Chapter 85: I

I always feel like I’ve forgotten something. Lin Zhao raised her arm, propping her chin on her hand, thinking hard.

It felt like I forgot it last night.

As she thought, her gaze drifted around the room.

Her peripheral vision caught the satchel hanging on the wall, and her eyes suddenly lit up.

I remember—it’s the photos.

She got up, walked over slowly, opened the satchel, and took out the small paper packet containing the photos.

Come quick and look—I took these while the four little ones were asleep. They’ve never seen them; you’re the first. Aren’t you honored? Lin Zhao sat back down with the photos, tilting her head up to look at Gu Chenghuai. The man was tall; looking up at him made her neck ache slightly.

Gu Chenghuai dragged over a stool and sat down, still a large, imposing figure.

His long, elegant fingers took the small photo, lowered his head to look, and the cold, stern man’s eyes filled with amusement.

Zhaozhao, you took these beautifully.

You captured every little trait of the kids—Dacai is serious and proper, Ercai is lively, Sancai is well-behaved, and Sica is adorable. You’re amazing.

He first praised his wife’s photography skills, then spoke gently, as if asking permission: When I return to the unit, I’d like to take two of these. Is that alright?

Of course, Lin Zhao gave him a playful glance, her eyes brimming with affection. I took them specifically to send to you.

She spoke as if it were true, completely ignoring how, just after getting the camera, she’d wanted to photograph everything.

But this one sentence was a killing blow to Gu Chenghuai.

His chest felt suddenly full, as if stuffed with something warm, and his facial lines softened.

A few footsteps sounded.

Sancai pulled back the bamboo curtain; Dacai and Ercai carefully controlled their movements and entered the room slowly.

Dad, Mom, help! Sica’s so heavy, we can’t carry her anymore—she’s about to fall! Ercai strained to keep his voice down, almost whispering, his child’s voice thick with panic and urgency, as if disaster would strike if no one came.

Gu Chenghuai strode forward with long legs, stepping up to the twins, and saw a scene that made him suppress a laugh.

A plump, adorable little dumpling of a baby curled up in the bamboo basket, her tiny belly rising and falling as she slept soundly.

Asleep? Gu Chenghuai was charmed by his daughter, his eyes softening with amusement.

We were just heading back to our room when we looked everywhere for Sica and found her sleeping in the basket, so we carried her back, Dacai said.

Gu Chenghuai bent down and gently lifted Sica. The child stirred in her sleep, her delicate brows knitting into a tiny mountain. The man lightly patted her back and gave her a barely perceptible sway.

Instantly, the child fell back into deep sleep.

He placed Sica back on the bed and lowered his voice to his sons: Have you washed yet? If not, go wash now. Then you’ll sleep in Grandpa and Grandma’s room.

Straight to the point.

He gave the twins no time to prepare.

Lin Zhao stared at Gu Chenghuai in shock, her mouth twitching.

… Isn’t this too sudden? Couldn’t you be more subtle? Couldn’t you discuss it?

Dacai and Ercai froze in place.

It took them a long moment to recover.

The two little boys exploded, fists clenched, identical faces flushed with double the anger, glaring furiously at their father.

No! We don’t want to sleep in Grandpa and Grandma’s room—we want to sleep with Mom! Even though they were furious, Ercai kept his voice low, suppressing his naturally loud voice, expressing his displeasure quietly.

Dacai’s expression was wary, as if Gu Chenghuai were some villain trying to tear children away from their mother.

Why? he suppressed his hurt, speaking calmly and seriously. Dad, explain why. If you don’t give us a reason, Ercai and I will write down your offenses in our little notebook!

Sancai nodded, his voice soft with boyish tenderness. I’ll write it down too.

Gu Chenghuai stroked the fine, soft hair on his youngest son’s head, his voice low and slow. Go check your dictionary.

Sancai puffed out his cheeks, then glanced at his brothers, turned, and walked away. His short, sturdy back, his chubby arms and legs like lotus roots, was so adorable it made one’s heart tremble.

Gu Chenghuai chuckled softly.

He paid no mind to the twins’ wary, hostile glares, his expression calm and unhurried. Dacai, if you listen to me, I’ll give you a small airplane next month—the kind you can hold in your hand.

An airplane…?

Dacai was intensely curious, and a little tempted.

Before he could speak, the cunning father raised the stakes: Only while I’m home. Once I return to the unit, you’ll move back.

Dacai began to waver.

Having won over the eldest, Gu Chenghuai turned to Ercai, his voice low. Ercai, you’ve always wanted to learn swimming. Agree to my terms, and I’ll teach you tomorrow.

Ercai had indeed longed to learn swimming. His father’s words had finally caught him.

The boy didn’t want to give in so easily.

He said: Our bed’s big enough—we can all sleep here. Why do we have to sleep in Grandpa and Grandma’s room? I don’t want to go.

He didn’t want to move out, but he wanted to learn swimming. He tugged at Gu Chenghuai’s sleeve, whining: Dad, the best, best dad…

Gu Chenghuai shook his head, a smile on his lips, but his eyes firm and unyielding.

Whining won’t work. If you don’t agree to my terms, I won’t agree to yours. You can’t have all the benefits—that’s too selfish.

Who’s being selfish?!

Lin Zhao couldn’t watch anymore. She grabbed a towel, bath gel, and soap, and stepped out to bathe, leaving the father-son standoff.

The twins stretched one arm straight out, fingers splayed, palms facing outward, leaning forward—trying to call out to their mother—but too late.

Well? Deal? Gu Chenghuai sat down, one leg lazily draped over the other, unhurried.

Dacai asked: Dad, can I discuss this with Ercai first?

Gu Chenghuai gave a casual nod. Sure.

The two little boys huddled in the corner, whispering.

A moment later.

They stood before Gu Chenghuai.

Dacai spoke for them: Dad, you’ll be home for over a month—more than thirty days. That’s too long. If we ever want to sleep with Mom, can we come back for one night, then go back to Grandpa and Grandma’s?

Knowing Lin Zhao would miss the boys too, Gu Chenghuai nodded. Fine.

Alright, we agree, Dacai said, his face full of reluctance.

He added: Also—if Mom misses us, we can come back.

Good, Gu Chenghuai said, in high spirits. He agreed to anything his sons said.

After all, he was a decisive soldier. Having convinced his two sons, he watched them wash up, then picked up the sleeping Sica and led the boys to his parents’ room.

Gu Mu had wanted to suggest last night that all four kids sleep with them, but feared her third daughter-in-law would feel uncomfortable, so she hadn’t brought it up. Tonight she’d forgotten, and when she returned to her room, she’d grumbled to her husband. She hadn’t expected her third son to show up with the grandchildren already.

The old couple slept on a kang, a large space covered with quilts, atop which lay a cool bamboo mat. Newspaper was pasted on the walls to prevent dust from falling.

Old Third’s here, Gu Mu said without preamble. Put Sica inside—the bamboo mat was just wiped clean.

She turned to the twins. Dacai, Ercai, take Sancai up too.

The twins had been raised by their grandmother; when their mother wasn’t around, they sometimes slept at the old house.

The two boys answered with a cheerful Aye and climbed onto the kang with practiced ease.

Ercai rolled twice, lying on his back, feet raised high, soles slapping against the newspaper wall. His toes curled a few times, as if sketching with them.

Ercai, lie still, Gu Chenghuai frowned, his tone calm but firm.

Gu Mu waved her hand. Let him be. Go back to your room and sleep.

Mother, don’t spoil them too much.

Gu Mu disliked hearing that. In her eyes, her grandchildren could never be spoiled enough. What spoiling? Children are naturally mischievous. Just teach them well!

Gu Chenghuai turned to his sensible father—but saw Gu Fu leaning against the wall, one leg bent, the other stretched out casually, holding his youngest grandson, their heads close together, utterly absorbed in the tattered dictionary.

This is zhi, Gu Fu said to his youngest grandson, his voice unusually soft. What do you think of this character?

The twins turned to look at their grandfather.

Grandpa, are you sick? Ercai asked, his big eyes wide and confused.

Gu Fu: …

He choked on his words, cleared his throat. Go on with your reading.

…Oh, Ercai replied, then added: Grandpa, if you want water, just say so. Your grandson’s right here—you won’t be left thirsty.

Gu Fu was deeply moved, but declined. You play.

Alright, Ercai said, rolled over, and faced Dacai. The two boys began whispering quietly.

Ercai, look—this tear here is where you scratched it with your foot. It’s still there, Dacai pointed to the torn corner of the newspaper, cupping his hand like a trumpet against his brother’s ear, whispering softly.

Ercai grinned. Still there? Don’t touch it, Brother—don’t make it bigger.

I know, Dacai said.

The two boys whispered to each other.

Gu Mu needed only one glance to know what the twins were whispering about.

She didn’t look again, simply fanned her granddaughter with a fan. The sweet, fragrant little baby slept even more soundly.

…

Sancai stared intently at the character his grandfather pointed to. Zhi.

Yes, the zhi in knowledge, the zhi in knowing, Gu Fu said.

From his third son and daughter-in-law, he saw the power of knowledge—how it could change a family’s fate.

He planned to use this character in naming all four grandchildren.

Gu Chenghuai, seeing the children adapting well, was about to leave when he heard his father say this. A flicker passed through his deep eyes. He told his parents goodbye and stepped out.

…

Every night at this time, Lin Zhao would summon the lottery wheel, and today was no different.

Several task completion notifications.

【Take a few sweet photos of you and your spouse, capturing the passage of time, reward: 300 points.】

【Give Gu Sancai a special, personalized gift that makes him feel loved, reward: 100 points.】

【Slip Song Yunjin a can of meat, shock him with the fragrant aroma generously, reward: 50 points.】

【The whole family happily returns to the wife’s parents’ home to share gifts, reward: 150 points.】

【Old clothes have great use—accidentally bring you closer to both your natal and marital families, reward: 250 points.】

【Celebrate your eldest sister-in-law’s separation and move-out by giving generously, reward: 50 points.】

【Share your first photograph with your spouse and receive admiring glances, reward: 200 points.】

……

Lin Zhao looked toward the upper right corner.

Total points: 1535.

Without hesitation, she clicked to spin—the cost was 1000 points.

She won a yellowed old sheet of paper.

Lin Zhao wiped her hands, clicked to claim it, saw the prominent words on the paper, nearly jumped up—only barely remembering she was still bathing, and quickly ducked back under the water.

“Land and Property Ownership Certificate”

On the right vertical column, the address was clear: in the county, an excellent location.

And.

If she remembered correctly, it wasn’t a corridor-style building—it was an independent courtyard.

Suddenly owning property in town, Lin Zhao couldn’t help laughing out loud.

Gu Chenghuai had just finished washing; his body steamed with moisture, one hand drying his short, half-finger-length hair. He barely brushed it a few times before the warm breeze dried it almost completely.

Just as he was about to enter the room, he suddenly heard a soft laugh from the bathroom. The man froze slightly, a faint smile spreading across his cold, clear features.

Tender, intoxicating.

He returned to the room, placed each photo back into the album, wiped the cool bamboo mat on the large bed, and adjusted the wick of the lamp.

His tall figure under the dim yellow light was warm and dependable.

Remembering that Zhaozhao always drank water after bathing, he poured her a glass.

Slow, unhurried footsteps approached.

Before Gu Chenghuai could turn, a soft body pressed against his back.

“Comrade Gu, it’s wonderful having you at home,” Lin Zhao whispered.

Those words became a soft hand, passing through Gu Chenghuai’s chest, gripping his heart tightly.

He felt clearly: his heart was sinking deeper.

Sweet as honey.

Even.

He longed to offer it up, place it in her palm.

“Zhaozhao…”

Lin Zhao rested her face against the man’s broad back, clearly feeling the subtle tremors in his body, the taut lines of muscle rising and falling beneath his thin shirt—each pulse hot, alive.

“Do you remember what you said to me on our wedding night?” she asked softly.

Gu Chenghuai’s hand covered hers, his deep voice heavy with solemnity and resolve.

“Comrade Lin Zhao, marrying you as my revolutionary partner is Gu Chenghuai’s fortune. Having made this vow, I pledge to walk beside you for a hundred years. From now on, you decide everything in this household. I will remain faithful, shoulder my responsibilities, support our family, protect you completely, cherish you deeply, and never let you regret for a single moment marrying me.”

Not a word different.

“Do you remember how I replied?” Lin Zhao asked again.

“You said you’d test me,” Gu Chenghuai lowered his eyes, wanting to ask her… how the test had gone—but the words died on his tongue.

“The test is over. I think you’re excellent—as a lover, as a father, in every way,” Lin Zhao smiled, her voice gentle. “Gu Chenghuai, I’ve realized—I’m falling more and more in love with you.”

“Let’s live well together from now on.”

“Yes,” Gu Chenghuai’s dark eyes shimmered with gentle smiles. He looked cold when unsmiling, but when he smiled, it was like spring wind brushing the face—beautifully so.

In high spirits, his long fingers curled around Lin Zhao’s arm and pulled lightly.

In an instant.

Her delicate body fell against his broad chest.

One strong, one slender—perfectly fitted.

Gu Chenghuai bent slightly, one arm circling her slender waist, lifting her effortlessly and placing her beside the bed.

Lin Zhao hurriedly raised her hand to hold the towel wrapped around her head, gasping, “Comrade Gu, you didn’t give me any warning!”

“You nearly made my towel fall to the floor,” she accused.

“If it falls, I’ll wash it,” Gu Chenghuai said gently, then took the towel from her head, carefully smoothing her hair as he tenderly dried it.

“If you drop it, you wash it,” Lin Zhao sat cross-legged on the bed’s edge, using the man as a pillow.

“I’ll wash it—I’m home. How could I let you do it?” Gu Chenghuai said.

Lin Zhao’s smile was sweet.

“Zhaozhao, tomorrow I want to visit my eldest sister’s place and see the two stones,” Gu Chenghuai added.

Soldiers held high status in the countryside; his visit would not only let him see his two nephews but also give his sister moral support.

In the countryside, there were plenty of unreasonable families—some elderly villagers would target newly married daughters-in-law for bullying.

He’d heard whispers of it since he was fourteen, so every time he returned, he made a special trip.

“Absolutely. Take whatever you like from the cabinet. How the two stones feel about their third uncle depends entirely on your performance,” Lin Zhao turned to look at him, her eyes and brows brimming with laughter.

Affection is built over time.

Don’t expect children to suddenly warm up to an uncle who’s been absent for so long.

“Mm, thank you,” Gu Chenghuai gently dried his wife’s hair, occasionally combing through it.

Even a hand that held a rifle could be tender.

Lin Zhao closed her eyes, relaxed, nearly asleep.

The window was open; now and then, a warm breeze drifted in, and her hair dried quickly.

She thought it was wonderful to occasionally not have to mind the children.

“Zhaozhao, sit up straight—I’ll hang up the towel,” Gu Chenghuai murmured.

Lin Zhao pretended to sleep, ignoring him.

Her eyelashes, dark as crow feathers, fluttered slightly.

Gu Chenghuai’s face softened into a doting smile. Afraid she’d scold him again, he warned her ahead of time, “I’m going to pick you up now.”

Lin Zhao’s lips curled upward, silent.

Behind her, his chest trembled slightly—he must have smiled. Then, with one arm, he lifted her, walked to the door, and hung the towel.

Then.

“Click!”

The window shut.

The next instant, the sound of curtains being drawn echoed.

Lin Zhao could no longer pretend. She opened her eyes, hooked both arms around Gu Chenghuai’s neck, wrapped her legs around his waist, and poked his firm chest with her slender fingers, laughing, “You shut the window and pulled the curtains… Comrade Gu, tell me—are you planning something naughty?”