Chapter 276: Visiting relatives

Gu Chenghuai's long, narrow phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, his voice steady: "No rush, the military region will investigate."

Meng Jiusi wasn't in a rush, but it was unsettling to have someone inexplicably appear who harbored malice toward him.

"That's all we can do."

He suddenly looked at his brother-in-law, "You're paying attention to this too?"

Meng Jiusi always felt that his brother-in-law didn't seem like the type to gossip.

Gu Chenghuai: "..."

"Is it very strange?" he threw the question back.

"You are Zhaozhao's own fourth brother, and also my fourth brother-in-law. How can I not pay attention when you encounter trouble?"

Meng Jiusi: You say it so righteously, it's truly hard to believe.

"... Thank you."

Gu Chenghuai waved his hand.

Meng Jiusi didn't want to talk much about the matter with Yuan Qin, so he changed the subject and asked: "How is the renovation of that courtyard of yours coming along?"

"Mostly done," Gu Chenghuai replied, "I'm currently adding furniture."

His wife had high standards and couldn't just make do; it was a matter of luck.

Meng Jiusi said: "I've had someone make the bed and the wardrobe, you don't need to worry about those; you handle the rest."

Gu Chenghuai didn't stand on ceremony with his fourth brother-in-law and agreed directly, "Then I'll trouble you, Fourth Brother."

"It's nothing," Meng Jiusi said blandly.

Thinking that once Zhaozhao came to follow the army, they would be able to see her at any time, a faint smile flashed in those ink-black eyes.

Lin Zhao was planning to take the twins to visit relatives in the military region.

The twins had just started their summer vacation, and the two little brothers had returned home with double-hundred grades and clutching their certificates of merit.

"Mom, we got double-hundreds again, and we have certificates of merit!" Gu Hangbao's loud voice rang out before he had even entered the door.

Lin Zhao looked toward the sound and beckoned to the two cubs.

"Is that so? Truly great. Do you both have certificates of merit?"

Gu Hangbao stopped in front of Lin Zhao, gave her the certificates and report cards, his words full of pride, "Uh-huh, both of us. Mom, aren't you happy?"

"Happy. My sons are so capable, how could I not be happy?" Lin Zhao wiped the sweat from Gu Hangbao's head, a smile rising at the corners of her mouth.

"What reward do you want? You and your brother think about it; as long as I can manage it, I'll satisfy you both," Lin Zhao waved her hand, promising the two sons.

Xiang Yubao put away his and his younger brother's schoolbags and said: "I don't have anything I want."

Gu Hangbao's black, bright eyes rolled, and he leaned over to his brother, "Brother, can you give your reward qualification to me?"

"No," Xiang Yubao refused his younger brother and said: "The knowledge we learned is our own; we shouldn't ask Mom for gifts."

"But Mom said herself she'd give us a reward, and I didn't ask for it," Gu Hangbao said righteously.

Xiang Yubao didn't speak, just stared fixedly at his younger brother.

The second cub lowered his head, not daring to spout that crooked logic again.

Lin Zhao watched the brothers' confrontation and felt that Xiang Yubao was becoming more and more like an eldest brother; he spoke in a very orderly way, and with him teaching the younger brothers and sisters below, she could save a lot of trouble.

Gu Hangbao didn't dare to argue with his own brother, but he had many ideas, so he turned and pulled Lin Zhao out, "Mom, give us a reward... our family won't go bankrupt, right?"

Lin Zhao wanted to know what the second cub was holding back, so she nodded, "Right."

Gu Hangbao, full of little thoughts, didn't look at his brother who was glaring at him, but instead fiddled with his hands and whispered: "Then prepare a reward for me, it doesn't matter what it is, okay?"

Lin Zhao didn't feel the child's request was excessive; wanting a reward for good grades was a matter of course, not to mention she had offered it herself.

"I plan to take you two to visit relatives. How do you feel about that as a reward?"

Xiang Yubao's eyes shone brightly.

Gu Hangbao asked quickly: "Mom, is this true?"

"When have I ever lied to you?" Lin Zhao asked back.

The twins thought about it; she hadn't lied.

Lin Zhao said again: "Didn't we mention this before the New Year? Have you two forgotten?"

Xiang Yubao remembered, "Didn't forget, I remember. When are we going?"

"Wait until I've asked for leave and arranged for Qian Bao and Yaobao," Lin Zhao said.

Gu Hangbao looked over, "Not bringing the younger brother and sister?"

"How could I bring them?" Lin Zhao lowered her eyes, "Bringing you two is already very exhausting; if I bring them too, I won't need to sleep on the road, just taking care of the four of you."

Xiang Yubao tugged at his younger brother's arm, signaling him to stop talking nonsense.

The clever Gu Hangbao skipped the topic, "Mom, what do we need to bring?"

"You two look at packing; only bring what's necessary, and nothing that isn't needed is allowed," Lin Zhao reminded the two little brothers.

Xiang Yubao took the initiative, "Mom, don't worry, I'll supervise Gu Hangbao."

"Go."

The two little boys went excitedly to pack their luggage.

When Gu Mu learned that Lin Zhao was going to take the twins to visit relatives, she was stunned, "Why are you suddenly going to visit relatives?"

Afraid that this would make her daughter-in-law unhappy, she quickly explained, "I don't mean I don't want you to go, but I'm afraid you'll encounter some mishap on the road. You, a woman, taking four cubs, if something happens..."

Just imagining it, Gu Mu felt terrible.

"I don't plan to take all the children; I only plan to take Xiang Yubao and Gu Hangbao. As for Qian Bao and Yaobao, I'd like to ask Mom to help take care of them for a while," Lin Zhao explained her plan.

Hearing this, Gu Mu felt a little more at ease.

"It's no problem for me to take care of Qian Bao and Yaobao, but can the three of you manage the journey?"

Lin Zhao said: "I can, I can look after the two children."

Seeing that she had already made up her mind, Gu Mu didn't try to persuade her anymore, only saying: "Since you've planned it all, I won't say anything. Be careful on the road, and send a telegram when you get there."

Lin Zhao nodded, "I will."

Gu Mu couldn't set her heart at ease, "Did you tell Gu Laosan? Does he know you're going?"

"Not yet, I'll ask for leave tomorrow and call him to tell him," Lin Zhao said.

"Fine," Gu Mu nodded, "Let him pick you up. You're bringing two children, and the train is full of people; don't get separated from me and my two grandsons."

Lin Zhao agreed to everything.

Zhao Liuniang also overheard and sat over to ask: "Third sister-in-law, how long are you going for, when do you plan to return, and your work... does it need someone to fill in for you?"

"Second sister-in-law, are you interested?"

Zhao Liuniang saw that Lin Zhao didn't have any negative emotions, and she gave her a playful look, "Look at what you're saying, who wouldn't be interested? Such a good job, who wouldn't covet it."

Even being able to work for half a month would be worth it.

Lin Zhao said: "It's almost time for the double-harvest, do you have time, second sister-in-law?"

"I do, I must have. There are plenty of people for the double-harvest, and the opportunity to see the world in the city is rare. Third sister-in-law, just say the word, and I'll ask the Captain for leave immediately," Zhao Liuniang was very excited.

"Fine." For Lin Zhao, it didn't matter who filled in.

Zhao Liuniang said very sensibly: "I won't fight with the eldest sister-in-law for the matchbox work from now on; it's all hers. Come to think of it, I'm the one taking advantage."

Gu Mu: "You are taking advantage, but you're also quick-witted to think of this; I didn't even think of it."

She had almost let the third daughter-in-law ask for leave, and asking for leave wasn't good; it would be a loss of wages for nothing.

Lin Zhao was very satisfied with Zhao Liuniang's attitude; she could find a way to calm Huang Xiulan's dissatisfaction, which was great.

After finishing the serious business, Lin Zhao took the twins home.

Zhao Liuniang went specifically to the eldest branch to find the eldest sister-in-law and told her about her plan to fill in for the shift.

Huang Xiulan looked at her, "Just this?! What an important matter, is it worth you coming over specifically to say it? Am I that petty a person?"

"I didn't say that," Zhao Liuniang said beautifully, "Eldest sister-in-law is the eldest sister-in-law, you're generous, your belly can hold a boat. I was just afraid you'd hear it from someone else's mouth, hear those sour remarks, and misunderstand that the third sister-in-law and I decided this quietly without telling you, deliberately squeezing you out..."

Don't think she's thinking of people too badly; that's just the reality.

No matter what is said, if it's passed around by too many people, a good thing can become a bad thing.

Huang Xiulan also knew that her second sister-in-law's worry was reasonable, and said: "That's true. Fine, I know."

She wasn't stupid, and she wouldn't listen to those divisive words.

The next day.

Lin Zhao asked for leave and said that someone would be filling in for her shift.

Director Jiang knew she was going to visit relatives and approved the leave without a word.

After Li Fen learned the news, she expressed her understanding and said to Lin Zhao: "Go ahead with peace of mind, I'll take your second sister-in-law. You don't need to worry about work matters, pay attention to safety on the road."

Wang Ju also expressed concern.

Lin Zhao thanked them one by one before leaving the supply and marketing cooperative.

Then, she went straight to the post office.

She dialed the military's phone and successfully contacted Gu Chenghuai.

On the other end, the man who learned that his wife was coming to visit relatives had his tone raised by an octave.

"... I didn't hear wrong, right? You're coming to visit relatives?"

The clear, low voice was slightly distorted by the current.

Lin Zhao said: "What? You don't welcome me?"

"How could that be?!" Gu Chenghuai said immediately, "I'm going crazy with happiness."

"When do you plan to come? I'll buy the tickets. Hard seats definitely won't work, it's too far, you won't be able to handle it for that long; better book a sleeper. Don't bring too many things, there's everything here. I'll pick you up when you arrive."

The stern-faced young officer curled his lips slightly, his brows and eyes showing a bit more softness and lingering affection.

Lin Zhao smiled and said softly: "I've already asked for leave, I can set off at any time. Help me buy the earliest one."

Gu Chenghuai listened to his wife's voice and smiled even wider, revealing neat teeth.

"Fine, I'll book it as soon as I hang up."

His wife bringing two sons on the train—even though he knew Zhaozhao had great strength and knew some martial arts, he still couldn't set his heart at ease.

He gave many instructions.

"Except for going to the bathroom, stay honestly in your seats on the road. If anything happens, find the train attendant. We are military dependents, our status is glorious, don't be afraid to trouble people. Also, don't be a busybody; just take care of yourself and our children, don't worry about other things, you know?"

He often went on missions and took the train often, and he had seen his fair share of terrible people. There were those elderly ones who specifically bullied young, beautiful, and thin-skinned girls like his wife.

If Zhaozhao were bullied, he would probably be angered to death.

Even the best cultivation of temperament would explode.

Lin Zhao knew the man was thinking for her sake and didn't feel Gu Chenghuai was being meddlesome; she agreed to everything he said.

"I've noted it all down."

After the phone call hung up, the couple got busy with their own things.

Gu Chenghuai first bought tickets for his wife and children, then continued to fix up his own courtyard.

Several rooms had already been renovated, the kitchen and bathroom had been rebuilt, and the furniture was all complete, except for the bedding and cool mats.

Knowing his wife was afraid of the heat, Gu Chenghuai took a car to the city and bought two electric fans.

The appearance of these two fans in the military family compound caused a great sensation.

"Whose house is this? They actually bought fans, and two of them!!"

"Fans? It's only what month, I don't think it's that hot yet, why would they need fans!"

"Truly wasteful!"

Gu Chenghuai ignored the whispers of the people around him.

He picked up one with one hand and entered the Meng family's door.

"Jingmo, Guangbai, come over and receive your fan."

Yes, Gu Chenghuai had bought one of them for the two Meng boys.

His own bed and wardrobe were all added by his fourth brother-in-law, and they were all made of good wood.

Gu Chenghuai had long wanted to return something, and today, when he bought the fans, a sudden inspiration struck him, and he bought an extra one.

It was also fortunate that he happened to have an extra ticket in his hand.

Jingmo pulled his younger brother out and was very happy to see the fan.

"Uncle-in-law, is it for us?"

Gu Chenghuai said: "If it wasn't for you, what would I be doing bringing it here? Lead the way, I'll help you take it into the room."

Jingmo led the way obediently and asked: "Do my little aunt and Xiang Yubao and Gu Hangbao have one?"

Xiaobai also looked at his little uncle-in-law.

"Don't worry, your little aunt has one too." Gu Chenghuai placed the fan for the brothers, plugged it in, turned it on to test it, and a cool breeze blew; it was a bit cold for the current weather.

"You can't stick your fingers inside, it's very dangerous," he reminded them carefully.

"Don't turn it on for now, be careful of catching a cold. Wait until the weather gets hot in a while."

Jingmo nodded, "We know, thank you, Uncle-in-law."

Gu Chenghuai rubbed his head, "Stay home well, I'm leaving first."

After walking a few steps, his footsteps paused again, as if remembering something, and he said: "When your dad comes back, don't forget to tell him that your little aunt is coming to visit relatives in a few days."

Leaving behind this sentence, he left with light footsteps.

Xiaobai poked his brother's waist and said in a small voice: "Brother, I think Little Aunt-in-law is like a changed person."

Jingmo rubbed his brow like his dad, pretending to be profound: "Hmm, a wife-slave is just like that."

"... What's a wife-slave?" Xiaobai didn't understand.

"Just like our Uncle-in-law, bubbling with happiness the moment he hears his wife is coming," Jingmo explained seriously.

"Then what about Dad?" Xiaobai asked again, "Dad will definitely bubble with happiness when he knows Aunt is coming."

Jingmo was stunned for a moment and said: "Dad is a sister-slave."

Xiaobai felt it was strange, and seeing his brother was impatient, he didn't dare ask again, thinking that when Aunt came... he would ask Aunt directly.

Thinking this, his whole little face brightened.

In the military region, Jingmo and Maodan played the best together.

Learning that Aunt and Xiang Yubao and Gu Hangbao were coming to visit relatives, he thought of his good friend first and said immediately: "I'm going to find the Ning family, are you going?"

"Going." Xiaobai was his brother's follower and expressed he wanted to go without thinking, not forgetting to hold the little kitten when he went.

Jingmo just took one look and didn't speak.

He had wanted to hold it too.

After the brothers locked the door, they left home.

As they walked, Xiaobai discovered something different.

Looking left and right, he suddenly said: "Brother, the annoying ghost isn't here."

Annoying ghost?

Who?

Jingmo didn't react.

Xiaobai said: "It's the annoying ghost that Brother finds annoying, the one who follows us every time we go to find Brother Maodan."

Oh...

Jingmo knew who he was talking about.

Lu Baozhen.

She was indeed an annoying ghost.

She loved to cling to Maodan the most, and when Maodan ignored her, she clung to him and his younger brother.

She was an annoying follower.

"She seems to have gone home." ===== CHAPTER 277 =====