Chapter 186: “the Smile Of Falling In Love”
Even if he didn’t like the Lu Family, for the sake of Lu Yizhou being his comrade, Gu Chenghuai wouldn’t turn a blind eye.
Help carry the luggage onto the train.
Sit back in his seat expressionlessly.
The Lu Old Woman eagerly came to his side, plopping her buttocks down, with a smug smile on her face, saying, “I didn’t expect you to be going back to the troops too. If we’d known, we could’ve gone together—much more convenient.”
Seeing Lin Zhao and the others on the platform, she continued talking to herself: “You and your wife and kids—four already—why not let her accompany the army? Accompanying the army is great—no fieldwork, living in an apartment building in the troops, everything convenient…”
It was the Lu Old Woman’s first time on a train, and she felt no nervousness at all, looking around and touching everything, more at ease than at home.
“Aunt, the train is full of all sorts—keep an eye on the child, be careful not to let anyone target her.” Gu Chenghuai reminded her in a deep voice.
“No need.” The Lu Old Woman didn’t care at all, didn’t shift her buttocks an inch, didn’t even glance at her granddaughter with her eyes, “So many people on the train, and staff too—who’d steal a little girl for no reason.”
After confirming that Lu Baozhen had lost her heaven-defying good fortune, the Lu Old Woman’s attitude underwent a 360-degree change. She didn’t grind her down anymore, but Lu Baozhen’s good treatment was all gone—no eggs or anything for her; now her meals were the same level as Su Yuxian’s.
In just over a month, Lu Baozhen seemed like a different person; her former willful recklessness had vanished, replaced by much more silent gloominess.
She guarded the luggage, wearing oily patched clothes, her face sallow, skinny and scrawny, no different from the little girls in the village.
“Chenghuai, our family has the old and the young; we’ll need you to look after us more on the road.” The Lu Old Woman’s shrewd old eyes flickered as she smiled at Gu Chenghuai.
Gu Chenghuai was never one to take a loss; his expression was stern, his words leaving no loopholes, “I can help with small things, but relying on me for everything… no. I have my own luggage to watch too.”
“When you buy food, bring us a share.” The Lu Old Woman revealed her purpose.
The Lu Family had lost a lot of valuables; they hadn’t eaten meat in over a month, their bellies really lacking oil and water. Hearing the train food was good—white rice, dishes with meat and veggies, even the veggie ones not short on oil—the Lu Old Woman thought about it, saliva nearly overflowing.
Gu Chenghuai looked toward his wife and children outside the platform, his gaze softening.
In a moment, he withdrew his eyes and said to the Lu Old Woman, “My mother and wife prepared food for me; I don’t plan to buy on the train—afraid I can’t help Aunt.”
The Lu Old Woman didn’t believe it and raised her voice in rebuke: “What you brought can’t fill you up. Are you just not wanting to help? Chenghuai, that’s petty—we’re from the same village, you and Yizhou are comrades; what’s wrong with helping his family a little?”
“Not convenient.” Gu Chenghuai was impervious to blades or guns.
A flash of impatience crossed his eyes, his voice slightly cold, “Aunt, the train’s about to depart—go back to your seat quickly. I still want to say a few words to my wife.”
A soldier comrade with firm resolve—how could he be morally blackmailed?
The Lu Old Woman met his eyes, which seemed to hold frost.
Knowing the Gu Family’s Third Son wasn’t easy to manipulate, she didn’t push too far, dragging Lu Baozhen away huffily.
Seeing Su Yuxian standing foolishly, smiling toward the outside of the platform, smug and punchable, she reached out and pinched her.
“Laugh laugh laugh, showing all your teeth—hurry up and find a seat. How did Old Mother end up with a stupid daughter-in-law like you? Good at nothing, but lucky enough to marry my son…”
The Lu Old Woman cursed loudly, her voice shrill and piercing, drawing the eyes of everyone in the carriage.
She felt no shame, instead like she’d found amusement, cursing even more vigorously.
Su Yuxian had been provocatively looking at Lin Zhao with a superior arrogance when her mother-in-law suddenly flared up—now she had no face or lining left.
“Mom, keep your voice down.” Su Yuxian said annoyedly.
The Lu Old Woman glared, “What? Are you the mother-in-law or am I? Raising your voice at me? Don’t forget your ticket was bought by Old Mother—believe it or not, I’ll make you get off!”
“Did you earn the money? It was my man who earned it.” Su Yuxian retorted.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law started quarreling loudly in the carriage.
People on the train stood up to watch the spectacle.
Until the conductor came over.
“What’s this! What’s this! Sit properly—all of you, the train’s departing soon; what kind of racket is this!”
Conductors these days were also mighty, quick with their mouths, cursing without giving anyone face.
The Lu Old Woman was fierce to her daughter-in-law but didn’t dare against tough people; she tugged Lu Baozhen toward their seats.
In this short time, the train started moving.
People on the platform ran alongside the train, tears streaming as they shouted the names of their loved ones, faces full of reluctance.
Lin Zhao was infected by this emotion, her eyes feeling a bit stinging.
This scene really made it hard not to be affected.
The twins couldn’t bear it even more, chasing to climb the car window.
The two little brothers’ voices carried crying tones, “Daddy!”
Yu Bao and Heng Bao knew this separation meant a long time without seeing Daddy, crying very sadly.
Gu Chenghuai saw his sons trying to climb the train, his expression changing slightly; seeing Lin Zhao hug the two sons, his furrowed brow relaxed.
He leaned out, raising his voice: “If you miss me, call me.”
Seeing a passenger leaning out, the staff on the platform shouted loudly: “Don’t lean out—pull your head back!”
No matter who, violating rules meant getting scolded.
Gu Chenghuai pulled back, eyes fixed tightly on his wife and children.
“Go back.”
Lin Zhao led the two sons walking alongside the train.
Yu Bao wiped tears with his little hand, too sad to speak, “Daddy…”
“Wah wah wah wah.” Heng Bao also wah-wah-cried, his cries like a boiling water kettle.
Lin Zhao was amused yet helpless.
“Don’t follow anymore—go back quickly.” Gu Chenghuai waved to his wife and children, worriedly instructing: “Zhaozhao, be careful on the way back—find public security if anything happens.”
“Don’t worry about Fourth Brother; I’ll keep an eye…”
The train gradually sped up, clanging along ahead, leaving the send-off people on the platform.
The male voice full of worry slowly faded, only wind reaching the ears.
The people on the platform didn’t move until the train became a small dot, before everyone came back to their senses.
Yu Bao and Heng Bao were so sentimental, tears pattering down, eyes red-rimmed. Older Brother took out a handkerchief to wipe his nose, then wiped for Little Brother after himself.
Lin Zhao spoke: “Let’s go—to your great uncle’s house.”
The twins followed her, looking back three steps at a time.
“The train’s long gone—still looking.” Lin Zhao said amusedly.
Heng Bao hung his little head, “I miss Daddy.”
“Aren’t you always going against your daddy? I thought you didn’t like him, but now you do? Why didn’t you say so when Daddy was here?” Lin Zhao pinched Er Zai’s little mouth, “Tsundere little imp, saying one thing and meaning another.”
“I do like Daddy.” Heng Bao said quickly.
Yu Bao explained for his brother: “Heng Bao resents Daddy for not coming back for so long. Grandma used to say Daddy really likes us, goes far to buy us milk, coaxes us to sleep—but Brother and I don’t remember; he’s been gone so long, doesn’t write, so Heng Bao thinks Grandma lied, that Daddy doesn’t like us at all. He’s just sulking with Daddy—no dislike.”
“Heng Bao really likes Daddy; he really really likes the gift Daddy gave him, touches it every day.”
Hearing Older Brother spill all his little secrets, Heng Bao wasn’t angry but blushed at the ears, eyes fixed on the ground as if there was gold there.
“I know.” Lin Zhao pinched the twins’ little hands, “You both like Daddy—I could tell at a glance.”
Heng Bao looked up, dissatisfied: “Mommy’s teasing me!”
“Yeah, teasing you.” Lin Zhao pinched the child’s cheeks, smiling: “What? Can’t I?”
Meeting Mommy’s pretty smiling face, Heng Bao couldn’t say a word of no, his little face full of helpless compromise, “You can—who made you my mommy. If it was someone else teasing me, I’d give them a fist.”
He waved his fist menacingly.
Lin Zhao found her son so cute, her smile deepening.
The mother and sons three left the train station.
Yu Bao looked up, “Mommy, are we going to Great Uncle’s?”
“Yeah.” Lin Zhao said, “The house at home is built; invited your Uncle Yun Jin to stay at home.”
Yu Bao was very happy, “Great—I like it lively. Next time for lessons, Little Uncle teaches Heng Bao, Uncle teaches me—one each.”
“You’ve got it all arranged.” Lin Zhao’s tone was warm and calm.
“Uh-huh, Little Uncle and Uncle will definitely agree.” Yu Bao was absolutely sure.
Lin Zhao nodded in agreement, “Of course—you’re sensible smart little friends; adults all like that.”
The two boys, praised by their mom, grinned so wide the curves lingered, forgetting all about their biological father.
Gu Chenghuai sat on the train, taking half a day to recover, his heart sending waves of sourness.
Glancing at the red string on his wrist, the frost in his eyes slowly melted.
Up early, hungry fast—he took out the pancake his wife baked; flipping it, he saw a prettily folded paper, thinking of something, a thread of expectation appearing in his deep eyes.
He unfolded the paper.
It was a simple sketch: a family of six, loving little husband and wife, a pair of over-five-year-old twins, a pair of dragon-phoenix twins sitting on a mat.
Below the drawing were words:
【A happy family, (). Already looking forward to the next reunion just after parting—me and the four kids wait for you to come home, safety.】
Gu Chenghuai gently pinched the paper, showing an extremely faint clear smile.
A good while later.
He took out a fountain pen, leaned down, and wrote a sentence next to that line.
【Loyal to the motherland, loyal to the little family.】
The reluctance in his heart was healed; the young officer’s mouth corners couldn’t help curving, eyes bright.
He carefully folded the paper and put it in his military uniform pocket.
Took out the pancake, eating big bites.
On the other side.
Lin Zhao brought the twins to the Song Family.
Seeing them come, Uncle Song and others were very surprised.
“Zhaozhao? Yu Bao and Heng Bao too.” Uncle Song affectionately ruffled the two boys’ heads.
Lin Zhao entered the house, plopping her buttocks on the sofa, leaning back.
Hadn’t gotten up this early in a long time—so tired, so tired.
“Just saw off your nephew son-in-law.” She said casually.
Uncle Song reacted immediately, “Chenghuai’s going back to the troops?”
“Yeah, used up all the leave he’d saved this time.” Lin Zhao thought soldiers really had it tough.
She took the enamel mug Yun Jin handed over, drank two sips to quench thirst, then fed the twins.
“Uncle, your nephew son-in-law asked me to express his apologies—says he won’t have time to visit again; next time visiting relatives, he’ll come see you.”
Uncle Song waved it off, “What’s that—he has special work; as family, I understand.”
Lin Zhao smiled gently, “Uncle’s awareness is extraordinary.”
“Go go go.” Uncle Song was amused by his niece’s coaxing tone, “Eaten yet?”
“Nope.” Lin Zhao touched her empty belly, boldly making a request, “Uncle, I want fried dough sticks, soy milk.”
Uncle Song suddenly thought of before—back when Zhaozhao was still in school, whatever she wanted to eat or drink, she’d come find her uncle; after marriage, it was different, years without requests.
Hearing it again now, Uncle Song was delighted.
“Good, buy for our Zhaozhao.”
He looked at the twins again, “Yu Bao and Heng Bao—what do you want?”
“Same as Mommy.” Yu Bao sat properly, little short legs just short of the floor by millimeters, outer coat off, in a deep green short-sleeved shirt, looking refined and elegant.
“Thanks, Great Uncle.” He thanked super politely.
Uncle Song thought Zhaozhao really knew how to raise kids—look how obedient and polite his were, unlike some kids in the staff dormitory who wouldn’t even say thanks for candy, just stuff it in their mouths.
“Yu Bao’s really good.”
Yu Bao blushed.
At this time, Heng Bao said loudly: “Great Uncle, same as Mommy and Brother.”
He slipped off the sofa, tilting up his little face, blooming a brilliant smile, “Great Uncle, I’ll go buy with you—I can help carry things; I have lots of strength.”
Uncle Song: “Alright, take you to see. Yu Bao going?”
Yu Bao looked at Lin Zhao, shook his head, “I want to stay with Mommy.”
Uncle Song didn’t force it, took Heng Bao out.
“Yu Bao’s so clingy.” Yun Jin smiled, hugging Yu Bao into his arms.
Yu Bao smiled shyly.
Lin Zhao changed the topic, asking Yun Jin, “Where’s your brother?”
“Who knows—out early this morning.” Yun Jin scooted toward Lin Zhao, mysteriously: “Sis, I think I’ll have a sister-in-law soon.”
“My brother fawns every day, out early and back late—that’s fine, but he keeps inexplicably grinning, grinning like Brother-in-law seeing you—totally worthless.”
Lin Zhao patted his arm, “Watch your words—your brother-in-law didn’t provoke you.”
Yun Jin patted his mouth, smiling ingratiatingly, promptly admitting fault, “Sis, no disrespect to Brother-in-law meant—just, you get it, that grin’s really creepy—see it at night and you’d scare to death.”
Got it.
The smile of falling in love—too familiar!
“By that logic, your family should have a happy event soon.” Lin Zhao said.
“Yeah yeah—I told Mom, she cursed me, said a little brat talks too much.” Yun Jin said aggrievedly.
“Why?” Lin Zhao was curious.
Aunt Song wouldn’t curse without reason—cursing meant she was very annoyed.
“What else—worried about three turns and one sound.” Even without Aunt Song saying, Song Yunjin could guess one or two.
“Betrothal gifts are three turns and one sound? All prepared?” Lin Zhao thought preparing all was too exaggerated.
She had no opinion on Yun Cheng’s partner—just that three turns and one sound tickets were hard to get; preparing full set was tough. Plus Uncle’s family still had Yun Jin—preparing for Yun Cheng, shouldn’t they prepare for Yun Jin too? Two sons, can’t favor one.
“Not that—preparing two pieces.” Yun Jin said.
He smiled embarrassedly, “Dad and Mom said, same as Brother—prepare two pieces each; whatever tickets we get, buy that.”
Lin Zhao: “Very reasonable. That way Uncle and Aunt’s pressure isn’t so big.”
Just her uncle’s family had thick foundations; in others, it’d be a big bleed.
“My marriage is still far off—maybe by then I’ll save enough myself!” Yun Jin said full of confidence.
“Ambitious.” Lin Zhao patted his shoulder.
“Heh heh.”
“Yun Jin, didn’t you say before to invite you to stay in the village a few days—going?” Lin Zhao asked.
“Going!”
