Chapter 407

"Does it look good?" Lin Zhao turned to her husband, smiling until her eyebrows and eyes were curved.

She loved beauty and liked all kinds of dresses, but it was a pity that there were too few choices, and coupled with the influence of the social environment, she didn't dare to dress up too much.

She felt quite stifled in her heart, looking forward to the opening up.

Gu Chenghuai nodded: "It looks good."

Lin Zhao wore a smile: "Don't you think it's revealing?"

"As long as you like it," Gu Chenghuai respected his wife's feelings.

Old Han's wife came from a good background, and their family's food, clothing, and daily expenses were very particular; Gu Chenghuai was not surprised that she could send Zhao Zhao such a birthday gift.

"I can't wear it out now, I'll wear it in two years," Lin Zhao carefully folded it and put it into the wardrobe.

Gu Chenghuai took the initiative to say: "If you want to wear it, wear it at home when the weather is hot. When the environment improves, I'll ask someone to make you more dresses, all kinds of styles."

Lin Zhao's smile was bright: "You said it; I want beautiful ones, the wardrobe at home is a bit small, let's build a bigger one."

"Okay."

When the twins returned, they brought the gifts they had prepared.

The brothers avoided Lin Zhao and sneaked back to their own room.

Seeing Yaobao was in her brothers' room, lying on the table watching her little brother flip through books. The books Lin Zhao 'plundered' back solved Qian Bao's urgent need; Chief Engineer Zhou happened to have something to do during this time, so he didn't need to go over to study, and he flipped through the books stored at home one by one.

If it weren't for Lin Zhao formulating a schedule and strictly requiring Qian Bao's reading time, he wouldn't leave the room every day.

It was also distressing that the child loved to read.

Fortunately, two years ago Lin Zhao drew 'super eye drops', the kind that prevented nearsightedness; just one drop, and after dropping it, he could use his eyes however he wanted, and he wouldn't get eye diseases in the future. Lin Zhao used this medicine on Qian Bao, who loved reading but didn't like to move, so she could rest assured.

Seeing Yaobao saw her eldest brother and second brother return, slid off the stool, and trotted over.

"Eldest Brother, Second Brother, did you buy the things back?" her eyes were shining.

Xiang Yubao freed up a hand and touched his younger sister's head: "Bought them back, keep it a secret for now, we'll give them to Mom tonight."

Seeing Yaobao's big eyes smiled into crescents: "Will Mom like it?"

Gu Hangbao's expression was confident, smiling until he revealed a row of neat and white teeth: "Definitely, this is a gift we completed together, Mom will definitely like it!"

Qian Bao put down his book and paced over.

His clear and childish eyebrows and eyes had a sense of uprightness.

"Brother, have you checked it?"

Xiang Yubao nodded: "Of course."

"Rest assured, no problem, it's very perfect," he emphasized again.

Qian Bao gave an 'en', and seeing his eldest brother and second brother hide that thing in the wardrobe, he breathed a light sigh of relief and turned around, intending to continue reading.

Xiang Yubao stretched out his right arm and hooked his thin shoulders: "Have you not moved all morning? Come out with me to play ball for a while."

Qian Bao wanted to refuse, but Gu Hangbao interrupted: "If you don't like to move, you won't grow tall! Qian Bao, you don't want to be a little shorty, do you? If you aren't even as tall as Mom, how can you protect Mom?"

Qian Bao's unwilling expression disappeared instantly, and he walked toward the shoe rack and put on his white sneakers.

"I'm a boy, a boy's height follows his dad, and I'm not a picky eater, I eat everything, I won't fail to grow tall," he looked at his two brothers, his black and white eyes full of seriousness, as if answering a teacher's question.

Xiang Yubao said: "Exercise will make you grow taller. Mom likes tall people; she says boys who are tall look spirited."

Only then would he have a chance to be the school heartthrob...

He asked Mom what kind of grass a school heartthrob was; Mom first laughed out loud, and then said it was a boy who was at the top of his class and looked handsome, the most popular boy in the whole school.

Hearing that Lin Zhao liked tall boys, a flash of solemnity crossed Qian Bao's eyes.

"Eldest Brother, Second Brother, call me when you go to play ball again," he said.

Xiang Yubao laughed: "Okay, we'll call you, you can't say you aren't going."

Qian Bao responded: "I won't. I will readjust my study plan."

"Fine, as long as it doesn't delay your business."

Then, the three boys went out to play ball, and Seeing Yaobao followed behind carrying several green water bottles, acting as an audience to cheer for her brothers.

Qiao Hui began to prepare the afternoon dishes; according to previous years, the Meng family would come over to celebrate Zhao Zhao's birthday.

Lin Zhao felt that the children were acting suspiciously and asked Gu Chenghuai: "Have you noticed that Xiang Yubao and the others are acting mysterious? They haven't come near me today, as if they are plotting something they can't let me know about?"

Gu Chenghuai indeed knew, but it was not convenient to tell Zhao Zhao for the time being.

The children were wholeheartedly preparing a surprise for their mother; he couldn't be a father who spoiled the fun.

"You'll know tonight," he kept her in suspense.

"They prepared a surprise for me?" Lin Zhao's intuition told her the answer.

"... That's what you guessed, I didn't say it," seeing his wife had guessed it, Gu Chenghuai didn't want her to be disappointed, so he admitted it.

As for what the surprise was, his mouth was very tight, and he didn't mention a single word that shouldn't be said.

Lin Zhao was also sensible, restraining her curiosity and not asking more.

Truly looking forward to it.

Afternoon.

Meng Jiusi brought his whole family over.

He was wearing a white shirt, a gray wool vest over the shirt, and black trousers on his lower body; his hair was cut very short, looking neat and clean.

The two children, Jingmo and Guangbai, were also dressed cleanly and had grown into handsome youths.

There were no women in the Meng family; Jingmo and Guangbai spent more time at the Gu family than at their own home; they grew up with the twins, and the four boys were as close as biological brothers.

"Sister, happy birthday," Meng Jiusi handed the things he brought into Lin Zhao's hands.

"Is this a birthday gift for me? What is it?" Lin Zhao looked at the small box, her tone light.

"A watch, you can wear it in rotation," Meng Jiusi's voice was light and slow.

Lin Zhao opened the box; inside the packaging box lay a watch with a silver-white strap, simple yet high-end.

"Doesn't look like a domestic brand?"

"En, bought it at the Friendship Store." Zhao Zhao had a Plum Blossom brand watch; the last time Meng Jiusi went to the capital on a business trip, he was pulled by a good friend to the Friendship Store, and he fell in love with this watch at first sight, intending to buy it for Zhao Zhao as a birthday gift.

It just so happened that his sister's watch was a bit old.

"It must be expensive, right?" Lin Zhao touched the strap, her liking visible to the naked eye.

"Not expensive, as long as you like it," seeing Zhao Zhao liked it, Meng Jiusi was in a very good mood.

There was nothing cheap in the Friendship Store; this watch cost more than two hundred and thirty, plus several tickets, but as long as his sister liked it, he felt it was worth it.

Meng Jiusi had a high salary and received other rewards from time to time, so he didn't lack money.

"I like it very much, thank you Little Brother," Lin Zhao carefully put away the watch, intending to wear it later.

Gu Laoyezi Meng was generous and gave Lin Zhao a television ticket.

"I heard you've always wanted to buy a television; I got a ticket by chance, so I'm giving it to you."

Lin Zhao's eyes shone, she took the television ticket and looked at it several times.

"!!"

"It really is a television ticket!!" she said with an excited tone, "Thank you, Gu Laoyezi Meng, I love this gift so much."

She had long wanted to buy a television, but she couldn't get a ticket; Gu Chenghuai had found several comrades with strong connections at home and offered to pay a high price to buy one, but they couldn't get one.

It was truly too rare.

Gu Laoyezi Meng looked at the smile on Lin Zhao's face and also laughed.

"As long as you like it, I knew you would like it; your brother said you've always been thinking about buying a television, now that you have a ticket, you can arrange it."

Immediately after, he asked: "Have you saved enough money? If you haven't saved enough, I'll add a little for you."

The old man's purse was bulging; saying 'add a little' was not just a little, but one or two hundred.

"It's enough, I saved enough money long ago, it's just that there was no ticket; Gu Laoyezi Meng, this ticket is a timely rain, thank you," Lin Zhao thanked him with a smile.

Xiang Yubao and the others knew that there would be a television at home, and they nearly jumped three feet high.

"We're going to have a television~!" Seeing Yaobao clapped her hands and said.

Gu Hangbao looked at Han Shuang: "Han Juan'er, my house is going to have a television too."

"..." Han Shuang heard this kid call her by her nickname, so she also called his nickname: "Gu Hangbao, congratulations!"

Gu Hangbao: "..."

"Han Shuang, you're truly stingy," he curled his lips. "I've never seen a female comrade more vengeful and stingy than you."

Han Shuang smiled: "This isn't called stingy, Comrade Gu Zhihang. This is called reciprocity."

Gu Hangbao: "Cunning words and a fawning manner."

"Say whatever you want," Han Shuang didn't argue with him; today was Aunt Lin's birthday, she had to be sensible.

Xiang Yubao acted as a peacemaker: "I'm going to the kitchen to help Aunt Qiao, are you going?"

"I'm going," Han Shuang said, "I'm most familiar with the kitchen, I can help."

"Then you come with me," Xiang Yubao said.

The youth and the young girl walked toward the kitchen.

Gu Hangbao didn't even think and chased after them.

"I'm coming too."

With the assistance of the three helpers, Qiao Hui quickly produced dish after dish.

Smelling the aroma of the food, Jingmo and Guangbai consciously washed their hands and entered the kitchen to serve the dishes.

"Aunt Qiao, your skills are getting better and better; just smelling the scent makes me hungry," Guangbai said with a smile on his face, his speaking speed slow and steady.

Qiao Hui was praised until she was beaming: "If you like it, eat more in a while; there are many dishes today, and there are several that you like."

Guangbai served the dishes and responded with a few 'en's.

His personality hadn't changed much; after growing up, he was still quiet, the only difference being that his mouth was very sweet, especially good at finding ways to praise the cook, and the words of praise were never repeated.

The food was served on the table, and everyone sat around the table.

As the birthday star, Lin Zhao didn't say anything empty, only urging everyone to eat, eat, eat.

Xiang Yubao and the others were at the age of growing, hungry fast and eating a lot; looking at the table full of dishes, they ate without lifting their heads.

Everyone knew that food was only fragrant when scrambled for; the few young men competed with each other, eating truly fast.

Fortunately, Lin Zhao had prepared in advance, bought a lot of ingredients, and let Qiao Hui make more, otherwise she was afraid there wouldn't be enough to eat.

"Eat slowly, don't choke, there's cake later."

Hearing her voice, the wolfing-down youths slowed down.

Gu Hangbao said: "Where did the cake come from? I didn't see you make a cake, Mom?"

Gu Chenghuai said indifferently: "I asked your Uncle Han to make it."

Gu Hangbao subconsciously looked at Han Shuang, his gaze curious.

Is that so?

Why didn't he believe it.

Uncle Han didn't look like someone willing to make a cake.

Han Shuang was eating quietly; noticing Gu Zhihang's gaze, she smiled politely at him.

She wouldn't say that Dad was grumbling while making it.

Gu Hangbao: Truly good at playing dumb.

Lin Zhao caught a glimpse of the eyebrow and eye battle between Gu Hangbao and Han Shuang and smiled.

There were many boys in the family, and no matter how much food there was, it could all be eaten; the plates were all clean.

After the meal, the cake was divided.

With a professional chef's hand, even if it was the first time making a cake, the taste was quite outstanding.

Seeing Yaobao's eyes went straight, her little mouth saying 'delicious' several times, and she expressed her envy to Han Shuang.

"Sister Shuangshuang, you are so happy, you can often eat such delicious cake."

Han Shuang was just about to swallow the second bite of cake when she heard this sweet voice full of envy, and her movements paused slightly.

She explained earnestly: "My dad made a cake for the first time, and I'm eating it for the first time too. In the future, when my dad makes it again, I'll send you some."

Seeing Yaobao's eyes shone, and she pulled on Han Shuang's hem and shook it.

"Really? Sister Shuangshuang."

Han Shuang nodded: "Really, I'll send you some."

If Mom ordered Dad, would Dad agree? Definitely, who made Dad a wife-brain, only listening to Mom.

She would also find a partner like Dad in the future.

Han Shuang's mind wandered.

Seeing Yaobao's voice was sweet: "Sister Shuangshuang is truly good, I'll save some for you when I have something delicious too."

These words made one's heart feel warm; Han Shuang rubbed the little sister's fleshy cheeks: "Okay, let's share together."

The fruits put in the cake were all the ones Lin Zhao loved to eat.

The cream wasn't heavy, and it tasted just right.

The Meng family members also praised it endlessly.

Jingmo commented: "Better than what we ate in the capital."

Guangbai licked the cream, his eyes bright, and hearing this, he looked at his brother: "When did we eat cake? I don't remember. Brother, you and Dad didn't take me when you ate it?"

"Hey, you kid, you forget after eating," Jingmo's face turned black. "That cake was specifically bought by Dad!"

Gu Laoyezi Meng laughed out loud: "At that time Xiaobai was still small, it's normal not to remember."

Guangbai gave a blank 'oh', and then said: "When can I taste the cake in the capital again, then I'll be able to compare."

Lin Zhao smiled: "There will be a chance, I'll take you to eat it then."

She loved to eat and play, and could accept any novel thing very well; Guangbai liked to go out with his aunt very much.

"Okay, okay, I'll accompany Aunt."

A gentle hand fell on his head, followed by a soft tone: "Good boy."

Guangbai's face felt hot, and he cleared his throat, pretending to be calm.

Why did Aunt still treat him like a child...

Night.

Lin Zhao saw the birthday gift the children had prepared; it was a painting—

A painting that could light up.

The person in the painting was her, her working at her desk under the light.

Xiang Yubao and Gu Hangbao found someone to make a frame, and the painting was dotted with many small light bulbs; with a click of a pen, the whole painting lit up, and the person in the painting seemed to smile, warm and moving.

"Such a creative birthday gift," Lin Zhao was pleasantly surprised. "Whose idea was it?"

Gu Hangbao, Qian Bao, and Seeing Yaobao pointed at their eldest brother at the same time.

Lin Zhao's black eyes brimmed with smiles: "Truly good. Where did these little lights come from, and how were they put on?"

Qian Bao answered: "The little lights were brought by Second Brother, and I installed them."

Lin Zhao was surprised: "This looks so complicated, you even know how to do this?!"

The child was very calm: "It's not difficult, knowing the principle is very simple; does Mom want to know? I can teach you."

"... Okay, when there's time, you teach me," Lin Zhao said insincerely.

Three days after the birthday party, parcels from the Dongfeng Brigade arrived one after another, and after that, the ones sent by Lin Shifan and his wife.

Yes, Lin Shifan was married; it was the third year since Lin Zhao came to follow the army, and now the child was already two and a half years old.

His wife was the daughter of his leader; through the organization's matchmaking, the two saw eye to eye and became partners.

It was less than two months before and after; the speed was ridiculously fast.

When Lin Zhao first found out, she almost thought her brother had made a principled mistake and was rushing for time.

The third sister-in-law sent local specialties and a new set of clothes; the clothes were in Lin Zhao's size. Lin Shifan said in the letter that the clothes were made by his wife herself, and she had practiced for two months for this.

What he didn't say was that he had several more pairs of boxer shorts with equally rough needlework and cutting...

Although they were practice pieces and not very comfortable to wear, they were at least his wife's intention, so Lin Third Brother could only accept them with a smile.