Chapter 73: You Are Always Special

In an instant.

The twins seemed to see ice and snow melt.

Their stern father smiled!

The two boys sharply sensed a subtle difference, exchanged a glance, and their lively eyes flickered with mischief.

Hehe.

Dad is so gentle with Fourth Kid—if we accidentally cause trouble, we can ask Fourth Kid to plead for us, kiss Dad.

Then he definitely won’t get angry at us again.

Gu Chenghuai didn’t know the twins’ scheme; after his daughter kissed him, his cold, sharp black eyes instantly softened with amusement, “Good girl.”

Fourth Kid giggled loudly too.

It was nearly eight.

Lin Zhao went to bathe.

She took her time, using half an hour.

During that time, she also summoned the prize wheel.

The task log had been updated.

She glanced at the total points in the upper right corner—1385.

Among them, one task’s text was twice as large as the others, and the line cast a shadow, glowing faintly.

【Warmly welcome the cash-level pillar home, let the cash-level cornerstone feel the warmth of family and the wife’s sincere concern, earn 1000 points.

Note: 1000 is the maximum point reward, please note.】

“!!”

And as soon as Gu Chenghuai appeared, he gave her 1000 points.

No wonder he’s the cash-level pillar.

Lin Zhao seized the chance to spin the wheel.

Boldly, she spent 1000 points.

With Fourth Kid’s dad at home, earning points was easy.

No rush.

The pointer stopped, the wheel glowed bright, as if winning a jackpot in a game.

“Ironbone Herb, magical grass seed, invisible in light, appears at night, slender, emits firefly-like glow, odorless.

Note: Weak, very weak, extremely weak, requires careful nurturing.

Rarity: Exceptionally rare.

Use: Can heal broken bones, shattered bones… in one sentence, any bone problem can be cured.”

Lin Zhao’s evaluation: Slightly interesting.

But.

In an instant, she locked it in the small black room.

The description there had bold, blacked-out notes: weak, very weak, requires careful nurturing.

She couldn’t even manage four kids—how could she care for a single plant?!

We’ll see if I need it later.

Lin Zhao stepped out of the bathroom and returned to the room at a leisurely pace.

At that moment, Gu Chenghuai leaned against the bedhead reading, First Kid practiced calligraphy, Second Kid sat beside his brother, scribbling wildly—pretending to write while actually doodling.

The twins and their father were all on the bed; Third Kid lay quietly and well-behaved beside him, her little head pressed against his arm.

And Fourth Kid? As if aware of his father’s leniency, he was wildly climbing all over Gu Chenghuai, pinching his father’s cheeks, tugging at his high nose bridge, laughing joyfully.

If Gu Chenghuai’s comrades saw this scene, they’d be stunned.

Who was Gu Chenghuai? The most stern officer in the entire military district, the one who scared children in the Jiashuyuan into tears—no one dared climb on his head!

Lin Zhao lifted the bamboo curtain; her light footsteps echoed.

The four children and their father all turned to look.

Gu Chenghuai slipped his hands under Fourth Kid’s armpits, gently lifted him up, placed him aside, then got off the bed.

Fourth Kid was a good baby—he didn’t fuss, simply lay down and played finger-guessing with his siblings.

On this side, Second Kid, seeing Lin Zhao enter, jumped off his stool and pouted, “Mom, you’re so slow.”

Dad said he’d hand out gifts after Mom came back—he was desperate.

First Kid was also eager, but he had patience.

Hearing Second Kid pressure his wife, Gu Chenghuai frowned coldly, “Gu Ercai, be patient.”

Second Kid’s face went blank, then blurted out, “Dad, you’re unfair! Just now you told me to write, so I slowed down a little—just a tiny bit, okay?—you called me sluggish. Now it’s Mom’s turn, and you say be patient!”

“I’m really having a hard time!”

Lin Zhao burst out laughing.

Gu Chenghuai took the half-damp towel from her hands and wiped her hair tips, his gaze flicking toward Second Kid, “In our family, women have privileges.”

Lin Zhao stood before the dressing mirror, slowly unscrewing the face cream lid.

At his words, her fingers paused; she turned her head to look at him.

Warm golden light fell into her eyes, scattering tiny glimmers.

“Comrade Gu…” she deliberately dragged out the syllables, teasing, “I seem to remember someone saying they hated special treatment most.”

Gu Chenghuai’s expression didn’t change, “To me, you are always special.”

Lin Zhao laughed like blossoms in the wind.

The couple’s conversation made them forget the four kids.

Second Kid pouted, climbed onto the bed, and played with his younger siblings; First Kid silently practiced calligraphy.

When Lin Zhao’s hair was nearly dry, Gu Chenghuai stopped, stepped to the door, hung up the towel, and opened his suitcase.

Seeing his actions, the four kids’ eyes lit up; they slid off the bed, slipped on their cloth slippers, and dashed over.

They tilted their little heads up, their expressions of anticipation identical.

No wonder they came from the same womb.

Gu Chenghuai first pulled out a dress and handed it to Lin Zhao, speaking gently, “Zhaozhao, this is the dress I bought for you at the Haicheng Department Store—take a look, do you like it? The moment I saw it, I knew it suited you.”

“You’ll look beautiful in it.”

Lin Zhao took it, holding the collar and shaking it open.

The full length of the dress appeared before the family.

The dress was a classic red-and-white plaid design.

With a baby collar, puffed short sleeves, a retro playful charm, a red belt that perfectly accentuated her waistline, making the dress look sleeker.

“Husband, your taste is excellent—I love it.” Lin Zhao held it against herself, admiring it more and more.

Her long, seaweed-like hair, thick and glossy, fell loosely; her skin was pale, her eyes bright and clear; she held the fashionable dress before her, smiling faintly—like a beautiful woman from a magazine.

“Mom’s beautiful,” First Kid said with a smile, his eyes full of admiration.

Gu Chenghuai, whose first praise had been stolen: “...”

He really!

“It suits you perfectly,” Gu Chenghuai sincerely complimented.

Of course, he thought his wife looked beautiful even in a sack.

“Too bad it hasn’t been washed—I’d wear it to work tomorrow,” Lin Zhao sighed.

Gu Chenghuai said nothing, continued rummaging through the suitcase, and pulled out a pair of beige leather shoes, also a classic style.

“You bought me leather shoes again?” Lin Zhao’s eyes sparkled, her voice cheerful, giving him exactly the reaction he wanted.

As expected.

Gu Chenghuai’s expression grew even softer.

“Your shoes weren’t old—this style is the latest, very popular in Haicheng,” he said gently.

Second Kid waited a long time; all gifts were for Mom—none for them. He asked directly, “Dad, what about ours?”

“What’s the rush?” Gu Chenghuai frowned, speaking solemnly, “Gu Ercai, you really need to train your patience. I’m not favoring one over the other—look at your big brother.”

First Kid subtly straightened his back.

Second Kid: “...”

“I just asked one question,” the child muttered, undeterred.

He felt deeply frustrated, stepped back half a pace, bent slightly, extended his right arm forward, and made a “please continue” gesture.

Lin Zhao could have laughed herself to death.

Seeing his second son’s perceptiveness, Gu Chenghuai gave him a satisfied look and kept rummaging.

“Zhaozhao, this is yarn—take a look, do you like it? If not, I’ll give it to the kids and buy you another.”

Second Kid didn’t mind at all; his mouth split into a grin.

Whatever, he wasn’t picky!!

“This color isn’t very pretty—I originally wanted red, but all the red was sold out, only this was left.” In Gu Chenghuai’s mind, his wife deserved nothing but the best.

If his wife didn’t like it, it wasn’t her fault—it was because there were too few choices; his wife was truly shortchanged.

“It’s fine—light gray is nice too, I really like it,” Lin Zhao genuinely thought it was good.

Gu Chenghuai’s furrowed brow smoothed out. “You like it, that’s all that matters.”

They’d come this far—surely it was their turn now.

Their eyes burned with anticipation, fixed on Gu Chenghuai’s movements.

But then.

Gu Chenghuai pulled out another black wool coat.

“!” Still Mom’s!!

The four children’s eyes instantly dimmed.

What about theirs?

What about theirs!!!

Gu Chenghuai didn’t notice the children—he figured one at a time was fine, no need to rush.

The young officer, elegant and refined, looked at his beloved wife and said, “You complained your cotton coat was too thick, made you look like a bear. I bought you a coat—you can wear it over your sweater when it cools down, and it won’t make you look bulky.”

The wool coat was mid-length, double-breasted, comfortable yet structured—a classic design that wouldn’t look outdated even in the future.

“This… must be expensive?!” Lin Zhao touched the fabric—it was soft and light, surely costly.

“Not expensive at all,” Gu Chenghuai said lightly. “What matters is that you’re happy.”

“When you wear pretty clothes, you’re happier. I want you to be happy every day.” In his heart, Zhaozhao worked hard; spending half a month’s allowance to make her smile was worth it to him.

Gu Chenghuai continued rummaging through the luggage.

The four children stood in a row, their eyes lighting up again.

Now it’s our turn, right?

The children rubbed their hands eagerly, their eyes tracking every move of their father’s.

Lin Zhao caught a glimpse of their adorable expressions out of the corner of her eye; her smile spread uncontrollably, her gaze turning impossibly tender.

Gu Chenghuai pulled out a beautiful vintage wide-brimmed hat and held it before her.

“Wife, when you get off work and head home, the sun’s strong—I bought you a hat to shield you.” Gu Chenghuai truly kept Lin Zhao at heart, thinking of everything.

“See if you like it?”

Before Lin Zhao could answer, he continued without pause, “If you don’t like it, it’s fine—just wear it for now. Next time I take you to Haicheng, I’ll buy you several more.”

When they first started dating, Zhaozhao once accidentally got a poster featuring a woman—he’d long forgotten what the woman looked like, but he remembered she was wearing a hat, and Zhaozhao had seemed to adore it. He’d thought then: someday, I’ll buy her one.

“I love it,” Lin Zhao said, stroking the large bow on the hat, her smile radiant. “I didn’t think you’d remember.”

Gu Chenghuai thought: everything Zhaozhao says, I remember.

“Let me help you put it on?” He lowered his eyes to her, seeking her approval.

“Sure,” Lin Zhao replied without hesitation.

Gu Chenghuai smoothed her loose long hair, placed the hat on her head, then fetched a mirror for her to see.

“So beautiful, Gu Chenghuai—your taste is getting better!” Lin Zhao tilted her head left and right, studying her reflection.

Pretty and stylish.

Indeed, clothes make the man.

Gu Chenghuai smiled but said nothing.

He’d had moments of questionable taste too—like when he first bought her pink sandals, pink scarves, and got scolded for it. Only after secretly observing her for half a year did he gradually understand her preferences.

The four children had never seen their mother wear a hat before; their eyes sparkled like summer night stars.

They poured out rainbow praise in childish babble.

“Wow!” Erzai cupped his face, gazing at Lin Zhao, voice light and proud. “Mom’s so beautiful! Is Mom a fairy? Mom, when I earn money, I’ll buy you so many hats!”

Saying “so many hats,” he flung his arms wide, drawing a huge circle with them.

Dazai tugged his mother’s sleeve, speaking plainly and sincerely: “Mom’s the prettiest. Mom, tomorrow, make Dad take your picture. You have to take pictures in new clothes.”

He turned to Gu Chenghuai: “Dad, will you take Mom’s picture?”

Gu Chenghuai assumed Dazai meant taking Lin Zhao to the county town for photos—he gave his eldest son an approving nod and replied cheerfully, “Of course.”

The Long Fengtai hugged Lin Zhao’s legs, looking up, voices clear and bright.

“Mom pretty,” said the sweet, cuddly Sizai.

Sanzai noticed his mother’s pleading gaze and added, “Mom’s beautiful.”

His expression was earnest and serious, just like his father’s.

Erzai suddenly noticed something odd. He walked over to his brother, cupped Sanzai’s face in his palms, turned it left and right, his gaze growing increasingly strange.

He let go and looked up at Gu Chenghuai.

His expression was serious.

“Mom, I think I just saw Dad when he was little!!” The child’s voice rang out, thick with disbelief.

He looked from his father to his brother, and the more he looked, the more alike they seemed—his eyes widened in shock.

If this was true… he’d never dare scold his brother again.

“Sanzai is your father’s biological son—of course he looks like Dad,” Lin Zhao took off the hat. Without her saying a word, Gu Chenghuai took it from her and hung it up.

“I’m my father’s son too—why don’t I look like him?” Erzai’s eyes darted, head tilted, utterly confused.

Dazai didn’t understand either.

“Because you both look like Dad and Mom,” Lin Zhao smoothed her hair, soothing the twins. “That way, when we go out, everyone knows we’re a family.”

The five-year-olds brightened again, thinking this was wonderful indeed.

The two brothers were thoroughly satisfied.

Watching this, Gu Chenghuai’s expression softened.

At that moment, Sizai toddled over to him, threw her arms around his leg, looked up with all her might, and tugged at his coat hem with chubby fingers.

“Dad, zai, zai~~” Her baby voice was soft and sweet, her eyes crinkled in a smile, long curled eyelashes fluttering—excessively adorable.

As she cooed, her tiny finger pointed to the bag where Gu Chenghuai had taken the gifts, reminding him: there’s still Sizai!

Even though Lin Zhao saw her every day, her heart still melted.

She picked up Sizai, kissed her daughter’s soft, fragrant cheek, and laughed, “Don’t rush—you’re a little rascal, and your gift’s coming too.”

“Mom, do we get anything too?” Erzai raised his little hand weakly.

“Of course you do,” Lin Zhao answered her son, then turned to urge the father, “Hurry up and give the kids their gifts—Erzai’s already losing confidence!”

Since his wife had spoken, Gu Chenghuai had no choice but to give the boys their gifts first.

Without any delay, he rummaged through the bag, pulled out a thick, hard-bound item from the very bottom, and handed it to Erzai.

“For you. Use it well,” Gu Chenghuai said.

Erzai flipped through it quickly, then tilted his head, giving his father’s superior profile a look of dismay and absurdity.

“What’s this?” The child’s mouth drooped, his eyes dimmed.

“For fighting?!”

Over and over, he refused to admit… this was a dictionary.

Gu Chenghuai pinched the bridge of his nose.

Fighting again?

Gu Ercai was too wild!

“Erzai, this is a dictionary,” Dazai stood beside his brother, pointing at the characters on the cover, his small face solemn.

“There are characters here—you don’t know ‘dian,’ but you know ‘zi.’ Erzai, learn your characters properly, or how will you drive a big car when you grow up? You won’t even recognize the road.”

Erzai felt shattered, face twisted. “I know characters! I know it’s a dictionary—I just don’t want it!”

What did he need a dictionary for? It wasn’t edible or drinkable.

He shoved the dictionary into Sanzai’s hands, turned his back, and declared: out of sight, out of mind.

Sanzai flipped through the book curiously—he couldn’t understand a word, yet his eyes grew brighter and brighter.