There was no more free time now.
The days at school were indeed very busy. This year, her hometown had changed greatly.
First of all, educated youths returned to the city. Many educated youths had gone back. Some have returned through their own channels, while others had yet to return. They temporarily stayed behind but it was obvious that they will not stay for too long.
Because of the current circumstance, they sensed it was only a matter of time before going back.
People in the village were ill at ease. Still, the overall productivity wasn't affected.
The biggest change in the village was that the number of chickens being raised was doubled.
Father Zhou stopped working in the field this year. He herded the ducks to the river. Lunch was sent over by Mother Zhou. There was no need to bring them home for the whole day. He found a place to chill around.
In the evening, he herded the ducks back.
They were currently only a half matured duck and still can't lay eggs. When they grow up, he'll have to pay attention to prevent them from laying the duck eggs outside.
Originally, they planned to raise only four-five, but Father Zhou felt it was too few and not worth the effort. So he straightforwardly took on seven-eight.
It didn't cost the family any supply to feed them. Just drive them out and let them feed on small fish and shrimps in the river. If they have to cut you the tail, then cut it.
In addition, Zhou Qing Bai didn't object. So, he ended up raising so many ducks.
There were also a lot of chickens in the backyard.
It was the same for everyone else in the village. No one can criticize another.
As for those with ill-intent who went to report it, nobody bothered with it. After all, Zhoujia Village wasn't the only place that did this.
Since the Gang of Four collapsed, it wasn't the same as before.
When Zhou Qing Bai came back from the field, Er Wa and San Wa just finished cooking and said, "Father, the bacon and sausage left by my mother are all finished. From today on, we have to tighten our belts to live."
Before their mother left, she made a lot of bacon. It can last long. They were prudent when using it. That's why it was used recently.
Zhou Qing Bai said, "Tomorrow there will be meat."
He had already ordered with Sister Mei and will pick it up in the early hours of this evening.
So they made-do today.
A scrambled egg, a cabbage, and mantou. That was it. It was still pretty good.
Of course, when compared to the time when their mother was home, it was far from it.
Mother Zhou portioned out Father Zhou's share first and then she ate first with her son and grandsons. It wasn't too late to deliver it after eating.
"Father, when are you going to see Mother?" San Wa asked at the dinner table.
"Are you free these days?" Mother Zhou turned to look at her son.
"Not free." Zhou Qing Bai shook his head.
He did want to go to see his wife, but the spring plowing season was a busy period. It took up so many days to travel over and back. He definitely can't go.
But if it rains, he can make a trip.
After all, it sometimes rains for seven or eight days. Perfect to go back and forth.
Zhou Qing Bai looked forward to rain now. Well, what do you, his desire was answered. At the end of May, the weather started to become cloudy.