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

Chapter 310 "Stubbornness Wins, But It's Still a Loss"

Lin Zhao was unaware of the danger the Han family was facing, nor did she ask. She simply followed Gu Chenghuai's instructions, and after completing the purchase, went to the Han family to bring the little girl over.

Picking up people is quite a test of acting skills, because you have to make the little girl come on her own initiative, without letting her realize that her father brought her there.

Footsteps came from outside the kitchen door.

Yu Bao walked in.

"Mom, did something happen to Xiao Juan'er's family?" he asked softly.

Lin Zhao was surprised and suspicious. She closed the kitchen doors and windows, "How did you know? Who told you?!"

“Nobody told me, I guessed,” Yu Bao said.

"Was it Lu Baozhen's stepmother who caused this?" He frowned, his tone indignant. "That bad person wanted Juanjuan's big house. Was it Lu Baozhen and her stepmother who caused Juanjuan to be unable to go home?!"

Lin Zhao: "..."

"No," she said, both amused and exasperated. "The Lu family has all been sent back to their hometown. How could they possibly cause any trouble?"

"Even if the house falls into their hands, it won't do them any good; it has nothing to do with them."

Yu Bao persisted, asking, "Why did Juan Juan suddenly come to stay at our house? I don't believe there's nothing wrong with it."

"Gu Yubao, aren't you being a little too nosy?" Lin Zhao looked her son up and down.

"No, I've always been like this." Yu Bao said confidently, his face full of righteousness, the light of justice shining on his face at this moment.

Seeing his mother's strange smile, he added, "Xiao Juan'er is my friend, and no one can bully her."

"Yu Bao is so loyal!" Lin Zhao said, busy with her hands and talking to her son.

Yu Bao smiled and said, "Only righteous people can make many, many good friends."

"Why make so many friends? Just make some true friends," Lin Zhao said.

Yu Bao sat on a small stool in front of the stove, throwing firewood into it. "My dad has a lot of friends, and my grandpa also said that having many friends makes life easier. I want to make a hundred good friends."

Lin Zhao: "..."

"Keep trying."

Yu Bao clenched her fist and said, "I will try my best."

He steered the conversation back on track, "Mom, Uncle Han will be alright, right?"

Lin Zhao couldn't answer. "I don't know. Ask your father when he gets back."

These words had barely left his lips.

The kitchen door was pushed open.

A deep, pleasant, magnetic voice rang out, "What are you asking me?"

"Dad!" Yu Bao called out happily, pulled Gu Chenghuai in, closed the door, and asked the question from before.

Gu Chenghuai looked at Lin Zhao.

Lin Zhao shook her head. "I didn't say anything. Your son figured it out himself."

She muttered to herself, "I don't even understand what's going on with the Han family myself."

"Dad?" Yu Bao shook his father's arm, urging him on.

"It's nothing," Gu Chenghuai replied.

But he didn't say much.

Han is as cunning as a fox; he has many trump cards up his sleeve. At the very least, he can protect his wife and daughters.

Furthermore.

If he really had no other choice, he would definitely contact him.

Yu Bao felt relieved, her little face beaming with smiles, and she left with light steps.

"I'm going to entertain Juanjuan."

Gu Chenghuai took the work from Lin Zhao and gestured for her to rest. He then bent down to chop vegetables himself, saying, "You take a break, I'll do it."

Feeling that his wife was spoiling their two sons too much, he said, "If you don't want to cook, tell Yu Bao and Heng Bao to get some from the cafeteria. Just make do with it. I'll take you out for a treat when I have time. It's rare to have some free time, so take a break, go out and wander around, chat with people. Don't spoil them too much. The food in the cafeteria is edible."

Lin Zhao readily agreed and sat down, placing her hands on her knees, her eyes gazing at the man's superior profile.

"Do you think I spoil my two sons?"

Gu Chenghuai turned his head to look at her.

Is not it?

"Of course not," Lin Zhao denied, her voice rising at the end. "I did it for you. You ate in the cafeteria when I wasn't here, but now that I'm here, I definitely can't let you eat in the cafeteria anymore. As long as I'm here, I'll cook for you every day."

Gu Chenghuai's lips curved into a wide smile, his pleasant voice tinged with laughter, "Feeling sorry for me?"

Lin Zhao didn't deny it, and said frankly, "It hurts. The food in the cafeteria can't compare to what we eat at home. Thinking about how you've been eating this for so many years, it makes me feel a little upset."

She had eaten in the canteen, which was very characteristic of that era: it was not oily, with steamed buns and rice, and tofu, vermicelli, radish and potato slices were common. Meat dishes were rare, and even if there were, there were only a few slices of meat.

Those with family members accompanying them to the military can at least have their meals improved, but those whose wives aren't with them can only eat in the mess hall, and they don't have the strength to eat that.

"Don't overthink it," Gu Chenghuai said, not wanting his wife to overthink things.

Then she added, "I can eat anything."

“I can go to Lao Han’s place to improve my meals. Besides, what you send me from time to time is mostly meat, so I’m not lacking in fat.”

Lin Zhao didn't believe it. Men have big appetites, and what she sent could only satisfy their cravings at most; it was impossible for them to eat their fill.

"How could we not lack it?"

She would send meat to the old house every few days, which made the children, including Bangbang, craved it, not to mention those who could never get any.

Looking at his wife's face, which was full of heartache, Gu Chenghuai felt extremely warm inside, but a trace of helplessness appeared on his handsome face.

Zhao Zhao looks like he's a pitiful little thing.

"Zhaozhao, I'm not that miserable. If we're craving meat, we'll find a way to get it ourselves."

The man explained gently, "There are mountains to the south, and there are wild animals on the mountains. We go hunting when we have time. Last year we even caught several wild boars."

Hunting wild boars is a regular activity, and this is to prevent wild boars from harming the local people.

"Can everyone go up the mountain here?" Lin Zhao was quite interested in the mountain.

“Yes, but we can’t go too far. If we go deep into the mountains, we need to go with a group,” Gu Chenghuai said.

"You want to go?"

Lin Zhao didn't hide anything, "A little."

"I'll take you another day," Gu Chenghuai promised.

"Okay."

Lin Zhao stood up and walked to Gu Chenghuai's side, asking mysteriously, "Do you think there's anything special in those mountains?"

Gu Chenghuai looked over, puzzled. "Something mysterious?"

His gaze fell on Lin Zhao's bright, shining eyes. "What exactly are you referring to?"

"Ahem..." Lin Zhao cleared his throat and said, "Treasure and stuff..."

When she entered the lottery, she won a treasure hunting item—an upgraded detector that could find anything underground. She couldn't wait to try it out.

Gu Chenghuai's lips twitched a few times, but he didn't want to discourage his beloved wife, so he smiled and said, "You can give it a try."

"Sure, when are you going to take me up the mountain?"

Sensing the urgency and expectation in Lin Zhao's words, Gu Chenghuai pondered for a moment and said, "I'm free tomorrow, can I bring Yu Bao and Heng Bao along?"

"...Bring Yu Bao but not Heng Bao, consider it a small lesson for him." Lin Zhao said with a smile.

I believe Hengbao will learn a thing or two after this punishment. "Alright, let Jingmo and Maodan come home to keep him company." Gu Chenghuai had no objections.

Lin Zhao: "...Is there any danger at the foot of the mountain?"

"There are always people at the foot of the mountain, so there's no danger." There are also villages at the foot of the mountain, and the villagers often go there to collect firewood and pick mushrooms.

"Alright, let's go tomorrow." Lin Zhao said with great anticipation.

Upon learning that they would be going to the mountains to play the next day, Yu Bao's face flushed with excitement, but for Heng Bao, it was like the sky had fallen.

"And what about me?" he pointed to his nose, shocked. "You're going to leave me all alone at home?"

When talking about someone who is all alone, the tone of voice should be very heavy.

"What can we do? Your foot is injured, there's nothing we can do about it." Lin Zhao shrugged, indicating that there was nothing he could do either.

Gu Chenghuai smiled and said, "Don't worry, you won't be alone. Your mother and I will ask Maodan'er and Jingmo to keep you company."

"Daddy..." Hengbao called out in a drawn-out tone, with a hint of coquetry, "Take me with you, I've never been to the mountains here before, I want to go."

Gu Chenghuai shook his head. "Your foot needs to rest. I'll take you there again once you've recovered. This time, it's mainly for your mother to relax."

Hengbao saw the unyielding look in his father's eyes, stared at his feet, and gritted his teeth fiercely.

Damn it, why did you have to get injured at such an inopportune time!
This is infuriating for the kids!!
"...Alright, you guys go ahead." The little guy was angry inside, but he was angry at himself. He didn't take it out on his family. He was extremely upset inside, but on the surface he looked magnanimous and indifferent.

"I'll be waiting for you to come home."

After pouting and saying this, she turned to Gu Chenghuai and said, "Daddy, please protect Mommy and Brother."

Gu Chenghuai reached out his large, warm hand and patted his son's head. "I know. Is there anything you want? Only things that are available on the mountain. I'll bring them to you."

Hengbao blurted out, "I want to eat bunny! The spicy kind!!"

Gu Chenghuai always said that Lin Zhao spoiled the children, and he himself was no less so. Upon hearing Hengbao's request, he immediately said, "Okay."

"Thank you, dear Daddy." Hengbao asked for a hug in a cheesy way, but his dad gently pushed him away.

Nasty to death.

"Is Daddy shy?" Hengbao leaned closer to look at Battalion Commander Gu's expressionless face.

Gu Chenghuai glanced at him coldly, "Are you going to eat or not? If not, you can lie down."

"I'll eat, I'll eat." Hengbao shrank back and ate his meal obediently.

Dad cooked today's dishes, but they weren't as good as Mom's.

He didn't dare say that.

Han Shuang, on the other hand, accepted it well and ate everything with gusto.

"Uncle Gu, Aunt Lin, can I go up the mountain with you tomorrow?" The little girl swallowed the food in her mouth and made a small request to Gu Chenghuai and Lin Zhao.

"Sure, as long as you don't find it boring," Lin Zhao said with a smile.

"No problem, I'll definitely be a good girl." Han Shuang smiled broadly, very interested in tomorrow's itinerary. Because her mother was in poor health, her family rarely had any mountain climbing activities, and she was looking forward to this novel arrangement.

"Thank you."

Lin Zhao picked up a piece of food for the little girl and said softly, "Don't be shy, eat up. I'll make you sweet pumpkin pancakes tomorrow morning."

Han Shuang's eyes crinkled into crescents, and her appearance was quite charming.

She wasn't wearing a hat at home, her head was bald, but that didn't detract from her beauty and cuteness.

Lin Zhao mentally filled in the little girl's long, curly hair, thinking how adorable she was. If she had hair, she would be as beautiful as a doll. This wretched world, even having naturally curly hair has become a sin.

Fortunately, this girl is still young. When she reaches the age where she cares about her appearance, she should be free from these constraints.

Han Shuang noticed Lin Zhao's gaze on her and looked over in confusion. "Aunt Lin, why are you looking at me? Did I eat something on my face?"

She rubbed her face with the back of her hand.

"No, your face is very clean," Lin Zhao chuckled.

Little girls this age are so cute, as sweet as little milk cakes. When her little darling reaches this age, she will definitely dress her up beautifully.

Gu Chenghuai immediately guessed what Lin Zhao was thinking when he saw her expression. He sighed inwardly, thanking his parents for giving him a handsome face, otherwise he would not have been able to marry such a suitable wife.

……

The mountains to the south aren't very high, but they're lush and green. It's said that the mountain roads are winding and there are many deep ravines, making it dangerous to go into the mountains without a local guide.

Lin Zhao and the others only wandered around at the foot of the mountain. Yu Bao hadn't been up the mountain for almost half a month and was already restless. Within his parents' sight, he looked around, his face flushed and full of energy.

"Mom, there are bamboo shoots here! Hengbao loves stir-fried bamboo shoots with meat, he'll be so happy if we bring them home."

"Wow!" Xiao Han Shuang exclaimed, resting her chin on her hand, and imitated Yu Bao's actions, using the stones she had picked up to dig a hole.

Yu Bao shared his experience with her, "Don't use too much force, dig slowly, or it will break."

The little girl's face was flushed, and she said excitedly, "Teach me!"

"Of course I'll teach you."

Looking at the two little ones, Lin Zhao smiled and said to Gu Chenghuai, "It's rare to see Yu Bao playing with a little girl."

Gu Chenghuai: "..."

"My son can play with whoever he wants."

Lin Zhao glanced at him, "Listen to how protective you are of your own children. I didn't say your son was bad, but Yu Bao and Heng Bao seem quite frightened by Lu Baozhen. They're keeping their distance from little girls. I'm just worried..."

"What are you worried about? Are you worried that your son won't be able to find a wife?" Gu Chenghuai's eyes revealed a helpless smile. "They're only a few years old, they haven't even grown their hair yet, you're worrying too early."

"What do you know? A person who doesn't plan for the future will have trouble in the present. Many strange problems are formed in childhood. I am their mother, of course I have to worry about their future." Lin Zhao didn't think she was worrying unnecessarily. Psychological trauma doesn't care how old you are.

She was quite happy that the twins and Xiao Hanshuang got along well.

"You're right." Gu Chenghuai didn't argue with his wife.

Even if you win by being stubborn, you still lose.

Lin Zhao, still thinking about the treasure-hunting device she had just drawn, said to Gu Chenghuai, "Didn't you promise Hengbao you'd catch a rabbit for him? Go ahead, I'll watch the child."

Gu Chenghuai nodded. "Then I'll go. I'll be nearby. Just call out if anything happens."

"I know," Lin Zhao waved his hand.

Gu Chenghuai smiled, glanced at the two children who were happily digging bamboo shoots, and turned to leave.

As soon as he left, Lin Zhao took out a small, palm-sized device from her small handbag, which was actually a storage ring, and fiddled with it.

The instrument panel lit up, indicating that the location was deep inside.

The lights are flashing loudly. There's something there; it's definitely made of steel, but I'm not sure what it is!

Lin Zhao was unfamiliar with the place and couldn't just wander around, so he could only put his doubts aside for the time being.

Before long, Gu Chenghuai returned carrying a plump gray rabbit.

In her other hand she held a bouquet of wildflowers.

Seeing that Lin Zhao was lost in thought, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Lin Zhao snapped out of her daze and noticed the beautifully arranged bouquet of colorful flowers in the man's hands. Her face lit up with surprise. "Flowers! For me?"

Gu Chenghuai handed the flowers to her, saying, "Otherwise, you'd be silly."

"I'm surprised you're being so cooperative today," Lin Zhao said, giving him a playful glare, her eyes filled with a sweet smile.

She held the flowers in her hands, looking at them closely. The bouquet was beautifully arranged, exuding a wild and romantic charm, full of vitality.

"ask you a question."

Gu Chenghuai looked puzzled. "What problem?"

"Does this mountain have any stories or legends? I'd like to hear them," Lin Zhao said.

(End of this chapter)