Chapter 424: Buying a Television

This matter was eventually discovered by Gu Chenghuai.

He deliberately set aside half a day to pick up his daughter-in-law.

Standing beneath the yellow ginkgo trees, dressed in everyday clothes, his posture straight as a pine.

A cheerful student asked around and found out: he was the husband of Lin Zhao, the stylishly dressed, beautiful girl from the Literature Department.

Thinking of Gu Zhihang and Gu Zhili, she reached a conclusion: this family had exceptional looks—none of them were weak links.

On the second week of formal classes, Qiao Hui arrived, luggage in hand, utterly exhausted.

With her came Da Huang and several others.

Lin Zhao took the bag hanging around her neck. “How did you get here? Why didn’t you send a telegram? I could’ve picked you up—you didn’t even worry about getting lost?”

Da Huang and Hu Po entered the courtyard and began exploring, sniffing here, gnawing there.

Qiao Hui said, “You’ve got a mouth under your nose—just ask. Why would you need to come pick me up? You’re busy with studies, I can manage on my own, besides, someone saw me off.”

The person who saw her off was Gu Chenghuai’s comrade.

Lin Zhao invited the man inside for tea, firmly pressed a small packet of sugar into his hand, and promised to host him for dinner once Gu Chenghuai returned, before seeing him off.

“Was your journey smooth?” Lin Zhao led Qiao Hui to her small room, watching as she unpacked.

“Smooth—I slept most of the way. It was just far, and the ride made me dizzy.” Qiao Hui kept busy, occasionally glancing over at her.

“Didn’t Da Huang and Hu Po make a mess, did they?”

Da Huang: “Woof!”

Hu Po bumped against Lin Zhao’s leg, nudging her repeatedly. Lin Zhao obliged, stroking its head.

“No,” Qiao Hui said, gazing at the two dogs with affection. “They were well-behaved—only went to the bathroom at stops. They even helped watch the luggage, saving me a lot of trouble.”

Da Huang dragged a wooden stool over with its mouth, then pawed it to Lin Zhao’s feet.

“You want me to sit? Thank you, Da Huang.” Lin Zhao patted its head.

She noticed their fur was filthy. “I’ll give you both a bath later.”

Da Huang: “Woof.”

Xiao Jin was timid; as soon as let out, it hid inside the room and wouldn’t come out unless called.

Mei Qiu strolled through the courtyard with feline grace, its round, plump form utterly adorable.

“I’ll wash them—you read your book,” Qiao Hui said.

“Alright,” Lin Zhao smiled in reply.

“Sis, rest for a bit first. When Yubao and the others come back, we’ll eat out—I’ll throw you a welcome feast.”

Qiao Hui: “No need for that—eating out is so expensive. Let’s just eat at home, I’ll cook.”

“That won’t do. You just arrived—I can’t make you work right away,” Lin Zhao disagreed.

Without waiting for Qiao Hui to argue further, she went outside to bathe Da Huang and the others.

Qiao Hui said nothing more.

Listen to Zhaozhao. Don’t upset her—there’ll be plenty of time for her to cook.

She quickly tidied her clothes and belongings, swept the room, opened the windows, swept the courtyard, and laid out dog beds for the two dogs…

She didn’t stop.

Then she went to clean the kitchen.

She arranged the dried vegetables and seasonings she’d brought from home in order.

When Yubao and the siblings returned from the Meng household, they froze upon seeing Qiao Hui, then broke into smiles.

“Auntie Qiao,” the children called out.

“Auntie Qiao, you’re here!” Yaobao, who had received the most care from Qiao Hui, was especially fond of her. She ran forward and hugged her waist.

Qiao Hui’s face lit up with a smile, her hand raised. “Wait a moment—I haven’t washed yet, I’m covered in dirt.”

“Auntie Qiao isn’t dirty,” Yaobao obediently let go, looking up at her. “When did you arrive? Are you tired?!”

“I just got here, not tired at all,” Qiao Hui said, gazing at her with affection.

She had raised this little girl since infancy. If she dared say it boldly, what difference was there between this girl and her own daughter?

Yaobao pointed to Qiao Hui’s room. “Auntie Qiao, your room is that one. Have you seen it? The sheets and curtains were picked by me and Mama—we washed them in the washing machine, they’re spotless.”

“I’ve seen it, I’ve seen it! No wonder it looks so nice—it was picked by Yaobao and Mama! So capable! Oh, you even washed them for me—no wonder they smell so sweet. I’m truly lucky to have come to the capital and live such a good life,” Qiao Hui laughed.

“Auntie Qiao is wonderful, Mama says so,” Yaobao’s eyes curved. “Now someone will pick me up and drop me off! Auntie Qiao, you’ll pick me up and drop me off, right?”

Mama also had to go to school and sometimes came late to pick her up. Those annoying little boys kept bothering her with chatter—she was so tired of it.

Qiao Hui looked at Yaobao. “Of course I’ll pick you up and drop you off. Your mother said taking care of you is my top priority.”

“Great! I love Auntie Qiao the most!” Yaobao beamed sweetly.

She said this often—just listen, don’t take it too seriously.

Gu Zhiyu and Gu Zhihang spotted Da Huang and Hu Po and were utterly delighted—feeding them, brushing their fur, treating them like they were more precious than their own father.

“Has your uncle come back? Hasn’t he returned yet?!” Lin Zhao handed the task of tending to the two dogs to her sons and asked about Meng Jiu’s whereabouts.

After Lin Zhao and her husband and children arrived in the capital, Meng Jiu was also transferred back to the capital.

He ignored offers from prestigious units and joined the Capital Military District Hospital, continuing his pharmaceutical research.

After that dark period, for Meng Jiu, nowhere was safer than the military.

Meng Laoyezi owned a courtyard near Lin Zhao’s home. After the Meng family’s fortunes improved, he transferred ownership of that courtyard to Meng Jiu.

Recently, the three Meng men moved into their new home.

“Nope,” Gu Zhihang said, sitting on a small stool, his long legs awkwardly curled up as he brushed Da Huang’s fur. “Xiaobai says my uncle is busy, just like Dad!”

Lin Zhao said, “Still, he can’t be gone all day.”

“Yubao, let’s eat out later. Go tell Jingmo and Guangbai.”

“Got it,” Gu Zhiyu stood up immediately.

Libao took the brush from his hand, and Hu Po stood up too.

It shook its fur and followed its young master.

Gu Zhiyu smiled, patted the dog’s head, and took it along.

Outside, children who saw Hu Po burst into exclamations.

“Big dog! There’s a dog!!”

“So fat a dog!!!”

This upset Hu Po. It gave a non-threatening “Woof” to express its displeasure.

Don’t say that—your master might hear and cut our rations!!

Hu Po bit Gu Zhiyu’s pant leg and tugged him away from the children.

Gu Zhiyu understood its intention and laughed—his voice clear and pleasant, carrying the clean tone of youth.

“Don’t worry, you won’t go hungry.”

Hu Po understood—but its dog face showed no smile.

Gu Zhiyu crouched and patted Hu Po’s head. “You’ve truly become a spirit!”

“Woof…”

…

At the end of the semester, Lin Zhao finally bought the television she had long desired.

Once installed and powered on, she seemed especially excited.

“Finally got it—I’ve been waiting nearly two years. Qiao Jie, Hengbao, Libao, Yaobao, come watch TV.”

Yubao was at school—boarding, so he wasn’t home.

Gu Zhihang walked over with a fruit tray. “Coming, coming.”

The others were also excited, sitting in a row to witness the television’s first activation.

“Mom, turn it on, quick, I’m ready!” Yaobao urged.

Lin Zhao smiled and switched on the television.

The screen flickered with static, then the image appeared—

The News Broadcast was playing.

“There’s an image! There’s an image!! The TV is so interesting,” Gu Zhihang said.

With only books and radios for entertainment, the television was truly astonishing to them.

That night, the children watched TV until ten o’clock—only after all programs ended did they yawn and go to sleep.

Lin Zhao didn’t dampen their enthusiasm that evening, but the next day she set a rule.

“…The TV turns off at nine sharp. Wash your feet, use the outhouse—no more staying up late watching TV like last night.”

Gu Zhihang looked as if the sky had fallen. “Nine and ten aren’t that different!”

Lin Zhao glared. “How isn’t it different? It’s an entire hour! Don’t think I don’t know—you and Libao were chatting past eleven last night.”

Gu Zhihang’s eyes flickered with guilt.

“Not that late…”

Lin Zhao smiled.

Gu Zhihang immediately changed his tune. “We won’t do that again. Can we extend the cutoff to ten?”

He shot a glance at his most charming little sister.

Concerned about TV privileges, Yaobao immediately stepped in.

“Mom, we’ll wash our feet early. We’ll go to bed right after ten—can we?” She looked up, eyes wide and pleading, her clear black-and-white gaze filled with earnestness, as sincere as could be.

Lin Zhao refused, “No, ten o’clock is too late. If you fuss around like that, you won’t fall asleep until after eleven, and it’ll hurt your health. Plus, you’re still young—watching TV too long is bad for your eyes.”

Upon hearing this, Xiang Yaobao stopped nagging and nodded obediently.

“Alright, I’ll listen to Mama.”

She glanced around, still trying to negotiate for a better deal: “Can we watch a little longer on weekends?”

Lin Zhao sighed helplessly, “...Fine.”

Such a little schemer—getting sharper by the day.

Gu Chenghuai returned from leave and saw the TV in the house with calm expression; Lin Zhao had told him in advance about the big purchase, so he was well aware.

“Zhao Zhao, the military district housing is all set. Since you’re on break, when would you like to go take a look?” He sought Lin Zhao’s opinion.

“Sure, I’m free from now on. Yubao and Qianbao haven’t come back—they probably can’t make it,” Lin Zhao said.

“Don’t wait for them. Go ahead without them,” Gu Chenghuai didn’t want to live apart from his wife anymore; sleeping alone in an empty house was unbearable.

“Alright,” Lin Zhao also wanted to see it and nodded in agreement.

“Zhao Zhao, Yunjian heard about a courtyard for sale—good location, right size. Would you like to go see it?” Gu Chenghuai asked again.

He had a touch of male chauvinism; the house his father-in-law gave Zhao Zhao was one thing, but he wanted to give her one of his own.

Lin Zhao’s eyes lit up. “Great! Where is it?”

“I’ll keep it a surprise—you’ll find out tomorrow,” Gu Chenghuai said, smiling in his eyes.

The courtyard Yunjian recommended was indeed excellent.

Its location was superb—close to the Forbidden City, also a sihe courtyard, larger than the one Lin Zhao already owned, but severely damaged, requiring substantial repair costs.

“How much is the asking price?” Gu Chenghuai asked his old comrade, seeing his wife was pleased.

“Twelve thousand,” Yunjian said. “It sounds like a lot, but it’s actually cheap—you won’t get cheated. If the seller wasn’t in a hurry to leave the country, he could’ve gotten three or four thousand more.”

He knew the owner personally and had helped him during the turbulent years; otherwise, he wouldn’t have gotten this price.

“I know,” Gu Chenghuai nodded. He understood this was a “friendship price.”

“We’ll take it.”

Lin Zhao nodded.

Excellent, excellent—this sihe courtyard even had rockeries and ponds, grand layout, spacious yard, many rooms—once repaired, living here would be so comfortable!

Yunjian’s home wasn’t far from here; the thought of becoming neighbors with Chenghuai made him happy.

“The owner wants to close the deal quickly. Chenghuai, when are you free?”

Gu Chenghuai looked at his wife—household finances were in Zhao Zhao’s hands; he had to submit a request to his boss just to spend money.

Lin Zhao said, “This afternoon is fine.”

Over the years, the balance in their savings book had kept growing; even after buying the house, they still had a large sum left, and she wasn’t the least worried.

Yunjian didn’t mock Gu Chenghuai for being afraid of his wife—because in his own home, his wife managed the finances too…

Two-thirty in the afternoon.

Lin Zhao and her husband arrived at the property transfer office and waited a while, when Yunjian helped an elderly man walk over.

The old man had white hair, deep wrinkles, many age spots, a slightly hunched back, drooping eyelids, and no smile for anyone—he looked hard to approach.

“Uncle.”

Lin Zhao and Gu Chenghuai greeted him; they’d been warned by Yunjian that the man was only in his early fifties.

He’d been worn down by rural hardships into this state.

Uncle? He wasn’t even called Grandpa—it felt strange.

The owner internally scoffed, then nodded slightly at the two young people.

He led them into the property transfer office.

Yunjian smiled apologetically and whispered, “After returning to the city, Grandpa Li treats everyone like this—it’s not aimed at anyone. He… has suffered inside. Please don’t take it personally.”

Gu Chenghuai grunted in acknowledgment.

Lin Zhao shook her head. “We won’t mind.”

No wonder he was eager to leave the country—sigh.

If it were her, she’d flee too—farther away, the better.

The transfer went smoothly; Lin Zhao now owned another property.

She beamed, eyes crinkling.

“Another house!” Lin Zhao waved the property deed in front of Gu Chenghuai.

Gu Chenghuai played along nicely: “Congratulations, Ms. Lin, on adding another house. Once renovated, you can alternate living in them.”

Lin Zhao laughed until she couldn’t close her mouth.

Gu Chenghuai stayed in the city for only two days; when he left, he took Lin Zhao and the others with him.

The trip to the capital’s military district wasn’t short—it took five hours round-trip. They departed at noon and arrived after dark.

“So far away,” Lin Zhao held Gu Chenghuai’s hand, gazing intently at him. “I didn’t realize how long your journey home always is. Aren’t you exhausted?”

“Not tired,” Gu Chenghuai said. With those words from Zhao Zhao, he felt energized all over. “I look forward to it. Thinking about what you’re doing while I’m on the road, and how you’ll feel when you see me—I don’t feel tired at all, only anticipation and joy.”

Seeing the children had entered the house, he took Lin Zhao’s hand and led her home.

“Take a look around—tell me what’s missing, I’ll note it down, and we’ll buy everything together on supply day.”

“Alright,” Lin Zhao replied, then added softly, “But you’re so thoughtful and reliable—you probably left nothing out.”

Indeed, nothing was missing.

After all,

Gu Chenghuai had nearly perfectly recreated their previous military district home.

The only difference: the old house had been a single-story flat; now it was a small, brand-new two-story building, with a courtyard paved in cement.

“This place is really wonderful…”