Chapter 223: 90: A Family by the Spring, Chapter 223: Military Parade, the Moment of Glory for the Military Wives Has Arrived

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Lin Xiyu

"You say......"

At this point, she deliberately stepped forward two paces, fixing Liu Rushi with a gaze so piercing it seemed able to see through a person's heart: "Who could this person be?"

——

Under her aggressive questioning, Liu Rushi stumbled back two steps.

"You're panicked."

A cold smile curled at Lin Xiyu's lips as she laid out every suspicion in her heart without mincing words: "Your silence proves your guilt. Admit it—you're the mastermind behind all this. Jealousy twisted you, you harmed me once, love turned to hate, and you didn't even spare Guben, spreading rumors to ruin his future."

"I didn't. Don't you dare slander me."

Hearing the words "love turned to hate," Liu Rushi's right fist clenched suddenly, a hint of ruthlessness showing.

After all, she was a lawyer, and her ability to adapt on the spot came into play at this moment.

After the brief panic, the extremely unfavorable situation instead calmed her down, and she put on another false mask, carefully disguising herself, adopting a righteous posture to scold Lin Xiyu: "I warn you, maliciously attacking others personally can constitute defamation. Keep talking nonsense like this, and I'll sue you."

"Fine, sue me then?"

Lin Xiyu had been waiting for this moment: "I also want a judge to decide in court who is actually defaming and maliciously attacking. You don't need to deliberately threaten me—at least I didn't secretly collude with Xingyao Game Company executives to slander others online, nor did I abuse my position to let my suitor use public resources for private gain and cut off investment in Xingyao Game Company."

"How could you know......"

Hearing mention of Xingyao Game Company executives, Liu Rushi completely panicked, her gaze full of terror.

"Do no wrong, fear no knock at night."

Lin Xiyu raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly.

That sentence Liu Rushi blurted out subconsciously was enough to prove she had improper dealings with Xingyao Game Company executives.

She had bet right—this birthday banquet hadn't been in vain; she already had solid evidence.

"You're deliberately trying to blackmail?!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Liu Rushi realized something was wrong and subconsciously tried to salvage: "I don't know any executives from Xingyao Game Company. Don't try to threaten me."

"I never said that person was a game company executive."

Lin Xiyu, victory in hand, seized on the slip and asked coldly: "Lawyer Liu really knows him well, able to state his profession without thinking."

Liu Rushi dug herself deeper: "Xingyao Game Company has business dealings with Hanyu Law Firm, so of course I know him."

"Oh......"

Lin Xiyu deliberately drew out an "oh," feigning sudden realization: "So that's how you know him......"

"So what if I know him?"

Liu Rushi, flustered and exasperated: "Even so, that doesn't prove I have any involvement with him."

"What if he admits it himself?"

Lin Xiyu had completely seized the initiative and took the opportunity to probe her again.

"Impossible......"

Liu Rushi shuddered in shock; if not for her professional habit as a lawyer making her alert, stopping herself at the last moment, she almost blurted out, "He wouldn't betray me."

"You think he wouldn't betray you?"

Lin Xiyu's sharp gaze stayed fixed on her face, reading what she wanted to hide from subtle changes in expression.

"You're wrong......"

To force her to speak the truth, she drove another knife into her heart without courtesy: "People are selfish; in a crisis, everyone chooses to save themselves. That he wouldn't betray you is merely your own wishful thinking."

"No, everyone else would betray, but only he wouldn't."

Liu Rushi, struck where it hurt, screamed hoarsely like a madwoman: "He is the person who loves me most in this world, willing to do anything for me. Even if I wanted his life, he would die without hesitation."

"So he is the one who loves you most."

Lin Xiyu suddenly glanced alertly behind her, a hint of mockery in her eyes: "Then what about you and the Yingrun Company supervisor being inseparable all day? Three hearts and two minds, stepping on two boats—isn't that exactly the kind of woman you are?"

"I'm not three-hearted and two-minded; they're pursuing me."

Liu Rushi glared at her resentfully, wearing an extremely haughty expression: "To me, they are all unimportant people. I never thought of marrying them."

"Oh......"

Lin Xiyu again deliberately drew out an "oh," repeating her words very clearly: "So to you, they are all unimportant people. If the person who came with you today heard this, wouldn't they lose face?"

"Hmph!"

A cold snort came from the side of the terrace near the floor-to-ceiling glass.

Hearing the noise, Liu Rushi stiffened and whirled around, meeting the gloomy, uncertain gaze of the Yingrun Company supervisor.

"Xuguang, you......"

She was about to force a smile at him and explain a few words, but the Yingrun Company supervisor's face turned iron-green, and he turned and walked away in anger.

"Tsk tsk."

Lin Xiyu clicked her tongue twice, extremely mocking: "It seems your self-righteous pursuit isn't much—he leaves just like that, not taking you seriously at all."

"It's all your fault, you deliberately harmed me......"

Liu Rushi completely broke down, charging over like a madwoman, wanting to grab her hair and fight her.

Lin Xiyu wouldn't let her succeed, dodging aside and tripping her.

Liu Rushi couldn't stand steady and fell headfirst to the ground.

"Thud."

With a dull thud, she fell headfirst and lay there for a long while, unable to climb up.

"Ouch, what's going on? This is..."

"How did you fall?"

Madam Miao appeared from the shadows, quite embarrassed, and hurried over in small steps.

Guben followed closely behind, taking two or three steps to reach Lin Xiyu.

"When did you arrive?"

Lin Xiyu was pleasantly surprised.

"I saw no one in your seat, so I asked Madam Miao and only then learned you had come to the terrace."

Guben winked at her without saying it outright: Madam Miao, an executive of Yingrun, appearing on the terrace was just an excuse he used to find someone to fool around with.

"Oh my god."

Before the words finished, Madam Miao let out a cry of alarm.

Madam Miao helped the person up, and upon seeing Liu Rushi's wretched state, couldn't help but twitch at the corners of her eyes.

Liu Rushi had fallen quite hard; her lip was split and bleeding, and half a tooth lay on the ground.

The other half remained in her mouth, her speech whistling with air, and she sobbed and hiccuped in pain, unable to curse clearly even if she wanted to.

"Someone, take Miss Liu to the hospital."

With such an incident at the birthday banquet, Madam Miao's face also looked unpleasant, but since Guben had done the Miao family a favor, she could only force herself to swallow this resentment.

"Madam Miao, the inner person has been a bit frightened; we must take our leave first."

Guben knew when to stop and had no intention of staying: "Please tell President Miao that if you need anything in the future, you can come to the company to find me anytime."

"Alright."

Seeing his sincere attitude, Madam Miao's complexion improved somewhat.

The couple exchanged a few more polite pleasantries with her, and before anyone else noticed, they took their leave and departed.

—

One hour later, at the hospital.

"I always thought you were a smart person, at least smarter than Zhang Xiaoqian."

"She originally held a good hand of cards and could have relied on saving me to live a life free from worry about food and clothing."

"But she refused to cherish it, insisted on ruining a good hand, and dragged her own life into it."

"I don't hope you end up like her, continuing to make mistakes."

"You go, go to the United States, and never come back. As long as you stop provoking me and hurting Xiyu, this recording will remain buried forever."

"I truly don't want your stupidity to turn the memories of my five bitter years in the United States into complete darkness."

"I hope you can understand: to forgive others is to let yourself go."

—

After Guben sent Lin Xiyu home, he went to the hospital again to make a final break with Liu Rushi.

Seeing the recording pen, Liu Rushi's complexion immediately turned ashen.

At this moment, she finally understood that she had lost completely.

For a socialite of the upper class like her, reputation was paramount; if her image was ruined, it was more painful than killing her.

She had no choice but to resign herself to leaving, living in aggrievement in a foreign land, living as he hoped she would, the last remaining ray of sunlight in her memory.

—

After resolving the Liu Rushi matter, the gloom hanging over his head vanished.

Lin Xiyu was happier than ever; after returning home, she beamed with joy and hummed a little tune as she walked.

"Auntie, the plane..."

Seeing Auntie return, Xiao Ruirui's eyes lit up; holding the paper airplane she had folded, she happily ran over.

"Who folded this plane?"

Lin Xiyu squatted down, hugged the soft and adorable little cutie, and smiled while praising: "You folded it so well, just like a real one."

"Hehe."

Xiao Ruirui, innocent and naive, said happily: "I folded it myself."

Lin Xiyu continued to praise: "Ruirui is amazing, you know how to fold a plane at such a young age; who taught you?"

"Great-Grandmother taught me..."

Xiao Ruirui looked expectant: "Great-Grandmother said tomorrow is National Day, and we'll be able to see Daddy on TV."

"Right."

Lin Xiyu patted her forehead somewhat annoyed: "I've been busy and muddled lately, almost forgot about this; tomorrow is the National Day Military Parade, let's get up early and watch the parade together."

"Mm-hmm."

Hearing about the military parade, Xiao Ruirui's big eyes blinked excitedly.

"Fly the plane."

Lin Xiyu took the paper airplane from his hand and tossed it into the air.

The paper airplane flew out with a whoosh, fast and steady.

"The plane is flying, flying."

Xiao Ruirui happily chased after the paper airplane.

"Run slowly."

Grandpa Gu lived on the first floor; pushing open the bedroom door, he happened to see the paper airplane fly past in front of him, and Xiao Ruirui, like a frolicking colt, followed closely and crashed straight into her.

Grandpa Gu was caught off guard, knocked sideways, and nearly strained her old waist.

"Careful."

Lin Xiyu's heart gave a start, and she hurried over to support her.

"It's nothing."

Grandma Gu rubbed her waist, a little smug: "Luckily I had some foundation when I was young, and I haven't let it lapse in old age."

Square dancing began to flourish in the late nineties, and Grandma Gu kept up with the trend, going to the small square downstairs every evening to dance.

When she was young, she was a pillar of the military art troupe, with deep foundations, and over time her advantage showed.

The old ladies all admired her and elected her as the lead dancer.

Now Grandma Gu is the core figure of the community square dance; every dance she performs is choreographed by herself, the movements are smooth, the sense of rhythm strong, and even old ladies with graying temples look especially pleasing to the eye when they dance.

Grandma Gu's fame spread far and wide, and even people from the Old University came to invite her, asking her to teach at the university.

Xiao Ruirui had already started kindergarten, and with free time during the day, Grandma Gu accepted the Old University's invitation, teaching dance to her peers at the school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.

"Your body is stronger than mine."

Lin Xiyu truly admired her; Grandma Gu was over seventy, neither deaf nor blind, with nimble legs and feet, and not a single ailment in her five viscera and six bowels, looking healthier than she, a woman in her twenties.

"Having children early has its benefits."

Grandma Gu said without thinking, and as soon as the words left her mouth she realized it was wrong; it was too late to take them back.

Lin Xiyu's smile froze at the mention of having children, and her good mood vanished in an instant.

"Technology is more advanced now, and medicine has advanced a lot too."

Grandma Gu slapped her own mouth in annoyance and tentatively advised: "You and Xiao Bin are still young; see a few more famous doctors, maybe one day you'll find the right path and be cured."

"Mm."

Lin Xiyu didn't want everyone to suffer because of her, and forced out a smile.

"Why are you back so early?"

Grandma Gu felt relieved and asked again: "Weren't you going to a birthday banquet? Where's Xiao Bin, didn't he come back with you?"

"Something came up, he went to the hospital."

Lin Xiyu didn't hide it and briefly explained what happened at the birthday banquet.

"Karmic debt..."

Grandma Gu knew about the entanglement between Guben and Liu Rushi, and sighed deeply upon hearing this.

"It would be good if she just left..."

Lin Xiyu comforted her in turn: "From now on, no one will scheme against us anymore."

"This matter is Xiao Bin's fault toward you."

Grandma Gu smiled with relief and said: "Rest assured and take good care of your body; Grandma knows what's in her heart. No matter whether you two have children in the future, you are the only granddaughter-in-law of the Gu Family. Those women outside, don't even think about having ulterior motives; even if they bear sons, the Gu Family will not acknowledge them."

"Uh."

Lin Xiyu had mixed feelings and felt very uncomfortable.

She felt she was not comforted by these words.

"Of course, Xiao Bin is not a philanderer..."

Grandma Gu came to her senses and felt what she said was inappropriate, so she made amends: "That kind of thing definitely won't happen; Grandma was just speaking hypothetically, don't take it seriously, don't take it to heart."

"It won't..."

Lin Xiyu smiled understandingly, pretending not to care, but inside it felt as if a huge stone was pressing down, making her very uncomfortable.

"Xiyu, how about this."

Seeing her expression was off, Grandma Gu had an idea: "From now on, follow me to square dance every evening; dancing can also exercise the body. You young people are busy with work all day, and you must exercise your body..."

"Ah?"

Lin Xiyu was a bit confused: "I have to dance too?"

"Dancing is beneficial to physical and mental health."

Grandma Gu strongly urged: "Look at me, how energetic I am, it's all from dancing. Don't hesitate, it's decided. From now on, after dinner every evening, come with me to the small square. Dance for a month, and I guarantee the skin on your face will be white with a rosy glow, and you will look radiant."

"Hey hey, Grandma, I..."

Lin Xiyu laughed and cried at the same time. Just as she was about to argue a few more words, Grandma Gu gave her no chance to refuse, nimbly turned around and returned to her own bedroom.

Lin Xiyu: "......"

Suddenly she felt like she herself was a duck, about to be held over a fire to be roasted.

Dancing square dance with a group of old ladies, she really couldn't adapt ah ah ah...

—

Golden autumn October, the annual National Day arrived as scheduled.

This year's National Day, because of the military parade, was especially anticipated.

Xiao Ruirui was very happy; for once she didn't stay in bed, and before 8 o'clock she moved a small stool herself and waited in front of the television.

Li Liang, as a member of the Three Armed Forces Honor Guard, also participated in the military parade.

Wu Meng was even more excited than Xiao Ruirui. Early in the morning she rushed into the company, and under the pretense of treating everyone to breakfast, she dragged the colleagues who had been on night duty out of the rest room one by one, claiming it was to accompany her in watching the military parade.

Anyone with eyes could see that watching the parade was fake, and showing off her husband was real.

A certain Military Wife was determined to let everyone know how handsome and mighty her husband looked in military uniform.

After living apart in two places for so long, it was time for the Military Wives' glorious moment of honor.

—

At 9 AM, accompanied by stirring military music, the military parade began. The air flag escort echelon piloted helicopters slowly flying over Tiananmen.

"Daddy."

Seeing the plane, Xiao Ruirui excitedly jumped up from the stool in one go.

"Ruirui, your dad isn't in there."

Grandma Gu said with a smile, "Your dad flies fighter jets; he won't appear until the very end of the military parade."

"Mm-hmm."

Xiao Ruirui understood, yet still pointed at the planes with her little finger, very excited.

Great-Grandmother found it amusing and asked again, "When Ruirui grows up, do you want to fly planes?"

"Yes."

Xiao Ruirui didn't hesitate, nodding very seriously.

"Our family has a promising successor......"

Lin Xiyu smiled and chimed in, "A new generation of pilots is already growing up strong."

"Hehe."

Grandma Gu listened happily, smiling until her mouth couldn't close.

——

Xingyao roams freely.

The instant the Most Handsome Squad debuted, Wu Meng's excited loud voice nearly pierced her colleagues' eardrums.

"Liangzi, this is my Liangzi, handsome or not? Envious or not? Such a handsome and cool handsome guy is my husband."

The Three Armed Forces Honor Guard had many people, yet she still spotted that familiar figure in the crowd at a glance.

"Wow, Sister Meng is so lucky, her husband is so handsome."

"As expected, all the excellent ones are handed over to the country."

"Makes me want to get married just watching."

"When can I have a romantic romance with a Soldier Brother too?"

The Customer Service Department had many female staff; youthful young girls, which one doesn't like handsome guys?

Exclamations of admiration filled the area in front of the computer screens, making Wu Meng beam with joy.

"Other things I don't accept, but the Three Armed Forces Honor Guard I accept."

As Customer Service Department Supervisor, Li Hao didn't miss the timing to curry favor in front of the female compatriots: "Just for the hardship they endure in training, they're very worthy of respect."

"You spoke correctly there."

Wu Meng listened pleasantly, rewarding him with an appreciative gaze.

"Sister Meng, the Three Armed Forces Honor Guard soldiers seem to be not very old, right?"

Li Hao grinned, continuing to flatter and act cute: "When does your husband retire? If he's interested in games, welcome him to our company."

"He won't come."

Wu Meng stopped smiling, a few points of helplessness welling up again.

"Why?"

Li Hao's eyes revealed surprise.

"He'll go back to military academy for classes."

Wu Meng smiled a helpless bitter smile: "After graduation he'll continue serving in the unit; it's still a long way from true retirement......"

"Don't you two have to continue living apart in two places then?"

Li Hao looked at her with sympathy.

"Sigh."

Hearing this, Wu Meng's good mood instantly vanished, and a hard-to-suppress heartache welled up.

——

Linyu Mansion.

Xiao Ruirui stared unblinkingly at the TV screen, waiting from the military parade opening until the very end.

The epilogue neared; fighter jet formations roared over, flying past Tiananmen Square amid the audience's eager cheers.

The TV camera quickly switched, focusing on one of the pilots.

"Dad."

Xiao Ruirui's eyes lit up, and she excitedly pounced in front of the TV.

Fu Zheng piloted the fighter jet, faced Tiananmen, and gave a salute; his posture was both handsome and cool, making viewers' blood surge.

"Quick quick quick....."

Grandma Gu was also excited beyond measure: "Record this segment."

"Recording it."

Lin Xiyu had prepared early, recording the entire military parade live broadcast, and very thoughtfully made a copy for Wu Meng as well.

"This video recording has commemorative significance."

Grandma Gu was very satisfied with her thoughtful transparency: "In the future when Ruirui misses Dad, just play the recording back for her to watch, so she won't not see him for years on end, and after a long time forget what he looks like."

Lin Xiyu smiled gently: "Ruirui might forget anyone, but she won't forget Dad."

"Mm-hmm."

Xiao Ruirui nodded, then stuck her gaze onto the video recorder again.

The military parade ended, but she still didn't want to leave the TV.

"Play it for her one more time."

Grandma Gu joked with a smile: "Let her watch enough in one go, so she won't think about it all day, and won't be restless even at kindergarten."

"Okay."

Lin Xiyu complied and did so, turning on the video recorder again.

Xiao Ruirui's eyes were glued to the screen, watching the segment of her father piloting the plane over and over again.

——

To avoid the National Day Military Parade, Guben deliberately scheduled the game's official launch news conference for the afternoon.

Li Hao and the other R&D Personnel showed their faces at the news conference, then immediately began a new round of testing.

As previously anticipated, Liar Hunter exploded in popularity the moment it hit the market; players swarmed in, and the recharge volume on the first day alone reached five figures.

Guben generously gave a red envelope to all R&D Personnel.

Motivated by the red envelopes, everyone was full of motivation and actively threw themselves into the production of Liar Hunter Series Two.

The company's operations gradually got on track, and Guben also had leisure time to accompany his family.

His beloved wife's health was what he had always been concerned about; while seeking out famous doctors, Grandma Gu's proposal also received unanimous approval from the two men of the house, big and small.

Lin Xiyu was coaxed by the whole family and had no choice but to brace herself and go square dancing with Grandma Gu.

Whenever Guben was at leisure at home, he would bring Xiao Ruirui along to accompany them.

Xiao Ruirui had watched many times, and would occasionally imitate their dance moves, putting on an impromptu performance.

The child's innocent cuteness, swaying her head and bobbing to the beat, was especially delightful.

The old ladies all liked her very much, and before long, unsurprisingly, she became the group's darling.

Days passed one by one in the ordinary yet fulfilling routine, and in the blink of an eye, four years had arrived.