Chapter 75: “resentment”
“Mom?” Er Zai turned sideways, his eyes full of expectation as he looked at Lin Zhao.
“Lie down properly.” Lin Zhao adjusted his sleeping position, “Little friends can’t sleep on their side.”
“I’ll definitely take you all, we’ll go back together.”
“Go to sleep quickly.”
Gu Chenghuai was young and had good stamina, so he got up very early in the morning. Blind guess, Da Zai and Er Zai would probably be woken up just after five, to exercise.
“Oh.” Er Zai obediently agreed, sleeping head to head and shoulder to shoulder with his brother.
He had just closed his eyes not long ago, then opened them again, his eyes bright, without a trace of sleepiness.
“Your dad is back, so you’re too excited to sleep?” Lin Zhao laughed.
Not to mention the children, she herself was a bit unable to sleep.
The dragon-phoenix twins, the little brother and sister were young and sleeping soundly.
Er Zai pulled the blanket up high to cover his mouth, deliberately lowering his clear voice, giggling softly, “Mom, do you know how to play ping pong?”
“No, when I was little, how could I have such good conditions like you. Do you know how much a ping pong paddle costs?” Lin Zhao sat cross-legged on the bed, propping her chin, speaking softly.
Gu Chenghuai lazily leaned against the headboard, his pair of long legs extremely conspicuous, wearing an army green tank top, shorts that went over the knee below, with tight muscle lines faintly visible, exuding a sense of power all over.
Lin Zhao was afraid she couldn’t control her wicked hands and didn’t dare look more, putting all her attention on the children.
“I don’t know.” Er Zai shook his head, looking at his dad, “Dad, how much?”
“Five yuan.” Gu Chenghuai said concisely.
To a five-year-old little friend, mao were big units, let alone yuan!
Er Zai’s pupils shook.
Dad was so willing to spend on them!?
“Dad, you really are our biological father!” He blurted out, and in excitement, his voice raised again.
Five yuan.
Could buy so many things, Dad was willing to buy them toys, definitely biological father.
Gu Chenghuai was silent.
He absolutely wouldn’t say that the money spent on his daughter was ten times that of the three sons.
Si Zai was a girl, and the youngest, it was normal to favor her a bit more.
Lin Zhao looked at the excitement on her twin sons’ faces, and knowing the truth, she didn’t burst the two little ones’ happiness.
Da Zai covered Er Zai’s mouth, subconsciously looking at his younger brother and sister, “Er Zai, keep your voice down, if you wake Si Zai, she won’t sleep!”
Si Zai had morning temper, if woken up just after falling asleep, her temper would be worse.
“Oh oh.” Er Zai covered his own mouth.
The two little brothers had run wild all day, they were tired.
Chatting endlessly, after ten minutes or so, they yawned in sync, and fell asleep in a daze.
Once the children were all asleep, Gu Chenghuai dimmed the kerosene lamp, pulled Lin Zhao into his arms, and sighed softly, “Raising children is really tiring, you’ve worked hard.”
Lin Zhao played with Comrade Cheng Huai’s good-looking fingers, her brows and eyes gentle, “It’s okay, our four cubs are considered obedient, they listen to everything I say, very easy to manage.”
If there was even one like Lai Mei or Tie Dan who was so naughty, she would definitely have a headache.
Gu Chenghuai’s handsome face nuzzled against his wife’s neck, asking in a low voice, “Dad is naming the four cubs?”
“Yes.” Lin Zhao’s expression was a bit complex.
“Dad has always been so… tangled?” She carefully chose her words.
Seeing Gu Chenghuai a bit confused, Lin Zhao rested her chin on his chest, looking at him with curved brows and eyes, “A week ago, the task of naming the children fell on Dad. Many days have passed, and he still hasn’t come up with good names.”
“I heard Second Sister-in-law say that Dad and Mom’s room light was on very late for several consecutive days, Dad also got up even earlier, as soon as he got up he flipped through that treasure dictionary, muttering to himself while working in the field, his brows furrowed enough to crush a fly, he seemed very worried.”
“Is Dad okay like this?”
Gu Chenghuai didn’t answer immediately, asking, “Why suddenly want Dad to name the four cubs?”
“Not just the four cubs, also Lai Mei and the others.” Lin Zhao corrected.
She quietly asked Mother-in-law about the situation, but Gu Mu was afraid Gu Fu would feel pressure, so she didn’t dare ask.
“It was quite sudden, I think Dad names well, Gu Chenghuai, Gu Qingzhou, Elder Brother and Second Brother’s names, Brother Bang Bang’s name are all pretty nice, to lighten your load, I entrusted this tough errand to Dad, I’m good to you, right?”
She raised her brows smiling, especially beautiful under the dim yellow candlelight.
Gu Chenghuai looked deeply at his wife, suddenly leaned down, sealed her lips, hot breath thrusting straight in, domineering and lingering.
After a long time, he slowly pulled back, his breathing unchanged.
“Good.” His voice low and hoarse, with a hint of restrained desire, those deep eyes like an ancient well tinged with dark undercurrents.
Lin Zhao’s chest heaved, her fair face like coated with rouge, flushed like clouds, lips glistening with water.
Gu Chenghuai gripped her waist, letting Zhaozhao lie on his chest, hand gently stroking her back, movements gentle, answering her question, “It’s fine, Dad is a tangled person, just wait.”
“How long to wait?” Lin Zhao grabbed his hand, interlocking their ten fingers, posture intimate.
“At least a few months. But now that I’m back, I think Dad will name the four cubs before I leave.”
Gu Chenghuai wished he could rub her into his flesh and blood, his Adam’s apple bobbed lightly, leaning down to kiss her forehead.
Warm breath sprayed at her ear root.
“Miss me?” He asked smiling.
Lin Zhao didn’t answer.
Her eyes curved up, smiling sly and lively, slightly leaning down, lightly kissing his Adam’s apple, movements gentle as spring water brushing over, with a bit of teasing meaning.
Gu Chenghuai’s eyes suddenly darkened, body instantly tensed, breathing involuntarily quickened a bit.
Just as he was about to lean down—
“Mom, are you and Dad going to have a fifth cub?” A childish voice with some hoarseness suddenly rang out, breaking the room full of amorous atmosphere.
“!”
Instantly, the air seemed to freeze.
The little couple separated like electrocuted.
Lin Zhao felt guilty and panicked, hands pushing hard.
Gu Chenghuai was pushed off the bed by her, nearly falling heavily to the ground. Fortunately, he was agile and reacted quickly, adjusting his posture swiftly, landing steadily, with a bit of helplessness on his face.
“Zhaozhao.”
He was getting heated, not only doused with cold water but almost fell off the bed!
Nearly two years without seeing each other, he just wanted to get close to his wife, how was it so hard!!
The young officer was full of resentment(﹁“﹁)
Lin Zhao ignored him, looking at Da Zai who had suddenly woken up, “Why did you wake up?”
Da Zai sat up, took out the handkerchief from under his small pillow, wiped the sweat on his head, “Too hot.” Also because Mom wasn’t beside him, he couldn’t sleep well.
After answering, he didn’t forget what happened just now.
“Mom, what were you and Dad doing?”
Lin Zhao had a flash of inspiration, “Your dad has chest pain, Mom was blowing on it for him.”
Da Zai frowned slightly, looking at his dad with worry.
“Dad, does it still hurt?”
Gu Chenghuai: “…” The wound didn’t hurt, another place hurt.
“Doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Da Zai was half-believing, dragging his knees on the straw mat, slowly moving to the edge of the bed, eyes locked tightly on his dad.
He stretched out his small hand, gently poking Gu Chenghuai’s chest.
“Grandma and Mom said Dad has wounds on his body, I want to see.” Da Zai’s voice was childish yet firm.
Gu Chenghuai was a brave soldier, always charging ahead on missions, medals of honor earned with blood and sweat, body covered in scars, the one on his chest the most hideous and scary, Lin Zhao trembled in her heart the first time she saw it.
“Da Zai…” Lin Zhao was a bit worried, afraid the scar would scare the child.
But Da Zai interrupted her concern, “Can’t I?”
“Mom is worried you’ll be afraid.” Lin Zhao pinched her son’s nape, the little friend’s skin tender, soft and smooth like tender tofu.
“I’m not afraid.” Da Zai’s eyes clear and bright, still insisting, “I want to see.”
Gu Chenghuai smiled, ruffled his son’s head messily, “Such strong curiosity?”
Da Zai smiled shyly, said, “Mom said little friends all have super lots of curiosity, it’s very precious. Adults should protect it like a little flower, nurture it well, let it grow up!”
“Right, Mom?” He looked at Lin Zhao.
“Yes.” Lin Zhao found the cubs had good memories, they’d definitely do well in school later.
Gu Chenghuai met his son’s stubborn little face, no way, casually pulled up his tank top, then quickly covered it again.
“Okay, just one look, my whole body belongs to your mom, only your mom can look.” He furrowed his brows, with an impatient expression like the boy took advantage.
Lin Zhao felt too embarrassed to look, pinched the flesh on his arm, hard as iron, couldn’t pinch at all.
Gu Chenghuai was indeed fast, but… Da Zai had been staring at him.
The little friend’s eyes were sharp, spotting that raised terrifying scar at a glance.
The sensitive and delicate Da Zai’s eyes suddenly reddened.
Lin Zhao guessed he would cry.
Da Zai was such a soft-hearted child.
She pulled the child into her arms, patted his small shoulder.
“Your dad is fine, he still has to watch you all grow up, and with Mom become old grandpa and old grandma, walking slowly in the sun, if you make mistakes, your dad will still pick up a stick to beat you… Don’t be afraid baby, Mom and your dad will always be with you.”
Da Zai’s eyes red, showed the little red rope on his wrist, asked sincerely, “Mom, can I give the little red rope to Dad?”
This was the second time.
He gave his red rope to family.
He clearly knew it was for protection, yet still willing.
Lin Zhao would always be moved by the children’s pure love.
Her heart burned hot.
She pulled Da Zai’s hand, like magic put a little red rope in his palm.
“Mom prepared one for your dad, Da Zai you go tie it on your dad.”
Da Zai’s eyes sparkled.
Glancing at Mom’s empty wrist, he lowered his head slightly, said softly, “Mom still doesn’t have one.”
His aggrieved look for her made Lin Zhao wish she could tie any red wool yarn on.
But no.
The drawn out little red rope’s material and color were unique.
“The little red rope is a protective rope, I have you, have your dad, you all are my protective ropes.”
Da Zai couldn’t resist Mom’s sweet words, his ear roots flushed red, picked up the little red rope, tied it on his dad’s wrist.
“Cubs’ dad, wear it properly, not allowed to take it off.” Lin Zhao said.
Da Zai nodded in agreement.
Told his dad, “Dad, you have to listen to Mom.”
Gu Chenghuai’s black eyes rippled with laughter, on his sturdy forearm veins slightly bulging, lines distinct.
His slender fingers fiddled with the red rope a few times, wheat-colored, extremely powerful hand, with bright red rope, color contrast striking.
“…How did you suddenly become superstitious?” He looked at Lin Zhao, not taking the protective rope seriously.
Lin Zhao’s brows raised lightly, didn’t say anything.
Whether superstitious or not, time would tell!
But she hoped Gu Chenghuai would never need to use it.
Gu Chenghuai raised his brow, glanced down at the little red rope on his wrist, a strange feeling passed in his heart.
Lin Zhao shoved the palm-leaf fan into his hand, hugging Da Zai lay down, “Hot.”
“Heh—” Gu Chenghuai chuckled lowly, resignedly fanning his wife and child.
“Gu Chenghuai, tell your son a story.” Lin Zhao changed to a comfortable position, closed her eyes, letting cubs’ dad coax the son to sleep.
Da Zai looked at Gu Chenghuai expectantly.
“Okay.” Gu Chenghuai agreed, pulled up the blanket on Lin Zhao.
The weather was hot, but little bellies needed covering.
Gu Chenghuai got off the bed lightly, fetched the picture book ‘Four Crossings of the Chishui River’, read in a low voice following it.
Halfway through, Lin Zhao’s breathing even and steady, she had fallen asleep.
Laughter overflowed in Gu Chenghuai’s eyes, the fan in hand didn’t stop, nor did his mouth.
Once Da Zai was asleep, he put down the book.
He discovered something strange, there seemed to be no mosquitoes in the room.
The mosquito repellent bag on the wardrobe was so effective!?
Lin Zhao turned over, drowsily hugging Si Zai, touched a big heater, the sleeping person frowned lightly, withdrew her arm, turned over again.
Obvious disgust.
Gu Chenghuai laughed in anger.
Got off bed to wet a towel to wipe sweat for his wife, then went out to bathe, didn’t come back for a long time.
…
Next day.
When Lin Zhao woke up, Gu Chenghuai and the twins weren’t in the room, Si Zai lay on the bed playing with the cloth doll, San Zai sat there flipping the dictionary.
Seeing Mom wake up, he smiled curving his eyes, brought his little face close, holding the dictionary, his small milky voice rang out, “Mom, teach.”
Lin Zhao was stunned, rubbed her little son’s head, “So eager to learn? San Zai will definitely be a cultured person in the future, like your Grandfather.”
“Mm.” San Zai nodded heavily, “Like Grandfather.”
Footsteps came from the doorway.
Gu Chenghuai walked in front, holding a red and white checkered dress in hand.
The twins followed behind him, the usually energetic brothers looked like wilted eggplants this morning, appearing listless.
“Mom.” Da Zai and Er Zai said in unison.
Lin Zhao was about to speak, but Gu Chenghuai beat her to it, “Zhaozhao, the skirt has been rinsed, you can wear it today.”
“You washed it last night?” Lin Zhao was surprised.
“Doesn’t matter.” After speaking, the man picked up the dragon-phoenix twins, called Da Zai and Er Zai out.
Lin Zhao changed into the skirt, put on new leather shoes, hair still in a loose fried dough twist braid over her chest.
Eyes pitch black and spirited, smiling like springs in her eyes, sweet and lively.
She walked out the door.
Everyone in the yard looked over, stunned hard, speechless for a long time.
After a good while.
Zhao Liuniang came forward, circled around Lin Zhao, “Third Son’s Wife?! How do you look even more like a city person?!! This skirt is too pretty, really festive, better looking than Meng Educated Youth’s.”
Da Zai reminded Second Aunt, “Second Aunt, my mom is a city person.”
“Right right, I forgot again, your mom is from the city, you four cubs are also city people.” Zhao Liuniang said enviously.
“Who is Meng Educated Youth?” Lin Zhao didn’t recognize all the educated youth at the educated youth point.
“Mom I know, Meng Educated Youth is the one Little Aunt hit and reported to the police.” The speaker was Er Zai, “Meng Educated Youth also has a skirt, but hers isn’t as pretty as Mom’s!”
He sat obediently, not as lively as usual.
Gu Fu & Gu Mu: “…”
“Is Er Zai tired?” Lin Zhao asked amused.
Er Zai tried to act tough, strongly said, “Not tired at all, this is just the first day, I’ll get used to it, once used to it it’ll be fine!”
“Mom, don’t dislike me, I will definitely become as awesome as Dad.”
Just a short morning passed, the little friend’s hostility toward his dad completely gone, with a bit of admiration in his eyes and brows.
Lin Zhao: “…”
As expected, whether big men or little men, all admire strength.
“No dislike, in my heart no matter what you are all awesome.” Lin Zhao washed her face, answering her son.
The twins grinned.
Da Zai pestered Gu Chenghuai, “Dad, we want to play ping pong!”
Gu Chenghuai appeared cold on the surface, but actually doted on the children a lot, immediately said, “I need to send your mom to work, come back and set it up for you.”
Gu Yucheng asked curiously, “What thing?”
Er Zai’s little mouth chatterbox, “Dad brought us gifts, ping pong paddles, and small yellow balls, Tie Chui, Brother Bang Bang… Wait for Dad to set up the place, we’ll play together.”
Countryside had little entertainment, Gu Yucheng was tempted by his nephew’s words, a bit wanted to play.
“Cheng Huai, how to make it? Tell me, I’ll do it.” He volunteered.
Gu Chenghuai nodded, voice steady, “Ping pong table standard size is… 74 meters long, 525 meters wide, 76 meters high, net in the middle 25 centimeters, make it on this basic data, use the old door panel from my house for the tabletop.”
Gu Yucheng didn’t expect it to be so precise, “Such detailed numbers.”
He couldn’t remember at all, looked at his eldest son, said, “Bang Bang, get your paper and pen to write it down, I’m afraid I’ll forget later.”
Bang Bang mocked, “Dad you forgot already now.”
Gu Yucheng cold-faced scare, “Believe it or not I’ll beat you now!”
The half-grown boy pursed his lips, went back to the room to fetch paper and pen.
“Third Uncle, can you say it again?” Bang Bang said embarrassedly.
He hadn’t remembered either heh heh.
San Zai who was holding the dictionary spoke, tone slow and drawn out, with the softness unique to little children.
“Length, 74 meters, width, 525 meters, height 76 meters, net in the middle, 25 centimeters.”
