Chapter 184: “remarry”
The police officer stood in awe and respect.
He stood with legs together and saluted the leader.
Then he thought about the leader’s physical condition, his brows furrowing enough to squash a mosquito, “But there are so many people in the military region, it doesn’t have to be you going personally.”
Leader Ning waved his hand.
“I’ve stayed in the military region long enough, time to go out and relax.”
He didn’t say what was really on his mind. In fact, ever since hearing about that place, his headaches had become more frequent, flashes of figures appearing in his mind—a very familiar feeling that made him feel an innate closeness just from their appearance, a closeness mixed with an undeniable guilt and sorrow.
This emotion came suddenly.
Leader Ning believed that no emotion in this world arose without reason.
Perhaps this trip would help him recover his memory and find his family.
The police officer had gradually figured out the leader’s temperament—it was incredibly stubborn and forceful; once he decided something, no one could change it.
His dark face showed no surprise, only saying: “Doctor Sun said he wants to go along, everything for the leader’s safety.”
“You’ve finally returned from the enemy area safely; you can’t have an accident on our own turf—that would be a loss to the troops and to the people.” The police officer’s face was serious.
Leader Ning pointed at him virtually, “You’re lecturing me about value now…”
The organization had said so; what more could he say?
“Fine. As long as you don’t stop me, do whatever else you want.”
The guard was delighted, “Yes, I’ll go tell Doctor Sun right away and buy tickets on the way. Leader, please take good care of your health.”
With that, his footsteps rang out firmly as he left.
Leader Ning adjusted his mood, sat properly at the desk, and continued reading the report.
Only by staying busy could he avoid random thoughts.
–
That noon.
Lin Zhao received an express letter from the capital.
“A letter from the capital…” She looked at Gu Chenghuai, “It should be from your comrade; I don’t know anyone in the capital.”
Gu Chenghuai tore open the envelope, his slender fingers pulling out the letter paper inside, opening it to quickly scan through. His handsome and modest face showed a strange expression.
“What is it?” Lin Zhao’s puzzled voice sounded.
He handed the letter over.
The letter was indeed from Yun Jian, and its contents made Gu Chenghuai frown.
After Lin Zhao finished reading, she reacted for two seconds, “…Yuan Qin, remarried?”
She sneered coldly.
“Her son is lost, and she still has the heart to remarry; her heart is big enough.”
Gu Chenghuai said objectively: “The Yuan Family forced her.”
“She agreed to it.” Lin Zhao’s gaze was calm, her lips pressed tight.
She looked at the letter and said: “New country, new system—everyone stands tall with chest out. If she didn’t want to marry, no one would dare force her; it’s because she couldn’t stand up.”
Comrade Yun Jian was good at telling stories; reading the letter felt like being there, the confrontations between the Yuan Family and Yuan Qin playing out right before her eyes.
Lin Zhao shook her head, “Whatever, anyway, she and Fourth Brother are already divorced; men marry, women wed, no connection between them. What happens to her has nothing to do with us.”
“But luckily Comrade Yun sent Momo and Xiao Bai over; otherwise, those two wouldn’t know how much hardship they’d suffer.”
Gu Chenghuai’s dark eyes flashed with amusement.
“Yun Jian thanks you in the letter, says the meat sauce is delicious, and his family loves the dried goods.”
Lin Zhao’s eyes curved, “I saw that; I’ll send more later.”
Knowing Gu Commander was the jealous type, she added: “If I send any, I’ll let you know in advance.”
Hearing this, Gu Chenghuai’s knotted heart was untied by a cute little person using hands and feet.
“No need to be special about it; just add a couple lines when you write to me.”
Lin Zhao reached out to pinch the man’s mouth, “Let me see how tough Gu Commander’s mouth is.”
Gu Commander just laughed indulgently at being teased by his wife.
“Should we tell Fourth Brother about this?” he asked.
Lin Zhao looked thoughtful, then nodded, “Tell him; since it’s broken, break it clean.”
She looked at Gu Chenghuai; this man’s pitch-black deep eyes reflected her figure, full of alluring faint smiles.
Lin Zhao fiddled with her finger, “Do you think the Meng Family can be de-categorized?”
“No big problem.” Gu Chenghuai was calm, “The Meng Family’s issue isn’t big; they were dragged down too. Fourth Brother has made great contributions, enough to get the entire Meng Family de-categorized.”
Lin Zhao’s eyes sparkled with laughter, “Great; the Meng Family raised Fourth Brother big and taught him how to stand firm in the world. If they can be cleared, that’s good too.”
The Meng Family surely wasn’t all good people—that was certain; everywhere has people with flaws in character.
But.
The Meng Family truly had great kindness toward Meng Jiusi—saving his life and raising him.
This kindness was heavier than a mountain.
“Zhaozhao is so magnanimous.” Gu Chenghuai praised sincerely.
Lin Zhao’s lips curved up, her willow brows full of delight.
Right, she was magnanimous.
“Dad said people must discern right from wrong. Things in this world aren’t black and white, and no one is perfect; everyone has selfish motives—only saints have none, and such people don’t exist. If you really meet one, be wary; they must have big schemes.”
Gu Chenghuai smiled, as if Father-in-law had said it.
“Lesson learned.”
…
Lin Zhao planned to slip away from home to the foot of the mountain and was heading out.
Heng Bao spotted her sharply and called, “Mom, where are you going? I want to come too.”
It had rained last night; the ground was wet. The four kids plus Tie Chui were squatting in the corner playing with mud, the Lin sisters watching nearby.
Er Zai’s one sentence stopped Lin Zhao, making all the other kids, two dogs, and one monkey turn to look at her.
Lin Zhao: “…”
“I’m going to the old house to see Sister Alan.”
She headed to the kitchen, “If you hadn’t called, I’d have forgotten to take the roe deer meat.”
She grabbed the meat and eggs, then walked to the door.
Yu Bao stood up, tone inquiring: “Mom, want me to carry the things for you?”
“No need, such a short way.” Afraid of alerting Er Zai and the dragon-phoenix twins, Lin Zhao secretly signaled him with her eyes.
Da Zai lived up to being the most considerate kid; he got Mom’s meaning and immediately turned back, “Mom, you go; Heng Bao and I will take good care of little brother and sister.”
Heng Bao wanted to follow but changed his mind upon hearing his brother, “Right.”
Gu Chenghuai saw his wife talk the twins into staying with just a few words and smiled.
Noticing her man’s gaze, Lin Zhao winked at him, picked up the things, and went to the old house.
On the way, she inevitably ran into chatting grandpa and aunts.
“Gu Chenghuai’s wife is going to send meat to your parents-in-law again; so filial.”
“Why no four kids today?”
…
Lin Zhao smiled and nodded, selectively answering: “The kids are playing at home; I have business at the old house, gotta go.”
Once she left, the grandpa and aunts’ topic revolved around her and her family.
“How is Gu Chenghuai’s wife like a country person at all? More like an educated youth from the city—no, even more like a city person.”
“She’s the Lin Family’s only daughter, with three close older brothers, and her close uncle has skills—heard he’s a high-ranking leader in the city. She grew up in her uncle’s house from young, just like a city person!”
“…What good fortune.”
Su Zhiqing and Guan Zhiqing, passing by, nodded in full agreement.
They didn’t have it this comfortable in the city.
Wang Chunhua saw Su Yi and smiled, “Su Zhiqing, when do you plan to move house?”
The two female educated youths’ house was adobe; not much effort, with more people helping, it could be done in two days.
Because of their promise, the brigade leader assigned extra labor; the house was mostly built, just needed a few days to dry, and they could move in.
The land was in the village, safe and secure; Su Zhiqing and Guan Zhiqing were very satisfied.
Thinking they could soon move out of the educated youth point, Su Yi smiled, “Soon.”
Wang Chunhua said warmly: “Congratulations; if you need help, just say.”
“Thanks, Aunt.” Guan Zhiqing thanked her, her gaze softening as she praised, “Coming to our brigade and getting help from such enthusiastic villagers—us educated youths are so lucky.”
Everyone loves sweet words; Wang Chunhua couldn’t suppress the curve of her mouth.
Lin Zhao arrived at the old house.
“Third Aunt!”
The kids called enthusiastically.
“This is roe deer meat, plus some red dates and brown sugar; put it in the kitchen for your grandma to make this afternoon.” Lin Zhao handed the things to Xing Ye.
The youth grinned.
“For my sister to nourish her body, right? Got it, I won’t stand on ceremony.”
Chatting, he took the things into the kitchen.
Alan smiled shyly, embarrassed: “Thanks, Third Aunt.”
She looked up at Lin Zhao, “My wound is fine; Third Aunt doesn’t need to always think of me. Save the meat and red dates for Yu Bao and Heng Bao.”
Gu Lan was the Gu Family’s oldest child; no one asked her to yield to the younger siblings at home, but the little girl was very grateful, feeling lucky to be born in the Gu Family and always thinking of the younger ones with anything good.
Lin Zhao’s eyes flashed gentle, softly saying: “They all have some. You, on the other hand, lost so much blood; you need to nourish well to avoid leaving any root illness.”
“Won’t.” Gu Lan’s little girl smile was sweet, “I get chicken soup every day.”
She knew the chickens were sent by Third Aunt, who asked Grandma to make it for her.
“Rest well.” Lin Zhao said.
“Still hurt?” Her gaze fell on Gu Lan’s head.
Gu Lan shook her head, “Doesn’t hurt; the wound is almost scabbed.”
Just didn’t know if it would scar.
Scar or not, she didn’t mind; worst case, grow bangs. One scar for Qian Bao being fine—worth it.
Lin Zhao couldn’t bear for a fine little girl to have a scar on her head and said: “Don’t worry about scarring; I have scar removal ointment here. Once the wound heals, apply it for a while, and it’ll recover like new.”
Gu Lan was deeply moved.
Before she could respond, Huang Xiulan said happily: “There’s ointment that removes scars? Must be expensive; thanks, Third Sister-in-law.”
“What thanks? Our own child, and Alan did it for her brother.” Lin Zhao didn’t mind.
After finishing the business, she didn’t stay long, left the old house, and headed straight to the foot of the mountain.
Meeting villagers didn’t faze her; everyone knew Lin Zhao liked wandering to the foot of the mountain to pick flowers or catch fish, depending on her mood.
When Lin Zhao found Meng Jiusi, he was gathering pig feed, with Momo and Guang Bai helping.
The big and little two little friends weren’t fast, but their enthusiasm was clear.
The two young ones were a bit darker and taller, looking healthier than when they first arrived.
“Fourth Brother.”
Meng Jiusi stopped his work and looked over, “Zhaozhao, how come at this hour?”
“Got something.” Lin Zhao said.
Hearing this, Meng Jiusi shooed his son farther away and asked: “What is it?”
“Chenghuai’s comrade in the capital sent a letter…” Lin Zhao paused slightly, then continued: “The letter says Comrade Yuan remarried someone else.”
Meng Jiusi froze in place.
He hadn’t expected it.
Not that Yuan Qin would remarry, but that it would be this soon.
How long had it been?
Not even half a year since his incident.
Not even a month since his son’s incident.
Really funny.
Meng Jiusi pulled the corners of his mouth up, a ugly smile.
He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his gaze was clear.
“She’s a delicate woman who trusted the Yuan Family too much; being manipulated was within my expectations.”
Meng Jiusi’s tone was very flat, “She and I are already divorced; we had no real relation to begin with. From now on, Comrade Yuan is just Momo and Xiao Bai’s biological mother to me—a somewhat unfamiliar stranger.”
Lin Zhao saw Fourth Brother was clear-headed and nodded in satisfaction.
Good, very Lin Family style.
“When news of the Meng Family’s restoration spreads and she comes knocking, what then?” she asked again.
Meng Jiusi’s gaze was cool, “She can see the kids; I have nothing to say to her.”
He licked his slightly dry lips, very serious—clearly after deep thought.
“She’s a married woman now; I’m a lone bachelor—gotta avoid suspicion.”
Lin Zhao corrected: “Fourth Brother has family; count them up, over ten blood-related family members—how are you a lone bachelor? Nonsense.”
Meng Jiusi smiled, “Right, I’m talking nonsense.”
He wanted to pat his little sister’s head but saw his dirty hand and withdrew it, urging: “Go back.”
“One more thing: Second Brother divorced.” Lin Zhao said.
Meng Jiusi was stunned.
He reacted for several seconds before saying: “How?”
“Feelings not compatible.” Lin Zhao summed up in four words.
“…Got it; I’ll be careful talking to Second Brother.” Meng Jiusi felt his family was indeed too advanced; the shocks kept coming one after another.
“Mm.” Lin Zhao hummed, walked to Momo and Xiao Bai, stuffed them a pack of meat jerky as snacks, then left.
The two little friends washed their hands before eating.
“Auntie is so nice; I like Auntie.” Xiao Bai’s voice was childish and sincere.
Momo nodded solemnly, “I like her too.”
He disliked his uncle’s family the most.
–
In the blink of an eye, it was time for Gu Chenghuai to return to his unit.
Learning Dad was going back to the troops, the four kids were extremely reluctant.
Yao Bao innocently hugged Dad’s neck, baby voice saying: “Don’t go, Daddy don’t go.”
As she spoke, she stared at Dad with clear big eyes.
Yu Bao grabbed his little sister’s hand and seriously explained reason to her, “Dad is a soldier; soldiers must obey orders…”
Yao Bao shook her head, little braids swinging, “Won’t listen, Bao won’t listen.”
She buried her face in Dad’s neck, closed her eyes, as if not hearing or seeing would make it not happen.
Lin Zhao hugged Yu Bao, “Don’t try convincing your sister; she’s still little, doesn’t understand.”
Yao Bao overheard and quickly opened her eyes, insisting: “Bao understands, Bao understands!”
The little clever one wouldn’t admit defeat.
“Good good, you understand.” Lin Zhao said gently.
She let Gu Chenghuai stay with the kids and went to the kitchen to prepare food.
While busy, Gu Mu came over, bringing her homemade pickled vegetables and insoles and socks she’d made for her son.
“Third Son’s Wife, Chenghuai loves my pickled vegetables; let him take them on the road, plus a few pairs of insoles and socks…”
Lin Zhao didn’t stand on ceremony, “Good, he’s in the room with the kids; Mom, go chat with him.”
“Nothing to say; let him be with the kids.” Gu Mu didn’t disturb.
Seeing Third Son’s Wife kneading dough, she asked: “What are you doing?”
“Flatbread for Chenghuai to take on the road.” Lin Zhao answered.
Gu Mu was pleased, “I’ll help.”
She quickly washed her hands and entered the kitchen to assist.
Daughter-in-law was good to her son; the old lady was overjoyed.
Mother- and daughter-in-law busied for over an hour, making plenty of durable rations.
Gu Chenghuai learned his wife had prepared rations for him; his heart warmed like soaking in warm water, eyes crinkling with laughter.
It was his first time with such treatment; so this was the feeling.
That night, he used all his strength on Lin Zhao.
Lin Zhao: “…” Didn’t know if she lost or gained.
Before falling asleep, she propped open her eyelids, voice slightly hoarse, “…Don’t forget to call me tomorrow morning; I’m seeing you off.”
If you don’t call me, you’re done.
The threat wasn’t finished before she fell deeply asleep.
Seeing his wife’s dazed look, Gu Chenghuai’s satisfied handsome face was full of tender affection, the curve of his mouth unpressable.
His wife was really good to him.
