Chapter 88: “not Our Kind”
The twins happily went to tell everyone they knew that their parents would take them to the county to watch a movie in the afternoon, and it was “Female Pilot,” a movie about flying airplanes, which made the big friends and little friends envious.
Tie Chui looked at his good brother eagerly and said, “Da Zai Er Zai, when you finish watching, come back and tell me about it. I want to hear it.”
“Of course we’ll tell you.” Er Zai patted his chest.
Da Zai looked regretful. “It’s a pity the county is a bit far away. Otherwise, I would have begged Mom and Dad to take you along.”
Older Brother’s words gave Er Zai a sudden flash of inspiration.
He ran home da-da-da and said to Lin Zhao, who was about to head out, “Mom, can we bring Tie Chui to the movie this afternoon?”
Knowing the bicycle couldn’t carry everyone, the little friend cleverly offered a solution. “Mom can ride back in the evening first, and Dad can walk back with us. Okay? Tie Chui hasn’t seen a movie yet.”
Younger Brother ran into the house, and Da Zai naturally followed. Hearing Er Zai’s words, he lifted his little head, eyes shining. “Mom, we can use my New Year’s lucky money for the tickets.”
“Mom said she’d give us lucky money. I have lucky money, right?” he quickly added.
Er Zai raised his right hand. “We can also use my lucky money.”
Seeing the excitement here, San Zai led Si Zai over by the hand. The two little white dumplings had round and cute faces, bright and lively black eyes, and curved smiling eyes at people, with astonishing charm.
Not to mention, they even put on serious little faces, imitating Second Brother, and raised their chubby arms.
“Use mine~” The dragon-phoenix twins said in unison.
Gu Chenghuai looked at his wife.
He didn’t mind, it was fine to take all the children from home, it mainly depended on Zhaozhao’s opinion.
Lin Zhao slung on her shoulder bag, picked up the matchboxes that Elder Sister-in-law and her husband had pasted, and smiled as she asked, “Since we’re bringing Tie Chui, why not bring Brother Bang Bang and the others too?”
“Eh?” Da Zai let out an “eh,” his eyes suddenly lighting up.
Er Zai drew out his tone, excitement almost tangible in his eyes. “Mom?”
Lin Zhao curved her eyes. “I’ll find someone at noon to reserve tickets. Around two in the afternoon, have your dad take you to the county. Everyone go watch the movie today.”
“Aaah! Everyone go watch the movie!!” Er Zai beamed with joy, jumping up excitedly.
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll go tell Brother Bang Bang and the others. They’ll be so happy.”
With that, his feet seemed equipped with wind-fire wheels as he whooshed away.
Lin Zhao jumped on the bicycle’s back seat. Even after Gu Chenghuai had carried her ten or so meters away from home, she could still hear the little friend’s excited voice.
“My mom said she’ll take us to watch a movie! Brother Bang Bang, Brother Lai Mei, Brother Tie Dan, Tie Chui, Sister Alan, we can all go, to watch ‘Female Pilot.’ My mom said it’s about several aunts flying airplanes. Super good!”
So eager to share—no need to look to know it was Er Zai.
Da Zai also smiled, his voice light and cheerful. “Yes, around two in the afternoon, my dad will take us to the movie theater.”
Tie Chui was also thrilled, hugging his good brother and excitedly yo-yo-yo-ing nonstop.
The village children all heard about it and came running to find the Gu Family children.
After confirming the news was true, they cast envious looks at the Gu Family children.
“Bang Bang, is your Third Uncle and Third Aunt really taking you to the movie theater?” asked the fifth-grade boy.
Bang Bang nodded proudly, his whole face radiating expectation and joy. “Yes.”
“Your Third Uncle and Third Aunt are so nice,” the boy said with emotion.
“It’s Third Aunt’s idea.” Bang Bang knew that without Third Aunt, Third Uncle wouldn’t have thought of taking them to a movie.
Two meters away, Yuan Bao held Er Zai’s hand, pleading earnestly, “Er Zai, when you finish watching, come back and tell us about it. I’m your good brother.”
Tie Niu pushed him aside, vying to say, “Er Zai, me too! Me too!!”
Da Zhuang was short but agile, squeezing forcefully between the two, loudly declaring, “Er Zai, we’re neighbors. My grandma says distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors. We’re the best.”
“Not you, me. I’m the twins’ best good friend.” Yuan Bao said huffily.
The little friends started yelling and arguing over the position of the twins’ number one good friend.
Da Zai took a candy from his pocket, tore open the wrapper, and licked it slowly, saying, “Don’t fight. Tie Chui is our number one good brother and good friend.”
Yuan Bao stared hotly at the candy in his hand, licked his lips, and asked seriously, “Do your second good brother and good friend spots have anyone? I want to be it.”
“Sure, then from now on, you’ll be me and Er Zai’s second good brother and good friend,” Da Zai said.
Yuan Bao grinned widely.
“Twins, then I’ll be third,” Tie Niu said anxiously.
“I’ll be fourth!”
“I’ll be fifth!!”
…
Before long, Da Zai and Er Zai had recognized a bunch of good brothers and good friends, thoroughly becoming the king of children their age.
The two Lin Family brothers had come early to help and were grunting along with the few people Gu Fu had hired to build the house. Hearing from Fengshou Brigade members that Zhaozhao and her brother-in-law were taking the Gu Family children to the county to watch a movie, the brothers were stunned.
Lin Shisheng quickly recovered, chin held high. “My Zhaozhao has a kind heart. She returns tenfold what others give her onefold.”
Lin Shichang sighed faintly, worried. “Sigh, this temperament is good, but she’s too prone to losses. We brothers need to watch closer to prevent blind people from bullying my little sister.”
Harmonizing with his second brother.
The sturdy men who came to help twitched their mouths.
No, Gu Family’s Third Son’s wife has parents-in-law protecting her, and her man is a promising officer—who would, who would dare bully her without eyes?
Oh right, there was one without eyes, Gu Xing’er, but hasn’t she been locked up?!
Tragic too.
How to arrange marriages in the future.
…
Lin Zhao was far from home but could still hear the two kids’ joyful childlike voices. She poked Gu Chenghuai’s arm and laughed, “Look at your sons, so happy.”
Gu Chenghuai corrected her wording. “They’re your sons too.”
He didn’t like separating himself from Zhaozhao; it was the same in everything.
Lin Zhao wasn’t surprised. Back when they first got married, this man stared at the names and photo on the marriage certificate for days, grinning foolishly.
He was afraid the paper would get damaged and even made a frame for it.
“Yes, yes, yes, our sons, my and your sons.”
Gu Chenghuai’s brows and eyes relaxed.
“After dropping you off, I’ll go see Eldest Sister.”
“Good.” Lin Zhao nodded, then added, “For the afternoon movie, bring the two stones along too. One sheep is herding, a flock is herding too. You’re their close uncle who doesn’t come home often. I’ll create an opportunity for you all to bond.”
Gu Xing’er couldn’t be close here, but Elder Sister-in-law was nice, and she was willing to maintain good relations.
“Good, I’ll pick them up on the way,” Gu Chenghuai agreed.
The two stones weren’t at a troublesome age and were sensible; it was fine to bring them.
“The road is rough, sit properly,” he suddenly said.
Lin Zhao blinked. “I’m sitting properly.”
Gu Chenghuai glanced down at his waist and abdomen; those tender white arms weren’t holding on, leaving him disappointed and lost.
“Hold on tight,” he repeated.
Lin Zhao adjusted her hat with her hand, the brim hiding the smile at her eye corners and brows.
She deliberately grabbed the seat instead and said, “Okay.”
“…”
The resentment from that certain someone leaked out silently like a floor leak, his tall back exuding waves of melancholy.
Lin Zhao couldn’t hold back and laughed out loud, her laughter light and crisp like silver bells.
“Comrade Lin Zhao.” Gu Chenghuai said helplessly.
Why did she love teasing people so much?
He sighed inwardly, unaware of how indulgent and doting the smile in his eyes was.
The village roads were all dirt, so the bicycle inevitably bumped along. Lin Zhao hugged Gu Chenghuai, resting her head on his back, eyes slightly closed. “Call me when we’re almost there.”
“Mm.”
Gu Chenghuai rode steadily, avoiding the potholes as much as possible. The morning sun wasn’t strong, a fragrant breeze blew, the sun rose in the east, a cluster of orange-yellow brightening the blue sky, beautiful like an oil painting.
The person riding the bike had an especially calm heart.
The very compatible-looking young couple was spotted by Su Yuxian, who was heading to work.
Almost instantly, uncontrollable jealousy spread in Su Yuxian’s eyes.
How could she not be jealous?
She saw Lin Zhao as a rival, wanting to outdo her in every way.
But things didn’t go as wished.
The one being compared had her husband’s salary fully handed over, was tall and handsome, protected by parents-in-law at home, and had sensible and obedient children.
While she, secretly comparing, had a husband who despised her, troublesome burdens at home who annoyed her everywhere, and parents-in-law staring with disdainful and strange eyes—as if she were some jinx who made the Lu Family lose money and good luck.
Su Yuxian rolled her eyes. Was it her fault? Was it!
Even if there was a jinx, it was Lu Baozhen. Maybe her previous good luck was borrowed from others and now had to be returned.
She was surnamed Su; the Lu Family’s bad luck had nothing to do with her.
Su Yuxian stood there lost in wild thoughts, expression dazed.
Gu Chenghuai noticed the unkind gaze from her and narrowed his cold eyes to look over. Seeing she posed no danger, he withdrew his sight.
“Zhaozhao, do you know that person over there?” he asked.
Lin Zhao opened her eyes from behind and looked around.
“Su Yuxian?”
“Mm.” Gu Chenghuai hummed and said, “That person’s expression is off. Did she bully you?”
“No.” Lin Zhao chuckled lightly.
Even knowing she had great strength and ordinary people couldn’t move her, Gu Chenghuai still feared she might be wronged or bullied.
“She can’t beat me,” Lin Zhao emphasized.
“It’s just some sneaky comparisons. No big deal; she doesn’t dare do anything to me.”
Gu Chenghuai had seen much and wouldn’t bet on human nature. Even the mildest person could cause great harm once malice arose.
He said uneasily, “Be cautious, don’t let your guard down.”
Lin Zhao obediently agreed. “Okay.”
Recalling Lu Baozhen’s first backer in the original book, she pondered a moment and asked, “How’s your relationship with Lu Yizhou?”
Gu Chenghuai raised a cold brow, tone casual. “Why suddenly ask about him? We’re not close.”
“Not close?” Lin Zhao was surprised. “You’re from the same village, similar ages—how not close? You don’t like him?”
Gu Chenghuai didn’t elaborate, expression calm. “Not the same kind of people.”
He liked associating with straightforward and generous people and kept his distance from those full of petty thoughts.
Afraid of being schemed against.
He was a farm kid who had come this far with difficulty and wanted to continue on this path, standing at the top to support his family. Every step had to be solid.
“If you don’t like him, stay far away,” Lin Zhao said, her voice tinged with laughter.
Gu Chenghuai smiled and agreed. “Okay.”
Accompanied by brilliant morning light, the dirt road left tire tracks, poplars rustling on both sides, occasional whispers drifting out.
“Zhaozhao, what do you think of the character ‘zhi’?” Gu Chenghuai suddenly asked.
Lin Zhao lifted her head a few centimeters from his back, quite puzzled. “Why ask this suddenly? I’m a bit confused.”
“Last night I took the four kids to the main house and saw Dad holding that tattered dictionary, asking San Zai… what he thought of the character ‘zhi.’ I think Dad means to use ‘zhi’ in names for the four kids,” Gu Chenghuai said.
Zhi.
Gu Zhi… what?
Lin Zhao tugged at the man’s clothes, tone light and curious. “Gu Chenghuai, what kind of name do you think Dad will choose?”
“You think your man is a god?” Gu Chenghuai’s eye corner curved with a helpless smile. “I can’t guess.”
Lin Zhao disappointedly lowered her eyes. “…Okay.”
“Wait a bit; it’ll be decided this month.” Gu Chenghuai warmly soothed his wife’s emotions. It should be settled before he returned to the troops.
Before long.
The bicycle stopped at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative entrance.
“Want soda?” Gu Chenghuai looked down at his wife, voice clear and smooth. “If you do, I’ll buy some.”
Lin Zhao shook her head. “Don’t want any.”
“Go in. It’s hot; drink more water. If you feel stuffy, go out for a walk.” Gu Chenghuai instructed.
“Got it. You head back; see you this afternoon.” Lin Zhao waved to him and turned into the unit door.
Gu Chenghuai watched her figure disappear, then lightly pedaled with his right foot. The bicycle whooshed away from the spot and vanished in an instant.
Unfortunately.
At the next corner, he ran into that group of slogan-chanting students again.
They were surrounding and kicking one person, each blow harder than the last. After the beaten person’s glasses fell off, the student who seemed like the little leader actually stomped them to pieces, laughing smugly.
“Old blind man!” Malice was written all over the boy’s face.
The handsome and mighty officer’s brow furrowed, a frightening cold intent flashing in his eyes.
Someone beside the boy lightly bumped his arm, directing him to look at the street corner.
He looked up.
Meeting a pair of deep eyes without a ripple.
A chilling cold emanated from them, almost turning into wind blades that continuously slashed at his exposed flesh.
The boy felt fixed in place, limbs stiff, not daring to move.
That figure drew closer, and his heart tightened, inwardly cursing his bad luck.
Gu Chenghuai stopped, eyeing the students coldly, his eyes full of icy chill. “Bullying the weak?”
“Is this what school teaches you?”
The students who had been arrogant moments ago were scared into quails, not daring to make a sound.
Gu Chenghuai parked his bicycle, strode over with his long straight legs in a few steps, bent down, and helped up the beaten elderly person.
He knew this man, an old teacher who had taught Zhaozhao and cultivated countless outstanding talents for the country.
Heard he had retired a few years ago but couldn’t let go of education, so he stayed at school without resting. Unexpectedly, he became a target.
Among the students, there was a little girl who fancied herself an iron lady.
She had considerable courage and couldn’t hold back. “He’s a bad guy; he deserves it!”
Gu Chenghuai’s deep gaze fell on her.
“Evidence?”
The female classmate didn’t dare meet his eyes, feeling like he was looking at a dead person—terrifying.
She averted her gaze, tone stubborn. “He questioned the decisions in the documents; he’s a bad guy. Down with the bad eggs; we’re not wrong!”
The old teacher spoke up in his defense. “I never questioned any documents. I just think the school can’t continue like this.”
He smiled gratefully at Gu Chenghuai, stood straight on his own strength, the light in his eyes undimmed by the blood and dirt on his face.
“The younger generation is the country’s future. At your age, you should study, channel all that restless energy into absorbing scientific and cultural knowledge, take the college entrance exam, become the country’s backbone—instead of… instead of wasting time on fighting the heavens, the earth, and fellow countrymen, something meaningless…”
The last sentence was seized by the fanatical students as a handle.
