Chapter 97: “reported”
After ending the call, Gu Chenghuai went to the County Government Building to find Yang Junzhi and inquire about the brigade getting electricity.
Yang Junzhi wasn’t in charge of this area, but he also knew the news.
After all, getting electricity was a big deal for the entire commune.
“Electricity? Soon, just wait a bit more. According to the plan, all the brigades in our commune will get electricity in the second half of the year.”
Gu Chenghuai had originally thought that if the brigade had no electrification plan, he would have to think of a method, but he didn’t expect it to be so coincidental—the entire commune had an electrification plan.
“Got it, thanks.”
Yang Junzhi punched Gu Chenghuai on the shoulder and said grumpily, “Thanks for what.”
He had only answered one question—what was there to thank.
“It’s a habit.” Gu Chenghuai chuckled lightly. “After all, there are four kids at home. My wife says I should set a good example.”
Yang Junzhi was speechless. “Are you showing off?”
“Is it that obvious?” Gu Chenghuai raised an eyebrow.
“…”
Director Yang almost laughed out of anger.
“You still haven’t treated me to the meal you owe me.” He decided to thoroughly fleece Gu Chenghuai.
Gu Chenghuai: “Where do you want to eat?”
Yang Junzhi was stunned.
“What? I can choose?” The corner of his mouth twitched slightly upward.
“Yeah.” Gu Chenghuai said calmly, “Two choices: either the state-run restaurant or my home.”
Yang Junzhi said in a joking tone, “You cook?”
He was teasing, but he didn’t believe his comrade would enter the kitchen—it didn’t suit him at all.
“It’s not me cooking—could it be my wife? You wish.” Gu Chenghuai’s expression was meaningful.
“?”
Yang Junzhi clicked his tongue in amazement, losing his composure. “You can cook? Real or fake?”
“Is it that strange?” Gu Chenghuai asked calmly in return, his eyes steady with complete control.
“Strange! Of course it’s strange! You’re not a cook!” Yang Junzhi thought it was utterly ridiculous.
“You specifically learned to cook?” He was shocked beyond belief. “Believe me, if the soldiers under you knew you could cook, their reaction would be even bigger than mine.”
Gu Chenghuai didn’t take it to heart.
He wasn’t the kind of man who only cared about face and disregarded his wife’s feelings.
Housework wasn’t just his wife’s responsibility; he was also part of the family. He was often away from home and already felt guilty toward his wife and kids.
If he just washed his hands of everything and did nothing, it would be better not to come back at all—it would only cause more worry at home.
“Do I care?”
Yang Junzhi knew his comrade’s family was building a house and they had all moved to the old house—there was no place to host him. He smiled and said, “Next time there’s a chance, I’ll taste your cooking. Remember, you owe me a meal. This time, let’s go to the state-run restaurant. I’ll treat you and your wife, and bring all four of your kids. How about it?”
“Last time we met, but didn’t talk much. This time with you there, we can get to know each other again. Don’t overthink it—I’m talking about your kids. My wife heard you have two sets of twins and is very curious. She’s been saying she wants to meet them.”
What could Gu Chenghuai overthink? If he couldn’t even trust his comrade, what could he trust?
He also wanted to introduce Zhaozhao to Yang Junzhi and his wife.
After all, he lived far away. If something really happened, he would still need to rely on his comrade.
“Okay.”
Gu Chenghuai didn’t argue with Yang Junzhi about who would pay. When the time came, he could have Er Zai keep him occupied while he went to pay.
After finishing the main topic, Gu Chenghuai remembered he still needed to go to the Wei Family to relay the message. They agreed on a time for the next meal, and without delaying further, he said goodbye and left.
At the Wei Family, he told his sister and brother-in-law the news he had learned.
Wei Xiangdong was quick-witted and instantly understood his brother-in-law’s meaning. “You mean we need to send Xiao Shitou to the youth palace to learn ping pong?”
“Up to you.” Gu Chenghuai wouldn’t interfere too much. He was just the uncle—concerning Xiao Shitou’s future, he couldn’t take over.
“We can check it out in advance, but the national situation is not good. No one knows what direction the youth palace will take next.”
Given the current situation, he guessed the youth palace’s learning content would change, shifting toward a red literary propaganda team direction, but that was temporary. Sports would eventually be emphasized again.
Gu Chan and Wei Xiangdong’s minds were like a pot of mush.
“Is there a youth palace in the county?” Wei Xiangdong asked.
“No in the county, but there is in the provincial capital.” Gu Chenghuai had passed through the provincial capital on his way back and knew about it.
Gu Chan and her husband were even more confused.
They rarely even went to the county, let alone the provincial capital, which was even farther away.
They had the heart to support their child but didn’t know what to do.
The couple looked troubled.
Gu Chenghuai understood.
“A friend of mine just bought a new ping pong paddle. When it arrives, give it to Xiao Shitou. Brother-in-law, make a ping pong table for him at home. He likes it—let him practice on his own first to get familiar.”
It was better to be familiar when the opportunity came later than knowing nothing.
He didn’t mention finding relevant materials yet—it hadn’t reached that step. One had to eat rice one bite at a time.
Wei Xiangdong listened to his brother-in-law. “Okay, I’ll make it when I have time.”
Er Zai that chatterbox had already spilled the dimensions, so he didn’t need to ask.
Gu Chan couldn’t help much and just said, “I’ll give you the money.”
“No need.” Gu Chenghuai spoke up.
That was his own nephew—how could he ask for money.
Zhaozhao said Eldest Sister had helped the family a lot and praised her whenever she mentioned her. His comrades were all over the country, and he had access to a lot of information—he couldn’t not help.
“If there’s any news, I’ll let you know right away.” He emphasized.
As for whether Xiao Shitou could achieve anything in this field, Gu Chenghuai didn’t care.
It was like planting a fruit tree—no one could be sure… it would definitely bear fruit.
Gu Chan was grateful and didn’t know what to say.
“Thank you, Chenghuai.”
Gu Chenghuai repeated the same words: “Xiao Shitou is my own nephew.”
If it were someone else, he would help, but not to this extent.
Da Shitou knew his younger brother had troubled his third uncle-in-law and firmly remembered his kindness in his heart.
He couldn’t repay the third uncle-in-law’s family now, but when he grew up, he would treat the four kids well, treating them like his own younger brother and younger sister.
“Thank you, third uncle-in-law.”
Seeing his silly grinning younger brother nearby, he patted Xiao Shitou on the back. “Has your mouth been glued shut? Say thank you. Third uncle-in-law bought you a ping pong paddle and is helping you keep an eye out for news.”
Da Shitou thought his brother was really a little fool.
“Thank you, third uncle-in-law.” Xiao Shitou said softly.
Gu Chenghuai wasn’t wearing his military uniform today, so the little friend wasn’t as bold to approach. Before, he had actively wanted a hug because he saw him in the military uniform.
He was young, but he knew that those wearing green military uniforms were all… good people who defend the home and country.
After speaking, Gu Chenghuai didn’t stay long and returned to Fengshou Brigade. His family was building a house—he needed to keep an eye on it, and there were four kids.
Wei Family yard.
Gu Chan said to her two sons, “Your third uncle-in-law is good to you two. You must remember it. Got it?”
The two stones answered resolutely.
“Got it.” They weren’t ungrateful wolves—they knew who was good to them.
Xiao Shitou looked up, meeting his dad’s eyes. “Dad, can I play ball in our family yard from now on?”
“Yes.” Wei Xiangdong reached out to wipe the sweat from his youngest son’s forehead and said, “Once the ping pong paddle arrives, you can practice. Have your brother accompany you.”
Da Shitou thought of his brother going wild when playing ball and pursed his lips—he didn’t really want to be the practice partner.
Playing for a while made him sweaty and sticky all over—uncomfortable to death!
Xiao Shitou didn’t know his brother’s thoughts and smiled shyly.
Wei Xiangdong found someone to make the gate, using wood from the carpenter’s place. It cost two bucks.
The money was a bit more, but he needed it urgently.
The family couldn’t be without a gate—Gu Chan wouldn’t sleep soundly.
“I’ll raise the courtyard wall higher today.”
Gu Chan reminded him, “Stick sharp stones on top further up.”
Actually, broken tiles would be better, but tiles cost money to buy—using stones was the same.
“I know what I’m doing.” Wei Xiangdong said.
He would go up the mountain from time to time and come back late in the evening—the home had to be well-guarded.
…
Gu Chenghuai returned home and parked his bicycle.
Bang Bang came over, smiling. “Third Uncle, I want to ride the bicycle.”
Hearing this, Gu Chenghuai smoothly removed the soft cushion from the back seat to avoid it getting dirty. “Go ahead.”
“Thanks, Third Uncle!” Bang Bang was thrilled and pushed the bicycle out the door.
Tie Dan grabbed the back seat. “Bro, take me!”
“Come on.”
Lai Mei had just come out from the outhouse, still holding up her pants. Seeing this, she hurriedly pulled them up and chased after.
“Wait for me!”
The twins didn’t even look up. Da Zai was sitting in the yard writing, Er Zai was squatting in the corner with a small wooden stick drawing circles.
Gu Chenghuai raised his eyebrows in surprise. “What’s up with you two?”
Er Zai looked up at his dad and sighed. “Sigh, you wouldn’t get it.”
“?”
He didn’t say, so Gu Chenghuai didn’t ask further. He didn’t believe these two wouldn’t spill it when his wife came back.
Gu Chenghuai gave the mung beans, lily bulbs, and white sugar to Gu Mu, asking his mom to help cook mung bean lily soup. Then he turned and went to the new house site to check progress and help build walls.
Actually, with his family building the house and so many people—Gu Fu, Gu Yuanshan, and Gu Yucheng, plus even Second Uncle Gu, not to mention Lin Shichang and Lin Shisheng—there wouldn’t be any issues. But Gu Chenghuai felt that as the male head of the household, he should be there.
The Lin brothers lived far away, and coming and going was inconvenient. With his sister’s bicycle, their round trip could save a lot of time.
“Big Brother, Zhaozhao said there’s something for you to take back this afternoon.” Gu Chenghuai found Lin Big Brother and relayed his wife’s words.
Lin Shichang stopped working and looked over puzzled. “What thing?”
“For Dad.” Gu Chenghuai didn’t know exactly either. His wife had been mysterious about it. When he pressed her, Zhaozhao just smiled—smiled so beautifully that he directly hugged her and kissed her for a good while, then didn’t ask anymore.
Hearing it was for their biological father, Lin Shichang had nothing to say.
They had no right to stop their sister from being filial to her dad. Besides, with Zhaozhao’s temperament, saying a few extra words would make her throw a temper tantrum, and they’d have to coax her.
Lin Zhao: “?”
…
In the county.
Lin Zhao had just reached the counter and hadn’t taken off her shoulder bag when Li Fen rushed over and grabbed her hand. “Zhaozhao, you saved my life!”
Thinking of something, her eyes reddened, her emotions visibly agitated.
Lin Zhao’s eyes widened.
?
She saved… Sister Fen’s life?!
When did that happen?
“I didn’t…”
Lin Zhao was about to speak when Li Fen cut her off directly.
“You did.” She said, “Those eggs and flour from yesterday—remember?”
Yes, flour.
Li Fen only knew it was flour, but didn’t expect Lin Zhao to be so generous—it was white flour.
White flour was so hard to get. Comrade Lin really could bear to part with it.
Thinking of what happened last night, she felt even more that giving her the matchbox job was worth it!
“Of course you remember.” Lin Zhao said helplessly. She had just given it yesterday—how could she forget after just one night.
“Thanks to the thank-you gift you sent.” Li Fen’s mood was complicated, both nervous and scared, like she had gone through nine deaths and one life.
“How so?” Lin Zhao took off her shoulder bag and casually put it in the cabinet, her expression curious.
To better hear the story, she pulled over a stool and sat down.
Li Fen also sat down accordingly.
“Yesterday after receiving your thank-you gift, I casually mentioned it to my child’s dad, telling him to come back early to eat dumplings in the evening.”
“My man hadn’t eaten dumplings in a while and was craving them. Yesterday he didn’t even stay for overtime—he rushed home right after work… And it’s good he went back early, or you wouldn’t have seen me for the next few days.”
She would have had to go to the hospital.
At this point, Li Fen’s face changed slightly, her fingers tightly clutching the fabric of her pants, her voice slightly hoarse. “Something happened at the match factory last night.”
“Some factory employees teamed up with outsiders to steal factory property. They were discovered and injured three people while escaping…”
Lin Zhao still didn’t understand—what did this have to do with her.
Li Fen continued: “The reason I say you are my man’s savior is because he is a model worker at the match factory. He usually comes back late, but yesterday he came back unusually early. He heard about the factory incident first thing and was terrified. The spot where the factory employees were injured… was exactly the place he usually passes by. Not only the place, but even the time matched. If he hadn’t gone back early yesterday, his name would definitely have been on the list of the injured.”
“See, what is that if not a savior?”
She came back to her senses, her eyes full of gratitude.
“Zhaozhao, I dare to promise you—as long as the match factory doesn’t close, and my man is working there, your elder sister-in-law can keep the job indefinitely.”
Li Fen was still shaken.
She felt Lin Zhao was the kind of person with really good luck, and felt even closer to her in her heart.
Lin Zhao finally understood.
It was all coincidence, not really related to her.
She smiled helplessly. “What savior? It’s the blessings you and your man accumulated. You were destined to escape this disaster.”
“Were the injuries at the match factory serious?” she asked.
Li Fen wanted to say more, but this question diverted her.
“Not serious. Luckily there were three of them. If it had been my man…”
She didn’t dare think about it.
“Good that it’s nothing.” Lin Zhao said.
They were all the pillars of their families—an incident would be a devastating blow to that family.
“Have they caught the thugs who injured people?” Lin Zhao asked next.
“Caught two. One slipped away fast—they’re still looking for him.” Li Fen answered.
Lin Zhao’s expression wasn’t great. “Hope they catch him soon. It’s bad if such a dangerous person is roaming around and hurts innocent people.”
Li Fen thought Lin Zhao was truly kind-hearted and worth befriending.
“Zhaozhao, I made a vegetable box early this morning specially for you. You can’t refuse—my man also said we need to properly thank you.”
Lin Zhao was afraid she would keep harping on it and agreed casually.
“Sister Fen, what does your younger brother mean—does he want to meet my sister?”
Li Fen saw she didn’t want to dwell on the savior thing, kept the kindness in her heart, and spoke of her brother. “Willing. He agreed, said he’s off the day after tomorrow.”
“The day after tomorrow at noon to meet. Not sure if your sister has time?”
Lin Zhao nodded. “Sure. My sister is at my home these days and has time. So let’s set it for that day?”
She wasn’t the type to drag things out.
The feeling of something stuck in her heart was really unpleasant.
“Sure, then it’s settled.” Li Fen couldn’t wait to confirm it.
“Okay.”
After finishing the main topic, Liu Chunhong entered the Supply and Marketing Cooperative.
Her gaze coldly swept over the counter where Lin Zhao was, her face terribly gloomy, with deep-seated hatred churning in her eyes.
An old employee friendly with Liu Chunhong saw this and quickly tugged her sleeve, advising softly, “Tone it down. Comrade Lin didn’t provoke you.”
Liu Chunhong sneered inwardly.
Didn’t provoke?
Her daughter was forced onto the train to the border region—whether she could come back in this lifetime was unknown.
All of this was Lin Zhao’s fault!
If Lin Zhao hadn’t competed with her daughter for the job—even if just a temporary worker spot—her daughter wouldn’t have been assigned to… that godforsaken place as an educated youth.
Lin Zhao sensed a cold gaze on her, looked up, and met Liu Chunhong’s eyes directly.
Liu Chunhong quickly turned her face away, but in that instant, Lin Zhao still caught the viciousness in her eyes.
Not only Lin Zhao saw it—Li Fen did too.
“Zhaozhao, be careful of Liu Chunhong. I heard her daughter was assigned to the border region as an educated youth—probably can’t come back this lifetime. She thinks you and Comrade Wang took her daughter’s job spots, so she blames you two. Comrade Wang has a good family background, she doesn’t dare provoke her, so she holds a grudge against you…”
Lin Zhao sneered lightly. “So I’m the easy target, huh.”
“No matter. Let her come at me—I’ll take it.”
No guilty conscience, no fear of ghosts knocking. The one who should be afraid wasn’t her.
“That’s the right attitude. Don’t be scared—Sis has your back.” Li Fen patted Lin Zhao’s shoulder seriously.
A trace of warmth appeared in Lin Zhao’s eyes and brows.
“Thanks, Sister Fen.”
Liu Chunhong glimpsed the smile on her face and imagined her daughter crying on the train, nearly ripping the rag in her hand in anger.
Smile all you want—soon you won’t be able to.
Soon, the rush of customers in the Supply and Marketing Cooperative gradually dispersed, and the counter area quieted down.
Just then, several people walked in from outside, dressed neatly, expressions stern—clearly not there to shop.
Director Jiang of the Supply and Marketing Cooperative was also there.
He quickly glanced at Lin Zhao, then rapidly looked away, frowning slightly with worry in his eyes.
Hope she doesn’t do anything stupid.
The middle-aged man in the lead had sharp eyes, scanning the counters. His cold voice rang out. “Who is Lin Zhao?”
Lin Zhao had a premonition and wasn’t surprised.
She calmly stepped out from the counter, her gaze subtly sweeping toward Liu Chunhong.
Sure enough—
A suppressed glee and excitement showed on Liu Chunhong’s face.
They were here!
“I’m Lin Zhao.” Lin Zhao said calmly.
The middle-aged man was expressionless. “Comrade Lin Zhao, we received a report letter stating that you abused your position to embezzle Supply and Marketing Cooperative supplies and privately collected kickbacks. Please cooperate with the investigation.”
As his words fell, the Supply and Marketing Cooperative instantly went quiet. All eyes focused on Lin Zhao.
Liu Chunhong stood there, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, eyes gleaming with triumphant glee.
With these people here, Lin Zhao was done for even if she wasn’t dead.
Lin Zhao wasn’t panicked at all. “I didn’t do it.”
“You say I embezzled cooperative supplies—where’s the evidence?”
Li Fen staunchly supported Lin Zhao and couldn’t help speaking up. “Yeah, no evidence means no baseless accusations.”
“Comrade Lin has only been at the cooperative a few days and works diligently every day. She couldn’t have embezzled.”
“She’s a soldier’s wife, high in ideological awareness, and her family conditions are good. What would she embezzle? Anyway, I don’t believe it!”
Wang Ju was very nervous but mustered courage to say, “…I don’t believe it either!”
A female employee friendly with Liu Chunhong guessed the report letter was from her and found her scary, subconsciously moving away.
“I don’t believe it either.” she said.
Comrade Lin hadn’t done anything wrong—Comrade Liu was being a bully. This was picking on the soft persimmon.
She had a good impression of soldier’s wives and naturally stood up.
“Just like Comrade Li said, Comrade Lin has only been at the cooperative a few days. She comes and goes on time, carrying only a cloth bag back and forth. She has no conditions to embezzle.”
Lin Zhao: Thanks.
Seeing this, Director Jiang’s expression eased.
This situation should be fine.
He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Lately, the county was cracking down hard on “embezzlement and theft.” Once verified, not only the job but even being a person would be undeserved.
Lin Zhao was someone he had brought in. If she fell, he would be implicated.
Director Jiang didn’t want her to get in trouble.
Liu Chunhong glared at them like traitors, hatred flashing in her eyes toward those friendly with her.
After knowing each other for over a decade, this was how they repaid her!?
She had finally gotten these people here and wasn’t willing to let Lin Zhao off so easily.
So she jumped out proactively.
“I have evidence!”
Extra 4k~
