The mother of the era is reborn to support her cannon fodder children!

Chapter 162 "Climbing a High Branch"

That afternoon.

The housewarming party for the Gu family's third branch has begun.

The Wei family of four was also there.

The twins love Stone Brother and Stone Brother, and they always sit with them when they eat.

Hengbao's eyes sparkled as he looked at Xiaoshitou and said, "Xiaoshitou, you played really well just now! Changsheng was completely thrashed by you. How did you train? Teach me, I want to become great too."

Among the older children in the Harvest Brigade, Changsheng is the best at playing ping-pong; even the older kids can't beat him. But unexpectedly, he was easily defeated by Xiaoshitou, and the children from Gujia looked at him with admiration.

Little Stone is usually a shy kid, but when he plays ball, he shines with confidence and becomes incredibly fierce.

He was being praised by Hengbao and watched by a row of cousins. The little guy was so nervous that sweat was dripping from his nose, and he lowered his head as if there was a big coin on the ground.

“My third uncle sent the racket over, and Little Stone practiced every day. He would play with all the kids in the village, and if the other kids wouldn’t play with him, he would practice by himself. As he practiced, his skills improved dramatically, and eventually even my dad couldn’t beat him,” Big Stone explained for his mute younger brother.

Hengbao imitated his mother's tone when praising himself and started praising his little cousin.

"Wow, Little Stone can even beat Uncle! That's amazing! Uncle is an adult, yet he can't even beat a kid. Little Stone is so awesome!"

Upon hearing this exaggerated praise, Little Stone lowered his head even further.

He felt as if a pure white butterfly had landed on the tip of his heart, and his little heart bubbled with joy.

The child, who rarely receives such straightforward praise, is very happy.

Seeing that his younger brother remained silent, Big Stone patted him on the back and said sternly, "Stand up straight and head held high."

"How should you respond when someone compliments you? Didn't I already teach you?"

The little stone looked at him timidly.

The older brother worried, "You'll be representing the national team in competitions in the future. Even if you win, will it still be like this? You'll be laughed at by those blond-haired, blue-eyed bastards!"

Big Stone slapped Little Stone on the back of the head, saying, "You didn't eat anyone else's rice, so lift your head up."

Little Stone stared blankly at the chopsticks in his hand.

A piece of oily meat was picked up with chopsticks.

He whispered, "...I ate it, it was meat."

She spoke shyly and bashfully.

Big Stone: "..."

"puff--"

Instantly.

Laughter echoed throughout the courtyard.

Mother Gu hugged Little Stone, her eyes crinkling with laughter, "Oh, Grandma's little stone."

Little Stone's eyes were wet, his cheeks were burning, and he had forgotten how to hold chopsticks.

Gu Chan chuckled and sighed, "Silly girl."

Lin Zhao, who was standing next to her, said, "He's just a little slow, how cute! I like Little Stone's personality."

Like a hammer, he's simple-minded.

Seeing that Yao Bao had eaten something on her face, Lin Zhao took out a handkerchief and wiped her daughter's face.

The little dumpling smiled sweetly, her chubby little hands holding a small spoon, scooping up a spoonful of rice cereal and bringing it to her mouth. She was so small, her hands weren't very nimble, and even though she was putting it to her mouth, a few sticky grains of rice appeared on her fair, tender face, like a glutinous rice ball.

"It's no use wiping it off." Lin Zhao sighed helplessly and decided to stop worrying about it and wait until she finished eating.

Gu Chan scolded, "Even such a young child is like this. They'll be fine when they're older."

After working at the supply and marketing cooperative for a few days, she became much more confident!

The allure of a secure job!

Lin Zhao looked at her sister-in-law, her beautiful eyes slightly curved.

Feeling embarrassed by her sister-in-law's gaze, Gu Chan looked away and asked, "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"My eldest sister has changed." Lin Zhao's tone was casual yet serious.

Gu Chan was puzzled, "...Huh? Me? How have I changed?"

"You've become more confident! You're practically glowing!" Lin Zhao praised.

Wei Xiangdong slapped his thigh, stared at Gu Chan, his eyes and brows full of smugness, "See? I wasn't wrong, you look more energetic and spirited since you started working!"

Gu Chan pinched his arm angrily, gritting her teeth: "What's it to you! Eat your food!"

Looking at her flushed face, Wei Xiangdong's smile widened, completely disregarding the slight pain.

"How can it not be my business? You're my wife, the mother of my son, it's all my business!"

His Achan stood in front of the counter at the supply and marketing cooperative, radiating light, completely captivating him.

He needs to work harder to buy Ah Chan a job before the end of the year.

Gu Chan was oblivious to men's thoughts. Seeing Wei Xiangdong behaving shamelessly in front of her family, she wished she could kick him away.

Ignoring the man who was acting crazy, she put a piece of eggplant on Da Shitou's plate.

A clumsy attempt to change the subject.

"This braised eggplant is your aunt's specialty; it's a rare treat to be made here."

People these days aren't picky eaters. Conditions are tough, and it's hard enough to fill your stomach, so why be so fussy?

Da Shitou ate the rice mixed with his large stone, nodding repeatedly.

"good to eat!"

The chefs for today's housewarming banquet are Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang. With so many guests, preparing this meal will take a lot of effort, and Lin Zhao is unwilling to endure such hardship.

The Gu family is not particular about etiquette; they eat and talk at the same time, creating a lively atmosphere.

Lin Zhao turned to the side and looked at Gu Chan, saying, "Big sister, Cheng Huai told you, right? You can cover my shifts for a few more days, and you can keep your wages for those days. I'll go back to work after he goes back to the army."

Gu Chan then realized why Zhao Zhao hadn't rushed back to work; she wanted to spend more time with Cheng Huai.

I felt sorry for my sister-in-law.

Cheng Huai is a good and great man, but he is not a good husband or father to Zhao Zhao and their four children.

Gu Chan didn't want to spoil the fun, so she didn't show any emotion on her face.

Her eyes softened. "I told you."

"No need to pay me. The work at the supply and marketing cooperative is very easy, only half a day, it doesn't take much effort and it doesn't affect me at all, so don't worry about it."

Lin Zhao shook his head and said deliberately, "How can I let you work for free? If you don't get paid, I might as well go to work earlier."

Gu Chan's original intention was to let Zhao Zhao spend more time with Cheng Huai.

Upon hearing this, he quickly said, "I'll take it, I'll take my salary."

At worst, she can use that money to buy delicious food for Yu Bao and Heng Bao. She's their aunt, so it's perfectly normal for her to buy things for her four children!

"That's more like it." Lin Zhao's expression relaxed.

My sister-in-law is a very nice person; you can't bully an honest person like that.

Gu Chan felt helpless, but her heart was warmed.

Talking doesn't affect eating.

Gradually, the plates on the table became empty.

Adults and children alike held their bellies, their faces full of satisfaction.

Building a house is a big deal, so Gu Chenghuai bought a bottle of wine. The men all drank a couple of glasses, and their faces were slightly flushed. They weren't drunk, just a little tipsy.

"boom!"

The new gate of the courtyard was kicked open.

A young girl strode in, her anger blazing.

It was Gu Xing'er, who had just been released.

As soon as she appeared, Hengbao exclaimed, "Oh no, my naughty aunt is back! Dahuang, Hupo, stop her, don't let her in!"

Dahuang obeys every master's words. Upon hearing the command, its powerful body approaches Gu Xing'er. It arches its back, bares its teeth, and tries to scare away the "intruder." Its two front paws grip the ground, ready to spring up and pounce at any moment.

"Woo—" it threatened.

Lin Zhao had raised Da Huang until it was shiny and healthy, and it was a size bigger than before. It never bared its teeth and stayed by the four cubs' side like a loyal guard.

This is the first time it has shown its fangs since being adopted, and it looks extremely frightening.

Gu Xing'er was afraid of vicious dogs. Faced with Da Huang's warning, she froze and dared not move.

She looked up at the Gu family and said bluntly, "What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and help me!"

Gu Chenghuai frowned.

Does my younger sister usually talk to her family like this?

He had previously received a call from Gu Xing'er and noticed her arrogant tone, but he assumed it was just a reaction in a moment of panic. Now, however, he realized that she was clearly spoiled.

"Gu Xing'er, who are you talking to!" Gu Chenghuai said with a displeased expression.

Annoyance flashed in Gu Xing'er's eyes.

I planned to do my best before I came.

She softened her voice, her tone aggrieved, "Third Brother, I'm afraid of dogs."

Gu Chenghuai lifted his eyelids, his dark eyes radiating pressure, "You think you can talk to your family like this just because you're afraid of dogs?"

"Get out," he said impatiently.

Gu Xing'er's face stiffened slightly, "...Third Brother."

"Don't make me say it a second time," Gu Chenghuai said sternly.

Gu Xing'er glared at Lin Zhao with hatred in her eyes, and blurted out, "Did you say bad things about me to my third brother? You've already ruined me like this, why are you still trying to sow discord between me and my third brother? How could you be so vicious..."

Upon hearing these words, the expressions of those present changed drastically.

Gu Qingzhou felt that her younger sister was being unreasonable and stopped her, saying, "Gu Xing'er, that's enough!"

"That's not enough!" Gu Xing'er shouted, her thin face contorted with rage, wishing she could tear Lin Zhao's face to shreds. "Lin Zhao, tell me, did you tell my third brother to ignore me?! What have I done to you? Why are you treating me like this!"

Lin Zhao glanced at her indifferently and said nothing.

What was there to say? She was, after all, Gu Chenghuai's own sister, and with her in-laws, who had always been good to her and the children, present, ignoring her was the best course of action. And as it turned out, ignoring her was the right thing to do.

Gu Xing'er punched a cotton ball, her face not looking good, but with a vicious dog in front of her, she dared not go forward, and she was furious.

Lin Zhao didn't say anything, but Gu Chenghuai couldn't stand anyone yelling at his wife, "Gu Xing'er."

He called Gu Xing'er by her full name, his voice low and his tone cold.

"I'm not dead yet." Gu Chenghuai's eyes were cold as he warned again, "Get out."

"Don't provoke me."

Gu Xing'er stood frozen in place, staring at him in disbelief. "Third brother, you're being mean to me. You're being mean to me because of this woman. I'm your real sister."

She wiped away her tears in anger, "I was captured and suffered so much, and you didn't even save me. I finally came back and saw you, and you were already yelling at me. Are you even my third brother anymore...?"

Gu Chenghuai remained expressionless. "No, it's not."

Anyone who has a girl like that is doomed.

Gu Xing'er choked, her crying stopped abruptly, and she almost forgot how to cry.

Seeing that her third brother was unmoved by either soft or hard tactics, she stomped her foot angrily and rushed out quickly.

The Gu family members all had complicated expressions.

My sister-in-law is back, and I haven't had a moment's peace since...

So annoying.

Gu's mother had a terrible headache. She comforted Lin Zhao for a few words, then pulled Gu's father and called the others home.

With her left foot just outside the door, she said in a worried tone, "Hurry up, hurry up, don't let that vengeful spirit wreak havoc on the house!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang's expressions changed slightly, and they quickened their pace to run home.

From a distance, I could see the gate was open.

The two exchanged a glance and immediately understood each other.

Caught in the act of sneaking food in the kitchen, Gu Xing'er was found to have opened the jar of fruit that the third son's wife had given to the children and was eating it with gusto. The two sisters-in-law were furious and rushed over, pinching and kicking each other, seeking revenge for any grudges they had.

"Shameless thing!" Huang Xiulan cursed, snatching the can away. Seeing that there was less than half left, she wanted nothing more than to slap Gu Xing'er's face.

They wouldn't even drink the syrup from this canned food, but she actually ate it as a meal!
Why didn't she choke to death!
Then, thinking about how Ah Lan and Yu Yu's reputations were being affected, he kicked them.

Gu Xing'er dodged aside, "Are you crazy!"

Before she could continue outputting...

Zhao Liuniang's thin but strong hand slapped him, "Where did this thief come from!"

She was ruthless; the small kitchen was filled with the sound of slapping. "I'll teach you to steal! I'll teach you to steal!"

Gu Xing'er screamed in pain.

"It's me! Are you blind? This is my house! What did I steal?" she retorted as she dodged.

Gu Xing'er was lazy and gluttonous, with the strength of a chick. Either Huang Xiulan or Zhao Liuniang could easily lift her up, and the two of them treated her like a Japanese soldier, so she couldn't dodge and was hit several times.

until……

Footsteps could be heard outside the kitchen.

Gu's mother appeared, "Gu Xing'er, what are you doing now!"

"What did I do!" Gu Xing'er retorted. "I was hungry, so I went home to eat. What's wrong with that?"

Zhao Liuniang, quick-witted and articulate, said, "Mother, my sister-in-law and I aren't malicious people. We had no problem with my sister-in-law finding something to eat, but she... she ate the children's canned food without saying a word. It was a reward from my third sister-in-law to Yu Yu and the others; the children were reluctant to eat it. As soon as she came back, she snatched the children's snacks. What kind of aunt acts like that!"

Gu's mother looked at Gu Xing'er with disappointment.

She really didn't know what to do with her little girl.

Hitting her is useless, scolding her is useless, she's just a troublemaker, there's never a quiet moment at home when she's around.

"...Go back to your grandma and don't come back."

Before Gu Xing'er was arrested, she lived at her second uncle's house. Life there was not easy. Her cousins ​​treated her coldly, refused to wash her clothes, and didn't cook for her. The food was so bland that it was practically devoid of oil. She had wanted to come back to her hometown for a long time!
"I'm not leaving, this is my home!"

Afraid of being kicked out, she grabbed her luggage from the corner and rushed to her room.

Upon entering, he saw signs of habitation in the room, filled with Gu Qingzhou's belongings, and his face was filled with resentment.

Grandma is right, these people don't treat her like family.

He haphazardly tossed Gu Qingzhou's things into a corner and stomped on them several times before he felt relieved.

dong dong dong.

There was a knock on the door.

Gu Qingzhou's calm voice rang out, "Open the door, I'm taking my things down."

Gu Xing'er opened the door and pointed to the ground, "They're all there, pick them up yourself!"

She sneered, a mocking smile on her face. "This is my room. Even if I don't live here, no one can occupy it. If there's a next time, I'll cut all your things to shreds and burn them!"

Gu Qingzhou saw the footprints on the clothes, gave Gu Xing'er a deep look, and her heart turned completely cold. "Gu Xing'er, you are really annoying."

“I always thought you were still young and never held it against you. Now I realize that you are just selfish, not only selfish but also vicious. From now on... I will pretend I don’t have a sister like you.”

After saying that, he gathered his things together, didn't even glance at Gu Xing'er, and left with his belongings.

Gu's mother and others waited outside the door.

I immediately noticed the black footprints on my youngest son's textbook.

What came to mind immediately.

She banged on the door.

"Gu Xing'er, did you lose your brother's things?"

"How could I have given birth to such a heartless wretch like you? Your fourth brother always gives in to you, and this is how you repay him? Come out here!"

Gu Xing'er sat up abruptly in bed, facing the door, and shouted, "How am I heartless? This is my room, and I don't want anyone to stay here, especially Gu Qingzhou. I hate him so much!"

When Gu Qingzhou completely treated Gu Xing'er as a stranger, no matter how harsh her words were, they couldn't hurt him.

Stopping her mother from standing up for her, she said, "Mother, I'm fine, don't pay any attention to her."

Meeting her youngest son's indifferent eyes, Gu's mother froze, then sighed softly.

After a long silence, she said, "From now on... you and Xing'er, if you can get along, great; if not, just ignore her."

She was a mother who hoped her children would have a deep bond and support each other. Saying these words brought a heavy, aching pain to her heart.

But there is no way.

If you can't get along, you just can't get along, even if you're siblings.

Gu Qingzhou remained silent for a moment, then said, "Thank you, Mother."

"It's good that you don't blame your mother." Mother Gu wiped her eyes. "I shouldn't have let you give way to Xing'er. You're only two minutes older than her. I'm sorry."

Qingzhou shook her head, "It's not Mother's fault."

He smiled wryly, "I overestimated myself. I thought... I could teach her well."

The old saying that you can tell what a person will be like at three years old is true.

No matter how hard you try, a person who is crooked will never grow straight.

"It's not your fault," said Gu's mother. "Xing'er isn't your responsibility; it's your mother and father who didn't raise her well."

Qingzhou didn't want to pursue who was right and who was wrong anymore. "Mother, she's back. At home..." He hesitated.

Mother Gu understood the implication in his words.

"It's alright, we can always split up the family, there's always a way."

Split up?

Gu Qingzhou thought it was a good idea.

He could see it clearly: Gu Xing'er came back purely to slack off, wanting someone to do her laundry, cook her meals, and let her sleep in until she naturally woke up, without having to do anything. Now that the family had separated, her plans were off the table!

"It's up to you, Mom and Dad. I have no objection. I'm going to high school soon and won't be staying at home for long, so you don't need to worry about me. I agree to separate the family."

The reason the Gu family did not split up was not because Gu's mother coveted power, but because the two youngest members were neither married nor unmarried.

Hearing Qingzhou say this, Gu's mother's idea of ​​separating the family became clearer and clearer.

Back in the main house, she sat on the edge of the bed and said to her father, who was putting tobacco into his pipe, "Old man, what do you think... about dividing the family property?"

With a loud "duang" sound.

Mr. Gu's old pipe slipped from his hand, some tobacco falling out. The old man looked distressed as he carefully picked it up and put it back in.

He looked at his wife and asked, "Why do you suddenly want to separate the family?"

"Qingzhou is still in school; it's too early for them to separate from the family now."

How could Gu's mother not know it was too early? There was nothing she could do about it.

“Xing’er insists on coming back. As her parents, we can’t just kick her out, but with her personality…”

She shook her head. "Both the eldest son's family and the second son's family are tired of her. They definitely won't indulge her like before. Have you thought about what will happen then?"

Mr. Gu didn't light a cigarette. He frowned, took a couple of puffs, and his irritability only increased instead of decreasing.

"Xing'er has no sense of responsibility as an elder. She even wanted to beat up Yu Bao and Heng Bao before. Now that she's moved back, who knows if she'll take care of Bao and Yu Yu?" Gu's mother didn't think she was being overly worried; it was a very likely thing to happen.

She was also worried that if Xing'er went back to live in the old house, her third son's wife probably wouldn't come to visit again, and her four children definitely wouldn't come either. It would be less convenient for her to see her grandchildren then!
Gu's father had also thought of these things.

He immediately made the decision, "Xing'er will be seventeen at the beginning of the year, and she doesn't want to continue going to school. Let's find some matchmakers..."

For the elderly, it's best to stay together as long as possible; they prefer a lively and bustling household.

In the countryside, there are plenty of girls who get married at seventeen or eighteen. Girls of Gu Xing'er's age got married early. She was only able to go to school because she was born into the Gu family and had a capable third brother.

Mother Gu had no objections, but she was a little worried. "Your daughter has high standards and is determined to marry into a wealthy family in the city. I'm afraid she'll offend the matchmaker to death with her mouth!"

Father Gu: "..."

That is indeed a problem.

"...Find more matchmakers and try to find her a son-in-law from the city?" He said this without much confidence.

Gu's mother glared at him, "Do you think city people aren't picky?"

　Sorry, I had to work overtime until after midnight to finish writing this. Sorry to keep you all waiting. (bows)

　　I'm so sorry, I've been very busy lately and haven't been updating on time. (﹏)
　　An extra 1.3k words! Thank you all for your support and understanding!
　　(End of this chapter)