I Overhear Animals' Thoughts to Feed My Family

"You’re thirty years old, what’re you calling him Brother Dong for? How close do you think you are with him?"

Old Zheng glared at the man who had just shouted "Brother Dong" the loudest. The man had his hands tucked into the sleeves of his torn, cotton-padded jacket. His dark, weathered face was etched with wrinkles; he was clearly an honest-to-goodness farmer.

"Heh heh, you’re older than me. You get to call him Brother Dong, so why can’t I?"

The man’s defiant retort left Old Zheng speechless. He had been the first to call him Brother Dong, but now more and more people were doing it. ’These people are so shameless,’ he thought.

’Xiaohuang’s master is gone.’

Zhao Wendong heard the inner voice as he came out and couldn’t help but glance again at the big black dog, which looked something like a golden retriever. ’He misses Dahuang so much. The two of them must be really good dog friends. Next time I come to the Commune, I should bring Dahuang with me so it can visit its old pal.’

When Zhao Wendong arrived at Liangzi’s house, he found that everything had been loaded onto the carts and everyone was waiting for him. Seeing that Liangzi had also returned, Zhao Wendong went up, embraced him, and patted him on the back.

"Slacking off again, huh?"

"Hahaha, you’ve got me all wrong! As soon as our director heard you were here to buy things, he immediately arranged for me to come along and provide good service for Captain Zhao, to ensure Captain Zhao’s satisfaction."

"Is that so? This captain is currently very dissatisfied with the person your director sent. Get me a young, pretty one instead."

"Pah! You shameless bastard! Sis-in-law, did you hear what Dongzi just said?"

Liangzi immediately tattled to Lin Zhiyin, who was standing nearby. Lin Zhiyin shot Zhao Wendong a look of feigned anger, her expression clearly saying, ’You just wait until we get home.’ Zhao Wendong played along, making a face as if begging for mercy, which immediately sent everyone into peals of laughter.

"I’m getting married on the third day of the Lunar New Year. You, Aunt, and Uncle should come early."

"Yeah, we already know. You don’t have to tell us! Now get going!"

"Alright."

Zhao Wendong and Liangzi gave each other one last friendly punch. The Zhao family said goodbye to Liangzi and his parents, then followed the two horse-drawn carts and the militia squad down the road back to Dragon King Pond.

Little Tuanzi and Shitou were squatting on one of the carts. Song Xiaoyu and Chen Yanmei, afraid they might fall off, had no choice but to hop on as well to hold onto them.

"Piggies. The little piggies are so fun."

"This big rooster is really handsome, too."

"Piggies are better."

"The big rooster is better."

Little Tuanzi and Shitou’s conversation quickly turned into an argument, with neither willing to back down. Little Tuanzi thought the pigs were cuter, while Shitou insisted the big rooster was more handsome. Finally, Little Tuanzi played her trump card: when in doubt, ask Third Brother.

"Third Brother, do you think the piggies are better or the big rooster is better?"

Little Tuanzi blinked her big, adorable eyes insistently at Zhao Wendong. He pretended to think for a moment.

"Pork is delicious, and chicken is delicious too. Why don’t we wait until the New Year, stew them both, and then compare?"

"Hahaha!"

Seeing the two dumbstruck children, everyone couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Lin Zhiyin was laughing so hard tears streamed down her face, and she playfully punched Zhao Wendong a couple of times for teasing the kids. The militiamen beside them were also doubled over with laughter. In that moment, their captain didn’t seem so intimidating anymore; instead, he felt closer to them.

It was dusk again by the time they got home. Although the militia squad had been dismissed, no one went to their own houses. Instead, they all tacitly escorted the Zhao family home first before saying their goodbyes to Zhao Wendong. After they took out the grain they had arranged with Yang Wenxue and the carts from the Commune had left, the Zhao family’s outer yard became a complete zoo. The sounds of chickens, pigs, foxes, and dogs filled the air, while the tiger, eagle, and White Weasel were all buzzing with excitement.

Chen Yanmei looked at the chaotic scene and slapped her forehead, urging Zhao Wendong on for the first time.

"My dear son, you’d better hurry up and build that house. If this keeps up, there won’t be any room for people to sleep. Why don’t we discuss where to build it tonight?"

"Hahaha, you guys go ahead and discuss it. I’m going to take this kid to Third Master’s place first. I have to take him up the mountain tomorrow."

Zhao Wendong said with a laugh, pointing at Guan Yongguang. He then grabbed a flashlight and was about to pick up some of the radishes and potatoes they’d traded for to give to the two old men. Guan Yongguang, being quick-witted, snatched them up to carry them himself. Zhao Wendong didn’t stand on ceremony with him, simply nodding and leading him out of the house.

When they arrived at Third Master Zhao’s home, the big brown horse saw Zhao Wendong and snorted, its usual greeting. As was his habit, Zhao Wendong stroked the horse’s head a few times before going inside.

"I knew it was you, you little rascal. You’re the only one who comes here and messes with the horse before even stepping inside."

Third Master Zhao said with a laugh as soon as Zhao Wendong entered, but then he noticed Guan Yongguang following behind.

"Well now, whose kid is this?"

"Your own grandson is here and you don’t even recognize him? Why don’t you light a lamp!"

"Get outta here! I’m an old bachelor, where would I get a grandson? It’s not a holiday. Who lights a lamp every day? You think kerosene just falls from the sky?"

Third Master Zhao grumbled, but his actions betrayed him. Indulging Zhao Wendong, he struck a match and lit the kerosene lamp, and the room brightened considerably.

"Zhao the kid, you’re back from the market?" Grandmaster Ai greeted Zhao Wendong with a cheerful laugh.

"Yep, Grandmaster. How’s my Third Master’s tobacco? Is it a good smoke? Did he give you his best leaf?"

"Get lost, get lost! You piss me off the second you walk in."

After saying that, Third Master Zhao almost laughed himself. He knew such words were useless against Zhao Wendong, so he ignored him and began to study Guan Yongguang carefully. After a long moment, his expression grew serious.

"Kid, what is Guan Xiangying to you?"

"He... he’s my grandfather. Sir, you know my grandfather?"