Chapter 300: “advanced Training”
“Hmm?” Lin Zhao was puzzled.
Gu Chenghuai peeled off the orange skin and handed the pulp to her, explaining unhurriedly: “Didn’t you ask me to remind him to be careful before? Old Han conveniently screened his people and picked out two with ulterior motives… He dodged a bullet and said he wants to thank you properly.”
One orange split in two, half sent to Gu Chenghuai’s mouth.
The man’s gaze was gentle and lingering as he ate half the orange. “So sweet.”
Who knew what he meant was sweet.
Lin Zhao glared at him coquettishly, eating the orange petal by petal, her eyes curving. “Why thank me? Comrade Han was vigilant himself. I didn’t do anything.”
Gu Chenghuai shook his head inwardly.
Zhaozhao always thought she hadn’t done anything, but her reminder was actually crucial.
“Old Han wants to thank you and asked if there’s anything you want to eat.”
Lin Zhao pondered for a moment. “Peanut candy. Little friends all like it. Bring some back for Bang Bang and them.”
Gu Chenghuai’s lips curved lightly. “I guessed you’d say that.”
Meeting his wife’s bright gaze, he continued: “I told Old Han to make more and send it back then.”
The man couldn’t bear for his wife to carry bags and packages home laboriously.
“Good.”
Lin Zhao thought of that little girl in the Han family and couldn’t help asking: “Who named Juan’er? It’s not the little girl’s full name, right? What’s her full name?”
“Han Shuang.” Gu Chenghuai answered.
He didn’t notice Lin Zhao freeze upon hearing the name.
The man’s brows furrowed slightly as he continued: “Old Han named her Juan Juan because the little girl was born with curly hair. She became bald-headed probably on purpose to not stand out too much.”
Han Shuang?
She had heard this name before.
Lin Zhao’s heart shook.
It matched.
No wonder Lu Baozhen targeted the Han family—
Juan’er was the biggest cannon fodder in the original book, the kind who only appeared to “yield” the house and “yield” the family property to Lu Baozhen… Calling her a pitiful one was being kind.
But this was something that happened when the protagonist group was in their teens. How was it happening so early?!
“What’s wrong?” Gu Chenghuai noticed something off in his wife’s expression and looked over with his deep gaze.
“Nothing. Go on.” Lin Zhao got serious.
Gu Chenghuai didn’t ask more and talked about some more things about the Han family.
The more she listened, the more Lin Zhao was convinced that the clear-eyed, handsome bald little girl was the minor cannon fodder from the original book who cleared the way for the female lead and ended up insane.
Sympathy appeared in her eyes.
“Zhaozhao?” Gu Chenghuai bent down, his dark eyes fixed on his wife. “Why are you acting strange? You’ve been spacing out. It’s only been a few days, are you already tired of me?”
Saying this might be a bit sentimental, but Battalion Commander Gu was really worried. He was a dull person, and facing his inwardly rich, multi-talented, bright and cheerful wife, he felt somewhat unconfident, always afraid his wife would find life with him boring and leave home. Just thinking about it… made his limbs feel like all strength had been drained.
“How could I?” Lin Zhao looked at her man in surprise. “You’re the one I chose. I knew what you were like from the start. We swore before the great man’s statue to understand each other and weather life’s storms together hand in hand. It’s only been this long—how could I be tired of you? No, don’t overthink it.”
She took Gu Chenghuai’s hand and interlocked their fingers. “I was thinking about something puzzling me, so I spaced out. Sorry.”
Gu Chenghuai’s mood was soothed, and he shook his head. “No need to apologize. We’re husband and wife; husband and wife should understand each other…”
Before he finished, Lin Zhao interrupted. “Then why did you say that just now…”
Gu Chenghuai’s eyes trembled lightly, and he uncomfortably looked away.
Love breeds fear.
Always afraid of not doing enough and disappointing his wife.
Seeing the man not pursuing the question, Lin Zhao breathed a sigh of relief.
If he asked, she really wouldn’t know how to answer.
She couldn’t very well say that the world they lived in was actually a book, with the Lu Baozhen family as protagonists, and the Gu and Lin families as cannon fodder who got completely wiped out, with him ending up without even a corpse?
Gu Chenghuai would surely think she hadn’t woken up, right?
Forget it, no need to mention it.
Gu Chenghuai mentioned another matter. “Next month, I’m going to the military academy for further training.”
Lin Zhao looked up sharply, her eyes brighter than stars. “Great news! Where? The capital?”
“Yes.” Gu Chenghuai nodded, then said regretfully: “Might not be able to write letters for three months.”
“No problem, your future prospects come first.” Lin Zhao was happy for Battalion Commander Gu.
This was further training, not just being sent by the troops because they valued him—could he be sent to study?
She happily stood up, cupped the man’s face, and rubbed it hard. “Battalion Commander Gu, his dad, you’re awesome. I’m so proud of you.”
“How are you so promising…” In her excitement, she almost wanted to kiss Gu Chenghuai, barely remembering they were in the yard.
The smile deepened in Gu Chenghuai’s eyes, as if weaving a net to catch her.
“Not writing letters is fine. Write after you’re done studying.” Lin Zhao soothed softly. “I’ll write to you, one letter a week. Reply when you have time, okay?”
Hearing his wife’s gentle words, Gu Chenghuai touched Lin Zhao’s face and smiled. “Good.”
The couple was talking when two identical little heads popped up at the front door.
Lin Zhao followed Gu Chenghuai’s gaze, her eyes scrutinizing. “What are you sneaking around for? Come in.”
The two little brothers shuffled over shyly.
Heng Bao walked with his legs clamped, not like his usual dashing energy, more like a little girl.
Gu Chenghuai’s brows furrowed. “Walk properly.”
Yu Bao said: “Heng Bao’s crotch tore.”
“How did it tear?” Lin Zhao stood up to look.
Heng Bao’s crotch was indeed torn, a long tear exposing his buttocks, good thing he had little pants underneath.
“Tore while running.” Heng Bao looked unhappy. “Little friends laughed at me.”
“Who hasn’t torn their pants? Little friends were playing with you, not laughing at you.” Lin Zhao comforted her own kid.
“Go inside and change pants. I’ll mend the tear for you.” She patted Heng Bao’s little head.
Heng Bao covered his buttocks and da-da-da ran back to the room.
Yu Bao wanted to chase after to help his brother, but Lin Zhao held his little shoulder. “Your brother is changing pants. Why chase after? You’ve played half the day; go drink some water first, or your throat will hurt.”
The little friend grinned brightly at her. “Mm-hmm.”
He went to the kitchen, poured some cool boiled water, gulped down half a bowl, and left half for his brother.
Lin Zhao gave Gu Chenghuai a look and whispered: “See how obedient my son is. He even saved some for his brother.”
Gu Chenghuai said: “You taught him well.”
“By the way, Sister-in-law Qian invited our family for a meal. Do you want to go?”
Lin Zhao knew military wives who came to accompany the army all had this ritual. What she found strange was that she was here visiting relatives, not accompanying the army.
“Is it Director of the Women’s Committee Sister-in-law Qian?”
“Yes.” Gu Chenghuai nodded. “Sister-in-law Qian is generous and good to the people below.”
“Sure.” Lin Zhao answered. “When? What should we prepare?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. No need to prepare anything.” Gu Chenghuai answered.
“How can that be? Never mind, I’ll figure something out.”
Lin Zhao thought it over and planned to make some mung bean cake to bring.
She got the materials needed for mung bean cake that same day.
The next morning, she made them, ready to bring in the afternoon.
Before going out, Zhang Saozi came over with Hei Dan.
After entering the yard, she saw Lin Zhao and the twins tidied up neatly and properly, looking like they were about to go out.
She stopped. “Going out?”
Lin Zhao smiled. “Planning to go to Sister-in-law Qian’s in a bit.”
Zhang Saozi got it instantly. “Oh dear, I came at a bad time.”
She started to leave, saying to her son, “It’s not that I won’t let you play with Yu Bao and Heng Bao. They have things to do. Come find them after they’re done…”
Lin Zhao pulled her back.
“Didn’t say we’re leaving now. Comrade Gu said he’d pick us up after he’s done. We’re bored waiting. Sister-in-law, you came just right.”
Zhang Saozi wasn’t pretentious. Hearing this, she and her son came back.
“Yu Bao, bring a few mung bean cakes to share with Hei Dan.”
Hei Dan was a clever child. Before his mom could refuse, he said first: “Thank you, Aunt Lin. Aunt Lin is so nice.”
The little friend’s eyes sparkled. To him, Lin Zhao was the best elder.
Yu Bao was quick, bringing a small plate from the kitchen and inviting the guests. “Aunt Zhang, Hei Dan, eat.”
Zhang Saozi pressed Hei Dan’s little hand, glared at him, and hurriedly refused. “No need for such extravagance. Put it away quick. Save it for yourselves.”
“Home-made, doesn’t cost much. Don’t stand on ceremony, sister-in-law.” Lin Zhao smiled.
Heng Bao picked up a mung bean cake and held it to Hei Dan’s mouth. Hei Dan opened wide, and the pastry went in.
The little guy chewed, eyes shining.
After swallowing, he said in surprise: “Delicious!”
Yu Bao was proud yet reserved, couldn’t help saying: “Everything my mom makes is delicious.”
Hei Dan looked at him enviously. “Your mom is so nice.”
His mom was nice too, but not as nice as Yu Bao’s mom.
Zhang Saozi felt a pang of sourness. “Am I not nice?”
“You are too.” Hei Dan said without hesitation.
Then he suggested: “If only a bit more generous!”
“Get away with you.” Zhang Saozi pushed away her son who ate everything clean. “Being generous costs money. Every cent at home is useful. Can’t just spend it casually. You don’t know the cost of rice and firewood until you run the house.”
Yu Bao and Heng Bao’s little faces were baffled.
Hei Dan didn’t mind and politely asked Yu Bao: “Can I have one more?”
Zhang Saozi’s face burned like fire.
“Hei Dan!” she said angrily.
“No need to get mad at a child.” Lin Zhao soothed, giving Hei Dan two mung bean cakes and instructing the twins to take the little friend inside to play.
Once the children left, Zhang Saozi said embarrassed: “You saw that joke. Look at this…”
“What’s there to it? Hei Dan calls me Aunt Lin. What’s the big deal about treating him to a few mung bean cakes? Don’t be so polite, sister-in-law.” Lin Zhao said.
What’s the big deal?
Mung bean cakes at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative were expensive. Those few pieces Hei Dan ate would cost several jiao.
Zhang Saozi’s mouth moved. “…Never seen anyone so generous.”
Lin Zhao smiled, saying nothing.
Her generosity varied by person.
“Sister-in-law Zhang, did you come after hearing some fresh gossip?” Lin Zhao changed the subject.
Zhang Saozi remembered the main thing and asked: “Have you heard about the staff dormitory side?”
“No, I haven’t gone out today.” Lin Zhao answered.
“Deputy Battalion Commander Lu’s father and mother and his daughter are going back to their hometown too!!” Zhang Saozi thought Battalion Commander Gu’s family really stayed home, but then remembered she was new and didn’t know many people, so it wasn’t strange, and excitedly told her the news she’d just heard.
Lin Zhao was surprised. “Eh? So soon!?”
“You think it’s fast too, right…” Zhang Saozi was like a traveler finding her group, all excited. “His wife was just sent back a couple days ago, and now his own parents and only daughter are sent back too. Tsk tsk.”
“Why?” Lin Zhao asked curiously.
Zhang Saozi knew many people and had the full scoop.
She said: “Deputy Battalion Commander Lu has long been unhappy with the whole family coming to accompany the army. He endured it before, but after his wife was sent away, no one did housework. Meals waited for him to cook, the old couple’s clothes waited for him to wash… All headaches. Of course he wasn’t happy. He threatened to demobilize, and his parents, valuing his future prospects, had to go back to their hometown…”
“Yu Bao’s mom, I heard your family and the Lu family are from the same brigade?” she asked excitedly.
“Same brigade, but we’re not close.” Lin Zhao didn’t say more.
All the Lu family going back to the brigade. Not strange. The original book plot started from Fengshou Brigade, back on track. Reasonable.
In another year or two, she’d bring her four kids to accompany the army, far away from all that mess.
Seeing the smile on Lin Zhao’s face, Zhang Saozi gossiped: “What are you smiling about? Thought of something? If it’s about the Lu family, tell sister-in-law too. Don’t worry, sister-in-law’s lips are the tightest.”
Lin Zhao: Do I look like I believe you?
Before Lin Zhao could speak, a tall, upright, spirited man with deep eyes like pools entered.
He wore training clothes, had a sturdy build, yet handsome features. Walking from afar, he was strikingly noticeable.
Zhang Saozi stood up and shouted toward the room where the twins were: “Hei Dan, time for us to go back.”
Hei Dan was seeing a room like the twins’ for the first time and was having a blast, reluctant to leave. Hearing his mom, his mouth moved slightly, he said “okay,” but his voice didn’t even reach the door.
Yu Bao reminded: “Your mom is calling you.”
Hei Dan shrugged it off. “No big deal.”
“She’s calling you home.” Yu Bao said again.
Hei Dan just wanted to play, didn’t want to go home.
Heng Bao saw his dad and said: “Bro, Dad’s home. Let’s go out quick. We’re setting off. Can’t be late visiting someone else’s home.”
Now, Hei Dan was embarrassed to stay, looking reluctantly at the comic book he hadn’t finished. “Can I come again tomorrow?”
“Sure, you’re welcome.” Yu Bao was generous.
“Doesn’t your mom buy you books?” Heng Bao asked curiously.
“No, Mom says buying books is useless, buying comic books most useless.” Hei Dan was glum.
He wanted endless books to read too.
Heng Bao was stunned.
After Hei Dan was dragged away by his mom, Heng Bao hugged Lin Zhao’s leg, his voice soft and coquettish. “Mom, you’re so nice.”
Lin Zhao was puzzled. “Why suddenly praise me?”
“Not sudden!” Heng Bao retorted.
“Okay okay, not sudden. Don’t shout so loud, careful of sore throat. Time to set off. Do you two need the toilet?”
“No.” Yu Bao answered.
Heng Bao: “Bro doesn’t go, I don’t go.”
Lin Zhao: “…”
Even going to the toilet together. As expected of brothers from the same belly.
“Then let’s set off.”
The family of four left home.
The chatting people saw this and knew where they were going.
They had gone through this procedure when they came too.
