Zhu Zhibin suddenly remembered the earlier matter. He straightened his posture and said seriously, "Second Sister, please ask Dad to let me join this year's summer camp."
"Summer camp?" Zhu Yanyi tilted her head slightly, surprised. This kind of activity had become popular in big cities in recent years, but it seemed not yet common in Sicheng Town. "Does Sicheng Town have summer camps? When did they start?"
"It’s not from Sicheng Town. It’s from Shanghai," Zhu Shunyu said with a wry smile. "Your Uncle Yijun called yesterday. He said Shanghai’s summer camp this year is a rare life-experience program, with international children participating. It’s a very special opportunity. He asked if I should sign up Doumiao. If so, he can register her. The age requirement is eight to fifteen. His daughter Jingyun is going, and he invited you too."
Zhu Yanyi thought for a moment. "How long does it last? I need to work at the Beijing Hospital during the summer vacation. At least one week. Although Senior Brother didn’t strictly require it, I’m affiliated with the hospital, so I must be there."
"The duration is reportedly two weeks, fourteen days," Zhu Shunyu said.
Zhu Yanyi looked at Zhu Zhibin’s hopeful eyes. "Alright. Then please sign me up as well, and include Doumiao." She turned to Zhu Zhibin. "I wouldn’t have gone otherwise, but since you want to go, I’ll accompany you. If you behave well this time, you can join such activities alone next year."
Zhu Zhibin knew her Second Sister held absolute authority in the family. If she agreed, she was definitely in. she nodded immediately. "Okay, Second Sister. Watch my performance."
Zhu Shunyu smiled at Zhu Zhibin’s reaction. "Well, since it’s decided, I’ll call Uncle Yijun later to register you both."
"Yay!" Zhu Zhibin cheered, pumping his left fist into the air, showing how excited he was.
Zhu Shunyu and the others laughed. Being together as a family was truly joyful.
After dinner, Zhu Shunyu went to find Luo Gang to discuss his idea of establishing a security team.
Luo Gang’s eyes lit up upon hearing this. "Uncle Shunyu, are you looking for veterans?"
Zhu Shunyu nodded. "I thought veterans, having been trained by the country, would have good character. But I don’t have connections in this area, so I came to you."
Luo Gang said, "Uncle Shunyu, you really came to the right person. Honestly, I have many comrades. They could have stayed in the army, but due to various health issues—some hidden injuries, some leg wounds that made them unsuitable for military service—they had to retire. Uncle Shunyu, thank you."
Soldiers also have tears. They are tough, appearing to have hearts of steel, but they are not made of steel. They are flesh and blood. After retiring, the country provided some subsidies, but that was not enough. They had dedicated their lives to the army and left no backup plans. Returning to their hometowns, they had few opportunities. Sometimes, even when jobs were available, they would give them up for other reasons, swallowing their bitterness and pain in silence.