I Overhear Animals' Thoughts to Feed My Family

Chapter 224: Chapter 196: Inviting a Deity

’That’s right. Just do it. How much worse could things get? I can’t change the world or influence the country’s direction, but can’t I at least try to change the fate of Dragon King Pond?’

”Uncle, Auntie, don’t worry that this house we’re living in is small and rundown. It’s only temporary. I’m already planning to build a new one after spring begins—a brick and tile house.”

”What? Really?”

Lin Huaimin and Wang Lulu, who had just regained their composure, stared at Zhao Wendong in shock. They could understand building a new adobe house, but a brick and tile one? Was that something an ordinary farmer could even talk about these days?

It wasn’t that they were ignorant. Their family might have lived in a traditional courtyard house with blue bricks and large tiles back in Beijing, but things were completely different now. This was a time of great poverty—not just for the people, but for the country itself. Limited resources were concentrated on the most critical priorities, and materials like bricks and tiles were treated as collective property. And here was Zhao Wendong, wanting to build a private house?

”You have to be mindful of the impression it gives! Consider the sentiment of the people!”

Lin Huaimin said worriedly, and Wang Lulu chimed in to dissuade him as well.

”That’s right. You don’t want to be made an example of. We have it good enough right now; there’s no need to be the one who sticks his neck out.”

Seeing their worried expressions, Zhao Wendong knew they were afraid because of past hardships. He explained that he had the support of the leaders from the production team, the Commune, and even the county and region. When they still seemed concerned, he remembered what they had said earlier about wanting to work in the fields. Suddenly, a brilliant idea struck him. ℯℯ𝘭.

’Weren’t these two just worrying about having no purpose? Don’t I want to change the current state of Dragon King Pond? And isn’t everyone concerned about the justification for building a new house? I’ve got it!’

”I have another idea. Uncle, Auntie, Zhiyin, tell me what you think of this.”

”After this year’s autumn harvest, the Commune’s elementary school is shutting down, and our village school has already closed. I was thinking that when I build the new house, I could add two extra rooms to use as a school. What do you think? Then, Uncle and Auntie, you could be the village teachers. That way, the house would officially be for a school. With the leaders’ help, it would be a foolproof plan!”

Upon hearing this, Lin Huaimin and Wang Lulu’s eyes lit up, their faces filled with pleasant surprise. Becoming teachers was a wonderful idea! They wouldn’t have to do manual labor in the fields, yet they would still have something to do—and a very meaningful something at that. It was practically the job they had dreamed of. And with the new house having a public function, supported by the leadership, the plan was indeed foolproof.

When Lin Zhiyin heard Zhao Wendong’s plan and saw the delight on her parents’ faces, she happily threw herself at him and gave him two big kisses on the cheek.

”Wendong, you’re amazing! This idea is absolutely brilliant!”

”Hahaha, right? But what did you expect? Just look who my wife is, and who my father- and mother-in-law are!”

Zhao Wendong grinned proudly. Lin Zhiyin and her parents also felt a wave of relief wash over them, their future suddenly filled with immense hope. They no longer felt lost or without direction.

The four of them went into Zhao Wendong and Lin Zhiyin’s room. Lin Zhiyin’s gaze swept over the messy quilt on the bed, and she panicked, rushing forward to press it down, refusing to let go. She had been in a hurry to eat breakfast this morning and had forgotten to tidy up.

Wang Lulu understood her daughter’s predicament. Her eyes crinkling with amusement, she went over to help her daughter tidy up. Lin Huaimin also seemed to grasp the situation and, smiling, said to Zhao Wendong.

”Wendong, why don’t you take me for a closer look at the sea.”

”Alright.”

With that, Zhao Wendong got up and followed Lin Huaimin out of the room. Only then did Lin Zhiyin sag in relief, letting out a long sigh.

Wang Lulu watched her daughter with amusement. She took the quilt that Lin Zhiyin was desperately holding down, unfolded it, and saw the dark red stain. She gave Lin Zhiyin a mischievous wink.

”You know, in the old days, they would have kept this. Do you want to?”

”Huh? How would I even...”

”Don’t you have scissors? You just cut out the piece.”

”Er, let’s not. It seems like a waste of a quilt. Besides, I don’t need this to prove anything. I am his wife, and he is my husband. We trust each other.”

After a moment of thought, Lin Zhiyin shook her head and refused. It was an old custom, preserved for women to prove their chastity. Her relationship with Zhao Wendong was a true and natural union; they had no need to prove their loyalty to one another.

”Hahaha, I agree. After all, if either of you had any experience, you wouldn’t have had to come and ask me questions yesterday!”

”Oh, Mom!”

Lin Zhiyin was absolutely mortified. She buried her head in Wang Lulu’s arms and whined. After laughing at her daughter a moment longer, Wang Lulu’s expression turned serious.

”Yinyin, Wendong is a good man. He’s filial and respectful to his elders, and he truly cherishes you—we can all see that. What’s more, he’s incredibly capable. You know what it’s like out there right now, how many families are struggling to even put food on the table. The reason we can live like this is all thanks to Wendong. For a woman, is there any greater fortune in life than finding a man so full of love, integrity, and ability?”

”And that’s not even mentioning how he helped you, rescued your father and me from a terrible plight, and allowed our family of three to be reunited in this lifetime. He is our family’s great savior, Yinyin. I know you are an exceptional young woman, but I still have to give you some advice. You must never act like a spoiled princess. Men are actually quite easy to manage. You just have to remember to always protect his pride in front of outsiders. Be more supportive and understanding, and complain or show contempt less. If a woman can do that, a man will devote his entire life to her.”