Zhang Fang stood at the door, the sunlight outside casting a glow on him. The handsome youth turned back with a dazzling smile. This scene left Zhang Laotou in a daze, unable to tell if he was in a dream.
Returning to Zhang Laotou’s side, Zhang Fang cheerfully sat down and spoke, “Dad, get up and walk around. Let’s see if these clothes and shoes fit.”
Zhang Laotou stared blankly at the ground and saw that he was dressed in brand new clothes. His gaze fell to his feet—he wasn’t just wearing a new pair of cloth shoes; he also had socks on!
At that moment, Zhang Laotou was convinced he must be dreaming and hadn’t woken up yet!
Seeing his father in a daze, a pang of bittersweet feeling emerged in Zhang Fang’s heart. He reached into his pocket, pulled out the remaining silver, and handed it to Zhang Laotou, saying, “Dad, this is the leftover money. Tomorrow, let’s send my brothers to the city to buy some food! You’ve taken care of me for so many years; it’s time for me to support the family.”
Zhang Laotou felt the silver in his hands, and it felt so real. His expression shifted between tears and laughter as he murmured, “That’s great!”
This dream was so beautiful! Zhang Laotou thought he was extremely happy now! He didn’t want to wake up, nor did he want to leave this wonderful dream.
“Fourth brother, why don’t you give us the money? We’ll go buy food now!” Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang entered the room looking for Zhang Fang, fearing that once Zhang Fang learned of the family’s situation, he might change his attitude and turn against them. It’s better to buy food as soon as possible so they could eat a few more meals!
However, his smile suddenly disappeared upon seeing his two sons. Zhang Laotou’s face turned stern, and he coldly stared at Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang.
Both Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang sensed that their father wasn’t happy. Yet, Zhang Erlang, with his thick skin, forced a compliment, “Dad, this new outfit looks really nice! Fourth brother has great taste! Now that you’re in these new clothes, you look just like a city dweller!”
Zhang Sanlang quickly nodded in agreement, adding, “The material of Dad’s clothing looks very sturdy!”
While giving an unhappy glance at his two sons, as Zhang Laotou frowned, Zhang Fang took a piece of silver from his hand.
Turning, he handed the money to Zhang Erlang, saying, “You decide how to buy! Thank you for running this errand, second brother and third brother.”
“It’s no trouble, no trouble at all!” The moment the silver landed in his hand, Zhang Erlang’s hand trembled! His eyes fixed on the silver piece, never expecting Zhang Fang to be so generous!
Beside him, Zhang Sanlang was extremely envious, wishing he could snatch that piece of silver to touch it! He had never even touched silver before!
Zhang Laotou widened his eyes, staring at them in anger. He snapped at Zhang Fang, “Fourth brother, isn’t this money for me? Why did you give it to them!”
Zhang Fang returned to his father’s side, cheerfully coaxing, “Dad, there will be more silver. Let the second brother and third brother buy food first.”
Even in a dream, Zhang Laotou was uneasy about giving so much money to his two sons. With a stern face, he insisted, “No! Give the money back to me!”
Zhang Erlang held the silver awkwardly, his face flustered.
Zhang Fang waved his hand at him. Zhang Erlang, surprised, quickly pulled Zhang Sanlang and ran off.
Zhang Laotou was so angry that he slapped the bed board, the numb sensation in his palm giving him a hint of reality. Confused, he looked down at his hand and raised it to bite.
“Father!” Zhang Fang was bemused by the scene.
It hurt!
Zhang Laotou stared at Zhang Fang in shock, suddenly reaching out to grab him, and exclaimed excitedly, “Fourth brother, this is not a dream!”
Zhang Fang hadn’t expected that Zhang Laotou would think of this as a dream, feeling a mix of sadness and amusement as he explained helplessly, “Dad, it’s not a dream. I really came home. The manuscript I wrote was noticed by a bookstore, and the storekeeper first gave me twenty-five taels of silver. After settling my debts, I was released. I used five taels to buy quite a bit, and this is all that’s left. But I promise, I’ll be earning more money soon!”
Zhang Laotou’s mouth dropped open, asking hesitantly, “Really?”
“Really! Dad, if you don’t believe me, go out and ask Mom.” Zhang Fang pulled Zhang Laotou to his feet.
Dressed in new clothes and shoes, Zhang Laotou walked out of the house without even realizing it. It wasn’t until he stepped into the kitchen that Zhang Laotou’s wife looked up at him and excitedly shouted, “Finally awake! Did Fourth Son buy you these clothes? And these new shoes! How could you wear new shoes to work in the fields!”
Only then did Zhang Laotou realize, reaching out to touch the fabric of his clothes, which felt thick and comfortable! Looking down, he saw he was wearing a new pair of shoes, standing right on the ground!
Zhang Laotou: !!!
He quickly lifted his foot, intending to take off his shoes, only to find he was still wearing socks!
“Fourth Son, you this child…” Zhang Laotou wanted to say a few words to Zhang Fang but couldn’t finish, and his eyes grew wet.
Zhang Fang smiled, saying, “Dad, the clothes and shoes are for you to wear! Don’t hold back! Mom, I also bought you two new outfits. Try them on later.”
Zhang Laotou’s wife wiped her hands and grumbled, “It’s not like we don’t have clothes and shoes to wear. Fourth Son, why did you buy these? It’s such a waste of money! You’re going to need money for many things in the future! You should spend this money on your education!”
While she was scolding Zhang Fang, happiness overflowed in her eyes. If it weren’t for needing to act reserved, she would want to rush to see the new clothes and shoes her son bought for her.
Having raised four sons and three daughters, it was only this youngest son who spent money on such things for her. Zhang Laotou’s wife felt that she hadn’t wronged Zhang Si Lang!
While Zhang Laotou’s wife was talking to Zhang Fang, Zhang Laotou took the opportunity to wipe away his tears. On his way back to the house, he was careful with every step, afraid of dirtying his new shoes.
Zhang Dazhao stayed in the kitchen, smiling as she watched them.
Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang were originally in their own room admiring the fabric and new shoes when they heard Zhang Laotou’s voice. They walked out and witnessed the scene. Zhang Laotou was taking small steps forward, looking particularly pained, while softly chatting with Zhang Fang.
“Fourth Son, after struggling to earn some money, you should save it. You should return these things!”
Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang’s expressions stiffened slightly. They really didn’t want to return these items!