Chapter 54: New Year’s Visits and Lingering Troubles

“I’ll take these things back first. You two can walk slowly, and I’ll come back for you.” Song Wenbin hoisted the large sack of grain he’d bought onto his shoulder, then picked up another bag of cabbages. After a quick word to Xiang Chen and Xu Hengzhou, he turned and strode briskly towards home.

Xiang Chen carried a basket in each hand. One was filled with oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, matches, soap, and other such necessities.

Though these items were small and inexpensive, they had kept him busy for the entire morning.

The other basket held a piece of meat, several pork ribs, and pig ears and tail. The butcher had come to recognize their family and had even saved a particularly good bone for them.

Xu Hengzhou also carried a large burlap sack, brimming with white radishes. In an era without greenhouses, white cabbage and radishes were among the few vegetables available during winter.

Having spent the morning running errands, beads of sweat glistened on Xiang Chen’s forehead. He wanted to remove his scarf, but Xu Hengzhou disagreed, fearing he might catch a cold after sweating and fall ill.

Unable to argue with his older brother, Xiang Chen obediently continued walking home, exhaling warm breaths into the chilly air.

“Brother, are we making dumplings for the New Year?” Xiang Chen asked Xu Hengzhou, recalling Little Tiger’s words. He, too, longed for dumplings.

“We are.” Xu Hengzhou shifted the burlap sack from one hand to the other. “What filling do you want? Still cabbage and pork?”

“Sounds good.” Xiang Chen nodded enthusiastically. His brother’s fillings were always incredibly delicious, making both steamed buns and dumplings utterly delightful.

The thought of food made Xiang Chen’s stomach rumble. He licked his lips and said, “Brother, let’s walk faster. I’m hungry.”

Xu Hengzhou glanced at him. “Didn’t I give you some biscuits? Did you share them with Little Tiger and Liangliang again?”

Xiang Chen chuckled softly. “And Chen Xiaohua…”

“You’re too generous. If you gave them away, why didn’t you come find me for more?” Xu Hengzhou knew immediately that Xiang Chen likely hadn’t eaten many himself. He chided him, yet his footsteps quickened. It wasn’t the biscuits he cared about, but the thought of his little brother being hungry.

“They hadn’t eaten breakfast,” Xiang Chen whispered. “Liangliang and Little Tiger are fine; they have food at home. But Chen Xiaohua would just go hungry.”

After speaking, he recalled his earlier conversation with Chen Xiaohua, and a wave of despondency washed over him. “Brother, can Chen Xiaocao’s ears really not be cured?”

In that era, it was easy to imagine how difficult life would be for a deaf girl.

Xu Hengzhou considered for a moment. “A complete recovery is unlikely, but if we find a renowned doctor, she might improve slightly.” After all, Chen Xiaocao wasn’t entirely deaf; she could still hear a little if someone spoke loudly and close to her.

Upon hearing this, Xiang Chen’s spirits lifted slightly. “Then I’ll tell Chen Xiaohua. She’s been so sad. Knowing there’s hope should make her feel better. As long as there’s hope, it’s enough.”

“Don’t tell her yet,” Xu Hengzhou immediately advised, having heard his plan.

Xiang Chen was puzzled. “Why not?”

“Finding a doctor for treatment is very expensive, and we’d need to travel elsewhere to find a renowned one.” Xu Hengzhou directly pointed out their biggest current obstacle.

Xiang Chen instantly understood. The Chen family would never spend that kind of money on Chen Xiaocao; otherwise, they wouldn’t have delayed her treatment to this extent. Chen Xiaohua was only a little over ten years old; though clever, she certainly wouldn’t have money to treat her sister.

Even if he could convince his brother to provide the money for them, without a letter of introduction, Chen Xiaohua wouldn’t even be able to secretly take Chen Xiaocao for treatment.

In that case, telling Chen Xiaohua this news would only add to her mental burden, serving no significant purpose. It would be better for him to keep an eye out himself and only tell her once he had more information or when Chen Xiaohua was old enough to make her own decisions.

When he expressed these thoughts to his brother, Xu Hengzhou tightened his grip on the bags. He was not optimistic about Chen Xiaocao’s chances of recovery.

It was already 1966, and recent events had made the atmosphere tense. Song Wenbin had also sensed this, frequently contacting old comrades and leaders to inquire about the situation. Xu Hengzhou had also expanded his information channels over the past few years, and the news he gathered was not good.

If history unfolded as it had before, Chen Xiaohua would not be able to seek treatment for Chen Xiaocao in hospitals. She might have to search in various rural villages and farms to find a good doctor.

Thinking of this, Xu Hengzhou added a reminder: “After the New Year, we’re going to the Wei family. If you don’t want to go, tell Uncle Song in advance.”

Wei Hongsheng was Song Wenbin’s comrade-in-arms, and their relationship was very good. After his demobilization, he became the head of the Qingjiang City Armed Forces Department. He was frank and generous, and treated Xiang Chen and Xu Hengzhou well.

When Song Wenbin first arrived in Qingjiang, Wei Hongsheng helped him acquire many things. The small military uniform that Xiang Chen loved most was a gift from Wei Hongsheng, and that very outfit had caused trouble.

That small military uniform was actually made for Wei Hang, Wei Hongsheng’s youngest son, using fabric coupons his wife had saved for a long time. Wei Hang was the same age as Xiang Chen, born earlier in the year, and Madame Wei had prepared the uniform for Wei Hang’s birthday.

When Song Wenbin had just moved, he went looking for clothes for Xiang Chen. Knowing Wei Hongsheng had two boys, he asked for help. Without a second thought, Wei Hongsheng handed over the uniform.

Song Wenbin, unaware of the situation, was told by Wei Hongsheng that it was just a uniform made for his child and it was fine to wear it for now. So, Song Wenbin brought the small military uniform back for Xiang Chen, and that’s when the problems began.

Wei Hang was the youngest son of the Wei family, with an older brother and sister more than ten years his senior. His mother had made him the small military uniform at his own request.

He had eagerly awaited his birthday, only to find the uniform gone. No matter how much his parents tried to persuade him, it was no use. Wei Hongsheng, exasperated by his son’s tantrum, lost his temper.

Wei Hang lost his uniform and received a beating. Unable to resent his parents, he blamed Xiang Chen for the incident.

During the Spring Festival when Xiang Chen was five, Song Wenbin took him to pay new year greetings. Wei Hang publicly called Xiang Chen a little beggar who had stolen his clothes.

The atmosphere was incredibly awkward. Xiang Chen only learned the full story from Wei Hang’s words. Had he known, he would rather have worn his own tattered clothes than Wei Hang’s.

Wei Hongsheng’s face turned ashen. He immediately grabbed Wei Hang and started hitting him in front of everyone. Song Wenbin quickly intervened, and Madame Wei also spoke up, saying it wasn’t right to hit a child during the New Year.

At the time, Song Wenbin had wanted to take his two children home, but Wei Hongsheng insisted they stay and even pulled Wei Hang over to apologize to Xiang Chen. After all, they had been friends for so many years; they couldn’t sever ties over a child’s words.

Xiang Chen reflected that, although he hadn’t known the circumstances, he had indeed worn Wei Hang’s clothes, so it was understandable that Wei Hang felt resentful. Given the relationship between their families, he decided he would simply indulge Wei Hang a little. He wasn’t a real child, after all, so there was no need to quibble.

However, from that point on, Wei Hang seemed to have a vendetta against Xiang Chen. Whenever their families met during holidays, Wei Hang would always seek trouble with Xiang Chen. Even if his father beat him, he would still provoke Xiang Chen.

Xiang Chen found it unbearable. He went back and pleaded with his brother, who found a way to acquire green fabric and made another small military uniform to give to Wei Hang. But Wei Hang accepted the clothes only to become even worse. When Xiang Chen tried to avoid him, Wei Hang would still show up with his father.

The parents hoped their children would get along, but Xiang Chen genuinely couldn’t tolerate Wei Hang. Hearing his brother mention going to the Wei family for New Year, Xiang Chen felt utterly dejected.

“I don’t want to go…” Xiang Chen frowned. “But saying that would make Uncle Song unhappy, and if they come looking for us, it’ll be even more troublesome.”

“Then let’s go,” Xu Hengzhou said indifferently. “It’s just for a meal. Stay by my side, and we’ll come back as soon as we’re done.”

Xiang Chen thought about it and realized that was likely their only option. Fortunately, for some reason, Wei Hang seemed quite afraid of his brother. With his brother around, Wei Hang would at least be a little more restrained.

The two brothers chatted and laughed. As they neared the family residential building, Song Wenbin, having dropped off his things, returned to meet them. He took the large burlap sack from Xu Hengzhou, who then took Xiang Chen’s baskets to carry them himself.

Upon seeing Song Wenbin, Xiang Chen immediately recalled Liangliang’s words. He held back for a moment, but as soon as they entered the house, he eagerly asked, “Uncle Song, are we going to have an aunt soon?”

Song Wenbin choked slightly. He put down the burlap sack and turned to look at Xiang Chen. “Who told you that?”

Xiang Chen’s eyes lit up. ‘There’s something going on!’

“Uncle, Uncle, what kind of girl is she? Do you like her?” Xiang Chen asked, his face upturned and full of curiosity.

Song Wenbin’s face showed a rare trace of awkwardness. He nudged Xu Hengzhou, who was standing by, enjoying the show, and tried to change the subject. “Go get something for Chenchen to eat. Didn’t he miss breakfast?”

“I’m not in a hurry.” Xiang Chen grabbed Song Wenbin’s hand, preventing him from leaving. “Uncle, just tell me. I won’t cause any trouble for you.”

Song Wenbin looked at his two children, hesitated, then said, “It’s not settled yet. Don’t spread rumors, lest you ruin the girl’s reputation.”

‘Comrade Fang Ping is a good girl. I’m not good enough for her. It’s too early to talk about this.’

Xiang Chen and Xu Hengzhou both nodded in agreement. They weren’t the kind of people to act thoughtlessly.

After their conversation, Xu Hengzhou went to make breakfast for Xiang Chen, while Song Wenbin and Xiang Chen organized the newly bought items.

Normally, they would have been in class at this time, but early that year, signs of unrest had emerged, and by the latter half, schools were barely teaching. In June, a notice was issued from above, postponing that year’s college enrollment. About ten days later, the existing national college entrance examination system was abolished, and universities ceased admissions.

That year, Xiang Chen and Xu Hengzhou should have been in their final year of high school. With the schools in chaos and universities no longer admitting students, they both simply returned home.

Xiang Chen was still young and would have to stay home for a few years, while Xu Hengzhou planned to take the factory recruitment exam.

During the New Year, Xiang Chen got his wish and ate dumplings. There were not only cabbage and pork fillings but also radish and tofu. The tofu had been brought by Zhao Qiqin; her grandmother had sent her some from her maternal home and asked her to give half to the Song family.

When Zhao Qiqin arrived, Xu Hengzhou was braising meat. He quickly had Xiang Chen fill a bowl for her to take back.

Neither family liked to take advantage of others. This give-and-take had made their relationship even closer over the past few years.

After the New Year, Song Wenbin took Xiang Chen and Xu Hengzhou to the Wei family to pay their respects. Xiang Chen was reluctant but didn’t show it.

The entire Wei family was present. Wei Yu, the eldest son, was already married with children. The second daughter, Wei Qiaowen, was twenty. She had failed her high school exams and had planned to retake them for university, but with universities no longer admitting students, she could only wait at home for factory recruitment.

Upon entering the Wei family home, Xu Hengzhou and Xiang Chen first paid their New Year greetings to Mr. and Madame Wei. Wei Hongsheng handed them red envelopes. Xu Hengzhou politely declined, reasoning that he was already eighteen by lunar age and it wouldn’t be right to accept a red envelope.

Wei Hongsheng, however, firmly tucked the red envelope into his pocket, then, smiling, gave another to Xiang Chen, before inviting them to eat.

It was cold outside, and Xiang Chen was bundled in thick clothes, wearing a hat and scarf. His face looked round, making him resemble an adorable little bear.

Wei Hang pushed him in the back, then laughed and said, “Xu Xiang Chen, are you a ball? I pushed you, why didn’t you roll away?”

Xiang Chen barely managed to steady himself by grabbing his brother’s arm. He turned to glare at Wei Hang, then ignored him, busying himself with removing his hat and scarf. This was a tactic he had learned over the years: the more he argued with Wei Hang, the more energized Wei Hang became. Wei Hang wasn’t even afraid of his father’s beatings; he just wanted to make Xiang Chen so angry that his eyes turned red.

Wei Hongsheng, hearing Wei Hang’s words, slapped him on the head. “What kind of talk is that? If you spout any more nonsense, get out of here.”

Wei Hang pouted, then reached for a handful of peanuts, slowly shelling and eating them. As soon as his father left, his eyes darted back to Xiang Chen.

Xiang Chen sat beside Xu Hengzhou. The room had a brazier, and it quickly became warm, causing beads of sweat to form on his forehead. Wei Yu’s wife noticed this and told him to take off his outer coat, explaining that it was warm indoors and he could put it back on when they left.

Xiang Chen looked at his brother and, receiving permission, reached out to remove his padded jacket. Beneath, he wore a red sweater. Xu Hengzhou thought red suited him well, so he bought him a red sweater every year.

Xiang Chen indeed looked good in red. With his fair skin, soft black hair, and deep-colored eyes, the red attire further highlighted his delicate features, making him resemble a New Year’s print doll.

“These two children are truly handsome,” Wei Yu’s wife said, putting Xiang Chen’s clothes away in the bedroom. She turned to her husband. “I don’t know how Uncle Song’s two children grew up so well. They’re all born of parents, yet those children are so good-looking. I hear they’re smart and have good temperaments too. If our child grows up to be even half as good, I’ll be satisfied.”

Wei Yu picked up his two-year-old son and chuckled. “Our family isn’t bad either. I’m not ugly, am I? And our little Hang is good-looking too. When our son grows up, he’ll definitely be a handsome boy.”

Wei Yu’s wife caressed her son’s little face, also thinking her son was quite handsome. She tied a small bib around him for when they ate.

Recalling what she had seen outside earlier, she couldn’t help but say to her husband, “What’s wrong with little Hang, do you think? The uniform incident happened so long ago, and Xiang Chen even replaced it for him. Why does he always pick fights with him?”

Concluding that her younger brother-in-law was truly foolish, Wei Yu lifted his son again and coaxed, “Son, don’t ever be like your little uncle! Be like your father, me—so smart!”

Wei Yu’s wife didn’t believe it. “No way. Who makes friends like that? Little Hang has never spoken properly to Xiang Chen; he always bullies him.”

“Don’t I know my own brother?” Wei Yu chuckled. “At first, because of the uniform, he held a grudge and bothered Xiang Chen. Xiang Chen didn’t stoop to his level. Later, he figured it out himself and wanted to play with Xiang Chen, but Xiang Chen ignored him. So he got anxious, couldn’t say anything nice, and only knew how to provoke him. Isn’t that foolish?”

Wei Yu’s wife’s eyes widened. She sighed. “He is a bit foolish. If it were me, I wouldn’t bother with him either!”

She had initially thought her brother-in-law had a poor character and that her in-laws favored him, so she secretly disliked Wei Hang. Now, hearing her husband’s explanation, she suddenly understood why her in-laws were so partial. If a child was so foolish, what were parents supposed to do but look after them more?

In the living room, Wei Hongsheng and Song Wenbin were playing chess. Wei Qiaowen brought a cup of water and offered it to Xu Hengzhou. “Brother Xu, please have some water.”

Xiang Chen, sitting nearby, was struggling to suppress a laugh. He didn’t want to come to the Wei family, and neither did his brother. He disliked it because of Wei Hang, while his brother’s reluctance was due to Wei Qiaowen.

This girl was two or three years older than his brother. When they first met, Xu Hengzhou was still young, and Wei Qiaowen hadn’t developed any particular intentions. She treated their brothers with a detached attitude, and Xiang Chen himself felt she might have looked down on them, though he wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination.

As Xu Hengzhou grew older and taller, Wei Qiaowen’s gaze upon him gradually changed.

It was no wonder she harbored romantic feelings. Xu Hengzhou was not yet eighteen, but he was already over 1.8 meters tall, with a steady character and outstanding demeanor. He lacked the typical youthful impetuousness, appearing slightly older than his actual age. Moreover, his looks were, as Xiang Chen would boast, the best he had seen in the past five years; he hadn’t met a boy more handsome than his brother.

Last year, when Wei Qiaowen first called Xu Hengzhou ‘Brother Xu,’ Wei Hang openly laughed, disregarding his sister’s feelings, which angered Wei Qiaowen so much that she stood up and pummeled him.

Now, Wei Hang had been called to the kitchen to help by his mother, mostly to prevent him from provoking Xiang Chen and angering his father. So, Wei Qiaowen seized the opportunity to offer tea and curry favor.

Xu Hengzhou’s expression remained unchanged. His hand, resting beside him, subtly pinched Xiang Chen’s arm. Xiang Chen understood instantly and quickly took the tea, taking a sip. “Sister Wei, I’m thirsty. Let me drink this cup first.”

Wei Qiaowen’s face stiffened for a moment, but she still smiled. “You drink it. I’ll go pour another cup for your brother.” With that, she stood up, preparing to get more water.

Xu Hengzhou immediately took the cup from Xiang Chen’s hand, drank from it, and said, “No need to trouble yourself. Chenchen and I can share this one.”

Wei Qiaowen had no choice but to sit back down. She then found a topic related to studies and asked Xu Hengzhou for advice.

Xu Hengzhou’s eyelashes were lowered, as if unaware of Wei Qiaowen’s true intentions. He said coolly, “I apologize, but my grades aren’t good, and I haven’t even graduated from high school. My younger brother is very smart; perhaps you could ask him to explain?”

Wei Qiaowen’s face grew even more displeased. After all, she was a high school graduate; what kind of situation was it to have a little brat explain problems to her? He had just skipped a grade; elementary school was so easy, what was so impressive about that?

“No need,” Wei Qiaowen forced a smile. “I suddenly remembered the teacher might have explained it. I’ll think about it myself.”

After saying that, she wanted to find another topic to talk to Xu Hengzhou about, preferably to get rid of the annoying Xiang Chen, who had no sense of tact. No wonder her brother disliked him.

As if on cue, Wei Hang emerged from the kitchen and ran over, pulling Xiang Chen’s arm. “Hey, country bumpkin, come here! I have something cool to show you.”

“I’m not going.” Xiang Chen shook off his hand. “I’ll just play here.”

Wei Qiaowen helped Wei Hang persuade him. “What’s the point of sitting here? Little Hang has something good; let him show you. You can even brag about it to your classmates when you go home.”

Xiang Chen clung to Xu Hengzhou’s arm, refusing to move. He knew he couldn’t be with Wei Hang for long before they’d start arguing. Besides, Wei Qiaowen was still eyeing his brother, and he needed to protect him.

Seeing that he wouldn’t budge, Wei Hang directly grabbed him. “Why are you like a little girl? You look like one, and your personality is like one too. What, can’t you live without your brother?”

Wei Qiaowen also stood up to help Wei Hang pull him. The two of them tugged at one of Xiang Chen’s arms without much care, making Xiang Chen frown and cry out in pain.

Wei Hang immediately let go, but Wei Qiaowen continued to pull hard. Xu Hengzhou’s brows furrowed. He grabbed Wei Qiaowen’s wrist, shaking her hand off. “You’ve hurt him.”

Wei Qiaowen glared at Xiang Chen, who was rubbing his arm, and muttered, “So delicate. It was just a little pull on the arm.”

Xu Hengzhou’s expression was grim. He helped Xiang Chen flex his arm, utterly exasperated by this person. Due to Song Wenbin’s relationship, he couldn’t speak harshly to her, yet this woman seemed oblivious to social cues, constantly trying to get close to him.

With anger simmering inside, Xu Hengzhou spoke to Wei Qiaowen with less politeness than usual. “Sister Wei Qiaowen, my brother doesn’t want to play with your brother. Could you please let us stay here quietly for a while?”

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