paddock

It was still sunny in the afternoon, but in the evening, there were dark clouds drifting from the sky, and bursts of heat came up from the ground, making the mountains in summer a bit warmer.Yuan Ning played with Zhang Xiuyan and Zhou Yulin for a long time, and found that the weather was not right when they went down the mountain. There might be heavy rain.Driving at night in such weather is not good, Zhou Yulin called back to the chess club and said that he would stay overnight at the ranch.

Zhou Yulin is also an authentic city resident, and after only playing for half a day, everything about the ranch completely attracted him.Not only did he learn from Luo Yuanliang how to get rid of insects on cacti, but he also saw a cluster of very large cacti in the mountains.It is said that someone once brought a tree to the foot of the mountain by chance, and threw it down next to the stone. Later, after passing by, it was found that it had grown a large area.

The flowering period of cactus has arrived, and the cactus in the mountains has bloomed a lot of flowers. The fiery red flowers are like pieces of red clouds, floating on the emerald green, thorny "palms", and some are even more blooming than the "palms" supporting it. Still big.Zhou Yulin thought it was really beautiful.

Yuan Ning also thought it looked good, and immediately took out the drawing paper when he returned to the bungalow, and while Zhang Xiuyan and the others went back to the room to take a bath, he painted the cactus.This was the first time he had seen that cactus bloom!There are stones behind that piece of land, and the ground is almost full of gravel. Other plants cannot grow, and it has almost become a paradise for cacti to grow alone.

After Yuan Ning finished painting, there was a heavy rain outside, crackling and crackling, and the stone floor outside was beaten loudly, and the stuffy heat in the room was completely gone.Yuan Ning ran back and forth to close the windows upstairs and downstairs, and went downstairs to have dinner.

Zhou Yulin took a shower, his hair was still a little wet, and he sat at the table a little restrained.Yuan Ning sat down next to Zhou Yulin, and praised the food here - although it is home-cooked, it tastes really good, and the ingredients are all produced on the ranch!

Zhou Yulin slowly relaxed.After a meal, both Zhang Xiuyan and Zhou Yulin went to look at the painting Yuan Ning had just painted. Zhou Yulin couldn't take his eyes off the cactus clump.Yuan Ning's painting is really like it!But it's not just like, the cactus seemed to come alive, and greeted them with a smile through the paper.

Seeing that Zhou Yulin seemed to like it very much, Yuan Ning said shyly, "I don't draw very well. But if you like it, I'll give it to you!"

"Thank you." Zhou Yulin was very happy.

Yuan Ning took the painting off the drawing board and handed it to Zhou Yulin.Zhou Yulin took it back to the room.

Once Zhou Yulin left, only Yuan Ning and Zhang Xiuyan were left in the studio.Zhang Xiuyan didn't speak from the beginning, and kept watching from the side.But even though Zhang Xiuyan remained silent as usual, Yuan Ning was keenly aware that Zhang Xiuyan seemed unhappy.Is it because he gave the painting to Zhou Yulin but not to his elder brother?

But he only drew one picture just now!And the eldest brother seems to rarely like anything!Yuan Ning was a little confused.He whispered: "Brother."

Zhang Xiuyan said lightly: "Go back to your room and read a book."

"Does elder brother want to read too?" Yuan Ning asked hastily.

"want."

"Then let's go together!"

Zhang Xiuyan's face softened a little, he didn't agree, and he didn't agree, and went back to the room first.

Yuan Ning went back to the room, found the books he wanted to read, and put them all in his arms. After hesitating for a while, he put down another book, and then ran to Zhang Xiuyan's side.As soon as he got to the door, Yuan Ning found that Zhang Xiuyan hadn't closed the door, and opened a small crack.He paused for a moment, knocked on the door, opened it and walked in.

Zhang Xiu sat solemnly reading a book under the lamp.Zhang Xiuyan is eighteen years old this year, but his real age is only seventeen. He is still a minor legally, but the childishness on his face has completely faded away.The soft light shone on his resolute face, casting faint shadows on his eyelashes.My brother's eyelashes are so long!

"What are you doing standing there?" Zhang Xiuyan closed the book in his hand and looked up at Yuan Ning who was standing by the door.

Yuan Ning snapped back to his senses, his cheeks flushed slightly.He said: "Brother hasn't come to the ranch for a long time." After climbing the mountain for a day, it is a rare thing for the elder brother to run around with him!Yuan Ning said, "Thank you brother for playing with me."

Zhang Xiu said with a sullen face, "Sit down and read a book."

Knowing that Zhang Xiuyan was obviously shy, Yuan Ning happily ran over with the book in his arms, pulled out a chair and sat next to Zhang Xiuyan.Not only has Zhang Xiuyan not been to the ranch for a long time, he has also not been in Zhang Xiuyan's room to read for a long time.Since that time...

Ever since he saw Brother Zhang and Brother Fang kissing each other that time, he never pestered his eldest brother as much as before.The elder brother didn't know the impact that scene had on him, if he was suddenly alienated, he would definitely be unhappy, right?So, so he should occasionally read books with his elder brother and ask his elder brother questions as before.

Yuan Ning found a good reason for himself, concentrated on reading the book, and from time to time marked out what he didn't understand and asked Zhang Xiuyan.Zhang Xiuyan patiently answered Yuan Ning's questions. He was a little sleepy. He glanced at Yuan Ning and said, "It's time to sleep."

Yuan Ning was taken aback for a moment.How time flies!Yuan Ning closed the book neatly, and suddenly said with an "ah", "I seem to have forgotten to bring a book! I have to go back and read it, or I won't be able to complete today's study plan."

Zhang Xiu paused and rubbed Yuan Ning's head: "Go, don't look too late."

Yuan Ning nodded and ran away with the book in his arms.After returning to the room, Yuan Ning closed the door, stood against the door for a while, and then went back to the desk to finish reading the book left in the room.He left very little content, and after only ten minutes of reading, he finished it, washed his face, brushed his teeth and lay down on the bed.

Yuan Ning tossed and turned, but did not fall asleep.He opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling, it was pitch black.While in a daze, Yuan Ning suddenly heard the sound of a key ringing, and then the key seemed to be inserted into the door lock and turned.Finally, with a click, someone turned the handle and opened the door.

Yuan Ning's heart skipped a beat and she closed her eyes.A sound of footsteps came to Yuan Ning's ears, very soft, like stepping on cotton - naturally, he was afraid of waking him up.Yuan Ning tried his best to slow down his breathing.

Someone was standing in front of his bed, without turning on the light, just staring at him with the moonlight coming in from the window.The man stretched out his hand to tuck the quilt up for him, leaned over and kissed him on the forehead, then turned around and closed the door and left.

Yuan Ning buried his head in the thin quilt.He rarely can't fall asleep, and always falls asleep on time after nine o'clock, so he never knows what happened after falling asleep.

But the familiar atmosphere just now reminded Yuan Ning of the days when he first arrived at Zhang's house.

At that time, he was very anxious every day, afraid that he would not behave well, that he would not be liked, and that he would do wrong things.But at night, he felt very at ease, because his parents always seemed to come to his dreams and hug him tenderly to fall asleep.

Mom and Dad are long gone.

The person who would hold him, clumsily but gently comfort him was none other than the elder brother.

He is a big brother who always has a cold face but a soft heart.

Yuan Ning covered herself with the quilt, tears kept streaming down for some reason.The eldest brother was so kind to him at that time.How can he repay his eldest brother?Can not monopolize, but can not alienate.Growing up is really hard.

Too hard too hard.

Yuan Ning kept sucking her nose, until she was tired from crying and finally fell asleep.He didn't go to the "dream", and slept until dawn.When he woke up in the morning, his eyes were still red, but it was not so obvious after applying hot water.Zhou Yulin also woke up very early. Yuan Ning invited Zhou Yulin to go for a morning jog together. After breakfast, they set off for the city.

Yuan Ning first sent Zhou Yulin to the chess club.When they arrived, Yuan Ning took out the mountain goods he had brought from the ranch, and walked into the chess club with Zhou Yulin.Lao Zhou also had breakfast and was opening letters there. When he saw Yuan Ning and Zhou Yulin, his face immediately burst into a smile: "Hey, are you back? Was it fun?"

Zhou Yulin nodded.

Yuan Ning put the mountain product on the table: "This is the mountain product from the ranch. Brother Zhou refuses to take it! Grandpa Zhou is worthless, save it and try it!"

"He has been playing all day, how can he take things away." Old Zhou and Zhou Yulin have the same temper.

"If you taste it and think it's good, help us advertise! The ranch will sell these mountain products in the future!" Yuan Ning smiled.

Old Zhou knew that Yuan Ning was changing ways to let him accept it, but he couldn't refuse any more. He could only smile and say, "Well, I'll try it!" He recalled the letter in his hand again, and said to Zhou Yulin, "Ling Lin, come and take a look, this is the admission notice! I have bad eyesight, and it took me a long time to see clearly—you should have been admitted by the High School Affiliated to Huada University!"

Before Zhou Yulin could speak, Yuan Ning said happily, "Has the admission notice been sent?"

Zhou Yulin took the letter from Lao Zhou, took out the paper inside and read it, nodded and said, "It is indeed an admission notice."

"Is it the High School Attached to Huada?" Yuan Ning asked with concern.

Zhou Yulin nodded.

"I also participated in the additional examination of Huada High School, we might be classmates!" Yuan Ning was very happy.

"Are you taking the exam this year too?" Zhou Yulin was a little surprised.

"Yes!" Yuan Ning was embarrassed, "I want to see if I can get into the High School Attached to Huada University, and Song Xingchen and the others will accompany me to take the exam. But we didn't do as well as you, and we all scored one point lower than you."

Zhou Yulin: "..."

Zhou Yulin was always choked to death by words, but he never understood why others said that.Hearing Yuan Ning say "one point less than you" shyly, Zhou Yulin felt that he understood a little bit.This is indeed a bit irritating!

Yuan Ning was anxious to go back to see if he had his admission notice, said goodbye to Lao Zhou and Zhou Yulin, ran out and got into the car, and told Zhang Xiuyan about Zhou Yulin's acceptance letter.He said excitedly: "Du Xiaojie also did well in the exam. He seems to have applied for the High School Attached to Huada University. Maybe all five of us will be alumni!"

Zhang Xiuyan nodded.

Yuan Ning said, "Brother seems to be from the Huada High School before." He asked curiously, "What is the Huada High School like? Will it be very strict?"

"It's stricter than elementary school." Zhang Xiuyan thought for a while, "But it's looser than other junior high schools. The curriculum is not so tight, and the autonomy is stronger. For example, learning about animals and plants, you can visit the base of the Agricultural College."

"Mr. Meng's base?" Yuan Ning has been there several times, and he never forgets it. "That's really great!"

Zhang Xiuyan met Yuan Ning's bright eyes, and couldn't help but pick up some things about the high school attached to Huada University and tell Yuan Ning.When he was in school, he didn't think these things were special, but Yuan Ning was happy and surprised when he heard it, as if he was full of expectations for the next junior high school life.

Back at Zhang's house, Ms. Xue was in the living room. As soon as she saw them, she picked up the big envelope on the table: "Ningning, this is your letter. I think it should be the admission notice!"

Yuan Ning said happily: "Student Zhou has received it just now!" He ran to Ms. Xue and sat down, and opened the letter under the watchful eyes of Ms. Xue and Zhang Xiuyan.It is exactly the same as what Zhou Yulin received!

Yuan Ning hugged Ms. Xue happily, and then hugged Zhang Xiuyan who was standing aside, then called Hao Xiaolan and Song Xingchen to ask if they had received the admission letter.Hao Xiaolan was the most nervous, because her score was more than [-] points lower than Yuan Ning's and the others, and she was always worried that she would not be admitted to Huada High School.She had just received the admission notice from the guard, and almost jumped up excitedly after opening it and reading it.As soon as she received Yuan Ning's call, Hao Xiaolan couldn't wait to share her joy with Yuan Ning.

Before she finished speaking, Song Xingchen came over.Hao Xiaolan raised the acceptance letter in his hand to Song Xingchen, and Song Xingchen also raised his hand and showed the same piece of paper in his hand.

Hao Xiaolan immediately told Yuan Ning: "Song Xingchen has also been admitted!"

They're soon to be juniors -- and alumni too!

The three of Yuan Ning were very excited.

Mr. Zhang came back for lunch, and when he heard that Yuan Ning had received the admission notice, he nodded and said, "If you pass the exam, study hard. If you don't understand, you can ask your sister and third brother." Zhang Xiuling and Zhang Xiuwen were also in the high school attached to Huada University, This year is already the second year of junior high school, and I will be promoted to the third year of junior high school at the beginning of school, and I have to start preparing for the senior high school entrance examination.

"We are going to talk about this," Zhang Xiuwen said, "Father, my sister and I want to live on campus next semester. The third grade of junior high school will be tighter, and it will take too much time to go back and forth every day, so it is not convenient. We plan to only Come back at the weekend."

Mr. Zhang thought for a moment and agreed.The dormitory area of ​​Huada High School is next to that of Huazhong University. The environment and management are very good, and the dormitory is also good.He turned to Zhang Xiuling: "Can you get used to it?"

"Of course!" Zhang Xiuling felt that she was underestimated, "I am very popular in the class, unlike Xiuwen, who is the public enemy of the boys! You still worry that Xiuwen will be blocked every day in the dormitory!"

Mr. Zhang looked at Zhang Xiuwen meaningfully.

Listening to their conversation, Yuan Ning also had the idea of ​​living on campus.After dinner, he called Song Xingchen to discuss this matter.Song Xingchen thought about the situation of Hao Xiaolan's family, and thought about his mother and father being separated in order to take care of him. He nodded and said, "I think it's good. I'll discuss it with my mother tonight, and I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Yuan Ning hung up the phone before looking for Mr. Zhang.After hearing Yuan Ning's thoughts, Mr. Zhang frowned and said, "You are too young."

"It's so troublesome for Uncle Li to pick me up every day," Yuan Ning said, "The High School Affiliated to Huada University is much farther than Wangxian Elementary School!"

"Try it first," Mr. Zhang took a step back, "Try it for a month. If you don't regret it after a month, I will let you continue to live on campus."

Yuan Ning came out of Mr. Zhang's room and bumped into Zhang Xiuyan who was standing at the door.Zhang Xiuyan stood there and looked at him.

"Brother!" After shouting, Yuan Ning told Zhang Xiuyan what he had just said to Mr. Zhang, and asked for Zhang Xiuyan's opinion, "I want to start living on campus next semester like my sister and the others. Do you think it's okay?"

Zhang Xiuyan looked at Yuan Ning's serious face.It's no different than before.Still so happy, still so close, still asking his opinion on everything, still caring about his thoughts and opinions.But Zhang Xiuyan just felt that something was different.Yuan Ning loves his family very much. He used to miss Yuan Bo's side, but now he naturally misses them, but now Yuan Ning decides to live in the school.

It's clearly not the time to have to leave home.

Zhang Xiuyan said: "Of course." Zhang Xiuyan looked at Yuan Ning, and said what he should have said—but he really said it against his will, "Living on campus can make you more independent. You have never left home , just in time for exercise."

Yuan Ning also looked up at Zhang Xiuyan, his bright eyes seemed to beg Zhang Xiuyan to praise: "I think so too!"

Zhang Xiuyan said "Yes", sent Yuan Ning back to his room, and went into Mr. Zhang's study by himself.

Mr. Zhang already knew that Zhang Xiuyan was coming, and he also heard the conversation between Yuan Ning and Zhang Xiuyan.He glanced at the closed study door, looked at Zhang Xiuyan and said, "Really willing?"

"It's closer from the train station to there than home." Zhang Xiuyan has quickly found a way to soothe his heart, "I can visit him any afternoon when I don't have class."

Mr. Zhang: "..."

The eldest son was not hit, and Mr. Zhang was not disappointed either.He said another decision: "You have borrowed money for a long time, and it's time to pay back some interest."

Zhang Xiuyan: "..."

Yuan Ning didn't know that Zhang Xiuyan was about to be arrested by Mr. Zhang to work as a coolie.After his lunch break, he took out materials such as weasel tail hair brought back from the ranch to find Mr. Wu.When we arrived at Wu's old house, Vice President Zhang was there too. Seeing what Yuan Ning had brought, he said in surprise: "So many of them have been brought here? Weasels are the most cunning. They run so fast that they are usually impossible to catch. "

"It was cut by Luo Yuanliang!" Yuan Ning said, "Luo Yuanliang is amazing! He has raised many wild ducks, which can fly, but they never fly away, and they live happily in the pasture! Weasels were also brought in by Luo Yuanliang, and they all Willing to cut their tail hairs for Luo Yuanliang."

Vice President Zhang knew Yuan Ning's ranch, and also knew that there was a powerful young man named Luo Yuanliang in the ranch.He said: "It seems that I will go to your ranch next time to see, maybe I can see the legendary Huang Daxian." It is said that weasels have human nature, and they are called "Huang Daxian" in many places.

"Okay!" Yuan Ning agreed.

Wu Laozhen put away the materials Yuan Ning brought with great care, and said, "Come back at the beginning of next month, and I'll make you some pens."

Yuan Ning did not refuse, and said happily: "Thank you, Grandpa Wu!"

Old Wu looked at him with a smile.

Vice President Zhang and Yuan Ning left Wu's hometown together, and told Yuan Ning a good news when they went out: "I will remove the adverb in the 'Vice President' next month." The president of the Calligraphy Association this year He will be retiring at the end of July. In the past two years, Vice President Zhang has been in charge of most of his affairs, so it is a certainty that he will take over the position of president—almost all the duties and powers of the president have been transferred to him.That's why Vice President Zhang told Yuan Ning about this in advance.

Yuan Ning was sincerely happy for Vice President Zhang.

Vice President Zhang said: "There seems to be something I should talk to you about. At the beginning of the month, the National Association asked us to submit a list of new members, and I wrote your name on it."

Yuan Ning said in surprise: "But I'm not there yet!" He remembered that there was a threshold for joining the association, not to mention whether his level is enough, at least not his age.

"Now the age has been relaxed." Vice President Zhang said, "As long as you can show your work and performance, you can join. Last year, I got in less than one, only two or three years older than you, a junior high school student. .Didn’t you participate in the National Youth Calligraphy Competition last time? He also participated and won the second place. It makes no sense that the second can join and you can’t join!”

Yuan Ning was keenly aware of the slight hostility in Vice President Zhang's words.He recalled the No.2 in that calligraphy competition, and remembered that he seemed to be the apprentice of a famous calligrapher, and his level was very good. The reason why he was No.2 was probably because the person in charge of the National Association prefers him. style?It is impossible for Vice President Zhang to have a feud with a child. It seems that the one who has a feud with Vice President Zhang should be the famous calligrapher.

Vice President Zhang didn't say anything, and Yuan Ning didn't ask.He asked about other things: "If I really entered the association, what would I do?"

"There are no special requirements," said Vice President Zhang. "Sometimes an activity association will contact you to participate, and you can also represent the association to go to other places for competitions and exchanges. Don't worry, it's not mandatory, and you can come if you don't have time."

Yuan Ning has a bottom line in his heart, and he is not too repulsive about joining the Calligraphy Association.He shyly said: "Then I can rest assured, I'm afraid I won't be able to do things that are too difficult."

Vice President Zhang said: "You are a big kid, is there anyone else who can do things that you can't do?" After the Vice President Zhang boasted, he invited, "Your Brother Zhang will come back today, and your wife will definitely do it at noon." I will cook a good table, so you can come and eat together."

Yuan Ning was taken aback.

Before Yuan Ning could react, Vice President Zhang had already taken him home.As soon as the door opened, Yuan Ning saw two familiar faces.

If it's not Brother Zhang and Brother Fang, who else is it?When they saw Yuan Ning, they all smiled and pulled him to sit down, and asked him if he had received the admission letter.After chatting, Yuan Ning became much more at ease. He quietly looked at Brother Zhang, and then at Brother Fang, and found that their expressions were pleasant and natural, and there was an unobvious tacit understanding and intimacy in their demeanor—but if you look carefully, you won't be surprised. May not see the intimacy between them.

Vice President Zhang and his wife warmly greeted them to have dinner as if they hadn't seen it.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was harmonious and harmonious.

Brother Zhang, did they confess last time?Vice President Zhang, did they accept it?Yuan Ning still couldn't figure out the answers to these questions until he left Vice President Zhang's house.But seeing Brother Zhang and Brother Fang get along with each other tacitly, Yuan Ning felt a little happy.Brother Zhang and the two of them share the same mind, so they should be able to stay together for a long time, right?

Yuan Ning returned home with joy, but found that Zhang Xiuyan didn't seem to be at home.He asked Aunt Shen to find out that Mr. Zhang was going to the countryside for research, so he took Zhang Xiuyan with him.

"That's it." Yuan Ning said disappointedly.

The eldest brother has only been home for two or three days!

Even if they don't deliberately alienate, they will spend less and less time together.