said to Zhou Ma, "Mom, we are doing fine outside, don't worry."

"Okay, come in quickly! It's cold outside." Mother Zhou held little Yueyue in her arms, fearing that she would get cold.

When I got home, the warm air hit me, driving away the coldness I had felt along the way.

The interior of the house is still warm and cozy. The old photos on the wall record the family's past, and the familiar furniture is arranged in an orderly manner, making Zhou Ziwen and his family feel a sense of belonging instantly.

……

In the following days, the family began to busy themselves with preparations for the New Year.

Dad Zhou took Zhou Ziwen to the market to buy Spring Festival couplets, blessing characters, firecrackers and other New Year goods, and also bought some new clothes for everyone.

Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying helped Zhou Ma clean the house and prepare ingredients for the New Year's Eve dinner.

Little Yueyue followed them like a little tail, making trouble from time to time and making everyone laugh.

Chen Qiaoyi's belly was slightly bulging, making it a little inconvenient for her to move, but she still insisted on helping.

Mother Zhou said distressedly: "Yiyi, you go and take a rest, we can do these chores."

Chen Qiaoyi smiled and said, "Mom, I'm fine. I also want to contribute to the family."

Chen Shiying also said, "Yes, Auntie, let's do it together, it will be faster this way."

Finally, it’s New Year’s Eve.

On this day, the eldest and second brothers also brought their wives and children home to celebrate the New Year.

The only pity is that my eldest sister can’t go home for the New Year because she is getting married.

The family sat around the table, which was filled with a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner.

There are fragrant braised fish, which symbolizes abundance every year; there are steaming dumplings, which symbolize reunion and auspiciousness; and there are all kinds of delicious dishes that make people salivate.

Father Zhou took out a bottle of wine that he had treasured for a long time, poured a glass for his eldest brother, second brother and himself, and then poured a glass for Zhou Ziwen. He smiled and said, "Today is New Year's Day, let's drink a little. Ziwen, you have done well in the village, and I am proud of you. This glass of wine is for you."

Zhou Ziwen quickly stood up and said respectfully, "Dad, I did what I should do. I toast to you and mom with this glass of wine. Thank you for raising me."

After that, drink it all in one gulp.

The eldest brother Zhou Jianhua also raised his glass, looked at Zhou Ziwen and said: "My dear brother, you have worked hard in the village this year. Not only have you lived well, but you have also helped everyone to get rich. I admire you. I hope everything goes well for you in the new year."

The second brother Zhou Guohua followed up and said, "Yes, little brother, you are the pride of our family now."

Zhou Ziwen smiled and said, "Big brother, second brother, you are too kind. After the New Year, let's get together and I will tell you about the things in the village."

Everyone was eating New Year's Eve dinner and chatting. The children were laughing and playing nearby. Little Yueyue took a dumpling and ran to Zhou's father, saying, "Grandpa, eat dumplings."

Father Zhou took the dumplings with a smile and said, "Little Yueyue is so good. Grandpa will eat them."

Sister-in-law Lin Xiaomei looked at little Yueyue and said with a smile: "This child is so cute. She looks more and more like Ziwen when he was a child."

Second sister-in-law Liu Huifang also nodded and said, "Yes, she is smart and clever, and will definitely have a bright future."

Chen Qiaoyi smiled and said: "Little Yueyue is very naughty now. She runs around everywhere every day and never stops for a moment."

Zhou Ma said, "Children should be more lively. By the way, Yiyi, you are pregnant now, you should pay more attention to your health and don't get tired."

Chen Qiaoyi nodded and said, "Mom, I understand. I will be careful."

After eating the New Year’s Eve dinner, everyone sat in front of the radio and listened to the New Year’s concert on the radio.

The melodious music echoed in the house, adding a special warmth to this New Year's Eve.

Little Yueyue leaned in Chen Qiaoyi's arms, her eyes gradually closed, and she fell asleep soon.

Chen Qiaoyi stroked her hair gently, with a happy smile on her face.

Dad Zhou closed his eyes and listened to the music, nodding his head to the rhythm from time to time.

Mother Zhou was knitting a sweater, the wool moving through her hands as if she was weaving the family's future.

Eldest brother Zhou Jianhua and eldest sister-in-law Lin Xiaomei talked in low voices, discussing plans for the new year.

My second brother Zhou Guohua and my second sister-in-law Liu Huifang played simple games with the children, and the house was filled with laughter.

As time goes by, the New Year is getting closer.

Father Zhou looked at the clock on the wall and said, "It's almost twelve o'clock. Let's stay up together to celebrate the New Year."

Everyone nodded and sat together, waiting for the arrival of the New Year.

Zhou Xiaomei took out some candies and melon seeds and shared them with everyone.

Zhou Ziwen smiled and said, "Little sister, you are well prepared."

Zhou Xiaomei said mischievously: "It's Chinese New Year, of course we have to have food and drink to be happy."

While eating snacks, everyone shared interesting stories of the past year and expectations for the new year.

When the clock struck twelve, the sound of firecrackers outside reached a climax.

Zhou Ziwen and Zhou Chaoyang brought the children to the yard again and lit the fireworks. The fireworks were like shooting stars across the night sky, blooming with colorful lights.

Dad Zhou, Mom Zhou and others also came to the yard to enjoy the beautiful night view together.

Father Zhou looked at the fireworks and said with emotion: "The new year has begun. I hope our family can be healthy and safe."

Everyone nodded, their hearts filled with beautiful visions of the new year.