Rebirth in 1986: Unforgettable Regrets

"Sister, can we bring Dad home now?" Tang Jun was equally excited, although he still didn't understand exactly what was going on with Liu Zixuan, but as long as Dad was safe and sound, he was completely satisfied.

He would become stronger in the future, to protect Dad and Mom, and his sister, rather than letting his sister's frail body protect them.

These past few days, Tang Jun saw Tang Yue busy bustling around, wishing he could share some of her burden, yet all he could do was stay by his mother's side, unable to help with anything else.

"Yes." Tang Yue affirmed: "We'll go together to bring Dad home."

"Mom will definitely be very happy when she knows," Tang Jun said with a wide smile, showing his neat white teeth, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Tang Yue nodded affirmatively, there was no need to even say this; Zhang Hualian at home had been looking forward to having someone back every day.

Bai Qing and Lian Qingyang quietly went back and shared this good news with Zhang Hualian.

Upon hearing that Tang Zhengde could be brought home, Zhang Hualian immediately headed to the police station.

Next-door, Tang Mingli had been busy with factory matters these days; Wei Jiajia, who was taking care of her child, hearing this news, went to buy groceries and planned to prepare a welcoming meal for Tang Zhengde.

Wei Jiajia also notified Tang Mingli, asking him to definitely come home for lunch.

When Tang Zhengde was suddenly released, he thought Tang Yue had agreed to something on his behalf, and upon seeing her, he immediately asked, "Xiao Yue, you didn't agree to anything with that surname Meng, right? I'd rather spend several years in jail than to sell my daughter."

Caught in the joy of reunion, Tang Yue was surprised by his words, but couldn't help smiling. Her eyes twinkled as she said, "Dad, Liu Hu decided not to sue you, so it has nothing to do with anyone else."

"That's good." Tang Zhengde, realizing it belatedly, asked, "Xiao Yue, why did he suddenly drop the charges?"

Beforehand, Tang Mingli had also told Tang Zhengde about Liu Hu; he was unyielding, determined to sue until Tang served time in jail. Tang even considered, if it came to the worst, spending several years in jail was bearable, but the suffering would be for Hualian who had to wait for him.

"Dad, maybe he came to his senses on his own? Why concern yourself with so much?" Tang Yue chirped happily to change the subject, "Let's go home first, Mom is anxiously waiting."

Just as Tang Yue finished speaking, they heard Tang Jun yelling 'Mom'.

Tang Yue turned back and indeed, there stood Zhang Hualian, her face flush with excitement.

Tang Zhengde stepped forward quickly, their eyes meeting, seeming to have no room for anyone else.

"You've lost weight," Tang Zhengde said with concern.

Zhang Hualian's gaze trailed over his chin to the messy beard, responding, "You've had a harder time inside."

Clearly, both parents' eyes were practically glued to each other, but because of the bustling surroundings, they could only look fondly.

Tang Yue, unable to stand it anymore, said, "Mom and Dad, let's go home first."

"Okay," Zhang Hualian, wiping a tear, joyfully returned home with the family.

When Tang Mingli heard his second brother was returning, he called over the eldest brother and together with Wei Jiajia, started cooking.

When Zhang Huafeng arrived, Tang Zhengde and his family hadn't returned yet; seeing Tang Mingli, Zhang Huafeng, still clueless about what happened, wondered, "Little Yue, little uncle, why haven't my brother-in-law and the others cooked?"

It was his brother-in-law's house, yet here were little Yue's uncle and aunt with their child cooking, and even his sister was nowhere to be seen.

Tang Mingli hemmed and hawed, unsure of how to explain, merely saying they would be back soon.

At half past twelve, Tang Mingli and Wei Jiajia had prepared a table full of delicious dishes, and a brazier was also set at the entrance of the yard, just waiting for Tang Zhengde and his family to return.

"Jump over the brazier." Zhang Hualian excitedly instructed, watching the blazing fire, she muttered auspicious words beside it.

Zhang Huafeng slowly understood that his brother-in-law must have been through something.

After stepping over the fire pot, Tang Mingli prepared some hot water for Tang Zhengde to take a bath and changed into clean clothes.

At lunch, everyone reunited, and Zhang Huafeng then realized that his brother-in-law, Tang Zhengde, had encountered trouble, but fortunately, it was without serious danger.

Zhang Hualian and Tang Zhengde, who had finally reunited, had endless topics to talk about. The family chatted and laughed joyfully together.

Zhang Huafeng originally wanted to mention to Zhang Hualian that Lian He had returned, but seeing his sister's happy family, he decided not to speak up. After all, who knows if Lian He's return was just a spur of the moment decision—it's better not to tell his sister about it.

*

In the best hotel in Wangjiang County, after touring around Wangjiang County, Lian He was flooded with old memories. The beautiful memories of his time with Zhang Hualian came back to him, trickling into his heart one by one.

Over these twenty years, Lian He even thought that he had forgotten that person deep in his memory. Unexpectedly, after coming to Wangjiang County, the memories resurfaced, and that person in his memory became clearer and clearer, even the events that occurred became more distinct.

Xiang Yazhi called to ask him when he would return, but Lian He self-indulgently wanted to stay a few more days.

Perhaps, this would be the last time he reminisced in his life.

Hualian, married away, where did she go?

Originally, he had promised to come back and marry her, but in the end, he broke his promise. How has Hualian been?

These days, Lian He had been thinking about it.

A phone rang; Lian He hung up the call, frowning and said, "Mr. Li."

Mr. Li is his driver, his bodyguard, and also his assistant.

"Mr. Lian," Mr. Li entered, speaking respectfully.

"Go, find out where Qingyang is, and what he did with that US$100,000," Lian He instructed solemnly, adding, "He should be in Wangjiang County."

Mr. Li was startled but didn't say much and immediately went to handle the task.

In the afternoon, Mr. Li found out.

When Lian He heard that Lian Qingyang came to Wangjiang County to look for a girl named Tang Yue, and also took US$100,000 for this girl, Lian He couldn't sit still anymore.

What kind of friend is this, asking for US$100,000 right off the bat?

Lian He, with a stern face, intended to have Mr. Li fetch Lian Qingyang, but then he thought, it might be better if he went to find Lian Qingyang himself.

Lian He got into the car and headed to the Tang Family.

Tang Yue and Bai Qing had just returned from the factory, and Lian Qingyang and Tang Jun were playing video games.

Lian Qingyang, who usually keeps to himself, was patiently teaching Tang Jun how to play.

Mr. Li reminded him on the side that Tang Jun was Tang Yue's younger brother.

"Lian Qingyang," Lian He's cold voice rose, seeing how approachable his son appeared, in stark contrast to his usual arrogant demeanor in front of him, it was simply like dealing with a different person.

Lian Qingyang looked up in surprise, and seeing Lian He, he was extremely shocked and asked, "Dad, what are you doing here?"

Lian Qingyang instinctively stood up and walked over to Lian He.

Compared to Lian Qingyang's shock, Lian He's eyes were filled with disappointment, and he swung his hand to deliver a slap.