Rebirth in 1986: Unforgettable Regrets

Chapter 949: Chapter 949: Why Didn’t He Come Back?

"Xiao Jun, how could you call home? How are you, doing well at school?" Tang Yue was thrilled when she heard Tang Jun’s voice, and said, "Xiao Jun, you haven’t come back for two months. There’s been heavy snow here, a vast white spread, it’s so beautiful."

"Haha~"

Tang Jun couldn’t help but laugh on the other end of the line, "Sis, I’m in Jing City too. There’s a lot of snow at our school too. We’ve built quite a few snowmen and had snowball fights; it’s so much fun."

His sister can be quite silly sometimes, especially when he is also studying in Jing City.

"I’m jealous." Listening to him, Tang Yue couldn’t help but feel envious, saying, "I’m at home, and Mom and Dad won’t let me play or go out."

"Sis, Zaozao and Chenchen are only three months old. You just need to take care of yourself." Tang Jun said playfully, "Next winter, I’ll play in the snow with you."

"Oh, right. I’m off duty tomorrow; I’ll go home for a day and then head back to school the next day." With someone hurrying him from behind, Tang Jun only managed to say this before hanging up in a rush.

"What did Xiao Jun say?" Zhang Hualian asked eagerly as soon as Tang Yue hung up, sitting beside her, though she hadn’t caught what Tang Jun had said.

Tang Yue hung up the phone and smiled, "Mom, you can prepare Xiao Jun’s favorite dishes. He’s on holiday tomorrow, back for a day, and returns to school the day after tomorrow."

"Great, I’ll go buy some delicious food tomorrow." Zhang Hualian said excitedly upon hearing Tang Jun was coming back, "The last time Xiao Jun was back from school was in November, and now it’s January. I wonder if there is a winter break."

"There is a break, but do you really think Xiao Jun will stay home quietly?" Tang Yue shifted the topic, "Xiao Jun loves tiger-skin eggs. Tomorrow, make some tiger-skin eggs and a few tea eggs for him to take back to school."

"Right, also make some Mei Cai pork; he likes it. With this cold weather, it won’t spoil even if kept for a week." Remembering all this, Zhang Hualian felt like going out to buy groceries even though it was already evening.

Tang Zhengde added, "Hualian, get some extra pork belly tomorrow to make him some pork crisps to take along."

"Yes, yes, yes."

Zhang Hualian nodded repeatedly, eager to pack all the dishes for him.

Tang Yue held Chenchen, touching her soft, tender cheek. She looked up and said, "Mom, remember to give Xiao Jun the sweater you knitted for him, don’t forget."

Tang Yue worried Zhang Hualian might put the sweater away; with only a day tomorrow, if forgotten, they’d have to wait a long while to give it to Tang Jun.

"I remember, I remember. I knitted her a sweater and some woolen socks to ensure warmth." Remembering this, Zhang Hualian patted her leg and said, "Oh, right, your aunt mailed a sweater for Zhang Qiang, and I also have to get that for him."

Because mailing to school is inconvenient, they sent it here instead.

"Yes, whatever else needs giving, give it all." Tang Yue reminded them like this.

Next, Zhang Hualian busied herself, rummaging through the room to gather things for Tang Jun and Zhang Qiang. Being their aunt, she naturally added woolen socks for Zhang Qiang too, ensuring no favoritism, though more pairs were made for Tang Jun.

The next day, early in the morning, Tang Jun returned. Bringing nothing else but wearing a thick coat, inside which were steaming hot buns and steamed bread.

"Dad, Mom, Sis, I bought buns, steamed bread, and pancakes for you outside. You haven’t had breakfast, right?" Tang Jun took the items out as he walked in, finally warming up inside.

"No, we haven’t. Why are you back so early?" Zhang Hualian took Tang Jun’s thick coat and asked, "Have you lost weight? Is it hard to adjust at school? Why is it said to be tough at your school? Is studying hard there?"

Zhang Hualian asked a chain of questions, filled with concern for Tang Jun.

"Mom, I’m doing fine." Tang Jun chuckled, though thinner, his eyes are bright and strong. He looked around, didn’t see Tang Yue, and asked, "Mom, is Sis still not up? Where are Zaozao and Chenchen?"

At school, Tang Jun missed Zaozao and Chenchen the most. Their softness and plumpness, he found adorable.

"You just woke up too early." Tang Yue yawned, obviously not fully awake, knowing Tang Jun returned today and he’d want to see the kids. She glanced and asked, "Why are you alone? Where’s Zhang Qiang?"

"He said he’s not coming back, and added his day to mine." Seeing Tang Yue was up, Tang Jun went into the room to see his nephew and niece, excitedly saying, "Sis, look at how quickly they’ve grown!"

"The last time they were this tiny."

Tang Jun gestured passionately, looking thrilled, under the dim light, Zaozao and Chenchen slept sweetly.

Tang Jun extended his finger to poke her delicate cheeks, soft like tofu, as he foolishly grinned, "Sis, why are their faces so adorable?"

"Smack."

Tang Yue reached out, slapped Tang Jun’s hand away, gave him an annoyed look, and pulled him out saying, "They just fell asleep. If you wake them up, then you’ll have to hold them."

As they grew, Zaozao and Chenchen preferred being held over lying in bed or the crib.

This winter, even indoors, they wore plenty, making them quite heavy to hold.

"I’ll hold them, I will." Tang Jun genuinely wanted to hold them.

Tang Yue: "..."

"Xiao Jun, how’s it at school?" Tang Zhengde asked while eating the meat bun.

Yesterday, Mo Xiaolin was taken home by Meng Jin because Old Master Meng wasn’t feeling well. Both went home to accompany him. Tang Zhengde’s shop was closed, and with them home, there was no worry about anyone taking care of the kids.

"It’s going well." Tang Jun described his school life carefully, quite detailed reassuring Tang Zhengde and Zhang Hualian, who listened with great interest.

Tang Jun animatedly recounted school anecdotes, eliciting laughter from everyone. Tang Yue studied Tang Jun’s expressions, wondering if it was merely her imagination, as it seemed his return might involve more than just a holiday visit.

Why didn’t Zhang Qiang come?

When Tang Zhengde and Zhang Hualian went grocery shopping, Tang Yue pulled Tang Jun aside and asked, "Xiao Jun, be honest with me, why didn’t Zhang Qiang come back?"

"Sis, he just..." Tang Jun just began when Tang Yue’s bright eyes locked on him, "I want the truth."