The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 1011 - 980 Turbulent Years, Please Matchmaker

Chapter 1011: Chapter 980 Turbulent Years, Please Matchmaker

However, time is merciless, and they have all grown old.

The playmates of their youth, now hardly a few remained.

"Big Brother Huo," Old Man Qi’s eyes brimmed with tears, "how are you feeling?"

"Good!" Old Master Huo laughed, "My health isn’t too bad, and by the looks of it, you’re also doing well. Knowing that you are having a happy old age brings me peace."

The good brother’s wife and son had passed away, leaving him a lonely old man. Fortunately, some younger generations in Qijia Village respected him, allowing Old Man Qi to have a happy twilight time.

"Yes, the younger ones are filial, and I’m living quite a good life," Old Man Qi smiled and glanced at Third Grandma Qi, who was making small talk with Old Madam Huo, at least he had beloved ones to accompany him during the last stage of his life.

This was already more than he could ask for.

Old Master Huo, with the wisdom of age, also noticed, and smiled meaningfully, but did not comment. After all, at their age, the form of things was no longer important, what mattered most was the attitude in their hearts.

"That’s good. This time, it’s rare for us brothers to meet. After the military parade, I’ll invite a few old comrades, and we’ll have a gathering," said Old Master Huo, "They often mention you too."

"Heh, I’m just an ordinary man, there’s nothing worth mentioning," smiled Old Man Qi, "Ah, we’re getting on in years, and because of serious injuries from fighting in wars when we were young, I reckon even if those old comrades are still alive, their health isn’t what it used to be."

"Isn’t that the truth!" Old Master Huo sighed, "Last year Old Li passed away, Old Liu is now bedridden, and those who remain, although they can still move around, are, after all, advanced in age and can’t travel lightly."

Hearing that these familiar folks were all aging made Old Man Qi’s heart fill with a profound sense of melancholy.

"Time spares no one," said Old Man Qi, "Birth, aging, sickness, and death are natural to human life. Although it’s regrettable, it’s the cycle of life. We will eventually leave this world, but the younger generation is capable of holding up the sky. Compared to those comrades who sacrificed themselves in the war against the Japanese, we were fortunate to live to see victory and the liberation afterward. We witnessed the rights and wrongs after the founding of the nation, and we saw the country gradually strengthen. This was all our purpose when we took up arms to fight; even when we go to the world below, we can tell those comrades that their blood was not shed in vain."

Old Man Qi’s words deeply moved Old Master Huo.

Back then, with lagging technology, the victory of New China was built gradually with blood and lives.

Faced with the enemy’s strong ships and cannons, advanced weapons, our soldiers had only their broken guns, not-so-strong bodies, and unwavering determination to charge forward.

For victory, for liberation, for the people to be masters of their own fate, they sacrificed their precious lives.

Yet they became but handfuls of yellow earth buried in foreign lands.

May their loyal bones forever exist, may their loyal souls rest in peace as they return to their homeland!

Both men remembered their former comrades, and tears welled up in the corners of their eyes.

Seeing this, the others quieted down their voices.

This was respect for the departed, as well as tender regard for the two soldiers who had spent their lives in the military and had now grown old.

After a while, Huo Zheqian finally said slowly, "Father, Uncle Qi, now the country is prospering, you can be comforted. Let’s not talk about these matters anymore, let’s talk about some happy things instead."

Old Master Huo took the handkerchief his wife handed him and wiped his eyes, nodding, "Yes, the country is getting better and better, what more could I regret? Younger Brother Qi, we should be smiling, gather all the old comrades who went to the battlefield back then, let’s have a good reunion."

After this gathering, there probably won’t be another opportunity.

Although Old Master Huo didn’t say it, everyone could infer the implied meaning.

"Okay, this is your home ground, Big Brother Huo, you arrange it." Old Man Qi said with a slight smile, he had always been hiding in Qijia Village, and although it was peaceful, he felt very lonely in his heart.

Fortunately, there were the younger generations, and she was there too.

Today, so many people came that He Tiantian had to quickly prepare a lot of dishes, arranging two large tables.

One table for men, drinking and talking; one for women, eating and drinking, chatting about gossip.

Especially when it came to Qi Xiaoyan’s participation in the evening party, Third Grandma Qi was very interested and thought she must watch it when the time came.

With so many kids, the little ones were also excited, playing in the yard.

With so many adults around, there was no need to worry about the children.

It was not until nine in the evening that the gathering finally ended.

Old Master Huo, Old Madam Huo, and the others returned to their old family home in the country.

The next morning, Old Master Tang came to see Old Master Huo.

"What brings you here so early?" Old Master Huo, having finished washing up, was slowly practicing his punches in the yard as he looked at the visitor and asked.

Normally at this time, Old Master Tang would be exercising too, and wouldn’t come over.

"Heh heh, ’No one visits a temple without a cause,’ I have a favor to ask of you!" Old Master Tang said with a cheery laugh, looking like two good brothers.

"I think you’re the weasel paying New Year’s respects to the chicken – no good heart," Old Master Huo said, "Spit it out quickly, seeing your face full of laughing wrinkles makes me feel uneasy!"

"I heard from Tang Qian that Qi Zhengmin’s grandmother has come; my boy likes Zhengmin, and with their elder having come, I can’t just pretend not to notice, that would be disrespectful," said Old Master Tang, "It’s just, as you know, Xiao Si did some foolish things before, and even though he’s turned over a new leaf now, I still worry the girl’s family might not be satisfied, so I came to ask for your help, to say a few good words for Xiao Si. If things go smoothly, you could be the matchmaker and secure the marriage between Xiao Si and Zhengmin."

I knew it was about this!

Old Master Huo guessed it when he saw Old Master Tang drawing closer.

"Heh heh, I’ve seen the changes in Xiao Si for myself. But as for playing matchmaker, I’m not suitable for that," Old Master Huo said, "How about this: join me today in visiting Yingjie’s home. My Qi brother is Zhengmin’s great-uncle, and he is our good friend. We’ll first visit as friends. If there’s interest on their part, then we can proceed to the next step. If they show no interest at all, you can’t push me into it, forcing me to step forward."

"Ah?" Old Master Tang was taken aback, "Are you talking about Qi Xingwang?"

"Yes, Qi Xingwang," Old Master Huo replied, "Back in the day, he too was a valiant soldier, later disliking the life of deception and intrigue, so he returned home. Zhengmin’s grandfather and my Qi brother’s father are first cousins, from the same grandmother and grandfather. Zhengmin, therefore, is effectively my Qi brother’s granddaughter. Now, with Zhengmin’s father Qi Shuliang taking care of my Qi brother, she truly is like his granddaughter. You can’t just use your family’s power and influence to pressure the young lady."

Old Master Tang was left speechless, then quickly said, "Oh, Old Huo, you still don’t know me? I’m always cautious, where would I have the courage to bully a young girl?"