Chapter 162: Taking a Walk

Lin Zhao's face was full of revulsion, thoroughly nauseated.

Gu Gu Chenghuai thought she was annoyed by the little Lu girl and said, "Lu Lu Baozhen is going with the troops."

Lin Zhao looked up. "With Su Su Yuxian?"

"Lu's aunt is going too," Gu Gu Chenghuai said.

"What about Lu Lu Yizhou's father?"

"I haven't heard Lu's uncle is going," Gu Gu Chenghuai guessed. "Once Lu's aunt is settled, he'll probably follow."

"Lu Lu Yizhou's allowance won't support such a big family," the deputy company commander's salary was several dozen, but his parents, wife, and daughters got no grain rations—every bite had to be bought, the pressure was real.

Knowing his wife loved cleanliness, Gu Gu Chenghuai found a clean cloth, rinsed it, wrung it dry, and wiped down the new sewing machine.

He added in reply to Zhaozhao's question: "You can grow vegetables in the family compound too—work hard and you won't starve."

Lin Zhao burst out laughing. "I don't think the Lu family just wants to avoid starving—they want meat, bicycles, sewing machines, watches, and televisions."

Gu Gu Chenghuai fell silent.

After a long while, he said: "... Dream about it."

As far as he knew, Lu Lu Yizhou spent lavishly, saved little, and gave away all his ration tickets as favors—he had barely enough to fill his stomach, let alone "dressed in gold and silver."

Lin Zhao caught the strain in his voice and couldn't help smiling.

"Let them be—it's none of our business."

Gu Gu Chenghuai suddenly asked: "Do you want to go with the troops?"

Lin Zhao shook her head. "No."

She looked at him and said: "It's not that I don't want to be with you—I know you have great ambitions. If I take the children, I won't help you, only burden you with worry. Better to stay behind until you're ready, then we'll join you."

That was exactly Gu Gu Chenghuai's thought too.

But.

Learning the Lu family was leaving, his calm heart stirred.

"... I'm sorry to burden you." His voice was rough.

"No burden," Lin Zhao cupped his flawless face, her clear eyes reflecting his image, softly yet firmly saying: "I'll wait for you to come and get me and the children."

Gu Gu Chenghuai lowered his head, the tip of his straight nose brushing hers, his eyes filled with tender amusement. "Alright."

Xiang Xiang Yubao looked up, saw his father whispering again to his mother, and frowned.

Father is too clingy to Mother—he's starting to annoy him.

Gu Gu Chenghuai: You don't see how clingy your mother is to me.

Lin Zhao didn't know her son's thoughts; she was thinking of what happened at the foot of the mountain. "Fourth brother appearing in public—henceforth he won't be able to stay low-key. I hope nothing happens."

"If something happens, it's a good thing," Gu Gu Chenghuai said, calm and in control. "The villagers aren't fools—they know what a skilled physician means."

"I hope so," Lin Zhao said, wondering how her Tiegujie was doing?!

That night.

Lin Zhao, without the villagers' knowledge, went to the courtyard at the foot of the mountain.

Seeing Meng Meng Jiusi, she warned first: "Fourth brother, hide the things we sent you carefully. Xiao Xiao had candy—many saw it. Someone might try to take advantage. Be cautious."

"Don't worry," Meng Meng Jiusi said. "That was made by Comrade Tian—only two pieces. I deliberately pointed them out in front of everyone this afternoon; no one doubted."

"I've warned others too—to hide anything they shouldn't leave out."

"As for my own things..." he smiled. "Uncle Gu taught me how to hide them—so well I can't even figure out how he did it."

This Uncle Gu was Gu Fu.

Meng Meng Jiusi sighed. "The wisdom of the masses is boundless."

Lin Zhao covered her mouth and laughed. "Gu Chenghuai said his parents once used that trick to outwit many Japanese—very experienced in this."

"Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu are good people," Meng Meng Jiusi felt lucky—he'd suffered for over twenty years, and fate finally favored him.

Lin Zhao said nothing.

Thinking of her long-awaited Tiegujie, she asked: "Fourth brother, how's my Tiegujie? Any sprouts yet?"

Meng Meng Jiusi shook his head, voice regretful: "... Not yet."

Lin Zhao frowned. "Not yet?! Fourth brother, did you check at night? It's transparent where there's light."

"I did," Meng Meng Jiusi said helplessly. "I remember everything you said—it really hasn't sprouted."

He guessed: "Maybe... the seeds are planted too deep. Maybe two more days and they'll sprout." His tone was uncertain.

Lin Zhao was certain: "It will!"

Meng Meng Jiusi: "..."

"Is Xiao Xiao alright?" Lin Zhao wanted to confirm if the original novel's plot could truly be changed.

Meng Meng Jiusi paused slightly, then didn't hide it: "Fine. She lost a lot of blood, but the wound wasn't deep—stopped bleeding in time, applied medicine, she'll heal in a few days!"

"Good," Lin Zhao smiled.

Meng Meng Jiusi didn't think much of it—just thought his sister was genuinely kind.

"How are Meng Jingmo and Meng Guangbai? Are they adjusting?" Lin Zhao asked about her nephews.

"Fine," Meng Meng Jiusi smiled. "They're studying with those two teachers—every day is full, they adapted quickly."

Their living conditions were poor, but their food wasn't bad—thanks to the Lin family's help, they ate well, even had eggs and sugar, no real hardship.

"They can still study? That's great," Lin Zhao smiled. "If they keep this up, Meng Jingmo and Meng Guangbai will surely amount to something."

Those two teachers had extraordinary backgrounds—their students would learn plenty.

Hearing his aunt mention his name, Meng Jingmo and Meng Guangbai, squatting in the corner scribbling with wooden sticks, looked up.

"Aunt called me?" Meng Jingmo asked, puzzled.

Lin Zhao couldn't help laughing. "Nothing. Keep writing, study hard."

"... Mm," Meng Jingmo's face was serious.

Meng Guangbai, who had been misbehaving, froze at his aunt's words, then picked up a stick and imitated his brother, poking the ground.

Meng Jingmo: "..."

Meng Meng Jiusi's gaze softened—the stones on his heart lifted now that his children were near, his brow radiated openness, his whole being grew transparent.

"Zhaozhao, did Mom and Dad say when they'll return?"

Lin Zhao looked away, shook her head. "No word. I sent a telegram—they haven't replied. I wonder what's going on with Third Brother?"

Meng Meng Jiusi comforted: "No news is good news."

"Or maybe they're already on the way back."

Lin Zhao thought it likely—her clear eyes glowed like moonlight.

"Yes. If Third Brother hears your news, he won't be able to wait—he'll rush back to see you. They're very likely on the road."

"Fourth brother, you'll soon meet Third Brother. He's... quite passionate. I suggest you prepare yourself."

Passionate?

What kind of passion?

Meng Meng Jiusi was eager.

His twin brother... just knowing such a person existed made warmth surge in his chest.

Lin Zhao sensed his emotional shift, sighed inwardly—her fourth brother was truly soft-hearted.

"Are you getting used to it?"

Meng Meng Jiusi smiled warmly. "For me, life hasn't changed—it's just work. I treat it as exercise."

He looked kindly at his sister. "Don't worry about me—I'm nearly thirty, I can take care of myself."

He'd grown up enduring hardship—this life meant nothing to him.

He'd found his family, his grandfather who raised him, his two sons by his side—Meng Meng Jiusi felt no fatigue, only fulfillment.

Lin Zhao smiled. "Good. If you need anything, send word."

"Alright."

After checking on her fourth brother, Lin Zhao slipped away from the foot of the mountain, walking slowly toward the village.

Not far along, she saw Gu Gu Chenghuai waiting beneath a lush elm tree.

Lin Zhao ran over. "Why are you waiting here?"

Gu Gu Chenghuai stepped forward, took her hand, looked down at her, and his cold, sharp eyes softened with a smile. "Taking a walk."

Lin Zhao froze slightly, then laughed helplessly. "... Thank you, Captain Gu."

"No thanks needed," Gu Gu Chenghuai said, leading her home.

"Are the children asleep?" Lin Zhao turned her head, gazing at the tall, spirited man, her eyes brimming with love.

Gu Gu Chenghuai met his wife's gaze, his grip tightening slightly, smiling softly: "Mm."

"Didn't Seeing Yaobao cause trouble?" Lin Zhao asked, puzzled.

Seeing Yaobao was delicate, had a bit of a temper—she needed to be coaxed to sleep; if Lin Zhao wasn't there, she'd pout.

"No trouble," Gu Gu Chenghuai said. "She listens to Xiang Yubao."

Lin Zhao's eyes warmed. "Xiang Yubao has always been wonderful."

The couple returned to the village, met no one, entered the courtyard, and locked the door.

First they went to the children's room, checked on them—sound asleep—then slipped out silently.

Hearing the door close, Xiang Yubao on the lower bunk opened his eyes—clear, alert, not a trace of sleep. He touched the blanket his mother had tucked over his belly, grinned, eyes bright as stars, quietly delighted for a long while, yawned, then closed his eyes and slept.

The next day.

Lin Zhao was sketching in the courtyard when she heard someone call—she stood and went out.

At the door were postal workers.

"There's a package and a telegram for you," said the thin but healthy male comrade.

Lin Zhao stepped forward, took them, signed the receipt with practiced ease, thanked them, and carried the package home.

Gu Hangbao rushed over. "Mama, is this from Papa?"

Before Lin Zhao could answer, Yu Bao spoke up. "Dummy, Papa's at home—how could he send anything?"

Gu Hangbao scratched his head, tiptoeing to peer at the package. He couldn't tell what it was, so he tilted his small head up at Lin Zhao. "Mama, who sent this? What's inside?" He poked the package with his tiny hand.

"It's from your third uncle. You'll have to open it to find out. Could you please get me the scissors?" Lin Zhao smiled.

"Sure!" Gu Hangbao went to fetch the scissors.

"Slow down, don't run," Lin Zhao called out quickly.

Gu Hangbao obeyed, immediately slowing his pace, walking to get the scissors, then bringing them out.

Lin Zhao took the scissors. "Never run while holding something—especially scissors or axes. If you fall, you'll hurt yourself."

"Mm-hmm," Gu Hangbao nodded seriously, beaming. "Nai taught us. I remember."

Yu Bao hurried to add, "I remember too."

Song Qian Bao gazed calmly at his mother, then nodded obediently.

The youngest sister reached out and tugged at the package, her voice soft and babyish. "Ji da!"

Yu Bao grabbed her tiny hand, his youthful face serious. "Yao Bao, don't mess around. Let Mama open it. You'll see soon."

The little bundle immediately stopped fussing.

Lin Zhao praised her eldest son. "Yu Bao really acts like a big brother."

Yu Bao couldn't stand his mother's praise—he couldn't suppress the grin spreading across his lips.

Lovingly stroking Yu Bao's head, Lin Zhao cut open the package and took out its contents one by one.

There was a large bag of herbs, milk tablets, dried jujubes, walnuts, dried fruit, a piece of unidentifiable hide, and some cash vouchers.

She took a milk tablet, tasted it—the rich milky fragrance filled her nostrils.

Gu Hangbao clung to Lin Zhao's arm, begging. "Mama, I want some too!"

"There's enough for everyone," Lin Zhao said, dividing portions among her children.

Yu Bao slowly chewed, curious. "It tastes like milk—so fragrant. Just like the White Rabbit milk candy. Mama, what is this?"

"Milk tablets," Lin Zhao replied, opening her third brother's letter and reading it calmly.

Lin Shi's letter was long—three full pages. He wrote about his life, asked after his sister and her four nephews, told her to speak up if she needed money, urged her to write if she wanted anything—he'd find a way—and expressed regret for missing her birthday, promising he'd return next year…

"Mama, what did Third Uncle write?" Yu Bao asked, noticing Yao Bao had milk on her chin. He lifted the floral apron tied around her chest and wiped her mouth.

Lin Zhao didn't brush off the children—she read the letter aloud to them.

She read slowly; the four little ones listened intently.

"Third Uncle is so nice," Yu Bao said. "Mama, will Third Uncle come back next year? I don't even remember what he looks like."

Not just the children—even Lin Zhao had nearly forgotten what her third brother looked like. Over the years, Lin Shi had sent plenty of gifts, but never found time to return.

"You don't have to wait until next year. Your third uncle should be coming back soon," Lin Zhao smiled.

She thought about preparing something special.

The army's rations were basic—two-bread buns, cornmeal steamed buns, occasional meat, but so little it barely tasted like anything.

It was hard work.

"When?" Gu Hangbao's eyes widened.

Lin Zhao patted her son's forehead. "How would I know? Just wait."

"... Fine," Gu Hangbao grumbled.

He was quickly distracted by the dried jujubes. "Mama, I want to eat these."

"Just jujubes? What about walnuts and dried fruit?" Lin Zhao smiled.

Gu Hangbao licked his lips and grinned. "Yes, please."

Lin Zhao was generous, giving each twin some, and giving the twins one milk tablet each—nothing else.

After distributing to the children, she set aside one bag of dried jujubes and locked the rest in the kitchen cabinet.

"Yu Bao, Gu Hangbao, take this bag of dried jujubes to Nai. Tell her to soak them in water and drink it."

Yu Bao and Gu Hangbao, without a word, ran off to deliver them.

The twins lounged, unwilling to move, sitting beside their mother, wiggling their short legs as they ate milk tablets, looking perfectly content.

Xiao Jin didn't leave either, curling on Lin Zhao's lap, her long tail gently coiled around her wrist.

Seeing the twins behaving well, Lin Zhao smiled at her good child, then opened the telegram from the capital.

Then.

She learned about the Yuan family's situation.

Skimming the words, the curve of her lips grew wider.

Her clueless former fourth sister-in-law had lost her job—and the Yuan family planned to marry her off again to collect another bride price…?

Why couldn't she feel sorry for them?

Gu Gu Chenghuai returned home after training and saw his wife's face lit up with an unusually bright smile. He raised an eyebrow slightly, pulled up a stool, and sat.

"What's the good news?"

Lin Zhao said nothing, handing him the telegram.

"It's from Comrade Xiang Yunjian. You'll see when you read it!"

Shuowan ， Taxiangmeigutoushide ， Wangganjingshizhuoshangyipa ， Yingyingmuguangluozainanrenshenshang 。

He wore a dark green training uniform, his forehead slightly damp with sweat, his whole body radiating warmth, brimming with vitality—his arms muscular, bulging slightly as he raised them, radiating strength.

His facial features were clean-cut, bearing the sharpness and resolve unique to soldiers.

Gu Gu Chenghuai was no dead man—he felt his wife's gaze, and for once cared about his appearance, regretting he hadn't washed off the sweat by the river.

He read the telegram calmly, then said, "Xiang Yunjian is thoughtful."

"Thoughtful? He's more than thoughtful—he's incredibly thoughtful!" Lin Zhao was moved by this comradeship.

The bond forged through shared gunfire was truly ironclad.

Gu Gu Chenghuai also thought Xiang Yunjian was thoughtful.

He proposed to Lin Zhao, "Zhaozhao, the meat sauce you sent me before was excellent. Make some more and send some to Xiang Yunjian?"

"Sure," Lin Zhao agreed, then added, "But won't this gift be too light? He's from the capital—he's seen everything."

Gu Gu Chenghuai smiled. "Even people in the capital need meat coupons to eat meat."

"Xiang Yunjian probably gets meat twice as often as we do, but he still can't eat it freely, let alone get tired of it. After all, monthly meat coupons are so limited."

Lin Zhao agreed. "Nai sent us plenty of mushrooms. How about making mushroom meat sauce?"

"Good." Thinking of the second battalion commander's longing for Lin Zhao's meat sauce, Gu Gu Chenghuai added, "I have a few comrades who want some too—they said they'll trade things. Is there anything you want?"

Lin Zhao had something she wanted—her eyes sparkled. "I heard wool sweaters are warm and light, more comfortable than regular knits. I want one. Can I?"

"I'll ask when I get back," Gu Gu Chenghuai couldn't promise.

"If not, it's fine," Lin Zhao said.

She could use her lottery draws to get one for each of the men and the four children, plus her parents and third brother.

"Third Brother sent a lot of herbs. Tonight, give them to Fourth Brother—he can make some common medicines. Take them with you when you leave."

Gu Gu Chenghuai's expression softened. "Alright."

As they spoke, the twins bounced back, followed by Li Bao and Mao Dan'er.

"Third Uncle, Third Auntie," Li Bao said, nibbling on a dried jujube.

Mao Dan'er politely greeted them too: "Uncle Gu, Auntie Lin."

"Li Bao and Mao Dan'er are here," Lin Zhao smiled, pulling out snacks and pouring sugar water for the children.

The two children thanked her.

"Thank you, Auntie Lin."

"No need to thank me," Lin Zhao smiled. She loved children, especially well-behaved ones.

She looked at Mao Dan'er. "I'm making mushroom meat sauce later—you can learn how."

Cooking always follows the same principles. Learn to make meat sauce, and you'll know how to make stir-fried noodle topping too.

Mao Dan'er's eyes lit up. "Okay."

After being taught by Auntie Lin last time, his Nai said his cooking had improved—he felt it too.

Deciding to make the sauce, Lin Zhao wasted no time. She called Mao Dan'er into the kitchen, and the twins followed.

Gu Gu Chenghuai settled the twins in the courtyard, told Da Huang to watch them, then turned and went into the kitchen to help.

Lin Zhao: "…"

Add a chicken leg to Da Huang's dinner tonight.

Gu Gu Chenghuai washed the mushrooms, chopped the meat, prepared all the seasonings, diced everything, then handed over to Lin Zhao to cook while Gu Hangbao stoked the fire…

Mao Dan'er and Yu Bao watched and learned.

The small kitchen had a clear division of labor.

Soon, a powerful aroma spread out.

"So fragrant, so fragrant," Gu Hangbao stood up to peer into the pot.

Lin Zhao smiled. "We'll have noodles for lunch with this sauce—how's that?"

"Great!" Gu Hangbao shouted.

Xiang Yubao nodded his head.

"Take some of the Cat Egg back later, let your grandma taste it too," Lin Zhao said gently, looking at Cat Egg.

Cat Egg's face froze in surprise; he quickly waved his hands. "No, no…"

"Don't say no," Lin Zhao interrupted him. "Didn't your grandma ever tell you, 'Never refuse a gift from an elder'?"

"She did," Cat Egg replied honestly.

"So don't say no—I give it to you, you take it." Ning Laotai's jade gourd given to the twins could be exchanged for how many jars of meat sauce.

"Thank you, Auntie," Cat Egg said.