Today’s wake-up music:
[Let’s sway together under the sun, don’t miss the good times…]
Pang Fu awoke to the cheerful DJ music, slowly moving her little hands and feet. The Fu Family knew that the daily morning dance was about to begin, and they all happily watched.
Thanks to the morning dance routine, the Fu Family started each day in good spirits.
After wiggling her little bottom with her eyes closed, Pang Fu was fully awake.
[Little master, time to go potty. After potty, wash your hands clean and have breakfast. Little children mustn’t go hungry, or they won’t grow tall.]
“Potty time.”
Pang Fu obediently went to find the toilet.
Fourth Brother Fu quickly followed, knowing that his daughter needed to go potty first thing in the morning before eating. The little one had quite a regular routine.
When Fourth Brother Fu returned with a freshly washed Pang Fu, Fanfan was already filled with water. Pang Fu took a couple of sips before hugging a steamed bun to munch on.
Chubby Baby was easy to care for—she wasn’t picky at all and ate anything edible with great relish.
Since the temperature was still high, many foods couldn’t be stored for long. Zhou Hai had prepared mostly durable items like steamed buns and flatbreads, along with some pickles, boiled eggs, snacks, candies, and a few canned goods.
With so many people in their group, they couldn’t eat freely and had to prioritize the elderly and children.
After finishing one steamed bun and sharing two canned fruits with her older siblings, Pang Fu patted her little belly.
“Full now, play.”
And so, Fourth Brother Fu began another day of entertaining his child.
At eight in the morning on the fourth day, the train pulled into Wang County Railway Station.
“Pack up, we’re arriving and getting off,” the supervisor knocked on the carriage wall, reminding the relaxed Fu Family.
He had overseen many families like the Fu Family on the train. While not all were miserable, none had the Fu Family’s positive attitude—laughing and cheerful the whole way, without a trace of sorrow.
Their injuries were also minimal, whereas others had suffered greatly. If not for Zhou Hai’s instructions, he would have made them suffer too.
Still, he had no regrets. It just showed that the Fu Family had their own means and capabilities.
A starved camel is still bigger than a horse. People like them, he generally avoided offending. Losing a little profit was better than losing his life.
The Fu Family stood up. The supplies Zhou Hai had given them were nearly gone, leaving only the clothes to pack, which they had already prepared.
The supervisor was pleased with the Fu Family’s pragmatism—capable but not reckless, and obedient. For managers like him, that made things much easier.
As the whistle blew, the train slowly came to a stop.
Led by the supervisor, the Fu Family exited from the other side.
The supervisor wasn’t worried about them running off alone. In a society where introduction letters were required everywhere and vagrants were hunted down, escape would mean certain death.
Of course, the Fu Family had come here intentionally and wouldn’t run.
For now, they wouldn’t leave directly. A handover was needed—the supervisor was only responsible for the journey, and upon arrival, they would be handed over to others. They now headed to the handover office.
On the way, Pang Fu lay in Qingqing Yin’s arms, twisting her little neck to look around.
The open-air platform offered little to see besides railway tracks and weeds, yet the little one watched intently.
Fourth Brother Fu walked behind the mother and daughter, intending to act as their protector, but Pang Fu found him blocking her view.
“Go.”
Her chubby paw waved dismissively.
Fourth Brother Fu felt a pang of heartache—truly his own little cotton-padded jacket: “Fufu, this place isn’t nice to look at. Later, Father will take you to see the big train station.”
“Let’s go.” Pang Fu wasn’t swayed by empty promises and continued to mercilessly shoo him away.
Beside them, Third Master Fu heartlessly mocked Fourth Brother Fu, earning himself a glare in return.
The handover was quick. After verifying identities, counting heads, and signing off, it was considered complete.
The man handling the handover was a taciturn middle-aged man in his fifties. He spoke only when necessary, not uttering a single extra word.
The person in charge on the vehicle glanced at him and left directly after the handover.
With no one else around, the middle-aged man’s gaze swept over the Fu Family. When it passed Fourth Brother Fu, he gave an almost imperceptible nod.
Fourth Brother Fu responded in kind.
The sharp-eyed members of the Fu Family all saw it clearly, indicating that this was someone arranged by Fourth Brother Fu. Their tense nerves relaxed slightly.
“Today, I’ll be taking you to Sunshine Commune. Everything has been arranged. Follow me.”
Fourth Brother Fu said, “Lao Fang, we’d like to buy some things. I wonder if it’s convenient?”
Fang Xiong replied, “I’ve prepared some food on the vehicle. You all must not have eaten or slept well these past few days. Go eat and rest. I’ll buy whatever you need.”
Fourth Brother Fu didn’t insist on going himself. Fang Xiong had his own connections here, so it was best for him to handle it.
“This is my daughter. She wasn’t home before, so she wasn’t included in the preparations. I’d like to get her some things—ready-made clothes or fabric, and some sewing supplies. Sorry to trouble you.”
Fourth Brother Fu took out the money and ration coupons Zhou Hai had prepared for them—not too much, but not too little either.
Before Fourth Brother Fu could hand them over, Fang Xiong refused: “No need. I have money. Buying something for the little miss is only right. If I’d known earlier, I would’ve prepared a gift in advance.
Master Si, congratulations.”
Pang Fu’s name wasn’t on Fang Xiong’s list, but Zhou Hai had made a separate note, so she wasn’t considered an undocumented person.
That’s why no one found it odd when she boarded earlier or during the handover just now.
Fang Xiong wasn’t sure about the child’s identity, so he didn’t ask further. Since Fourth Brother Fu brought it up, he was naturally happy for him.
He knew about the little miss going missing and Fourth Master’s wife falling ill, but there was nothing he could do. He had felt guilty about it for a long time.
Years ago, he had been tricked into working as a laborer in a black kiln mine and nearly died. It was Fourth Brother Fu who saved his life—not only paying his medical bills but also sending him back, finding him work. Everything he had now, even being alive, was thanks to Fourth Brother Fu’s help. His life belonged to Fourth Brother Fu.
All these years, he had wanted to repay the kindness. Though it might not be appropriate to say so, he was genuinely glad to finally be able to do something for them.
Fourth Brother Fu knew this man was stubbornly principled. If it weren’t for valuing that character, he wouldn’t have casually saved a stranger back then.
“Don’t call her ‘little miss.’ Just call her Fufu. Then I won’t stand on ceremony.
Fufu, come meet Grandpa Fang.”
Pang Fu stared at Fang Xiong with wide eyes, her focused expression making him a bit embarrassed.
“Miss Fufu looks very blessed.”
Indeed, a chubby little bundle.
Pang Fu reached out toward Fang Xiong: “Grandpa Fang.” Her voice was soft and carried a milky scent.
Fang Xiong flusteredly took the little dumpling, who was even softer than he’d imagined. The usually quiet man blushed faintly: “Yes, yes.”
“Eat, yummy.” A grubby little hand stuffed a piece of candy into Fang Xiong’s mouth. The candy had been prepared by Zhou Hai.
Fang Xiong didn’t mind at all, feeling the sweetness seep right into his heart.
“Thank you, Miss Fufu. It’s really sweet.”
Pang Fu bared her little white teeth to show Fang Xiong the candy in her mouth, giggling happily, “Baby’s is sweet too.”
Fang Xiong’s usually stern face broke into a wide smile. After teasing her for a few more words, he hurried off to buy some things, reluctantly handing Chubby Baby back before rushing away.
The vehicle Fang Xiong had prepared was parked right outside the station—an old tractor.
Even an old tractor was quite a stylish sight in those days.
The Fu Family spotted it as soon as they stepped out of the station. Just as they were about to head over, several people suddenly rushed out, the knives in their hands gleaming coldly.