Originally so angry that he couldn’t stand it, Wu Liguo especially wanted to destroy that scumbag Dai Weiguo to vent the anger of niece Shuzhen and grandson-cum-apprentice Lian En. Stirred by his precious daughter’s words, Wu Liguo felt his fury was about to burst through his skull. Wasn’t it? A daughter indeed knows her father’s sore points better than anyone else. Every word hit the mark, making the old man lose all interest in the feast laid out before him. While planning to add fuel to the fire, Wu Yinghong felt her sleeve get pulled: "Need to go potty, and Mommy will come with you!" Little Wu Liu looked over with a pitiful gaze, instantly dousing Wu Yinghong’s righteous indignation. Resigned, she took the little one’s hand, and mother and child slowly opened the door, hand in hand, heading towards the bathroom. After tending to the little one and washing his hands and face, they returned to find the father and son had already exchanged information about the despicable man’s and woman’s identities and happily moved on to a different topic. Not wanting to give the impression of a nosy brother-in-law overly concerned with a sister-in-law’s past misfortunes, Wu Yinghong had no choice but to suppress her burning curiosity. Instead, she started nagging her father about various meticulous instructions regarding clothing, food, housing, and transport, leaving no stone unturned. Feeling immensely comforted, Wu Liguo smiled and began his usual coaxing: "If you’re so worried about Dad, why not pack up and come with me? Besides, you and Shouren have both graduated from high school, finding a job isn’t that hard. By then, we can all be together as a family of five, and the kids can get a better education!" "Haha, compared to relying on your connections for a backdoor entry, I still prefer being the celebrated brigade leader’s wife in the Liu family village! With Shouren, we’ll transform the Liu family village’s production brigade into the world’s leading village, known nationwide. Just thinking about it feels so fulfilling." At least it’s more delightful than returning to that scheming Beijing, only to be ridiculed by a bunch of self-proclaimed noble jerks. As 1976 is approaching, the long-suspended college entrance examination is about to be restored. In this critical time, there’s no time to leave for Beijing when I’m busy helping my husband cultivate a batch of university students, seizing this opportunity to make the Liu family village famous and prosperous! Of course, such unspeakable reasons cannot be clearly stated and certainly cannot persuade my father, who is always thinking of taking us to Beijing and has not given up despite repeatedly trying. So, Wu Yinghong cleverly revealed the joyous news she had just learned, although she herself was still a bit doubtful about it. Upon learning that there was hope for a sweet granddaughter, Wu Liguo indeed did not mention taking the daughter and son-in-law to Beijing anymore. Excited, he even stopped drinking, turning to give the foolish son-in-law various detailed exhortations, instructing him to take good care of his daughter and granddaughter. Half-joyous and half-worried, Liu Shouren glanced at his wife, whose period had been a mere two days late, praying she was truly expecting. If not, and if the lie were exposed, or worse, he is misunderstood by his father-in-law as having not taken good care of her... The scene would be too bloody, too violent, even for his peace-loving nature to imagine. While Liu Shouren anxiously awaited confirmation of the good news, Shuzhen also braced herself mentally. But she hadn’t expected that when she finally reached Uncle Wu, she stumbled over half-shaped thoughts for so long without voicing the long-practiced speech. The other party simply waved his hand protectively, "Rest assured, niece, Shouren has told me everything about your issue. Uncle just got his position restored, and the specifics are still unknown. There’s not much I can promise, but as long as I’m around, the Dai family shouldn’t even think about oppressing you with their status!" Upon hearing this, Wu Liguo couldn’t help but seriously examine Shuzhen’s reaction. This is all she asked for; Shuzhen nodded without any further request: "Thank you, thank you, Uncle Wu. Now I can completely relax. Lianshan went up the mountain previously to dig traps, brought back a wild boar, a roe, and a deer yesterday. He said he wanted to make some smoked meat and jerky for you to take back. I must go back and help him, so I won’t disturb you any longer." After saying this, Shuzhen decisively turned around and left the room in a few steps. Wu Liguo was left momentarily stunned: Did she just leave like that? The girl’s nature is too soft and too easily satisfied! Having been wronged by that Dai family scumbag , one would think with such a powerful backing she would immediately cling on. Various flattering and charming attempts could be made, hoping to use strength against strength, letting the one named Dai experience karma firsthand! Instead, you’re only asking to deter him, preventing him from having the courage to fight for your child and calling it quits — what’s that all about?! Oh well, she’s young and carefree; I’ll worry more since she calls me uncle, and I genuinely acknowledge her as a thoughtful, generous, and kind-hearted good niece! Keep your eyes open, and whenever there’s a chance, mess with that Dai family son of a bitch. It’d be great to clear that morally corrupt inconsiderate offspring out of the cadre ranks. Returning home, Shuzhen happened to see her eldest brother helping Lianshan pack the game, and she quickly walked up and earnestly thanked him. Understanding immediately why, Liu Shouren gave her a discontented look: "Stop saying foolish things! As a brother, protecting and backing up a sister isn’t that natural? I just hope you’ll have a smooth journey from now on, without any situation that needs me to support and protect." "Hmm, I’ll try my best! I’ll strive to make her future free of grievances to the point where elder brother has no reason to protect her." Lianshan smiled, speaking with full solemnity in his voice. Having the rare brotherly bond interrupted, Liu Shouren ground his teeth: "You better keep your word, or else, brother will break your legs!" With many issues awaiting him, Wu Liguo had no choice but to abandon the idea of staying home for a good New Year with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons. Receiving official notification on the third day, he took his daughter and nephew Shouyi, niece Shuzhen, Lian Yue, Lian Hai, and the gifts prepared by the Eight Frontiers. Amidst his daughter’s reluctant tears and his grandsons’ constant waving, he repeatedly turned his head as he boarded the northbound train. Seeing her aging father heading alone to Beijing, Wu Yinghong couldn’t help but feel a mix of longing and worry. It’s clear that the old man is doing well, almost as if he’s returned to the pinnacle of his life from his lowest point. Yet the concerns and affection in her heart couldn’t be stopped. It was only the roaring onset of the long-anticipated little daughter’s morning sickness that pulled her focus back. Concentrating on how to stop vomiting, nurturing the fetus, and taking care of herself and the child. Meanwhile, the Spring Festival of 1976 was already near. Looking at the calendar now showing the year 1976, Shuzhen felt a deep sense of amazement in her heart: The footsteps of the new era are truly close!