I Overhear Animals' Thoughts to Feed My Family

Zhao Wendong looked over everything they had bought. They had pretty much everything they needed. His gaze swept over them, and he smiled as he asked Director Zhang.

"Director Zhang, this outfit of mine is good enough for the wedding, but my wife and the others still need new clothes. Could you get them some nicer outfits?"

Director Zhang nodded eagerly.

"Yes, yes! We just got a few of the latest styles. I’ll take you to see them."

These clothes were actually reserved for the leadership, but Director Zhang chose to overlook that minor detail. Personally escorted by the director, Zhao Wendong picked out a new coat for each of the five women. Seeing there were still plenty left, he decided to buy a set for all his family members as well. New clothes for the New Year bring a fresh start.

They didn’t have enough ration tickets, so they needed Director Zhang to help exchange for more. Before Zhao Wendong had left, Chen Yanmei had given him the last of the family’s savings—over two hundred yuan. This shopping spree had already used up most of it. Looking at the few dozen yuan he had left, Zhao Wendong decided to go all in and spend the rest. A wedding only happens once, and he wanted to make it a little more perfect.

He bought several more strings of firecrackers, then had Director Zhang help him exchange the rest of the money for edible side ingredients like vermicelli, pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, and seasonings. Although these things were edible, they hadn’t been snatched up in the panic buying. They were a bit expensive and not very filling, needing to be eaten with a staple food. Then again, in this day and age, how many families could afford to add side dishes when they already had staple foods?

As they were leaving, Director Zhang brought out a box of pastries he had been saving to give as a gift. He had made a connection with Zhao Wendong today and was prepared to spare no expense to solidify their relationship. These were things that couldn’t be bought even with money, perfect for winning Zhao Wendong over.

"Whoa, what’s all this, Brother Zhang?"

Hearing Zhao Wendong’s change of address, Director Zhang was immensely satisfied. ’The pastries were a worthy investment.’

"Brother Wendong, since you call me ’brother,’ then your parents are like my parents too! This is a gift of respect for our parents, not for you. It’s just a small token from me, please take it."

"My parents are older than you... MMPH!"

Jin Xiuying quickly clamped a hand over Zhao Wenwu’s mouth before he could finish. Zhao Wendong, his expression unchanging, happily accepted the pastries. As it happened, he still had a few fish left in the truck, so he took them out as a return gift, which Director Zhang also happily accepted. After everyone had climbed into the back of the truck and driven a good distance away, they could still see Director Zhang’s figure waving at them from the cooperative’s entrance. Only then did Jin Xiuying finally let go of Zhao Wenwu.

"Phew! What did you do that for? Was I wrong? That guy is older than Mom and Dad, and he’s claiming they’re his parents too. So shameless."

Seeing Zhao Wenwu’s aggrieved expression, everyone couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Zhao Wendong gave Jin Xiuying a thumbs-up. ’This sister-in-law of mine is really getting to know my second brother better and better,’ he thought. ’All that nightly "sparring and discussion" is clearly paying off.’

After dropping Niu Guizhi off at her home and arranging with the Niu’s to pick up the bride on the second day of the New Year, the truck started up again to take Zhao Wendong and the others home. On the ride, Zhao Wendong was thinking about his own wedding on the third day. His thoughts turned to his second and third aunts.

"Brother Niu, do you guys go to Yin County often?"

"All the time. The team’s truck goes over there every few days. What’s up?"

"My third aunt married into a family over there. All these years, she’s only been able to send letters and money back home. She hasn’t been back for a visit in many years."

Niu Yuesheng immediately understood what he meant and said with a smile.

"You want to bring your third aunt back for your wedding?"

"Yep."

"Sure, why not? Yin County is only two or three hours away. But do you know her family’s specific location in Yin County? It borders Lv Kou, and that would be a lot farther."

Zhao Wendong tried to recall. He thought his grandma had mentioned it, but he’d forgotten and couldn’t remember clearly.

"I think it’s a place called Chengzi Commune."

Zhao Ergou suddenly spoke up, and Zhao Wendong’s memory was instantly jogged.

"That’s right, that’s right! Chengzi Commune, Tanzi Village."

"I know that place. It’s not too far. If you want to pick them up, we can. I’ll make sure the tank is full and bring some extra fuel cans."

Zhao Wendong was thrilled to hear this. He was already imagining how happy his grandparents would be when he brought both his second and third aunts’ families home the day before the wedding. Niu Yuesheng then remembered something else and reminded him.

"Brother Dongzi, don’t you have relatives on Dahei Mountain too? Should we pick them up as well? Their area is right next to Yin County. We can take a slight detour on the way back and swing by their place to bring them along."

"Haha, perfect! Then it’s settled."

"Alright. Oh, and bring more men and guns."

Zhao Wendong froze. ’What does Niu Yuesheng mean by that?’ Before Zhao Wendong could even ask, Niu Yuesheng explained.

"The roads get a little dangerous near the New Year. We don’t even leave the county now without a militia escort."

"Okay, got it. I’ll bring some men and go with you."

"Then I’m not worried."

Hearing that Zhao Wendong would be coming along, Niu Yuesheng felt relieved. He had a strange sort of confidence in Zhao Wendong, feeling that with him around, nothing was a problem.

"I want to go with you, too."

Lin Zhiyin tugged on Zhao Wendong’s arm, her eyes firm and her tone resolute.

"Alright."

Zhao Wendong agreed immediately, which stunned Lin Zhiyin. She had thought he would say no. Instantly, her eyes filled with a joyous smile.

The large truck first returned to Qianjin Commune. Zhao Wendong could now do as he pleased in the commune and no longer had to worry about scrutiny from the county, so he grabbed some fish and headed straight for Li Dawei’s office.

Li Dawei was packing his things, preparing to go back to the county for the New Year. He still had to come back on the third for Zhao Wendong’s wedding. Public order in the commune had been excellent recently, so he was planning to head back to the county for his holiday that very afternoon.

"Well, well, Brother Dong! What brings you here?"

Every time Zhao Wendong heard Li Dawei call him Brother Dong, he felt a sense of dissonance. He tossed half the fish he was carrying over to Li Dawei.

"The New Year is coming up. I didn’t have much to bring, just some fish I caught myself. A small token of my appreciation."

Li Dawei happily took the fish. He had just been worrying about what dishes to prepare for the New Year feast at home. Zhao Wendong’s gift was a timely rescue.

"As a humble public security officer, allow me to give Brother Dong a gift in return!"

After saying this, Li Dawei gave Zhao Wendong a sharp salute. Zhao Wendong paused for a moment, then mimicked the gesture and returned the salute. After leaving Li Dawei’s office, Zhao Wendong slipped into Yang Wenxue’s office. Yang Wenxue’s family was also from the county, and he was packing up as well. As before, Zhao Wendong started by tossing the fish he was holding onto the desk. The fish were frozen solid as rocks, landing with a loud CLATTER.

"Secretary Yang, I’ve come to bring you a gift! Do you dare to accept it?"

"Heh heh, what’s there to be afraid of? If you have any more, I’ll gladly take them off your hands. I’ve got a big family."

"Hahaha, in your dreams! This is all there is."

Yang Wenxue was also in a great mood. With the New Year approaching, everything at the commune was going smoothly. The big market fair had been a great success, earning him widespread praise. The two of them chatted and laughed for a bit, and Zhao Wendong mentioned his visit to the Tao Family earlier that day.

"You went to the old secretary’s house?"

Now, Yang Wenxue was truly looking at Zhao Wendong in a new light. His courage, his wisdom, his methods... they were truly something else. When Zhao Wendong took out the note from Jiang Weimin, Yang Wenxue slapped his thigh after reading it.

"Just for this? You didn’t have to go to Secretary Jiang! If you had just told me directly, I would have handled it for you. I know about Old Mr. Guan Xiangying’s situation. The county wanted to arrange jobs for them before, but they kept refusing. I never expected that boy to be one of the Guan Family. He’s a little young... How about this: I’ll have him serve as my aide for now. I’ll personally take him under my wing."

"Just arranging a job here for the boy isn’t enough. He has four younger siblings and his aunt at home. You don’t have to worry about his second older sister; I’m sending her to the silk factory."

Yang Wenxue was stunned by his words. ’The silk factory?’