Chapter 164: “testing The Waters”
Lin Zhao’s face was full of disgust, thoroughly revolted.
Gu Chenghuai thought she was annoyed with that little girl from the Lu Family, so he spoke up: “Lu Baozhen is going to accompany the army.”
Lin Zhao looked up. “Together with Su Yuxian?”
“Aunt Lu is going too.” Gu Chenghuai said.
“What about Lu Yizhou’s dad?”
“I haven’t heard that Uncle Lu is going.” Gu Chenghuai guessed. “Once Aunt Lu settles in, he should go over too.”
“Lu Yizhou’s allowance can’t support such a big family, right?” The deputy battalion commander’s position paid a hefty salary of over fifty, but with parents, wife, and daughter having no rationed food, every bite they ate had to be bought—the pressure was really not small.
Gu Chenghuai knew his wife loved cleanliness, so he found a clean rag, soaked it in water and wrung it out, then wiped down the new sewing machine.
He didn’t forget to answer Zhaozhao’s question: “The family courtyard can grow vegetables too—be diligent and you won’t starve.”
Lin Zhao burst out laughing. “I don’t think the Lu Family just wants to not starve, do they? They want to eat meat, they want bicycles, sewing machines, watches, and televisions.”
Gu Chenghuai fell silent.
After a good while, he said: “…Dream on.”
As far as he knew, Lu Yizhou spent a lot and couldn’t save much money; the coupons were all given away as favors, so he had little on hand—enough to barely fill bellies, but “dressing in gold and silver”? No chance.
Lin Zhao caught the reluctance in the man’s words and couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Let them be—it has nothing to do with us.”
Gu Chenghuai suddenly asked: “Do you want to accompany the army?”
Lin Zhao shook her head. “No.”
She looked at the man and said: “It’s not that I don’t want to be with you—it’s that I know you have big ambitions. Taking the kids there wouldn’t help you; it’d just make you worry. Better for me to stay put until you’re ready, then we go.”
This was also Gu Chenghuai’s thinking.
But still.
Learning the Lu Family was going stirred ripples in his calm heart after all.
“…I’ve wronged you.” His voice was slightly hoarse.
“No grievance at all.” Lin Zhao cupped the man’s unparalleled handsome face; her clear eyes reflected his figure as she said gently yet firmly: “I’ll wait for you to come get me and the kids.”
Gu Chenghuai lowered his head, his straight nose tip rubbing against his wife’s; the smile in his eyes was extremely tender. “Okay.”
Yu Bao looked up and saw Dad clinging to Mom whispering again; the little friend frowned.
Dad was so clingy to Mom—he was starting to dislike Dad.
Gu Chenghuai: Your mom clings to me—you haven’t noticed that at all.
Lin Zhao didn’t know her son’s thoughts; she was dwelling on what happened at the foot of the mountain. “Now that Fourth Brother has appeared in public, he probably can’t stay low-key anymore. I hope nothing happens.”
“If something happens, it’s good.” Gu Chenghuai’s face showed the steadiness of one who had everything under control. “The villagers aren’t fools—they know what a highly skilled doctor means.”
“Hope so.” Lin Zhao said, wondering how the iron bone reishi seeds were doing?!
That evening.
Lin Zhao snuck past the villagers to the yard at the foot of the mountain.
Seeing Meng Jiusi, she first reminded him: “Fourth Brother, be careful hiding the things we sent over. Xiao Xiao had candy, and quite a few people saw it—no telling if someone might get ideas. Better safe than sorry.”
“Don’t worry, that was made by Comrade Tian—just two pieces.” Meng Jiusi was very cautious; that afternoon he’d deliberately mentioned it in front of everyone, so no one suspected on the surface.
“I’ve reminded the others too, to hide anything that shouldn’t be out in the open.”
“As for my things…” He smiled. “Uncle Gu taught me how to hide them—very secure, I couldn’t even think of such a way myself.”
The Uncle Gu here was Gu Fu.
Meng Jiusi sighed. “The wisdom of the masses is endless.”
Lin Zhao covered her mouth laughing. “Cheng Huai said his parents used that trick to take down plenty of Japanese devils—they have lots of experience in this.”
“Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu are both great people.” Meng Jiusi felt very lucky; he’d had bad luck for over twenty years, but fate was finally favoring him.
Lin Zhao didn’t comment.
Thinking of the iron bone reishi she’d been thinking about, she asked: “Fourth Brother, how’s my iron bone reishi? Has it sprouted yet?”
Meng Jiusi shook his head, tone regretful: “…Not yet.”
Lin Zhao frowned. “Not yet?! Fourth Brother, did you check at night? It’s transparent in light.”
“Yes.” Meng Jiusi was helpless. “I’ve remembered everything you said—it really hasn’t sprouted.”
He guessed: “Maybe… the seeds are buried deep; it might sprout in another couple days.” His tone wasn’t too certain.
Lin Zhao was confident, though: “It definitely will!”
Meng Jiusi: “…”
“Is Xiao Xiao okay?” Lin Zhao wanted to confirm if the original plot could really be changed.
Meng Jiusi was slightly stunned but didn’t hide it: “She’s fine—lost a lot of blood, but the wound isn’t deep. They stopped the bleeding in time, applied medicine; a few days’ rest and she’ll be good!”
“Good that she’s fine.” Lin Zhao smiled brightly.
Meng Jiusi didn’t think much of it, just that his sister was truly kind-hearted.
“How are Jing Mo and Guang Bai? Adjusted okay?” Lin Zhao asked about her two nephews.
“Pretty good.” Meng Jiusi smiled. “They’re studying with those two teachers every day—very fulfilling, adapted quickly.”
The lodging was poor, but the food wasn’t; with the Lin Family’s help, they weren’t just full—they had eggs and candy too. No real hardship.
“They can even study? That’s great.” Lin Zhao smiled. “Keep it up, and Jing Mo and Guang Bai will surely make something of themselves when they grow up.”
Those two teachers had unusual backgrounds; their students would learn plenty.
Hearing Aunt call their names, Jing Mo and Guang Bai—who were squatting in the corner scribbling with sticks—looked up.
“Aunt called me?” Jing Mo was puzzled.
Lin Zhao couldn’t help laughing. “Nah, keep writing—study hard.”
“…Mm.” Jing Mo’s little face was serious.
Guang Bai had been messing around but paused at Aunt’s words, then picked up a stick to poke the ground like his brother.
Jing Mo: “…”
Meng Jiusi’s gaze softened; with the kids by his side, the stone weighing on his heart was lifted—his brows radiated openness, the whole man seeming more transparent.
“Zhaozhao, did Mom and Dad say when they’re coming back?”
Lin Zhao withdrew her gaze and shook her head: “No. I sent a telegram—they haven’t replied. Don’t know Third Brother’s situation?”
Meng Jiusi comforted: “No news is good news.”
“Or maybe they’re on the way back.”
Lin Zhao thought it very likely; her black-and-white eyes seemed to reflect the moonlight.
“Right. If Third Brother hears your news, he won’t stay put—he’ll rush back to see you. Big chance they’re on the road.
Fourth Brother, you should see Third Brother soon. His temperament is… enthusiastic. I suggest you prepare in advance.”
Enthusiastic?
What kind of enthusiastic?
Meng Jiusi was very expectant.
His twin brother… just thinking such a person existed in the world made warmth surge in his chest.
Lin Zhao saw Fourth Brother’s emotions fluctuate and sighed inwardly—her Fourth Brother was really such a soft-hearted person.
“Fourth Brother still adjusting?”
Meng Jiusi’s smile was warm. “For me, days are the same—just work, so I treat it as exercise.”
He gazed mildly at his sister. “Don’t worry about me—I’m nearly thirty; I can take care of myself.”
He’d endured hardship since young; this life was nothing to him.
With family found, the grandfather who raised him, and his two sons by his side, Meng Jiusi didn’t feel tired—he was very content.
Lin Zhao smiled. “Good as long as you’re adjusted. Send word if you need anything.”
“Okay.”
After checking on Fourth Brother, Lin Zhao quietly left the foot of the mountain, strolling unhurriedly back to the village.
Not far along, she saw Gu Chenghuai waiting under the lush green elm tree.
Lin Zhao trotted over. “Why wait here?”
Gu Chenghuai stepped forward, took his wife’s hand, looked down at her; his deep, stern brows showed a smile. “Keeping watch.”
Lin Zhao was momentarily stunned, then laughed hard. “…Hard work, Gu Commander.”
“Not hard.” Gu Chenghuai said, leading her home.
“Kids asleep?” Lin Zhao turned her head to the upright, high-spirited man; love surged in her eyes.
Gu Chenghuai met his wife’s eyes, hand tightening slightly, light laugh: “Mm.”
“Yao Bao didn’t fuss?” Lin Zhao wondered.
Yao Bao was delicate, with a bit of a temper; she needed coaxing to sleep, or she’d pout if Mom wasn’t there.
“No fuss.” Gu Chenghuai said. “She listens to Yu Bao a lot.”
Lin Zhao’s eyes warmed. “Yu Bao’s always been great.”
The couple returned to the village without running into anyone, entered the yard, and bolted the door.
They went first to the children’s room, peeked at the kids sleeping soundly, then quietly left.
Hearing the door close, Yu Bao on the lower bunk of the bunk bed opened his eyes—clear and alert, no trace of sleepiness. He touched the blanket Mom had tucked to his belly, grinned wide, eyes starry; he secretly thrilled for a good while, yawned, then closed his eyes to sleep.
Next day.
Lin Zhao was doodling in the yard when she heard someone call; she got up and went out.
A post office staffer was at the door.
“You’ve got a package and telegram.” The dark, skinny but healthy male comrade said.
Lin Zhao took them, signed fluently, thanked him, and carried the package home.
Heng Bao rushed over. “Mom, is it from Dad?”
Before Lin Zhao could speak, Yu Bao piped up: “Dummy, Dad’s home—how could he send it!”
Heng Bao scratched his head, tiptoed to peer, couldn’t see much, tilted his little head to ask Lin Zhao: “Mom, who sent it? What’s inside?” He poked the package with his little hand.
“Your Third Uncle sent it—what’s inside, we’ll know when we open it. Can you trouble you to get the scissors?” Lin Zhao smiled.
“Sure!” Heng Bao went to fetch the scissors.
“Slow down, don’t run.” Lin Zhao called quickly.
Heng Bao obeyed, slowing immediately, walked to get them, and brought the scissors out.
Lin Zhao took them and said: “Don’t run with things in hand, especially scissors or axes—if you fall, you’ll hurt yourself.”
“Mm-hm.” Heng Bao nodded seriously, beaming. “Grandma taught us—I remember.”
Yu Bao hurried: “I remember too.”
Qian Bao quietly glanced at Mom, nodded obediently.
The youngest sister reached to paw the package, lisping: “Me rememba!”
Yu Bao grabbed her little hand, his childish face full serious: “Yao Bao, no messing—let Mom open, then we see.”
The little milk ball indeed stopped fussing.
Lin Zhao praised her eldest son: “Yu Bao’s really got big brother vibes.”
Yu Bao couldn’t resist his mom’s praise; at those words, his mouth corners wouldn’t go down.
Fondly ruffling Yu Bao’s head, Lin Zhao cut open the package and took out the contents one by one.
A big pack of herbs, milk tablets, dried dates, walnuts, dried fruit, etc., plus a piece of hide she couldn’t identify, and then money and ration coupons.
She took out a milk tablet, tasted it; rich milk fragrance filled her nose.
Heng Bao clung to Lin Zhao’s arm, clamoring too: “Mom, I want some!”
“There’s for everyone.” Lin Zhao distributed to her cubs.
“Milky, so fragrant—like White Rabbit Toffee. Mom, what’s this?” Yu Bao ate slowly, asking curiously.
“Milk tablets.” Lin Zhao opened Third Brother’s letter and read unhurriedly.
Lin Shichang wrote a lot; the letter spanned three full sheets, about his life, asking after sister and four nephews, telling her to say if short on money, write if she wanted anything—he’d figure it out; expressing regret at not returning for her birthday, promising next year for sure…
“Mom, what’d Third Uncle write?” Yu Bao asked, seeing Yao Bao with it smeared on her chin, lifted her little floral bib, wiped his sister’s mouth.
Lin Zhao didn’t brush off the little friend, simply read the letter to them.
She read steadily; the four little cubs listened intently.
“Third Uncle’s so nice.” Yu Bao said. “Mom, can Third Uncle come back next year? I barely remember him.”
Not just the kid—even Lin Zhao had nearly forgotten what Third Brother looked like. These years Lin Shichang sent plenty but never had time to return.
“No need to wait till next year—your Third Uncle should be back soon.” Lin Zhao smiled.
She pondered making something nice.
Troop meals were basic: steamed buns, corn steamed corn buns, meat rare and just a taste—hardly flavorful.
Very tough.
“When?” Heng Bao’s eyes widened.
Lin Zhao patted her son’s forehead. “How should I know exactly? Just wait.”
“…Okay.” Heng Bao agreed reluctantly.
Soon distracted by the dried dates: “Mom, I want this one.”
“Just dates? Want walnuts and dried fruit?” Lin Zhao smiled.
Heng Bao licked his lips, grinned: “Yes.”
Lin Zhao was generous, gave some to the twins, one milk tablet each to the dragon-phoenix twins, didn’t dare give more.
After distributing to the kids, she took out a pack of dried dates separately, locked the rest in the kitchen cabinet.
“Yu Bao, Heng Bao—this pack of dried dates for Grandma, tell her to soak in water and drink.”
Yu Bao and Heng Bao, with Gu Mu as grandma, ran off without a word.
The dragon-phoenix twins lazed, unwilling to move, sat by their mom swinging short legs, munching milk tablets contentedly.
Xiao Jin hadn’t gone out either, nestled on Lin Zhao’s knee, slender tail lightly wrapping her wrist.
Seeing the dragon-phoenix twins so good, Lin Zhao smiled at her obedient cub, opened the telegram from the capital.
Then.
She learned about the Yuan Family matter.
Quickly scanning the words, her smile grew wider.
Her muddle-headed former fourth sister-in-law had lost her job; the Yuan Family even planned to marry her off again, swap for more betrothal gifts…?
Couldn’t muster any sympathy.
Gu Chenghuai finished exercising and came home, saw Zhaozhao’s smile overly brilliant, lightly raised a brow, pulled a stool to sit.
“Some good news?”
Lin Zhao said nothing, handed over the telegram.
“Comrade Yun sent it—you’ll see when you look!”
With that, she flopped bonelessly onto the clean stone table, her gaze lingering on the man.
He wore deep green training clothes, forehead slightly sweaty, whole body seeming to steam with heat, full of vitality; arms sturdy, muscles bulging when he slightly raised a hand—looked powerful.
Facial lines clean and sharp, with a soldier’s unique sharpness and resolve.
Gu Chenghuai wasn’t dead; feeling his wife’s gaze, he rarely minded his appearance, regretting not washing off the sweat by the river.
He stayed calm, finished the telegram, said: “Yun Jian’s thoughtful.”
“More than thoughtful—super thoughtful!” Lin Zhao was touched by this comradeship.
The bond of sharing a gun was indeed ironclad.
Gu Chenghuai also thought Yun Jian thoughtful.
He discussed with Lin Zhao: “Zhaozhao, the meat sauce you sent before was good—make some for Yun Jian to send?”
“Sure.” Lin Zhao agreed, then added: “Is this gift too light? He’s from the capital—what hasn’t he seen?”
Gu Chenghuai laughed. “Capital folks need meat tickets for meat too.”
“Yun Jian at most eats meat a couple times more than us, but not to the point of eating till bored. A month’s meat tickets are limited after all.”
Lin Zhao agreed. “Mom sent plenty mushrooms—mushroom meat sauce, what do you think?”
“Good.” Thinking of the second battalion commander eyeing Zhaozhao’s meat sauce, Gu Chenghuai added: “A few comrades want some too—say trade for stuff. Anything you want?”
Lin Zhao did want something; her eyes sparkled. “Heard wool sweaters are warm, lightweight, comfier than sweaters—I want one, okay?”
“I’ll ask around.” Gu Chenghuai couldn’t guarantee.
“If not, no biggie.” Lin Zhao said.
She could draw lots, get one each for man and four cubs, plus her parents and Third Brother.
“Third Brother sent lots of medicinal herbs—give some to Fourth Brother tonight for common medicines; take when you go.”
Gu Chenghuai’s brows softened. “Okay.”
As they spoke, the twins bounced back, with Xiao Libao and Mao Dan’er too.
“Third Uncle, Third Aunt.” Li Bao held dried dates, nibbling small bites.
Mao Dan’er politely greeted: “Uncle Gu, Aunt Lin.”
“Li Bao and Mao Dan’er are here.” Lin Zhao smiled, took out some snacks, poured sugar water for the little friends.
The two little friends thanked her.
“Thanks, Aunt Lin.”
“No need to thank.” Lin Zhao smiled; she really liked kids, especially well-behaved polite ones.
She looked at Mao Dan’er. “Later I’m making mushroom meat sauce—you can learn.”
Cooking basics were universal; learn meat sauce, and you could do noodle topping too.
Mao Dan’er’s face lit with anticipation. “Okay.”
Last time Aunt Lin taught him, his grandma said his cooking improved—he thought so too.
Deciding on meat sauce, Lin Zhao didn’t dawdle, called Mao Dan’er to the kitchen; twins followed.
Gu Chenghuai settled the dragon-phoenix twins in the yard, called Da Huang to watch them, then went to the kitchen to help.
Lin Zhao: “…”
Chicken leg for Da Huang tonight.
Gu Chenghuai washed mushrooms, chopped meat, prepped ingredients—all diced; then Lin Zhao took over; Heng Bao stoked the fire…
Mao Dan’er and Yu Bao watched and learned.
In the small kitchen, divisions were clear.
Soon, a domineering fragrance wafted out.
“So fragrant, so fragrant.” Heng Bao stood to peer into the pot.
Lin Zhao smiled. “Noodles this afternoon—with this sauce, how’s that?”
“Great.” Heng Bao said loudly.
Yu Bao nodded.
“Mao Dan’er, take some home later for your grandma to try.” Lin Zhao looked gently at Mao Dan’er.
Mao Dan’er’s little face stunned, waved hands hurriedly: “No, no need…”
“Can’t say no.” Lin Zhao cut him off, asked: “Has your grandma said elders’ gifts cannot be refused?”
“Yes.” Mao Dan’er said honestly.
“So don’t say no—I’ll give, you take it.” Ning Lao Tai’s jade gourds for the twins could swap for how many jars of meat sauce?
“Thanks, Aunt.” Mao Dan’er thanked.
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