Chapter 199: “what The Hell”
When they arrived at the household registration office, Gu Qingzhou finally understood what his dad wanted to do.
He couldn’t help but widen his eyes.
“Dad?” he called out hesitantly.
Gu Fu patted his eldest son’s shoulder, his voice slightly hoarse, “It’s not that your mom and I don’t want her; she gave up on us first.”
“Forget it. She doesn’t want to be part of the Gu Family; we won’t force her.”
“Your mom and I will just pretend we only had you.”
After saying this, he let out a heavy sigh, heartbroken.
Gu Qingzhou was puzzled, “What did Gu Xing’er do again?”
“…She went to the newspaper office and published a statement severing ties with us.” Gu Fu smiled bitterly.
“Is she crazy!??”, Gu Qingzhou was shocked.
Gu Fu shook his head, not wanting to delve deeper into the reason, and didn’t answer. He handed over the household registration certificate and stated his request.
As the head of household, removing someone was very easy for him.
He didn’t go too far; he opened a separate household for Gu Xing’er. He couldn’t let her become a black household, or the old lady would beat him to death.
After finishing, Gu Fu took Gu Qingzhou and left. Since they were already there, the two went to the county hospital to visit Wei Xiangdong.
When they arrived, Wei Xiangdong had fallen asleep again.
Gu Fu saw his face was as white as the whitewashed wall at Yu Bao’s house, and his brows furrowed tightly, “Didn’t your mom say Xiangdong is fine? Why does he look like he’s not fine at all?”
“It’s fine. The doctor just checked and said he’s completely out of life-threatening danger; he just needs to rest well.” Gu Chan replied.
Then she changed the subject, “Why did Dad and little brother come?”
Gu Fu’s expression stiffened slightly, and he said vaguely, “We had some business in the county, and stopped by to see our son-in-law. Since he’s fine, we’ll head back first.”
The moment he finished speaking, he gave Gu Qingzhou a look and walked out.
Gu Chan grabbed two apples and chased after them.
She forcefully stuffed the apples into Gu Qingzhou’s hands.
“These are apples from your third sister-in-law; there are quite a few, and we can’t finish them. You and Dad take one each to eat on the way.”
“Eldest Sister, save them for the two stones to eat…” Gu Qingzhou refused.
“They have some. You and Dad hurry back, take it slow on the way.” Gu Chan instructed.
“Mm.” Gu Qingzhou nodded. Realizing he hadn’t seen the Stone brothers, he asked, “Where are the two stones?”
“Your third sister-in-law is watching them.” Leaving the children with Lin Zhao made her more at ease than leaving them with her parents-in-law. The Wei Family had Wei Dasao, and she didn’t trust Wei Dasao’s character; that woman was capable of bullying children.
Gu Qingzhou didn’t think much of it. Confirming the two stones were fine, he left with Gu Fu.
The door clicked shut.
Wei Xiangdong hazily opened his eyes. His usually carefree gaze wasn’t focusing well; it took a while to fix on Gu Chan.
“…Who came?” He lay there motionless, his voice hoarse.
“Dad and Qingzhou came to the county for some business and stopped by to see you.” Gu Chan used a cotton swab to moisten the man’s lips.
Wei Xiangdong: “What for?”
Gu Chan reached out to cover his eyes, “Don’t ask so much. Close your eyes and sleep; you’ll recover faster that way.”
Wei Xiangdong was helpless and hooked up the corner of his mouth, “Where’d you learn that nonsense.”
“No more talk; I know it works. Close your eyes now.” Gu Chan ordered.
The man over 8 meters tall obediently closed his eyes, muttering fiercely under his breath, but the upturned corner of his mouth didn’t fall for a long time.
His wife was concerned about him!
Gu Chan glanced at the smile on the man’s face, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes, not knowing what he was grinning about.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she reached out to tuck the blanket corners for the person on the bed.
Wei Xiangdong’s mind was groggy, on the verge of falling asleep at any moment. He struggled to open his eyes, “Wife, if I sleep… you sleep too. We’ll talk tomorrow…”
The moment the word “talk” fell, he fell asleep.
Gu Chan’s gaze paused slightly, and she suddenly smiled. Not caring if the man could hear, she responded to him, “Okay.”
Hearing this, the wrinkles between Wei Xiangdong’s brows relaxed.
There was an empty bed nearby; Gu Chan would make do there for the night. As for their two sons, they were with Zhaozhao.
In a new courtyard in the city.
Lin Zhao stood at the door urging, “…Are you all packed? Hurry up or the bathhouse will close.”
“Coming, coming.” The twins pulled out their Stone big brother and Stone little brother.
Da Shitou had a cloth bag hanging from his arm, containing their change of clothes.
Yu Bao held a net bag with the four little friends’ towels, soap, and such.
“Let’s go!” Lin Zhao walked ahead to lead the way.
Behind her trailed four boys of varying heights.
Not long after going out, they ran into Song Yunjin, “Sis.”
The Stone brothers had never bathed in a city bathhouse. With only four kids going in… Lin Zhao wasn’t at ease, so she called Yun Jin to take them.
For his sister’s matters, Song Yunjin always came running happily without a second word.
The group headed to the bathhouse.
Lin Zhao suddenly said, “Yun Jin, you can borrow my camera to play with for a few days.”
“!”
Song Yunjin stopped in his tracks, his pupils contracting slightly, then bursting with surprise in his eyes, his tone rising, “Really, sis?”
He could take photos again?!
“I’ve never lied. I’ll give you two rolls of film; buy more yourself when they’re used up.” Lin Zhao glanced back at him and continued walking forward.
“Hehehe…” Song Yunjin’s laughter was full of sneaky delight as he happily caught up, “Two rolls are enough. Thanks, sis!”
Developing photos wasn’t cheap; he didn’t dare take too many.
Lin Zhao smiled.
Arriving at the bathhouse, she headed to the women’s section.
She quite liked coming to the public bathhouse—no need to boil water or pour it out, no need to clean the floor or tub, and it had showers that washed cleaner, wasn’t expensive, saved a lot of effort. No wonder everyone wanted to move to the city; everything was so convenient.
Before entering, she heard Yun Jin’s voice, “All stick close to me. After washing, wait inside and we’ll come out together.”
“Got it.” Heng Bao looked around curiously but didn’t forget to respond.
After entering the bathhouse, Yu Bao said, “The bathhouse is just like Mao Dan’er described. When we get back to the village, I have to tell Mao Dan’er it’s the same—no changes, just like when he came.”
“Mm mm.” Heng Bao nodded vigorously.
When Mao Dan’er’s grandpa was alive, he was a happy little friend—eating well, dressed decently, and occasionally taken by his grandpa to stroll around the city.
…
Train station.
Several people in military uniforms got off the train.
Leader Ning looked around distantly, his head throbbing wave after wave, with some image trying to squeeze out in his mind.
“Your head hurts again?” Doctor Sun asked calmly, pulling out his needle bag, “It’s fine. Once we get to the guesthouse, a few needles and it won’t hurt.”
“…”
The dignified man looked over expressionlessly. Could he not treat his savior this way?
Pricking needles at every turn—what a pain!
Doctor Sun looked slightly fatigued, a formulaic smile on his face, “Concealing illness and avoiding treatment isn’t good. If you’re sick, you need to treat it. Don’t worry about my skills; I’ve practiced medicine for most of my life—I won’t mess you up.”
Leader Ning pinched his brow, not wanting to talk to him.
“Let’s go to the guesthouse first.”
They had arrived early; the people coming to pick them up weren’t there yet. But he acted like he knew the place well, walking straight ahead to lead the way.
Seeing this, Doctor Sun’s old eyes narrowed slightly, guessing something.
Perhaps these heroes who had been lurking for years were about to recover their memories?
At this thought, those elderly but clear eyes lit up, and he hurried to catch up.
“…Do you feel like this place looks familiar?”
The man in front stopped, his sharp eyes turning to him.
He had seen plenty of blood; even without expression, his presence was imposing. When staring at someone with those knife-sharp black eyes, it was downright chilling.
“What are you staring at me like that for.” Doctor Sun knew this man was upright—his gun aimed only at enemies, protective of his own—so he wasn’t afraid.
“I’m wondering if this place has something to do with you, like maybe it’s your birthplace?”
At these words, the man’s heart trembled fiercely, a glint appearing in his eyes.
It wasn’t impossible.
“Besides your surname, you still can’t remember anything else?” Doctor Sun said.
He found it strange; the blood clot in this man’s brain was nearly gone. By rights, he should have recovered his memory. Why couldn’t he remember?
“Mm.” Leader Ning lowered his eyes, sighing softly. Looking at the birds flying in the sky, he suddenly felt melancholic—tired birds have nests, but where was his home?
He had gone out on a mission using a fake name; few knew his real identity. Later, he was injured in the head during the mission and only remembered the task to complete. After years undercover, he successfully completed it, smoothly rendezvoused with the organization, then received commendations and promotions. Later he recalled his surname was Ning, and the organization gave him a new name, up to now.
“…The human brain is the most complex; I can’t say for sure when you’ll remember. Maybe tonight, maybe never in your lifetime.” Doctor Sun’s tone was apologetic.
“But since you feel this place looks familiar, after we finish our business, we can stay a few more days, wander around various places, stimulate your brain—maybe it’ll help with your recovery.”
The guard also said, “Yeah, Leader, don’t rush. You’re a hero; heaven will bless you.”
Leader Ning glanced at him, tone flat, “Go back and copy the latest documents again!”
Heaven blessing, huh.
As a soldier, dabbling in feudal superstition went against guiding ideology—really?
The guard looked like he was facing death.
He grimaced at his leader’s back, slapping his own mouth several times—made you talk too much, made you talk too much!
Just as this group was heading to the guesthouse, something happened at the Ning Family of Fengshou Brigade.
Mao Dan’er went to Brigade Headquarters to find the Brigade Leader but didn’t find him. He rushed out to search the village and after a few steps, bumped into Gu Qingzhou’s chest.
Gu Qingzhou grabbed him and curiously asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you running so fast?”
Mao Dan’er grabbed his hand in return, tears welling in his eyes, and said, “Little Uncle Qingzhou, my grandma fainted. I want to ask the Brigade Leader to take her to the hospital…”
Before he finished, Gu Qingzhou pulled him along and ran toward home.
“I’ll go call my dad for help!”
Seeing Gu Qingzhou willing to help, Mao Dan’er wiped the tears from his eyes and let him pull him along.
The two had just reached the Gu Family Old House.
Gu Qingzhou shouted loudly, “Dad, Dad, come out quick! I have something urgent.”
Hearing their eldest son’s shouts, the old Mr. and Mrs. Gu hurried out.
“What happened?” Gu Fu’s head was pounding.
What now?
“Our Aunt Ning fainted. Mao Dan’er says we need to take her to the hospital…” Gu Qingzhou said rapidly.
Gu Fu’s face changed, and he rushed out, “Qingzhou, go borrow a handcart. I’ll go check first.”
Gu Mu followed.
The old couple jogged along. Seeing them hurrying, villagers who saw asked more questions. Upon learning Old Lady Ning had fainted, they dropped their work and followed.
“I’ll go see if there’s anything to help with…”
“Mao Dan’er, how did your grandma faint? When did it happen? With just you and your grandma at home, why didn’t you call out when something happened? Would we pretend not to hear?”
“Yeah, yeah, we’re all fellow villagers. What’s there to be shy about? Kid, you sure have thin skin.”
…
Mao Dan’er looked at the enthusiastic villagers helping out, his heart warming.
In an instant, worry for his grandma surged again.
“My grandma fell. She said it was nothing, just sleep it off. Just now I called her for the meal, and she didn’t respond…”
He was terrified.
He had lost his grandpa, his parents; he didn’t want to lose his grandma too.
Even though his grandma still needed him to take care of her.
As long as she was there, he had a home.
Mao Dan’er wiped his eyes, full of helplessness.
Hearing Mao Dan’er’s words, the crowd exchanged glances, seeing the worry on each other’s faces.
How could an elderly person withstand a fall?
“How did your grandma fall?” Wang Chunhua looked at Mao Dan’er with pity, thinking the child had such a hard life, so young.
“My grandma wanted to clean the spiderwebs under the eaves and fell from the stool.” Mao Dan’er was extremely annoyed with himself; he thought he should have stopped her or swept them off beforehand so she wouldn’t do it herself.
“Why do it yourselves?” Gu Mu wondered, “Didn’t the brigade schedule it? Everyone takes turns going door-to-door to clean rooms and fetch water. Whose turn is it?”
Gu Qingzhou was a junior high graduate, considered highly educated in the village. He had been pulled by the Brigade Leader to help and knew just then, “The Wang family’s turn.”
Thinking of the several Wang households in the village, he added, “Wang Yaozu’s family.”
“Again them!” Gu Mu said, “A family of lazybones.”
The woman beside her shook her head, “They’re not lazy; they’re active when it comes to earning work points. They just slack on jobs with no benefits…”
Gu Mu retorted, “No benefits? The extra two jin of white flour from the brigade’s year-end grain distribution… fed to the dogs?!”
“If you don’t want to, don’t take the job. Wanting the perks but not doing the work—spoiled habits!”
Wang Chunhua agreed, “Exactly. No, I’ll go talk to the Brigade Leader later.”
Everyone agreed instantly.
In the midst of talking, they arrived at the Ning Family.
Gu Mu and a few women entered Ning Lao Tai’s room and saw her lying pale on the bed.
“Sister Ning?” Gu Mu gently shook her.
The person on the bed didn’t respond.
Couldn’t wake her; had to send her to the hospital.
Just then, Gu Qingzhou pushed the handcart over.
Villagers fetched a straw mat and laid it on the cart; someone brought old bedding from home to pad it.
Then a strong young man came and carried out Ning Lao Tai, carefully placing her on the cart. Gu Yucheng pushed it toward the county.
Gu Mu went home to grab a flashlight and followed; all going were men, and she worried about inconveniences.
They walked fast; it was still dark when they reached the county hospital.
Fortunately, there was a doctor on duty who busily did checks and diagnosed cerebral contusion.
The county hospital lacked conditions for surgery, so the doctor could only use conservative treatment.
His professional terms were incomprehensible to the villagers, who kept saying to follow the doctor’s orders—whatever you say, we’ll do.
Gu Mu asked the question everyone cared about most, “Doctor, will she be okay?”
Mao Dan’er clenched his hands tightly, staring fixedly at the doctor.
“She’ll be fine.” The doctor was composed, expression calm.
The people of Fengshou Brigade breathed a sigh of relief.
Mao Dan’er went from crying to laughing, a little bubble forming from his nose.
Just then, Gu Fu came back from the toilet, walking in a daze.
Gu Mu was puzzled, “What’s wrong with you?”
Gu Fu’s gaze fell on Mao Dan’er’s face, associating it with the uniformed man he had just seen, feeling like he’d seen a ghost…
