Chapter 52 They asked me if I was particularly amazing, and I told them...
That's how it was decided that I'd treat everyone to a meal.
Gu Yan and Tao Yuan were in charge of buying groceries, Zhao Shuyi was the head chef, and the two of them helped out.
The two families need to invite their comrades and their families, which will require four tables, and both families' courtyards need to be set up.
The date was set for the third day, because Tao Yuan was going to take Cai Mingliang to complete the adoption procedures on the second day.
The child will continue to live with Zhao Shuyi and the others until the room next door is tidied up.
After helping the children get ready for bed in the evening, the whole family went to bed.
Zhao Shuyi and Gu Yan had agreed that she would sleep in the middle tonight.
"Xiao Liang."
Tsai Ming-liang blinked his big eyes, clearly also somewhat excited.
After spending more time with the child, Zhao Shuyi had come to understand him better.
When he gets excited, he doesn't yell like other children; instead, his eyes become even brighter.
Zhao Shuyi took his little hand and said, "Auntie wants to tell you something in private, is that alright?"
Gu Yan: "..."
Tsai Ming-liang was completely unaware that Uncle Gu was speechless at the two of them; his eyes grew even brighter.
Aunt Zhao wants to whisper something to him.
Auntie usually only whispers to Uncle Zhao.
Will Xiao Liang dislike his mother because she can't walk?
Tsai Ming-liang has been spending a lot of time with Chao Shu-yi lately. Although they aren't particularly close, they are noticeably closer than before.
The children listen to Zhao Shuyi.
Similarly, Zhao Shuyi also understood the child to some extent. She knew that at least for now, Cai Mingliang would not look down on Xia Mulan because of her physical condition.
But a child can't live at home forever; he will go to school and make friends.
He might take a few unpleasant words from others to heart, and since he's not good at expressing himself, he's bound to be affected.
Human nature is not static, and children's values are still developing and must be guided in advance.
Gu Yan, who was sleeping next to her, slowly lowered the corners of his lips when he heard her words. His heart was filled with mixed emotions. He turned his head to look at Zhao Shuyi's back, without interrupting their conversation.
Tsai Ming-liang did not hesitate.
He lowered his voice in a childish tone, indicating that he was whispering.
"Hello, Mom. Xiao Liang likes you very much."
Zhao Shuyi's mood immediately brightened.
"Xiao Liang also helped his mother get water to wash her hands."
Although the child wasn't being filial to her, Zhao Shuyi's heart melted.
She couldn't resist reaching out and ruffling Xiao Liang's hair.
"Why is our Xiao Liang so well-behaved?"
"Xiao Liang, remember this: if any bad guys ever talk about your mother's physical defects, you should yell back at them. Your mother is a hero, and those who insult heroes are the real bad guys, understand?"
Xiao Liang: "I understand. My dad is a great hero too."
"Yes, they are all heroes. You can scold back if you want to insult heroes. If you can't win the argument, you can tattle. It's perfectly fine for a child to tattle. You can fight bad guys when you grow up, understand?"
The two whispered to each other, and as Gu Yan listened, a smile returned to his lips.
After an unknown amount of time, there was no more movement inside.
Gu Yan turned to the side and noticed that there was more than half a person's distance between him and Zhao Shuyi. He frowned and moved a little further in.
Zhao Shuyi was completely unaware.
The next day.
When Zhao Shuyi woke up, she was all alone again.
Knowing that Gu Yan and the others were going to Caijia Village together today, she tidied up the house so that she could welcome guests tomorrow.
She had just moved in, and the house was quite tidy. She quickly tidied up, and then went next door to help Xia Mulan tidy up.
When she arrived, Xia Mulan had already started making clothes. She had a smile on her face and looked to be in a good mood.
"Thank you for your help, you even tidied up the house for us."
"What's wrong with that?" Zhao Shuyi said matter-of-factly. "I received a subsidy, so my sister-in-law can ask me to do whatever I want."
Xia Mulan stopped what she was doing and said, "Shuyi, could you help me get all the fabric out?"
Zhao Shuyi had no suspicions; of course she could do such a small thing.
"Please wait a moment, I'll go wash my hands first."
Xia Mulan has a lot of fabric, including various popular fabrics from a few years ago, enough to make at least a dozen outfits.
"Take a look and see if there's any fabric you like. I'll make you a set too."
"No, no, no," Zhao Shuyi waved her hands repeatedly.
She couldn't accept a reward without merit, so how could she let Xia Mulan make clothes for her?
"Didn't you say you treated me like a normal person? Are you giving me special treatment too?"
Zhao Shuyi: "..." This has even "kidnapped" her.
"Sister-in-law, even if I don't treat you like a normal person, I can't just let anyone give me fabric to make clothes. This is custom-made, how can that be allowed?"
These days, supplies are scarce, and nobody's supplies come from thin air. How could she possibly accept them?
"But I want to make one for you. Let me make one for you."
Zhao Shuyi was taken aback; she could actually detect a hint of coquetry in Xia Mulan's tone.
That's really strange.
Zhao Shuyi really wanted to tease a serious person, but she changed her mind before she could say it.
"Sister Mulan, if you agree to one condition, I'll let you do it for me. How about it? Do you dare to agree?"
For some reason, Xia Mulan's heart trembled upon hearing these words.
She knew Zhao Shuyi wouldn't harm her.
What Zhao Shuyi would take the opportunity to bring up must be something I would find difficult to agree to.
But she always felt that if she agreed, it would have a big impact on her.
This impact is positive.
Zhao Shuyi was also nervous, but she didn't urge her. Instead, she looked down at the fabric.
Let's choose the fabric first.
Although these fabrics are not new, they look sturdy and comfortable.
It is clear that the people who bought these fabrics treated Xia Mulan very well.
I don't know who bought it for her out of kindness, or if she bought it because she used to love herself.
"Okay, I promise you."
Upon hearing this voice, Zhao Shuyi looked up with delight.
"Really, you can't go back on your word."
Xia Mulan's expression slightly changed.
"Really, you can choose the fabric first, and just tell me what you want me to make."
Zhao Shuyi cannot take anything from her without her consent.
"Sister Mulan, I'd like to give your leg acupuncture. I have a set of acupuncture techniques that might help your leg, but I can't be sure it will definitely help, and it certainly won't restore it to its original state. Would you be willing?"
Seeing her slightly stunned expression, Zhao Shuyi felt uneasy.
She knew that mentioning her leg was like rubbing salt into her wounds, but she wanted to try it anyway.
Moreover, I also had my own selfish motives.
Treating her leg was part of my plan.
Of course, if she was unwilling, Zhao Shuyi would never force her.
The planning might be a bit more complicated.
"Can."
Really?
Zhao Shuyi was stunned, not expecting her to agree so readily.
Seeing her reaction, Xia Mulan laughed. "What, were you so sure I wouldn't agree? You're so surprised?"
Zhao Shuyi felt a little embarrassed upon hearing this.
She confessed honestly, "No, I think I'm asking too much. I guessed you might agree, but I thought I'd have to try to persuade you."
Xia Mulan smiled slightly.
“I did run away before, but I think you’re right. I’m a hero, so why should I run away? It’s those who dare to look down on heroes who should run away.”
Zhao Shuyi nodded vigorously in agreement.
"You're right. The point of life is to have a clear conscience. We haven't wronged anyone, so why should we put up with this?"
Zhao Shuyi had always told herself this.
She has never done anything to wrong anyone, and if anyone targets her, it is their fault.
She did nothing wrong and she doesn't want to be bullied!
Xia Mulan nodded. "Then can you choose the fabric?"
Zhao Shuyi arched her eyebrows. "I've already chosen one. This dark green one is so beautiful. Sister Mulan, can you make any style? Could you make me a cheongsam?"
This fabric looks perfect for making cheongsams; it'll definitely have a beautiful drape.
Xia Mulan did not agree directly.
"It's possible, but I've heard that the situation outside is a bit bad right now. Shuyi, you should keep a low profile when you go out, so that no one can take advantage of you."
Xia Mulan would never have advised against it if it were anyone else, but now that the two families have a good relationship, she can't help but say a few more words.
Hearing Xia Mulan's words, Zhao Shuyi knew that she knew about her family's situation.
However, she didn't expect Xia Mulan to know so much.
It's not surprising that they know about my family situation; if you want to befriend someone, you naturally need to know.
But Commander Tao would even tell her about the situation outside, so their relationship seemed less distant than it appeared.
"I know, I'll wear them secretly. I don't lack clothes, I just lack pretty clothes."
Seeing her insistence, Xia Mulan did not refuse again.
"Okay, when you get back later, have Gu Yan take your measurements. Do you know how to take measurements?"
"Sure, no problem."
As the two were talking, Gu Yan and the others returned.
"You're back. What are you carrying?"
Zhao Shuyi ran up to look at their baskets and saw chickens, ducks, and fresh vegetables. She almost jumped for joy.
Even though she doesn't usually lack anything, she still feels very happy.
Maybe it's because my plans are progressing, or maybe it's because I'll soon have a new cheongsam; whatever the reason, I'm very happy.
Seeing her happy, Gu Yan, who had been keeping a straight face, finally showed a good expression.
Zhao Shuyi still noticed something was wrong.
However, she didn't ask immediately; she waited until she got home to inquire.
"We ran into Cai Xiaoyue."
Let's go back an hour.
Worried that the child might be scared, Gu Yan and Tao Yuan accompanied the child to Caijia Village Brigade with the letter of introduction to complete the formalities.
Before long, a large group of people from the Cai family arrived, along with other villagers.
To those unaware of the situation, Gu Yan's attempt to seize custody of Cai Mingliang was solely for his father's compensation.
Everyone knows that the compensation for Xiao Liang's child's father is very high.
"Brother Gu, I never thought you would go to such lengths. You already have a wife and will soon have your own child. Who would believe you would treat Xiao Liang well?"
Cai Xiaoyue has always been quick-witted, but she has never shown such an aggressive side to Gu Yan before.
Gu Yan narrowed his eyes, not taking her words to heart, and looked at the captain, speaking in a low voice.
“I have found a new adoptive family for Xiao Liang, and from now on his affairs have nothing to do with your Cai family.”
Which village near this garrison doesn't rely on the army?
Whenever the military needs to recruit workers, enlist, or earn money, they always prioritize these villages.
This time, Deputy Regiment Commander Gu and the Regiment Commander Tao made it clear that they wanted to get things done. Besides, all the leaders in the unit had agreed, so even if he, as a battalion commander, wanted to smooth things over, he couldn't. He could only bite the bullet and ask for the stamp.
"Stop! What gives you the right to do this? What gives you the right to do this?"
Perhaps because Zhao Shuyi wasn't there this time, she didn't mention anything about needing Gu Yan to take care of her.
Gu Yan asked, "Have you forgotten what your family did to the child?"
The Cai family members immediately felt a little guilty, but Cai Xiaoyue was very bold and not afraid at all, only glaring fiercely at Gu Yan.
She further questioned, "What did we do? Do you think you can convict us just by accusing us of some crime? Are you just relying on the fact that you're soldiers?"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed, and they all understood that Cai Xiaoyue was trying to pin the blame on Gu Yan. Everyone knew that the Cai family's little girl was formidable, so no one dared to step forward and say anything.
Cai Xiaoyue usually accomplishes countless things by using her clever tongue.
She knew that what these soldiers feared most was having a bad reputation and being reported or investigated, so she naturally wanted to take advantage of this weakness.
Gu Yan only glanced at her indifferently.
"Do you think everyone in your brigade is blind? You've been here all this time, have you ever cared about Xiao Liang even once? How was he with you? How is he now?"
In fact, some people in the crowd had already noticed it.
Cai Mingyue stood next to the two soldiers, wearing new clothes and shoes. She looked much plumper and was nothing like she used to look when she was in the Cai family. In fact, she was even better taken care of than when her mother was alive.
Everyone knows that the Cai family has always exploited their third son.
Everyone knows what kind of life this child's mother lived in the Cai family back then, so leaving was a relief for her.
Just look at the changes in this child before and after, and you'll know.
The crowd whispered among themselves.
Cai Mingyue's expression changed slightly as she was about to say something, but she was interrupted by Gu Yan's calm and powerful voice.
"I probably don't even need to report it. Just let the comrades from the Armed Forces Department and the comrades from the neighboring brother brigade come and see for themselves and they'll know that your Caijia Village Brigade is abusing the families of martyrs."
"Let's see what benefits the commune can provide to the brigade in the future, and see how the young people in the village can find spouses."
Gu Yan has never been someone who values face above all else; he only requires that the tactics work.
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the onlookers changed.
That's how people are; they only feel the pain when the knife cuts them.
If these people weren't involved, they would definitely keep to themselves and might even speak up for the Cai family.
Now that they hear it might harm their interests, they're all worried and starting to defend Tsai Ming-liang.
"I'm telling you, Xiaoyue, that's enough. Everyone knows you're holding onto the child because you want to marry Deputy Regiment Commander Gu. You could still think about him when he didn't have a wife, but he already has one now, so stop making a fuss."
"Don't say that." Gu Yan looked disgusted.
"Don't get involved with just anyone, it's bad luck for me!"
"By the way, I'm warning you, breaking up military marriages is illegal."
As he said this, his dark eyes stared intently at Cai Xiaoyue.
Cai Xiaoyue felt a pang of unease, sensing that his words were implied.
But she certainly couldn't afford to damage her image at this moment.
She stomped her foot, her eyes instantly reddening. "What nonsense are you spouting? How can you slander a young woman like this without any evidence? Waaah..."
She ran away crying. The Cai family always listened to her, and now that she was gone, they didn't dare face the two officers alone, so they also ran away shouting.
Seeing this, Gu Yan and Tao Yuan exchanged a glance.
Even Tao Yuan, who usually dislikes getting involved in other people's affairs, couldn't help but comment, "Being entangled with someone like this must be really tough for you."
Gu Yan remained silent.
He stepped forward and picked up Tsai Ming-liang, asking, "Will Xiao-liang miss his aunt and the others?"
Tsai Ming-liang shook his head firmly, "Dad said that the people who are good to Xiao Liang are Xiao Liang's relatives. Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, and Aunt are not Xiao Liang's relatives."
The procedures were completed smoothly in the end.
On their way back, Tao Yuan took Cai Mingliang to the supply and marketing cooperative and bought a lot of delicious food.
-
“If I hadn’t stopped him, I think he would have moved the supply and marketing cooperative back to Xiao Liang. It seems that Tao Tuan really wants a child.”
After listening to what Gu Yan said, Zhao Shuyi's feelings were somewhat complicated.
She had absolutely no liking for this Caijia Village brigade.
Unfortunately, she didn't recall the book containing any reliable information, otherwise she could have helped.
Seeing her sigh, Gu Yan comforted her instead.
"Don't worry, everything will get better gradually."
-
Zhao Shuyi got up very early on the day she was hosting a dinner party; she got up just as dawn broke.
She took stock of the seasonings at home yesterday and asked Gu Yan to go and buy some more things needed for today.
Not to mention anything else, there aren't even enough bowls and chopsticks.
Although nowadays people usually borrow a few items when inviting others to dinner, Zhao Shuyi still felt it was a bit inconvenient, so she simply asked him to buy more.
Gu Yan listened to her and went out early as usual.
After getting up and washing up, Zhao Shuyi began preparing to make some snacks.
The supply and marketing cooperatives here are not large in scale, and the variety of goods is not very large.
Cookies and candies are the simplest kinds. Although they taste good, everyone gets tired of eating them so often.
Zhao Shuyi decided to do something special.
She tried it out in the space before, and it should work.
That's baked cookies.
Making cookies isn't difficult; the challenge lies in baking them. That's why she had Gu Yan make an oven beforehand, and she had to hurry.
If that doesn't work, then deep-fry it.
She did this mainly so that everyone's kids could have something new to eat, and that she could get along better with Xiao Liang in the future because it tastes good.
Having experimented in the space beforehand, Zhao Shuyi quickly sculpted many cookies in various shapes, including rabbits, kittens, tiger cubs, and elephants.
Tsai Ming-liang was very interested in the cookies she made, and followed her closely with his little feet, as if Zhao Shu-yi could eat all the little animals in the blink of an eye.
When Gu Yan returned, he saw smoke rising from his yard, which startled him.
Upon entering the courtyard, one would see Zhao Shuyi tinkering with the small oven she had made earlier.
Is this a baked dessert?
"Hmm, baking cookies, and not just cookies, but also bread. But I need to try it out first. Have you bought everything?"
Gu Yan hummed in agreement.
"I see some very fresh konjac and tofu. Do you know how to cook them?"
Zhao Shuyi nodded in delight.
Yes, I really like it.
Gu Yan was surprised, "You can even make konjac?"
Zhao Shuyi didn't think much of it, but she wouldn't say anything that would give her away.
She said ambiguously, "People who know how to eat always have more culinary skills than others, didn't expect that, did you?"
Gu Yan smiled and said, "You're very capable."
He can praise people so easily.
If you didn't know him, you might think his praise was just perfunctory, but Zhao Shuyi could tell that he was genuinely praising him.
Normally, Zhao Shuyi would have accepted it.
But she was still a little nervous and said, "Don't praise me yet, wait until I've baked the cookies before you praise me."
Seeing that she seemed a little worried, Gu Yan stopped joking with her and asked, "Is there anything I can help you with? What do you want for breakfast? I'll go to the cafeteria to buy it."
"No need, let's just eat at home. I'll fry a few scallion pancakes and send some over to the neighbors too. Go and tell them."
Gu Yan agreed and quickly went next door. When he returned, he brought Tao Yuan with him, and then the four of them gathered around the stove.
Seeing everyone's serious expressions, Zhao Shuyi smiled instead.
"What's going on? Everyone's staring at me. It's putting a lot of pressure on me."
She was sitting, and Gu Yan was standing behind her, able to touch the top of her head with his hand.
He rubbed it affectionately and said, "It will succeed, I can smell the fragrance."
Zhao Shuyi sniffed.
“I can smell it too,” Tao Yuan chimed in.
Little Tsai Ming-liang, afraid of falling behind, said, "It smells good."
Zhao Shuyi also noticed the aroma, and it was quite strong. She glanced at her watch and took out the simple baking tray after about fifteen minutes.
"It smells delicious, it must be a success." Gu Yan praised enthusiastically.
Zhao Shuyi put it aside for the time being, "I don't know either. It looks good, now we'll see how it tastes. Let it cool down a bit."
It won't take too long.
After a while, it felt less hot, so Zhao Shuyi asked Gu Yan to take it.
"You test the poison first."
Gu Yan: "...Okay, I'll test the poison."
He picked up a small rabbit piece, saying, "It's still a little hot, wait a bit longer."
"Then be careful, you can wait a bit."
Several people were watching him expectantly; how could he wait?
He stuffed a small cookie, no more than two fingers wide, into his mouth in one gulp.
Take a bite, and the aroma of the egg instantly fills your entire mouth.
"I think it's very similar to sponge cake, but with an added aroma that I can't quite describe. It has a crispy texture and tastes delicious."
Zhao Shuyi knew that the fragrance he was referring to was probably from the spiritual spring water, but she pretended not to know and asked, "What other fragrance is there?"
"I don't know either, you guys try it, it should be about right."
The group couldn't wait any longer, so they each quickly tried a piece.
Tao Yuanchong and Zhao Shuyi gave each other a thumbs up.
"My sister-in-law's cooking skills are really good."
Zhao Shuyi was quite satisfied. Although she knew that the spirit spring water had also contributed, she herself had played a significant role.
"Wait a mininute."
Zhao Shuyi took the baking tray into the kitchen, filled two and a half small bowls with it, and that was it.
She brought them out, handing one bowl to Xiao Liang and the other to Tao Yuan.
"Everyone, eat first, I'll bake more right away. Xiao Liang, take this to your mom and eat it together."
Upon hearing his mother's name, Tsai Ming-liang's eyes lit up, and then he nodded shyly and ran out of the yard.
"Slow down, don't fall."
Zhao Shuyi continued baking cookies, while Gu Yan and the other person dared not be idle and kept asking what they were doing.
"Go help me knead the dough for scallion pancakes." Kneading dough is actually hard work, so it's perfect to leave it to Gu Yan, especially since he's already quite skilled.
"Please have Commander Tao watch over the oven for me. I'll take it out in fifteen minutes."
Tao Yuan was a little nervous. "Is there anything I need to do along the way?"
"No need for now. Let me know when the fire goes out. Don't add firewood, it'll burn easily."
After baking the second batch, Zhao Shuyi went to make the scallion oil needed for the scallion pancakes.
She really wanted to use the scallion oil she made to make scallion oil noodles.
The scallion pancake lived up to its name; it was oily and smelled really good, but it was a bit greasy, and Zhao Shuyi couldn't eat more than one.
"You only ate one? Don't you have a good appetite?" Gu Yan's gaze seemed to linger on her more.
Gu Yan could always spot anything unusual about her, which made Zhao Shuyi feel a little embarrassed.
She really wanted him to stop staring at her, but he didn't seem to be going too far, and it wouldn't be appropriate to make it clear, as it would make her seem like she was just being presumptuous.
In the end, Zhao Shuyi could only offer a few perfunctory replies before awkwardly continuing to prepare the ingredients.
With so many people eating, we have to start preparing the meal half a day in advance.
After having breakfast and resting for a while, Gu Yan and the other person started killing chickens, ducks, and rabbits, while Zhao Shuyi chopped meat and vegetables, and everyone got busy.
Zhao Shuyi has high standards; for example, chickens and ducks must be properly bled and their down feathers must be cleaned.
Good ingredients make for better-tasting dishes.
Fortunately, Gu Yan and Tao Yuan may look rough and tough, but they are actually quite meticulous in their work.
The washed vegetables were arranged neatly; in later generations, they could be vacuum-packed and sold for a good price.
It looks like it's been washed very clean.
Zhao Shuyi was very satisfied with the performance of her two assistants.
Around nine o'clock, He Xu and two soldiers arrived.
They had come to help beforehand, but it turned out they weren't needed at all; they even cleared the vegetable garden in the yard, leaving it barren.
The group couldn't stay idle, so they grabbed brooms and rags to help clean up, but they didn't need to do anything; everything was spotless.
Zhao Shuyi found it amusing when Gu Yan told her about it.
"Go and entertain them. If all else fails, have a fight or something, don't let them just stand there."
Gu Yancai didn't want to go. "Tao Tuan is here, you don't need me. I'll help you."
It's as if he can't live without her.
Having such thoughts made Zhao Shuyi a little shy.
Suddenly, Zhao Shuyi had an idea. "Since we're already here, why don't we let them help Xiaoliang make the bed? We can all work together and make Xiaoliang happy."
She knew everyone genuinely wanted to help, and this was exactly the kind of work men should do.
We usually help each other out, and there's always give and take; that's how we stay together for a long time.
Gu Yan thought about it and immediately agreed.
“You’re so smart, how come I didn’t think of that? I’ll go tell Tao Tuan now.”
"The blueprint is on the table. Give it to him, and ask me if he doesn't understand anything."
It's called a dinosaur bed, but it's really just a dinosaur-shaped frame for hanging mosquito nets.
Because there are pillars supporting it from below, as long as the top remains stable and doesn't fall apart like a dinosaur, that's fine.
It's clear that Xiao Liang isn't the kind of kid who would climb on the roof or onto the bed frame.
Very safe.
Gu Yan quickly told Tao Yuan about Zhao Shuyi's idea, and Tao Yuan immediately led his people to start working.
He ordered the timber yesterday and can pick it up anytime.
When Huang Mei and Wang Junyi's wife Zhou Li arrived, several men were already busy outside the Tao family's courtyard.
"What are they doing? Do they have to break the table just to eat?"
Huang Mei went into the kitchen, rolled up her sleeves, and prepared to find something to do, but that didn't stop her from gossiping.
Zhao Shuyi laughed and said, "They're making a bed."
"You two have already destroyed the bed?" Zhou Li looked at Zhao Shuyi with a strange expression. "You two have destroyed the bed so quickly?"
After these words were spoken, the kitchen fell into an eerie silence for a few seconds.
It's unclear what Gu Yan was thinking, but Zhao Shuyi and Huang Mei both simultaneously recalled the time when Zhao Shuyi took the pulse of Doctor Wang.
"Why aren't you saying anything? I was just joking, don't mind it."
Zhou Li is a cheerful person, so Zhao Shuyi naturally wouldn't mind.
But she couldn't answer directly, so she only explained, "It's for Xiao Liang. His uncles love him, so they're planning to make him a bed."
"Oh, I see." Zhou Li looked puzzled. "What's so hard to say?"
Huang Mei felt really awkward, so she quickly changed the subject, "Have you heard about the commotion at Company Commander Ye's house lately?"
Zhao Shuyi's brow twitched. She realized that Huang Mei's ability to become the women's director was somewhat related to her gossipy nature.
Zhou Li and she got along well, so they were naturally the same kind of people.
"What's all the fuss about? I heard they're planning to have a son?"
"A son? That's infuriating!" Huang Mei said angrily. "I'm telling you, someone like Qian Zhaodi will never have a son in her life!"
Huang Mei's excitement piqued the curiosity of the two men.
It turned out that Zhao Shuyi knew the person she mentioned; it was the petite woman she had examined a couple of days ago who wanted to treat her low blood sugar with glucose.
According to Huang Mei, her husband, Company Commander Ye, was actually a talented person, but because of these family issues, he had always been unable to get promoted.
Strictly speaking, Qian Zhaodi wasn't Ye Lianchang's official wife, though she is now.
She was adopted by the Ye family and given to Company Commander Ye as his wife during the Cultural Revolution. Company Commander Ye was in the army at the time and had no idea that he had such a wife.
But he was a responsible man. Since his family had helped him get married, he accepted it, and they even had their own child.
Later, when he became eligible to accompany his wife to the military, he also brought her to live with him.
However, Qian Zhaodi had many bad habits, the most serious of which was her stinginess.
She's stingy not only with others, but also with herself.
“She disliked that Daya was a girl, so she wanted to have another child. With her physique, she miscarried soon after getting pregnant. You can’t talk to her about it.”
Zhou Li nodded, "That's right. My husband is most afraid of running into her. I heard that you were the one who gave her the pulse last time."
The two looked at Zhao Shuyi.
Zhao Shuyi nodded.
Yes, that's true.
"How is her pulse? Is she capable of having a child?"
You can't just say that casually.
Zhao Shuyi hesitated for a moment and said, "I think she's just a little weak."
Both of them understood that Zhao Shuyi did not want to cause trouble.
Huang Mei rubbed her temples. "What are we going to do? If she's really pregnant..."
She simply couldn't bring herself to say what came next.
If I say it out loud, it will be considered a curse.
"Shuyi, do you have any ideas? Tell us about them."
Zhao Shuyi smiled awkwardly, "How could I possibly have any ideas? But having a child isn't a one-person affair. If she can't reason with me, I can just talk to Company Commander Ye."
Huang Mei frowned even more deeply.
"Why is my life so miserable? I have to talk to a man about having a baby."
Zhou Li shook her head. "The scariest thing is that you might not be able to reason with him. At home, Company Commander Ye can't win against Qian Zhaodi at all. Haven't you noticed that he rarely goes back home? When he does, Qian Zhaodi cries and wails. Can he handle that?"
"Besides, men are just about the two ounces of flesh in their vaginas. They'll enjoy it if they're willing to go along with it, and they don't care what happens afterward."
Zhao Shuyi was shocked.
Sister, isn't this topic a bit too open?
Huang Mei chuckled twice. "What, are you unhappy with your husband, Lao Wang?"
The look in their eyes...tsk tsk.
Zhao Shuyi silently withdrew from the battlefield.
"By the way, Shuyi, how are things between you and Gu Yan?"
She raised her eyebrows.
The evacuation failed.
Zhao Shuyi feigned ignorance, "What do you mean, 'how'?"
They are just good revolutionary comrades who share a blanket, okay?
"Don't pretend. Gu Yan's size must have made you suffer a lot, didn't you? I didn't see you going out much during the day."
Zhao Shuyi: "I just don't like going out."
Zhou Li smiled and said, "Yes, yes, you just don't like going out."
Zhao Shuyi blushed.
Unfortunately, there's no way to explain it, and it's simply inexplicable.
Helpless, she could only feign shyness and remain silent, her hands busy.
"Alright, alright, the new bride is shy, let's stop teasing her. We can tease her together when new family members come to the compound in the future."
Zhao Shuyi found it hard to believe.
Is this some kind of reserved item?
Okay.
Just don't make fun of her.
Gradually, several more women arrived, and none of them came empty-handed.
A few eggs, an enamel mug, a pillowcase...
Anyway, everyone had something in their hands, more or less.
With more sisters-in-law, there was even more gossip, and Zhao Shuyi's head was buzzing from listening.
Fortunately, she was the head chef, so she was mainly busy in the kitchen and immersed in the joy of cooking, so she didn't care about anything else.
Soon everyone was drawn in by the aroma and began to wonder about her cooking methods.
However, not everyone can learn her methods.
All we can do is admire them.
When it was lunchtime, the men outside had already divided up the wood needed to make the bed, and after lunch, they could start cutting it according to the dimensions.
This huge thing can only be installed indoors.
It was the first time anyone had ever seen a bed like this, so everyone was working with great enthusiasm.
To be honest, everyone was a child once, and who can resist such a fun bed?
Especially these men.
A girl might be happy for a long time just to have a pretty floral bed sheet, which isn't a particularly luxurious thing for many families.
Before the meal, Gu Yan, not wanting to speak, pushed Tao Yuan to say a few words first.
"I called everyone together today for two reasons. First, it's Gu Yan and his wife's wedding, and we owe you all a meal. Second, a lot has happened in our family recently, and Xia Xia and I have been able to get through the difficult times thanks to everyone's help."
Everyone looked at Xia Mulan, who was sitting in the corner with Zhao Shuyi, with some surprise.
They didn't expect Xia Mulan to come out.
At that time, Xia Mulan sat there looking almost like a normal person.
The scars on her face had long since faded, and she wasn't nearly as terrifying as the rumors in the family compound suggested.
Although everyone knows that she wasn't always like this.
But life is unpredictable, especially for those of them living in this family compound. Who can guarantee that they will return unscathed from a mission?
It's lucky that I survived.
"Enough said, let's have a drink instead of wine. What are we doing all this for? It's all for the collective." Someone said, and everyone echoed.
In fact, those who used to ridicule Xia Mulan without any restraint were all shallow-minded men, some of whom were even men who looked down on women.
Taking such a petty person seriously is just falling into their trap.
After everyone had a few drinks, Tao Yuan continued speaking.
"In addition, my husband and I do not plan to have children for the time being. We have adopted a boy named Tsai Ming-liang. From now on, Tsai Ming-liang will be our son. Please take good care of him."
He gently patted Xiao Liang on the back, "Son, say hello to all the uncles and aunts."
Xiao Liang's face turned completely red. He was very embarrassed, but his eyes clearly showed a hopeful light.
He looked at Zhao Shuyi and Gu Yan. Zhao Shuyi clenched her fist and gave him a thumbs-up, while Gu Yan looked at him with encouraging eyes.
The child said in a soft, sweet voice, "Hello, uncles and aunties, please eat more."
"Good, that's great. This kid is honest. Uncle will take you to buy some candy later," Zhang Yao said, and the scene became lively again.
"Alright, let's have Gu Yan say a few words. This kid is still embarrassed in front of his wife."
Gu Yan: "...Everyone, eat more, let's start eating, it's all in the dishes."
He was met with a chorus of boos after he finished speaking.
Zhao Shuyi tried to suppress her laughter, but the women sitting next to her winked at her, making her feel embarrassed.
Fortunately, Zhao Shuyi's skills are indeed superb.
Once everyone starts eating, who has the time to joke around?
They pounced on their prey like hungry tigers, unable to stop.
After eating and drinking his fill, Zhang Yao even called out to his wife.
"Honey, come visit more often, maybe you can steal some cooking tips so we can eat better."
He was met with a burst of laughter and an eye roll from his wife.
After the meal, Zhao Shuyi brought out some homemade cookies and peanut and melon seed candies to treat everyone, and then she went into the kitchen to clean up.
Several of her sisters-in-law wanted to help, but Zhao Shuyi turned them all away. Everyone was enthusiastic, but in the end, it was only when Gu Yan arrived that they all exchanged knowing glances and left.
"I never expected Gu Yan to be such a doting husband."
“I thought he was a good match from the beginning, and I was even thinking of introducing him to someone. Luckily I didn’t. This Shuyi is so capable.”
"It's no use in introducing them. The arrangement was made by the older generation, and the two families have a good relationship."
"Oh, it's an arranged marriage between children. It's not easy to arrange such a suitable marriage between children. Nowadays, young people are not willing to accept arranged marriages."
The conversations of the sisters-in-law gradually faded away, leaving only Zhao Shuyi and Gu Yan in the kitchen.
Gu Yan took over the task of washing the dishes, and Zhao Shuyi was arranged to sit and rest in front of the stove.
"You must be exhausted. Take a rest for a while, and you can go out and talk to them again later, and then it will be over."
Gu Yan knew that Zhao Shuyi wasn't a particularly gossipy person, but it wasn't realistic to completely avoid communicating with others.
Zhao Shuyi rested her chin on her knees and looked up at Gu Yan.
"It was a bit tiring, but the women were quite interesting."
Gu Yan smiled and said, "What's so interesting? I've told you a lot of gossip, haven't I?"
His tone was teasing.
Zhao Shuyi, as if possessed, wanted to tease him, and the next sentence almost slipped out.
"They asked me if I was particularly amazing."
Gu Yan was stunned for a moment and didn't react, but when he saw Zhao Shuyi's flushed face and evasive eyes, he suddenly understood.
Suddenly, I felt a surge of heat rushing to a certain part of my body.
Her face also flushed.
He remained silent for a long while.
Seeing him like this, Zhao Shuyi lowered her head and chuckled softly.
Why is she doing this to herself?
To injure the enemy by a thousand, you will also lose eight hundred of your own.
But it's really interesting.
Since that day, more and more people have been coming to visit her home. Although they don't stay for long, and might just occasionally turn around at the door to exchange a few words, Zhao Shuyi has finally integrated into this big group.
However, when people heard that she was going to the neighbor's, they still refused. Except for Huang Mei and a few others, no one wanted to go next door.
Fortunately, everyone treated Xiao Liang quite well, and they didn't say anything unpleasant when talking about Xiao Liang's mother.
This is everyone's choice, and Zhao Shuyi can't easily persuade them otherwise.
Xia Mulan didn't seem to care; she just went about her own business and lived a fulfilling life.
Zhao Shuyi looked at the clothes she made for the child, and they even included little ties, which were especially cute.
"So cute! Our Xiao Liang is already good-looking, but he looks even better in his new clothes."
The child is shy.
Xia Mulan's eyes were also filled with smiles.
"I asked Tao Yuan to help me buy some yarn. I'm planning to knit a sweater. Do you want to knit with me?"
Zhao Shuyi was somewhat tempted.
She felt that the sweaters she knitted by hand were warmer, and it was a craft she loved.
"But I have absolutely no idea how to do it, and I'm not sure if I can learn it."
Xia Mulan advised her, "It's rare to see you lack confidence. Whether you know it or not, you should definitely give it a try."
Zhao Shuyi also expressed her agreement.
"Okay, I'll give it a try."
"Have you taken your measurements? I can start making your clothes in the next couple of days."
Zhao Shuyi slapped her forehead, "I forgot, I forgot."
"I'll take the measurement tonight."
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