Chapter 70: “i’m Not Your Dad”
Lin Zhao smiled faintly and asked in return, “So what should we do?”
Er Zai’s eyes darted, he took his older brother’s and San Zai’s hands, looked up at her, and seriously discussed with his mother, “Dad favors Younger Sister, Mom favors us.”
Very fair, right…?!
Lin Zhao thought the little friend’s brain turned really fast, her smile deepened, she wiped the fine sweat from the three brothers’ foreheads, “Your dad treats you all equally well. It’s just because Younger Sister is a girl, so his tone is a bit gentler when speaking to her, he likes you all too.”
She was absolutely certain.
Because all four kids were born by her, Gu Chenghuai would like them impartially.
“Really?” Er Zai was half-believing, asked a bold question, “Mom, will Dad carry me on his shoulders?”
The volume wasn’t too loud or too soft, just right for Gu Chenghuai to hear.
“You’ll have to ask your dad, see if he’s willing.” Lin Zhao kicked the leather ball back.
Er Zai pouted, looked toward his dad, but saw his dad pick up Younger Sister, the short and stout Si Zai instantly towering over him by several heads, making the little friend green with envy!
He strode over, tugged at the corner of Gu Chenghuai’s military uniform, and politely inquired, “Dad, can you carry me on your shoulders?”
Da Zai thought of how Yuan Bao’s dad carried Yuan Bao around the whole village, his clean and clear eyes showed envy, under his mom’s encouraging gaze, he boldly said proactively, “Dad, I want that too, Yuan Bao and Tie Niu’s dads both carry them.”
Who says little friends have no scheming, look, he’s setting a trap for his dad.
“Good job.” Lin Zhao’s voice was gentle and slow, “Today’s Da Zai is a brave Da Zai, Mom is proud of you.”
“You should do that, say what you want to say, voice your needs, we are family, the closest people in the whole world, you can say anything in front of Dad and Mom.”
Da Zai nodded seriously, “Mm!”
Gu Chenghuai looked toward Lin Zhao.
When he saw his wife giving him a look, a hint of amusement flashed in his cold eyes, his peripheral vision caught the two kids’ expectant little eyes, he nodded, “Carry you, however you say, that’s how we’ll do it!”
Er Zai jumped up at once, his happy little face flushed red.
Suddenly he felt, Dad coming back is pretty good!
The usually quiet San Zai’s eyes curved into crescents, his smile delicate.
…
The young officer with a straight posture and outstanding looks holding the cute little milk dumpling, both with the same high attractiveness, the big one like a long spear, the small one soft and sweet.
Tough guy tender heart.
Beautiful enough to be a world-famous painting.
Lin Zhao saw Zai’s dad holding the little daughter stiffly, his whole person like ice at the bottom of an abyss, instantly melting into water, every sharp edge softening.
She couldn’t help urging.
“Going back or not?”
Though it wasn’t hot now, they were still under the tree shade, but standing here like fools.
Daughter important, wife even more important.
“Back.” Gu Chenghuai’s pleased voice sounded.
Er Zai pursed his lips.
He discovered, in the whole family, Dad was the most double-standard.
Very gentle to Mom and Younger Sister, okay to brothers too, but to him… weird, even glared at him before, boo hoo hoo.
Hmph! Hmph hmph!!
The little friend snorted coldly in his heart, viciously noting it down in his grudge book.
Lin Zhao took Si Zai, the little dumpling’s soft arms wrapped around Mom’s neck, but her pretty eyes fell on Gu Chenghuai.
Curiosity flowed in her eyes.
Gu Chenghuai was softened by his daughter’s watery big eyes, his clear voice lightened and softened, “When we get home… Dad will lift you high.”
Double words again.
“…” Gradually getting ridiculous, Comrade Gu.
Catching his wife’s subtle gaze, Battalion Commander Gu’s long and good-looking hand clenched into a fist, pressed to his lips, he coughed lowly, calmly said, “Back…”
Words not finished.
Two figures rapidly ran over from afar.
It was Gu Fu and Gu Mu.
Behind them followed the Gu Family’s little kids.
Gu Fu deliberately suppressed his excited voice, “Third Son.”
Immediately after.
Gu Mu hurried over, her unhealed wound split open a bit, slightly stinging, but didn’t affect anything, seeing her son… the old mother felt comfortable everywhere.
She carefully looked him up and down, confirmed Third Son’s limbs were intact, let out a long breath, fine light shimmering in the laugh lines at her eyes.
“Third Son you’re back! Why didn’t you send word ahead? Hungry? Mom will roll out noodles for you, or dumplings are fine!”
Gu Chenghuai’s throat bobbed slightly, his gaze swept over his parents’ frosted white temples in turn, legs together, fingertips aligned with the red star on his cap brim, saluted the two elders.
“Dad, Mom, I’m back.”
Gu Fu reflexively raised his hand to return the salute as he had dozens of times before, his knuckles full of old calluses brushing his temple.
Pride filled his aged eyes.
—This was the pillar he raised for the country.
Seeing his son’s heavy luggage, Gu Fu stepped forward to take one, “Let’s go, home.”
Gu Chenghuai didn’t stop him, he knew his dad wouldn’t admit to being old, being able to help with something made him happier than anything.
Lin Zhao noticed Gu Mu’s walking posture was a bit odd, remembered her wound wasn’t fully healed, her brows furrowed slightly, directly asked, “Mom, did your wound split open?”
Gu Mu subconsciously looked at Gu Chenghuai, guilt flashed in her eyes, fiercely signaling her third son’s wife with her eyes.
She as a mom also feared Third Son’s cold stare.
“Zai’s dad!” Lin Zhao didn’t ignore the issue, afraid Gu Mu’s wound would split worse, called out to Gu Chenghuai who was talking with Gu Fu.
The young officer turned his head, cap brim half-covering his sharp brows and eyes, making him look even more stern like a cold moon, clear breeze bright moon, heroic bearing.
“What’s wrong?” He softened his eyes, extremely patient.
“You take Mom back first.” Lin Zhao said.
The couple’s tacit understanding made Gu Chenghuai realize something.
The amusement in his eyes suddenly vanished, he pushed the cart in front of Gu Mu, didn’t speak, just looked at her lightly.
Gu Mu didn’t dare make a sound, obediently sat on the back seat.
Oh my, Third Son’s presence is getting scarier!!
After entering the village, they ran into quite a few villagers.
Seeing the brigade’s most promising young man, they all greeted enthusiastically.
“Chenghuai’s back!”
“How long are you staying this time? Rare to come back, stay a few more days.”
“Aunt Gu’s on the bicycle, with her favorite son too, must be thrilled, look at that grin almost to the back of your head.”
“Biological dad’s back, now the Gu Family’s four kids will be even more arrogant haha.”
…
Gu Chenghuai kept the bike speed neither fast nor slow, humbly greeted the villagers.
The bustling scene, like some big shot returning in glory, whole village coming to join the fun.
Da Zai and Er Zai smiled brightly, identical eyes curved into the same crescent shape.
Seeing little friends, Er Zai waved vigorously, showed off to Yuan Bao, “Yuan Bao, this is my dad!”
Then to Tie Niu, “Tie Niu, my dad’s back.”
His eyes swept, spotting Chang Sheng who hadn’t spoken half a word in over half a month, his expression smug and cocky, “Brother Chang Sheng, my dad’s tall right! My dad can beat you to tears with one finger!”
Seeing Chang Sheng shrink his neck, he laughed hahaha.
Gu Chenghuai: “…”
“?”
Reputation damaged.
Er Zai used his biological dad as a show-off tool, endlessly.
He put hands on waist, loudly threatened, “Watch your words, if you dare spread badmouthing that my mom is a lazy wife again, I’ll bring my dad to your house, my dad beats your dad, I beat…”
The “you” not out yet, seeing Chang Sheng half a head taller and bigger, cleverly said, “Me and Bang Bang them beat you.”
He waved his fist, threatening verbally.
Chang Sheng’s dad was also watching the fun, hearing Er Zai’s words, wanted to cry but no tears.
No, what did he do wrong?!
Chang Sheng even more aggrieved, “I haven’t said it in a long time, why do you still remember.”
He said it before, because the twins’ mom really was a lazy wife.
Ever since Aunt Lin went to work in the county, he hadn’t said it.
“I hold grudges!” Er Zai tilted his head, righteously said.
Chang Sheng because his mom was shunned by the brigade’s kids, all saying his mom was a thief, the kid king’s former influence gone.
He had long wanted to break the ice with the Gu Family kids.
So proactively said, “What do I have to do for you not to hold a grudge? Er Zai, I’ve changed, don’t believe me ask my dad!”
Chang Sheng tugged his dad’s clothes, “Dad quick tell Er Zai, say I haven’t said bad things about their mom in a long time!!”
“Yes yes yes.” Chang Sheng’s dad pulled back his clothes, carefully smoothed them, repeatedly agreed, looking at the twins, grinned foolishly, “Da Zai Er Zai, Uncle disciplined Chang Sheng, he won’t yap anymore.”
Da Zai small person big heart, looked at Chang Sheng, seriously said, “If Brother Chang Sheng never badmouths my mom again, we can be friends with you.”
Er Zai listened to his brother, brother said be friends, then be friends.
Agreed in heart, but mouth still threatened, “If you dare say it again, I’ll still beat you.”
Chang Sheng quickly shook head, “Won’t say, never again, whoever says bad things about your mom, I’ll beat them for you!”
Er Zai’s eyes spun, felt like he profited, with six relatives not recognized stride, walked to Chang Sheng, looked up at the youth half a head taller, stretched out right arm, raised pinky, signaled to hook pinkies.
“Pinky promise, who reneges is a puppy.”
Chang Sheng happily put his hand on.
Er Zai withdrew his finger, met Lin Zhao’s gaze, raised lips in a smile, bright like a little sun.
He walked to his mom, smug, “Mom am I smart?”
“Hm?” Lin Zhao didn’t get it.
Er Zai’s smile faded, sighed lightly.
Opened mouth to say something, but Da Zai beat him to it, “Er Zai means he recruited a little brother, asking Mom if he’s awesome.”
“Little brother?” Lin Zhao’s tone puzzled, really didn’t understand kids nowadays, “What does that mean?”
“Aiya, it’s big friend little brother’s meaning.” Er Zai puffed chest and raised head.
Words just fell, Lin Zhao inadvertently glimpsed Gu Chenghuai’s cold gaze on his son.
emmm.
Er Zai might… be made to stand in military posture!
“You recruiting little brothers outside as little boss?” Lin Zhao quietly signaled him with eyes, hinting son watch his words.
The little guy didn’t notice, corrected, “Boss is boss, not little boss.”
“Mom, I’m not a two-year-old little friend, I’m a five-and-a-half-year-old big friend!”
Not taking the smooth path, insisting on the log bridge?
Bless you.
Lin Zhao complexly touched her son’s head, “As long as you’re happy.”
She wouldn’t interfere.
Let Battalion Commander Gu handle it.
“I’m happy.” Er Zai kicked away the stone underfoot, his little back view full of joy, like a bird just out of an iron cage.
…
Chatting and laughing with villagers, Gu Chenghuai under the Gu Family Members’ escort, arrived at the old house door.
Gu Mu supported by Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang into the house, Gu Yuanshan and Gu Yucheng helped push the cart, take luggage.
A group of juniors looking at majestic Gu Chenghuai, left and right calling Third Uncle.
Right in the lively moment.
A little girl of just over four ran out from somewhere, fiercely hugged Gu Chenghuai’s leg, crisply shouted Daddy.
“Dad!”
It was Lu Baozhen.
“Dad, I want a hug!”
The bursting out kid was filthy all over, the tuft on head crooked and twisted, not even wearing shoes, black dirty feet with several red marks.
Suddenly a strange little girl called him Dad, and in front of his own wife, Gu Chenghuai’s scalp numbed, pulled her away at once, retreated several steps, subconsciously looked to his wife, hurriedly explained, “Zhaozhao, I don’t know her.”
Lin Zhao very satisfied with his attitude, said, “This is Lu Family’s child.”
Lu Yizhou’s?
Gu Chenghuai understood.
The little girl saw the military uniform on him, mistook him for her own dad.
“I’m not your dad.” Gu Chenghuai’s expression indifferent, voice coldly clear like frost and snow.
Out of nowhere, clearly first time seeing, he felt no fondness for this little girl not even as big as the twins.
Disgust rapidly spread, making him feel strange.
Shouldn’t be.
Lu Baozhen didn’t know she was disliked, expression stunned.
Er Zai viciously held grudge against his dad in heart, but didn’t want Dad robbed by detestable Lu Baozhen, rushed up to block his dad, face no smile, looking fierce.
“Lu Baozhen what are you doing! This is my dad, your dad was so pissed by your stepmom he went back to troops!”
“You miss your dad go to troops, why cling to my dad.”
Saying this, wiped cheek with index finger, loudly, “Even your own dad you mistake, shame shame shame, Lu Baozhen you’re not even as good as my family’s San Zai Si Zai.”
Gu Chenghuai for the first time in life protected by son, mood slightly complex.
Lu Baozhen saw from afar a tall man in military uniform, thought it was Dad, happily ran over.
Turns out not her dad, but the twins’ dad.
From great joy to great sorrow, what it feels like, the not-yet-five-year-old her knew.
Lu Baozhen looked up, burst into tears.
Loudly shouted Dad.
“Dad!”
“Baozhen wants Dad waaah!!”
Seeing Si Zai’s red hair tie, cried even louder.
“Mine, the red hair tie is mine, new skirt is mine, all mine—” her voice shrill shouting, lying on ground, kicking legs desperately, exactly like her grandma.
Lin Zhao frowned.
Lightly took Gu Chenghuai’s arm, called out to the twins, “Da Zai Er Zai, take Younger Brother Younger Sister home.”
Words fell.
Led the way into the house.
Da Zai Er Zai didn’t glance at wailing Lu Baozhen, took Younger Brother Younger Sister through the home door.
Just about to step over threshold, heard neighbor mutter, “What happened to Baozhen?”
Da Zai paused, said, “She misses her dad.”
“Oh oh.” Neighbor understood, shouted to Su Yuxian hiding in the corner, “Yizhou’s wife what’s up with you, child crying like this, at least comfort her.”
In heart grumbled: No stepmom is good, before marriage fawning to do work, after marriage changed person, doesn’t even care for child, still fights with mother-in-law all day.
Which family’s daughter-in-law like this, Lu Yizhou bad luck too.
The woman shook head, turned back to her house, ignored berating Su Yuxian.
“Get up quick! Lose face or not, see person shout Dad, you that short of dad? Still lying on ground, look your clothes dirty what, get up—”
That day, Lu Mu brought Lu Baozhen back from county, wasted a day, not even a match gotten.
Lu Mu thought bad luck, go again next day, who knew still no gain.
No gain fine, but fell, cracked pelvis, treatment cost several bucks, can’t work, like plague god possessed.
Lu Xiaomei lazy too, all housework fell on Su Yuxian.
Su Yuxian schemed every way to marry into Lu Family, wanted Lin Zhao kind of good life, not to suffer, steal laziness when can, do everything sloppily.
So, Lu Baozhen this brigade’s cleanest most comfortable little girl, became like this.
…
Big door closed.
Gu Chenghuai looked to Lin Zhao at his side, asked though he knew, “You dislike Lu Family’s little girl?”
“Yes!” Lin Zhao didn’t deny.
“I don’t like her, you see her on road later, stay far away like today.” She domineeringly said.
Gu Chenghuai didn’t ask reason, directly agreed, “Listen to you.”
Sorry, extra chapters still writing, can’t release yet） daytime had a bit embarrassing small situation）
I stay up late to write, finish and release.
Treasured Ones sleep first, check when up.
Sorry sorry.
