1990s: Spring Water Family

Chapter 194 Gently whispering his name, unwavering in love.

This house, located right next to East China Normal University, holds special significance for Lin Xiyu and Gu Bin.

As Wu Meng said, Gu Bin did consider buying a house near East China Normal University, close to Lin Xiyu's school, so that she could stay overnight off-campus.

With a cozy love nest, couples no longer need to brave the cold wind by the Huangpu River when they go on dates. Every weekend and holiday, they can enjoy a romantic time together in their own little home.

Unfortunately, he was unable to fulfill his wish because of a family tragedy, and with deep regret and resentment, he was forced to leave.

Five years later, Lin Xiyu's long-cherished wish was fulfilled unintentionally. He was really happy. On the first day he got the key, he strongly urged her to move in and live with him.

Lin Xiyu hesitated for a short time before agreeing.

She agreed to move not only because it would be inconvenient for Gu Bin to go to work, but also for his health.

He endured five years of hardship in the United States, working and studying day and night. While achieving success in his career, he also developed a serious stomach ailment. He would experience stomach pain from time to time, and when the pain struck, his face would turn deathly pale, a sight that would frighten anyone who saw him.

When Lin Xiyu first saw him with a stomachache, she was terrified and insisted on taking him to the hospital for a checkup. Fortunately, the test results showed it wasn't stomach cancer, which brought some comfort to her frightened little heart.

After moving to live near East China Normal University, she would cook different dishes and make soup for him every day.

Stew various medicinal soups that are good for nourishing the stomach and providing nutritional benefits.

Yam and pork rib soup, pumpkin and millet soup, monkey head mushroom and chicken soup, lotus root and pork rib soup, cabbage and tofu soup, apple and red date soup, and so on.
As long as it's good for his stomach, she doesn't mind the trouble at all. She carefully selects and matches ingredients and seasonings so that he can have a hot meal and a delicious medicinal soup when he comes home.

"It's so good to have a wife."

When Gu Bin got home, he saw her busy in the kitchen. He would instinctively hug her from behind and enjoy a moment of warmth.

The fatigue from a long day's work magically disappears at this moment.

The couple lived a happy and fulfilling life, but some people disapproved and would occasionally provoke and pick fights with them.

Lin Xiyu had her own things to do and ignored all the provocative phone calls. As soon as she heard Zhang Xiaoqian's voice, she would hang up immediately.

Time slipped away quietly amidst the busyness and warmth, and before we knew it, it was mid-month.

Gu Bin booked three plane tickets and took Lin Xiyu and Wu Meng to Beijing.

Beijing Airport.

"Dude, you've finally arrived."

When Qu Peng saw the handsome young man walking out of the arrival hall, he was so excited that he rushed up and gave him a big hug.

"only you?"

Gu Bin looked around but didn't see Li Liang, which made him a little disappointed.

"He can't come; he's on duty at Tiananmen Square."

Qu Peng explained on behalf of his friend: "This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and there will be a military parade on October 1st. They have already received the notice and will be even busier in the future. The intensive training will last for at least half a year."

"There's a military parade?"

Wu Meng exclaimed excitedly, "I love watching military parades the most! My Liangzi is so lucky to have caught up with the grand military parade. He can brag about it for the rest of his life!"

"Let's take a stroll around Tiananmen Square later."

Gu Bin was in high spirits: "His wife is here, we should let them meet first."

"I haven't seen Li Liang on duty yet."

Lin Xiyu laughed and said, "Isn't he handsome? The kind that makes women scream."

"Absolutely, he's incredibly handsome."

Qu Peng felt honored: "The soldiers of the honor guard are always the center of attention wherever they go."

"Otherwise, they would have handed over all the outstanding ones to the country."

Wu Meng was also very proud: "My Liangzi is the one who's in the spotlight."

"Let's hurry up and go to Tiananmen Square."

Lin Xiyu teased her with a smile: "Someone can't wait and wants to show off that they are a family member of the honor guard."

I think so too.

Gu Bin quickly caught up: "If we go over now, he might be on duty and let a certain family member get what they want."

"Let's go, to Tiananmen Square."

Qu Peng waved his arm, making a departure gesture.

"You're being a bit childish."

Wu Meng joked with a smile, "He's nowhere near as good as my Liangzi."

Qu Peng's arm stiffened, and he awkwardly tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Pfft."

"Hahaha."

Lin Xiyu and Gu Bin couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Tiananmen Square.

As Qu Peng had predicted, Li Liang was on duty, his posture upright, just like a telephone pole, unmoved by wind or rain.

"Liangzi has gotten darker and thinner."

Wu Meng watched from afar, and overwhelmed with emotion, her eyes involuntarily filled with tears.

"His body looks more robust."

Gu Bin sighed with emotion: "It's much better than me, someone who sits in the office all day in air conditioning and is in poor health."

"Mengmeng, let's go."

Lin Xiyu gently nudged Wu Meng and gave her an encouraging look: "It's a rare opportunity for him to come all this way, let him see you, otherwise you won't see him again after his shift changes."

"Ah."

Wu Meng nodded, took small steps and ran over, stopping about ten meters away from the sentry post.

When Li Liang saw her, his body remained motionless, but his eyes suddenly lit up, revealing a fleeting excitement.

Wu Meng covered her mouth with her hand and whispered his name, not daring to say it aloud.

The two looked into each other's eyes, their gazes filled with tenderness.

Not long after, it was time for Li Liang to take over from the soldier on duty and left the post with his teammates.

As Wu Meng watched his departing figure, she finally couldn't help but shed tears.

"Are soldiers in the honor guard allowed to ask for leave to go out?"

Lin Xiyu felt heartbroken watching this, so she went over and hugged Wu Meng, offering comfort as a friend.

"Apply in advance for holidays; if approved, it's fine."

Qu Peng smiled helplessly: "But it's not easy to take leave during this period. I asked him, and he said that the military parade training is about to begin. His teammates are all training, and he can't fall behind. He wants to try to make it into the final training list."

"Let him train."

Wu Meng wiped her eyes, forcing back her tears: "This is his dream, and I don't want to hold him back. We've been living apart for so many years, what's another year or two? After the parade, he'll be old enough to retire. This is the only parade he can participate in, so we must make sure his wish comes true."

"Liangzi will be fine."

Qu Peng has great confidence in his friend: "He performed very well in the army, and his superiors often praised him and intended to cultivate him so that he could stay for a few more years."

"what?!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Meng was stunned again, her face filled with despair: "How many more years do we have to stay? When will this suffering ever end? I don't want to live anymore!"

"Hahaha."

Her three friends were amused by her playful antics and laughed heartily.

Nanluoguxiang.

Five years later, Lin Xiyu returned to this tranquil courtyard hidden in the bustling city. Her feelings remained the same as before, still filled with an indescribable awe and trepidation towards the old man.

Gu Bin noticed her nervousness and gently took her hand.

"The door is open, and Sixth Grandpa is home. Let's go in."

Qu Peng is a frequent visitor and has come to regard the old man's home as his own, treating him with the same respect and devotion he would show to his grandfather.

Is Aunt Li still there?

Gu Bin pulled Lin Xiyu inside.

"exist."

Qu Peng quickly led the way. "Aunt Li isn't young anymore, is she?"

Gu Bin was meticulous and remembered clearly: "I remember you were almost 60 when I came last time."

"Indeed, it's 64."

Qu Peng nodded: "Aunt Li has been working here for many years. The old man is too lazy to bother with it. If we change people, we'll have to work on the same routine again. It's better to use an older person who is more comfortable with it."

"As long as Sixth Grandfather is satisfied."

Gu Bin nodded and said, "After the New Year, give Aunt Li a raise so she can take better care of Sixth Grandfather."

"to make."

Qu Peng readily agreed: "Leave this to me, I guarantee I'll handle it perfectly for you."

"Thank you for your hard work these years."

Gu Bin said gratefully, "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to leave so easily back then."

"Why are we being so polite?"

Qu Peng feigned dissatisfaction: "What's this talk of hardship or not? We Beijing drifters have it tough too. With the old man around, he can come visit during holidays, which gives us a sense of belonging and makes us feel less lonely."

Are you still single?

Gu Bin raised an eyebrow: "Didn't you find another partner?"

"No."

Qu Peng laughed awkwardly: "Going to work and going to school are two completely different things. I've only been working for two years, and I've already lost all my temper. The Ministry of Public Security and becoming a high-ranking official are all nonsense. I'll focus on doing my job well at the branch office first."

"You really want to join the Ministry of Public Security before finding a partner?"

Wu Meng teased him with a laugh: "When will that be? Don't let it drag on for years and waste your youth."

"Uh."

Qu Peng's forehead was covered in black lines; he was even more embarrassed.

"A man is at the peak of his life at thirty."

Gu Bin came to his friend's rescue: "Qu Peng is only 24, there's no rush, he can wait a few more years."

What do you mean?

Wu Meng then turned her gun on him again: "So women are considered tofu dregs by thirty?"

"I didn't say that."

Gu Bin was startled to find a cold gaze fixed on him, and quickly confessed, "Wife, don't listen to her. She's just deliberately picking on me. Teasing Qu Peng isn't enough for her, she wants to find fault with me too."

Lin Xiyu said jokingly, "I didn't say anything, why are you so nervous?"

"You only feel nervous when you care."

Gu Bin raised her hand and placed it against his heart, speaking earnestly: "I went through a lot of effort to marry you, and I'm really afraid that if I say the wrong thing, you'll dump me again."

Did I dump you?

Lin Xiyu gave him a playful glare, her smile seemingly radiant, yet somehow carrying a chilling undertone.

"It was my fault."

Gu Bin was very sincere and readily admitted his mistake: "I shouldn't have left without a word, causing you so much worry and fear for so many years, and making you endure so much criticism."

"So you finally realize you were wrong?"

A stern voice came from the study through the crack in the window, startling everyone.

"Sixth Grandfather".

Gu Bin looked in the direction of the sound and, sure enough, saw a figure with a thin face and gray hair, just like in his memory.

When did you return to China?

The old man glared at him with a stern face.

"It's been half a month."

Gu Bin tugged at Lin Xiyu and walked with her to the window.

"Hello, Sixth Grandfather."

Lin Xiyu understood immediately and took the initiative to greet the old man.

"Xi Yu is here too."

Out of consideration for his granddaughter-in-law, the old man's expression softened slightly, and he didn't scold him anymore.

"Sixth Grandfather, I've actually wanted to come see you for a while, but I had to appease my wife first."

Gu Bin took the opportunity to explain, "I didn't bring my wife because I was afraid you would be angry. I didn't dare to come alone."

"Humph."

The old man laughed angrily: "Stop bringing up your wife. I know you well enough. You're a cunning fellow who uses all his tricks on his own family."

Grandpa said the same thing.

As soon as Gu Bin casually uttered the word "Grandpa," both the grandfather and grandson's expressions changed.

"Ugh."

Grandpa Liu's face darkened as he thought of his deceased second brother.

Gu Bin stopped smiling, his eyes reddened, revealing an overwhelming grief.

The grandfather and grandson were catching up in the study when Aunt Li brought a plate of washed fruit into the living room and placed it on the coffee table.

"Thank you, Aunt Li."

Lin Xiyu thanked her politely.

"It seems like someone is missing this time?"

Aunt Li glanced at Wu Meng and casually asked, "Where's that young man who came with you last time?"

Which young man?

Wu Meng was visibly taken aback when she saw Aunt Li looking at her.

Aunt Li said with a smile, "It's that young man who came with you five years ago, the one who does renovations."

Lin Xiyu's smile froze, and her expression became somewhat unnatural.

You mean Wang Fan, right?

Wu Meng suddenly realized and subconsciously glanced at her: "He's a big boss now, very busy, he doesn't have time to deal with us."

"Oh, is that so?"

Aunt Li smacked her lips a few times with a hint of regret.

She had a good impression of Wang Fan.

At the time, Wang Fan deliberately coaxed her to get information out of her, and the two of them, one old and one young, chatted happily.

"That kid Wang Fan is really not fair."

Qu Peng had some idea of what was going on. Although his two childhood friends were both good friends, he still favored Gu Bin more in his heart: "I called him several times, but he didn't answer. The last time, I finally got through, but a woman answered and said that he was taking a shower and it was inconvenient for him to answer the phone."

Wu Meng's gossipy eyes lit up instantly: "Is that woman the minor celebrity that was featured in the newspaper?"

How would I know who she is?

Qu Peng complained: "Wang Fan is such a fickle guy, he changes girlfriends every day, who knows who he's hooking up with this time."

"Keep your voices down, you two."

Lin Xiyu frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure rising in her eyes: "Don't let the neighbors hear, or disturb their conversation."

"Oh."

Wu Meng chickened out and covered her mouth with her hand.

"Huh, there's a noise at the door. Who's here again?"

Qu Peng gave an awkward laugh, using the pretext to save face.

"It seems like someone has really come."

Aunt Li heard the footsteps and hurriedly went out to greet them.

"Holy crap, it's her?"