Chapter 3, The Father's Request

My entire face turned a dark shade of blue, and the sound of "huffing and puffing" came out like that of an old man. This was the most severe situation I have experienced since my birth. Looking at the bulging veins on my small neck, my father was also alarmed for the first time.

Could it be that the child is hungry? Why don't you feed the child some milk? We picked it up today, and there is still some left. I'll go heat it up. When a child cries loudly, it usually means they are hungry; this is common knowledge among rural people. Hearing my cry, which sounded as if someone was choking me, my father felt really uncomfortable, so he got up to take the milk and put it on the stove to heat it up

Just like that, after a few seconds of silence, my father suddenly burst out of the room, rushed into the kitchen to grab a kitchen knife, and then came back, wildly waving it around the house.

My mother, feeling a bit anxious beside me, quietly said, "Old Chen, just say something."

There are not many entertainment activities in the countryside, and in winter, the days get dark early. Widow Zhou's home is at the west end of the village, while my home is at the east end. The path to her house requires traversing several narrow and bumpy dirt paths. My father, being overly cautious, did not even dare to use a flashlight. In this back-and-forth journey, I do not know how many times I have fallen, yet it was still of no use in bringing Widow Zhou back.

However, every time the widow's response is almost the same: "Uh... Old Chen... Uh... We're from the same village... Uh... If I could help... Uh... How could I accept anything from you... Uh... That's too much... Uh... What kind of world is this now... Uh... You know better than I do... Uh... If something happens to me... Uh... It's not just that I don't have a husband (father)... What kind of world is this now... Uh... You know better than I do... Uh... If something happens to me... Uh... It's not just that I don't have a husband (father)... Uh... The child is suffering (pitiful)... Uh... I would also drag down my in-laws... Uh... Please don't make it difficult for me... Uh.

On Tuesday, when I opened the door, my dad charged in with a frown, startling Tuesday. "Who is this? Acting like a fool!"

My father reacted swiftly, pulling my mother in with one motion, then turning around to close the door. Only then did he say: "Tuesday, it's me, Old Chen"

"I also want to eat before sleeping." Upon hearing his brother say this, Zhou Jun joined in the commotion.

My father remains persistently knocking on the door, shouting on Tuesday: "If you don't speak, I won't open the door."

"Damn you, I, Chen Junhong, have never engaged in any deceitful or fraudulent activities in my life. Why are you targeting my son? If you want to confront someone, come at me, not my child! Damn it, how can you be so ruthless towards a little child? Come out, you sons of bitches, come out! I will fight you all!"

My body remains weak, especially when I cry. The intermittent sobbing feels as if someone is choking me, resembling a mournful song of my home, casting an even darker shadow over my family's sorrow.

As she gently patted me, she seized my father's hand, which was still brandishing the kitchen knife, and said: "Old Chen, there is not just our youngest son in this family. If you continue like this, how will we mothers and children survive? Look at the eldest and second daughters, they are terrified. You need to wake up."

My father looks as if he has been possessed by some kind of spirit, but I cannot blame him. It all started because during that visit to the rural health clinic, they did not find anything wrong. My father, unwilling to give up, took me to several hospitals, not only in the town but even in the city. The doctors all said I was not ill, but rather suffering from malnutrition

A man does not shed tears lightly; it is just that he has not yet reached the point of heartbreak

Such a heavy parental grace is truly the most difficult cause and effect to repay in every lifetime. Therefore, among all virtues, filial piety comes first. To betray one's parents is the greatest evil

When I arrived at the Zhou family's home, it was only around 8 or 9 o'clock. However, in the countryside, there are not many entertainment activities, and at this time in winter, every household had already closed their doors tightly.

"No, Grandpa, I want to eat the roasted sweet potatoes before sleeping," Zhou Qiang insisted

Perhaps it was knocked too urgently and too loudly, before long, voices could be heard from the Zhou family's courtyard, it was Zhou Er's voice: "Who is it?"

"What nonsense, Zhou Er is notoriously stubborn. If he really knew it was us, he definitely wouldn't open up. I will keep knocking until he gets annoyed; he still can't make up his mind, and he will surely open up. You know, he is quite bold (if he weren't bold, how would he dare to sneak into the west chamber at night?)." My father's character also has a bit of a rogue, carefree spirit, but it usually doesn't show.

"Who is that rascal! Speak up!" The voice of Zhou Er grew louder, clearly infuriated by such behavior

Yue Shuang is the wife of Zhou Er. Upon hearing the old man's instructions, she quickly responded and pulled Zhou Qiang and Zhou Jun to go out. Zhou Qiang is the posthumous son of Zhou Da, while Zhou Jun is the son of Zhou Er. Both children are in elementary school.

Braving the cold wind, we walked in silence. The journey that usually takes over twenty minutes was hurriedly completed by my parents in about ten minutes. As I grew older, I often wondered if they could have arrived even faster had they not been carrying me at that time

In the village, my father, who is well-liked and kind-hearted, often interacted with the Zhou family. This evidently softened Zhou Er's heart. People back then were truly sincere, and coupled with the remark that one cannot force your family to do anything, Zhou Er's expression finally relaxed. He said in a muffled voice, "Then come in, consider it that Zhou Er has no way to deal with you."

The older generation in rural areas places great importance on this; receiving someone else's kneeling for no reason is believed to bring misfortune.

Widow Zhou indeed wanted to say something, but helplessly, she only let out 2 burps and then closed her mouth

The gate of the Zhou family was also tightly shut, and my father remained silent. He rushed forward and knocked loudly on the door, the sound echoing in the quiet night, making the urgent knocking particularly jarring.

Originally, due to Liu Wenpo's statement, my father had begun to believe somewhat in the notion that something happened to me. Coupled with the current situation, my father had already concluded that something happened to his own son, which was the reason for his frenzied behavior that night

Old Master Zhou glanced at me, looked up to see my father, his expression blank, and he let out a light snort through his nose. However, upon seeing my mother holding the child, his expression softened slightly, yet he could not help but let out a sigh.

Since the decision has been made, my parents no longer hesitated; this time they were determined. They immediately took me in their arms and set off. It seems that my earlier situation had spurred them into action. My father, for the first time, actually turned on the flashlight. A son's life is important, and at this moment, he had no time to be cautious. All he wanted was to reach Widow Zhou's house as quickly as possible

Once again, a wave of sobs arises, and I, in my smallness, begin to cry. This time, it seems particularly severe. My mother, as usual, holds me tightly, patting and embracing me, yet the situation shows no signs of improvement.

I am no longer struggling to breathe, and the distressing cries have gradually ceased. My little face has returned from a pallid blue to its usual pale appearance. Seeing that I am feeling better, my father has finally calmed down completely

My father has hardly cried throughout his life, and this time, he shed tears over a picture book, which clearly shows that he is truly saddened. He is heartbroken over his only son, wondering how it has come to this. It pains him to think that one day, this strong man will have to kneel before others.

I said to you, old Chen, this is... Zhou Er sighed in relief, it seems they are not here to cause trouble. In this day and age, who isn't afraid of suddenly having a group of people burst in and smash up their home

On Tuesday, among the villagers, we went in to talk, is that acceptable? You know that I, Old Chen, cannot force your family to do anything. Just let me finish what I have to say tonight. You yourself, tell me, am I, Old Chen, a good person in the village? Have I ever neglected you, Zhou Er, or your family in the past? My father's words were a mix of soft and hard approaches, and it is quite remarkable for a rural man to elevate his speaking skills to such a level, which can be considered as being pushed into a corner.

My father does not speak, nor does he allow my mother to speak; he only knocks on the door more urgently. He is afraid that if he hears it is our family on Tuesday, he will not open the door. My father's persistence during this period has indeed annoyed and troubled the Zhou family.

"Stand still, what are you doing? Why are you barging into someone else's home?" Just then, I saw my father push Zhou Er aside and enter the courtyard, while Zhou Er hurriedly began to shout.

Is it that the heart is not sincere? No! Every time my father goes, he always brings gifts, such as the rare milk powder at that time, hard candies, along with the old cured meat that the family is reluctant to eat, and he even promised to give half of the grain to the family

My father, undeterred, went again. On that Tuesday, without any hesitation, he picked up a hoe and was ready to strike someone, and the situation seemed to have reached a stalemate

Human potential is limitless, and the metaphysical concept of the character 'mountain' primarily pertains to self-cultivation, which can be simply understood as the activation of potential

"Junhong, what are you doing? Why are you kneeling..." Old Master Zhou clearly did not expect my father to react this way; he suddenly stood up, his tone somewhat flustered.

It seems that Tuesday still holds considerable authority; with a single shout, both children fell silent and obediently followed Tuesday's wife out.

However, regarding my father's behavior, on Tuesday, it was clearly both amusing and infuriating. Therefore, the tone was not particularly pleasant.

Later on, my father began to visit frequently, which finally aroused the suspicion of the Zhou family. They called in Widow Zhou for questioning and learned the reason behind it. First, Old Master Zhou spoke up: "Old Chen, you are being unreasonable. Aren't you putting our whole family at risk? Let's not even discuss whether my daughter-in-law can take good care of your child; even if she could, would we dare? Your child is a life, but isn't our whole family a life too? Let's go, let's go... Let's not even discuss whether my daughter-in-law can take good care of your child; even if she could, would we dare? Your child is a life, but isn't our whole family a life too? Let's go, let's go..."

Holding the cigarette holder, Old Master Zhou took a puff of the dry tobacco and said, "Yue Shuang, take Zhou Qiang and Zhou Hongjun to bed."

My father gazed at Old Master Zhou with a pleading look, his teeth clenched tightly as if he were making some decision. After a few seconds of silence, tears suddenly streamed down my father's face, and then he knelt down before Old Master Zhou. Following my father, my mother, holding me, also knelt down.

Upon returning to the house, my mother looked at my father and said very calmly, "Old Chen, I am going to find Widow Zhou, and I will go tonight"

My father let out a sigh of relief; the most difficult person to deal with in the Zhou family is Zhou Er. Having passed his test tonight, it seems there is still hope.

"Jun Hong, I know what you are here for this time. I have made myself clear. We are from the same village, and you cannot pressure our family," Old Master Zhou said, tapping his pipe, speaking calmly, with not a hint of concession in his tone

The milk I just fed cannot even reach my stomach; as soon as it reaches my mouth, it is choked out by my coughing. This is not the ordinary choking of a small child; it is simply impossible to drink.

As expected, after persistently knocking for ten minutes, Tuesday angrily opened the door, holding a machete in hand, clearly thinking of us as troublemakers.

It is still the cold winter, and inside the house, the fire in the stove burns brightly. However, my family still feels no warmth, including my two older sisters, who are very worried. Whenever I cry, they look fearfully at our parents. They are terrified to hear our father's heavy sighs and to see our mother's sorrowful eyes.

Upon entering the house, the Zhou family was gathered in the main room by the fireplace. Next to the warm stove, several sweet potatoes were piled up. This family certainly knew how to enjoy the winter, with the warm stove and steaming roasted sweet potatoes

My mother kept patting me, wanting me to feel better. My two sisters even cried out of fear because of this situation. My parents were clearly upset, and I didn't dare to cry out loud at all. My father began to breathe heavily, and his eyes turned red. Those who know my father are aware that this is a sign of his anger

Since there is no illness, especially concerning respiratory issues and *图*书 disease, how should I explain my condition? Moreover, not only my parents, but also according to the recollections of my two sisters, they all say that my appearance is no different from someone being choked by the neck

Finally, the milk was bubbling hot, breaking the dull atmosphere in our home. My father poured the milk into a bowl, blew on it to cool it down, then transferred it into a baby bottle and handed it to my mother. The whole family looked at the bottle in my mother's hand with hopeful eyes, expecting that if I drank this little bit of milk, I would feel better, as my cries had truly been heart-wrenching

Widow Zhou's response was as unpleasant as her hiccuping sound, making it hard to listen to. But what could my father do? He could only go again and again.

A minute later, my mother's panicked and sharp voice broke the temporary silence in the house: "Old Chen, Old Chen... what happened to our youngest son?"

It is said that ghosts fear wicked people. Xiuyun, I have completely figured out what is going on with my son. I share the same thought. We will go tonight; if we delay any longer, I fear we won't be able to keep our son safe. My father strongly agrees with my mother's statement.

My mother placed me on the bed, comforted my sisters for a moment, and then coaxed them to their room to sleep.

This is not a matter of their ruthlessness. Without even discussing whether there is any certainty in this matter, just consider the situation: if someone accidentally lets something slip one day, it would be a typical case! Moreover, Widow Zhou is already in a precarious position.

On Tuesday, with wide-open eyes, he shouted: "If the roasted sweet potatoes don't grow legs and fly away, go to sleep, or else you'll get 'bamboo shoots stir-fried with meat' (a beating)!"

My father’s outburst finally frightened my two sisters to tears, and the situation in the room became even worse. At that moment, my mother displayed a unique, resilient strength characteristic of women; she was, in fact, the calmest one among us.

The atmosphere at home has become increasingly heavy, with no one speaking. Apart from my own distressing sobs, the only sound is my mother's soft cooing of 'hush'...

My mother's lips were trembling, and my father rushed over in a few large strides. Upon seeing her, his entire expression instantly turned ashen.

My mother’s words finally brought my father to his senses, but strangely, despite his fierce outburst, my condition actually improved somewhat

Since the time my parents decided to invite Widow Zhou to take a look at me, the place my father frequented became Widow Zhou's home. To avoid any gossip, my father always chose to go after nine o'clock in the evening