Chapter 159

"How did they think of giving me a gift? Did you suggest it to them?" Lin Zhao picked up the square scarf, her movements gentle and cautious.

This was a birthday gift prepared by her sons, the most precious thing in the world; she wouldn't trade it for ten thousand gold.

"I didn't say anything, they thought of it themselves." Gu Gu Chenghuai said.

A smile flashed in his eyes, all of which was satisfaction with the twins, "When they came to tell me, I was also very surprised."

"They love you very much."

These words made Lin Zhao's eyes ache.

She closed her eyes, holding back the urge to shed tears, "When did they come to you?"

Gu Gu Chenghuai hugged his wife's shoulders, soothing her emotions, "When buying train tickets."

"My sons are really thoughtful." Lin Zhao said.

As a mother, she hadn't even celebrated the twins' birthdays; she wasn't a qualified mother.

Gu Gu Chenghuai calmly changed the topic: "Whose child's birthday isn't just boiling an egg and calling it a day? Didn't you promise too much just now? If you really celebrate it like this once, those two boys will show off all over the world."

Lin Zhao spoke slowly, "Let them show off, as long as they are happy."

Not wanting Zhaozhao to fall into bad emotions, Gu Gu Chenghuai frowned, looking stumped, "The twins' birthday is not far away, what should I give them? Zhaozhao, do you have any suggestions?"

Lin Zhao's attention was diverted. After thinking for a moment, she seriously suggested: "Something made of bullet casings, they should like it."

"Coincidentally, I happen to have some, I've made two-thirds, I should be able to finish it by their birthday." Gu Gu Chenghuai revealed to his wife.

"What is it?" As soon as the words were asked, Lin Zhao reached out to cover his mouth, "Don't say it, keep it a secret first, I'm afraid I'll accidentally let it slip."

Gu Gu Chenghuai kissed her palm, was glared at, and his eyes contained a smile, "I don't mind."

"I mind." Lin Zhao was very principled, "That's your heart for the children, you have to give it to them yourself."

Thinking that when the twins' birthday comes, the man should be in the army, "If you don't have time to come home, mail the letter and gift back."

"The twins haven't celebrated their birthdays for the past few years, I feel very guilty."

"Who said they didn't?" Gu Gu Chenghuai only wanted to see Zhaozhao happy, his expression serious, "No matter which junior in the family has a birthday, Mom will boil red eggs for them."

So even if Zhaozhao didn't pay attention, the twins weren't neglected.

Knowing that her father-in-law's family attached great importance to the birthdays of family members, longevity noodles were a must, so he added: "In the village, having red eggs to eat on your birthday is considered not bad."

Lin Zhao also knew, "Mom is really thoughtful."

She took out a comb, smoothed her hair, and tied a low ponytail with the square scarf her son bought.

"Does it look good?"

Gu Gu Chenghuai's eyes deepened, restlessness rolling in the bottom of his eyes, "Good-looking."

His voice was slightly hoarse.

"This color suits you very well, it has a kind of intellectual beauty, very... elegant." Gu Gu Chenghuai loved reading and didn't lack ink in his stomach; praising people wasn't difficult for him.

Especially.

In front of Zhaozhao.

He didn't need techniques; the words he said were all from his heart.

"Red makes you look fair." Lin Zhao looked at herself in the round mirror, smiling with curved eyebrows, "This square scarf is really good-looking, Xiang Yubao and Gu Hangbao chose well, they have the same eye as you, I plan to wear it every day."

Gu Gu Chenghuai thought his wife was the best-looking, "You are very fair, no need to set it off."

"Not exposing to the sun, I also take good care of my skin." In fact, even if Lin Zhao didn't take care of her skin, it would still be very good. She was born not to tan, didn't get acne, didn't get spots, and her skin was fair and delicate, following Lin Lin Heling.

Gu Gu Chenghuai only knew about snow cream and didn't know anything else, "Buy more when you finish it."

Lin Zhao finished applying it and walked out unhurriedly.

Lifting the bamboo curtain, the twins were standing outside the door.

The little brothers saw the accessory on Mom's hair and laughed very happily.

"Mom, do you like the gift Gu Hangbao and I gave you?" Xiang Yubao asked on behalf of them.

"I like it, especially, especially, especially like it." Lin Zhao said "especially" three times.

She lowered her head, looking seriously at her two sons, expressing her liking, "I will wear it every day from now on."

"This is the best gift I have received."

One of them.

The handsome little boys raised the corners of their mouths, trying hard to suppress it but couldn't.

Mom likes the gift they gave so much.

Xiang Yubao was excited and flushed, "Mom, I'll buy you a new one next year, buy another color, you can change and wear them."

Gu Hangbao raised his right hand, "I'll give all my pocket money to Brother."

Lin Zhao's heart felt like it was soaked in warm water.

She bent down and hugged the two cubs.

Kissing the little faces of her two sons.

"Thank you, my treasures, why are you two so obedient, hmm? Do you have any gifts you want?"

Xiang Yubao was floating, like he had drunk a few sips of fake wine.

He hugged Lin Zhao's waist, "No gifts, when Gu Hangbao and I have our birthday, we want to eat the longevity noodles Mom makes."

"Must have poached eggs too!" Gu Hangbao added.

Lin Zhao naturally satisfied this little wish of her sons.

"Okay." She said, "Remember what I said before? From this year on, when you have birthdays, we will follow that."

Gu Hangbao was a little social butterfly, who could chat about the earthworms on the ground, and his good friends were all over the village.

Thinking that when he and his brother had their birthday, they could invite little friends to come home, he was so excited that he jumped on the spot a few times.

"Mom, will there be soda then?" Gu Hangbao wanted to drink soda and licked his red lips.

Having eaten a bit too much chili just now, Gu Hangbao's mouth looked like it had lipstick on, bright red.

"Yes. Whatever you want, there will be." Lin Zhao smiled.

Gu Hangbao was even more expectant.

He stretched out his little hand and counted with his fingers.

Only after raising his thumb did he look up at Lin Zhao, "Mom, what month is it now?"

Lin Zhao didn't think much; it was normal for little friends not to know what month it was, "August."

"Nine, ten, eleven..." Gu Hangbao raised three fingers, "In two more months, when the third month comes, will it be my and Brother's birthday?"

That "la" at the end of the sentence was raised, with a little wave feeling, very cute.

"That's right, it's coming soon." Lin Zhao said softly.

This year was the first year she celebrated the twins' birthday, so she had to think carefully about what gift to give them.

Xiang Yubao's eyes were expectant.

"What about Song Seeing Qian Bao and Seeing Yaobao, are they in the room?" Lin Zhao asked, realizing she hadn't seen the two little ones for a long time.

"Li Bao is playing with them." Xiang Yubao answered.

Lin Zhao took his hand and reached out to Gu Hangbao again. The active Gu Hangbao ran over, put his face in Lin Zhao's palm, tilted his head and laughed, laughing foolishly.

Lin Zhao was made cute by her son, pinched Gu Hangbao's soft little face, took his hand, and entered the children's room.

At this time, the sky darkened.

Gu Gu Chenghuai lit the kerosene lamp and placed it on the table casually.

Li Bao and the twins were on the low bed, Seeing Yaobao was already fast asleep, a blanket covering her fair, tender little belly.

The remaining two little friends weren't asleep and were lying on the bed, flipping through a picture book.

"It's so dark in the room, how can you read, and lying down at that? Don't you want your eyes anymore?" The smile on Lin Zhao's lips fell.

She frowned slightly, walked over, confiscated the picture book, handed it to Gu Gu Chenghuai, and massaged Li Bao and Song Seeing Qian Bao's eyes.

"Little friends must use their eyes healthily, you can't read under strong light, and you can't read in dark places, your eyes will be ruined. Pay attention in the future, you know?"

Li Bao nodded obediently.

"Got it."

Song Seeing Qian Bao showed a very obedient and cute smile to Mom, stood up from the bed, opened his arms to Lin Zhao, and took the initiative to ask for a hug.

Lin Zhao was surprised and happy.

The youngest son was very quiet, not very clingy, and preferred to do something alone, such as flipping through books, squatting in the corner to watch ants, and he didn't feel it was boring, he could watch for an afternoon.

She picked up Song Seeing Qian Bao, her voice gentle, "What's wrong?"

Song Seeing Qian Bao buried his head in Lin Zhao's neck without saying a word.

Lin Zhao patted his back gently, the little dumpling yawned and closed his eyes.

This was sleepy.

No wonder he was so clingy.

She smiled, and the patting movement became even gentler.

The little guy soon fell asleep.

Li Bao covered his mouth and laughed, "Song Seeing Qian Bao fell asleep so fast."

"Younger brother is still young, he needs more sleep than you, sleeping can help him grow better, you were the same at this age, falling asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow." Lin Zhao's voice was soft.

Gu Hangbao covered his mouth, his voice muffled in his throat, "I won't disturb them."

"Gu Hangbao is a good brother who protects his younger brother and sister." Lin Zhao praised.

After coaxing the five cubs to sleep, the kerosene lamp in the room was blown out, the room fell into darkness, the curtains weren't pulled tight, and the moonlight climbed onto the desk quietly, as if a thin layer of silver frost had fallen.

Lin Zhao and Gu Gu Chenghuai returned to the room by the moonlight. The latter lit the lamp; he felt that not having electric lights was really inconvenient, and it was easy to bump into things when going out at night.

"The family needs a flashlight." Gu Gu Chenghuai said.

"Didn't you say it would be electrified soon?" Lin Zhao looked at him in surprise, "If there is an electrification plan, there's no need to buy one, right? Even if you buy it, there's no chance to use it."

Gu Gu Chenghuai put the lamp away, wiped the cool mat with a clean towel, and said: "Why no chance to use it? It's useful when going out at night."

"Are there no street lights when electrified?" Lin Zhao asked.

"Probably not." Gu Gu Chenghuai glanced at her, his eyebrows clear and moist, "Electrification costs money, and installing street lights costs even more. The village has no other income, and there are few places to get money, so the commune members are reluctant to spend it."

"Maybe some families will even refuse electrification."

Soldiers are particular about efficiency in everything they do, and their work is very neat. He quickly wiped the cool mat, washed the towel clean, wrung it out, and hung it up.

Lin Zhao also knew that for some people in the village, spending money was like wanting their lives.

A flash of helplessness in her eyes, she said: "No matter what others do, our family must be electrified."

Gu Gu Chenghuai had no opinion; he wished it would be electrified sooner.

Staying up until now, Lin Zhao was very exhausted. She took off her shoes, lay down on the bed, and yawned, her dark eyes brimming with tears, those eyes as clear and bright as if washed by water.

Gu Gu Chenghuai hugged her into his arms and lowered his voice: "Sleep."

Lin Zhao's body was tired, but her spirit was excited, probably because she had just moved into a new home.

"Can't sleep, keep me company and talk for a while."

Gu Gu Chenghuai's slender, bamboo-like fingers combed his wife's black hair like a massage, gentle and patient.

"What do you want to talk about?"

Lin Zhao thought about the guest invitation tomorrow, "Call the eldest sister's family over tomorrow too."

"Okay."

"What should we give as a thank-you gift to those who helped build our house?" Speaking of this, Lin Zhao's sleepiness faded a bit, "How about half a catty of brown sugar for each family?"

This was a very heavy gift!

Who didn't know that sugar tickets were hard to get, and brown sugar could be stored for a long time. When relatives visited during the New Year, putting some brown sugar in water was a very face-saving thing.

For family matters, Gu Gu Chenghuai listened to his wife.

He nodded: "Okay, I'll go buy it."

"Are there enough sugar tickets at home?" Lin Zhao said. She wanted to draw a prize to try her luck, but unfortunately, her man was sharp, and if she showed a little flaw, he would discover it, so forget it!

"Enough." Gu Gu Chenghuai said, "Before coming back, I exchanged for a lot of sugar tickets with my comrades-in-arms, bought candy for the four cubs, and there's still a lot left, enough."

Lin Zhao felt relieved.

"By the way, didn't you say you wanted to invite Comrade Yang and his wife to dinner? When are you inviting them?"

Things had been rushing one after another before, and they really hadn't found time. Gu Gu Chenghuai pondered for a moment and said: "The day after tomorrow, is that okay?"

"Okay."

Gu Gu Chenghuai: "Bring all four cubs then."

"Hmm?"

The man lowered his eyes, then smiled gently, "Old Yang and his wife have been married for several years and have never had children. Hearing that our family has four cubs, and they are all twins, they are very envious and want to see the children to attract some for themselves."

Lin Zhao: What the heck is attracting?

"Are Comrade Yang and Comrade Jiang both cultured people?"

Gu Gu Chenghuai laughed, "There are many superstitious cultured people."

Lin Zhao was noncommittal.

Thinking of another thing.

Raising her eyes.

"When you buy brown sugar tomorrow, tell the eldest sister for me, let her work a few more days for me. I'm tired and want to give myself a few days off. As for when to go to work, we'll talk about it later."

Going to work makes people haggard.

After the little long holiday, she had a feeling of annoyance about going to work...

"You have no opinion, right?" Lin Zhao's gaze was burning, staring at Gu Gu Chenghuai.

The handsome young officer lowered his head and kissed her on the brow.

His tone was clear and soft.

"Whatever you want, if you want to go, go; if you don't want to, let whoever replace you is fine. I said it, I only hope you are happy."

Pop!

Lin Zhao kissed Gu Gu Chenghuai's smooth chin back as a reward for being pleased.

"Gu Gu Chenghuai, you are really good."

Gu Gu Chenghuai's eyes were gentle and lingering, the corners of his lips raised, and he lowered his head to force himself toward her, blocking her mouth.

Before long, his eyes were no longer calm, and his gaze revealed a heat that made people's legs go soft.

…

The next day.

Those who came to build the house for the Gu family's third branch received the thank-you gifts from Lin Zhao's family one after another.

Getting half a catty of brown sugar for free, everyone was incredibly happy, praising Lin Zhao again and again.

"Still have to be a high school student, just polite."

"The child's father always rushes to the front when helping people in the village, this is the first time there's something to take! Didn't expect it to be brown sugar, and it looks like quite a lot, thoughtful, too thoughtful, thank you."

"Hey, even came specially to send thank-you gifts, too polite! When the master helped build the house, there was mung bean soup and plum juice to drink, and occasionally brought back a piece of candy, it was already so good, and you still sent brown sugar, really..."

……

The women in the village were more talkative than the next. Lin Zhao smiled politely, and after sending them off, she took her man and children and walked home quickly.

Coming once for each family, my head hurts!

The news of the Gu family's third branch sending brown sugar spread throughout the village.

Some laughed, thinking of what their wives said, drinking sweet water at night, full of energy.

Some were complained about by their wives.

"Everyone went to help, why didn't you go? That's half a catty of brown sugar, lost half a catty of brown sugar for nothing, oh my, it hurts my heart to death!"

The man's face turned cold, "I wanted to go help, but you wouldn't let me, saying helping people in the village is not as good as hoeing the land for your mother's family. If it wasn't for your fussing, I would have gone long ago. Regretting it now? What were you doing earlier!"

This scene didn't just happen in one family.

After hearing about this, the brigade leader was happy in his heart.

In an era that emphasizes dedication, it's a pity that some people only want to take advantage and are unwilling to put in labor, even refusing to help fellow villagers in need. Regretting it now!

Let's see who will be calculating in the future!?

Thinking that the brigade's atmosphere would improve, the brigade leader was very happy, walking with a spring in his step.

Gu Father and Gu Mother learned about this from the villagers. Hearing those praises, the old couple was surprised and happy.

Third daughter-in-law did a beautiful job. (It also really hurts the heart)

The old lady walked past the rival who secretly said the third branch was stingy, her chin held high, feeling refreshed.