Chapter 78: “secretly Competing”
“Hmm…?”
Lin Zhao was stunned by the question.
After connecting the context before and after, she realized what her cubs’ dad was indirectly fussing about.
She immediately laughed so hard her shoulders trembled.
Her slender white fingers poked the man’s solid lower back.
“Gu Chenghuai, were you pickled in a pickled mustard greens bucket growing up? Why do you love sourness so much?”
She was amused beyond measure, laughter spilling from her lips, full of delight and teasing, “Didn’t you smell the sourness in the air?”
“Lin Zhaozhao!” Gu Chenghuai gripped the brake tightly, his straight and long left leg planted on the ground, turning sideways to look at her, his expression serious.
“I’m serious, don’t dodge the question.”
He minded a lot.
Very much!
He carefully maintained his fate with Zhaozhao, wanting to protect their family well. No matter how outstanding he was or how exceptional his abilities, he was just an ordinary man. He too feared that if he wasn’t careful, their home would shatter into glass shards.
Some male vixens had deep cultivation, and he couldn’t let his guard down!
His comrade’s lesson from the past was right there!!
Lin Zhao met Gu Chenghuai’s dark eyes surging with emotion, put away her smile, hooked his hand with her finger, and brushed the thin callus on the inside of his thumb with her fingertip.
Her brows and eyes were gentle and earnest.
“I figured out a method myself to get it, didn’t ask anyone. What are you sour about, what are you mad about? Gu Chenghuai, you’re so childish.”
“With that sour look on your face, do your comrades even recognize you?”
Suddenly.
The man’s brows relaxed, his eyes that had been covered in cold frost overflowed with a faint smile, “I don’t care how they see me!”
His long and strong hand gripped his daughter-in-law’s hand tightly, and he said: “If you want anything in the future, write me a letter, I’ll figure out a method. It’s too dangerous for you to do it yourself.”
He thought Zhaozhao’s “figured out a method myself” meant sneaking into the black market to buy it.
“Okay.” Lin Zhao agreed.
Gu Chenghuai’s expression was pleased.
He squeezed his daughter-in-law’s hand.
Lin Zhao smiled on her face, “If there’s danger, I definitely won’t buy it. Don’t worry, I definitely won’t put myself in danger.”
She always followed through on her words, and Gu Chenghuai trusted she had measure, so he didn’t nag anymore.
The bicycle moved forward again, heading to the photo studio.
“I had Yun Jin send some film to the photo studio for me. I can ask about the situation. Those photos include ones of family members and villagers.”
On the back seat, Lin Zhao chatted idly.
Gu Chenghuai listened carefully.
“All taken by you, right? Hard work.”
Lin Zhao pursed her lips in a light smile.
“Not hard at all. Taking photos is really fun.”
She liked everything new.
Gu Chenghuai liked her liking it, his low voice tinged with a hint of laughter, “Is it difficult? Teach me, I’ll learn and take photos for you.”
A gust of wind blew by.
Lin Zhao pressed down her hat brim, most of her face hidden in the shadow, only revealing her delicate and smooth jawline.
“Not difficult. You have strong learning ability, it should be simple for you.”
Hmm, his learning ability was indeed not bad.
Gu Chenghuai’s pitch-black eyes deepened with laughter, his legs pedaled more powerfully, speeding up.
Soon, they arrived at the photo studio.
The couple walked side by side into it.
“Hello, comrade.”
The old master at the photo studio recognized Lin Zhao.
On one hand, this girl was exceptionally striking in appearance; once seen, hard to forget. On the other, she was generous, developing many copies of photos, as if money was paper.
“The photos aren’t developed yet.” Thinking Lin Zhao came to pick up photos, the old master decisively said this and lowered his head to continue working.
“I know, only ready on Sunday. I’m here to take photos.” Lin Zhao said with a smile.
“…” Has a camera and still comes to the photo studio?!
Damn rich people.
The old master was expressionless, “Wedding photos?”
“No, we’ve been married for years.” Lin Zhao took out the letter of introduction and marriage certificate, casually saying.
“?”
The old master gave Lin Zhao a couple more looks, scanning her up and down, feeling she didn’t look like a married woman.
He carefully checked the letter of introduction against the names on the marriage certificate before believing it.
Hmm, from the nearby brigade.
“How many shots, black and white or color?”
Gu Chenghuai said in a deep voice: “Three sets, both color and black and white.”
The old master sighed inwardly again, young people really spend money decisively.
He didn’t say more, leading the young couple in to take photos.
In the studio, the old master had seen plenty of couples.
Other couples in front of the lens were awkward and stiff, wishing to stay three meters apart, even shoulder to shoulder felt distant, like strangers threatened by a knife.
This pair was completely different.
The man handsome, the woman beautiful, their looks and temperaments harmonious.
No matter how you looked, a match made in heaven.
Could only say, compatibility was a feeling.
Not to mention, they didn’t treat the old master as an outsider—
The female comrade held the male comrade’s arm, her head gently leaning on his shoulder, smiling lightly, brows and eyes like a painting.
The young officer stood tall like a pine, his pitch-black eyes full of pressure, deep and sharp like a blade flashing cold light, but when looking at his daughter-in-law, it melted like ice and snow, very tender.
One firm, one soft.
“Female comrade, pay a bit more attention.” The old master reminded, gesturing for them to separate a bit.
Lin Zhao waved the marriage certificate in her hand, earnestly saying: “Legal.”
“Of course I know it’s legal.” The old master checked the tripod, giving Lin Zhao a look, “If it weren’t legal, you two couldn’t even enter here. They’re cracking down on illicit affairs, so still be careful.”
“We won’t distribute it outside.” Lin Zhao argued reasonably.
Just holding an arm, not even hugging the neck, not over the top.
The old master was fairly amenable, immediately saying: “Remember, don’t distribute outside. If seen by those outside, small matters can be blown up.”
“Okay, thank you.” Lin Zhao sincerely thanked.
The old master waved it off.
After the photos, paid the money, took the receipt, the couple left.
The bicycle hadn’t gone a few meters when Lin Zhao saw a group of students coming in a crowd, taking up most of the road, right arms raised high.
Chants rose one after another.
Lin Zhao frowned.
Slowly.
The two sides met.
The fervor on the young faces was clear as day.
The leading student had five or six prominent large patches on his clothes, skinny, but his face emitted an unusual glow.
Seeing the man and woman ahead, a dark glint flashed in his eyes, and he called out to them.
“You two stop. Standing so close, engaging in illicit affairs? Do you have a letter of introduction? Show your marriage certificate!” He said sharply, in an unquestionable tone.
Lin Zhao leaned forward, scanning these ‘students’ who had messed up the county, her eyelashes trembling lightly, mood complex.
First time facing them head-on.
They looked just over ten, still middle schoolers, yet so full of hostility.
No wonder Sister Fen shook her head when mentioning them, telling her to avoid these people as much as possible.
The road was completely blocked. Gu Chenghuai gripped the brake, left leg steadily supporting on the ground, his cold sharp eyes sweeping over this group of ignorant brats.
His face suddenly turned cold, murderous aura leaking out like tides.
“Get lost!”
A battle-hardened iron-blooded man, how could he be intimidated by this.
Instantly.
The air froze.
The sun hung high scorching hot, yet the students felt their bodies chill.
As if gripped by some invisible force at the throat, blood congealing in their veins, even breathing difficult.
“Make way!” Then came another cold, thinly angry light command.
The voice wasn’t loud, yet it made people subconsciously obey.
The seven or eight lawless students moved their stiff limbs, obediently clearing a path.
In front of a true ruthless person who had seen blood, no one dared to be arrogant.
Gu Chenghuai withdrew his gaze, pedaled off, carrying his daughter-in-law away.
Lin Zhao looked up, suddenly feeling her cubs’ dad seemed even taller and more heroic.
Even the back of his head looked better than others’.
After going a good distance, she noticed the man hadn’t spoken for a while, suddenly asking: “Why aren’t you talking?”
“Still mad?”
Gu Chenghuai shook his head, “No.”
“Students should study properly. Seeing them fighting heaven and earth like that makes me annoyed.” He explained.
He and his comrades defended the home and country hoping people could live peaceful and stable lives, compatriots standing tall, living with heads held high, not wanting to see infighting.
“I know your thoughts, but we’re ordinary people. In the torrent of the times, we can only forge ahead against the waves.” Lin Zhao hugged his waist, saying softly.
She had no grand ambition to save others; she just wanted her family to live steadily.
The force on his waist dispelled Gu Chenghuai’s body full of frost.
He pursed his lips, the irritation in his eyes completely gone.
“I know what you mean, just didn’t expect this fervor to spread so fast.”
Lin Zhao patted the man’s shoulder.
This was just the beginning; it would get more exaggerated next. Those people were like bewitched, fighting this and that, as if fighting people was more important than filling bellies.
She grumbled inwardly.
The original book spent a lot of ink on this decade; it was very cruel.
“Zhaozhao, if you encounter those people again, stay far away.” Gu Chenghuai cautioned.
After speaking, still uneasy, he asked again: “Do you still remember the self-defense techniques I taught you?”
The self-defense techniques were taught right after they got married.
The teaching process was a bit steamy; teaching led to the couple getting intimate, cough, the four cubs came that way.
“I remember.”
Gu Chenghuai’s brows relaxed, adding: “Protect yourself well. If you encounter something I can’t reach in time, go find Yang Junzhi. I’ve told him.”
Haicheng was so chaotic; that fervor would rise everywhere. With Zhaozhao working in the county, he was naturally worried and had greeted in advance.
“Okay.” Lin Zhao obediently agreed, not letting him worry.
The couple chatted as they returned to the village.
At the village entrance, they ran into four educated youths heading to the county, two men and two women.
“Comrade Gu, Comrade Lin.” Song Qian greeted proactively, his voice clear, wearing a white shirt, tall and slim, looking elegant like a refined young man.
Lin Zhao smiled in response.
In just one glance, Gu Chenghuai instantly determined this was the Song Educated Youth that Da Zai and Er Zai had mentioned several times.
Secretly comparing to himself.
Looks decent.
But too skinny, not Zhaozhao’s type.
“Hm.” He nodded calmly, then took his daughter-in-law away.
The tall figure ahead emitted pleasure.
Lin Zhao held back a laugh, saying evenly: “Now you’re relieved?”
“What do I have to be relieved about.” Gu Chenghuai’s expression paused, unease flashing quickly in his eyes.
!!
Zhaozhao knew he was competing with someone he’d never met.
His throat moved slightly, calmly saying: “I’m the most suitable for you. Richer ones aren’t as handsome as me, handsomer ones don’t have my body. You’re the smartest girl, know who to pick, right?”
“Pfft!!!” Lin Zhao burst out laughing.
Her fingertip poked his back, trailing upward to his shoulder, gently pinching the back of his neck, “Stubborn duck, I know you all too well.”
Likes secretly comparing, the guy who gets jealous again.
It was like that right after marriage.
If she said two words to a male youth in the village, he’d feel uncomfortable all over.
Didn’t show during the day, but at night he’d deliberately torment her, so scheming.
The sweetly affectionate couple went far away; the educated youths didn’t look back for a good while.
“These two don’t look like countryside people at all.” Meng Xiaoying lowered her eyes, afraid to accidentally reveal the envy and jealousy in them, “The twins’ mom suddenly got a job, such a good one as salesperson. It must be that male comrade… who used privilege to get it.”
Song Qian frowned tightly, not quite agreeing with this.
Because Comrade Meng had stood up for him before and got slapped, he didn’t comment, just said: “None of our business, let’s go.”
Meng Xiaoying lowered her head awkwardly.
Female educated youth Su Yi glanced at her through her eye-hiding bangs, then quickly withdrew her gaze.
The other male educated youth—
Wen Huaiyuan spoke straightforwardly: “If you have connections and don’t use them, you’re a fool. I heard Da Zai and Er Zai’s dad is a battalion commander; that’s not low. Troops give preferences to military wives; arranging a job isn’t strange.”
“Besides, who has connections and doesn’t use them?” He smiled at Meng Xiaoying, “If your dad and mom had connections, would they not find you a job, let you go to the countryside?”
Meng Xiaoying flushed red with embarrassment, wanting to dig a pit and bury herself.
Not wanting Song Educated Youth to look down on her, she said red-faced: “…I said the wrong thing.”
Wen Huaiyuan saw she was sincere, nodded, “Everyone has times when words don’t convey intent. Knowing to self-reflect is good.”
Meng Xiaoying nodded repeatedly.
Su Yi quietly looked at Wen Huaiyuan, her peripheral vision sweeping his patched old clothes, gaze pensive.
Like her, playing pig to eat tiger?
…
“Woof woof woof—!”
Far away seeing the bicycle, Da Huang and Amber barked woof woof.
The twins watching Bang Bang and Lai Mei play ping pong, their eyes lit up instantly, squeezed out of the crowd, running patter patter toward dad and mom.
Er Zai’s loud voice filled with excitement and anticipation, “Mom, are we going to grandmother’s house?!”
Lin Zhao jumped off the bike, kissing each cub’s forehead one by one. The little guys’ faces were clean and fresh, a bit fragrant, not even sweaty.
“Why no sweat on your faces today?”
Da Zai looked up, “Er Zai and I just washed, even applied baby cream, changed into clean clothes. Sandals brushed clean too, mom look.”
He lifted his right foot.
“Really clean!” Lin Zhao touched her eldest son’s little face.
Da Zai was finally more outgoing; she was truly happy.
Er Zai fawningly said loudly: “Mom, Er Zai and I washed San Zai and Si Zai too!”
“Wow, whose good cubs are these.” Lin Zhao mimicked his tone, her voice soft with laughter.
The twins instantly puffed chests and raised heads.
“Gu family’s, dad and mom’s!” Da Zai’s dark bright eyes curved.
Er Zai grabbed one of his mom’s fingers, shook it, speaking eloquently:
“Mom goes back to maternal family, we must wear our best clothes, give mom face. Dressing well also lets grandfather, grandmother, and uncles know… we live well. Which family sends out a daughter who doesn’t want to return to maternal family decently? Mom, don’t be shy.”
“We’ll earn mom’s face!”
He was so small, yet spoke like a little adult.
Da Zai with a serious little face, expression earnestly solemn, “When I grow up, I’ll fly a plane to take mom back to maternal family, make everyone envy mom!”
Er Zai jumped, raising his right hand, “I’ll drive a big car, drive a big car to send mom!”
Gu Chenghuai: “…” What’s with this sudden urgency?!!
Trying to steal his spotlight, huh? Just wait.
The children’s childish words were so cute and heartwarming. Lin Zhao laughed bending forward and backward, “Er Zai, who did you hear ‘give face’ from again?”
“Hee hee!” Er Zai touched his prickly head, smugly saying: “Eldest Uncle’s Wife talking to Second Aunt, I overheard.”
Tail tone rising lightly, revealing little smugness.
Lin Zhao laughed: “Look, your memory is pretty good. No more worrying you can’t match your little brother.”
Er Zai loved being praised by mom, swinging her hand, “Mom, praise me more in the future. I like mom praising me.”
Lin Zhao pursed her lips, shook her head, teasing him on purpose: “No can do, you little guy will get carried away.”
“What’s carried away?” Er Zai tilted his head.
Lin Zhao laughed: “Carried away means pride.”
Er Zai lifted his little head, sly smile on his face, “I won’t get carried away. Modesty makes one progress, pride makes one fall behind. I’m a smart cub, I want to progress, won’t get carried away.”
“Then you’re awesome!” Lin Zhao went along with his wish, praising.
Er Zai’s smile brighter, seeing the cloth bag in mom’s hand, eagerly asked: “Mom, what’s that? I’ll carry it for you.”
His mouth chattered, words many and fragmented, “What’s a son for, if not to boss around. Mom, don’t stand on ceremony with me, you’re my mom. Whatever you ask me to do, I’m willing.”
Lin Zhao’s heart warmed.
This cub come to repay kindness was so obedient.
“This is a gift for San Zai.” She watched her son’s emotional changes.
Er Zai looked up, “Why did mom suddenly buy a gift for San Zai?”
“Because I think the gift your dad bought didn’t consider San Zai, so I’m supplementing one for him.” Lin Zhao patiently explained to the two little brothers.
Then added: “Do you two have any opinions? If you do, speak up. If you feel it’s unfair or uncomfortable, say directly.”
Da Zai spoke first: “Mom, I have no opinion.”
“I have no opinion too. Er Zai and brother have ping pong balls to play, San Zai doesn’t. Mom supplementing for little brother, no opinion.” Er Zai had even stood up for his brother at noon.
Gu Chenghuai feared the favoritism label wouldn’t come off, hurriedly explained: “Zhaozhao, the dictionary, comic book, and ping pong balls are for the three boys.”
“You considered Si Zai too young, didn’t consider San Zai.” Lin Zhao lightly lifted her hat brim with a finger, her pretty eyes looking at Gu Chenghuai, seriously saying: “Can’t do that anymore. End up fair as possible. Our family’s four cubs are all treasures, can’t neglect any.”
Da Zai spoke for his dad, “Mom, dad apologized to San Zai. He said he’ll make San Zai a toy car with his own hands!”
Lin Zhao was stunned, also a bit surprised, “Gu Chenghuai, you know woodworking?”
Gu Chenghuai appreciatively looked at his good eldest son, eyes crinkling in a faint smile, expression steady, lightly saying: “A bit.”
“Not just a bit, dad made slingshots for me and brother too. Dad’s slingshots look great, better than Yuan Bao’s dad’s!” Er Zai flashed a dazzling smile.
“…Sorry, misunderstood you.” Lin Zhao’s brows softened, apologizing.
The twins watched, thoughtful.
“No misunderstanding, I only realized on the way back.” Gu Chenghuai also felt he hadn’t considered enough.
Especially thinking of San Zai’s happy little face when hearing… he’d make him a toy car; he felt even more his wife hadn’t exaggerated.
While talking, the family of six reached the Gu family home door.
The ping pong table was set up at the big gate, proper looking.
Plenty of big friends and little friends gathered there, exclaiming wow now and then.
In the middle, Bang Bang and Lai Mei were sweating it out playing ball.
Lin Zhao spotted at first glance the little milk ball sitting on the door frame, little round head drooped, chubby baby-faced cheeks puffed, seriously flipping the dictionary.
“San Zai, see what mom brought you.”
There’s a small extra update today, 1k+, busy this week, will add more for treasured ones next week, muah(`)
Seeking votes~!!
