Chapter 259: “always Afraid Of Not Giving Enough”
“I exchanged it somehow,” Meng Jiusi replied.
“He told me to tell you, it’s not private money, it’s task bonus.”
His tone was calm as he passed on the message.
Lin Zhao: “……”
Why did that man tell everything to others?!
She wouldn’t overthink it.
Fine, but she couldn’t help muttering to herself.
Hate hate!
Lin Zhao looked at Meng Jiusi, her calm gaze showing traces of probing.
She suspected the youngest brother had a lot of complaints in his heart, but she had no evidence.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Meng Jiusi looked at his younger sister with a smile in his eyes.
Lin Zhao didn’t pursue it, “Nothing.”
Meng Jiusi glanced around the yard, seeing that his younger sister was living seriously and doing well.
He was very gratified.
“Is there anything else to do?”
Lin Zhao said bluntly, “Paste window flowers.”
“I’ll do it.” Meng Jiusi took a few steps forward, paused, turned back to look at her, “You have to tell me where to paste them.”
“Anywhere, even crooked is fine, our home isn’t that particular.” Lin Zhao’s tone was casual.
The phrase “our home” warmed Meng Jiusi to the core no matter how many times he heard it.
“Okay, if I don’t paste them well, you can’t get angry.” Meng Jiusi preemptively warned.
His good friend in the capital also had a younger sister, who was unusually difficult to deal with, and he once thought sisters were the most terrifying creatures in the world.
Since recognizing his younger sister, that stereotype was overturned.
Lin Zhao was surprised, “What’s there to get angry about.”
“Good as long as you’re not angry.” Meng Jiusi took off his coat, rolled up his wool sweater sleeves, lowered his brows and eyes as he applied paste to the window flower.
The young man had excellent bone structure; from the side, his facial lines were smooth, nose bridge straight, eyelashes long and curved, upper body in a black wool sweater over a shirt, lower body in long pants, making him look slender-waisted and long-legged, gentle and handsome.
Lin Zhao watched, inevitably feeling proud in her heart.
This was her youngest brother, blood-related!!
The former fourth sister-in-law was really something, speechless, giving up such a good husband…
Meng Jiusi noticed his younger sister’s gaze and looked over puzzled, “What’s wrong with me?”
“Nothing.” Lin Zhao smiled, “Suddenly feel like the youngest brother resembles Father.”
“…I’m Father’s son, isn’t it normal to resemble him.” Meng Jiusi meticulously pasted the window flower on the bed frame and adjusted the angle.
Pasted perfectly straight, the kind that could cure OCD.
Yu Bao came out to pour water and saw the little uncle pasting the window flower, his eyes lighting up slightly.
“Little uncle is amazing.” He praised immediately.
“Little uncle, how do you paste it, teach me.”
Meng Jiusi pretended to be serious and said solemnly, “You can’t learn it.”
Yu Bao widened his eyes and blurted out, “How? I’m so smart, I definitely can learn it.”
Meng Jiusi laughed out loud, “What a confident kid.”
The little one was praised by his little uncle, chest puffed out, head held high, extremely proud.
“…I’ll teach you when you grow up.” As he spoke, Meng Jiusi pasted another perfectly straight window flower.
Yu Bao watched in awe, eyes full of amazement.
Lin Zhao covered her face.
Yu Bao looked a few more times until he heard Heng Bao urging him, then reluctantly withdrew his gaze and handed the enamel mug to Lin Zhao.
“Mom, help me pour hot water.”
Lin Zhao took the enamel mug and went into the kitchen to pour water for him.
She came out soon.
“Thank you, Mom.” Yu Bao thanked politely, glanced at Meng Jiusi again, then went back inside.
Meng Jiusi was puzzled, “Why is Yu Bao so interested in pasting window flowers?”
“He’s not interested in pasting window flowers, he’s interested in how neatly you pasted them.” Lin Zhao explained with a smile.
Is there a difference?
Children’s thoughts are really hard to understand.
Meng Jiusi didn’t get it.
“Zhaozhao, I almost forgot, Cheng Huai asked me to bring you a letter, it’s in the bag, take a look.”
Lin Zhao immediately rummaged for it.
Soon, she found a letter.
She opened it.
【Dear wife, hope this letter finds you well.
As I write, snow is falling outside, the camp area is very quiet, and I suddenly miss you all especially.
Calculating the time, today should be New Year’s Eve. Please forgive me for breaking my promise again, unable to go home to keep watchnight with you, eat New Year’s Eve dinner, or personally give the children lucky money… I have many words in my heart, but when I put pen to paper, only three remain: I’m sorry.
But I am a soldier. The country always needs someone to guard it, and home needs someone to protect it. Especially during reunion times, I cannot set aside my duties on my shoulders.
Zhaozhao, this military uniform on me dooms me to stay where I’m needed at such times.
I know you understand me, yet I ache for your hardships. I hope for your health and wish you eternal happiness.
Another new year, I remotely wish my wife and four children a happy new year.
Please hug the children for me, tell them: Daddy misses them very much and is proud to be the soldier protecting them.
Did you receive the New Year goods? Don’t be reluctant to spend, spend as needed. For you and the children, I’m always afraid of not giving enough.
—Your loving husband: Gu Chenghuai】
Lin Zhao’s mouth corners kept curving upward.
No review needed, this person’s letter was unusually direct.
Meng Jiusi glimpsed his younger sister’s happy smile and pursed his lips.
No need to ask, that scheming brother-in-law was feeding Zhaozhao some bewitching soup!
After finishing his tasks, he asked, “Anything else to do?”
“No more.” Lin Zhao said.
“Then go home?” Meng Jiusi looked at her expectantly.
He came home this year to spend a reunion New Year with family; without his younger sister, it would feel regrettable.
But he also knew Zhaozhao was married, unsure if she wanted to go back to her maternal family for New Year.
“Sure.” Lin Zhao had planned this.
“I’ll go pack.” She rushed inside to get the things to take back to her maternal family.
“Zhaozhao.” Meng Jiusi called her, asked, “Does the Gu family know about this?”
“They do. I mentioned it in advance.” Lin Zhao curved her eyes, met her youngest brother’s gaze, and said seriously, “If you come back, I’ll go to maternal family for New Year; if you don’t, I’ll spend it at home with the four kids, then go to maternal family on the second day.”
These words touched Meng Jiusi’s heart.
His eyes felt slightly sour.
“…Aren’t you worried I won’t come back?”
Lin Zhao chuckled lightly, “If you don’t, then don’t, what’s the big deal, I just said that casually.”
His younger sister said it casually, but Meng Jiusi took this intention very seriously.
He picked up the things prepared for the Gu family and said to Lin Zhao, “I’ll go to the Gu family.”
Lin Zhao could guess what her youngest brother was going to do, didn’t say anything else, just agreed.
…
Meng Jiusi arrived at the Gu family.
The old Mr. and Mrs. Gu were quite surprised to see him.
“Yu Bao’s little uncle, how come you’re here? When did you get back? Come in and sit.” Gu Mu greeted enthusiastically.
Gu Fu saw he brought things, the package bulging; one glance showed there were plenty.
He said, “You come and that’s enough, why bring things? We’re all family, no need to be so polite.”
Meng Jiusi sat upright, politely said, “Coming to pay New Year’s greetings to elders without bringing anything won’t do.”
This meant treating the Gu family as elders.
Gu Fu felt pleased hearing this.
He said to Gu Mu, “Old woman, haven’t poured water yet? Give Jiusi some of my tea.”
Before Meng Jiusi could speak, he added, “It’s from Yu Bao’s mom, you try it too.”
Meng Jiusi was about to say no need to trouble, but hearing it was from his younger sister, wanted to try, so he smiled and thanked.
Gu Fu: “Why so polite, I’m just borrowing flowers to offer Buddha.”
Who in the brigade had tea leaves? Only him, no way around it, who let him have such a generous daughter-in-law to her parents-in-law.
Meng Jiusi was good with words, “It’s also because you and auntie are kind, putting myself in your shoes, my younger sister naturally treats you two as own parents and is filial.”
Hearing this, Gu Fu and Gu Mu grinned ear to ear.
Listen to how nicely this is said.
Gu Mu: “Aiyo, you young fellow speak so nicely.”
Meng Jiusi smiled.
As they spoke, Qian Bao led Yao Bao in.
Seeing Meng Jiusi, Qian Bao froze in place, and after a few seconds, he actually called out, “Little uncle!”
His voice milky, pronunciation clear.
Meng Jiusi: “!!!”
Qian Bao still remembered him?
He was shocked beyond belief.
He abruptly stood, walked to the dragon-phoenix twins, half-squatted, eyes excitedly looking at them.
“Qian Bao, you still remember me?”
Qian Bao nodded calmly, “I remember.”
His white and tiny finger poked Meng Jiusi’s shoulder, tone affirmative, “You’re little uncle.”
“Right! I’m little uncle!!” Meng Jiusi said, “Didn’t expect you still remember me, I thought you and Yao Bao had forgotten me long ago.”
Qian Bao: “Didn’t forget.”
His younger sister had forgotten.
The old Mr. and Mrs. Gu always knew Qian Bao had a good memory, but didn’t expect it to be this good.
He was not even two years old.
Gu Fu gripped his hand, knocked his thigh heavily twice.
Good seedling.
Good seedling for studying.
How could university entrance exams suddenly not be possible!!
Wasn’t his little grandson going to be held back?!
Gu Fu furrowed his brows, his whole heart anxious, starting to worry.
“What’s with you?” Gu Mu was annoyed, what was this old man up to now?
“Sigh.” Gu Fu sighed, “With Qian Bao’s memory, taking college entrance exam would be a piece of cake for him, but alas… alas.”
Gu Mu thought the old man was worrying unnecessarily, rolled her eyes at him.
“What’s the big deal, isn’t it said there will be that science and engineering university?”
The concept of science and engineering university was from a newspaper in July this year, in an inscription written by a high-ranking leader. She heard it from educated youth.
“It was mentioned, but who knows when enrollment will resume? Do you know?” Gu Fu retorted at his wife.
Gu Mu was stumped.
She really didn’t know.
“…Look at you, why so good at arguing, I said it’s possible.” Gu Mu said dissatisfied.
Gu Fu: “This concerns your little grandson’s future prospects, you say possible? What about the other possibility, why don’t you say it? Qian Bao’s brain is so good, can’t waste it, wasting it is a loss to the country, to the nation, and even more to the people.”
“Alright alright alright, don’t give me that lecture on values, I don’t understand and don’t have that awareness, okay? You’re the capable one.” Gu Mu was so angry she wanted to hit him.
Seeing his wife really annoyed, Gu Fu didn’t dare argue further, moved his mouth but said nothing.
Ever since they didn’t need to earn full work points, the old couple’s days were comfortable, but they bickered more.
Strangely, the more they bickered, the better their relationship.
Meng Jiusi listened quietly, his smile as warm as spring breeze.
He picked up the dragon-phoenix twins, his warm large palms gently covering the little siblings’ ears, secretly asked, “Are Grandpa and Grandma arguing, are you two scared?”
Qian Bao shook his head, “Not scared.”
They were used to it.
Yao Bao’s chubby hand played with little uncle’s collar, looking obedient and soft, sweetly smiled at Meng Jiusi.
Meng Jiusi was struck by the cuteness, countless thoughts surging in his heart of wanting a daughter.
So cute, so adorable.
The old Mr. and Mrs. Gu finished bickering and saw Meng Jiusi still there, both felt a bit awkward.
“…Cough cough, made you see a joke.” Gu Fu cleared his throat, embarrassed.
Meng Jiusi shook his head, “No, Uncle and Auntie are full of love for Qian Bao, what’s there to joke about?”
He only felt happy for his nephew.
True care means planning far ahead.
Gu Fu saw the young man’s sincerity, felt relieved, asked, “You’re from the city, educated, what do you think about that science and engineering university… any chance?”
“Yes.” Meng Jiusi said, “The country needs development, can’t do without educated people.”
Policies changed so much, he couldn’t say for sure, so he added, “It’s a matter of sooner or later.”
He rubbed his little nephew’s hair top, the fine soft strands making his eyes soften.
“Qian Bao is still young, he will definitely catch the best era.” Meng Jiusi said.
This was also his wish.
Qian Bao curved his eyes.
He understood.
Gu Mu immediately perked up, “Listen, listen, I said Qian Bao is lucky, can go to university, you this stubborn old man didn’t believe, insisted on arguing with me, slapped in the face now.”
Gu Fu: “…”
He had nothing to say to that.
Meng Jiusi finished his tea, no second cup, so he bid farewell.
Before leaving, he apologized to Gu Fu and Gu Mu.
“I just got back, Father and Mother hope our family can have a reunion New Year, my younger sister…”
Before he finished, Gu Mu interrupted, forthrightly said, “Zhaozhao said it, she’s going back to maternal family for New Year, right? Let her go, no problem, her dad and I have no objections.”
“We understand, take them back with peace of mind, eat and drink well.”
The Lin family hadn’t had it easy, only now eating reunion dinner after so many years.
Understood.
The Gu family is good, Zhaozhao really knows how to choose.
…This was Meng Jiusi’s first thought.
His smile became even brighter.
“Thank you, Uncle Gu and Auntie Gu.”
After Meng Jiusi left, Gu Fu and Gu Mu unpacked his things, found the young man brought nothing cheap, the old couple looked at each other.
“…My goodness, so generous?” Gu Mu looked at the cured meat, the knee pads made of unknown fur, the ointment, the good wine… full of surprise.
“Are the Lin family’s fingers all that generous, how much must this cost!”
But her heart felt warm.
Gu Fu said, “Little Meng’s job is sought-after, doctor at military region hospital, so good, great future prospects, good money too, can give means he doesn’t lack, accept it, the young man is polite and generous, his future is far beyond now, will be remarkable later.”
“The third son’s wife is lucky.” Gu Mu couldn’t help saying it.
Her old friends always chattered about it, and she truly felt it now!
“Don’t say such things.” Gu Fu quickly reminded.
“I’m just saying it at home, who’s climbing down our chimney to hear my mutterings?” Gu Mu wasn’t clueless, she was cautious.
Not a single improper word outside.
“I know you’re cautious, just reminding you.” Mainly afraid his wife would slip up outside, so many things ruined by a loose mouth.
“Got it.” Gu Mu replied.
Like a squirrel hiding nuts, she stashed Meng Jiusi’s good things into the cabinet.
Gu family’s third branch.
Yu Bao and Heng Bao learned they were going to Lin family for New Year, the two little brothers went wild with joy.
“Really going?” Heng Bao’s eyebrows raised, confirming.
Forced overtime again, even until now, treasured ones good night~~
