Chapter 236 Planning Ahead
The atmosphere in the main room was so heavy it could be squeezed out of you.
Old Master Lu slowly put down his wine glass, looked at the pale-faced Gu Dahe and Wu Guixiang, and softened his voice:
"Grandpa and Grandma, don't be too nervous. This baby is... thoughtful and has a long-term vision."
She probably heard some rumors, and because she had been drinking and was worried, she talked nonsense.
Gu Dahe's throat bobbed, and he rubbed his rough hands on his knees, his voice hoarse:
"Grandpa, we're just country folk, we don't have much worldly experience. But we can still tell right from wrong and what's important. What you're saying, baby... whether it's nonsense or not, makes my heart skip a beat."
If... if it's really as she said, then if this wedding is detrimental to the baby, to Xiao Lu, or to your family, then... we won't hold a big wedding!
Seriously! In our village, getting a marriage certificate and treating everyone to a simple meal is a huge joyous occasion! We can't let showing off cause trouble!
After the initial shock and unease, this simple, honest old man from the countryside still thought of protecting his child and not causing trouble for his in-laws.
Wu Guixiang nodded repeatedly, her eyes slightly red:
"Yes, yes! Nothing is more important than the children's safety and well-being! We don't need that pomp and circumstance!"
Old Master Lu was moved, but also felt a heavy weight in his heart. He waved his hand, signaling his in-laws to calm down, and turned his gaze to his two sons-in-law, especially Song Xiang.
“Song Xiang,”
He asked in a deep voice,
"What do you think? How likely is it that baby is right?"
Song Xiang frowned, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said:
"Dad, there are some things... that are hard to say openly. But some recent internal reports and the prevailing sentiment are indeed... not optimistic. The struggle is showing signs of escalating and becoming more acute."
Intellectuals, artists, and even some government officials... could all be affected. What Comrade Bao mentioned... while it may sound extreme, is not unfounded. We need to take it very seriously and prepare in advance.
Liu Haitang also whispered:
"The trade and economic sector is also cracking down on collusion with foreign countries and bourgeois practices, and the scrutiny is becoming increasingly strict. Many normal foreign exchanges and technology imports have now become sensitive. Caution and discretion are absolutely necessary."
After listening, Old Master Lu remained silent for a long time.
The food on the table gradually lost its heat, but no one touched it anymore.
"relatives by marriage,"
He finally spoke again, his tone regaining its composure, yet carrying an immense force.
"Baby's words, whether drunk or not, have served as a wake-up call and a warning to us. This girl... has a sharp eye and sees things from afar."
So, tomorrow, after the baby sobers up and her mind is clear, our family will sit down together and listen to her thoughts. Since she was able to say these things, she must have a plan in mind.”
He looked around at the crowd:
"Tonight, let's all keep this to ourselves. Yuzhi, Yulan, you two families too, go back and explain things clearly to your children, and keep your mouths shut."
From today onwards, both our families must be extra careful in our actions and words.
Don't say what shouldn't be said, don't do what shouldn't be done, keep your valuables safe, and dispose of your correspondence properly. Just like Bao Bao said, keep a low profile, and be as low-key as possible.
"Yes, Dad."
"Okay, Dad."
Everyone solemnly agreed.
This originally joyous and peaceful family reunion dinner ended prematurely because of Gu Baobao's drunken ramblings.
But no one complained; everyone felt a heavy weight on their hearts and was on edge.
The two aunts from the Lu family had originally planned to take their families back home after dinner, but they changed their minds.
At Grandpa Lu's suggestion, they took the child home first to take care of some things that needed to be done, and then they would talk in detail.
Gu Dongguo knew the importance of tonight's conversation and took on the task of keeping watch without being told.
He wrapped his military overcoat tighter, grabbed a small stool, and sat down directly at the entrance to the inner courtyard through the hanging flower gate, like a door god, ensuring that no outsider would accidentally approach and overhear a single word.
In the main room, Lu Zhanming carefully placed Gu Baobao on the kang (a heated brick bed), helped her take off her coat, shoes, and socks, and wrung out a towel with warm water to carefully wipe her face and hands. Gu Baobao didn't sleep soundly; her brows were slightly furrowed, and she would occasionally mumble a few words.
Lu Zhanming sat on the edge of the bed, holding her hand, looking at her face, which was still restless in her sleep, and his heart was filled with turmoil.
He knew that when the baby woke up tomorrow, he might regret his slip of the tongue tonight.
But perhaps, this accidental bout of drunkenness can deliver some necessary but unspoken warnings to the family members who need to know most in a relatively natural way.
This is a crisis, but it may also be an opportunity to prepare for the future.
But this "rain" sounds like it will be an unprecedented storm.
He leaned down and gently kissed Gu Baobao's slightly furrowed brow, whispering:
"Don't be afraid, I'm here. We're here for you."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com