Chapter 48: Returning Home in Glory

  "Tangzi, quickly get up. Mom has never blamed you. It's just that your dad and I are not capable of anything. Letting you and Baozi suffer." Tang's mother Liu Feng'e felt a bit self-reproachful. She helped Tang Zheng up repeatedly.

  Tiger, leopard and phoenix, these are the milk names of Tang Zheng's three siblings. In southern Chu, especially in Huan County, people in the mountains like to give their children milk names, thinking it will make them easier to raise. Tang Zheng's milk name is Tiger. When Tang Zheng was born, there were still South China tigers living in these mountains. That was truly the king of the mountains. From the milk name, you can see how much hope and expectation Tang's parents had for their children.

  Tang Dad Tang Dahai is a very introverted person. He is about 1 meter 78 in height, with dark skin and a sturdy body. The whole person looks more robust and more honest. People are like their names. Tang Dad has a broad mind like the sea. No matter when, it is always an optimistic and upward attitude. Unconsciously, this also infected Tang Zheng's siblings.

  Looking at the cars outside. Tang Dahai also spoke up: "Feng'e, don't say those things anymore. Hu'er has brought some friends over. At this time, they must not have eaten much, go fry a few eggs and serve them each a bowl of noodles."

  "Dad and mom, these years, when I was studying at Zhonghai Medical University, I met an old Chinese doctor through diligent work and study. He taught me a lot of skills over the years. Now, I've also become a master. Relying on my medical skills, I've earned some money too. From now on, you two don't have to work so hard anymore. Last time, the money I sent back to you, don't be reluctant to spend it either. Besides, this house is already several decades old, why not let's rebuild a new siheyuan?" Tang Zheng thought a lot about passing down his medical skills and finally found an excuse like this.

  For Tang Zheng, having money is not something to be hidden or concealed. What's the point of making money if you're not going to use it? Having made money, isn't it meant to be used? In ancient times, there was a saying that when one person becomes successful, even their chickens and dogs rise to heaven. As a modern person, this should be even more so. Now that he has the ability, can make money, and has money, he should let his parents enjoy their old age in peace. Let his younger siblings all have a bright future and career prospects.

  "Uncle, aunt. You don't know. The eldest is now formidable. That car outside is the eldest's. Worth hundreds of thousands. From now on, you two elders can just wait to enjoy your blessings." Song Yan also chimed in from the side.

  "Hundreds of thousands? What's going on, Big Sea, go and dismantle the fence at our house, let Tiger drive the car in, don't steal it. Such an expensive thing." Liu Feng'e was a bit nervous.

  Next to him, Tang Dahai's face sank: "What old boss, Tiger, you mustn't do anything illegal outside."

  Song Yan spat out his tongue, and Tang Zheng explained with a smile: "Dad, don't misunderstand, Song Yan is my brother from the same dormitory. There are four of us in the dormitory, I'm the oldest, so they call me 'Old Big'."

  Watching the soft packages of Lanfeng Wang and boxes of Feitian Moutai being unloaded from the car. Tang Dahai wasn't someone who had never seen anything before. Although he hadn't drunk or smoked any, he had heard of them. Just these alone were worth 50,000 yuan. Tang Dahai was also marveling in his heart that Hu Zi had really struck it rich this time.

  After hearing Tang Zheng introduce that the car can be locked, the old couple finally did not tear down the wall of the courtyard. That night, Liu Feng'e took out all the best sheets and quilts at home, and made a bed for Tang Zheng and Song Yan.

  Tang Zheng was still immersed in excitement and happiness at this moment. So many years had passed, until now, he could finally rest assured. From now on, his parents would no longer have to work so hard from dawn till dusk. He, the eldest son of the family, had finally fulfilled his duty as an elder brother.

  The morning in the mountain village is quiet. But today, Tangjiaba Village seems to be exceptionally lively. Tang Zheng hadn't gotten out of bed yet when he heard the commotion outside.

  As soon as I put on my clothes and went out, I saw many neighbors coming over. The origin of the name Tangjiaba Village is due to the small stream on the right side of Tang Zheng's house, which winds down and forms a dam at the village entrance below. Also because everyone here has the surname Tang. According to the records of the clan genealogy, they all branched out from one ancestor.

  So in Huanghai County, a place where ethnic minorities gather, Tangjiaba Village is one of the few purely Han villages. In other words, the villagers can really be related by blood or marriage.

  As soon as Tang Zheng came out, he immediately became the center of attention. Many rural women gathered around him. The seven aunts and eight aunts from different families all started talking at once.

  "Hutou has really made it big, such a good car, I've never seen one like it before, Third Aunt."

  "Third sister, you don't know, right? I know, my husband mentioned it before. This is a Hummer, a car worth several million."

  Tang Zheng smiled and waved, the villagers were all simple and kind. Over the years, his family had a hard time, but they hadn't received less kindness from everyone.

  He took out three or four soft packs of Furongwang cigarettes from the house, and each pack was a separate package. Although they were all villagers, this cigarette was still something they had seen before. During the Chinese New Year, young people from the village who worked outside also brought back this kind of cigarette to show off. Fifty or sixty yuan per pack. Hu Zi really made a fortune. He gave out cigarettes one pack at a time.

  Next to her, Liu Feng's face also showed a satisfied smile, and she was not dissatisfied with Tang Zhong's behavior. She smiled and said: "Take it all, take it all. In these years, our three children have caused trouble for everyone. Our family has also been taken care of by relatives and neighbors. This is what should be done."

  Next, Tang Dahai simply slaughtered a pig he raised at home. All the old and young men in the village were invited over. Each family brought their own tables, chairs, and stools to help out.

  Maotai wine was brought out, and the men in the village were all delighted, saying that Maotai is good. They didn't have a chance to drink it before. Who would have thought that now they can drink it.

  In the village, the oldest old man. According to seniority, Tang Zheng should call out "Grandfather". Over 90 years old. Still sharp and able-bodied. After taking a sip of Maotai, he smacked his lips and shook his head, saying: "Everyone says Maotai is good. I think it's not much different from the glutinous rice wine I brew myself."

  "Old man, don't be stingy, just one cup, 100 yuan, with your millet wine, you can buy 50 kilograms." Next to him, a younger one teased with a smile.

  A lunch, yet it was like a New Year's celebration for the entire Tangjiaba Village. By two o'clock in the afternoon, this gathering had finally calmed down, and many women in the village also stayed behind voluntarily to help clean up the bowls and chopsticks.

  Tang Da Hai had too much to drink and went into the house to sleep. Tang Zheng walked over to Liu Feng E's side and said, "Mom, I want to go to the county to see Little Feng Er. As her older brother, I haven't been back in years. The last time was five years ago during the college entrance exams, and we haven't seen each other for seven years. I don't even know what she looks like now. I'll go take a look at her and buy her some things. It's also my responsibility as an older brother."

  Liu Fengjiao was filled with relief at this moment, her eldest son had finally made a name for himself. Moreover, he was still so down-to-earth and hadn't looked down on the villagers just because he had become wealthy. Liu Fengjiao was very satisfied, stood up straight, wiped her hands on her apron, walked into the room, took out a photo and a note saying: "Go, it's time to take a look, this is Fengzi's photo from last year, this is her teacher's phone number, if you can't find her just give a call."

  Next to him, Tang Zheng's third aunt also smiled and said: "Yes, Tiger, when you were young, Xiaofeng was most close to you, this big brother. Even with Xiaobao, she wasn't as close. Now that you're back in your hometown with glory, it's time for you to go see Xiaofeng. In all these years, she has been thinking about you nonstop, taking you as her idol. She even took the college entrance exam looking up to you."

  To be honest, the age gap between Tang Zheng and Xiao Mei is not small. Tang Zheng was born in '83 and is now 25 years old, while Xiao Mei is a standard post-90s kid, only 18 years old this year, with a difference of seven years. I remember that when she was little, around three or four years old, she would follow me everywhere. At that time, I didn't understand things and hated having her as a burden. Whether scolding her, frightening her, or suddenly running away, although Xiao Mei often ended up crying loudly, she still liked to follow me around.

  Thinking of this, Tang Zheng's face also showed a smile, and he nodded firmly: "Ah, Third Aunt, I know, you can rest assured."

  After turning around on the lawn at the entrance of the courtyard, Tang Zheng and Song Yan drove out of the village together, slowly heading towards Huan County. At more than 3 pm, the car stopped in front of the gate of Huan No.1 Middle School.

  This is Tang Zheng's alma mater. His three-year high school career was spent here. Even the second college entrance examination was arranged by his old class teacher, Guo. As for the daily schedule of this place, Tang Zheng knew it like the back of his hand.

  At this time, there were still more than two hours before school was dismissed. Looking at Song Yan in the passenger seat, Tang Zhen smiled and said: "Lao Xiao, I'll go buy something and see my teacher."

  Here is the translation:

  At the school gate, Tang Zheng was still very familiar with this place. He directly found a store that recycled cigarettes and wine. He bought two boxes of Hua Diao Jiu and spent 3,200 yuan. Then, he also bought a pair of Wuliangye 15-year-old Chen Nian, spending a total of around 8,000 yuan.

  He walked over to the security room and smiled: "Old Zhou, I'm going in to see Teacher Guo, Guo Renhui. He was my teacher back then."

  For Tang Zheng's arrival, Mr. Guo seemed very happy. He talked about Tang Zheng's studies and work, and when he heard that Tang Zheng was working at Zhonghai No. 1 Hospital, Mr. Guo was also delighted. Before he knew it, it was almost five o'clock. Only then did Tang Zheng decline Mr. Guo's invitation to stay longer and walked out of the teacher's residential area.

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