Chapter 90: “backing You Up”
Lin Zhao felt relieved and smiled slightly.
Communicating with smart people was just easy.
“Wait and see what your sister thinks first. If she’s willing, arrange for the two young people to meet. If she’s even a little unwilling, don’t force her. A good girl isn’t worried about getting married; it’s just a matter of time.” Li Fen said again.
She was also worried—worried that the girl had just been rejected from a marriage, facing the idle gossip around her, anxious to get married, impulsively nodding in agreement, and then after getting married and starting life, hearing the neighbors gossip about her younger brother injuring his leg, regretting not marrying someone with good legs and feet, resentment building up in her heart, turning the home upside down.
Lin Zhao could understand Li Fen’s worry and softly comforted her: “If the two really take a liking to each other, after they get to know each other, then talk about marriage, to avoid regrets later.”
This hit right on Li Fen’s thoughts.
“That’s the reason. Marriage is a big deal; you can’t rush it.”
But still.
Nearly half a year without a matchmaker coming to propose marriage for her younger brother, and suddenly there’s a suitable girl—Li Fen couldn’t possibly not be anxious, pacing restlessly all morning.
Noon.
Song Yunjin came to deliver meal to Lin Zhao.
Li Fen’s husband also came to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative.
He was too lazy to lock the bike and didn’t come in, standing at the door waving to his wife.
Li Fen took the pasted matchboxes out, handed the things to her husband, “You came at the right time; take this back while you’re here!”
Immediately after, she instructed: “Send the materials after acceptance.”
Her husband understood at once; his wife was going to give this job to a colleague.
“Got it.” He agreed, handing over the aluminum lunchbox.
Seeing Li Fen a bit distracted, he asked with concern: “Are you okay? You look listless; is it the heat?”
“No.” Li Fen pushed away her husband’s hand reaching for her forehead, gripping the lunchbox tightly, and said: “Not heatstroke.”
Before her husband could ask further, she started chattering.
“I asked Comrade Lin to keep an eye out for suitable unmarried girls for me, and she mentioned someone—her cousin. I thought the age and all fit well, so… I’m a bit nervous.”
Li Fen’s husband knew his wife had been racking her brains over her younger brother-in-law’s marriage.
Even dreaming at night about her younger brother-in-law not being able to marry and ending up alone forever.
He said: “What’s there to be nervous about? Let them meet first. If they get along, they talk; if not, it ends.”
Li Fen wanted him to shut up; everyone knew the reasoning, but when it fell on her own head, she just couldn’t figure it out.
“Don’t talk anymore.”
The lean and nimble man shut his mouth instantly.
Fine.
Anything he said was wrong.
“Eat first; tomorrow’s trouble is for tomorrow.” He said.
Li Fen stopped worrying, took the lunchbox to head back to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, paused after two steps, and said: “Come back early tonight; we’re making dumplings today.”
Her husband’s eyes lit up, “Really?”
The monthly grain was only so much, and the kids at home were all at an age where they ate a lot. His wife scrimped and saved every day, afraid of going hungry at month’s end. They never ate dumplings except on holidays, so her bringing it up voluntarily today was rare.
“No kidding!” Li Fen rolled her eyes, but smiled on her face, “Don’t dawdle after work.”
“Got it!” Her husband responded, jumped on the bicycle, grinning to show a mouthful of big white teeth.
His departing figure on the bike radiated happiness.
Li Fen smiled, the anxiety in her heart smoothed over.
Today Liu Chunhong took leave; without that buzzkill around, the atmosphere at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative was much better.
Lin Zhao opened the lunchbox: braised eggplant and cold carrot shreds.
Before eating, she reached into her shoulder bag, took out two tangerines, held her palm up, and offered them to her younger cousin.
“Yunjin, have some oranges.”
These days, supplies really weren’t abundant. Fruit spoiled easily, preservation tech couldn’t keep up, transport costs were high—basically rare to see.
Song Yunjin’s eyes lit up instantly, excitedly shouting: “Sis!”
His eyes shone like little amber begging for food—adorably.
“Eat up.” Lin Zhao smiled lightly, “If you like them, I’ll bring more tomorrow.”
Remembering there were two apples left, she added: “I’ll bring you two apples too.”
Song Yunjin swallowed saliva, picked up the orange and held it under his nose to sniff—this scent was so good; he really liked it.
“Thanks, sis; you’re truly my own sister.” At his age, his appetite was huge; he’d just eaten his fill not long ago but was hungry again. No matter how much he ate, it didn’t stick, all because his stomach lacked oil and water.
Lin Zhao looked up at him, eyes puzzled, “So excited? Didn’t you eat enough?”
“Not that I didn’t eat enough; it’s that my stomach lacks oil and water—hungry again in a bit.” Song Yunjin really thought it might be better to send him to the countryside to raise pigs, as long as there was meat to eat.
His family had meat tickets, but meat was hard to buy. He lined up early every day and couldn’t even get a meat bone.
All the meat was snapped up early by connected people—sigh!
Lin Zhao had the lucky draw wheel, drew quite a bit of meat, still hadn’t finished it, hadn’t worried about meat for some time.
Hearing Yunjin say his stomach lacked oil and water reminded her of the days with a little treat only once a month—truly miserable.
She didn’t say anything, took the shoulder bag again, pulled out money and ration coupons, and said to Song Yunjin: “Help sis run an errand.”
“What to buy?” Song Yunjin leaned over, eagerly asking.
“Go to the state-run restaurant and buy twelve bottles of soda.” Lin Zhao said casually.
The Supply and Marketing Cooperative also sold soda, but limited supply—gone in half an hour.
Twelve bottles?
Was sis doing wholesale?!
Song Yunjin held his chin, full of shock, “Why so many! Bringing for villagers?!”
Were the villagers all willing to buy soda now?!
“I and your brother-in-law are taking the kids to see a movie later; buy the soda first. I’m worried it’ll be gone.” Lin Zhao explained.
“Seeing a movie? Sis, I wanna go too~!” Song Yunjin stared at his sister with dark eyes, whining.
Lin Zhao lightly raised a brow, glanced over coolly and beautifully, “Not going to school anymore?”
“What’s school got? It’s a mess there.” Song Yunjin dropped his smile, pouted, tone unhappy, “Hope classes resume tomorrow, or when will I graduate?”
He had no interest in fighting others; just wanted to study well, get into high school, and work in a factory.
“You didn’t join in those things, right?” Lin Zhao looked up, the light in her dark bright eyes not as warm as usual.
As if he’d nod and she’d beat him senseless.
His little animal instinct told Song Yunjin: absolutely do not nod, or he’d get beaten—not just once.
“No no, I didn’t!” He waved his hands like a rattle drum, scared to death, “My classmate asked me to come, but I didn’t go.”
That day, he saw classmates beating and cursing the teacher—familiar people suddenly turned strange, their fanatic faces scared him.
He couldn’t stand it and said something like “that’s enough.”
Then.
Everyone turned to stare at him: probing, suspicious, thoughtful—very complex, even malicious.
Those gazes chilled him to the bone.
After that, he knew—even if uncomfortable, he couldn’t speak up.
Speaking up meant bad luck!
“Can’t go in the future either.” Lin Zhao frowned slightly, expression serious.
Song Yunjin nodded vigorously like pounding garlic, repeatedly saying: “I won’t go, never thought to, no interest in that stuff.”
If interested, his right arm would’ve had a red “ornament” by now!
Moreover.
His eye sockets were shallow; he couldn’t stand human suffering.
Those teachers didn’t deserve that.
“Mm, go on; get you a bottle too.” Lin Zhao softened her cold expression, waved him off to run the errand.
“Got it!” Song Yunjin responded, trotting lightly to the door, paused after a few steps, “Sis, is your bicycle here?”
“Not here; your brother-in-law rode it back. You walked?” Lin Zhao asked.
At this, Song Yunjin had plenty to say.
He rushed back to the counter.
“Dad rode off with the family bicycle; neighbor’s wasn’t there either, so I had to walk.” Saying this, his mood was still stable.
But the next words dripped with resentment.
“Past eleven, Mom started shooing me out, saying I was idling at home farting around—better to go out early, count it as exercise.”
Song Yunjin was full of resentment.
Lin Zhao just asked one question, and he spilled like beans, nonstop venting.
“Sis, heaven and earth as witness—school’s been out only a few days.”
The youth stretched his arm, emphatically showing two fingers, “I’ve only been home two days—two days! Just two, and Mom’s already annoyed with me!”
He emphasized the words, full of grievance.
Lin Zhao couldn’t help laughing, amusement spilling from her eyes and brows, nearly choking on her meal.
Meeting her cousin’s resentful gaze, she laughed: “My house is starting to build; slowest a month to finish. If not, come stay at my place then; help teach the twins to read while you’re at it.”
Also to keep him from being led astray in the county by those people.
“Can I?” Song Yunjin looked expectant.
“What’s not allowed.” Lin Zhao said, “Your brother-in-law’s younger brother is also a junior high student; he’ll be back soon. You two should have common ground, get along well.”
“Great!” Song Yunjin was instantly coaxed happy by his sister.
Lin Zhao turned to borrow Wang Ju’s bicycle, gave the bike key to her cousin, telling him to hurry back.
Song Yunjin left quickly.
Seeing his light steps, Lin Zhao was quite surprised.
Yesterday he walked stiffly; just one night later and fully recovered!
Young people did recover fast.
……
No one on the back seat, Gu Chenghuai rode the bicycle fast, soon back at the brigade.
Remembering his wife’s words, he went inside, took some things from the cabinet, then to the Brigade Leader’s House, paid two eggs as gift of gratitude, successfully borrowed a bicycle.
Afterward.
He went straight to the brigade where his eldest sister was.
He was bringing back Two Stones; ladies’ bicycle inconvenient, needed one with a bar to seat them.
Gu Chenghuai rode the bicycle out of the village entrance.
After a stretch of road, he heard movement behind; he stopped the bike, left leg to the ground, turned to look.
It was Da Huang tailing him.
“Go back.” Gu Chenghuai waved at the guard dog Da Huang, signaling it to go home.
But Da Huang didn’t listen, wagged its tail, ran over.
Squatted in front of him, lifted its dog face to look at him, eyes bright.
Gu Chenghuai: “……”
Man and dog stared down for a moment.
The man sighed lightly, “……Want to follow? Then come.”
Wouldn’t delay much anyway.
“Woof!!” Da Huang barked once, quickly catching up.
……
Wei Family.
Gu Chan still didn’t know her maternal family support was on the road, arriving soon.
She was dealing with Wei Dasao.
It turned out—
After separating households, the second branch moved out right away; home labor halved, Wei Dasao wasn’t diligent anyway—clothes to wash, meals to cook, cleaning, vegetable patch watering… all the chores, plus going out to earn work points—couldn’t manage.
In just two short days, she regretted it!!
Came to seek reconciliation, in a lecturing tone.
“Younger brother’s wife, even after separating households, parents-in-law are still your parents-in-law, the real grandparents of Two Stones. You can’t just ignore them, right? If outsiders find out, they’ll poke your backbone.”
Wei Dasao opened with moral high ground, using filial piety to pressure.
Gu Chan frowned, “Xiangdong and I didn’t say we won’t care. The separation agreement is clear: when parents-in-law turn sixty, we’ll give elder care money. No need for sister-in-law to worry.”
“That’s not how it works!” Wei Dasao full of absurd reasoning, disagreeing.
“Parents-in-law are years from sixty; what about these years?”
“You two won’t just wash your hands of everything, right? If that’s your plan, I have to tell someone, ask what kind of reason this is.”
Gu Chan took a deep breath, didn’t want to argue, said flatly: “Oh, do as you like.”
Wei Dasao felt like punching cotton, chest stuffy like blocked by a stone.
“If sister-in-law has nothing else, go back; I need to cook, no time to chat idly.” Gu Chan’s tone calm, but words merciless.
“Xiangdong said parents-in-law’s elder care is for him to discuss with elder brother later; told me not to meddle.”
“Gu Chan, are you still Wei family?!” Wei Dasao yelled sharply, voice shrill like a cat with stepped tail.
Gu Chan’s retort rang clear.
She spoke each word distinctly, every syllable precisely into her ears.
“My surname is Gu; I’m Gu family.”
“Xiangdong and I just formed a new family, but that doesn’t mean I add Wei to my surname upfront.”
“Born with surname Gu, surname Gu for life. Sister-in-law rushing to change yours—don’t think everyone wants to.”
Even if dumb, Wei Dasao heard the sarcasm, furious, lunged to hit.
She was taller than Gu Chan by a head, broader shoulders, body closing in, eyes full of malice, lips curved unkindly, seeming about to do something.
“Sis.”
A deep voice like jade striking ice came from outside.
Gu Chan lit up, shoved Wei Dasao aside hard, ran out.
Seeing her brother, full-faced smile.
“Chenghuai.”
“Sis, you okay?” Gu Chenghuai puzzled.
Words just out, glimpsed the other figure, eyes sharpening instantly.
“Why are you here?” His brows furrowed imperceptibly.
Zhaozhao said this person always targeted his sister.
Sister had moved out of Wei Family, yet she came knocking—while Xiangdong away, couldn’t be without malice.
Gu Chenghuai wouldn’t give her a good face.
Wei Dasao scheming but cowardly, plus just plotting bad, felt guilty badly.
Stared at by Gu Chenghuai, heart pounding out, stammered, brain messy, blurted an excuse: “I… I, home’s making meat, calling Two Stones back to old house for meal.”
In truth, Wei Family had no meat—not even meat skin.
Gu Chenghuai let out a light mocking cold laugh, warned deeply: “Since separated households, two families now; not welcome here. Don’t come over for anything in future.”
Wei Dasao didn’t dare stay, said “Got it” and ran off like chased by a dog.
She just left, Gu Chenghuai’s tight frown relaxed.
“Sis, if she comes again, don’t open the door.”
Gu Chan smiled bitterly, explained: “Didn’t plan to open; courtyard gate not fixed, she forced in.”
Hearing this, Gu Chenghuai turned crisply, strode out toward Wei Family.
In a flash, spotted Wei Dasao ahead.
“Stop.” He called.
Wei Dasao recognized the voice, knew couldn’t dodge forever, didn’t move.
Turned around, waited for him.
That oppressive figure approached.
She scared back a few steps, mouth saying: “What do you want now? I didn’t get to do anything.”
Wei Dasao panicked badly, blurted self-exposure: “I wanted to hit her, but that’s ’cause she was too infuriating.”
Instantly.
Surrounding temperature plunged.
Impossible-to-ignore icy gaze fell on her.
Gu Chenghuai’s whole aura cold like ice-quenched blade, voice heavy: “You still want to hit someone?”
His usual restrained momentum leaked out.
Like a wild beast baring sharp fangs, bone-chilling cold.
Wei Dasao felt the front was a terrifying monster, scared knees weak.
“I didn’t, didn’t want to hit her, didn’t, no.” She shook head fiercely, truly frightened this time.
“I went to reconcile, wanted her to help me; didn’t want to provoke her, don’t dare…”
Gu Chenghuai expressionless, sternly: “No need to reconcile; don’t come again. Dare once more, I’ll bring people to tear down your house.”
He was a soldier, of course wouldn’t violate discipline, but against such villains, couldn’t show weakness—had to scare her.
“Won’t come, won’t, never again!” Wei Dasao hurriedly said.
She’d only seen Gu Chenghuai years ago, didn’t think him scary then; this time, truly terrifying.
This man had definitely killed.
“You broke my sister’s door; compensate, five yuan.” Gu Chenghuai said coldly.
“?”
Wei Dasao’s face darkened.
“That crappy door, not even two fen…”
About to retort, looked up into those deep chilling eyes; words swallowed back.
The stingy woman ached all over, gritted teeth: “I’ll pay.”
“I’ll pay!”
Heavens, no cheap gained, heavy loss instead.
“Ten minutes; bring the money. Don’t make me come get it.” Gu Chenghuai left these words, turned away.
Wei Dasao: “……” Dared not, didn’t want him coming—didn’t want to rebuild house.
She dragged back home weakly, from mouse hole took iron box, counted five yuan, shoved into husband’s hand.
Wei Dage thought wife had a change of heart, giving him pocket money; eyes lit up, moved: “Wife?”
“……Deliver to second branch.” Wei Dasao nearly weeping blood, restrained urge to snatch back, rushed to room, collapsed by bed, wailing like bereaved.
Wei Dage baffled, rushed inside, shoulder hit doorframe, shook wall dirt down.
“Why?”
“This is five yuan! Five! For second branch?!” He asked anxiously.
“Deliver as told! Keep asking and our house gone—hurry deliver.” Wei Dasao face twisted.
Hearing wife so serious, Wei Dage didn’t delay, ran to second branch, wild thoughts on way.
At second branch, learned what his wife did.
“Door compensation—for that door?” Wei Dage pointed at the anytime collapsible door, incredulous.
This crappy door worth five yuan?
“Just that door, plus my sister’s mental damages; didn’t ask much. Next time…” Gu Chenghuai paused artfully, threat doubled.
This wasn’t much?
Wei Dage couldn’t face “didn’t ask much.”
Looked at the youth, wanted to haggle; met cold eyes, speechless, reluctantly put down money, hurried away.
Gu Chenghuai didn’t think himself excessive.
First branch couple took plenty advantage of his sister’s family; dared bully after separation—five yuan was little.
“Sis, keep it; hire someone for a sturdy door.”
Gu Chan didn’t stand on ceremony with her own younger brother, pocketed the money, smiled: “Good, make a good one. First time gaining from first branch—must make it good!”
Outside, an urging child voice called.
Then, Da Shitou and Xiao Shitou ran in.
“Third Uncle.” Da Shitou called.
He had little impression of third uncle, but recognized the military uniform.
About to tell brother to greet, but Xiao Shitou dashed over fast, arms out to Gu Chenghuai, rarely initiative: “Third Uncle, hug.”
Gu Chan never saw younger son so unafraid of strangers, slightly stunned.
Knew third brother aloof, disliked closeness, hurried to pull son away.
But saw Gu Chenghuai bend, pick up Xiao Shitou.
Little friend filthy with dirt; soil stark on green military uniform.
Da Shitou saw, went up to pat his uncle’s uniform; hand light when landing, expression adoring, reverent.
Gu Chenghuai’s eyes flashed faint smile, let nephew pat.
He looked to Gu Chan: “Sis, my wife said to take Da Shitou and Xiao Shitou to movie; I’ll take them back to brigade later, let parents see them too.”
“Ah…?” Gu Chan mouth agape slightly, surprised: “Why’d Zhaozhao suddenly want to take Two Stones to movie? Some good news?”
“No, four kids pestering to go; Zhaozhao decided to take all children.” Gu Chenghuai smiled warmly, eyes bright.
“Like that; Zhaozhao’s thoughtful.” Gu Chan said.
She earnestly instructed brother: “Chenghuai, treat Zhaozhao well.”
“Mm.”
Gu Chan to two sons: “You two greet uncle properly; I’ll find clean clothes for you. Can’t go to county too dirty or ragged.”
Can’t let people mock Zhaozhao and Chenghuai.
Add more 7k, thanks Treasured Ones’ votes~~
