Chapter 158: No Conflict

The Gu family's adults and children all received gifts, and no matter what they got, they grinned broadly with joy.

Today they were truly happy!

Even in their dreams that night, they smiled.

Lin Zhao's family didn't stay long; after delivering the gifts, they returned to their new home.

On the way, Da Huang and Xiao Hu Po led the way ahead.

Heng Bao bounced along, humming a tune, his voice bright and clear, making everyone who heard it unconsciously smile.

Such a lively Gu Ercai.

Joy turned to misfortune—Heng Bao stepped on a small stone, his fleshy little body tilting sideways, nearly toppling to the ground.

Gu Gu Chenghuai snatched him up with lightning speed and scolded sternly: "Walk properly."

His voice was a bit too loud; Heng Bao's small head went blank for a moment, then he quickly recovered, his face tightening. "... Talk nicely, why be so harsh?"

Gu Gu Chenghuai raised an eyebrow, looking down at him. "If I talk nicely, do you listen?"

Heng Bao felt guilty, his eyes darting around.

"Still, you shouldn't yell at a little kid."

He went on confidently, "Mom says if kids get yelled at, they become timid and shy—you know what timid and shy means, right? It means not being open-hearted."

Gu Gu Chenghuai was speechless.

He was an educated man—he knew what "timid and shy" meant, no need for such a thoughtful explanation.

Gu Gu Zhihang was truly his nemesis, provoking him eight hundred times a day.

He ignored the chatty kid and pulled Lin Zhao forward.

Xiang Yubao and Lizhao covered their mouths and giggled; the twins trotted after the two dogs with their tiny legs.

Listening to the father-son exchange, Lin Zhao stifled laughter until her stomach ached.

She didn't intervene.

Thinking of his family's smiling faces, Gu Gu Chenghuai turned to his wife, his gaze unusually tender. "Zhaozhao, thank you."

"Hm?" Lin Zhao's smile faded, her eyes puzzled.

Gu Gu Chenghuai's broad, calloused hand tightened slightly, his deep voice soft and slow. "Father and Mother were very happy."

Lin Zhao understood what he meant and smiled at him. "It's your money that was spent."

Gu Gu Chenghuai said nothing more.

It's different.

Zhaozhao truly has a thoughtful heart.

He'd seen plenty of shrewd, calculating people—sons who earned well but handed all their wages to their wives to manage the household, yet those wives took in but gave nothing back, not even a single egg to the in-laws, even when the mother-in-law sent telegrams begging for help, pretending not to know.

…

At dinner, the twins noticed their mother's rice was different from theirs—hers seemed to be noodles, topped with an egg. The two children, mouths full of cold skin, stared blankly.

Sensing their gaze, Lin Zhao smiled gently at them.

"Today is my birthday. This is the longevity noodles your father made for the birthday person—there's none for you."

Heng Bao blurted out immediately: "Mom, when's my birthday?"

"In two months." Lin Zhao's birthday was in August; the twins' was in November.

"What about Song Qian Bao and Seeing Yaobao?" Heng Bao cut in before Xiang Yubao could speak, puffing out his cheeks as the older brother—no fault with his brother for speaking fast, only that he himself was too slow.

"They're in February."

Heng Bao's lips were smeared with sauce, making him look like a little old man. "Mom, did we ever have longevity noodles on our birthdays before?"

He grinned foolishly. "I don't remember."

Looking at her son's smile, Lin Zhao suddenly felt a pang of sorrow.

It wasn't that he didn't remember—it was that they'd never had any!

A long-forgotten ache settled in her chest.

Her gaze softened as she promised: "From now on, when you celebrate your birthdays, I'll make you lots and lots of delicious food, prepare the birthday gifts you want, and invite all your friends over to celebrate with you—loud, lively, and joyful."

Shh.

The two children lifted their heads, their eyes suddenly lit up.

Bright as night stars.

"Okay," Xiang Yubao said softly.

Heng Bao grinned broadly. "Great! I have lots of good friends."

He spread his arms wide.

Every strand of hair radiated joy.

Lin Zhao: "Invite them all."

Heng Bao was about to say more, but his father cut him off: "Stop asking so many questions—let your mother eat her longevity noodles first."

Gu Gu Chenghuai looked at Lin Zhao, his smile open and warm. "Zhaozhao, eat quickly—swallow it whole, don't bite it."

He was a resolute soldier, whose faith was country and people—he didn't believe in gods.

But where Zhaozhao was concerned, Gu Gu Chenghuai never took anything lightly.

Lin Zhao smiled. "Aren't you the one who said… this is superstition, and you don't believe in it?"

Gu Gu Chenghuai remained calm, his handsome face unchanged. "This doesn't conflict with my beliefs."

"I'm seeking peace of mind," he emphasized.

Since meeting Zhaozhao, his birthday wish every year has been to grow old with his wife.

Lin Zhao took Gu Gu Chenghuai's hand, holding it in her soft palm, tracing the thin calluses on his fingers with her fingertips, then biting into the egg and picking up the noodles to eat.

Gu Gu Chenghuai's jaw tightened, yet his expression remained calm. "How's the taste? Do you like it?"

Lin Zhao chewed the noodles without answering, her eyes slightly bright as she nodded at the man.

Delicious.

Her man excelled at whatever he did—even selling noodles could make him rich.

Gu Gu Chenghuai read her emotions in her eyes, a faint smile flickering in his deep black gaze.

The noodle wasn't much; Lin Zhao finished it quickly, drank a sip of the broth—equally delicious.

"Nice," she praised. "Just as tasty as the ones I ate growing up."

It filled the void of not having eaten longevity noodles this year.

After dinner.

Xiang Yubao and the other little ones returned to the children's room.

Lizhao stayed to play with the twins; Xiang Yubao opened his drawer, reached inside, pulled out a red object, and exchanged a glance with Heng Bao—the two brothers grinned, eyes sparkling.

"Shh…" Xiang Yubao made a hushing gesture to his brother, reminding himself too—to be quiet.

Heng Bao covered his mouth.

He tiptoed toward the door, lifted the clean bamboo curtain, and peered furtively outside.

Seeing his parents talking in the kitchen, Heng Bao turned to his brother. "Bro, let's go!"

As soon as he spoke—

He lifted the bamboo curtain and darted out like a little rabbit, slipping into Lin Zhao and Gu Gu Chenghuai's room.

Xiang Yubao didn't hesitate, following right behind.

Lizhao pretended not to notice.

Outside the courtyard, the two small figures vanished too quickly—their backs radiated guilt and panic. Lin Zhao didn't turn, but caught them in her peripheral vision.

She elbowed Gu Gu Chenghuai.

"What's going on with Xiang Yubao and Heng Bao? They look weird—aren't they up to something sneaky?"

Gu Gu Chenghuai's eyes were sharp—he knew exactly what those two were up to.

His gaze was gentle.

"You'll find out when you go inside."

Lin Zhao studied her husband, saw nothing unusual. "So mysterious."

Unable to suppress her curiosity, she left the kitchen and returned to the room.

A low chuckle escaped Gu Gu Chenghuai's throat.

So adorable.

Lin Zhao stepped softly, pausing at the door, using two fingers to pull back the bamboo curtain.

The two identical children stood back-to-back with their heads close together, whispering. Heng Bao had cried loudly at birth, and since learning to speak, his voice was always loud, radiating boundless energy.

Even now, as he deliberately lowered his voice, a few words still reached Lin Zhao's ears.

"…Hide…"

"…Find…"

"…Thing…"

Lin Zhao: What are they muttering? Can't understand.

She pulled her gaze away, cleared her throat to alert the two kids she was at the door, then knocked.

Tap tap.

Lin Zhao didn't notice—the twins' bodies froze instantly, turning around in slow motion.

Not seeing her, the two brothers simultaneously patted their chests.

Almost got caught!!

Xiang Xiang Yubao was the first to react, walking toward the door, lifting the bamboo curtain, and seeing Lin Zhao's eyes flicker with guilt—then instantly brighten into a smile.

"Mama, Brother and I came to take a look at this room."

Hearing his brother say that, Gu Gu Hangbao stood with his hands behind his back, glancing around, saying, "Yeah, neither Brother nor I know what our parents' room looks like—we came to see."

Lin Zhao watched the two boys pretending to be calm, nearly laughing hysterically inside, but her face showed nothing.

"Is that so? Have you finished looking? If not, shall I give you a tour?" A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes.

Gu Gu Hangbao was quick to seize the opportunity, no longer in a hurry to leave. "Great! Great!"

He sat comfortably on the stool, his clear eyes constantly darting to one spot.

Lin Zhao followed her second son's gaze—drawers?

What did these two hide in the drawers?

Xiang Xiang Yubao took his mother's hand and sat beside her, sitting neatly, gazing at the bright window, his eyes sparkling.

"Mama, our windows are so bright!"

Lin Zhao smiled.

Even children know big windows are good.

"Bright rooms are more comfortable." She loved the big windows too.

"Xiang Yubao, if you want to practice writing later, you can do it right here. I'll buy some cotton someday and make you soft cushions, tied to the stools—so your butt won't hurt."

Xiang Xiang Yubao asked, "Do we each get one?"

"Of course. One each." Lin Zhao was never one to deprive herself for the sake of others—she was an extreme hedonist; without resources, she'd barely manage, but with resources, she'd make herself as comfortable as possible.

"Great!" Xiang Xiang Yubao beamed.

Gu Gu Chenghuai, listening outside the door, walked in, took off his towel, and wiped his hands. "Zhaozhao, the sewing machine arrives tomorrow."

Lin Zhao's face lit up with surprise. "Really? So suddenly!"

"Not sudden." Gu Gu Chenghuai smiled faintly, raising an eyebrow. "It's been over a week—it's about time."

"Did you ask Comrade Yang for help?" Lin Zhao's eyes flickered.

Gu Gu Chenghuai shook his head. "Bought it."

Lin Zhao didn't ask how much it cost. Sewing machine coupons weren't cheap, and hard to get—he must've spent every spare penny he had.

"You know where the money is. Take what you need."

Gu Gu Chenghuai: "Alright."

Tomorrow, she'd have a sewing machine! The patterned fabric she'd bought could finally be used! Lin Zhao was thrilled.

She hadn't touched needle and thread in a long time—she'd truly missed it.

She pinched Xiang Xiang Yubao's cheeks. "Baby, when the sewing machine comes, I'll make each of you a needle case with embroidery. What do you like? I'll make it—even little animals are fine."

She'd originally planned to just buy one, but in the provincial city's state store, pencil cases were plain—the twins hadn't even paused. That money never got spent.

Xiang Xiang Yubao let his mother pinch his cheeks, face upturned, as obedient as could be.

"I want amber. Is that okay?"

Lin Zhao was curious. "Why not little golden one?"

"Xiao Xiao Hu Po came to our home first." Xiang Xiang Yubao answered without hesitation.

"Didn't know my Xiang Yubao was such a sentimental little boy." Lin Zhao hugged him, eyes full of laughter.

Xiang Xiang Yubao knew his mother was praising him—he was delighted. After a moment, he blinked and asked, "What's 'sentimental'?"

"Sentimental means…" Lin Zhao explained softly, "not being fickle. For example, even if you get a cuter little golden one, you still remember Seeing Da Huang and Xiao Xiao Hu Po."

Gu Gu Chenghuai: This trait comes from him.

"I won't forget Seeing Da Huang and Xiao Xiao Hu Po. They're part of our family too. My brother and I will grow up with them." Xiang Xiang Yubao's small face was solemn, his tone serious.

Lin Zhao stroked his head. "Excellent."

"What pattern does Gu Hangbao want?"

Gu Gu Hangbao's eyes darted. "I want a picture of our whole family! Is that okay?"

Gu Gu Chenghuai's expression turned complicated.

What a strange request.

Lin Zhao also found it odd. "No, sweetheart. Think of something else. That's too flashy."

Not wanting him to be disappointed, she had an idea. "I can make a pillow with our whole family on it—you can hug it or lean on it in your room, but don't take it outside. How's that?"

She wouldn't really put their actual faces on it—just little cartoon figures. Just a family, enough to resemble them.

"…Like Seeing Yaobao's doll?" Gu Gu Hangbao frowned, feeling he was already a little man and didn't want to play with his sister's toys.

"No, different. A pillow you can hug or lean on—like when you're writing or reading—you can put it behind your back, and it'll be much more comfortable." Lin Zhao demonstrated the size, explaining carefully.

Gu Gu Hangbao pictured it in his mind—he liked it. "I want it."

Lin Zhao agreed. "I'll start making it when it cools down."

This was pure hedonism—out of step with the current mainstream. Gu Gu Chenghuai himself was frugal, but he never forced his wife and children to suffer needlessly. Enduring hardship for the sake of hardship was nonsense.

He didn't believe anyone truly didn't want to live comfortably.

If you have the means to live well, why not?

In their own home, Zhaozhao could do as she pleased.

In Fengshou Team, Gu was a common surname. It used to be Gu Family Village, with plenty of everyday conflicts—but if anyone came to cause trouble? They walked in standing up and left lying down.

Gu Gu Hangbao wanted his mother to see their little surprise sooner, pulling his brother out. At the door, he turned back. "Mama, are you washing your face? I'll fetch water for you?"

He acted casual and calm—but his small body was tense.

Xiang Xiang Yubao held his breath, dark eyes shimmering with anticipation.

Too obvious, my babies.

Lin Zhao pretended not to notice a thing. "... Sure!"

After the two boys left, she collapsed laughing into Gu Gu Chenghuai's arms. "Your sons' acting is terrible. Teach them—they're way too easy to read."

Gu Gu Chenghuai wrapped his arms around his wife's waist, narrowing his cold, sharp black eyes. "They definitely need proper training."

Lin Zhao had been joking—but she hadn't expected him to take it seriously.

She looked at the man. "You're serious?"

"Of course." Gu Gu Chenghuai thought five was old enough—some things needed teaching. If they were this clueless, how would they ever protect their mother?

He was their father—no matter what he did, he'd never harm his four children. Lin Zhao didn't interfere. "Do as you see fit."

Gu Gu Chenghuai changed the subject, glancing at the drawer. "Aren't you curious what your sons put inside?"

"No rush. We'll find out eventually." Lin Zhao said that—but she was curious too. She just feared opening it while the boys walked in—what would become of her maternal dignity?

After a while, Lin Zhao stepped out to wash her face.

Xiang Xiang Yubao and Gu Gu Hangbao couldn't suppress their grins—like little mice who'd stolen oil. Their expressions screamed "we did something," yet they didn't realize it, still thinking they'd hidden it perfectly.

Lin Zhao: "..."

Such clueless little ones.

She returned to the room, pulled open the drawer to fetch her face cream—and saw an unfamiliar object on the lid.

—A dark red camellia-patterned handkerchief.

"This..." Lin Zhao was startled. She'd guessed her twin sons had prepared a little surprise—but not one like this.

Not a few candies or fruits—this was a real gift.

"Where did they get this?" Lin Zhao covered her mouth in delight, eyes sparkling.

"Bought in the provincial city. They spent every penny they had, and even borrowed a little from me." Gu Gu Chenghuai didn't mention that to buy this gift, the two boys had signed an unequal treaty—several terms.