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

Chapter 287 "I don't know what these people are burning with passion"

"Not bad, better than what my eldest and second eldest brothers did." Lin Zhao was very supportive, praising them non-stop.

Meng Jiusi's mood improved even more.

"Eat up, you must be starving."

The topic of the "bitter meal" was skipped, and the happiest person was Hengbao. He pursed his lips and became much more reserved.

Lin Zhao saw through his little scheme, leaned towards Gu Chenghuai, and whispered, "Look at your second son, he hasn't said a word for a while! Is he afraid I'll make him eat 'bitter rice' (a traditional Chinese meal to remember the hardships of the past)?"

Gu Chenghuai is very generous to his wife, but frugal with himself. He has never bought food on the train and always eats the dry food he brought with him. But he has at least seen the food on the train, and it looks pretty good. If he "dislikes" even such good food, it is clear that Hengbao's little sapling is not straight and needs to be pruned.

“They can’t escape!” he said calmly. “When I take them on vacation to dig for wild vegetables and have a few meals of wild vegetable dumplings… then they’ll know how good life is now.”

"Where can we find wild vegetables? Does the military region have any?" Lin Zhao's eyes gleamed.

Gu Chenghuai shoved the chopsticks into her hand, "There are plenty of places to dig. If you're curious, I'll call you if you go."

“Okay.” Lin Zhao was very interested.

"I'll take you around tomorrow, and we'll add some things we need," Gu Chenghuai said considerately.

"What else do you need? I think we have everything we need at home," Lin Zhao said, holding his chopsticks.

"You and the two kids both need sun hats, what if you get sunburned?" Gu Chenghuai said whatever came to mind, adding everything he could think of, and there were definitely more he hadn't thought of.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot if you hadn't mentioned it, we do need to add some." Lin Zhao is very vain and takes her face very seriously; she'll scream if she gets sunburned.

"Sure, let's go check it out tomorrow. We've never been to the supply and marketing cooperative here before."

Gu Chenghuai placed a piece of his wife's favorite stir-fried pork with chili on his plate, speaking gently, "The army also has supply and marketing cooperatives. You can go there anytime. I'll take you to the city one tomorrow, okay?"

The outside has more items than the inside.

"Sure," Lin Zhao replied.

"Enough talk, let's eat." Gu Chenghuai's attention was entirely on his wife. Whenever she ate a few more bites of that dish, he would automatically put some on her plate, providing her with exceptionally attentive service.

Meng Jiusi was amazed by what he saw.

He sighed and looked after the children.

Grandpa Meng looked at his grandson with excitement in his eyes, "Aren't you envious? If you are, I'll find someone to arrange a marriage for you?"

Meng Jiusi looked at him and said, "I'm busy."

"How could you not have time!" Grandpa Meng moved his stool closer to his grandson. "Even if you're busy, you can't even find time to see a girl? Who are you kidding? You have a good job and you're top-notch looking. It's not good for you to stay single forever."

“Being single is fine too.” Meng Jiusi didn’t respond.

Grandpa Meng then unleashed his ultimate weapon: "Didn't your parents urge you?"

“I didn’t rush you!” Meng Jiusi smiled. “My parents said it’s up to me, and as for me… I’ll leave it to fate.”

"Go with the flow, go with the flow, go with the flow... You stay at home every day, or in the hospital. Where does fate come from? Falling from the sky?" Old Master Meng scolded.

"While Jingmo and Guangbai are still young, you should hurry up and start a complete family. Not only will someone take care of the children, but someone will also leave a light on for you when you come home from get off work..."

Meng Jiusi was unmoved by reason. "Someone already left a light on for me. If you leave one on for me, my two sons will leave one on for me too."

He looked at his grandfather, who had raised him, with a mix of amusement and exasperation, and said, "I don't need another lamp."

"..." Old Master Meng had a bellyful of words of advice, but he shut him down.

Everyone was so angry they laughed.

"Grandpa, didn't you say you wouldn't rush me? Why are you suddenly rushing me? Who contacted you?" Meng Jiusi knew exactly what was going on.

Old Master Meng's old eyes flickered, and he stubbornly said, "I'm an old man, who would look for me! I just felt sorry for you because you were all alone."

Indeed, some people had approached him to arrange marriages for Jiu Si. He had met several girls, all of whom were quite nice, and he wanted his grandson to meet them. His grandson was capable, excelling both at home and outside, but... seeing Jiu Si with no one to care for him, having to manage both work and household chores, he felt sorry for him.

Meng Jiusi chimed in, "I don't feel lonely. I like this lifestyle. It's fulfilling, peaceful, and enjoyable."

He spoke casually, but his expression was extremely serious.

Grandpa Meng remained silent for a few moments, then asked again, "...You really don't want to see him?"

"No!" Meng Jiusi answered decisively.

A sigh was heard.

"Alright, Grandpa will refuse them one by one." Grandpa Meng looked regretful. He had met that girl; she was gentle, cultured, and her family was very easy to get along with. She also had feelings for Jiu Si. What a pity.

"If you suddenly change your mind, don't forget to tell Grandpa!"

Even if it costs him his reputation, we will fight for him again.

That girl is really good, and she's a perfect match for Jiu Si. Otherwise, Grandpa Meng wouldn't be in such a difficult position, trying so hard to get the two children to meet.

such a pity.

There's nothing we can do if we're not meant to be.

“…Okay,” Meng Jiusi replied.

Jingmo overheard his great-grandfather and father's conversation. The boy remained calm and composed, serving food to his younger brother, then to Yubao and Hengbao. His expression was serene and composed.

Lin Zhao was puzzled, lightly biting her chopsticks, her eyes filled with curiosity, "Why isn't Mo Mo saying anything?"

"What did you say?" The boy whose name was Yaocao looked over in surprise.

"What your great-grandfather said..." Lin Zhao began, but only halfway through her sentence.

Jingmo wiped his mouth and smiled slightly, "I have no objection, as long as Dad is happy."

Looking at Meng Jiusi with adoration, the young boy smiled brightly, "No matter whether my father gets married or not, my brother and I are his most beloved sons, and that will never change. I believe in my father."

After saying that, he looked at Lin Zhao and said, "It's okay if Dad doesn't take care of us. Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt will take care of us. My brother and I aren't afraid of anything."

This is the confidence that Jingmo has just built up.

It took only a year.

His previous unease, anxiety, and fear... all vanished.

Because he had someone to rely on, Jingmo no longer saw Meng Jiusi as the only one to depend on. He began to think from Meng Jiusi's perspective and gradually came to understand that his father should also have his own life and not just revolve around him and his brother.

Little Bai, though young, is sensible and can distinguish right from wrong. He echoed, "Believe in Daddy, Little Bai believes in Daddy. Daddy loves Little Bai, and Little Bai loves Daddy too. Support Daddy..."

"Support Uncle!!" Hengbao swallowed the meat in his mouth, raised his right arm, and shouted to join in the fun.

"I support you too." Yu Bao clenched his fist and gave his uncle an encouraging emoji.

"Well... I support it too." Cat Egg, who was freeloading, felt it would be strange not to express his opinion, so he said it without really knowing why.

I have no idea what these people are so excited about... φ(ω*)`
Lin Zhao ignored the children who made unnecessary comments and looked at Jingmo and Guangbai with admiration. "Momo and Xiaobai are so smart and sensible! You are right to think this way, that's great. You are more clear-headed than many adults. You are indeed my nephews. I must reward you two. What do you want?"

Mo Mo's composed demeanor crumbled, her tender face flushed crimson, burning hot. "I... I don't want anything."

It was obvious that he was overwhelmed by his aunt's warm and straightforward manner.

"Why be so polite with me? This is a reward for your thoughtfulness. You can have whatever you want!" Lin Zhao made the decision in a flurry. "How about this, you and Xiaobai go to the supply and marketing cooperative tomorrow too. Take whatever you like!" "Is that okay?" She looked at Gu Chenghuai with a questioning gaze.

I don't know how the transportation works in the military region.

"Sure." Gu Chenghuai had no objections.

He was also quite impressed by the performance of the two boys, Jingmo and Guangbai.

Zhao Zhao is right; many adults are not as good as these two children.

There are plenty of gossipy people in the military compound, and some nosy ones whisper in the children's ears, saying things like, "If your dad gets married, he won't care about you anymore," "With a stepmother comes a stepfather," and "I heard your dad is getting close to xxx; you'll be sent away soon..."

Jingmo wasn't swayed by the hype and was able to say something quite insightful, showing he's much smarter than the average kid!
Deserves a reward.

“Let’s go together,” Gu Chenghuai said.

Jingmo didn't say no again and happily said, "Okay, thank you, Aunt and Uncle."

After dinner, the family sat in the courtyard and chatted for a while before Lin Zhao and his family of four left.

Cat Egg glanced at Lin Zhao and Gu Chenghuai again and again. Just before they parted, she couldn't help but hesitate and ask, "Aunt Lin, could Yu Bao and Heng Bao stay at my house?"

He had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of his twin playmates, but an afternoon wasn't enough for them.

Lin Zhao paused slightly, then smiled and her eyes crinkled. "You've been worrying about this all this time? What's there to worry about? Sure, I have no objection, as long as Yu Bao and Heng Bao are willing."

"I'm willing!" Hengbao has never stayed at a friend's house before. He heard from Maodan'er that he had a room all to himself and lived on the second floor, so he was very curious.

"I'm willing too!" Yu Bao shook Cat Egg's hand a few times, her little face flushed with excitement.

The three children looked over expectantly.

Lin Zhao spoke up, "Let's go, I'll take you there."

The children were overjoyed, holding hands and skipping along, their backs radiating happiness.

Cat Egg quickened its pace as it passed a five-story building.

"...We need to hurry up here, that annoying kid you two dislike is here! If he sees us, he'll start swarming around us again!"

He never speaks ill of others, and even when he encounters someone he dislikes, he simply ignores them. Lu Baozhen was the first little girl that Maodan felt he couldn't be too harsh or too lenient with. After being harassed so much, his indifferent impression of that little girl turned into mere annoyance.

Yu Bao followed Cat Egg's steps and guessed who he was talking about.

"Lu Baozhen lives here?"

"Hmm," Cat Egg replied. "She lives on the fourth floor."

"It's even taller than my great-uncle's house!" Hengbao craned his little head to look.

"Hengbao, hurry up and leave. What if Lu Baozhen sees us and starts bothering us again?" Yubao frowned.

In Yu Bao's little mind, girls all over the world can be divided into three categories—his mother represents one category, who is beautiful, good-tempered, highly educated, and a great cook... with almost no flaws; another category is the others, all kinds of girls; and the last category is like Lu Baozhen, who is clingy, loves to cry, loves to tattle, is unhygienic, and is an annoying tagalong.

He politely declined the last category!
Reminded by his brother, Hengbao realized what was happening and ran like the wind, shouting, "Right, right, let's go! Be careful Lu Baozhen doesn't bite again!"

"..." Lin Zhao watched the three little boys run away in a flash, his lips twitching. "This is what they call... once bitten by a snake, twice shy."

“Why not?” Gu Chenghuai shrugged.

After giving his evaluation, he narrowed his deep, dark eyes and said, "You were scared by a little girl. You're useless. You've wasted your time learning boxing. You need to practice more."

Lin Zhao nudged him with her elbow, "Your son is so young, don't always think about tormenting them."

"That's my own son, I know that perfectly well," Gu Chenghuai denied.

“Teaching normally is fine, but abusing power for personal gain is not acceptable.” Lin Zhao glanced at him.

"definitely."

After visiting the Ning family and paying their respects to Old Madam Ning, Lin Zhao and Gu Chenghuai didn't stay long. They told the twins to behave themselves and then returned home.

By this time, the sun had completely set, and it was getting late. The lights in every household in the residential compound were not very bright. There weren't many people out for a walk, but groups of small children were running around and playing. As if a gust of wind had blown by, they would see Gu Chenghuai and then dart away again.

"Is no one taking care of these children?" Lin Zhao looked away.

“The military region is safe, so the adults are very reassured. They will all go home when it’s time,” Gu Chenghuai explained calmly.

“It’s good,” Lin Zhao said. “Unlike in the village, where if a child comes home a little late, the adults will search the whole village for him, afraid that something might have happened to him.”

There are good and bad aspects; for example, a significant number of children struggle to integrate. Wherever there are people, there are conflicts; nothing is perfect.

Gu Chenghuai didn't mention these things for the time being.

His wife is smart; she'll figure it out in a few days.

When the couple got home, Lin Zhao plopped down on the double sofa next to the wardrobe, stretching, "Finally, I can get some rest. Tonight I don't have to keep an eye on Yu Bao and Heng Bao's whereabouts. I can finally get a good night's sleep!!"

Gu Chenghuai leaned against the door frame, gazing at his wife with a smile in his eyes.

"Would you like to soak your feet?"

Lin Zhao sat up slightly and immediately said, "Yes!"

"I'll go get some water," Gu Chenghuai replied, and walked towards the courtyard.

Looking at the man's imposing back through the window, Lin Zhao hugged the cushion, her eyes curving into crescents.

It's so nice to have someone come to visit!
After having her feet soaked, Lin Zhao comfortably got into bed, rolled around a few times, and found a comfortable position to lie down.

"Aren't you asleep yet?"

Gu Chenghuai didn't answer, only saying, "You go to sleep first, I still have some things to take care of."

Lin Zhao assumed it was a confidential matter and didn't ask any further questions. "Alright, I'll go to sleep now. You should go to sleep early too."

"it is good."

As the weather gets warmer, mosquitoes inevitably appear indoors. Gu Chenghuai applied mosquito repellent and waited until his wife fell asleep before quietly leaving.

Under the moonlight, their figures gradually disappeared into the distance.

……

When Gu Chenghuai bumped into Meng Jiusi at the entrance of the communications room, he was slightly taken aback.

"Why is Fourth Brother here so late at night?" he asked.

Meng Jiusi stepped onto the stairs and said in a calm tone, "I came for the same reason you came."

"That's quite a tacit understanding," Gu Chenghuai said with a smile.

Meng Jiusi remained noncommittal.

His sister's injuries shouldn't have been in vain, and besides... human traffickers deserve to die, don't they?

He went into the communications room, sent a letter, and after thinking for a moment, sent an urgent telegram.

(End of this chapter)