Siheyuan: Starting from a Truck Driver

Compared with the talkative Tian Yu, Li Yunlong seemed a little silent after answering several questions from Li Weidong.

He looked at the scenery gradually receding outside the window and sighed deeply, "I never thought that I, Li Yunlong, would become a deserter one day. It's really shameful."

Li Weidong turned the steering wheel skillfully to avoid an ox cart and said with a smile: "I once said that knowing the male and guarding the female is the best way to be a good offensive strategy. In other words, sometimes retreat is a better offensive strategy."

"Laozi? I'm your grandpa!" Li Yunlong widened his iconic copper bell-like eyes.

Li Weidong stroked his forehead helplessly. The topic changed too quickly!

Tian Yu glared back at him: "Li Weidong was referring to Laozi in the Tao Te Ching, not your biological father. For so many years, I have been telling you to read more, but you always used the excuse that you were busy. Now you have tasted the bitter fruit, right?"

How could Li Yunlong, who had a hot temper, admit defeat so easily? He slapped the dashboard of the car fiercely and said, "Don't mention the old man or grandfather anymore. This time, I, Li Yunlong, admit that I am a coward."

Li Weidong and Tian Yu were both well aware of Li Yunlong's inner uneasiness, so they did not continue arguing, and the car suddenly fell into a brief silence.

The dashboard bears the brunt of this conversation.

Since they couldn't go to the state-owned hotel, Li Weidong had to park the truck on a small road in the suburbs when it was getting dark.

There is a small forest next to the trail and a river next to it, which is a good place to spend the night.

"Uncle, it's getting dark. It's not safe to drive at night. Let's rest here tonight." Li Weidong opened the car door, jumped out, and took out the canvas he had prepared in advance. "The space in the cab is limited. There is no room for so many of us, so we can only set up tents for the night."

Li Yunlong was born in 191 and is already in his fifties, so it is appropriate for Li Weidong to call him "Uncle".

"Camping in the wild is my strong point!" Li Yunlong said with a smile.

Because he had fought many times in the south and the north, he had a lot of experience spending the night in the wild.

With the help of Li Yunlong, Li Weidong fixed the canvas on four large trees, then cut down two pieces of wood to make crossbeams, and quickly built a simple tent.

Li Yunlong and Tian Yu's children were obviously very curious about this camping activity. As soon as they got off the car, they gathered together and chattered non-stop.

"Zhao Shui, I heard that it's very cold in the Northeast. Even when going to the toilet, you have to use a stick to keep warm."

"Don't scare me. I lived in the Northeast when I was a child."

......

Li Weidong got out of the car carrying a pot of gasoline. He saw Li Yunlong watching the children who were out playing, then he smiled bitterly, shook his head, and walked over.

The conversation along the way made Li Weidong realize that Li Yunlong's mind had not changed.

Even if they got to the Northeast, his fiery temper might still cause some trouble.

Li Weidong handed Li Yunlong a cigarette, then lit it with a match. After smoking the cigarette, Li Yunlong took a deep breath.

"hiss--"

"call--"

Li Weidong returned the cigarette to Li Yunlong. He looked at the children and said in a heavy tone, "Brother Yunlong, look how happy the children are together."

Li Yunlong nodded in agreement: "Yes, I really envy them. They are in their prime and will definitely contribute their strength to the country in the future."

Li Weidong went on to say, “Have you ever thought that the reason why the children can be carefree is because you are like a big tree protecting them from behind. If the big tree falls, they will have to face the severe cold. Sometimes, the severe cold is enough to kill a person.”

"Severe cold...can cause a person to lose his life." When Li Yunlong heard this, his heart suddenly trembled and his throat choked.

He is not a stupid man, otherwise he would not have been able to sit in the position of commander of the coastal defense force.

He persisted because he never cared about personal honor or shame.

But the kids...

Li Weidong saw that the cigarette in Li Yunlong's hand was about to burn his hand, but he did not notice it. He understood that Li Yunlong had heard what he said.

So Li Weidong got up to prepare dinner, and Tian Yu quietly came over to help: "Weidong, thank you."

As Li Yunlong's wife, she always believed that no one could persuade Li Yunlong to bow his head.

Tian Yu can't do it, Zhao Gang can't do it, even Chu Yunfei can't do it.

But unexpectedly, this little driver touched Li Yunlong's heart with just a few words.

Li Weidong smiled faintly, did not answer, and stood up from his seat.

"Auntie, there's nothing good to eat on a long-distance bus. Let's just eat sugar-coated steamed buns tonight."

Sugar-water steamed buns are a delicacy created by the drivers.

Boil a pot of water, sprinkle some brown sugar in it, then cut the steamed buns into small pieces and cook them in the brown sugar water.

After eating, the whole person will feel warm and very satisfied.

It is easy to make and there is no need to wash the pot, so Li Wei makes sugar-water steamed buns every time he goes out on the road.

Tian Yu had never expected to be able to eat brown sugar water and steamed buns in this remote place, so she naturally agreed happily: "That's enough. The children will be very happy to have brown sugar."

Li Weidong noticed that Li Yunlong was squatting there like a stone statue and did not disturb him.

"Aunt, please look after the children while I go chop some wood."

Li Weidong picked up an axe and walked into the forest. There were many dead trees in the forest, and he quickly chopped down a large pile of firewood. Considering that a lot of fire would be needed for a night of camping, he picked up the axe again and started chopping more firewood.

Suddenly, a clear gunshot was heard in the distance, startling the birds in the forest. Li Weidong picked up two large bundles of firewood and quickly ran to where they had set up their tent. After confirming that Tian Yu and the children were safe, he felt relieved, threw down the firewood and began to ask: "What happened? Who fired the gun?"

"I!" A slightly vicissitudes of life voice came from a distance. Li Yunlong walked out of the woods holding a bleeding hare.

"I never owe anyone a favor. Since I ate your steamed buns, I will give you this hare in return."

Seeing the light of hope in Li Yunlong's eyes, Tian Yu felt relieved. Her eyes became a little moist, and she turned her head away quietly and wiped them with a handkerchief.

Li Weidong glanced at Li Yunlong and said, "Old Li, this rabbit is not enough. The children won't be able to eat it for long. What about Tian Yu?"

Li Yunlong was stunned for a moment, then threw the rabbit to Li Weidong and turned back into the forest. Night fell quietly like a wild wolf, swallowing up all sounds. The grove became very quiet, with only the crackling of firewood in the fire.

Li Weidong squatted in front of the fire, holding a barbecue fork in his hand. The end of the barbecue fork was wrapped with a piece of rag, which was a good barbecue tool.

Four wild rabbits were sizzling over the fire, emitting an alluring aroma. Li Yunlong, who had just finished a large bowl of steamed buns soaked in sugar water, couldn't control his saliva and swallowed hard: "Little driver, I didn't expect you to be so capable and think of such a unique cooking method."

Li Weidong smiled and said, "Back then, you also captured the commander of the Seventh Division, Chang Naichao, by drawing circles on the prisoners, right?"

Speaking of the past, Li Yunlong's eyes flashed with memories, and he said sincerely: "Chang Naichao has a weak physique and is a coward as a soldier, but he has a wealth of theoretical knowledge and I have learned a lot from him."

Li Yunlong's extraordinary ability lies in his ability to make use of everything, whether it is equipment or military knowledge.

At this time, the hare had been roasted to perfection, and the tempting aroma aroused everyone's appetite, especially the children, who could no longer hold back.

Li Jian and Li Kang couldn't help but ask, "Brother Weidong, can we eat now?" Zhao Shan, Zhao Gao, Zhao Shui and Zhao Chang were also swallowing their saliva.

Li Weidong smiled and said, "Wait a moment, I'll add some more seasoning." He took out a small bag from his pocket and sprinkled it on the roasted rabbit, and the aroma immediately became stronger.

Li Yunlong took a deep breath and gave a thumbs up: "You really enjoy life."

Li Weidong smiled and handed the roasted rabbit to Tian Yu, asking her to share it with the children. He then handed one to Li Yunlong and picked one up to eat. This seasoning is real thirteen spices, ground from thirteen kinds of pure natural spices. Li Weidong made it himself by referring to the modern thirteen spices method.

The real thirteen spices are easy to carry and have significant effects. They have been warmly welcomed by experienced drivers as soon as they were launched. Now, drivers always carry a pack with them when they go out. Camping in the wild is easier than expected. The bonfire is burning, the tent is warm and comfortable, and the wild animals dare not approach.

With a brave soldier like Li Yunlong, Li Weidong felt at ease and slept until dawn. After washing up, Tian Yu had heated up the remaining rabbit meat, and they had a simple meal, and Li Weidong drove on.

After three days of hard work, the truck finally arrived in Northeast China. The temperature dropped sharply and snowflakes were flying. Fortunately, there was no heavy snow during this period, otherwise the truck tires would slip. The road conditions were bad, so Li Weidong drove more attentively, while Li Yunlong looked out the window with expectation.

Suddenly, the truck braked with a click. Tian Yu asked from the back seat: "What happened?"

Li Weidong looked at the road ahead, frowning, "There's a big tree blocking the way ahead."

"Isn't it just a tree? I can just get out of the car and move it away." Li Yunlong said as he was about to open the car door and get out, but was stopped by Li Weidong.

Li Weidong shook his head: "Don't get off the car, something might be wrong." But Li Yunlong didn't care: "What's wrong! I don't believe anyone can stop me."

As he spoke, he pulled out the gun from his waist, got rid of Li Weidong's hand, and was about to get out of the car. But he was stopped by Li Weidong again. Li Yunlong frowned and asked, "Weidong, what do you want to do?"