Chapter 636 The Eve of Departure
His voice was full of gratitude and his eyes were fixed on his wife, fearing that she would go back on her word.
Zhao Shujuan smiled and glanced at Secretary Dong, her eyes showing both anger and affection, then she turned around, tied her apron tightly, and walked towards the kitchen. As she walked, she muttered softly:
"I know you, old man, forget everything else when you're happy."
But the harshness in his tone was gone, only full of concern.
Secretary Dong looked at his wife's departing back with a happy smile on his face. He knew that this was the tacit understanding they had gained from years of mutual support. Even though they had disputes from time to time, love was never absent.
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo stood aside, watching this scene, and couldn't help but smile at each other. Their hearts were warmed by the warmth between the elders, and they were full of more expectations for future reunions.
Inside the house, warm yellow light sprinkled softly, as if covering everything with a layer of warm gauze.
Zhao Shuzhuo sat quietly on the somewhat old wooden chair, his eyes unconsciously drawn to Secretary Dong and Grandma Dong.
Secretary Dong is slightly hunched over, and the years have carved deep wrinkles on his face, which are witnesses of the hardships he has experienced in the past.
However, at this moment, the gleam in his eyes revealed the vitality of a young man, and he was enthusiastically telling Wang Jianguo about interesting things in the past.
When he was excited, he even danced and forgot that he was still a little sick.
As for Grandma Dong, she was petite, with her silver hair neatly combed behind her head and wearing an apron that was washed so much that it looked bleached.
There are a few faded flowers embroidered on the apron. Although they are not eye-catching, they reveal a strong sense of life.
She was sitting on a small stool with a bunch of vegetables in her hand, picking them carefully. Occasionally, she looked up at Secretary Dong with eyes full of pampering and care.
When Secretary Dong was talking until his mouth was dry and he stopped to cough a few times, Grandma Dong would immediately put down the vegetables in her hand, stand up and pour a glass of warm water, gently pass it to Secretary Dong's mouth, and not forget to gently remind him:
"Old man, drink slowly, don't choke."
The tone was as gentle as the warmest spring breeze, able to blow away all fatigue and discomfort.
Zhao Shuzhuo watched this scene, and his heart was filled with ripples. He couldn't help but think of the little moments he had spent with Yang Xiaohua, and those brief but beautiful moments flashed through his mind like pearls.
He remembered the first time he saw Yang Xiaohua, her shy smile was like the first peach blossom blooming in spring, instantly striking his heart.
He still remembered the two of them walking side by side in the streets, talking about their aspirations for the future. The determination and expectation in Yang Xiaohua's eyes made him more certain of this relationship.
But now, realistic problems are facing us: Yang Xiaohua’s father’s illness, the hardships of going to the Great Northern Wilderness in the future...all kinds of uncertainties are like a haze hanging over her heart.
But at this moment, looking at Secretary Dong and Grandma Dong, the old couple, even though they are old, with wrinkles on their faces full of vicissitudes of life and their steps are no longer strong, they are still as loving as ever.
The way they supported and cared for each other was like a strong light that penetrated the haze and illuminated the depths of Zhao Shuzhuo's heart.
He silently made a wish in his heart, hoping that he and Yang Xiaohua could be like this in the future.
I hope that decades later, when they are wrinkled and gray-haired, they can still walk hand in hand in the sunset and share the trivialities of the day.
When one party is unwell, the other party will still offer a cup of warm water and the most caring care without hesitation.
In ordinary life, we can still convey endless love with just a look or a smile.
This expectation, like a seed buried deep in his heart, quietly took root and sprouted in this warm atmosphere, making him full of yearning and confidence for his future life with Yang Xiaohua.
The warm yellow light flows quietly in the house, sprinkling on the wooden dining table, outlining a soft halo for this cozy scene.
Time seemed to be enchanted by laughter and joy, and it passed quickly. Before they knew it, the dinner that Zhao Shuzhuo, Wang Jianguo, and Secretary Dong and his wife were having was coming to an end.
The dishes on the plates were steaming and sparkling attractively under the lights, but everyone's attention was no longer on the food. Instead, they were immersed in the joyful conversation.
After the meal, Secretary Dong was still not satisfied. He gently patted Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo on the shoulders, his eyes full of expectation, and said:
"Come, children, follow me to the study, and we will have a good talk."
The two of them readily agreed and followed Secretary Dong into the study room filled with the fragrance of books and the atmosphere of time.
The study is not big, and the walls are filled with all kinds of books, ranging from yellowed ancient books to brand new agricultural technology materials.
A large desk is placed in the center, with documents, pens and magnifying glasses cluttered on it, as if telling of the owner's busy daily life.
Secretary Dong slowly sat down on the chair behind the desk, pointed to the two stools next to him, and motioned for the two to sit down as well.
Zhao Shuzhuo stood tall and straight, with a steady look in his eyes. He leaned forward slightly, folded his hands on his knees, and spoke first:
"Secretary Dong, you know that I don't have any other strengths. I just want to revive the Great Northern Wilderness, cultivate every piece of land well, complete every task, and contribute to the construction of a new home step by step."
His voice was steady and firm, with unquestionable determination, and every word seemed to jump out from the deepest part of his heart and land loudly.
Wang Jianguo sat aside, his eyes sparkling, revealing the youthful vigor and vitality. After hearing what Zhao Shuzhuo said, he excitedly continued:
"Brother Shuzhuo is right, but I'm also thinking that we can't just rely on the old ways, we need some new ideas."
"For example, we can use the unique natural resources of the Great Northern Wilderness to develop some special breeding and sell our products. Maybe we can break into a new world!"
As he spoke, he gestured with his hands, as if the blueprint in his mind was already before him.
Secretary Dong listened quietly, the light in his eyes growing brighter and brighter. The two people's completely different but complementary ideas were like two bright stars colliding together, instantly lighting up his ideas about the future development of Beidahuang.
He could not help but nod his head repeatedly and said approvingly:
"Okay, okay, the combination of the two of you really gave me a lot of surprises."
As he spoke, he stood up, walked to the bookshelf, pulled out a few thick notebooks, returned to the desk, opened one of them, pointed at the densely written words on it and said:
"Children, I have been working in the Great Northern Wilderness for so many years and have accumulated some experience. Now I share it with you for your reference only."