paddock

Half of the winter vacation is over, and the end of the new year is approaching. Zhang Xiuyan leads Yuan Ning to prepare for the new year.Although most things will be bought by Aunt Shen, they have to go to grandma's house, and they have to choose the gifts themselves to express their hearts.Zhang Xiuling and Zhang Xiuwen were taken back to their home ahead of schedule, and only Ms. Xue led them back. Naturally, Ms. Xue didn't have the energy to think about these things.

Yuan Ning and Zhang Xiuyan sat at the desk, Zhang Xiuyan said, Yuan Ning wrote, listed the things to buy on paper in advance, and finished writing the shopping list in less than half an hour.Zhang Xiuyan asked driver Li to go out, went to supermarkets and markets to buy one by one according to the list, and could still catch up with the meal at home.

Zhang Xiuyan made a phone call with Xue's grandma, confirmed the arrival time again, and set off with Ms. Xue.Xue's family was in another city, almost across the entire province, and they didn't arrive in the urban area there until evening.Xue's house is located in the old neighborhood, near the university. It is an old house with a single family.

Grandpa Xue likes to live in the countryside when he gets old, that's where Zhang Xiuming's accident happened.Since the loss of Zhang Xiuming, the grandfather of the Xue family has been blaming himself very much. His health, which suffered from a lot of problems when he was young, has been deteriorating, and he died of illness in the spring of the following year.

Grandma Xue is a university professor. After Grandpa Xue passed away, Grandma Xue did not get depressed. Occasionally, when the school was short of students, she would go back to class and even lead students to do experiments.

When Yuan Ning arrived at Xue's house, the grandma of Xue's family was knitting a sweater.She has a kind face, a well-maintained body, and a bookish air that is unique to intellectuals.After seeing the three of Yuan Ning, the grandma of the Xue family said to Ms. Xue with a smile: "You can't bear to drive for such a long time, go and have a rest. Dinner is not ready yet, I will call you when you are ready."

Ms. Xue was a little motion sick and not in good spirits. She nodded and said, "Okay." After speaking, she went back to the room where she was when she was not married, put down her luggage and lay down on the bed to rest.

Grandma Xue looked at Zhang Xiuyan and Yuan Ning kindly.She took Yuan Ning's hand first, her calloused palm was wide and warm: "You are Ning Ning, right?"

Yuan Ning felt that his whole body was enveloped by that warm gaze.He fell in love with this silver-haired old man at a glance.He carefully looked at Grandma Xue, nodded, and whispered, "Well, my name is Yuan Ning."

The grandma of the Xue family picked up the vest she was making in her hand: "I made this for you, and the thread will be pulled up soon, let's compare it to see if it fits. My eyesight is not good, and I can't make a sweater that is too complicated. I can make you a vest." The vest is made of blue wool, which is soft and fluffy.

Yuan Ning didn't expect that this was done for herself, she was a little at a loss, and didn't know what to say.With a sore nose, he looked at Zhang Xiuyan, then at the grandma of the Xue family, and said, "Thank you... grandma."

The grandma of the Xue family responded with an "hey", compared the sweater to Yuan Ning, pushed the reading glasses on the bridge of her nose, and said with a smile: "The size your elder brother said is very accurate, neither too big nor too small. "

Yuan Ning said: "Brother also has one, it's gray." He remembered that Zhang Xiuyan packed that vest in his luggage.

The grandma of the Xue family said: "Yes, the eldest brother also has one, and asked the second uncle to send it to him in autumn."

Yuan Ning said: "Brother likes to wear it very much."

Grandma Xue's eyes were full of joy, and her tone was very cheerful: "Your elder brother is actually very picky, and he can't get used to wearing the ones bought outside. I make them a sweater every year. Xiuxiu and Xiuwen are also ready, you go Bring it with you when you go.”

During the conversation, the grandma of the Xue family put away the end of the thread and put away the sweater needle.Zhang Xiuyan took the vest for Yuan Ning and asked Yuan Ning to take off his coat.There was heating in the house, Yuan Ning didn't wear much, and inside was a white shirt that Zhang Xiuyan chose, and after putting on the vest, Yuan Ning's face became more rosy and lovely, and he became more energetic.

Zhang Xiuyan said, "Not bad."

The grandma of the Xue family asked Yuan Ning to turn around, looked back and forth, nodded and said, "Ning Ning looks good, and looks good in everything she wears." The grandma of the Xue family opened her hands, "Can I hug grandma?"

Yuan Ning rushed forward and took the initiative to hug Grandma Xue.

The grandma of the Xue family touched his head with her fan-like palm, and said with a sigh, "If your fourth brother hadn't been lost, he would be as old as you."

Yuan Ning comforted awkwardly: "Fourth Brother will definitely be home soon."

Grandma Xue's heart felt weak, she kindly hugged Yuan Ning on her lap, and asked what poems Yuan Ning read.Yuan Ning read mostly fairy tales and fables, and occasionally copied ancient Chinese characters under the guidance of Zhang Xiuyan, and could recite a lot of ancient poems and prose.The grandma of the Xue family knew how much Zhang Xiuyan had put in to teach Yuan Ning as soon as she heard it.

Back then when Zhang Xiuming was lost and the house was in chaos, she watched with her own eyes how her youngest daughter pushed Zhang Xiuyan away.Even if she had taught Zhang Xiuyan well and taken good care of Grandpa Xue, she still couldn't erase the self-blame and pain in this little old man.Grandpa Xue went, Zhang Xiuyan became taciturn, more and more like his father, Grandma Xue was always worried.

Seeing that Zhang Xiuyan finally came out slowly, the grandma of the Xue family naturally fell in love with Yuan Ning who let Zhang Xiuyan out of the haze.Although it was only the first time they met, she already saw that Yuan Ning was a considerate and well-behaved child.

In the evening, the two uncles of the Xue family also came back, as well as their two children.The two children liked Yuan Ning very much and took him out to build a snowman and have a snowball fight.Zhang Xiuyan stood under the eaves and watched, lest they run outside to play outside the road.

At nine o'clock, Zhang Xiuyan urged Yuan Ning to go to bed.The two children followed to Yuan Ning's room, pulled Yuan Ning and whispered: "Big cousin is scary, right? I told you to sleep so early!"

Yuan Ning said: "I used to go to bed after eight o'clock at home." He defended Zhang Xiuyan, "Big brother is not scary, but he is fine. Early to bed and early to rise is good for health and can grow taller!"

Yuan Ning spoke very seriously, and the two children also had doubts: "Then why are Sister Xiuxiu and Brother Xiuwen so afraid of Big Brother?"

Yuan Ning didn't know how to answer, so he could only stress sullenly: "Brother is very good, very good."

The two children originally wanted to sleep next to Yuan Ning so that they could continue chatting, but they were soon carried back by their mother.After the door was closed, Yuan Ning fell asleep on the warm bed.

The black silk thread in the "dream" is much less.Ivory told Yuan Ning that during this period of time, there were those beautiful light spots falling one after another, which melted the black silk thread a lot, and the water in the pond was already half full. After a while, the fish might be able to swim into the pond freely. Life.

The little wild boars have grown thick bristles and are no longer suitable for being hugged. They have their own personalities. For example, the youngest Liu Liu is very similar to Luo Yuanliang and doesn't like to talk at all; the oldest boss is a chatterbox. Taking care of the five younger brothers to prevent them from drinking too much spring water greedily, when they saw Yuan Ning, they would talk to Yuan Ning about Luo Yuanliang's affairs.

——why the snow was too heavy and the birch forest was buried by the snow, what ducks flew into the mountains and rarely reappeared, why Luo Yuanliang made a lot of cured chickens and ducks to give to Yuan Ning as a New Year gift—I don’t know where it came from How do you know so many things.

Yuan Ning listened with gusto.After knowing Luo Yuanliang's plan, he also started to save money, planning to buy some New Year's goods for Luo Yuanliang as a gift in return.

For some reason, Zhaofu has not come to the "dream" recently, and Yuan Ning is a little worried.Ivory comforted him: "It's almost Chinese New Year, Mr. Xie will be very busy, he has to keep running, he must be very tired."

Yuan Ning nodded, and talked with the little wild boars for a while before leaving the "dream".

When Yuan Ning woke up, he saw that the window was covered with a thin layer of ice.He rolled over and got out of bed, ran to the window and opened it.The cold air rushed into the house accompanied by the north wind, and Yuan Ning felt that his tiny lungs were filled with it.It's a bit cold, but very refreshing. He especially likes the fresh air, and he feels refreshed after just a few breaths.

Yuan Ning quickly washed his face and brushed his teeth, looked at the small watch on his wrist, put on his sportswear and ran out.The timing was just right, and Zhang Xiuyan happened to open the door and come out.

Yuan Ning liked this kind of day very much, and shouted happily: "Brother!"

Zhang Xiuyan's heart seemed to be filled with something.He led Yuan Ning out, crossed the road along the zebra crossing, greeted the guards, and took Yuan Ning to the morning exercise at the university opposite.

It was the first time for Yuan Ning to come here, and he was full of curiosity about this spacious and bright university campus.He couldn't help asking: "Brother, is this a university? If Yuan Bo and I are admitted to a university, can we study here together?"

Zhang Xiuyan said, "Not necessarily."

Yuan Ning frowned, not quite understanding.Yuan Bo clearly said that he could see each other often after he was admitted to university!

Zhang Xiuyan patiently explained: "There are many universities, some in the capital, some in our home, and some in grandma's side - there are also many good universities abroad. If you want to study together, you have to take the same exam. University."

Yuan Ning understood, and nodded vigorously, thinking in his heart that he should ask Grandma Xue what colleges he had, and then discuss with Yuan Bo which college he should go to.

Zhang Xiuyan knew what Yuan Ning was thinking and did not disturb Yuan Ning's thinking.It is also good to understand these earlier and set goals earlier, at least you will not be easily tempted by everything outside.

The two jogged around the campus, occasionally seeing an old professor who was about the same age as Xue's grandma walking in the morning light.Zhang Xiuyan used to come here often, knew these old professors well, and stopped to greet them politely from time to time.

Yuan Ning listened to them quietly, and immediately followed Zhang Xiuyan to shout when the other party looked at him.From the conversations between these old professors and Zhang Xiuyan, Yuan Ning knew that Zhang Xiuyan was not as precocious and reticent as he is now. After having younger brothers and sisters, although he gradually became able to take care of others, he did not lose his childlike heart.An old professor also said that he remembered that Zhang Xiuyan often followed Grandpa Xue to “attend lectures” and helped Grandpa Xue snatch Grandma Xue back from the student pile—Grandma Xue was very popular among students and was often called Asking questions until late.

Yuan Ning was engrossed in listening, and from time to time secretly looked at Zhang Xiuyan, looking carefully at his stern and serious face like Mr. Zhang's.Did the eldest brother have a childhood too?What was big brother like when he was a child?Sounds like it's not the same as it is now...

Yuan Ning ran back with Zhang Xiuyan, the grandma of the Xue family had already woken up and was making breakfast in the kitchen.Her cooking skills are obviously very good, and Yuan Ning smelled the tangy aroma of porridge as soon as she entered the room.Yuan Ning ran into the kitchen: "Grandma, do you want me to help?"

The grandma of the Xue family looked at Yuan Ning lovingly: "No need, it's fine. How about this, you take out the bowl, and I'll serve the porridge right away."

Yuan Ning immediately agreed: "Okay!"

The grandma of the Xue family watched Yuan Ning take the bowl back and forth with her short legs, and thought of Zhang Xiuyan leading Yuan Ning to run back just now.

Zhang Xiuyan learned the habit of running in the morning from his grandfather.Zhang Xiuyan's two uncles both work in other places. Zhang Xiuyan will come to accompany the two old guys every long vacation. Zhang Xiuyan's grandpa likes this grandson the most. Di Kua Zhang Xiu is strict, smart and stable, and he is like him in everything.

The grandmother of the Xue family was afraid that Zhang Xiuyan would think of his grandfather who loved him the most when he went for a morning run, but when he saw Yuan Ning running with him, he felt relieved.She could tell that Zhang Xiuyan really loved this younger brother who had been in the Zhang family for less than a year.

She also likes such a caring and obedient child.

After breakfast, Zhang Xiuyan had something to discuss with his two uncles, and Yuan Ning accompanied Xue's grandma to make dumplings.Yuan Ning was still young, and the shape he made was not as beautiful as that of Xue's grandma, but he was not depressed, and imitated Xue's grandma's movements earnestly.Ms. Xue joined in after finishing the porridge, and the three of them quickly wrapped up the whole family's food.

It was still early, the grandma of the Xue family put the dumplings in the refrigerator to freeze, and sat down to talk to Yuan Ning.Yuan Ning was still thinking about Zhang Xiuyan's words, and took the opportunity to ask the Xue family's grandma which universities she could take. After hearing this, Xue's family grandma felt that Yuan Ning had ambition, so she introduced domestic universities to Yuan Ning with a smile.Yuan Ning memorized while listening, keeping the words of Grandma Xue's family firmly in his heart.

The two children of the Xue family also ran over to listen. After hearing the interesting introduction from the Xue family's grandma, they immediately yelled about which university they were going to take.Yuan Ning didn't shout out like them, but his eyes were shining brightly, and he gradually gained direction in his heart.

The two children couldn't sit still, so they dragged Yuan Ning to play.Grandma Xue pointed to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and urged: "Play where I can see it."

The three children agreed and ran out happily.

The grandma of the Xue family looked at Ms. Xue, who had been listening by the side, and said, "Xiao Yao, your father and your two elder brothers love you the most when you are at home. They did not agree to marry you into the Zhang family at first." , but I see that you really like it, so I persuaded them for you."

The grandma of the Xue family suddenly talked about the past, and Ms. Xue was slightly stunned.She yelled, "Mom..."

The grandma of the Xue family said: "It is not easy to live a good life in a family like the Zhang family. Xinghuai likes you from the bottom of his heart and protects you in everything, which keeps you away from those troublesome disputes. But you have already She is the mother of several children, so she should learn to grow up." She grabbed Ms. Xue's hand, "You should be their harbor, do you understand that?"

Mr. Zhang is the kind of profit-oriented and work-oriented character, but he chose Ms. Xue in marriage, which is not helpful to his future. He just likes Ms. Xue's innocence and softness.

But the person who was supposed to be a warm haven for her husband and children completely collapsed after losing her youngest son.

Ms. Xue said, "Mom, I understand. It's just me..."

"Don't say you can't do it." Xue's grandma said, "When your father died, I thought I would go with him. But some things survived, and I got through it. Sometimes when I go back to school, I also I can't help but look at the last row, thinking that your father is still sitting there with Xiu Yan, and let Xiu Yan come and compete with the students after class... But if he is gone, he is gone, and the living people have to spend their lives Go on."

"I know." Ms. Xue's nose was sore, "Xinghuai also said that. I promise, whether there is news of Mingming or not, I will take good care of my body and spirit, and take good care of the children."

"That's right." Grandma Xue patted the back of Ms. Xue's hand, "Mingming is your child, and they are all your children. Don't forget this just because you lost Mingming."

When Yuan Ning and the two children of the Xue family came back, the grandma of the Xue family was sorting out the photo album.The grandma of the Xue family waved to Yuan Ning: "Ning Ning, come here and take a look at the photos of your elder brother when he was a child."

Yuan Ning's eyes lit up, and he ran over, leaned over the table and looked at the photo album that Grandma Xue had opened.In the photo, Zhang Xiuyan was about the same size as him. Although his clothes were decent, his face was a little more childish, and he didn't look cold and stern at all.

The eldest brother looked soft when he was young.

The grandma of the Xue family turned back and told Yuan Ning about Zhang Xiuyan's childhood.

Yuan Ning was enthralled.

It turned out that the eldest brother was like this when he was a child!

Zhang Xiuyan came down from upstairs, and what he saw was Yuan Ning's eyes shining. He pointed to a photo in the album and asked, "Is this naked kid the eldest brother?"

Zhang Xiuyan: "..."

Yuan Ning felt the temperature around him drop suddenly.He glanced at Zhang Xiuyan with a stinky face, ran over and said, "Brother, you're done!"

Grandma Xue looked at them with a smile.

Zhang Xiuyan felt that his elder brother's majesty could only throw away his helmet and armor in front of Yuan Ning forever, retreating steadily."I'm going to buy a camera right now," he said.

Yuan Ning had a bad feeling.

Zhang Xiuyan looked at him leisurely and said, "I'll take some photos of your bare butt as a souvenir."

Yuan Ning: ..._(:3」∠)_

Brother is angry!Big brother looks kind of scary!

Sure enough, Zhang Xiuyan got a new camera.Yuan Ning was always vigilant, afraid that Zhang Xiuyan would break into the door and take pictures of her naked buttocks when she was taking a shower.Later, he found out that Zhang Xiuyan only occasionally took pictures of himself and Xue's grandma, so he felt relieved.He took courage and asked Zhang Xiuyan to teach him how to take pictures, and he figured out how to use the new camera in a short while.

Zhang Xiuyan saw that although Yuan Ning's hands were small, they held them securely, so he left the camera in his hand.Yuan Ning felt fresh, and took pictures of Zhang Xiuyan every day, and soon used up a roll of film.

Zhang Xiuyan took Yuan Ning to the photo studio to post photos.

Yuan Ning was at the age when he was curious about everything, so he followed the owner of the photo studio into the dark room that smelled like medicine, and stared at it for a long time.

The boss's technology is very solid, and he developed the film they brought in less than an hour and gave them a whole stack of photos.Yuan Ning thinks that the small film is really amazing, it is only so small, but it can clearly leave everything on the photo.

It was the first time he saw the photos he had taken, and he sat aside and looked at them with great interest, and handed the photos to Zhang Xiuyan from time to time, so that Zhang Xiuyan could also look at himself in the photos.

Zhang Xiuyan just glanced at it lightly, without making any comments.In fact, even he didn't know that he had so many expressions. They all looked similar, but Yuan Ning said with certainty that he was angry or happy at that time.

Yuan Ning stared at Zhang Xiuyan all the way, and secretly hid two photos after returning home, and gave the rest to Grandma Xue.The grandma of the Xue family patted Yuan Ning's head: "Your elder brother doesn't like taking pictures more and more now, and I will depend on you to get your elder brother's photos in the future."

Yuan Ning patted her small chest, and promised boldly: "No problem, leave it to me!"

Zhang Xiuyan glanced at him, but didn't open his mouth to tear him down.

The future seemed suddenly exciting.

No matter how happy I am with Grandma Xue, I still have to go back.Ms. Xue was already 27 years old when she brought Zhang Xiuyan and Yuan Ning home. Mr. Zhang was about to have a short vacation and they wanted to go back to their home together.Yuan Ning asked Zhang Xiuyan to take him to buy some new year's goods, and planned to entrust Cheng Zhong to pass them on to Luo Yuanliang—Cheng Zhong would come to give Mr. Xie some pasture specialties at the end of every year.

Zhang Xiuyan also prepared a copy for Luan Jia by the way, and took Yuan Ning to Luan Jia's house before returning to his home.Luan Jia looked in good spirits, much more energetic than before, when he saw Zhang Xiuyan and Yuan Ning, he jumped up happily, hugged Yuan Ning and did not let go.

Zhang Xiuyan's forehead was throbbing with veins.

Huo Sen was wearing an apron and cooking in the kitchen. Seeing Zhang Xiuyan coming with big bags, he offered an invitation: "Let's stay for dinner."

Luan Jia has already been conquered by Huo Sen's cooking skills: "Yes, yes, Huo Sen's cooking is delicious." In order to be able to eat the delicious food made by Huo Sen, he can tolerate smoking a few cigarettes a day.He also knows that smoking is not good, but there is no one around to persuade him, how could he take the initiative to quit it?It’s really uncomfortable to control the addiction to cigarettes now, but Huo Sen usually takes him to the gym, makes him so tired that he doesn’t want to move on the bed, and rewards his hungry stomach with delicious food, he doesn’t miss the spicy smell of cigarettes too much .

Seeing Luan Jia's proud face, Zhang Xiuyan knew that Luan Jia had accepted Huo Sen.Remembering that Huo Sen said that he would accompany Luan Jia until Luan Jia became an adult, Zhang Xiuyan was completely relieved and asked Luan Jia: "Aren't you going to Luan Jia's house for the New Year this year?"

A trace of disgust flashed across Luan Jia's face: "No." He remembered the last time he went back, not only his father took a woman back, but also several relatives from his aunt's family kept coming to his father's side, which made him upset.The memory left by Luan's family was so bad that he didn't want to go back even once.

Huo Sen put the soup down to boil, wiped his hands, and walked out of the kitchen: "I will celebrate the New Year here this year." Huo Sen took advantage of the situation and asked Zhang Xiuyan about the customs of Chinese New Year, and he went to find someone to learn from.

Zhang Xiuyan answered Huo Sen's questions meticulously.

Luan Jia was stunned when he heard it: "I didn't even know there were so many things."

Yuan Ning responded face-to-face: "I don't know either!"

Zhang Xiuyan and Huo Sen ignored them.

Luan Jia dragged Yuan Ning upstairs to play, and didn't want to talk to them anymore!

At the age of 28, Mr. Zhang took Yuan Ning and the three of them home.Hearing that Mr. Zhang was serious, Yuan Ning was a little nervous.Along the way, he looked at Zhang Xiuyan, then at Mr. Zhang, imagining the three of them sitting together, and it felt even more terrifying.

Yuan Ning moved to Zhang Xiuyan's side.He knew that the grandma of the Xue family would treat him so well because Zhang Xiuyan would mention him on the phone, and the grandma of the Xue family loved him so much.Zhang's family seems to be different, they are not close, and Zhang Xiuyan doesn't call them very often.

This is the first time he has shown his face on the Zhang family's side.

Zhang Xiuyan noticed Yuan Ning's nervousness and asked, "Want to go to the bathroom?"

Yuan Ning: "..."

Yuan Ning shook her head hastily, wanting to ask what the Zhang family was like, but she dared not speak because Mr. Zhang and Ms. Xue were nearby.He knew that his elder brother would definitely protect him, and persuaded himself to sit in peace.After driving for nearly an hour and a half, Yuan Ning arrived at Zhang's home.

Usually Zhang's family can't get together, but when the year 28 comes, people come back one after another.Zhang Xiuyan took Yuan Ning's hand and taught Yuan Ning to recognize people one by one, but there were too many Zhang family members. Slowly match the person with the title.

Zhang Xiuling and Zhang Xiuwen were brought by Mr. Zhang to learn painting. When they heard Yuan Ning coming, they ran out immediately and dragged Yuan Ning to see Mr. Zhang.Before Yuan Ning could react, he entered Mr. Zhang's yard under the envious eyes of everyone.

Mr. Zhang was sitting there with a straight face.

Zhang Xiuling and Zhang Xiuwen obediently admitted their mistake: "Grandpa, we only went out when we heard that Ning Ning was coming." Zhang Xiuling took Yuan Ning's hand and stepped forward, "This is Ning Ning, he is brave, I told you Yes, Zhaofu went crazy at that time, it was very scary, Ningning pushed me away, and blocked Zhaofu by himself!"

Mr. Zhang's sharp eyes fell on Yuan Ning.

Yuan Ning was a little shy, but still bravely stood in front of Mr. Zhang, looking at Mr. Zhang with dark eyes.Mr. Zhang is indeed very similar to Mr. Zhang and his elder brother!It's just that there are some silver hairs on the head and some wrinkles on the face, but the serious eyes, the stern look, and the lips drawn into a line all look so similar.Yuan Ning didn't feel the disgust or dislike of Mr. Zhang, and cautiously followed Zhang Xiuling and Zhang Xiuwen and shouted: "...Grandpa."

Mr. Zhang twitched his face, and asked, "You don't like being in Zhang's family?"

Yuan Ning was taken aback.He felt that Mr. Zhang seemed very dissatisfied, and stammered: "No, no, everyone is fine..."

Mr. Zhang said, "Then why don't you want to change your surname to Zhang?" How many people want to be members of Zhang's family, but they can't be. This little guy obviously has the opportunity to change his surname, but he just pushed the opportunity away.

Yuan Ning said: "Father said that it is not necessary to change it." He remembered Ying Shaorong saying that he was a disgusting illegitimate child, and he was a little confused. Are you a family member? But, but I changed my name, so I’m still me.” Yuan Ning couldn’t figure out what the difference was, and Mr. Ming Mingzhang said that he could choose either one.

Mr. Zhang looked at Yuan Ning with puzzled eyes, and somehow understood why his son and grandson accepted this child so quickly.This child is very obedient and innocent, but he has his own persistence in his innocence. Such a child is the most irresistible for them.

At this time Zhang Xiuyan also came in, and he called out politely: "Grandpa."

Mr. Zhang nodded.

He ended the topic just now, and said to Zhang Xiuyan: "Write me a couplet later, and I will post it at the door."

Zhang Xiuyan agreed, and his eyes fell on Yuan Ning.

Mr. Zhang heard Zhang Xiuling and Zhang Xiuwen chanting Yuan Ning these few days, and his ears grew callused. He naturally knew this grandson's preference for Yuan Ning.He waved his hand and said, "This kid's room is next to yours. Take him there."

Zhang Xiuyan led Yuan Ning away.

Yuan Ning followed closely behind Zhang Xiuyan.

After leaving the courtyard, Zhang Xiuyan asked, "What did Grandpa tell you?"

Yuan Ning paused, and told the truth: "Grandpa asked me why I didn't want to change my surname." He repeated his doubts just now, hoping to get an answer from Zhang Xiuyan.

Zhang Xiuyan raised his hand and swept his head, and said, "There is no difference. No matter whether your surname is Zhang or Yuan, you are you and a member of our Zhang family. If someone questions you in the future, you should be open and honest." Refute them." He paused, "Although the surname Zhang represents many things, as long as you are promising, it doesn't matter what your surname is - the name is just a code name for a person, and the meaning it represents can only be given by yourself. .”

Yuan Ning nodded vigorously, expressing his understanding.After going through the incident at the end of the semester, Yuan Ning faintly realized that he would bring a lot of similar troubles if he didn't choose to change his surname to Zhang, and Mr. Zhang's questioning also proved this point.After listening to Zhang Xiuyan's words, Yuan Ning no longer cared about these things.

Yuan Ning firmly assured Zhang Xiuyan: "I will work hard."

Zhang Xiuyan took Yuan Ning to the courtyard where he used to live.The Zhang family's old house is an old-fashioned house, with antique buildings and decorations, and the garden is well-maintained, with some flowers blooming and green in winter.Yuan Ning packed the luggage that Zhang Xiuyan helped bring over, and ran to Zhang Xiuyan's room to look for Zhang Xiuyan.

Zhang Xiuyan handed Yuan Ning a ruler: "Measure the size and mark it. I want to cut the paper and write couplets for Grandpa."

Yuan Ning heard Zhang Xiuyan mention the couplets, and he was very enthusiastic about this work, so he marked it on the paper according to Zhang Xiuyan's request.He stayed aside and watched Zhang Xiu cut the paper neatly, took the pen and ink and wrote the couplet.

Zhang Xiuyan's calligraphy was learned from the Xue family's grandfather since he was a child, and there is a shadow of the Xue family's grandfather in every line.He chose a pair of auspicious couplets and wrote them, and wrote the second Spring Festival couplets.He stopped and checked it twice, hung the couplets on the table, and explained the meaning of the two couplets to Yuan Ning.

Most of these couplets are as good as they want to be written, and how auspicious they are. Zhang Xiuyan has practiced calligraphy since he was a child, and he can compose such couplets casually in his mind, and he is naturally familiar with explaining them to Yuan Ning.

Yuan Ning was amazed when he heard it: "Brother knows so much!" He understood that these couplets represented good wishes for the new year and important people.

Seeing that the ink was dry, Zhang Xiuyan asked Yuan Ning to take it to Mr. Zhang.

Mr. Zhang had already asked Zhang Xiuling and Zhang Xiuwen to play by themselves, and was watching birds in the corridor with their hands behind their backs.Seeing Zhang Xiuyan and Yuan Ning coming over, he didn't look at the couplet written by Zhang Xiuyan, and said directly: "Help me paste it."

With the assistance of Yuan Ning, Zhang Xiuyan posted the couplets on the door of Mr. Zhang's study and bedroom.

Mr. Zhang walked over with the birdcage in his hand, stood at the door of the study and looked at it for a while, with a dazed expression on his face.He sighed: "How did your grandfather just leave?"

Zhang Xiuyan fell silent.

Yes, why don't you just leave?

Grandpa Xue was already ill, and Zhang Xiuming lost it under his nose again, how can he bear it in his heart?Seeing that Zhang Xiuming could not be found, Ms. Xue collapsed, and Grandpa Xue couldn't hold on anymore.Such an open-minded person, when he was about to leave, he was always brooding, holding his hand and repeatedly telling him that he must find his younger brother and take good care of his mother and younger siblings...

Mr. Zhang never took his eyes off the couplet.He and the grandfather of the Xue family are painting friends who have known each other for many years. They both love painting, but he is an amateur, while the grandfather of the Xue family is a professional.When the country was in turmoil, all the friends of Grandpa Xue went abroad, only Grandpa Xue refused to leave because of his tough bones.Grandpa Xue's bones were hard, but his body was not that hard. Since then, he has collapsed, and thanks to his tolerance, he survived no matter how hard or tired he was.

If Zhang Xiuming, the grandson, hadn't suddenly had an accident over there, the grandfather of the Xue family might have survived for a few more years.

Among so many sons, he valued Zhang Xiuyan's father the most; among so many grandchildren, he loved Zhang Xiuyan and the others the most.Thinking of the hardships that his old friend had encountered in his life, Mr. Zhang couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Mr. Zhang said: "It's thanks to you that you can learn his handwriting." He looked at Zhang Xiuyan, "No matter how busy you are in the future, don't waste it."

Zhang Xiuyan nodded, and led Yuan Ning to eat and rest.

The next day is New Year's Eve.

Zhang Xiuyan woke up early in the morning and was about to lead Yuan Ning to morning exercises, but Yuan Ning came out holding a pair of couplets, ran to Zhang Xiuyan and said, "Brother, I also wrote a couplet for you!" He was a little embarrassed, " But I can't write well." The elder brother said that the couplets represent good wishes, and he also wanted his elder brother to be happy in the new year.

Zhang Xiuyan looked at the couplet in Yuan Ning's hand, the red paper was neatly cut, and the characters on it were neatly written.Yuan Ning has only started practicing calligraphy for half a year, and his writing is not particularly good, but it is already very good for a six or seven-year-old kid—at least it is neat and clear, and it can be seen that he is writing with great care.

Zhang Xiuyan didn't know what to say for a while.

He bent over and picked up Yuan Ning, asked Yuan Ning to take off the paste on the bookshelf, and said, "You stick it on both sides of the door."

"Do you really want to post it?" Yuan Ning hesitated, "But my writing is not good-looking." He just wanted to write to his eldest brother.

"It's already pretty." Zhang Xiuyan carried Yuan Ning to the door and asked Yuan Ning to smear the couplets with paste.

After Yuan Ning finished pasting one side, Zhang Xiuyan hugged him and backed away a little, and together with Yuan Ning, he checked whether the pasting was crooked.

A pair of couplets will be posted soon.

Yuan Ning felt that his writing was not good enough.He said sullenly: "I knew I would write it a few more times." He put his arms around Zhang Xiuyan's neck, "I also don't know how to write couplets by myself, I can only write according to elder brother's."

Zhang Xiuyan's voice was slightly hoarse: "I will teach you later."

Yuan Ning said happily: "Good!"