Chapter 611 Children 2
In this courtyard full of life, nothing can be kept completely secret, just like there is no impenetrable wall. The news that Yi Zhonghai was going to adopt a child was like a gust of wind, bringing a bit of novelty and warmth, and quickly swept through the entire No. 95 courtyard, making this usually quiet and peaceful courtyard instantly boil.
The entrance of the aunt's house seemed to have been endowed with special magic overnight, and in the blink of an eye it became the focus of the whole hospital. There was a bustling crowd, as if it was a makeshift market, and everyone came from all directions with strong curiosity and full of concern, like a tide, surrounding this small area.
Among the crowd, Liu Haizhong, who usually likes to act like a patriarch and is respected by everyone as the Second Uncle, took the lead and rushed to the front. He squinted his eyes slightly, raised the corners of his mouth, and revealed a faint inquiring smile, as if he was enjoying a wonderful show. He asked Auntie, "Auntie, I heard that the Zhonghai brothers are going to adopt a child? Oh my, this is too sudden! In our courtyard, no family has ever done such a good thing to accumulate virtue and do good deeds before! Can you tell us what is going on? Is this child destined to be with Zhonghai, and is he a treasure specially given to him by God?"
He Yuzhu, who was standing nearby and was known for his carefree and informal manner, was affectionately called Shazhu by everyone. He was also very concerned about the news. He held a steamed bun tightly in his hand and chewed it in big mouthfuls. His cheeks were bulging like a squirrel storing food, and even his speech became unclear: "That's right, an aunt and an uncle are going to become fathers? Hehehe... I just don't know where this child came from? Is he a treasure picked up from some corner, or is he entrusted to us by a distant relative due to special circumstances? No matter what, as long as this child can grow up healthily, everyone in our hospital must help and love him well!"
As Liu Haizhong and He Yuzhu said this, the neighbors around them started talking about it. Some speculated about the child's background, while others were already thinking about how to prepare gifts and welcome ceremonies for the new member who was about to join the Siheyuan family. The whole courtyard was filled with laughter, and everyone's face was filled with happiness and expectation, as if the upcoming child had become everyone's common hope and sustenance.
Yan Bugui, also known as Yan Laoxier, was a well-known man of careful calculations in the entire courtyard and even in the surrounding neighborhoods. Every decision and every action of his seemed to have been carefully considered, and he would never allow any omissions or waste. When he heard the news that Yi Zhonghai was going to adopt a child, his face, which was not smiling at all, became even more tense, like a bowstring that was about to be fully drawn.
He gently pushed the pair of glasses on his nose, which were polished to a shine. His eyes behind the lenses sparkled with wisdom, as if he was able to see every detail. He spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "Adopting a child is not a trivial matter. It involves many aspects, which are much more complicated than our usual thrifty life. The procedures are complicated, and none of the legal provisions and policy regulations can be ignored. There are also the subsequent education issues for the child, how to train him to become a talent, which all require long-term planning. Moreover, daily life, food, clothing, housing and transportation, which one is not an expense? These must be carefully considered and considered comprehensively. Although Zhonghai Brothers is usually warm-hearted, as neighbors, we have to help him with his advice on this matter."
Yan Laoxier's words hit everyone's heart like a heavy hammer, and everyone fell into deep thought. Some of the neighbors nodded in agreement, while others began to discuss in a low voice. The whole yard was suddenly bustling with people. Some people smiled and expressed warm congratulations to Yi Zhonghai for adopting a child, believing that this was a good result of his good deeds; while others frowned and raised various practical problems and concerns, such as the child's mental health and adaptation to the surrounding environment.
At the same time, in the spacious and noisy workshop of the steel mill, Yi Zhonghai was surrounded by a group of enthusiastic workers. Although the roar of the machines continued, everyone was still busy with their work, but all the movements gradually slowed down, as if time had frozen at this moment. They pricked up their ears and listened attentively to every detail about Yi Zhonghai's adoption of a child, fearing that they would accidentally miss any important information.
"Zhonghai, I heard that you are going to adopt a child! Hey, this is really a great thing for you!" A burly, dark-skinned worker patted Yi Zhonghai on the shoulder and said with a big laugh, which was full of sincerity and blessings.
"That's right, Brother Zhonghai, you're going to be a father soon, and we all have to find a chance to celebrate for you!" Another worker nearby quickly took over the conversation and shouted excitedly, his eyes flashing with deep respect and blessings for Yi Zhonghai. The whole workshop was filled with an indescribable warmth and joy, as if even the air had become sweet.
Yi Zhonghai smiled, and that smile was like a gentle spring breeze, gently blowing through everyone's heart, bringing an indescribable warmth and comfort. He gently responded to the workers' enthusiastic and caring words one by one, and every word was full of gratitude and sincerity.
"Actually, I have thought deeply about this idea for a long time!" Yi Zhonghai spoke slowly, with a bit of determination and expectation in his voice. His eyes flickered with a soft light, as if he was telling a beautiful vision, "I have always felt that if there is another child in the family, it will definitely be a lot more lively. Isn't that kind of atmosphere of laughter and joy what everyone desires? Moreover, this may also inject some new hope into our ordinary life! As for the relevant procedures and various preparatory work in the early stage, hehe, I have basically taken care of them, so I really appreciate everyone's concern for me!"
As soon as Yi Zhonghai finished speaking, the workers who gathered around him nodded in agreement and blessings. Their eyes were full of admiration and blessings for Yi Zhonghai, as if they were witnessing the birth of a great decision. Some of them were even enthusiastic and couldn't wait to offer to help. Their enthusiasm and sincerity touched people's hearts.
"Old Yi, don't worry! I know a few good schools. I will help you find a good school for your child!" A burly worker patted his chest and guaranteed. His voice was loud and powerful, as if he was making a solemn promise.
Another one came forward and said with a smile on his face: "Hey, I happen to know a few experienced parenting experts. I'll introduce them to you and let them teach you some tips on raising children! Although we are all rough guys, we have to apply science to raising children, right?"
For a while, the whole workshop was bustling with people and laughter. Workers were talking and offering suggestions. The warm and harmonious atmosphere seemed to connect everyone's hearts tightly. They expressed their care and support for Yi Zhonghai in their own way, and also conveyed their love and expectations for life.
At this moment, Yi Zhonghai felt as if his heart was wrapped by a warm current, warm and comfortable. He knew that this warmth and strength came not only from the care and support of his fellow workers, but also from his love for life and his vision for the future. Whether it was the neighbors living in the courtyard or the fellow workers working hard in the steel mill, everyone cared about him and supported him from the bottom of their hearts! It was this sincere warmth and endless strength that made his determination to adopt a child more unwavering.
On the other side, an old lady was patiently answering questions from neighbors in the yard. Her face was filled with a happy smile, which was full of expectations for the future and awe for life. The courtyard became more united and warm because of Yi Zhonghai's plan to adopt a child. Every neighbor expressed his blessings and care for Yi Zhonghai's family in his own way, as if the child had become a member of the big family of the courtyard and a common hope and sustenance for everyone.
However, although on the surface everyone in the courtyard expressed their sincerest blessings on Yi Zhonghai's decision to adopt a child, smiling and speaking with support and encouragement, privately, everyone's heart was like an unfinished book, hiding various different views and complex emotions about this decision. Whenever night fell and every household was brightly lit, these different ideas quietly flowed out in the warmth of family affection.
He Yuzhu, the boy known for his straightforwardness and not being particular about details, applauded Yi Zhonghai's decision in front of others, claiming that it was a great act of kindness and worthy of learning by everyone. However, when he sat alone in his slightly old but lively courtyard, his superficial optimism was replaced by deep worry. He held a cigarette that was about to burn out, and his brows were furrowed, as if he could hold all the unsolved puzzles. In the smoke, he spoke to his sister He Yushui, who was concentrating on sewing, with a tone of confusion and anxiety: "Yushui, what do you think our uncle is doing? Why did he suddenly want to adopt a child? He is not young anymore, and he may not be able to take care of himself. Adopting a child is not as simple as raising a cat or a dog. Besides, where did this child come from? Has he thought clearly about his future education and life? I am really worried about him, afraid that he will get himself into big trouble because of his impulse."
He Yushui, a gentle and thoughtful woman, gently put down the needle and thread in her hands upon hearing this. Her deft hands seemed to always smooth out all wrinkles, including the waves in people's hearts. She looked up at her brother, with both understanding and a hint of sadness in her eyes: "Brother, I know you are worried about Uncle Yi, but perhaps we really don't understand the great love in his heart. You see, he is the first one to lend a hand to any family in trouble. His heart is warmer than anyone else's. For him, adopting a child may be a deeper kind of giving. He wants to bring more laughter and warmth to this family and our courtyard. As for the origin and education of the child, I believe Uncle Yi has his own plans. After all, he is a responsible and wise man who will not act rashly. We might as well give him more trust and give ourselves more confidence, and believe that he can handle all this."
"That being said, I'm still worried." He Yuzhu shook his head again and took a deep puff of the cigarette in his hand, as if he wanted to dissipate all his worries along with the rising smoke. He blew out a string of smoke rings, his eyes full of worry, "You also know that there has never been a lack of gossip in our yard. Who knows how many people will talk about this action of the uncle behind his back. I'm really afraid that when the child comes, he will not only have to face those rumors outside, but also may be psychologically affected by the lack of the company of his biological parents. After all, the child's mind is the most fragile, we have to consider him more."
Hearing this, He Yushui gently put down the needlework in her hands, stood up, walked to He Yuzhu and sat down, gently patting his shoulder, as if conveying silent strength and comfort. "Brother, I understand your feelings. You are worried about the old man and the child who is about to join our big family. But think about it from another perspective. Brother Zhonghai's decision may become a positive force, inspire the cohesion of the entire courtyard, and make everyone more united to face the future storms together. As for the child, as long as we care for him and guide him with our heart, I believe he will grow up healthily in this loving environment. After all, love can transcend blood ties. It can become the most solid backing in the child's heart, right?"
At the same time, in another corner of the courtyard, Xu Damao was discussing the same thing with his father, who seemed taciturn but was actually very clear-headed. Xu Damao curled his lips, his face full of disdain and ridicule: "Huh, an old man adopting a child? He must be too idle to do anything! I think he just wanted to try something new. When the child is really born, he will have a headache. Besides, what good will it do us if he adopts a child? Won't we all have to worry about it together? I don't want to bother with this trivial matter!"