Chapter 160

That afternoon.

The housewarming banquet for the Gu family's third branch began.

The Wei family of four was also there.

The twins liked Stone Brother and Stone Little Brother, and wanted to sit with them when eating.

Gu Hangbao's eyes were sparkling, he looked at Little Stone and said: "Little Stone, you played really well just now, Chang Sheng was beaten by you until he was in shambles, how did you practice? Teach me, I also want to become very good."

Among the big friends in the Fengshou Brigade, the best at table tennis was Chang Sheng, even the big kids couldn't beat him, but he was easily defeated by Little Stone, and the Gu family children all looked at him with admiration.

Little Stone was usually a very shy kid, but when he played, he was confident and shining, and he was fierce.

At this moment, being praised by Gu Hangbao and watched by a row of cousins, the little guy was so nervous that sweat broke out on the tip of his nose, and he lowered his head, as if there was a big fortune on the ground.

"Third Uncle sent the racket over, Little Stone practices every day. He drags all the kids in the village to play, and if other kids don't accompany him, he practices by himself. After practicing and practicing, his technique improved significantly, and later even my dad couldn't beat him." Big Stone explained for his brother who didn't have a mouth.

Gu Hangbao imitated the tone Mom used to praise him and praised his little cousin.

"Wow, Little Stone can even defeat Uncle, so amazing! Uncle is already an adult, and he can't even beat a kid, Little Stone is really awesome!"

Hearing this exaggerated praise, Little Stone lowered his head even further.

He felt a pure white butterfly land on the tip of his heart, and his little heart bubbled with joy.

The little kid who was rarely praised so directly was very happy.

Big Stone saw his brother not making a sound, patted his back, and said sternly: "Chest out, head up."

"When others praise you, how should you express it? Didn't I teach you."

Little Stone looked at him timidly.

As a brother, he was worried, "You are going to represent the national team in competitions in the future. If you win the championship, will you be like this too? You will be laughed at by the yellow-haired, blue-eyed monsters!"

Big Stone patted Little Stone's back of the head, "You didn't eat anyone else's rice, lift your head up."

Little Stone stared blankly at the chopsticks in his hand.

There was a piece of oily meat clamped on the chopsticks.

He whispered: "... I did eat it, it's still meat."

Said timidly and shyly.

Big Stone: "..."

"Pfft—"

Instantly.

Laughter resounded throughout the courtyard.

Gu Mu hugged Little Stone, laughing until the corners of her eyes were full of wrinkles, "Oh my, Grandma's Stone."

Little Stone's eyes were wet, his face was burning hot, and he forgot how to hold the chopsticks.

Gu Chan laughed and sighed, "So silly."

Lin Zhao, who was beside her, said: "He's just a beat slow, how cute. I like Little Stone's personality."

A bit like Tie Chui, with no bad intentions.

Catching a glimpse of Yao Bao getting food on her face, Lin Zhao took out a handkerchief to wipe her daughter's little face.

The little milk ball showed a sweet smile, her little milk-dimpled hands holding a small spoon, scooping a spoonful of rice paste and sending it to her mouth. She was so small, her hands weren't very flexible, and although she sent it to her mouth, a few sticky rice grains appeared on her white, glutinous-ball-like face.

"It's useless to wipe it." Lin Zhao was helpless, so she decided to ignore it and wait until she finished eating.

Gu Chan chided, "Kids this small are all like this, it will be better when they are a bit older."

She had been working at the supply and marketing cooperative for a few days, and she had become confident!

The charm of an iron rice bowl.

Lin Zhao looked at her sister-in-law, her beautiful eyes slightly curved.

Gu Chan felt embarrassed being looked at by her sister-in-law and looked away, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Big Sister has changed." Lin Zhao's tone was casual yet serious.

Gu Chan was puzzled, "... Huh? Me? Where have I changed?"

"You've become confident! The whole person is glowing!" Lin Zhao praised.

Wei Xiangdong slapped his thigh, staring at Gu Chan, the corners of his eyes and brows full of smugness, "Look, I wasn't wrong, you look more energetic after going to work!"

Gu Chan angrily pinched his arm, gritting her teeth: "What does it have to do with you! Eat your food!"

Wei Xiangdong looked at her flushed face, his smile grew bigger, not taking that bit of pain to heart.

"How can it have nothing to do with me? You are my wife, my son's mother, it has everything to do with me!"

His A-Chan stood in front of the counter of the supply and marketing cooperative, the whole person glowing, which fascinated him so much.

He had to work harder and strive to buy a job for A-Chan before the end of the year.

Gu Chan didn't know the man's thoughts, and seeing Wei Xiangdong being shameless in front of her family, she wished she could kick him away.

Ignoring the crazy man, she picked up a chopstick of eggplant for Big Stone.

Clumsily changing the subject.

"This braised eggplant is your eldest aunt's specialty, it's so rare to be able to eat it."

People in this era weren't picky eaters; conditions were difficult, and it was hard to fill their stomachs, so how could they be so pretentious.

Big Stone mixed it with rice and nodded repeatedly.

"Delicious!"

For today's housewarming banquet, the chefs were Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang. There were many people, and it took a lot of effort to make this meal. Lin Zhao didn't want to suffer this hardship.

The Gu family didn't have any formalities, talking while eating, and the atmosphere was lively.

Lin Zhao turned to the side, looked at Gu Chan and said: "Big Sister, did Chenghuai tell you? Call Big Sister's family over tomorrow too. You work for me for a few more days, you take the wages for these few days, and when he returns to the army... I will go to work again."

Only then did Gu Chan know why Zhaozhao wasn't in a hurry to go back to work; it turned out she wanted to spend more time with Chenghuai.

She felt sorry for her sister-in-law in her heart.

Chenghuai was very good and great, but to Zhaozhao and the four cubs, he couldn't be considered a good husband or a good father.

Gu Chan didn't want to spoil the fun, and didn't show any emotions on her face.

Her gaze softened, "He told me."

"No need to give me wages. The work at the supply and marketing cooperative is very easy, only half a day, it doesn't take much effort, and it doesn't affect me, don't take it to heart."

Lin Zhao shook her head and said deliberately: "How can I let you work for nothing? If you don't take the wages, I might as well go to work early."

Gu Chan's original intention was that Zhaozhao should have more time to get along with Chenghuai.

Hearing this, she hurriedly said: "I'll take it, I'll take the wages."

At worst, she would use that money to buy delicious food for Xiang Yubao and Gu Hangbao. She was their aunt, it was normal to buy things for the four cubs!

"That's right." Lin Zhao's expression relaxed.

Her sister-in-law was a good person, and she couldn't bully an honest person.

Gu Chan was helpless, her heart was very warm.

Talking didn't affect eating.

Gradually, the plates on the table became empty.

Adults and children held their stomachs, their faces full of satisfaction.

Building a house was a big deal, Gu Chenghuai bought a bottle of wine, and the men all had two glasses. At this moment, their faces were slightly red, but they weren't drunk, just slightly tipsy.

"Bang!"

The new courtyard gate was kicked open by someone.

A little girl stepped in, full of anger.

It was Gu Xing'er, who had just been released.

As soon as she appeared, Gu Hangbao shouted in alarm: "Ah, the bad little aunt is back! Da Huang, Hu Po, stop her, don't let her in!"

Da Huang listened to every master's words, and upon hearing the order, its fierce body approached Gu Xing'er. It arched its body, baring its teeth, trying to scare off the "intruder," its two front paws scratching the ground, ready to spring up and pounce at any time.

"Woo—" it threatened.

Da Huang was raised by Lin Zhao to be shiny and bright, and its body size was a circle larger than before. It never bared its teeth usually, following the four cubs like a loyal guard.

This was the first time it bared its fangs since being adopted, looking extremely terrifying.

Gu Xing'er was afraid of vicious dogs, and facing Da Huang's warning, her limbs stiffened, not daring to move at all.

She raised her eyes to look at the Gu family and said impolitely: "What are you all stunned for? Why don't you hurry up and help me!"

Gu Chenghuai frowned.

Does Little Sister usually talk to her family like this?

He had received a phone call from Gu Xing'er before and found her speaking arrogantly, but he only thought it was a reaction in an emergency. Looking at it now, this was clearly spoiled.

"Gu Xing'er, who are you talking to!" Gu Chenghuai's expression was unhappy.

A flash of annoyance crossed Gu Xing'er's eyes.

She had planned to perform well before coming.

She softened her voice, her words aggrieved, "Third Brother, I'm afraid of dogs."

Gu Chenghuai raised his eyelids, the pressure in his dark eyes coming over, "Can you talk to your family like this just because you're afraid of dogs?"

"Get out." He said impatiently.

Gu Xing'er's face stiffened, "... Third Brother."

"Don't make me say it a second time." Gu Chenghuai said sternly.

Gu Xing'er glared at Lin Zhao with hatred in her eyes and said indiscriminately: "Is it you, this woman, who spoke ill of me to my Third Brother? I've been harmed like this by you, why do you still want to sow discord between me and my Third Brother, why are you so vicious..."

Hearing these words, the expressions of everyone present changed drastically.

Gu Qingzhou felt that his sister was making trouble unreasonably and stopped her: "Gu Xing'er, that's enough!"

"It's not enough!" Gu Xing'er said loudly, her thin face twisted, wishing she could scratch Lin Zhao's face, "Lin Zhao, tell me, is it you who told my Third Brother not to care about me! What did I do to you, why do you want to treat me like this!"

Lin Zhao glanced at her faintly and didn't speak.

What was there to say. After all, she was Gu Chenghuai's own sister, and her parents-in-law, who were good to her and the children, were there. Saying anything was not as good as ignoring her.

Facts proved that ignoring her was right.

Gu Xing'er punched cotton, her face didn't look good, but there was a vicious dog in front of her, so she didn't dare to go up, and the whole person was furious.

Lin Zhao didn't say anything, but Gu Chenghuai couldn't stand someone shouting at his wife, "Gu Xing'er."

He called Gu Xing'er by her full name, his voice not loud, but his tone was very cold.

"I'm not dead yet." Gu Chenghuai's gaze was cold, and he warned again, "Get out."

"Don't provoke me."

Gu Xing'er was stunned in place, looking at him in disbelief, "Third Brother, you are fierce to me, you are fierce to me for this woman, I am your own sister."

She wiped her tears in anger, "I was caught and suffered so much, you didn't save me, I finally came back and saw you, and you are fierce to me, are you still my Third Brother..."

Gu Chenghuai was expressionless, "Not anymore."

Whoever has such a sister is unlucky.

Gu Xing'er choked, her crying stopped, and she almost forgot how to cry.

Seeing that Third Brother was soft and hard to eat, she stomped her feet fiercely and rushed out quickly.

The Gu family's expressions were all complex.

Little Sister-in-law is back, there will be no peaceful days...

So annoying.

Gu Mu had a terrible headache, comforted Lin Zhao a few words, and pulled Gu Fu to greet others to go home.

Just as her left foot stepped out of the gate, she said with a tone full of worry: "Walk faster, walk faster, don't let that life-taking person ruin the house!"

Hearing this, Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang's expressions changed, and they quickened their pace and ran home.

From a distance, they saw the gate open.

The two looked at each other and immediately had a tacit understanding.

They caught Gu Xing'er stealing food in the kitchen, saw her open the fruit canned food that Third Brother's wife gave the children, and was eating it happily, the sisters-in-law were furious, rushed over, pinched and kicked, settling old scores and new grudges.

"Shameless thing!" Huang Xiulan cursed, snatched the canned food, and seeing that less than half was left inside, wished she could beat Gu Xing'er's face.

This canned food, they couldn't even bear to drink the sugar water, and she actually ate it as a meal!

Why didn't she choke to death!

Thinking of A-Lan and Yu Yu's reputation being affected, she kicked her.

Gu Xing'er dodged, "Are you crazy!"

Before she could continue to output.

Zhao Liuniang's thin and powerful hand hit her, "Where did the thief come from!"

She was ruthless, and in the small kitchen, only the sound of slapping could be heard, "I'll let you steal! I'll let you steal!"

Gu Xing'er screamed in pain.

"It's me, are you blind, this is my house, what did I steal!" She retorted while dodging.

Gu Xing'er was lazy, and her strength was like a little chicken. Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang could lift her up casually. The two treated her like a Japanese soldier, how could she hide, and she was hit several times on her body.

Until...

Footsteps came from outside the kitchen.

Gu Mu's figure appeared, "Gu Xing'er, what are you doing again!"

"What did I do!" Gu Xing'er retorted, "I'm hungry, I came home to eat, what's wrong with that!"

Zhao Liuniang's lips were sharp, and she said: "Mom, Eldest Sister-in-law and I are not vicious people, Little Sister-in-law came to find something to eat... we have nothing to say, but she... she didn't even say a word, and ate the children's canned food. That was Third Brother's wife's reward for Yu Yu and the others, the children couldn't bear to eat it, and she snatched the children's snacks as soon as she came back, what kind of aunt is this!"

Gu Mu looked at Gu Xing'er with disappointment.

She really didn't know what to do with this little daughter.

Beating was useless, scolding was useless, this was a troublemaker, with her here, there was no quiet time in the house.

"... Go find your grandma, don't come back in the future."

Gu Xing'er lived at Gu Second Uncle's house before being caught, and that life wasn't better than at the Gu house. Several cousins-in-law ignored her, didn't help her wash clothes, didn't do her cooking, and the food didn't have any oil, so she wanted to come back early!

"I'm not leaving, this is my house!"

Afraid of being kicked out, she picked up the luggage in the corner and rushed to her room.

After entering, she saw traces of life in the room, all of which were Gu Qingzhou's things, her face full of hatred.

Grandma was right, these people didn't treat her as a family at all.

She threw Gu Qingzhou's things into the corner and stepped on them several times before she felt relieved.

Dong dong dong.

There was a knock on the door.

Gu Qingzhou's faint voice sounded, "Open the door, I'll take my things."

Gu Xing'er opened the door and pointed to the ground, "They are all there, pick them up yourself!"

She sneered, a smile close to provocation on her face, "This is my room, even if I don't live here, no one can occupy it. If there is a next time, I will cut your things into pieces and burn them!"

Gu Qingzhou saw the footprints on his clothes, looked at Gu Xing'er deeply, and his heart went completely cold, "Gu Xing'er, you are really annoying."

"I always thought you were still young and never cared about you. I know now that you are just purely selfish. Not only selfish, but you are also vicious. In the future... I will just treat it as if I don't have a sister like you."

After speaking, he gathered his things together, didn't look at Gu Xing'er, and left with his things.

Gu Mu waited outside the door.

She saw the black footprints on her youngest son's textbook at a glance.

She immediately thought of something.

She knocked on the door peng peng peng.

"Gu Xing'er, did you throw your brother's things?"

"How did I give birth to such a heartless thing like you, your Fourth Brother gave way to you everywhere, is this how you repay her? Get out here!"

Gu Xing'er sat up from the bed, facing the door, and said loudly: "How am I heartless, this is my room, I don't want people to live here, especially Gu Qingzhou, I hate him to death!"

When Gu Qingzhou completely treated Gu Xing'er as a stranger, any harsh words she said couldn't hurt him.

He stopped Gu Mu who wanted to vent his anger, "Mom, I'm fine, don't pay attention to her."

Facing his youngest son's indifferent eyes, Gu Mu was stunned and sighed softly.

After a long time, she said: "From now on... you and Xing'er, if you can get along, get along; if you can't, don't pay attention to her."

She was a mother, hoping that her children would have deep feelings and support each other. Saying this, her heart felt dull and painful.

But there was no way.

If you can't get along, you can't get along, the same goes for own brothers and sisters.

Gu Qingzhou was silent for a while, "Thank you, Mom."

"It's good that you don't blame Mom." Gu Mu wiped the corner of her eyes, "Mom shouldn't have let you give way to Xing'er, you were only two minutes older than her, Mom let you down."

Qingzhou shook his head, "I don't blame Mom."

He smiled bitterly, "I overestimated myself, I thought... I could teach her well."

The old saying that you can see a person's old age at three is right.

People who have grown crooked, no matter how hard you try, she won't grow straight.

"It's not your fault either." Gu Mu said, "Xing'er is not your responsibility, it's Mom and your Dad who didn't teach her well."

Qingzhou didn't want to pursue who was right or wrong anymore, "Mom, she's back, the house..." He stopped talking.

Gu Mu heard his implication.

"It's okay, at worst we'll split the family, there's always a way."

Split the family?

Gu Qingzhou felt it was a way.

He saw it clearly, Gu Xing'er came back purely to be lazy, wanting someone to wash her clothes, someone to cook, sleeping until she woke up naturally, without doing anything. If the family split, her abacus wouldn't work!

"Dad and Mom decide, I have no opinion. I'm going to high school soon, I won't be at home for long, Dad and Mom don't need to consider me. I agree to split the family."

The reason why the Gu family didn't split was not because Gu Mu was greedy for power, but because the youngest two were not married.

Hearing Qingzhou say this, Gu Mu's idea of splitting the family became clearer and clearer.

Returning to the main room, she sat on the edge of the bed and said to Gu Fu who was putting tobacco into the pipe: "Old man, you say... how about splitting the family?"

With a duang sound.

Gu Fu's old pipe slipped from his hand, and some tobacco fell out. The old man looked distressed and carefully picked it up and stuffed it back in.

He looked at the old woman, "Why do you suddenly want to split the family?"

"Qingzhou is still in school, it's too early to split the family."

How could Gu Mu not know it was too early, but there was no way.

"Xing'er insists on coming back, we are parents, we can't really kick her out, but her personality..."

She shook her head, "The eldest's and the second's are both annoyed by her, they definitely won't indulge her like before, by then... have you thought about it?"

Gu Fu didn't light the smoke, frowned, took two empty puffs, and the irritability in his heart didn't retreat but increased.

"Xing'er doesn't have the slightest self-awareness of being an elder, she even wanted to beat Xiang Yubao and Gu Hangbao before. If she moves back, who knows if she will beat Li Bao and Yu Yu." Gu Mu didn't think she was worrying unnecessarily, this was very likely to happen.

She was also worried that if Xing'er lived in the old house, Third Brother's wife would probably not come over, and the four cubs definitely wouldn't come again, and it wouldn't be so convenient to see her grandchildren!

Gu Fu had also thought about these things.

He made a decision on the spot, "Xing'er will be seventeen after the New Year, and she doesn't want to continue school, find a few matchmakers..."

For the elderly, they wouldn't split the family if they could, they liked the liveliness.

There were many seventeen or eighteen-year-old girls in the countryside who were married, and those of the same age as Gu Xing'er were married early. She was born in the Gu family and had a capable Third Brother, otherwise, she wouldn't have school to attend.

Gu Mu had no opinion, just worried, "Your daughter has high standards, she wants to climb high, marry into the city, I'm afraid her mouth will offend the matchmaker to death!"

Gu Fu: "..."

It was indeed a problem.

"... Find a few more matchmakers, try to find her a city son-in-law?" This was said with insufficient confidence.

Gu Mu glared at him, "Do you think people in the city are not picky?"