Chapter 254: “did You Submit It?”
Lai Mei tsked, thinking to herself, you know nothing.
He tsked, “My head is injured, my leg isn’t, it doesn’t affect going out for a stroll. Staying cooped up at home all the time will make me sick.”
The latter sentence had Gu Mu’s tone.
She said Gu Qingzhou had said it just like that.
Heng Bao pointed at Lai Mei bro, like he had caught some leverage, chuckling softly: “Lai Mei bro, you’re imitating our grandma.”
“What’s wrong with that, can’t I imitate?” Lai Mei huffed, “You imitate all the time too, you not only imitate grandma, you also imitate grandpa’s speech and walk.”
“I’ll imitate, I’ll imitate.” Heng Bao made a funny face.
Lai Mei: “…” Childish ghost.
Yu Bao smoothed things over, “When my mom buys a football, we’ll play together, as long as the weather is good we can play.”
Tie Dan said excitedly: “We can go to the threshing ground to play, it’s big there, we can kick however we want.”
“Good.” Yu Bao gladly accepted.
Seeing Lin Zhao taking her younger brother and sister home, he pulled Heng Bao and urged: “Heng Bao, let’s hurry home, if Yao Bao makes a fuss, we still need to help mom suppress her.”
Lai Mei burst out laughing.
Suppress her.
What was Yao Bao supposed to be?
Li Bao said hurriedly: “I’ll help too.”
Heng Bao said loudly: “Let’s go.”
He grabbed Li Bao and ran home clomp clomp clomp.
Before even entering the home door, his loud voice carried inside first.
“Mom, mom…”
Lin Zhao’s voice sounded from the children’s room, “In your room.”
The twins and Li Bao walked in.
“Mom, do you need our help?” Yu Bao asked on their behalf.
“You read the storybook to Qian Bao, don’t let him stare at the book, I’m worried that staring at books all the time is bad for his eyesight.”
Her dad said Qian Bao took after his biological father, that is, her grandfather, who from childhood never let books leave his hand, knowing astronomy above and geography below, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say he was learned beyond measure.
Yu Bao saluted, his expression serious, “Received, I’ll keep an eye on Qian Bao.”
A question mark popped up on Qian Bao’s baby-fat face, “?”
“Me?” His short little finger pointed at his own little nose tip.
The little guy had serious brows and eyes, “I’ll be good.”
That look had an unwitting cuteness.
Lin Zhao hugged the little dumpling, doting on him endlessly, kissing little Qian Bao’s fair tender cheeks until they were bright red.
“Mom?”
His hand rested on Lin Zhao’s shoulder, wanting to push but not pushing, his little expression very conflicted.
“Our Qian Bao is so cute.” Lin Zhao’s tone was light and cheerful, her brows and eyes full of smiles.
After doting on her son enough, she let the few kids stay obediently and went to the old house.
As soon as Gu Mu heard Lin Zhao’s intention, she immediately agreed, “Me taking four kids? Sure, no problem, just send the children over, you go to work properly, I’ll take care of the kids.”
After separating households, she didn’t have much to do, and she was very willing to take care of her grandsons and granddaughters.
Idle people were like that.
Lin Zhao knew her mother-in-law wouldn’t refuse, having a good-tempered mother-in-law made things easy.
She put down the things she brought, “Mom, this is Yu Baoheng Bao’s ration, make it for them as you see fit, these things are only more not less, when you make it, make some for you and my dad too, it’s easier, if it’s gone tell me, I’ll get more.”
Gu Fu and Gu Mu had several sons, if she didn’t even give rations and just left the kids at the old house, eldest brother’s wife and second sister-in-law might not make a fuss but would definitely feel uncomfortable inside.
Home didn’t lack this bit of ration, no need to stir up extra trouble.
At this moment, Zhao Liuniang was also home, she overheard and chimed in: “That… Bang Bang and Lai Mei are on winter vacation too, nothing to do, they can help watch the younger brothers too, as for Yao Bao, mom if you have something, give her to me, I’ll let her play with Yu Yu, the little sisters are pretty well-behaved together, herding one sheep or a flock is the same.”
Four kids, Gu Mu always had times when she dozed off.
For things like going to the toilet, someone had to watch, right.
Helping out like that, Zhao Liuniang was very willing.
Family didn’t have so many calculations.
Hearing her sister-in-law take the initiative to mention it, Lin Zhao smiled: “Alright, thanks second sister-in-law then.”
Zhao Liuniang waved her hand and went to the kitchen to cook.
Gu Mu lifted the lid on the things third son’s wife brought, there was meat, tofu, and rice and flour, bright yellow oil, at a glance it must be three jin?
All good stuff!
Even the old landlords didn’t eat this well!!
Third son’s wife was getting more and more attentive to the four kids.
As a grandma it ached her heart, and it showed on her face, but she didn’t say it out loud.
Her own third son and his wife went to work earning salary for what, if not for the family.
Eating some good stuff how?
No problem.
After completing her self-persuasion, Gu Mu hurriedly closed the lid and said: “Don’t worry, I won’t let them go hungry.”
“I’m relieved with mom handling it.” Lin Zhao said.
These words were pleasing, Gu Mu happily went back to her room to put away the things.
Lai Mei had also come back home, at this moment scraping potato skins in the yard, his head wrapped in a circle of gauze.
Lin Zhao didn’t rush to leave, asked with concern: “How’s Lai Mei’s head?”
Suddenly remembering Alan, she had injured her head a few months ago too, truly sisters in hardship.
Lai Mei looked up, hands not stopping, “It’s fine now.”
Boys were tough, it hadn’t even been days, his spirits had recovered, even had the mind to joke, “Don’t look at how much blood I lost, I made up for it the first day, thanks third aunt for the big chicken leg.”
Referring to the one he ate the day he got injured.
“No need to thank me, it was Yu Bao and Heng Bao who took the initiative.” Lin Zhao smiled, “They said you were injured, you need to eat something good, willing to give you the chicken leg.”
Her sons were great, even able to overcome the instinct to crave meat, what couldn’t they succeed at in the future!
Lai Mei was full of emotion.
Truly his good younger brothers, even willing to give him chicken legs, if it were him he might hesitate.
A bit of guilt in his heart made Lai Mei too embarrassed to look at his third aunt.
He said: “Third aunt, feel free to leave them in the village, my bro and I will watch them, guarantee no one touches a hair on their heads.”
Lin Zhao: “… You’ve worked hard, when I’m done busy I’ll treat you to something good.”
Lai Mei immediately perked up, “Good.”
…
That evening.
Lin Zhao and the children slept in one room, after the sun set the temperature outside dropped sharply, too cold to go out.
The room was very warm, because the bedding was all filled with new cotton, with the smell of sun, very soft and warm.
“So comfortable.” Heng Bao rolled on the bed.
Yu Bao saw his brother messing up the bed sheet and smoothed it flat with his hand.
Lin Zhao ruffled his head.
“Heng Bao, stop rolling, lie down properly quick, close your eyes, I’m starting to tell the story.”
Heng Bao obediently lay down, before lying down didn’t forget to tuck in the little quilt for the dragon-phoenix twins.
The four kids lay in a row, identical pitch-black eyes looking at Lin Zhao.
Soon, gentle words slowly rose.
In the dog kennel under the eaves, Da Huang twitched his ears, circled the chubby Amber, and closed his eyes.
…
End of year the supply and marketing cooperative was indeed busy, morning work time unchanged, but afternoons often couldn’t end on time.
No method, only once a year, adults and kids all looking forward to it, had to hurry to buy things.
Many things just brought in, not even shelved, and snatched empty.
This supply and marketing cooperative served the whole commune, so many factories around, countless people, busy at year end not strange.
A few days ago Lin Zhao still biked back to the village every day, didn’t persist a few days, told Gu Mu, and stayed in the county herself.
Her staying alone, no need to cook meals, either eat at the state-run restaurant or mooch at uncle’s house, tiring yet relaxed.
Tiring because work was busy, relaxed because no need to watch kids.
So busy like this, the four kids saw mom less time than before, all a bit glum.
With those brothers and sisters at the old house accompanying, it wasn’t so hard to bear.
This day.
Brigade Leader Ye ran to Gu Family Old House.
“Yu Bao, where’s your grandpa?” He asked the Gu family kid playing in the yard.
Yu Bao pointed to the backyard, “Mushroom room.”
After speaking he lowered his head again.
Brigade Leader Ye hurried to the backyard, his loud voice full of excitement, “Old Gu, did your third son’s wife submit to the newspaper office?!!”
Third son’s wife?
Yu Bao’s brows and eyes moved slightly, “Mom?”
He suddenly stood up and ran to the backyard.
Heng Bao hurried to follow, “Bro, wait for me.”
Li Bao wanted to run too, saw Qian Bao and Yao Bao, retracted his ready-to-run motion, said: “Not playing first, go to mushroom room.”
The dragon-phoenix twins obediently listened.
Backyard.
Gu Fu walked out of the mushroom room, baffled, “What?!! What submission?!! Who are you talking about?!!”
“Cheng Huai’s wife, Yu Bao’s mom, Comrade Lin Zhao, did she submit to the newspaper office?” Brigade Leader Ye repeated.
“…Haven’t heard.” Gu Fu was like a monk scratching his head.
Seeing his grandson’s figure, he asked Yu Bao: “Yu Bao, did your mom submit?”
Brigade Leader Ye looked over eagerly.
Yu Bao’s expression was blank.
He shook his head.
“Don’t know.”
At this time, Qian Bao who had just reached the backyard suddenly spoke, “Submitted.”
He was so little, adults naturally didn’t take his words seriously.
Brigade Leader Ye still looked at Yu Bao, “Yu Bao, you really don’t know? Haven’t heard a thing? Your mom didn’t mail a letter?”
“She did.” Stared at by the brigade leader, Yu Bao wasn’t nervous, demeanor open, reply straightforward, “Mailed to my father.”
Brigade Leader Ye’s heart rose then fell heavily, “You kid, talking in gasps!”
Yu Bao’s little face serious, “Everyone has to breathe when talking.”
Brigade Leader Ye’s old face helpless, patted his head, not knowing what to say.
He gave the latest newspaper to Gu Fu, explaining the main reason he came rushing.
“There’s an article up here, about our brigade leader doing mushroom cultivation, the byline is Lin Zhao from our commune’s supply and marketing cooperative, who else but Cheng Huai’s wife?”
Gu Fu took the newspaper, scanned it ten lines at a glance.
The article made his blood boil.
Something about the simple old farmer working day and night researching mushroom cultivation methods to fill people’s bellies… something about leading the whole brigade to prosperity, the brigade’s hope…
After browsing the whole article, Gu Fu raised his head, face glowing red.
“Yes, yes, it should be Cheng Huai’s wife.”
He was so excited he was incoherent, said: “Didn’t hear her mention it.”
Gu Fu was also grasping at straws, asked Yu Bao and Heng Bao: “You two heard of this? Did your mom submit to the newspaper?”
Deep down he thought the one in the newspaper was third son’s wife, but not confirmed, always worried it was a namesake.
Heng Bao shook his head, “…Don’t know.”
They were school kids, not home every day, and the brothers were young, even if they saw wouldn’t know what adults were doing.
Qian Bao’s little eyebrows flew up, face solemn, emphasized again, “Submitted.”
His little tone especially certain.
Gu Fu smiled at his little grandson, eyes full of affection, “How do you know?”
Qian Bao looked up at grandfather, “Uncle asked.”
Brigade Leader Ye still didn’t take it seriously, just said: “Old Gu, your grandson speaks quite clearly, he isn’t two yet is he?”
Gu Fu’s old face full of pride, “Almost two, speaks clearly, anyway I haven’t seen anyone this young… who speaks more fluently than my family’s Qian Bao, just doesn’t like to talk.”
“…”
Brigade Leader Ye wanted to snatch his newspaper, didn’t want to talk more with someone showing off endlessly.
But Gu Fu put his hand behind his back, dodging his arm.
“Leave this newspaper with me, I’ll ask third son’s wife if the name up here is hers.”
Brigade Leader Ye glared, “Have Yuan Shan and Yu Cheng buy it, why rob my newspaper, I haven’t finished reading, quick quick, give it back…”
“Not giving, you’re going to the county today, can’t get newspapers in the county?” Gu Fu ignored him, had Yu Bao take younger brother and sister to the front yard to play, turned and entered the mushroom room himself.
As he walked he muttered, “Just one newspaper, stingy.”
Brigade Leader Ye’s expression changed.
He blew his beard and glared: “Old Gu, come out and explain, how am I stingy!”
No sound from inside.
Brigade Leader Ye left angrily.
Seeing this, Li Bao scratched his head, “Brigade Leader Grandfather is angry?”
Yu Bao’s expression grave, “Evidently.”
“…What to do?” Heng Bao followed up.
Qian Bao spread his little hands, said in that cute voice: “Adults’ matters, kids don’t meddle.”
“Qian Bao is so smart.” Yu Bao took his younger brother and sister’s hands, headed to the front yard, “Come, to the front yard I’ll tell you a story.”
Qian Bao perked up, eyes bright as stars.
Yao Bao shook big brother’s hand, suddenly said: “I want mom, mom…”
As she cried out mom, she burst into tears, crying voice full of grievance.
Hearing his sister’s crying, Yu Bao wanted to cry a bit too.
He was big brother, had to set a good example, couldn’t cry.
“Mom is at work, when she’s done busy she’ll come home…” Yu Bao patiently coaxed his sister.
Yao Bao had heard this many times, no longer believed it, still sobbing, as if she knew how to cry to make people more heartbroken, no sound came out, her thin little voice hiccuping, bean-big tears rolling down, crying into a little tabby cat.
“Don’t cry, cry more and you won’t be pretty, Yao Bao be good, mom will be back soon…” Yu Bao continued coaxing.
Found no matter how he coaxed it didn’t work, anxious with sweat beading.
Just then, a person appeared at the door.
“Who bullied our Yao Bao, how crying so pitifully.” Lin Zhao’s voice sounded.
She wore a light green wool sweater inside, black long coat outside, loose long pants below, skin fair, face smiling, beautiful enough to brighten the eyes.
“Mom!” Yu Bao’s eyes lit up, immediately forgot he was coaxing his sister, rushed to the door, hugged Lin Zhao’s waist.
After hugging a few seconds, lifted his head, gaze expectant, “Mom, you’re on vacation?”
Lin Zhao ruffled big zai’s head, also relieved, “Yeah, on vacation.”
Full week off.
Not easy either.
While talking, the other three kids shuffled over too.
Yao Bao wiped tears, looking at her all aggrieved, didn’t come closer, little mouth pouted, snot about to flow, wiped off quickly by Heng Bao’s quick eyes and hands.
