Chapter 85: “i’m Going To Hold You”
“I always feel like I’ve forgotten something.” Lin Zhao lifted her arm, propping her chin with her hand, carefully recalling.
It seemed like she forgot last night.
As she thought, her gaze wandered around the room.
Her peripheral vision caught the shoulder bag hanging on the wall, and her eyes suddenly lit up.
“I remember, it’s the photos.”
She stood up, walked over slowly, opened the shoulder bag, and took out the small paper packet containing the photos.
“Come take a look, I took these while the four sons were asleep, they haven’t seen them yet, you’re the first, honored, right?” Lin Zhao sat back with the photos, looking up at Gu Chenghuai, the man was very tall, looking up like this made the back of her neck slightly sore.
Gu Chenghuai casually pulled over a stool and sat down, still a big burly man even when seated.
His slender, good-looking hand took the small photo, and as he looked down, the stern man’s eyes filled with amusement.
“Zhaozhao, you took these really well.”
“You captured the characteristics of each son perfectly, Da Zai is disciplined, Er Zai is lively, San Zai is obedient, Si Zai is cute, you’re amazing.”
He first affirmed his wife’s photography skills, then in a negotiating tone, said warmly, “When I go back to the troops, I want to take two with me, okay?”
“Of course.” Lin Zhao gave the man a coquettish glance, her eyes full of warmth, “I took them originally to send to you.”
She said it as if it were true, completely omitting that she had just drawn the camera and wanted to photograph everything.
However, this sentence was already a fatal blow to Gu Chenghuai.
His chest felt stuffed full with something, and the lines of his face softened accordingly.
Several footsteps sounded.
San Zai pulled open the bamboo curtain, Da Zai and Er Zai carefully controlled their movements, slowly entering the room.
“Dad, Mom, save us, Si Zai is so heavy, we can’t lift her anymore, she’s about to fall.” Er Zai tried hard to suppress his loud voice, almost whispering “Dad, Mom” in a breathy tone, his childish voice filled with tension and urgency, as if not coming soon would lead to some terrible consequence.
Gu Chenghuai strode over with his long legs, reaching the twins in a few steps, seeing a scene that made him chuckle inwardly.
The plump, cute little milk bun was curled up in the bamboo basket, her little belly rising and falling, sleeping sweetly.
“Asleep?” Gu Chenghuai was charmed by his daughter, his eyes lighting up with laughter.
“Er Zai and I were heading back to our room, we looked everywhere for Si Zai, saw her asleep in the bamboo basket, so we carried her back.” Da Zai said.
Gu Chenghuai bent down, gently and carefully picked up Si Zai, the child disturbed in her sleep, her delicate brows furrowing into a little hillock, the man lightly patted her back, rocking her gently with minimal movement.
In an instant, the child fell back into deep sleep.
He placed Si Zai back on the bed, lowering his voice to say to his sons, “Have you washed up? If not, go quickly, then you’ll sleep in your grandparents’ room tonight.”
Straight to the point.
He didn’t even leave any preparation time for the twins.
Lin Zhao looked at Gu Chenghuai in astonishment, her mouth twitching.
“…” Wasn’t this too rushed? Couldn’t he be more subtle, discuss it?
Da Zai and Er Zai froze in place.
It took a good while for them to come back to their senses.
The two little friends exploded, clenching their small fists, identical little faces showing double the anger, glaring furiously at their biological father.
“No way! We don’t want to sleep in grandparents’ room, we want to sleep with Mom!” Even in extreme anger, Er Zai didn’t raise his voice, suppressing his naturally loud tone, unhappily expressing his emotions.
Da Zai looked guarded, as if Gu Chenghuai were a villain splitting the little friends from Mom.
“Why?” He suppressed his hurt, saying calmly and seriously, “Dad, you tell us why, if you don’t explain, Er Zai and I will record this grudge in the booklet!”
San Zai nodded, his voice carrying the softness unique to little boys, “I’ll record it too.”
Gu Chenghuai touched his youngest son’s soft hair, his voice low and gentle, “Be good, go look at your dictionary.”
San Zai puffed his cheeks, moments later glanced at his brothers, turned and left, his back short and stocky, tiny, with lotus-root-segment-like arms and legs, cute enough to make one’s heart tremble.
Gu Chenghuai chuckled helplessly.
He ignored the twins’ wary and hostile glares, his expression calm, saying unhurriedly, “Da Zai, if you listen to Dad, next month I’ll give you a little airplane, the kind you can hold and play with.”
Airplane…?
Da Zai was very curious, somewhat tempted.
Before he could speak, the cunning father upped the ante, “Only during the time I’m home, when I go back to the troops, you can move back.”
Da Zai began to waver.
Having won over the eldest, Gu Chenghuai turned to Er Zai, his voice deep, “Er Zai, don’t you want to learn swimming? Agree to my request, and I’ll teach you tomorrow.”
Er Zai did want to learn swimming, had wanted to for a long time, his dad’s words had him pinned.
The child didn’t want to compromise so easily.
He said, “Our bed at home is big, can fit us all, why do we have to sleep in grandparents’ room, I don’t want to go.”
He didn’t want to move, but wanted to learn swimming, Er Zai tugged at Gu Chenghuai’s clothes, coaxing, “Dad, the best Dad…”
Gu Chenghuai shook his head at him, smiling at the corners of his mouth, but his eyes were resolutely firm.
“Coaxing won’t work. If you don’t agree to my request, I can’t agree to yours, can’t let you have all the benefits, that would be too domineering.”
Who was the domineering one exactly?!!
Lin Zhao couldn’t bear to watch, took a towel, shower gel, and face soap, went out to bathe, leaving them to their father-son battle.
The twins stretched one arm forward straight, fingers spread, palms outward, leaning forward, wanting to call out to their mom, but didn’t make it in time.
“How about it? Deal?” Gu Chenghuai sat down, left leg lazily draped over right knee, not in a hurry.
Da Zai asked, “Dad, I need to discuss with Er Zai, can I?”
Gu Chenghuai nodded lightly, “Sure.”
The two little friends hid in the corner whispering.
Moments later.
They stood in front of Gu Chenghuai.
Da Zai spoke for them, “Dad will be home for over a month, more than thirty days, time’s too long, if we want to sleep with Mom some day, can we move back for one night, then go back to grandparents’?”
Considering Zhaozhao would surely miss the two sons too, Gu Chenghuai nodded, “Sure.”
“Alright then, we agree.” Da Zai’s face full of reluctance.
Added, “Also, if Mom misses us, we’ll come back.”
“Good.” Gu Chenghuai was in a great mood, agreeing to whatever his sons said.
After all, he was a decisive and resolute soldier, after convincing the two sons, he watched them wash up, then picked up the soundly sleeping Si Zai, taking his sons to his parents’ room.
Gu Mu had wanted to say last night, let the four sons sleep with them, afraid the third son’s wife would feel uncomfortable, didn’t bring it up urgently, forgot tonight, grumbled to the old man when back in the room, unexpectedly before lying down, the third son sent the grandsons and granddaughter over.
The old couple slept on the kang, plenty of space, covered with a quilt, topped with a straw mat, walls pasted with newspaper to prevent dirt falling.
“Third son is here.” Gu Mu didn’t ask much, directly said, “Put Si Zai inside, the straw mat was just wiped.”
Then to the twins, “Da Zai, Er Zai, you two take San Zai up too.”
The twins were raised by their grandma, when their mom wasn’t minding them, they occasionally slept in the old house.
The two little brothers acknowledged, skillfully climbing onto the kang.
Er Zai rolled two circles, lying on his back, feet raised high, soles slapping against the newspaper wall, toes curling a few times, as if doodling with his toes.
“Er Zai, lie properly.” Gu Chenghuai frowned, tone flat as he demanded.
Gu Mu waved her hand, “It’s fine, let him be happy, you go back to sleep.”
“Mom, don’t spoil them too much.”
Gu Mu didn’t like hearing this, in her view, her grandsons were obedient no matter how spoiled, “How is it spoiling, kids are kids, a bit naughty is normal, just teach them well!”
Gu Chenghuai looked to his sensible biological father. But saw Gu Fu sitting against the wall, one leg half-bent, one leg stretched casually, holding the little grandson, two heads together, intently looking at that tattered dictionary.
“This is ‘zhi’, what does San Zai think of this character?” The usually silent and stern old master, facing his youngest grandson, spoke with a pinched voice.
Making the twins turn to look at their grandpa.
“Grandpa, is your throat uncomfortable?” Er Zai asked with wide puzzled eyes.
Gu Fu: “…”
He choked awkwardly, cleared his throat, “You do your thing.”
“…Oh.” Er Zai responded, then added, “Grandpa if you want water, just say, your grandson’s here, can’t let you go without water.”
Gu Fu was very touched, refused aloud, “You play.”
“Alright.” Er Zai said, flipped over, face to face with Da Zai, the two little friends whispering.
“Er Zai, quick look, this is where you scratched with your foot, still there.” Da Zai pointed to the torn corner of the newspaper on the wall, cupped his little hand into a horn against his brother’s ear, speaking in a breathy voice, very softly.
Er Zai giggled stealthily, “Still there, bro don’t touch, careful it gets bigger.”
“I know.”
The two little brothers whispered.
Gu Mu just one glance knew what the two grandsons were muttering about.
Didn’t look more, used the fan to fan her granddaughter, the sweet-smelling little milk baby slept even more soundly.
…
San Zai stared at the character his grandpa pointed to with his finger, little appearance very serious, “Zhi.”
“Yes, the ‘zhi’ in knowledge, the ‘zhi’ in know.” Gu Fu said.
He saw the power of knowledge from the third son and his wife, knowledge could change a family’s fate.
For naming the four sons, he planned to use this character.
Gu Chenghuai saw the four sons adapting well, was about to leave, heard his dad’s words, a flash in his deep eyes, said something to the old couple, walked out.
…
Lin Zhao called out the lucky draw wheel every night at this time, today was no exception.
Many task completion reminders.
【Take a few sweet husband-and-wife photos, capture the moments, reward 300 points.】
【Give San Zai little friend a special, uniquely personal gift, let the little friend feel the love, reward 100 points.】
【Stuff Song Yunjin with a can of meat, generously shock him with the fragrant meat, reward 50 points.】
【Whole family happily returns to maternal family, share gifts, reward 150 points.】
【Old clothes have great use, accidentally, gets closer to maternal and in-law families, reward 250 points.】
【Celebrate the best elder sister-in-law separating households, moving house, generously give gifts, reward 50 points.】
【Share the first photos taken with loved one, and receive appreciative gaze, reward 200 points.】
…
Lin Zhao looked to the upper right corner.
Total points:
Without thinking, she clicked the draw, 1000 points per draw.
Drew a yellowed old paper.
Lin Zhao wiped her hands, clicked to claim, saw the prominent words on the paper, almost jumped up, luckily remembered she was still bathing, quickly shrank back in.
「Land Property Ownership Certificate」
Right side column, address very clear, in the county, prime location.
And.
If she remembered right, not an apartment building, but an independent small courtyard.
Suddenly having a house in the city, Lin Zhao couldn’t help laughing out loud.
Gu Chenghuai had just finished bathing, full of steam, single-handedly using a towel to wipe his half-inch short hair, after a few rubs, a warm breeze blew, hair mostly dry.
About to enter the room, suddenly heard light laughter from the bathroom, the man paused slightly, his cold brows and eyes blooming with a smile.
Gently intoxicating.
He returned to the room, put the photos on the table one by one back into the album, wiped the straw mat on the big bed, trimmed the lamp wick.
His tall figure under the dim yellow light, warm and reliable.
Thinking Zhaozhao habitually drank water after bathing, he casually poured some.
Unhurried footsteps approached.
Before Gu Chenghuai could turn, his back was pressed against a soft body.
“Comrade Gu, it’s really good having you home.” Lin Zhao said softly.
This sentence turned into a soft hand, passing through Gu Chenghuai’s chest, tightly grasping his heart.
He clearly felt his heart sinking deeper and deeper.
Sweetly willing.
Even.
Wishing to dig it out, offer it to her palm.
“Zhaozhao…”
Lin Zhao rested her face on the man’s broad back, could clearly feel his body trembling slightly, taut muscle lines undulating under the thin shirt, each one hot, alive.
“Do you remember what you said to me on our wedding night?” she asked softly.
Gu Chenghuai’s hand covered Lin Zhao’s, his deep voice carrying solemnity and firmness.
“Comrade Lin Zhao, being revolutionary partners with you is Gu Chenghuai’s fortune. Having made the vow, I wish to share a century with you. From now on, you call the shots at home. I will be faithful, shoulder the responsibility, provide for the family, protect you fully, cherish and value you, never let you regret marrying me for a single moment.”
Word for word.
“Do you remember how I replied?” Lin Zhao asked again.
“You said you would test me.” Gu Chenghuai lowered his eyes, wanting to ask… how did the test go, but swallowed the words.
“The test is over, I think you’re great, great as a partner, great as a father, great in every way.” Lin Zhao curved her eyes, voice gentle, “Gu Chenghuai, I find myself liking you more and more.”
“We’ll live our days well from now on.”
“Good.” Gu Chenghuai’s dark eyes rippled with circles of laughter, he was very cold when not smiling, like spring breeze when smiling, extremely handsome.
In a great mood, his slender fingers clasped Lin Zhao’s arm, gently pulled.
In an instant.
The delicate soft body fell into the broad chest.
One sturdy, one slender, perfectly fitted.
Gu Chenghuai slightly bent, single arm around Lin Zhao’s slim waist, effortlessly lifted her up, placed her by the bed.
Lin Zhao hurriedly raised her hand to hold the towel wrapping her hair, exclaimed, said, “Gu Chenghuai, you didn’t give me any mental preparation again!”
“Almost made my towel drop to the floor.” she accused.
“If it drops, I’ll wash it.” Gu Chenghuai said good-naturedly and warmly, casually removed the towel from Lin Zhao’s head, smoothed her hair, gently and meticulously dried it for her.
“The one you drop, you definitely wash.” Lin Zhao sat cross-legged by the bed, using the man as a cushion.
“I’ll wash, I’m home, how can I let you wash.” Gu Chenghuai said.
Lin Zhao’s smile sweet.
“Zhaozhao, tomorrow I want to go to Eldest Sister’s house, and by the way check on the two stones.” Gu Chenghuai said again.
Soldiers had high status in the countryside, him going around, one to see the two nephews, two to support Eldest Sister.
Countryside folk, plenty of unreasonable families, some older villagers would pick on daughters-in-law who married in.
He’d vaguely heard about it since fourteen, so every return he made a special trip.
“Of course, take whatever you see in the cabinet, how the two stones view you this third uncle depends on your performance.” Lin Zhao turned to look at him, eyes and brows full of laughter.
Feelings are cultivated.
Don’t expect little friends to suddenly get close to an uncle who’s been absent a long time.
“Mm, thanks.” Gu Chenghuai gently dried his wife’s hair, occasionally combing it.
Hands that held guns could be very gentle too.
Lin Zhao closed her eyes to rest, so comfortable she nearly fell asleep.
Window open, occasional wisps of warm wind blew in, hair dried quickly.
She felt it was great occasionally not having to mind the kids.
“Zhaozhao, sit properly, I’ll hang the towel.” Gu Chenghuai said lowly.
Lin Zhao pretended to sleep, as if she didn’t hear.
Her crow-feather-like eyelashes blinked lightly.
A pampering smile appeared on Gu Chenghuai’s face, afraid of being complained at by his wife again, he gave her advance warning, “I’m going to carry you.”
Lin Zhao’s mouth corners curved up, didn’t make a sound.
The chest behind her trembled lightly, the man seemed to have chuckled, single-handedly carried her up, walked to the door, hung the towel.
Then.
“Click!”
The window was closed.
Next instant, the sound of curtains being drawn.
Lin Zhao couldn’t pretend anymore, opened her eyes, two arms hung around Gu Chenghuai’s neck, legs wrapped around his waist, slender white fingers poking his solid chest, laughed, “Closing the window, drawing the curtains… Gu Chenghuai, tell me, are you planning to do something naughty?”
