Chapter 197: “mushroom Cultivation Guide”
Lin Zhao only learned about Wei Xiangdong’s injury after she returned home.
She heard it from Heng Bao’s mouth. He and his brother went to the old house to divide wedding candy and heard it from Lai Mei.
The little friend couldn’t hold back his words and had an unusual desire to share with his mother.
He rushed home and told Lin Zhao about it.
Upon hearing this, Lin Zhao immediately went to the old house to learn about the situation.
In the original book, the Wei family’s ending wasn’t good at all.
She rushed into the old house and asked around, only to find out that Wei Xiangdong was injured while saving someone.
Oh, saving someone…
Saving someone?
No matter how hard Lin Zhao tried, she couldn’t associate Wei Xiangdong with saving someone. Whenever they talked about sacrificing oneself for others, he always acted indifferent.
“Brother-in-law got injured saving someone?” It took her several seconds to react, and her voice was still full of disbelief.
“Didn’t expect that, huh?” Gu Mu’s face was full of worry, with two more white hairs, “I didn’t expect it either. Xiangdong isn’t impulsive. Why did he rush to save someone? If the person was fine, it’s okay, but if something happened to him, what would A Chan and the two stones do?”
“Mom didn’t go see him?” Lin Zhao asked again.
Gu Mu was washing the lunchbox and replied, “The second son went. If I went, I’d just worry. I’ll go tomorrow.”
She couldn’t help nagging, “Xiangdong’s injury is serious. Just the medical expenses will cost nearly four hundred. That guy who got struck by lightning didn’t even know to say thanks after being saved—he ran off fast!”
The more Gu Mu said, the angrier she got. Her eyes were fierce, and she used great force with her hands. The gourd silk clashed against the aluminum lunchbox, making a clinking sound.
Then she sighed again.
“If Xiangdong can’t get over this hurdle, what will A Chan do in the future…”
Gu Fu huddled in the corner, puffing on his pipe, and interrupted her upon hearing his wife’s words, “Don’t say unlucky things. He’ll be fine!”
He said that, but his hands, full of cracks, trembled slightly.
Gu Mu wanted to retort, but she turned her head and saw the old man’s face dark as dirt, his brows furrowed enough to crush a fly. She huffed inwardly and didn’t provoke him further.
A stubborn old man.
Lin Zhao didn’t get involved in the old couple’s silent argument and didn’t mention Gu Chan coming to borrow money. There was no need to embarrass them.
“I’ll go to the hospital after work tomorrow.”
Gu Mu was moved, “…Good.”
Time reveals a person’s heart. These daughters-in-law were all well chosen.
When the eldest son and his wife heard the news, they came over with money, resenting them for looking down on them. They said they didn’t have much, but they had twenty or thirty yuan.
Gu Mu didn’t say anything, but she felt very comfortable inside. Whose son and daughter-in-law were like this?
After returning to the room, the old man grabbed her hand and thanked her mushily, saying she had raised several good sons for the Gu family, and the wives she helped them marry were top-notch. He also said that one should marry a virtuous wife, and he had married a good one…
So mushy, not like him at all.
She couldn’t stand it and gave the old man a good beating, shedding two pounds of goosebumps before feeling comfortable.
Gu Fu: “…”
That said.
After finishing talking about Wei Xiangdong, Lin Zhao remembered the “Mushroom Cultivation Guide” she drew last night and said to Gu Fu, “Dad, I got a book. It’s about artificially cultivating various mushrooms. Are you interested? If so, I’ll have Yu Bao bring it to you.”
Gu Fu: “Mushrooms, edible mushrooms?”
He vaguely felt this was an opportunity, and the old man’s heart suddenly beat faster. This feeling was familiar—it was like when he met his great benefactor Mr. Qiao years ago.
Heaven was dropping a pie!
“Yes.” Lin Zhao said.
“I want it, I want it!” Gu Fu was diligent, didn’t reject learning new knowledge, and loved trying things. He immediately said energetically, “I’ll give it a try. What if it succeeds?”
This was grain that could fill bellies. If successful, it wouldn’t just enrich his own family but also benefit the neighbors.
Mr. Qiao always said, when poor, cultivate oneself; when prosperous, help the world. He had no great abilities to help the world, but with this opportunity right in front of him, he was willing to try!
Lin Zhao guessed Gu Fu would be willing and smiled, “Good, I’ll have Yu Bao send it to Dad later.”
Gu Fu was a bit impatient, “I’ll go with you to get it.”
“Good.”
After getting the “Mushroom Cultivation Guide,” Gu Fu showed the diligence he had when learning to read back then, and the care he put into naming his grandsons. He flipped through it morning and night.
After reading it, he started trying. Every day he got himself dirty, but Gu Mu didn’t mind. She did the logistical work—washing clothes, cooking, helping wherever she could. The old couple bustled about.
…These were later events.
After seeing off Gu Fu, who left with the “Mushroom Cultivation Guide,” Lin Zhao rested.
Yu Bao and Heng Bao saw her rubbing her waist, put down their pencils, and ran over da-da-da. They stretched out their little fists to help their mom thump her waist.
“Mom worked hard. When I grow up, I’ll earn money, and you can rest at home, grow flowers, drink tea, go shopping, take photos—do whatever makes you happy.” Yu Bao’s brows and eyes were serious.
Heng Bao followed, “I’ll drive a big car. Whatever’s trendy in the city, I’ll bring it to Mom and make you the most fashionable girl in the world.”
Two sweet-mouthed kids.
Lin Zhao’s mouth corners couldn’t help curving up, “This pie you’re painting… Thanks, I’ll wait for it.”
“Mm!” The two little brothers nodded vigorously.
Not even two minutes later, Heng Bao rested his little chin on Lin Zhao’s shoulder. His eyes sparkled, and the fresh baby cream scent wafted over, “Mom, can my brother and I go see Uncle tomorrow?”
Yu Bao said, “Brother Stone and Stone Brother must be very scared. We want to keep them company.”
Lin Zhao hesitated, “Little friends shouldn’t go to the hospital. If you catch a virus, you might need shots. Shots—afraid or not?”
No little kid isn’t afraid of shots.
Even the bold-as-brass Heng Bao was scared into silence.
His little eyes glanced at his brother, full of distress.
He hesitated, caring extra about his brother’s opinion.
“Then forget it.” Yu Bao didn’t want to trouble his brother and gave up on going to the county hospital. A thought flashed in his mind, and he had an idea, “Mom, my brother and I will go to the new home in the county tomorrow. You come back from the county hospital and call Brother Stone and Stone Brother to our house…”
The yard in the county had been renovated, furniture was all in place, and bedding wasn’t lacking, though a bit thin—no big problem, the weather was still warm.
Feeling his idea was a bit troublesome, little Yu Bao fiddled with his fingers embarrassedly, “Little friends can’t stay in the hospital long. Brother Stone and Stone Brother are little friends too—they can’t stay long either, right?”
Yu Bao’s brain was really quick, and he was kind—a little sun.
Lin Zhao ruffled his soft hair, her brows and eyes curved, “Right.”
Seeing how worried the twins were about the stone brothers, she agreed to her son’s request, “I’ll take you to the county.”
The two little friends’ eyes lit up instantly. Their little arms hugged Lin Zhao tight.
“Mom is so good.”
“Mom is the best in the world.” After learning the concept of the whole world from Gu Qingzhou, Heng Bao no longer said the whole brigade or commune. He praised those who loved him as the best in the world.
Lin Zhao pressed her slender index finger to her red lips, “Keep it down. Your younger brother and sister are too little—we won’t bring them.”
The dragon-phoenix twins had weak resistance. It was best not to let the stone brothers meet them after leaving the hospital.
Yu Bao thought his younger brother and sister were so pitiful, always missing out, “Then what about Qian Bao and Yao Bao? Grandma’s going to the county tomorrow too.”
“I’ll ask Eldest Uncle’s Wife to take care of them. I’ve already told her.” Lin Zhao said.
After Qian Bao was stolen, the twins were very nervous about their younger siblings. Every time they went out, they arranged for them.
Heng Bao said solemnly, “I’ll discuss with Da Huang later and have it always follow Qian Bao and Yao Bao.”
“Li Bao will play with Qian Bao and Yao Bao, just in the village—no going to the village entrance or foot of the mountain.” Yu Bao spoke seriously.
Lin Zhao pulled the two kids into her arms and kissed their soft tender little faces, “So while I wasn’t paying attention, you two did all this. You’re really good big brothers who care for your younger siblings—Mom’s considerate kids.”
Yu Bao blushed, his heart bubbling with joy.
Heng Bao twisted his body and offered his other cheek, “This side needs a kiss too.”
As clingy as could be.
Little boys are clingy only for a few years. Once they start school, no more chances for hugs and kisses.
Lin Zhao fulfilled her son’s little request, kissing his other cheek, and didn’t forget Yu Bao.
Yu Bao proudly compared—he didn’t ask for this kiss; Mom took the initiative, which means Mom likes him more, right? Hehe?
…
The next day.
After work, Lin Zhao went straight to the county hospital.
She asked the duty nurse and learned which hospital room Wei Xiangdong was in, then went straight upstairs.
Because the new drug caused by Meng Jiusi hadn’t been settled, the county hospital was watched by various forces. The tense atmosphere hadn’t changed; doctors and nurses hurried about with tight faces.
Lin Zhao silently said sorry, sorry, apologizing to the innocent doctors and nurses affected.
Doctors & nurses: They were in pain and happy!
Such a miracle drug was a blessing for any hospital to test.
Third floor.
Gu Chan hadn’t slept all night; dark circles under her eyes, looking exhausted.
Only after confirming Wei Xiangdong had no life danger did her brows relax, a smile appearing in her eyes.
“Don’t move. Don’t move your leg—careful not to touch the wound. Thirsty? You just woke up; can’t drink water yet. I’ll moisten your lips…”
Wei Xiangdong’s face was pale. Looking at his bustling wife, he smiled, “I’m still alive. That’s good.”
One sentence made Gu Chan’s eyes red. She raised her hand to hit the man but remembered his injury and quickly withdrew it.
Wei Xiangdong grabbed his wife’s hand and grinned, “When I’m better, you can hit and scold me however. Don’t get mad and hurt your health.”
He moved, and the wound hurt so much he almost couldn’t control his expression. But he loved showing off in front of Gu Chan and endured it without grimacing.
Gu Chan: “Too lazy to hit you.”
With so much debt at home, she still had to figure out how to pay it back—matchboxes to paste.
The two stones came in with water. Gu Mu followed behind the two kids.
Seeing Wei Xiangdong awake, all three were delighted.
“Xiangdong, you’re awake!”
“Dad!”
“Dad!!”
The stone brothers rushed to the bedside, remembering Dad’s injury. They didn’t dare touch or press.
They had cried quietly yesterday; their eyelids were slightly swollen now.
Looking at Wei Xiangdong, their faces were full of tension and worry.
“Dad, you’re okay now?” Da Shitou stared at his dad, hands clenched tightly, “You won’t… pass out again, right? Mom was very worried. She didn’t sleep last night. Xiao Shitou cried for a long time…”
He couldn’t hold back his tears either. The proud youth wouldn’t admit it.
Wei Xiangdong looked at Gu Chan with heartache and joy, but only saw a cold back of the head. Regretfully, he turned to his eldest son, “What about you?”
“Big Brother cried too, wuwuwu, really loud…” Xiao Shitou exposed his brother’s calm.
Halfway through, Da Shitou covered his mouth and threatened coldly, “Shut up!”
Xiao Shitou shrank his neck in fear of his brother and buried his head in his biological father’s arm bend, saying no more.
Hmph, won’t say then won’t say.
Wei Xiangdong: “Hahaha…”
His laughter shook his chest, making the wound hurt again. The anesthetic had worn off; even breathing hurt, let alone laughing.
After laughing, he looked at Gu Mu, “Sorry for the trouble, Mom.”
Gu Mu shook her head, “What’s the trouble? Just focus on recovering. Don’t worry about anything—health is most important.”
“Mm.”
As they spoke, there was a knock at the door.
Gu Chan puzzled, went to open it.
“Zhaozhao…”
“Eldest Sister.” Lin Zhao entered the hospital room and set down the two jin of apples she brought. Looking at the man on the hospital bed, “Brother-in-law’s awake? How’s the situation?”
Gu Chan replied, “Doctor said waking up means out of danger of dying. Now just recuperate. His injury’s serious—at least half a month in hospital, then more months of recovery.”
“As long as he’s okay.” Lin Zhao comforted.
Seeing Eldest Sister’s exhausted look, full of anxiety in her eyes, she took out one hundred yuan and stuffed it into her hand.
“Eldest Sister, take this money. Cheng Huai and I both have salaries; we’re not short. Don’t pressure yourself so much.”
Gu Chan really needed money and didn’t refuse, “Thanks, Zhaozhao. I’ll pay it back.”
She went to write an IOU, signed her name, noted the borrow date, and gave the IOU to Lin Zhao.
Lin Zhao knew Eldest Sister had strong self-esteem and took it without a word.
Wei Xiangdong saw this and lowered his eyes. His hands clenched into fists, lips tightly pursed and dry. With eyes downcast, he didn’t know what to think or say.
He didn’t regret saving the person—it was a life. But he regretted not protecting himself well, worrying his wife and kids.
As for the person he saved?
He didn’t care.
His motive for saving wasn’t pure anyway. Saved for nothing, so be it. As for the family’s losses, he’d earn it back sooner or later.
“Da Shitou and the second stone come back with me?” Lin Zhao looked at the two stones, “Yu Bao and Heng Bao miss you and are making a fuss to come over—at home now.”
Mentioning home, she suddenly thought of their house in the city, which she hadn’t mentioned.
“They’re at our home in the county—not far from here. Want to go see?” She asked the two stones’ opinion.
Gu Mu was baffled, “Home in the county?”
“Mm.” Lin Zhao smiled, “My dad’s property. By a twist of fate, it fell into my hands.”
Well… Gu Mu wasn’t surprised.
Old Three’s Wife’s dad looked like someone who had property.
Didn’t expect Old Three’s family even had a house in the county. Her Old Three didn’t eat soft rice, right?
The thought just arose, then she remembered Cheng Huai’s nearly one hundred yuan allowance a month and put her heart at ease.
No soft rice is good—no eating is good!
“Is it an apartment building?” Gu Mu asked.
“No.” Lin Zhao answered, “It’s a yard with several rooms. The original yard was very rundown. My uncle helped me hire people to renovate it. Mom, want to see?”
Gu Mu of course wanted to, but she was thinking of home, “Next time. Your eldest brother will pick me up later.”
“Good.” Lin Zhao agreed, then asked the two stones, “You two decided? Go or not?”
She ruffled Xiao Shitou’s head, “Go out and walk around. Staying in the hospital all the time isn’t good.”
Da Shitou was worried about his dad and was about to refuse when Gu Chan said, “Go, go. Go walk around. I’ve got your dad here. Doctors said… no need to be too tense. You two change your mood too. Don’t fight with Yu Bao and Heng Bao, okay.”
The two stones: They wouldn’t fight!
