Chapter 164: He

Lin Shi was helped into the new courtyard by his sister, and no sooner had he sat down than a porcelain enamel mug was pressed into his hands.

Before he could speak, he heard Lin Zhao's voice, each word brimming with concern and worry.

"Third brother, drink some water. Are you comfortable sitting like this? Are you sure you're not touching your wounds? By the way, are you hungry? Tell me what you want—I'll make it right away."

His sister cared so much for him.

Lin Shi grinned.

He looked over.

His sister's cheeks were pale with a rosy flush, her eyes bright and lively—more beautiful than any woman in the Cultural Troupe—and she didn't look mistreated at all.

Any older brother would be satisfied.

"I'm fine! Not hungry—I just ate."

No sooner had he finished speaking.

Gu Gu Chenghuai walked out from the back courtyard carrying a small pot.

"Xiang Yubao, Gu Hangbao, get bowls," he instructed his sons, then turned to his in-laws and third brother-in-law: "The mung bean and lily soup has been chilled in the well—Zhaozhao made it. It's excellent for cooling down. Father, Mother, Third Brother, please try some."

Lin Shi was young and strong, burning with internal heat, and every summer was unbearable—his body drenched in sweat, his shirt soaked through.

He didn't hesitate, picked up the bowl, and downed it in one go.

Instantly.

A coolness spread through his mouth, slowly swallowing up the heat inside him.

"Good," Lin Shi thanked his son-in-law and praised him, then noticed Gu Hangbao beside him and smiled warmly: "You want some?"

Gu Hangbao stole a glance at Lin Zhao, met her smiling eyes, and waved his small hands frantically: "No, I don't want any."

He explained, "Mom says kids shouldn't drink too much cold stuff—it gives you a stomachache."

Lin Lin Heling pulled his grandson close, his voice warm and gentle: "Your mother's right. Children shouldn't drink too much cold."

Gu Hangbao rested his cheek against his grandfather's shoulder, refusing to look at the chilled sweet mung bean soup—as if not looking meant not craving it—his expression mischievous and adorable.

Lin Shi felt for his nephew and spoke up: "Would it hurt if he had just a couple sips?"

"Drink your own," Song Xi glanced at him sidelong. "Would Zhaozhao ever shortchange her own son?"

She turned to Lin Zhao: "Zhaozhao, come to your room."

Lin Zhao had wanted to talk more with her third brother, but hearing her mother call her, she paused, puzzled, then rose without hesitation, told Gu Gu Chenghuai to take good care of her father and third brother, and led her mother inside.

The twins wanted to follow, but Gu Gu Chenghuai called them back.

The brothers exchanged pleading glances.

"No," Gu Gu Chenghuai refused again.

Gu Hangbao puffed out his cheeks. "Dad's unfair."

Gu Gu Chenghuai raised an eyebrow. "How am I unfair?"

"If Seeing Yaobao asked you, you'd say yes," Gu Hangbao sneered—he'd already figured out his father inside and out in such a short time.

"No," Gu Gu Chenghuai shook his head.

Meeting Gu Hangbao's skeptical gaze, he said: "I'd take her out to pick flowers. In our family, everything follows your mother's wishes."

Seeing Yaobao had lately loved picking flowers—bringing back the prettiest ones to her mother, and with just one compliment, she'd beam, her eyes crinkling, kicking with energy.

Gu Hangbao crossed his arms. "It's unfair!"

He voiced his grievance, then made his demand: "I want you to comfort me too."

Gu Gu Chenghuai didn't refuse right away. "What do you want me to do?"

Gu Hangbao's eyes darted. "Take me and my brother to town to buy soda."

Knowing his father loved them, he was bold—always the one haggling with Gu Gu Chenghuai.

Lin Shi hadn't seen his nephews in years; this was his first time witnessing Gu Hangbao like this, and he watched with quiet interest, saying nothing.

What a clever little thing—his negotiation tactics were clearly copied straight from his sister.

Gu Gu Chenghuai said: "How old is Seeing Yaobao? How old are you? You said you're a big kid—why compare yourself to your sister?"

Gu Hangbao had his own logic, and his mouth kept going: "Dad, you're wrong."

"Mom says no matter how old we get, we're still her precious little ones. So even if I grow old like Grandpa, with white hair, I'm still your son—why can't I compare to Seeing Yaobao? We're both your kids—you can't… can't favor one over the other…"

Xiang Yubao knew what his brother meant and finished for him: "Favoring one and neglecting the other."

They'd just learned that idiom last night—Gu Hangbao had forgotten it, and was punished with twenty repetitions.

"Yes, yes—that's it! Favoring one and neglecting the other!" Gu Hangbao, unaware he'd just sealed his own punishment, gazed at his brother in awe.

Gu Gu Chenghuai pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'll buy it for you tomorrow."

"And," he emphasized, "I believe I've poured the water evenly. Don't talk nonsense—especially you, Gu Gu Zhihang."

Ever since Zhaozhao said it, he'd become the Master of Even Pouring!

Gu Hangbao dared not provoke further. He stood straight, mimicking his father's posture, and gave a clumsy military salute: "Yes, sir."

Having secured his rights, he turned to Lin Lin Heling, begging for a new story.

Lin Lin Heling stroked his grandson's head and smiled, but didn't start right away. "How did your mother celebrate her birthday? Did she get longevity noodles?"

Xiang Yubao sat neatly beside his grandfather, speaking clearly: "Dad took us to the provincial capital. We visited state stores and bought tons of things, went to the zoo… Dad made Mom longevity noodles, with fried eggs. Mom said they were delicious."

Hearing this, Lin Lin Heling grew even more satisfied with his son-in-law.

Good. Thoughtful.

He even knew Zhaozhao always ate longevity noodles on her birthday.

Gu Hangbao added: "Grandpa, the train was super long—you could lie down! The provincial capital was so fun. We even brought back Xiao Jin. Xiao Jin's a golden snub-nosed monkey. Do you know golden snub-nosed monkeys?"

"Golden snub-nosed monkey?" Lin Lin Heling was surprised.

Sensing his grandfather's curiosity, Xiang Yubao jumped up and dashed into the house, returning moments later carrying a small monkey with bright eyes and glossy fur.

"Grandpa, Third Uncle—this is Xiao Jin," he nuzzled the monkey's head, voice cheerful.

"It used to belong to a circus. The circus is breaking up, and its owner wanted to send it to the zoo, but the zoo director refused. My dad and mom saw how much Gu Hangbao and I loved it, so they took it. Now it's part of our family."

Xiao Jin leapt onto Lin Lin Heling's lap, sat cross-legged, looked up at him, and behaved like a well-mannered pet—nothing like a wild monkey.

"Looks very well-behaved," Lin Lin Heling murmured, gently stroking Xiao Jin's head.

For village kids with no entertainment, keeping a monkey was fine.

"Yeah, Xiao Jin's super well-behaved," Gu Hangbao, ever talkative, spoke fast: "My eldest uncle says when he was little, he saw big monkeys in the mountains—wild monkeys are fierce, they bare their teeth to scare people and throw rocks at heads."

Lin Lin Heling replied patiently: "Wild ones don't know humans—they're naturally aggressive. If you meet one, keep your distance."

Gu Hangbao nodded solemnly. "We know."

After giving his grandchildren advice, Lin Lin Heling turned to Gu Gu Chenghuai: "The provincial capital's chaotic. Don't take the kids again unless you bring more people. You and Zhaozhao alone can't manage four children."

Hearing this, Gu Gu Chenghuai realized his in-laws and third brother-in-law hadn't returned to Dongfeng Team—and didn't know Meng Meng Jingmo and Meng Meng Guangbai had been brought here.

So.

In a few brief sentences, he told them.

He mentioned nothing about the Yuan family's affairs, only that he and Zhaozhao had fetched Meng Jingmo and Meng Guangbai from the capital, arranged by a comrade stationed there.

Lin Lin Heling, ever perceptive, immediately sensed something was off.

His brow furrowed slightly. "What's going on with the Yuan family?"

A direct, piercing question.

Since his father-in-law had asked, Gu Gu Chenghuai didn't hide anything—he laid out everything he knew to Lin Lin Heling and Lin Shi.

Lin Shi's brow knotted into a tight knot.

He cursed.

"Fuck!"

"Bullshit Yuan family—bullying our Lin family's young ones? They're asking for death!"

Lin Lin Heling, rarely one to scold his hot-tempered third son, didn't reprimand him—he wanted to curse too.

The usually mild-mannered Lin father's smile vanished. Anger flared, a vein bulging on his forehead—he was furious.

Fortunately, years of cultivation still held.

He steadied himself and asked: "Are the two boys alright?"

"They're fine," Gu Gu Chenghuai added details about his two grandsons' current state.

Learning his grandsons were well, Lin Lin Heling's expression eased.

Lin Shi had many questions.

"My two nephews… are they going to be educated by their father now?"

His tone was clearly disapproving: "They're under ten—they're not going to school? Just doing farm work?"

He thought sending the boys to Meng Jiu was too impulsive.

Gu Gu Chenghuai's voice remained calm: "Fourth Brother insisted. Meng Jingmo and Meng Guangbai feel unsafe and insist on staying with him."

Lin Lin Heling's eyes flickered with understanding.

With a mother like that and no decent Yuan relatives, it wasn't surprising Meng Jingmo and Meng Guangbai wanted to follow Meng Jiusi.

"Let them be," he said.

His father-in-law's words were exactly what Gu Gu Chenghuai expected—he was always this kind, never forcing his will on others.

"Fourth Brother and the boys are getting used to it. Father, don't worry."

Lin Lin Heling smiled lightly. "With you all around, I'm at ease. Thank you for your hard work."

"Father, you're being too formal."

Lin Shi fell silent, imagining his twin nephews, already looking forward to their evening meeting.

Did that man named Meng Jiu feel the same way?

Inside the room.

Lin Zhao's eyes flickered at the sight of those gold bars.

What's going on?

More than what Father and Mother secretly slipped her last time!

"Mother?" she asked, puzzled.

Song Song Xiwen said crisply: "Your father remembered he buried a box near the train station. We dug it up—twelve gold bars total. You and your brother each get two, your father and I keep two, and all the jewelry and ornaments are yours. You like old things—if you like this box, take it too."

Father and Mother had already given her plenty: five gold bars alone, plus a green jade necklace, bangles, jade bracelets, earrings—worth a fortune.

Lin Zhao had no intention of taking these.

She said: "Give me the box. Keep the rest yourselves."

"Take it," Song Song Xiwen said firmly.

"Your father and I have savings for old age. You and your husband have four children—school, housing, jobs, weddings… all cost money. Don't think only of yourself—think of your four little ones."

Those four were her responsibility—why were Father and Mother worrying again?

Lin Zhao's heart swelled with warmth. She moved closer, hugged her mother, and rested her head on Song Song Xiwen's shoulder.

"Your husband and I can earn money."

Song Song Xiwen laughed without restraint.

She tapped her daughter's nose with her index finger. "I believe Gu Chenghuai can earn. You? You spend five times faster than you earn."

Lin Zhao protested: "Mother…"

Her tone was plaintive, laced with a tiny, accusing lilt.

Song Song Xiwen wrapped her arms around Zhaozhao and whispered softly: "Your four older brothers are my and your father's true sons—we won't abandon them. Take what's yours."

With that said—

"Then I'll take it," Lin Zhao said, like a little treasure hunter, snatching the beautiful wooden box, examining it closely, her eyes brightening. "Is this huanghuali wood?"

"You've got good eyes," Song Song Xiwen said.

Lin Zhao lifted her chin proudly. "I learned from Father since I was little. Just a little knowledge, but enough."

"True—you're curious about everything. Unlike those boys, always sneaking out to play."

Lin Zhao thought her brothers were unfairly blamed—they were out searching for food everywhere.

She couldn't help speaking up.

"Big Brother found me sweet fruits."

Song Song Xiwen said no more. The children's closeness pleased her and her husband.

"Mother came here today specifically to meet her grandsons, right?" Lin Zhao changed the subject.

Only then did she realize Father and Mother didn't yet know… that Meng Jingmo and Meng Guangbai had been brought home.

"What grandsons?" Song Song Xiwen didn't understand.

Lin Zhao blinked. "Meng Jingmo and Meng Guangbai. Didn't you go back to the brigade?"

"No. We didn't celebrate your birthday this year. Your father feared it would upset you, so after getting off the train, he barely ate, and we came straight here. He said he'd make you longevity noodles this afternoon—to make up for it."

Lin Zhao's lips curled, though she said: "I'm so old now—missing one meal doesn't matter."

Song Song Xiwen brushed her daughter's long, glossy hair, her gaze soft. "No matter how old you are, you're still our daughter."

She'd been deeply influenced by Lin Lin Heling. Her husband favored daughters, always saying girls were obedient, girls were warm cotton-padded coats. Over the years, treating her daughter well had become instinct.

Lin Zhao didn't know her mother's thoughts—she smiled brightly.

Seeing Song Song Xiwen looked tired, Lin Zhao said: "Mother, I'll make up the bed. Rest for a bit. When it gets dark, we'll go see Fourth Brother—he misses you and Father. He even asked when you'd return."

Song Song Xiwen was surprised. "Your Fourth Brother asked about me and your father?"

"Yes."

As she spoke, Lin Zhao went to the next room to make the bed.

Song Song Xiwen followed.

The mother and daughter stepped out. The Long Long Fengtai slowly crossed the threshold, followed by Seeing Da Huang and Gu Lan.

They entered the courtyard.

Seeing strangers, Seeing Yaobao hurriedly buried herself in Gu Gu Chenghuai's arms, her pink face pressed against his chest, stealing glances at Lin Lin Shifan—then, when he noticed her, she panicked and buried her head again.

Over and over.

She wore a pink dress, two tiny buns tied on her head, double eyelids, long lashes that fluttered with innocent charm. Her round, pale cheeks were plump with baby fat—so tiny, so adorable.

Lin Lin Shifan adored her. He reached out to hug his precious niece.

The little dumpling wrinkled her face and pushed his hand away. "No, no, no…"

Third Uncle deflated, his proud head drooping.

Then Seeing Song Qian Bao walked toward Lin Lin Shifan, arms open, calm and composed: "Third Uncle."

He spoke slowly, each word deliberate.

Lin Lin Shifan perked up like he'd been injected with adrenaline, straightening his shoulders instantly. "Yes!"

He reached to hug his nephew—Song Song Xiwen swatted his arm away and snatched Seeing Song Qian Bao herself.

"Do you want to lose your leg?"

Lin Lin Shifan had forgotten.

He scratched his head. "I got too excited seeing my nephew!"

"Excitement doesn't excuse ignoring your injury," Song Song Xiwen scolded, then explained to Seeing Song Qian Bao why Third Uncle couldn't hold him.

Injury = bleeding = pain.

Third Uncle's leg hurts.

Seeing Song Qian Bao understood instantly. His dark eyes fixed on Lin Lin Shifan's leg.

Lin Zhao finished making the bed. Lin Lin Heling and the others washed up briefly and returned to rest.

Xiang Yubao, being thoughtful, knew his grandparents and Third Uncle were tired. He took his siblings back to their room, arranged toys for the Long Long Fengtai, and practiced writing with Hengbao.

Xiang Yubao was a determined child. With a calligraphy copybook, he stuck to daily practice, assigned himself tasks, and only played after finishing.

He didn't just hold himself to high standards—he held Hengbao and Lizhao to them too. As a result, all three children recognized many characters, and wrote better than most kids their age.

Especially Xiang Yubao—he was the most serious, the hardest-working, and wrote the neatest characters.

All the ragged curtains were pulled open. At the window desk, two identical little boys sat side by side, pencils in hand, writing. The older one occasionally turned to check on his siblings; seeing them well-behaved, he turned back and continued writing.

Lin Zhao watched for a while, her eyes full of smiles. She went to the backyard, picked two tomatoes, washed them clean in the kitchen, sliced them into pieces, placed them in a bowl, sprinkled sugar on top, and slid the bowl through the window.

Xiang Yubao and Hengbao's eyes lit up instantly.

The person outside pressed a finger to her lips, signaling them not to shout—so as not to disturb the Long Long Fengtai.

Hengbao covered his mouth with his hand, his dark eyes brimming with laughter.