Chapter 382: The Vibe is Off

Lin Zhao gave away books casually, never thinking to place herself in the position of a noble. She had just arrived home when she felt an itch in her nose and couldn't help but sneeze.

"Caught a cold?" Gu Chenghuai looked over. Seeing his wife washing her hands, he reached out to grab a towel for her.

"No, someone must be talking about me..." Lin Zhao said uncertainly.

"In any case, it's not a cold. I don't want to drink ginger tea." She looked defensive.

Gu Chenghuai chuckled, his voice gentle, "Alright, we won't drink it."

Observe first.

Lin Zhao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, hooked her arm through Gu Chenghuai's, and changed the subject, "What are we eating today?"

Qiao Hui heard this, walked out of the kitchen, and answered with a smile, "White rice, a few stir-fried dishes, and a soup."

Since arriving at the military district, no one had come to point fingers at her anymore. Every day, she only needed to clean and wash clothes. She didn't even have to hand-wash the clothes; she put them in the washing machine and only needed to take them out to hang them. Then she would cook and take care of the four children... Life was comfortable. Qiao Hui had gained some weight, started smiling more, and her mental state was like a different person compared to before.

"Good, I trust Sister Hui's cooking," Lin Zhao said with a smile.

"How can I compare to you?" Qiao Hui said, "I still have a lot to learn."

She had a cookbook in her hand that was said to have been found by Lin Zhao, and she made different dishes every day.

Qiao Hui carried the thermos back to the kitchen to continue working.

Lin Zhao and Gu Chenghuai were talking when Song Zhi came to visit.

Seeing the young couple talking in the courtyard, her eyes were dazzled by their beauty. Honestly, it was quite a pleasing sight.

Even though there was no physical contact, just a single glance between them... was enough to make one feel flushed.

"Ahem, am I interrupting?" Song Zhi gripped the natural-wood-colored courtyard gate with her right hand, not venturing into the house.

"... No, come in," Lin Zhao greeted with a smile.

Gu Chenghuai nodded at the guest and then made space for them.

Song Zhi walked in, her face full of mischief.

Lin Zhao acted as if she didn't notice, her expression unchanged, "Sister-in-law, why did you come over?"

"I came to bring you some news," Song Zhi said bluntly, "That sister-in-law from your same brigade has brought her children to join the army. I'm just letting you know."

Lin Zhao was stunned and said indifferently, "Is it Su Yuxian?"

"Yes, that's her," Song Zhi slapped her thigh.

"It's fine, we aren't close, she can't stir up trouble in front of me," Lin Zhao said dismissively.

However.

How could Su Yuxian come to join the army?

Could the old couple of the Lu family have agreed to it!?

"Did she come alone?"

A look of distaste flashed across Song Zhi's face, and she shook her head, "No, that girl from the Lu family is with her."

Her home was close to the Lu family's. A few times, seeing that girl hungry and pitiful, she had given her food twice. This giving led to problems; that girl would come to her door at mealtime, looking pitiful and saying she was hungry...

Helping out occasionally was fine, but coming every day—even if she didn't eat much—was hard to bear.

When Lu Baozhen came again, Song Zhi refused her. As a result, the little girl actually grew to resent her, snatched snacks from her own children, and bullied her children, making her tremble with anger.

Isn't this just an ungrateful wretch!

"Don't pay her any mind. That mother and daughter are both bullies who fear the strong. As long as you stand your ground, they won't dare to do anything," Lin Zhao said, seeing the frustration on Song Zhi's face, and offered comfort.

Song Zhi said, "Right, I won't pay attention to that mother and daughter, and you shouldn't either. Alright, I just came to give you a heads-up. I'm leaving."

After speaking, she stood up and walked out.

After taking a few steps, she turned around, "Sister Lin, the flowers in your yard are really beautiful."

Lin Zhao glanced at the corner of the wall, where various flowers were planted against it, and a rocking chair with a cushion was placed among the flower beds.

"Just planted them casually. If you like them, I can dig up two stalks for you," she said generously.

"No need, no need," Song Zhi said with a look of regret, "I have no place to plant them. It's better to live in a courtyard; the space is big and bright."

After admiring the flowers that made one's mood pleasant for a few moments, she really left.

Once the guest was gone, Lin Zhao entered the room. Just as she sat down, she was grabbed by the wrist and pulled into the arms of Gu Chenghuai, who had been resting with his eyes closed.

"Shall we lie down for a while?" he said in a low, hoarse voice.

"It's almost time to eat," Lin Zhao patted his shoulder lightly.

"Just for a while."

Lin Zhao sighed and nestled into the man's arms, "Do you know that Su Yuxian and Lu Baozhen have come to join the army again?"

Gu Chenghuai opened his eyes and kissed her eyelid affectionately, "I know. Why ask about unimportant people..."

"Fine, let's not talk about them. Close your eyes and nap for a bit. Didn't you say there's training this afternoon? How will you have energy if you don't rest well?" Lin Zhao covered his eyes with her palm and urged him softly.

"With you by my side, I always have energy," Gu Chenghuai said in a low, teasing voice.

Her fair, delicate hand moved down to cover his mouth, "Stop with the sweet talk. Rest now, I'll call you when dinner is ready."

"Okay." The ordinary word "okay" was spoken by Gu Chenghuai with such indulgence that it made one's ears burn.

Gu Chenghuai wrapped his arms and legs around Lin Zhao and closed his eyes.

Lin Zhao: So heavy.

Thinking of the red bloodshot eyes of the man, she didn't move, quietly acting as a body pillow, and before long, she fell asleep too.

When she woke up again, the twins had brought their younger brother and sister home from school, followed by two dogs acting as escorts.

Yes, the three-year-old twins had been sent to the nursery class.

It was on the way, so the twins picked up their younger brother and sister on the way home.

As soon as the children got home, they called for Mom.

Qiao Hui walked out of the kitchen in two steps, "They are resting in the room. You go take a quiet look. If they are awake, call them for dinner; if not, we'll eat first, and I'll keep the food warm for them."

This was what Lin Zhao had instructed before: she would rather not eat than have her sleep disturbed.

Qiao Hui didn't understand, but she had to obey.

Xiang Yubao looked at his younger brother and sister and raised his index finger to his lips.

"Quiet, Mom is resting."

Gu Hangbao put his schoolbag away casually, walked on tiptoe toward the main room, and knocked on the door twice lightly when he reached the entrance.

The moment the knocking sound rang out, Gu Chenghuai opened his eyes, his dark pupils clear, without a trace of grogginess.

"Come in."

Gu Hangbao's eyes lit up, he pushed the door open, and his little feet in sandals stepped into the room.

Seeing his parents lying comfortably on the bed, he couldn't describe the feeling, but he wasn't very happy.

"You guys are catching up on sleep..."

Gu Chenghuai noticed the person beside him move, patted Lin Zhao's back lightly, and said in a voice that was a bit hoarse from waking up: "Do you have an opinion?"

"I do, I do." Gu Hangbao's mouth pouted enough to hang an IV bottle, "We have to get up early for school and never get enough sleep. You have tons of time to catch up on sleep; I think it's unfair!"

Lin Zhao laughed, turned around, faced her son, and said gently, "But I also had to go to school every day when I was your age."

"My home was very far from school, and we had to walk for a long time every day to get there. You guys are complaining even though you're just a short distance away. Should I send you back to Dongfeng Brigade to let you experience the suffering I went through back then?"

Gu Hangbao's expression changed slightly, he stepped forward to grab Lin Zhao's hand, acting spoiled, "No need, I wasn't complaining, I just wanted to hug Mom."

As he spoke, he hugged Lin Zhao.

Gu Chenghuai twitched the corner of his mouth—what a smooth surrender.

Lin Zhao patted her son's head, "Get up now, eat first. You still need to nap after eating, otherwise, how will you have energy in the afternoon?"

Under Lin Zhao's influence, all four children in the family had developed the habit of napping.

"Okay." Gu Hangbao let go of his arms and stood by the bed waiting for Mom.

Lin Zhao got out of bed and smoothed the wrinkles on her clothes, "Did you wash your hands and face?"

"I forgot," Gu Hangbao said honestly.

"It's okay, wash with me," Lin Zhao took her son's hand and led him out the door.

In the courtyard, Da Huang, Hu Po, Xiao Jin, and Mei Qiu were already eating.

Xiang Yubao had just finished helping his younger brother and sister wash their hands and faces, and had changed the water in the basin to clean water, "Mom, I've helped Qian Bao and Seeing Yaobao wash their hands and faces. The water in the basin is clean; you and Gu Hangbao can use it."

What a capable son.

Lin Zhao bent down and hugged Xiang Yubao, "Thank you, Big Cub, you really are Mom's most worry-free son."

The children were growing up day by day; if she didn't kiss or hug them now, she wouldn't have the chance later, wuwu.

Xiang Yubao's cheeks burned, and he walked with his hands and feet on the same side to the kitchen to bring out the dishes.

The twins clung to Lin Zhao; wherever she went, they followed.

"Why are Qian Bao and Seeing Yaobao suddenly so clingy?" Lin Zhao touched the brothers' little faces.

Seeing Yaobao smiled sweetly, "I missed Mom. Mom, I want a kiss." She tilted her little face, and with her cute dimpled hands, she pointed to her own chubby little cheek, "I want a kiss."

Lin Zhao was charmed by her own obedient and cute daughter, her voice impossibly soft, "Just one kiss? What should I do if Mom wants to give you two?"

"That's okay, I want two kisses." The cute little girl reached out and gestured with a two.

Lin Zhao kissed Seeing Yaobao's face a few times, which made the child incredibly happy, revealing her white, tender teeth, her laughter as cheerful as could be.

She then followed suit and kissed Qian Bao a few times.

The calm and serious child kept a straight face, his ears stained with a crimson hue.

Lin Zhao smiled and took the brother and sister to wash up.

Gu Chenghuai saw Qian Bao's tense expression, and a smile flashed in his eyes, "Teasing Qian Bao again?"

Qian Bao nodded.

Yeah, can you stop teasing the kid so much?

Lin Zhao didn't admit it, "I wasn't teasing. My son is cute, what's wrong with me kissing him?"

"Nothing wrong." Gu Chenghuai gave his son a helpless look and took Qian Bao and Seeing Yaobao to wash their hands.

Qian Bao sighed.

He knew it—Dad couldn't be counted on.

As if knowing the little son's thoughts, Gu Chenghuai pinched Qian Bao's little hand, "Don't look like your dad is useless. When you have a wife, you might not even be as good as me."

When he was a teenager, he never thought he would have a day like this.

Back then, he only wanted to fill his stomach.

After meeting Zhao Zhao, he realized he was someone who fell for beauty at first sight, and realized... there really was such a person in this world. Even if she did nothing, just standing there was enough to receive all his favoritism, making all his joys and sorrows depend on her.

Qian Bao frowned, his expression completely serious, "I want Mom, I don't want a wife."

Gu Chenghuai: "..."

A bunch of mama's boys.

These words were learned from his wife.

Lin Zhao didn't take the matter of Su Yuxian and Lu Baozhen coming to join the army to heart, never expecting trouble to come knocking.

This day, the four cubs brought home a little boy. The boy was about the same age as the twins, with fair, tender skin, clean single eyelids, and eyes that weren't small—they were beautiful double eyelids. When he smiled, his eyes curved slightly. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt and black pants, looking polite and refined, like a young master from a high-ranking official's family.

Seeing this boy, Lin Zhao frowned imperceptibly.

"This is...?! "

"This is Brother Jiang," said Seeing Yaobao, "Brother Jiang is amazing, he protects me."

"Jiang? Which Jiang?" Lin Zhao smiled faintly, the smile not reaching her eyes.

The single eyelids, the polite young master temperament, and the surname Jiang... it was hard not to make her think too much.

Jiang Rong revealed a polite smile, his voice bright, "Jiang from Jiang Ziya. Hello, Aunt Lin, my name is Jiang Rong, I'm a classmate of Xiang Yubao and Gu Hangbao."

Damn, it really is Lu Baozhen's official match!

That jerk who blindly believed Lu Baozhen's nonsense and repeatedly abused her daughter.

Lin Zhao's heart skipped a beat, and a look of vigilance flashed across her face as she looked at Jiang Rong, like looking at a yellow-haired brat.

After all, the original male lead was still a kid who hadn't even grown his hair out; Lin Zhao couldn't do anything to him. She twitched the corner of her mouth, "Hello, welcome to our home as a guest."

Not really.

Male lead, get lost. Can't we just live our own lives?

Jiang Rong didn't notice the insincerity of his classmate's mother, his smile becoming even more brilliant, "Mm."

He looked at Seeing Yaobao and said seriously, "Seeing Yaobao, if anyone bullies you again in the future, have Da Huang and Hu Po come find me, I will stand up for you again."

"Mm, thank you, Brother Jiang," Seeing Yaobao said in a soft, milky voice.

The little person in Jiang Rong's heart started dancing. Ahhh, Seeing Yaobao is so cute, I really want a younger sister, ahhh.

"You're welcome." The male lead grinned, smiling like a fool.

Lin Zhao: "..." The vibe is off.

From what she could see, the little male lead's personality was okay, not that annoying. Why was he so hated in the original plot? Did he grow up twisted?

It wasn't strange; people just rot away quietly sometimes. How normal.

Jiang Rong didn't stay long. He made an appointment with the twins to go to school together in the future, politely said goodbye to Lin Zhao, and left with his schoolbag on his back.

"Seeing Yaobao, were you bullied? Who bullied you? I'll go find them." Lin Zhao held Seeing Yaobao's little shoulders, examining her daughter carefully. Only after finding no injuries on her did she feel relieved.

Seeing Yaobao touched her own braids, her little milky voice complaining aggrievedly, "Someone pulled my braids."

How could someone be so mean!

Lin Zhao almost cursed out loud.

"Does it hurt? Mom will rub it for you. Don't be afraid, baby. Your dad and I will take you together this afternoon to see who still dares to bully our Seeing Yaobao," Lin Zhao said, heart aching as she rubbed her daughter's little head.

Gu Chenghuai was wearing training clothes, his pant legs tucked into high-top boots, his knees covered in mud. He wore a military-green short-sleeved shirt on his upper body, sweat soaking through the clothes, outlining his sturdy and well-defined muscle contours. He had an inverted-triangle physique, full of power and charm.

"Bully who?" He heard half the conversation and immediately chimed in.

Lin Zhao stood up, "Gu Chenghuai, you're taking Seeing Yaobao to the nursery class with me this afternoon. Someone bullied our daughter!"

She was furious.

And she had let her own cubs owe Jiang Rong a small favor; all four cubs had a good impression of him.

The smile in Gu Chenghuai's eyes faded, a fierce look flashing across his cold, stern face, "Who bullied my daughter? Whose family is it?"

Lin Zhao looked at the twins. Xiang Yubao said, "Pan Yulin! It's Pan Yulin! He pulled my sister's hair, Seeing Yaobao was almost crying. Dad, can I beat him up?"

"Yes," said Lin Zhao, "Whoever's hands..."

Swallowing the curse words at the tip of her tongue, she weighed her words, "Whoever bullies your sister, you as brothers can beat them back, but be careful to avoid critical areas, like the head, eyes, neck..."

A light appeared in the twins' eyes as they looked at Gu Chenghuai.

Is this right?

Gu Chenghuai nodded and said in a deep voice, "Right. Some people are bullies who fear the strong; the more you retreat, the more excessive they become. For those kinds of people, you have to beat them until they submit, so they don't dare to challenge you again."

He wasn't afraid of his sons causing trouble; he was only afraid of them being wishy-washy and lacking spirit. ===== CHAPTER 383 =====