Raising Cubs in the 1950s [MTL]

Chapter 36-40

Chapter 36

"Is this the cement they brought in? Hey, I, Lao Sun, have been alive for so many years and have never seen so much cement before!" Lao Sun, a worker at the grain station, looked curiously at the freshly delivered cement piled up in the courtyard, beckoning his fellow workers to join him.

"So, this is cement! I heard that the station manager specially brought it for the grain warehouse and drying yard. You won't find this much anywhere else."

"Speaking of which, the shape of this grain station is starting to take form. I wonder how long we can keep working here. I'm a little reluctant to leave, after all, it's not easy to find a job that provides food, shelter, and pays wages." As he spoke about their future livelihood, Lao Sun appeared somewhat despondent.

"Who can say what will happen in the future? For now, we can only take it one step at a time." A fellow worker patted his shoulder, trying to sound optimistic.

"Lao Sun, Lao Wang, let's get back to work!" Someone shouted from a distance.

"Coming!"

After applying cement to the grain warehouse and drying yard, the construction of the grain station reached a temporary halt, and Zhang Jianjun finally had the opportunity for a couple of days off.

"Jianjun, are you leaving already? We were thinking of having a meal together, chatting and bragging a bit! Look, we even bought some liquor!" Wang Dazhu enthusiastically rushed in from outside, carrying two bottles of white wine in his arms.

"Dazhu, I'm sorry, I need to rush back to see my son. Can you apologize to the others on my behalf? When I come back, I'll treat everyone to a drink." Zhang Jianjun replied while packing his belongings. He had brought quite a lot this time, as he had two days to spare and planned to freshen up at home.

"Alright, I understand that you have your reasons, so I won't insist. But as I see you busily preparing, a hint of envy arises in my heart. But when I think of my own family... well, staying here and having a drink suits me better."

After quickly packing his luggage, Zhang Jianjun went out to buy some pastries, sugar blocks, and a roasted chicken wrapped in oil paper. Then, he hopped on the bicycle he had exchanged and set off on his way home.

By the time he arrived in Donghai, it was already dark. Though there were scattered starlights, Zhang Jianjun's vision was still unclear, relying mostly on his memory to carefully make his way. When he finally caught a glimpse of the faint outline of his home, Zhang Jianjun felt a sense of relief in his heart.

"Dad, is that you?" Before Zhang Jianjun could open the courtyard gate, a tender voice came from behind him.

"It's Dad who's back! Let me weigh you... hmm, not light! Why are you still going out so late? It's not safe! What if someone kidnaps you?" Seeing his son, Zhang Xiaojun, running out from their home, Zhang Jianjun was overjoyed. To come back and see his own little cub immediately lifted his spirits. However, as an old father, he couldn't help but give some admonitions.

"I don't know why, but I just had a feeling that Dad would come back today, so I wanted to come out and see. Besides, there are still many households that haven't gone to sleep yet. If something happens, I can just shout and they'll come running. Uncle Zhang wanted to accompany me, but I couldn't wait and ran out first. I just missed you, Dad!" Being embraced by his father, Zhang Xiaojun realized that his behavior was inappropriate, but ultimately, his desire to see his father won out.

"From now on, you can't be so impulsive. Otherwise, Dad will get angry. You're still young, you can't just run out like that. Stay where you are, and as soon as Dad comes back, he'll come find you." With his son's small arms tightly wrapped around his neck and his body leaning affectionately against him, Zhang Jianjun couldn't bring himself to utter those reproachful words.