I was reborn after my cousin stole my life.

Chapter 109: Television Set

Not long after Yuan Juan went to the farm, Zhou Lei was demobilized.

When Yuan Xiu heard the news, she was at home setting up the television she had just bought.

Chunmei's sister-in-law and the others came to watch the excitement. As soon as the figures appeared on the TV, everyone would get excited for a long time.

"It's happening! It's happening! Xiao Yuan, stop fiddling around and come sit down."

The women's eyes sparkled as they watched the television, not wanting to miss a single frame.

There are only two or three TV channels available now, with the widest coverage and clearest picture being the Capital TV station. Yuan Xiu and her group are currently watching an arts and culture program broadcast by the Capital TV station.

"Have you heard? Zhou Lei has been demobilized," said Sister Chunmei.

"You changed careers? Where did you go? Who told you that?"

"Where else could he go? He'll probably go back to his hometown. I don't know exactly what he'll do there. I just overheard it, but I'm pretty sure it's true. With all that filth on him, what future does he have in the military? He might as well transfer back to civilian life. Maybe he can even get a good job there."

Sister-in-law Xiulan sighed, "He's pitiful too. He was all harmed by Yuan Juan and her daughter."

"If he hadn't been greedy for Yuan Juan's youth, would she have harmed him?" Sister-in-law Guiying scoffed. "If he hadn't married Yuan Juan, none of this would have happened!"

"You're right." Chunmei's sister-in-law still finds it terrifying when she thinks about it now. "I don't want to go back to the security department."

Yuan Xiu was thinking about whether Yuan Juan had colluded with Master Cheng since her aunt Yuan hadn't come to the army in her previous life.

She had always had a question, and she only learned about it after joining the army. Every time a military officer is promoted, there is a corresponding political review based on the position. After being promoted to the regimental level, in addition to the individual, the family members and social relationships will also undergo a comprehensive review. If the position requires it, a comprehensive political review will start from scratch.

So how did Yuan Juan pass through all these checks in her previous life?

She, Yuan Xiu, lived a real life in Xiangyang Commune. She even had a first-generation ID card. If anyone were to check, it would be impossible for Yuan Juan to have lived under her identity for more than 20 years.

She must have had an accomplice, and this accomplice must be quite capable, something that Yuan Xinmin and his wife could never have accomplished.

and also……

When Yuan Juan returned to her hometown in her previous life, was it really just as simple as going back to visit?

Yuan Xiu fell into deep thought, losing all interest in watching television programs.

"Little Yuan, it seems there's a national news program broadcast tonight too. Do you guys watch it?" Sister Xiulan asked.

Yuan Xiu snapped out of her daze: "Yes, sisters-in-law. If you want to see it, come over early tonight."

"I don't want to bother you. I know you study every night, and it's very tiring."

"It's okay, it won't take long. I can study after I finish watching it."

"Okay, now that we've finished watching, let's leave early and promise not to bother you."

In the 1970s, the entire news program on CCTV was only fifteen minutes long and aired promptly at 7 o'clock.

Around 6:50, Chunmei and her family arrived one after the other, along with the men and children of their household.

The small living room was full of people, a group of men and a group of women. Jiang Zhou and Li Shan sat at the dining table, chatting quietly while waiting for the news.

The children sat quietly on small stools, in the spot closest to the television, their eyes glued to the local TV station's variety show.

At 7:00 sharp, the evening news began.

Fifteen minutes later, everyone was still eager for more.

"They're leaving, they're leaving, they're going home." Sister Chunmei went to pull the child away.

Xiao Jun pulled his hand back: "Mom, you and Dad go back by yourselves. I want to stay here and watch TV."

Sister Chunmei picked him up. "What did I tell you before we came? If you don't behave, don't even think about coming to Aunt Yuan's place again. Come back with me."

The children who didn't want to leave were ruthlessly suppressed by their parents, and they reluctantly left carrying their little stools.

As he left, Xiaojun turned back to Yuan Xiu and said, "Aunt Yuan, I'll come again tomorrow!"

Yuan Xiu smiled and nodded, agreeing.

Sister Chunmei slapped his bottom, "You'll be starting school tomorrow, aren't you going to do your homework after school?"

"I'll finish writing sooner."

"Hey kid! If you were this diligent in your studies, you would have gotten a perfect score by now, instead of always being among the last few in every exam."

"If I get a perfect score on my test, will you buy me a TV?"

Chunmei's sister-in-law: "Ask your father."

Li Shan: "...If you really get a perfect score, I'll find a way to buy it back for you!"

Xiao Jun jumped up with joy.

The children of Guiying and Xiulan's families: "..."

Sister-in-law Guiying and Sister-in-law Xiulan: "Dream on!"

The enthusiasm for the television set lasted only a week. After a week, everyone's interest waned, and they stopped showing up at the Jiang family's courtyard every day.

There were simply too few shows, and they weren't very interesting to watch.

Jiang Zhou and Yuan Xiu, without fail, watched the national news program "Lianhe Zaobao" at 7 p.m. every night.

……

Zhou Lei's transfer to civilian work has been officially finalized, and he has returned to his hometown to serve as deputy director of a small coal mine.

Aunt Zhou was packing her things at home when her neighbors, with whom she had a good relationship, came to help.

Seeing that she looked several years older all of a sudden, everyone began to say nice things to comfort her.

"Zhou Lei is a capable man, he can do well wherever he goes, so please don't worry too much. When we get back to our hometown, we'll find him a wife who knows his background and family well. Making a good life together is more important than anything else."

"That's right, I'm even hoping my husband will be discharged from the military. I miss my hometown so much. No matter how good things are outside, nothing beats home..."

Aunt Zhou sighed, "Thank you for going to so much trouble..."

"Have you bought your tickets? When are you leaving? I'll make you some dry food to take on the road."

"I've already bought it. We're leaving tomorrow, so don't bother, we'll just buy it at the cafeteria..."

Little Flower stood at the doorway with a bamboo dragonfly in her hand, silently observing everything. Taking advantage of Aunt Zhou talking to everyone and not paying attention to her, she slipped out the door.

Her grandmother kept a close eye on her, taking her everywhere she went, practically tying her to her waistband.

If we don't have the chance today, we may never have the chance again.

Little Flower ran along, through the small garden in front of the family building, past the activity center in the family area, and headed towards her destination.

Upon seeing the familiar person ahead, she rushed over and stretched out her small arms to block her way.

Upon seeing the child in front of her, Yuan Xiu was stunned. She squatted down to be at eye level with the child and asked, "Little Flower?"

Little Flower gave her a sweet smile. "Aunt Yuan, it's me. I've come to thank you."