SEC Chapter 179 Returning Home in Glory
Chapter 179 Returning Home in Glory
"Lin Zhou?"
Upon hearing this name, the old neighbors were all taken aback. The doubt in their eyes gradually turned to shock, and they all looked at Lin Zhou.
His gaze lingered on the man's face, trying to find traces of the boy from years ago in this mature man.
Grandpa Wang is almost seventy years old this year. His hair is completely white, and his back is a little hunched. He took two steps closer to Lin Zhou, squinted his eyes, and carefully examined Lin Zhou. After looking at him for a long time, he hesitated before speaking:
"You...you're really Lin Zhou? That Guilan girl's son?"
Lin Zhou smiled and nodded: "It's me, Uncle Wang, long time no see."
Aunt Zhang also came over, grabbed Lin Zhou's arm, and looked him up and down, saying:
"Is it really Xiaozhou? My goodness, it's been so many years! You've changed so much, I almost didn't recognize you! Where have you been all these years? I haven't heard a word from you."
Aunt Liu chimed in, her face full of emotion:
"That's right. When you left, you were just a kid. Now you're back, all grown up, with a wife and kids. You've really made something of yourself."
Several elderly people, their voices full of surprise, surrounded Lin Zhou, asking him a barrage of questions.
When the new neighbors saw that the group knew each other, they all gathered around to watch the conversation, their curiosity growing even stronger.
Just then, as if suddenly remembering something, Grandpa Wang's expression changed slightly, and he blurted out:
"Wait a minute, Xiaozhou, didn't you die after you were sent to the countryside? Back then, the neighbors all said that you were too young to endure the hardship and didn't make it through..."
Halfway through his sentence, Grandpa Wang realized he had misspoke, and an embarrassed look instantly crossed his face. He quickly shut his mouth, waved his hands, and looked at Lin Zhou apologetically, saying:
"Oh dear, look at my mouth, I can't speak properly. Xiao Zhou, don't take it to heart, I didn't mean it..."
The atmosphere around them became somewhat tense for a moment. Several old neighbors were also stunned and looked at Lin Zhou with a hint of apology in their eyes.
They had all heard the rumors from back then, but seeing Lin Zhou standing there unharmed, they realized that the rumors were false. Old Wang's slip of the tongue made the situation somewhat awkward.
Seeing this, Lin Zhou waved his hand indifferently, his face still bearing a gentle smile, showing no sign of anger.
So many years have passed, and he is no longer the sensitive and fragile boy he once was. Those past rumors and gossips are now just a distant memory to him.
"Uncle Wang, it's alright. I know you didn't mean it," Lin Zhou said calmly, with a hint of relief.
"Back in 1966, when the winds of change hit, I was sent down to the countryside. It was a tough place, and life was hard. I was young then and couldn't take it anymore, so I thought about running away. Luckily, I survived and escaped. After many twists and turns, I finally ended up in Hong Kong."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the old neighbors before him, and said with a touch of emotion:
"It's been more than a decade since I left. I've managed to establish myself in Hong Kong. Now that the country has started reform and opening up, and the policies are better, I thought I'd come back to visit, to see this old courtyard, and to see all my old neighbors."
These words, spoken frankly and calmly, instantly dissolved the awkwardness that had just occurred.
Upon hearing this, the elderly neighbors suddenly realized what was happening, and their eyes were filled with sighs and heartache as they looked at Lin Zhou.
"So that's how it is. I'm so sorry to have troubled you, Xiaozhou." Aunt Zhang sighed, taking Lin Zhou's hand as she recalled:
"You were so young back then, all alone out there, you must have suffered a lot. I heard Hong Kong is a faraway place, and you didn't know anyone there. It's really not easy for you to make it through."
"Yes, you've really suffered a lot." Aunt Liu sighed as well. "If your mother knew in the afterlife that you've become so successful and returned with your wife and children, she would definitely be happy."
Mentioning his mother, a tender longing flickered in Lin Zhou's eyes, and he nodded gently, saying:
"Yes, that's what I think too. Coming back to visit the old courtyard is a way to comfort my mother's spirit in heaven."
Grandpa Wang, also looking guilty, patted Lin Zhou on the shoulder and said apologetically:
"Xiao Zhou, I'm sorry, I followed others and spread rumors back then. Don't take it to heart."
"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. You're the root of Guilan's heart. Now that you're back with your wife and children, you're finally settled down here again."
Lin Zhou smiled and shook his head, indicating that he didn't care.
The new neighbors, listening to their conversation, all understood what was going on. It turned out that the man in front of them was the original owner of the courtyard. He had run away from the countryside during the Cultural Revolution and had now returned home in glory from Hong Kong. The new neighbors looked at Lin Zhou with more respect.
"Hey! This guy's been exonerated now, and he's even getting his house back. That's really something."
"Yes, this courtyard has been occupied for so many years. Now that the owner has returned, it can be considered a perfect ending."
"We'll be neighbors from now on. If you need any help, just let me know."
The new neighbors also spoke up, their tone friendly, exchanging pleasantries with Lin Zhou. Lin Zhou responded with a smile to each one, his attitude humble, showing no arrogance despite his current status.
Su Wanqing held Lin Xiaofeng's hand and stood aside, watching Lin Zhou exchange pleasantries with the old neighbors, her eyes full of tenderness.
Looking at the smile on Lin Zhou's face and the naturalness with which he interacted with these old neighbors, she suddenly understood what this city, this alley, and this courtyard meant to Lin Zhou.
This is his root, the place he always longs for no matter how far he goes.
Su Guohua stood to the side, listening to the neighbors' discussions and looking at the scene before him, a gratified smile on his face.
He could tell that Lin Zhou was genuinely happy and relaxed. This sense of belonging, flowing from the bottom of his heart, was something he could never feel in the high-rise buildings of Hong Kong.
Liu Yaolong stood beside the car, quietly watching everything unfold. He didn't go forward to disturb them, but simply stood guard, his eyes alertly observing the surrounding situation, diligently performing his duties.
The sun was still warm, and a gentle breeze blew through the alley, carrying the faint scent of locust blossoms. Lin Zhou chatted with the old neighbors, talking about the changes over the years and the everyday life in the alley. His voice was gentle and his smile was warm, as if he had returned to his childhood days more than ten years ago, when he ran and played in the alley.
After a long while, Lin Zhou cupped his hands in greeting to the old neighbors and said sincerely:
"Uncle Wang, Aunt Zhang, Aunt Liu, and all the neighbors, I just got back today and still have some things to take care of, so I won't chat with you all for now. Once I'm all settled, I'll invite you all to come to the courtyard for a chat and a cup of tea."
"Okay, okay, you go about your business, don't worry about us." The elderly people nodded quickly, their faces full of smiles.
"It's good that you're back. Take your time to pack up. If you need any help, just say so. We're all neighbors, and it's only right that we help each other out. Don't be shy."
"Yes, Mr. Lin, please go about your business. We won't disturb you any longer." The new neighbors said one after another and slowly dispersed. However, before leaving, they couldn't help but look back at the vermilion gate and at Lin Zhou and his group, their eyes still filled with curiosity.
After the neighbors had all dispersed, Lin Zhou turned around, walked to the vermilion gate, reached out and grasped the brass door knocker, and gently knocked. A clanging sound followed.
He took a deep breath, took out the key, inserted it into the lock, and turned it gently. With a "click," the lock opened.
Lin Zhou pushed open the vermilion door, and a faint scent of solid wood wafted out, the smell left over from the recent renovation.
The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers, and the scene in the courtyard came into view.
The courtyard at the entrance is not large, but it is well-maintained. The main house is directly in front of the gate, and there are side rooms on both sides. They are all made of blue bricks and gray tiles, with wooden lattice windows.
There's an old pomegranate tree in the yard, its thick branches taking up most of the space. In the corner, there are several rose bushes, now in full bloom.
Lin Xiaofeng ran in first, his little leather shoes making a crisp sound on the bluestone pavement. He looked around the yard with curiosity, touching everything and exclaiming, "Dad, Mom, look! This yard is so big! There are even fruit trees!"
Su Wanqing followed her inside, her gaze slowly sweeping over everything in the courtyard, her eyes filled with tenderness, and a faint smile on her lips.
Su Guohua also walked in, looked at the well-organized courtyard, nodded, and said with emotion, "This courtyard has a good layout, square and grand, with auspicious energy gathering and retaining, it is a rare and good place."
Lin Zhou stood at the door, looking at the courtyard in front of him and his family in the courtyard. His eyes were filled with warmth and a sense of relief at having regained what he had lost.
After more than a decade of wandering and hard work, he has finally returned to the home his mother left behind, and with his family, he is putting down roots again on the land that gave him birth and raised him!