Chapter 278: “visiting Family”
Gu Chenghuai narrowed his long phoenix eyes slightly, his voice steady: “No rush, the military region will investigate.”
Meng Jiusi wasn’t in a hurry, but the sudden appearance of someone with malice toward him made his heart uneasy.
“We can only do that.”
He suddenly looked at his brother-in-law, “Are you also paying attention to this matter?”
Meng Jiusi always felt that his brother-in-law didn’t seem like the gossipy type.
Gu Chenghuai: “…”
“Is it that strange?” He threw the question back.
“You’re Zhaozhao’s own fourth brother, and also my fourth brother-in-law. How could I not pay attention when you run into trouble?”
Meng Jiusi: You sound so righteous, it’s really hard to believe.
“…Thanks.”
Gu Chenghuai waved his hand.
He didn’t want to mention the matter with Yuan Qin much, so he changed the subject and asked, “How’s the repair of your yard going?”
“Mostly done.” Gu Chenghuai replied, “Just adding furniture now.”
His wife had high standards; he couldn’t just make do casually—he had to try his luck.
Meng Jiusi said, “I’ve had someone make the bed and cabinet for you, so you don’t need to worry about those. You handle the rest.”
Gu Chenghuai didn’t stand on ceremony with his fourth brother-in-law and agreed directly, “Then I’ll trouble fourth brother.”
“It’s nothing.” Meng Jiusi said indifferently.
Thinking that once Zhaozhao came to accompany the army, they could see her all the time, a faint smile flashed in those ink-black eyes.
–
Lin Zhao was planning to take the twins to visit relatives in the military region.
The twins had just started summer vacation, and the two little brothers came home holding certificates of honor with perfect scores again.
“Mom, we got perfect scores again, and certificates!” Heng Bao hadn’t even entered the house when his excited loud voice rang out.
Lin Zhao looked over following the sound and waved to the two boys.
“Really? That’s great. Do you both have certificates?”
Heng Bao stopped in front of Lin Zhao, handed her the certificate and report card, full of pride in his words, “Yeah, both of us. Mom, are you happy?”
“Happy, of course. How could I not be happy with such capable sons?” Lin Zhao wiped the sweat from Heng Bao’s forehead, her lips curving into a smile.
“Tell me what reward you want, you and your brother think about it—as long as I can do it, I’ll make it happen for you.” Lin Zhao waved her hand grandly, promising her two sons.
Yu Bao put away his and his younger brother’s schoolbags and said, “I don’t want anything.”
Heng Bao’s bright black eyes turned, and he sidled up to his brother, “Bro, can you give your reward slot to me?”
“No.” Yu Bao rejected his younger brother and said, “The knowledge we learned is our own; we shouldn’t ask Mom for gifts.”
“But Mom said herself she’d give us rewards. I didn’t ask.” Heng Bao said confidently.
Yu Bao didn’t speak, just stared fixedly at his younger brother.
The second boy lowered his head and didn’t dare repeat that absurd reasoning.
Lin Zhao watched the exchange between the brothers and felt that Yu Bao was becoming more and more like the eldest brother—speaking so maturely. With him teaching the younger siblings, she could save a lot of effort.
Heng Bao didn’t dare argue with his own brother, but he had plenty of ideas. He turned and pulled Lin Zhao aside, “Mom, give us rewards… our family won’t go bankrupt, right?”
Lin Zhao wanted to know what the second boy was holding back, so she nodded, “Right.”
Sure enough, the scheming Heng Bao didn’t look at his glaring brother and gestured with his hand, saying softly, “Then prepare a reward for me, anything is fine, okay?”
Lin Zhao didn’t think the little friend’s request was excessive—wanting a reward for good grades was perfectly reasonable, especially since she’d brought it up herself.
“I’m planning to take you two to visit relatives—that as a reward, what do you think?”
Yu Bao’s eyes lit up.
Heng Bao quickly asked, “Mom, is this for real?”
“When have I ever lied to you?” Lin Zhao countered.
The twins thought about it— she never had.
Lin Zhao added, “Didn’t I mention this before the New Year? You forgot?”
Yu Bao remembered, “No, we remember. When are we going?”
“Once I get the leave approved and arrange for Qian Bao and Yao Bao.” Lin Zhao said.
Heng Bao looked over, “Not bringing little brother and sister?”
“How?” Lin Zhao lowered her eyes, “Taking you two is already a lot of work. If I bring them too, I won’t sleep the whole trip—just taking care of you four.”
Yu Bao tugged his younger brother’s arm, signaling him to stop talking.
The clever Heng Bao skipped the topic, “Mom, what do we need to bring?”
“You two pack, but only essentials—no extras allowed.” Lin Zhao reminded the two little brothers.
Yu Bao volunteered, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll supervise Heng Bao.”
“Go on.”
The two little boys excitedly went to pack their luggage.
Gu Mu learned that Lin Zhao was taking the twins to visit relatives and was stunned, “Why suddenly going to visit relatives?”
Afraid this would upset her daughter-in-law, she quickly explained, “I don’t mean I don’t want you to go—I’m just worried something might happen on the road. You alone with four kids—if anything goes wrong…”
Just imagining it made Gu Mu feel awful.
“I’m not bringing all the children—just planning to take Yu Bao and Heng Bao. For Qian Bao and Yao Bao, I’d like Mom to help care for them for a while.” Lin Zhao explained her plan.
Hearing this, Gu Mu felt a bit relieved.
“I can take care of Qian Bao and Yao Bao, no problem. But can you three manage the trip?”
Lin Zhao said, “Yes, I can handle two children.”
Seeing she’d already made up her mind, nothing she said would change it, Gu Mu didn’t persuade further and just said, “Since you’ve planned it all, I won’t say more. Be careful on the road, and send a telegram when you arrive.”
Lin Zhao nodded, “I will.”
Gu Mu still couldn’t fully relax, “Have you told old third? Does he know you’re coming?”
“Not yet. I’ll call him tomorrow after getting leave approved.” Lin Zhao said.
“Okay.” Gu Mu nodded, “Have him come pick you up. With you and two kids, and the train full of people, don’t get separated from my two grandsons.”
Lin Zhao agreed to everything.
Zhao Liuniang overheard and came over to ask, “Third sister-in-law, how long are you going for? When do you plan to come back? Your work… need someone to cover?”
“Second sister-in-law interested?”
Seeing Lin Zhao wasn’t opposed, Zhao Liuniang was pleased and gave her a playful glare, “Look at you—who wouldn’t be interested? Such a good job, everyone envies it.”
Even half a month would be worth it.
Lin Zhao said, “Double harvest rush is coming; does second sister-in-law have time?”
“Yes, definitely—double rush has plenty of people, but chances to see the city are rare. Third sister-in-law, just say the word, and I’ll ask the brigade leader for leave right away.” Zhao Liuniang was very excited.
“Sure.” For Lin Zhao, anyone covering was fine.
Zhao Liuniang very sensibly said, “Then I won’t compete with eldest sister-in-law for the matchbox work—it’s all hers. Actually, I’m getting the better deal.”
Gu Mu: “You are getting the better deal. But you’re clever for thinking of it—I didn’t even consider it.”
She’d almost had old third’s wife take leave, which would’ve cost wages for nothing.
Lin Zhao was very satisfied with Zhao Liuniang’s stance—she could smooth over Huang Xiulan’s dissatisfaction, which was good.
After finishing the main business, Lin Zhao took the dragon-phoenix twins home.
Zhao Liuniang specially went to the first branch to tell eldest sister-in-law about covering the shift.
Huang Xiulan glanced at her, “That’s it?! Such a big deal, worth coming specially to tell me? Do you think I’m petty?”
“I didn’t say that.” Zhao Liuniang spoke beautifully, “Eldest sister-in-law is eldest sister-in-law—magnanimous enough to sail a ship in her belly. I’m just afraid you’d hear it from others, those sour words, misunderstand that third sister-in-law and I decided quietly without telling you, deliberately excluding you…”
Don’t think she was assuming the worst—facts were facts.
No matter the words, if passed around enough, good things could turn bad.
Huang Xiulan knew her second sister-in-law’s concern was reasonable and said, “True enough. Okay, I know.”
She wasn’t foolish enough to listen to provocations.
–
Next day.
Lin Zhao got her leave approved and mentioned someone would cover her shift.
Director Jiang knew she was visiting relatives and approved it without a word.
Li Fen, hearing the news, expressed understanding and told Lin Zhao, “Go worry-free. I’ll handle your second sister-in-law on the job—you don’t need to worry. Be safe on the road.”
Wang Ju also showed concern.
Lin Zhao thanked them all and left the Supply and Marketing Cooperative.
Then, she went straight to the post office.
She called the troops and smoothly reached Gu Chenghuai.
There, the man who learned his wife was coming to visit relatives raised his tone a notch.
“…Did I hear right? You’re coming to visit relatives?”
The clear, low voice was slightly distorted over the line.
Lin Zhao said, “What? You don’t welcome me?”
“How could I?!” Gu Chenghuai immediately said, “I’m thrilled to the point of going crazy.”
“When are you planning to come? I’ll buy tickets—hard seat definitely won’t do, too far, you can’t handle that long. Don’t bring too many things; we have everything here. I’ll pick you up when you arrive.”
The young officer with a stern face slightly curved his lips, his brows and eyes softening tenderly.
Lin Zhao smiled and said softly, “I’ve got the leave—all set to go anytime. Help me book the earliest departure.”
Gu Chenghuai listened to his wife’s voice and grinned wider, revealing neat teeth.
“Sure, I’ll book right after hanging up.”
His wife bringing two sons on the train—even knowing Zhaozhao was strong and knew some martial arts, he still wasn’t reassured.
He had so many instructions.
“On the road, except for the toilet, stay put in your seats. For anything, find the train attendant—we’re military family, honorable status, don’t hesitate to trouble them. And don’t meddle in others’ business—just take care of yourself and our kids. Got it?”
He went on missions often and took trains frequently, seeing plenty of difficult people—some older ones who specifically targeted young, pretty girls like his wife who seemed thin-skinned.
If Zhaozhao got bullied, he’d be furious to death.
Even the best self-control would shatter.
Lin Zhao knew the man was thinking of her and didn’t find Gu Chenghuai nagging; she agreed to everything.
“I’ve got it all.”
After hanging up, the couple each got busy.
Gu Chenghuai first bought tickets for his wife and sons, then continued fixing up their yard.
The rooms were all repaired, kitchen and bathroom newly built, furniture all acquired—except bedding and straw mats.
Knowing his wife hated the heat, Gu Chenghuai took a vehicle to the city and bought two fans.
These two fans appearing in the military region family courtyard caused a huge stir.
“Whose family is this—bought fans, two of them!!”
“Fans? It’s only this month; I don’t think it’s that hot yet—why need fans!”
“Really wasteful!”
…
He ignored the surrounding whispers.
He picked up one with one hand and entered the Meng family door.
“Jing Mo, Guang Bai, come get your fan.”
Yes, one of them was bought for the Meng family’s two boys.
Their bed and cabinet were provided by fourth brother-in-law, using good wood too.
Gu Chenghuai had long wanted to return the favor; today while buying fans, he had the idea and got an extra one.
Lucky he had an extra ticket on hand.
Jing Mo pulled his younger brother out and was thrilled to see the fan.
“Uncle, for us?”
Gu Chenghuai said, “If not for you, why bring it? Lead the way; I’ll take it inside for you.”
Jing Mo obediently led the way and asked, “Does little aunt and Yu Baoheng Bao have one?”
Xiao Bai also looked at his little uncle.
“Don’t worry, your little aunt has one too.” Gu Chenghuai placed the fan for the brothers, plugged it in, turned it on to test—cool breeze came, but the current weather made it a bit cold.
“Don’t stick fingers inside—very dangerous.” He carefully reminded.
“Don’t turn it on for now, careful of catching a cold. Wait until it’s hotter later.”
Jing Mo nodded, “We know. Thanks, uncle.”
Gu Chenghuai ruffled his head, “Stay home nicely; I’m off.”
After a few steps, he paused again, as if remembering something, and said, “When your dad comes back, don’t forget to tell him—your little aunt is coming to visit relatives in a few days.”
Leaving that, he left with light steps.
Xiao Bai poked his brother’s waist and whispered, “Bro, I think little uncle’s like a different person.”
Jing Mo imitated his dad by rubbing his brow, pretending to be profound: “Yeah, that’s what being henpecked is like.”
“…What’s henpecked?” Xiao Bai didn’t get it.
“Like our uncle—just hearing wife is coming, and he’s bubbling with joy.” Jing Mo explained seriously.
“What about Dad?” Xiao Bai asked again, “Dad will definitely bubble with joy when he knows aunt is coming.”
Jing Mo paused, then said, “Dad is daughter-slave.”
Xiao Bai felt it was weird, saw his brother getting impatient, didn’t dare ask more—thinking when aunt comes… ask aunt directly.
Thinking that, his little face lit up.
In the military region, Jing Mo played best with Mao Dan’er.
Learning aunt and Yu Baoheng Bao were coming to visit relatives, he first thought of his good friend and immediately said, “I want to go to Ning family—you coming?”
“Coming.” Xiao Bai was his brother’s shadow, agreeing without thinking—and didn’t forget to pick up the kitten on the way.
Jing Mo just glanced, said nothing.
He wanted to carry it too.
The brothers locked the door and left home.
Walking along, Xiao Bai noticed something different.
Looking left and right, he suddenly said, “Brother, the annoying ghost isn’t here.”
Annoying ghost?
Who?
Jing Mo didn’t react at first.
Xiao Bai said, “The annoying ghost you find bothersome— the one who always follows whenever we go to Mao Dan’er’s brother.”
Oh…
Jing Mo knew who he meant.
Lu Baozhen.
Indeed an annoying ghost.
Loved sticking to Mao Dan’er; when Mao Dan’er ignored her, she’d stick to him and his brother.
An annoying shadow.
“She seems to have gone home.”
