The reason was simple: this so-called Household Responsibility System was a new policy.
For anything new, it’s always difficult for people to accept it right away.
Moreover, the contract period was so long.
If they could earn some money every year, it would be fine. But if they couldn’t make a profit—or worse, if they ended up losing money—then they’d be stuck with it.
As for the Gu family…
Now, the only ones left at home were Gu Yunnan and his wife.
Gu Yunnan knew he wasn’t particularly sharp-witted or exceptionally good at studying, unlike his eldest brother or his third brother.
The only thing he was somewhat decent at was farming.
But he also knew that relying solely on farming to provide a better life for his parents, wife, and children would be tough.
However, the introduction of the Household Responsibility System gave him hope.
“Dad, Mom, the country is developing comprehensively now and trying every possible way to improve the people’s economy.”
“I think since the Household Responsibility System was proposed by the state, they’ll definitely support it wholeheartedly.”
“I believe this has great potential.”
“I plan to contract our barren hills and the fields at the foot of those hills.”
Old Man Gu puffed on his pipe. “Second Son, I also think this is feasible, but do you have enough money? Contracting those barren hills won’t be cheap. The area is large, and the minimum contract period is ten years.”
Gu Yunnan scratched the back of his head. “I don’t have enough right now, but it’s fine. Didn’t they say we could take out a loan from the bank? So I was thinking—”
“No, no, you can’t borrow from the bank!” Old Man Gu immediately objected.
For the older generation, borrowing money from the bank was something they couldn’t quite trust or feel at ease with.
“Second Son, how much do you still need?”
“Wife, go get our savings book and see if we have enough to help Second Son out a bit.”
“Alright.” Yao Chunhua didn’t hesitate at all.
After all, Second Son was also her child.
If her child wanted to achieve something—no matter what it was—as parents, they should support him.
As for money…
Yao Chunhua didn’t care much about it.
You can’t take it with you when you’re born or when you die.
If they could help their child now, it was better than clinging to it themselves.
Hearing this, Gu Yunnan and Su Miao were stunned.
The couple’s eyes reddened instantly.
“Mom, there’s no need.”
“Dad, Miao Miao and I came today just to discuss the contracting matter with you. We didn’t mean anything else…” Gu Yunnan hurriedly explained.
They truly hadn’t intended anything else.
They knew how hard it was for the old couple to save money.
They wished they could give their parents more for their retirement—how could they even think of taking their money?
Whether it was taking or borrowing, they hadn’t even considered it.
So, initially, the couple had planned to borrow from the bank.
“Second Son, your dad and I still have some money. We treat all four of you siblings the same.”
“No matter which one of you it is, if we can help, how could we not as your parents?”
“Wife, go get it.”
“No, Dad, Mom, really, there’s no need.”
Just as the two sides were about to argue further—
Two childish voices suddenly rang out.
“Grandpa! Grandma!”
“Uncle! Auntie!”
Whether it was Old Man Gu and his wife or Gu Yunnan and Su Miao, everyone froze in place.
Old Man Gu and Yao Chunhua exchanged glances.
The voices were so tender—clearly children’s voices.
Children who called them Grandpa and Grandma could only be…
Meanwhile, Gu Yunnan and his wife thought: the only ones who would call them Uncle and Aunt were their younger sister’s children.
So, outside must be…
When they turned around, they saw Gu Jianing and her family entering with Shitou, Zhuangzhuang, and the others.
The moment Old Man Gu and Yao Chunhua laid eyes on Gu Jianing, their eyes instantly reddened.
“Mom, Dad, I’m back,” Gu Jianing said, her own eyes glistening.
Yao Chunhua’s tears fell like a breached dam. She rushed forward and pulled Gu Jianing into a tight embrace.
“My girl, my dear girl, you’re finally back!”
Old Man Gu hurried over too, wanting to hug his daughter, but she was already in her mother’s arms. Unable to do so, he could only wipe his tears beside them.
Gu Yunnan walked over, looking at his sister, then at Xingxing and Yueyue, before finally settling his gaze on Sheng Zexi, who was holding a little bundle.
“You’re back?” Gu Yunnan’s voice was thick with emotion.
Sheng Zexi nodded. “Yes, we’re back.”
“And this must be Tuantuan?” Gu Yunnan leaned in to see the half-year-old baby in Sheng Zexi’s arms.
The little one blinked his bright, round eyes, staring back at whoever looked at him. When he noticed Gu Yunnan watching him, he broke into a smile.
Gu Yunnan felt his heart melt. “This child is wonderful.”
Of course he was—how could his sister’s child be anything less?
“Grandpa! Grandma!”
Over here, Yao Chunhua and Old Man Gu only remembered their grandchildren after hugging and doting on their daughter. They quickly pulled Xingxing and Yueyue into their arms.
“Xingxing, Yueyue, did you miss Grandpa and Grandma?”
“Yes! So, so much!”
“Good, good. Grandpa and Grandma missed you too.”
“Mom, Dad, don’t just stand there. Come inside and sit down. Little Sister and Brother-in-law must be tired from the long journey,” Su Miao urged warmly, bringing over cups of malted milk for everyone.
For her sister-in-law’s family, Su Miao was willing to bring out the best they had. After all, her sister-in-law had once saved her life.
“Right, right, come in quickly!” Yao Chunhua pulled Gu Jianing inside by the hand while Old Man Gu held Xingxing and Yueyue’s hands as they entered.
Gu Yunnan went to help with the luggage.
Once in the main room, Yao Chunhua noticed the tiny half-year-old in Sheng Zexi’s arms.
“This must be Tuantuan. Oh, when you gave birth to him, there was no one to take care of you. I should have gone to be with you then.”
Yao Chunhua recalled the days when they’d heard about the typhoon on Huansha Island and couldn’t reach their daughter. She had been frantic day and night, terrified something terrible had happened.
Gu Jianing quickly hugged her mother again, resting her head against hers. “Mom, don’t worry. All that is in the past now. We’re all safe, healthy, and everything has worked out.”
Old Man Gu nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes, our daughter’s right. What matters most is that everyone is safe and well.”
Yao Chunhua took Tuantuan into her arms, coaxing giggles from the little one.
Later, Gu Yunnan brought up the Household Responsibility System again, sharing his plans to contract the barren hills and some farmland.
The moment Gu Jianing heard this, she clapped her hands in approval. “That’s a great idea, Second Brother! Go ahead and contract them. If you need money, I’ll give it to you.”
“I think this is an incredible opportunity—one we can’t afford to miss.”
“For the barren hills, we can plant fruit trees, medicinal herbs, or even start livestock farming—anything works! As for the fields, I think rice-fish farming would be perfect!”
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