"In Beijing, we didn’t stay outside. My uncle and aunt wouldn’t let us leave. During the day, they and my grandma took turns taking us into the city to play, and at night we could watch movies in the big courtyard."

"Ping’an from our family also took us around the big courtyard. Some old gentlemen inside asked why Grandpa didn’t come to Beijing. They even asked us brothers to send a message to him. They said they moved to a new courtyard and Grandpa hasn’t been there yet, so he should wait until the weather warms up and stay for a while."

As soon as Zhang the Second’s son finished speaking, he joked, "Dad, you have quite the social circle, huh? So many people miss you. Son, did you mention that your grandpa is very busy right now?"

Shi Tou nodded with a smile, "I did. I think it’s not as good as here. Going in and out requires registration, it’s quite a hassle."

"Little rascal, do you think any ordinary person can go in there? I heard from Grandpa Zuo that even getting close to the gate isn’t allowed."

"Dad, it’s not that exaggerated. Living there isn’t too great. The bugle is always sounding every day. While we’re there, seeing my uncle and them going for a run early in the morning makes us a little embarrassed to sleep in. Later, we joined them for exercise, which exhausted us."

Mr. Zhang patted his grandson’s forehead, "You can’t handle this? Ping’an hasn’t missed a day since he was five years old. Your uncle even planned that when the Liu Yi brothers turn five, they have to do the same."

"Hehe... the two little ones stretch their arms and legs early every day, telling us they want to grow up fast so they can hunt and make money early, hahaha, which cracked us up..."

Mr. Zhang looked speechlessly at the group of giggling children. What’s so funny about it? Kids, having such ambition at a young age should make you reflect seriously, shouldn’t it?

Once they laughed enough, Mr. Zhang waved his hand, "Starting tomorrow, you all have to get up early and go for a run too. Old Zhang the First and Zhang the Second, you too. If Chunming and Xiao Bin aren’t on night shifts, they should run a few laps as well."

"Huh?"

"Surprised?" Mr. Zhang scanned the children, speaking slowly and calmly, "If you can’t go to college, have you thought about the path for these kids?"

"Have you seen those educated youths? They all come from big cities. If they can go to the countryside, haven’t you considered if it might happen to your own kids?"

Zhang the Second understood his father’s meaning. No matter what, you need to have a good physique first, otherwise, you’ll be like those educated youths from the city who can barely take care of themselves.

He looked at his older brother, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law. Right now, they don’t count since the family is full of toddlers. His oldest son Shi Tou is just fourteen and finishing high school, so there’s no rush.

But his older brother and sister-in-law... thinking about it, he lowered his eyes, he’d really need to go out more often during this time to see if any factories or units are hiring.

Huang Cuilan quickly tugged at her husband’s sleeve. So what about the Zuo You brothers? Finding a job isn’t so easy, and she can’t bear to let the children join the army and not see them for a year, and what if there’s a war?

Zhang Guofu glanced at her coldly, seeing her immediately let go, he sighed quietly. As a father, hasn’t he thought about his son’s future?

Seeing everyone silent, Zhang Meili clapped her hands, "Come on, it’s not something imminent. Look how frightened you are. Let’s listen to our dad for now, starting tomorrow, you all go for a run."

Zhang Chunming nodded, "Yes! I’ll join you brothers for exercise on the days I don’t go to work. I’m quite envious of my uncle’s muscular build."

His sidekick Zicong burst into laughter, "Dad, that’s a far-off goal, let’s be more realistic."

Zhang Meili slapped him on the head, "How do you speak to your father? No respect for elders!"

"Why hit the kid?!" Zhang Chunming quickly hugged his younger son, complaining softly.

"Haha, dad, it didn’t hurt at all. My mom always raises her hand high but drops it softly, and I’m wearing thick clothes."

Mr. Zhang shook his head seeing this. His daughter is too quick-tempered! He still needs his wife to mediate; the child is so big now, why embarrass them in front of everyone?

Zhang the Second immediately laughed, "Sis, do you strike so directly in the union too?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Haha, my brother-in-law might spoil you, but your temper is getting stronger by the day. My nephew is so good, so filial and with a sense of humor, he’s much better than Shi Tou."

Zhang Meili looked at her husband, "You say your nephew is better than Shi Tou, but I don’t agree. All the kids in our family are good kids, though I do agree my brother-in-law is indeed wonderful."

Ah, not bad, she knows how to stand up for her man. Zhang the Second laughed to himself but felt more at ease. His brother-in-law is indeed good, but every man wants a gentle wife.

He’s truly worried that his assertive sister inadvertently embarrasses her husband in front of others. People who are upset tend to overthink, and no amount of affection can withstand such troubles.

Zhang Chunming tugged his wife, "We’re not young anymore, let’s sit down."

"We can’t say such things in front of our parents." Zhang Meili laughed, "Kids’ father, in the future, don’t be too nice to the kids, just be nice to me. When we retire, like mom and dad, we’ll live on our own."

Well said, Zhang Chunming nodded with a smile. He’s already planned, one married couple will separate from the other, later they two will live with their youngest daughter.

Seeing this scene, Zhang the Second glanced at Zhang Guofu, and the brothers smiled wryly at each other. One willing to fight, one willing to endure, they worried for nothing.

"Dad, what we need to focus on now are the Zuo You brothers and Zi Wu. No matter what the future holds, we should start preparing."

Mr. Zhang agreed with his second son’s opinion. He nodded, contemplated for a moment, and said, "That works. They’ll graduate this year, so start inquiring, whether it’s temporary work or permanent positions."

Xiao Zuo, Xiao You, and Zi Wu exchanged looks and remained silent. With so many people around, they couldn’t openly discuss the results of their talk with their uncle.

"What about your big uncle and little uncle?"

Mr. Zhang squinted at the second one, this crafty son of his. If Xiao Wu was here, he wouldn’t have asked this question. When an opportunity arises, he would seize it for his cousins without hesitation.

"Just handle it yourself. Finding a job is not like picking a radish, it’s not easy."

Ultimately, Mr. Zhang couldn’t help but feel for his own son, he smiled and shook his head. People say sons resemble their fathers, even he is selfish deep down.

Next to him, Mother Zhang opened her mouth, but then closed it.

The third family’s grandson can wait a bit longer, but Qing Shan’s Tong Suo isn’t able to wait any longer. That child has been idling in the village all winter; his mother even dismisses potential brides, and the two argue endlessly. This is no solution.

If the elder were here, he wouldn’t let Old Zhang’s first great-grandchild waste his days. Normally, their branch should lend a hand, but what if it involves their second son’s future?

With a mother’s heart, Mother Zhang hesitated and decided to follow her husband’s lead.

It’s his own grand-nephew; surely, he won’t neglect him, right?