Chapter 195: “you Stole My Fiancée”
Lin Zhao watched the time, seeing the hand reach eight o’clock. “It’s time.”
Upon hearing this, Heng Bao took out a handkerchief to wipe his fingers, then tiptoed to reach the lamp cord.
Click.
The light came on.
The yard lit up.
The dragon-phoenix twins’ expressions were especially funny, their big doe eyes wide round, staring fixedly at the light bulb, unable to come back to their senses for a good while.
Lin Zhao pinched the two little ones’ cheeks. “Didn’t you see them when we went to the provincial capital? Forgot? That’s a lamp.”
Qian Bao nodded his little head, his small expression returning to calm. “Yeah, lamp.”
Yao Bao nestled into Mama’s bosom, her tender little finger pointing at the lamp. “Touch, Bao wants to touch.”
“No, you can’t.” Lin Zhao was very patient, not minding if she understood. “Electricity is very dangerous. Little friends have to stay far away from electric wires and can’t touch them with hands.”
These words were mainly for the slightly older twins.
Yu Bao had red watermelon juice on both cheeks, his expression solemn and serious. “Yeah, I know. I’ll watch younger brother and younger sister.”
“Good Yu Bao.” Lin Zhao stroked her son’s head.
After finishing one slice of watermelon, the twins took the remaining half to the old house. To avoid running into Gu Xing’er, the two little brothers didn’t forget to call Da Huang.
They were lucky. Gu Xing’er wasn’t there. The old house only had the old couple, the second branch’s family, and Gu Qingzhou.
“Grandpa, Grandma, Mama cut watermelon and asked us to bring it over.” As soon as they entered the yard, Heng Bao’s loud voice rang out.
Gu Mu came out from inside the room. Seeing the twins holding things, she hurried forward and took them.
“Oh my, is it heavy? Don’t tire out my grandsons so they don’t grow tall.”
Yu Bao smiled sweetly. “Not tired. Bringing watermelon to Grandma, I have energy all over.”
Gu Mu laughed so hard she couldn’t close her mouth.
Her good grandsons.
There were many people at the old house. One slice per person, and it was all gone. They could only taste the sweetness. They were very satisfied. With this one bite of juicy, sweet watermelon, they’d smile even in their dreams at night.
The watermelon rinds weren’t wasted either; they’d stir-fry them for veggies tomorrow.
“Does your house have electricity now?” Gu Qingzhou took a watermelon slice, not in a hurry to eat. He let the twins bite first, but the two little brothers refused, so he ate himself.
“Yes.” Heng Bao’s eyes sparkled. “Our yard is super super bright. In the future, we won’t need to bring kerosene lamps when going out at night.”
“Right, use electricity safely. Don’t yank the electric wire hard, got it?” Gu Qingzhou said.
“Yeah yeah.”
…
Lin Zhao wrote a letter to Gu Chenghuai about the brigade getting electricity.
Though the children’s dad wasn’t home, he had to know about everything happening at home.
That day, after training, Gu Chenghuai went to the letter pickup place as usual.
“Gu Commander, you have a letter.”
The young officer’s stern face melted like ice and snow, the corners of his mouth hooking up, his eyes full of laughter.
“Thanks.” He took the letter.
No mind to wash up, he returned to the dormitory and tore open the letter.
He skimmed it ten lines at a glance, getting the gist of home events, then read it carefully. His long, strong fingertips touched the words on the letter paper, his cold eyes overflowing with tenderness.
Gu Chenghuai pulled open the drawer, taking out a book. Tucked in the middle were two photos: one of Lin Zhao alone, one of the whole family.
Her bright smiling face met his eyes, and the man’s brows and eyes softened further.
He missed his wife and the four cubs.
He had to work hard. Only by working hard could he give them a better life.
He had said he would make sure Zhaozhao never worried for a lifetime.
His finger touched the beauty’s eyes when sudden whistle blasts came from outside.
Gu Chenghuai quickly put the photos back, shoved the book into the drawer, slammed it shut casually, and strode out.
Sun Yeli hurried over. “Chenghuai, there’s a task.”
“Let’s go.”
Two tall, straight figures headed into the sunlight, walking farther and farther.
Lin Zhao didn’t know about this, much less that she wouldn’t receive letters from the man for the next half year.
Time flew, and tomorrow was Yuan Xiang’s engagement day.
The twins had been looking forward to the banquet. Hearing Lin Zhao say she’d take them tomorrow, they hopped with joy.
“Mama, I want to wear my white shoes.” The loud-voiced cub shouted.
“…I want to wear the green short sleeve, black pants, white shoes, and the new hat.” Yu Bao had his whole outfit planned.
Qian Bao didn’t speak. He toddled back inside on short legs, pulled open the cabinet, found a white-and-blue plaid short sleeve, blue-black shorts, and took his white shoes and white socks from the shoe cabinet.
Hugging it all, he walked to the yard.
The little dumpling had short arms and legs. Holding so many things, they inevitably slipped down, and he could trip anytime.
Lin Zhao went up to help. “Is this what you’re wearing tomorrow, Qian Bao?”
The little cub nodded his head several times.
“Good, put it aside for now. Wear it tomorrow, okay?” Lin Zhao said softly.
Babies not yet two knew to dress up nicely.
Yao Bao’s black-and-white eyes darted around. She rushed inside too, but Lin Zhao held her back.
“I’ll go with you to find it.” She was afraid the little one would mess up the wardrobe.
They went to the children’s room.
Yu Bao opened the wardrobe.
Yao Bao directed Lin Zhao to get the pink skirt, her milky voice soft. “That one.”
It was fine to wear a skirt at noon; mornings and evenings were cool. Lin Zhao also took down a yellow little jacket and white long socks. “It’ll be cold. Add these two. This jacket goes over, okay?”
Yao Bao was a little girl with demands. You had to ask her opinion, or she’d fuss.
Heng Bao praised, “Sister looks good in this, pretty like a little fairy, as beautiful as Mama.”
Praising sister, he didn’t forget to praise Mama.
This emotional value was given fully. Yao Bao surprisingly didn’t fuss, nodded, her white and tender little face showing a sweet smile.
Lin Zhao: It had to be the clever Er Zai. Two sentences cured little sister’s indecisiveness.
…
The next day.
Lin Zhao dressed the children neatly and walked to the brigade where Yuan Xiang was.
All four children went, so no bicycle. They had to walk.
Luckily, the Lin family from Dongfeng Brigade came to pick them up, so plenty of people to watch the kids.
Yao Bao tilted her little head up at Grandmother, her milky little face cute, big doe eyes black and bright. “Grandma~~”
She unreservedly opened her arms.
“Yao Bao still remembers me?” Song Xiwei picked up her little granddaughter, pleasantly surprised. Usually kids this age forgot after a few days.
“These cubs all have good memories.” Lin Zhao wasn’t modest at all.
Not seeing Chen Yu, she asked curiously, “Eldest brother’s wife didn’t come?”
Lin Shichang answered, “Your eldest brother’s wife has a big belly, inconvenient to go out, so she stayed home. We’ll go when Xiangxiang gets married.”
Right after, he added, “Neighbors are helping watch your eldest brother’s wife.”
Lin Zhao nodded.
Da Dan and the others were super happy to see the four cubs. They pulled them along. With so many kids, the road was noisy with chatter.
Xi Bao eyed the new clothes on Yu Bao and others, her eyes shining, praising, “Yu Bao, you all look so good today.”
Er Dan nodded. “Yeah, really good-looking, and carrying little shoulder bags. The bags suit you too, just like little heroes in the movies.”
Xuanxuan smiled shyly, not falling behind, adding, “Yu Bao and Heng Bao are so good-looking. In this outfit, they’re better than city kids. I haven’t seen cuter kids than you.”
Zheng Zheng was dizzy from all this, little praise left for her. She spotted the new hats on the four cubs and hurried to say, “Yu Bao, Heng Bao, your hats are new, right? I haven’t seen them before. So good-looking, handsome like my grandpa.”
In Zheng Zheng’s eyes, her grandpa was the handsomest person she’d seen. This handsomeness wasn’t just face, but bearing and temperament.
The Lin family little cubs landed this combo punch. Forget the twins—even Lin Zhao was almost dazed.
These kids sure could talk.
Heng Bao’s mouth curved up. He opened the shoulder bag, took out candy for the older brother and sisters, his voice light and cheerful. “Da Dan Ge, Er Dan Ge…”
He rattled off a string of names, then complained solemnly, “Candy. If not for bringing candy to you, my brother and I wouldn’t carry bags. So heavy.”
Lin Zhao: ?
Huh?
Weren’t you carrying bags to get wedding candy from Li Bao and them?
Da Dan took the candy, unwrapped it, popped it in his mouth, face full of gratitude. “Thanks! When Dad gets salary, he’ll buy us candy. We’ll save some for you.”
“Yeah yeah, save for you.” Er Dan chimed in. “Grandpa made sweet fruit wine from pomegranates in our yard. Kids can drink it. I’ve saved some. Next time you come to Dongfeng Brigade, I’ll treat you.”
Yu Bao heard wine and frowned. “Mama says kids can’t drink alcohol.”
“Grandpa’s has no alcohol, kids can drink. We’ve all had it. Don’t believe me? Ask your grandfather.” Er Dan said confidently.
Yu Bao really went to ask Lin Heling.
Lin Heling’s brows were all softness. “You and Heng Bao can drink a little, no problem. Qian Bao and Yao Bao are too small, can’t drink.”
Hearing this, little Yao Bao was hugely dissatisfied despite her small size. “I want, I want.”
Song Xiwei wanted to rub her little great-granddaughter’s head, but saw her little braids neat and a hat on her little head. She withdrew her hand, coaxing softly, “Okay, for you. Let you drink.”
Yao Bao showed a sweet smile.
Lin Shichang looked down at Qian Bao in his arms, lips curving up unconsciously. “Our Qian Bao is so good, not fussy at all. Hope the one in your eldest brother’s wife’s belly is this quiet and well-behaved too.”
Lin Zhao stroked her own Qian Bao’s little hand, smiling smugly. “No way around it. Good cubs are born that way. Qian Bao was good from birth, and his temperament hasn’t changed much growing up.”
“Kids are still young, can’t tell yet. Wait till he’s bigger to know his temperament. Don’t speak too soon.” Song Xiwei couldn’t help pouring cold water, her eyes complex as she spoke.
Not that she was knocking them.
But it really happened.
Like Zhaozhao herself.
Lin Zhao didn’t take it to heart, much less connect it to herself. She shook Qian Bao’s little hand, tone gentle. “Qian Bao won’t. My Qian Bao is the best, loves reading—kids like that don’t fuss, right?”
Qian Bao’s dark eyes sparkled. He nodded solemnly. “Yes!”
With his hand held by Mama, the little friend’s mouth never drooped.
Chatting and laughing, the group arrived at the brigade where the Yuan family was.
The Lin family had several workers, rare in the surrounding villages, making them honored guests of the Yuan family.
Yuan family members came to the gate to greet them, smiling warmly.
“Xiangxiang’s little aunt and her uncle are here. Come into the yard quick…” Old Man Yuan’s face was full of smiles.
People around whispered.
“This is Xiangxiang’s real aunt. Heard her home has three workers, daughter is a salesperson at the supply and marketing cooperative. Can get any defective product. Xiangxiang found her city match through her introduction.”
Someone in the crowd said, “Hey, not three workers—why only two came?”
“Something came up, probably.”
Just then, Aunt Song asked too.
“Where’s Shisheng?”
Song Xiwei replied, “Went with the truck. Asked us to bring the gift and apologize, saying when Xiangxiang marries, he’ll take leave no matter what.”
Aunt Song knew Shisheng just joined the transportation team, busy with trucks. To become permanent early, he had to earn merits.
“No problem, work is important.”
Now, those eavesdropping with perked ears all knew: Yuan Xiang’s second cousin was in the transportation team. Steering the wheel wasn’t ordinary—that was a golden rice bowl.
Suddenly, they felt the Huang family who called off Yuan Xiang’s wedding had lost wife and soldiers.
Heard Huang Kang not only didn’t become permanent, even lost his temporary worker job. City girlfriend gone too, had to return to village to earn work points.
All for nothing, nothing left—who wouldn’t call it miserable?
Someone saw Huang Kang arrive, nudged the arm beside them. “Look over there, Huang family boy came.”
“What’d he come for? To make trouble? Xiangxiang and him called off engagement long ago. Men’s marriages and women’s are separate. He won’t do something stupid to ruin Xiangxiang’s good day, right?” The speaker was close with Aunt Song. Seeing Huang family, she hurried to tattle to Aunt Song.
Aunt Song ground her teeth.
“Thick-skinned! Dare make trouble, Old Mother will scratch his pig face!”
The woman pulled her back. “Such a good day today, don’t be impulsive.”
She gave Aunt Song a look. “I noticed since Xiangxiang found a good match, your temper’s gotten bigger.”
Aunt Song didn’t deny her big temper now. “My daughter suffered so much grievance from his Huang family. Finally found a good match, I can’t welcome Huang family with smiles anymore.”
“Didn’t say welcome with smiles. I mean, don’t bicker with Huang family on Xiangxiang’s big happy day.”
Aunt Song: “Hmph.”
Knew she had reason. “I won’t bicker with them. If that family doesn’t prance before me, I can’t be bothered with them.”
“Help me watch the Huang family. Afraid something trips me up. If all goes well, half the leftover banquet food is yours.” Aunt Song said painfully.
Banquet food had oil and water—not for casual folks.
The woman was thrilled. “Good, settled. I’ll go watch them!”
With that, she rushed off to keep eyes on Huang family.
Huang Kang really came.
He stood not far from Yuan house, gloomily watching the lively ex-fiancée’s home.
Seeing the decent Lin family, his eyes full of gloom.
How had he not known before Yuan family had such relatives?
Lin Zhao and others hadn’t been long when Uncle Song’s family arrived too, hands not empty, drawing gasps from the whole village.
“Oh wow, this is Xiangxiang’s real uncle. Heard he’s a high-ranking leader in the city, wife and eldest son both workers…”
“Tsk, four family members, three workers? What a life—meat every meal for sure.”
“Three workers, over a hundred a month. Leak from fingers enough for Yuan family to eat and drink.”
…
In the corner, Huang family faces grew darker, but regret surged in hearts, chest aching.
So many workers. If they’d gotten close, couldn’t they get jobs for their own?
Thinking this, they inevitably resented Huang Kang for being ruthless. If they’d negotiated everything, they and Yuan family… wouldn’t be enemies.
No one cared about Huang family’s regrets.
Yuan house front and back full of people. After Li family came with bags and packages, the whole village was even livelier.
Li Song was generous, prepared lots of candy, gave to every kid he saw, instantly maxing favor.
Seeing baggage on son-in-law’s bicycle rear seat nearly pulled off, Aunt Song hurried to help son-in-law.
“Go go go, take candy and leave. Don’t crowd so close, bike can’t move.” She smiled, even shooing words didn’t anger adults or kids.
“Xiangxiang’s mom is mother-in-law eyeing son-in-law, liking him more the longer.” Someone teased.
Aunt Song didn’t deny. She was very satisfied with this son-in-law: upright looks, lively eyes, job, and most important, good to her daughter.
Worthy of national training—top-notch.
After greeting son-in-law, didn’t forget Li Fen and sisters.
Attitude warm and natural.
“…Quick into yard, Zhaozhao’s in west room.” Aunt Song knew Li Fen knew Zhaozhao, told her Lin Zhao’s spot.
Sure enough, Li Fen’s smile more genuine. Gave Li Song a look, pulled sister to find Lin Zhao.
Huang Kang found Li Song’s smile glaring. Brain heated suddenly, mind blank, rushed before him.
Face horribly bad, words full of anger. “…You stole my fiancée!”
