Chapter 21: Zhao Zhao, Be Reasonable

“Mom doesn’t know how?” Er Zai’s face was filled with disbelief, as if something had shattered.

Lin Zhao nodded calmly, “...I never knew how to begin with.”

She pinched his cheek and tugged gently outward, “Not many high schoolers know how to make cameras.”

High school doesn’t teach this anyway.

Er Zai’s expression turned grave. “Then what do we do?”

“Study hard, get into college, and a great teacher will teach you,” Lin Zhao chuckled.

Thus, Er Zai had his first dream in life.

The five-year-old child grinned widely, voice brimming with excitement: “I’m going to college, build a camera, one for Mom, one for Brother, one for Grandpa and Grandma, one for Tiechui—we’ll each have one!”

Lin Zhao fell silent for a moment, then said, “You do your best.”

“Mm-hmm.” Er Zai nodded rapidly.

Da Zai, seeing his brother now had a goal while he had none, frowned.

His expression couldn’t have been easier to read.

“You’re still a child, no need to think too much yet. You’ll understand once you start school,” Lin Zhao patted her eldest son’s prickly bald head, soothing him softly.

Da Zai was a sensitive, thoughtful child, but he obeyed; hearing her words, he stopped overthinking, his expression relaxing.

Just then, the waiter called out for Lin Zhao to collect her meal.

She told her two sons to hold their seats while she went to fetch it.

The state-run canteen’s food wasn’t top-tier delicious, but it used generous ingredients and served large portions.

The three of them shared one bowl of shredded pork noodles; they barely touched the other two dishes before their stomachs were full to bursting.

Fortunately, Lin Zhao had prepared—she carried a lunchbox, scooping the few-bite pork with sweet potato noodles into one box, and the radish-bone soup into another, then led her two sons out.

“Lunch for this afternoon is sorted—we’ll reheat it when we get back.”

Er Zai volunteered to carry the lunchbox, saying sweet words: “Cooking’s tiring, Mom, take a day off.”

Da Zai wholeheartedly agreed. “Mom’s cooked for days straight—she’s exhausted. When we get home, you and I will reheat the food, and Mom can rest.”

Lin Zhao looked deeply moved.

What’s it like having two little sweet-pepper sons?

Warm!

So warm!

Two extra-thick cotton-padded coats.

“Alright then, thank you, my two little men.”

Da Zai was thrilled to help his mother. “I’m not tired—I love helping Mom.”

“You’re truly my good son,” Lin Zhao took Da Zai’s hand in hers.

Da Zai stared at the hand she held, his smile brightening further.

Mom’s hand is so soft—he loved being held by her.

Seeing this, Er Zai walked to Lin Zhao’s other side and took her other hand, his lips curled in a pure, bright, childlike smile.

Lin Zhao glanced at the sun, estimated the time, and figured it was nearly right—she took both boys to the post office.

Twelve o’clock.

Gu Chenghuai’s call came as scheduled.

Lin Zhao answered, her slender fingers curling slightly, hearing a deep, pleasant male voice: “Comrade Lin.”

The familiar voice traveled through the wires to her ear—slightly alien, yet intriguingly new.

This was Lin Zhao’s first phone call with Gu Chenghuai.

“It’s me, Comrade Gu,” she mimicked his tone, speaking seriously.

Gu Chenghuai’s deep black eyes revealed an almost imperceptible smile.

He got straight to the point:

“There’s a sales clerk position at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative—mostly confirmed. You need to go through the formalities, so find some time to come by...”

Before he finished, Lin Zhao interrupted in shock, “A job?”

A sales clerk at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative?!

It felt like a giant pancake had been dropped on her head.

Hearing the doubt in his wife’s voice, Gu Chenghuai immediately guessed she’d forgotten what she’d written in her letter. His eyes showed exasperation as he explained: “Didn’t you say you wanted a job? Don’t you want it anymore?”

As he spoke, his tense body relaxed, leaning against the counter.

Lin Zhao recalled her mood when writing the letter—she’d been furious, wrote everything down, filled several pages, then ate a braised chicken leg and never checked back—yes, she might have mentioned wanting a job.

“I do!”

“Gu Xing’er says I’m freeloaders, that I’m draining you dry—I want a job. Once I have one, I’ll support myself and the four kids.”

Gu Chenghuai’s refined brows furrowed slightly. “Then what do you want me to do?”

Lin Zhao pouted, saying nothing.

“Don’t hurt yourself,” Gu Chenghuai’s voice carried a hint of exasperation.

Lin Zhao gripped the phone tighter, displeased: “She’s your sister—born from the same womb.”

“You said she’s your sister—just a sister,” Gu Chenghuai pinched the bridge of his nose, voice low. “You can’t punish me for her mistakes, Zhao Zhao. Be reasonable.”

His voice was superior; when deliberately lowered, it was irresistibly alluring.

Lin Zhao’s porcelain-white ears burned—he was deliberately teasing again.

Her lips curled upward involuntarily, though she said: “Then you’re not allowed to secretly give Gu Xing’er money—or else... or else I’ll take the four kids back to my parents’ house!”

Gu Chenghuai replied: “We’ve always had you manage the household finances—I never keep money on me. What would I give her? Besides, I listen to my wife.”

He spoke sincerely; Lin Zhao’s mood lifted.

“Is the job really real?”

“Aren’t jobs hard to find these days? How did you get this one? What do I need to do?” Lin Zhao thought of the job, her heart tightening—questions tumbled out like scattered beans.

Gu Chenghuai didn’t care about the phone bill—he patiently and thoroughly explained everything.

“I’ve already sent the money. Go straight to the county government building and find Yang Junzhi—he’s my comrade-in-arms, he’ll guide you through everything. Don’t worry—it’s just a formality. You’re a high school graduate; being a sales clerk should be easy for you. You’ll have no problem.”

His wife was beautiful and a high school graduate—how hard could a simple sales clerk job be? He could handle it with one hand!

“Alright,” Lin Zhao heard Gu Chenghuai’s arrangements were flawless—the sales clerk position was practically sealed. Her expression softened.

“Thank you, Dad of the kids.”

Gu Chenghuai chuckled softly. “No need to be formal, Mom of the kids.”

Lin Zhao noticed her two sons clinging to her arms, tiptoeing high, eager to hear their father’s voice. She spoke into the phone: “Da Zai and Er Zai are here too—say a few words to them.”

“Alright.”

Lin Zhao handed the phone to Da Zai, who tensed instantly, holding it with both hands, his whole body stiff with nervousness.

“Don’t be so tense—it won’t break. I’ve held it for a while and it’s fine,” Lin Zhao whispered.

Her voice reached Gu Chenghuai’s ears; the young officer raised an eyebrow.

Da Zai held the phone, lips moving, but before he spoke, the receiver crackled with sound.

“Da Zai.”

The electricity altered the voice—adults could faintly recognize familiarity, but to a child, the voice on the other end was utterly strange.

Da Zai, startled and stuttering: “Th-there’s a voice?”

“That’s your father,” Lin Zhao chuckled.

“Father?” Da Zai hesitated, testing the word.

Gu Chenghuai imagined his son’s face—eyebrows and nose like his, eyes like his mother’s, quiet and obedient, his smile shy and adorable.

“It’s Dad,” Gu Chenghuai replied, then asked, “How’s everything at home?”

“Great,” Da Zai brightened at the mention of home. “Mom took me and Er Zai to Grandma’s. Second Uncle caught a wild rabbit—Grandma made spicy rabbit meat for us. So delicious!”

Gu Chenghuai responded promptly: “When Dad comes back, I’ll take you both rabbit hunting.”

“Dad can hunt rabbits?” Da Zai’s eyes widened.

To a child, hunting rabbits was the coolest thing imaginable.

Sharpshooter Gu Chenghuai: “… You vastly underestimate your father!”

“I can,” he said. “Next time I come back, I’ll teach you how to use a slingshot.”

Da Zai’s eyes lit up, then dimmed again as he remembered: “We don’t have a slingshot.”

“Dad will make you one.”

In just a few sentences, father and son grew close. Da Zai relaxed, his eyes sparkling with joy. “Thank you, Dad.”

“Dad, Mom says we’re going to build a brick-and-tile house—did you get the bricks and tiles?”

Gu Chenghuai’s voice softened. “I got them.”

Da Zai looked up at Lin Zhao, his eyes dancing. “Mom, Dad says he got the bricks and tiles!”

“I heard,” Lin Zhao’s gaze warmed.

At that moment, Er Zai stared longingly at Da Zai, his voice pitiful: “Brother, it’s my turn now?”

Da Zai looked reluctant but didn’t cling to the phone—he told his father goodbye and handed it to Er Zai.

After giving it, he imitated Er Zai’s earlier behavior, leaning close to listen to his father’s voice through the receiver.

“Dad!” Er Zai shouted loudly.

The moment Gu Chenghuai heard this lively voice, Er Zai’s mischievous little face seemed to appear before him.

“Mm.” He replied.

“Dad, when are you coming back?” Through the phone line, Erzai spoke to his father with no trace of awkwardness, utterly at ease, his eyes—sparkling with wonder—fixed on the telephone in his hands. How miraculous.

“If you don’t come back soon, my brother and I will forget what you even look like!”

Gu Chenghuai’s expression didn’t change. “It’s fine. I remember you both.”

Erzai chuckled softly. “I remember Dad too. Mom made me and my brother look at your photo last night.”

Gu Chenghuai guessed his wife had shown them the photo from their marriage certificate.

“When I return, we’ll take a few family photos together.”

Erzai beamed. “Great!”

“Mom made new clothes for me and my brother—we’re going to wear them for the photos!”

“And I’m going to wear my little soldier cap too!” he added excitedly.

Remembering his father didn’t yet know they’d soon have soldier caps, Erzai added: “Mom said she’s giving me and my brother each a little soldier cap for the New Year!”

A faint smile touched Gu Chenghuai’s lips. “Is that so? Your mother’s awfully good to you two.” She’d never even bought him a pair of socks.

“Yeah!” Erzai glanced at Lin Zhao, grinning widely. “Mom’s super good to us. Even Tiechui is jealous—he cried buckets and asked why he wasn’t her son.”

Gu Chenghuai listened patiently. “Since your mother’s good to you, you two must listen to her.”

“Of course we do! Grandma says me and my brother are the best! We help Mom take care of Sanzai and Sizai, gather firewood, light the stove, and even wash clothes!” Erzai beamed with pride.

Gu Chenghuai’s eyes filled with amusement. He believed Daizai was well-behaved—but Erzai was a mischievous brat. Still, he always listened to Daizai.

“Excellent! Your mother works hard—you and your brother must share her burden. Since I’m away, you two are the only men of this household. Protect your mother. If anything happens, go to the old house and call for help.”

He was too far away to help.

Because of this, Gu Chenghuai couldn’t blame Lin Zhao at all—not even for ignoring the children these past few years.

Erzai, like a student who’d just received a red flower from his teacher, was thrilled. He shouted loudly: “I know! I’m a man! I’ll protect Mom!”

“I will too,” Daizai chimed in, his cheeks flushed.

Gu Chenghuai chuckled softly. “Erzai, hand the phone to your mother.”

Lin Zhao took the phone. “What is it?”

Gu Chenghuai said: “I’ve asked Yang Jun to help you get the requisition slips for the bricks and tiles. Go to the county government building and find him—he’ll give them to you. Transporting them is troublesome; let your father and older brothers help.”

“Alright.”

After replying, Lin Zhao suddenly didn’t know what else to say, so she added: “I’ve noted everything you said. Any other matters? If not, I’ll hang up—I’ll write you a letter.”

“Mm, I was going to…”

Gu Chenghuai had barely uttered “Mm” when a loud *clunk* rang out, followed by a series of beeps.

They’d hung up.

He set the phone down, a hint of helplessness flickering in his eyes. He’d meant to tell her he’d be returning home for a visit soon.

Forget it. Let it be a surprise.

As Gu Chenghuai stepped out of the letter room, Sun Yeli appeared, catching the faint smile on his lips. Curious, he asked: “I see you and your wife have a good relationship. Haven’t you thought about bringing her and the kids here?”

“You haven’t gotten addicted to the canteen food, have you? You’re not like me—you’re married. Been married for years. Why haven’t you brought her over? Is something wrong?”

Gu Chenghuai stopped. His deep black eyes fixed on Sun Yeli, his expression puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“You haven’t heard anything?” Sun Yeli glanced around, then lowered his voice. “There’s been gossip about your wife over at the Jiashuyuan .”

Gu Chenghuai’s brow furrowed, his expression darkening. “What kind of gossip?”

Sun Yeli sensed the coldness in his tone and didn’t dare delay. “You don’t live in the Jiashuyuan , so it’s no wonder you haven’t heard. A lot of people there say… you and your wife were arranged as children, with no real affection. Some even say she’s from the countryside—no education, no beauty—and that you’ll divorce her eventually.”

“Bullshit!” Gu Chenghuai couldn’t hold back an oath.

“I fell in love with Zhaozhao at first sight! We got engaged after our second meeting! My wife’s a high school student—who says she’s uneducated?”

Gu Chenghuai found the rumors utterly absurd.

Sun Yeli stared, dumbfounded.

After a long pause, the usually bold soldier stammered: “F-fell in love at first sight?”

A flicker of discomfort passed through Gu Chenghuai’s eyes, though his face remained calm. “What’s wrong with that?”

“N-nothing. It’s just… not like you,” Sun Yeli scratched his head.

Gu Chenghuai was the toughest, most unyielding iron-blooded soldier in the unit—how could he fall for a girl at first sight?

It was unthinkable.

Gu Chenghuai looked puzzled.

“Is your wife pretty?” he couldn’t help asking, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Gu Chenghuai’s confusion vanished instantly. He gave him a sidelong glance. “Are you a steadfast, upright soldier, or are you judging people by appearances? How shallow.”

“…So now you’re judging by appearances?”

Before Sun Yeli could retort, Gu Chenghuai’s expression turned cold and sharp. “Do you know who’s spreading these lies about my wife?”

“I don’t know. I live in the barracks too.”

“Then how did you hear?” Gu Chenghuai pressed.

“I’m not like you—I have my own sources,” Sun Yeli said, lifting his chin proudly.

Gu Chenghuai was the youngest company commander in the military district, outstanding in every way. But his face was too handsome, his expression too reserved—he gave off an air of being unapproachable, so no one dared gossip to his face. Naturally, the rumors never reached him.

“So that’s why you keep pushing me to bring my wife and kids here?”

Sun Yeli shot back: “What else?”

Did he have nothing better to do?