1990s: Spring Water Family

Chapter 92: Is she more important, or are we more important?
"Little friend, come visit us sometime, uncles are waiting for you."

The soldiers also liked the clever little guy very much, and each of them patted his little head as they passed by.

"Yes, I will definitely go."

Xu Yi took the soldiers' polite words seriously, his big eyes sparkling with excitement.

"See you soon."

At the officer's command, the soldiers marched down the steps in neat rows.

"I want to join the army when I grow up."

Xu Yi watched with great interest and couldn't help but take a few more steps forward, but Gu Bin quickly pulled him back.

"The uncles have gone down the mountain, shouldn't we follow them?"

Xu Yi's face fell, and he instantly lost his spirit.

"My sister fell and hurt herself; she needs to rest."

Ignoring his slight disappointment, Gu Bin went to Lin Xiyu's side to check on her injuries.

Lin Xiyu fell down the steps, scraping and bleeding from her arms and knees.

Gu Bin carefully lifted her arm and rinsed the wound with clean water. His movements were extremely gentle, as if he were holding not an arm, but a fragile, rare treasure.

A wave of emotion washed over Lin Xiyu. But when she thought of the boys' obvious disapproval of their relationship, she felt as if a huge rock was pressing down on her heart, making it hard to breathe.

"Does it hurt?"

Gu Bin mistakenly thought she was in pain from her wound, so he moved even more gently.

"It feels much better after putting on the band-aid; it doesn't hurt anymore."

Lin Xiyu didn't want him to worry, so she forced a smile.

"Your grandmother was truly prescient."

Gu Bin didn't think much of it and joked with a smile, "I brought you so many Band-Aids."

"perhaps."

Lin Xiyu gave him a knowing look, her words carrying a double meaning: "She probably anticipated that things wouldn't go smoothly."

"I was negligent."

Gu Bin couldn't understand the fickle heart of a young girl and felt extremely annoyed: "I failed to take good care of you two siblings. When I get back, I will apologize and ask for her forgiveness."

"If you want to apologize, we don't have any thorns in our family."

Lin Xiyu smiled and playfully scolded, then changed the subject, saying, "However, it would be best if you could come home with me. I don't want to face her anger alone."

"necessary."

Gu Bin's eyes were gentle as he affectionately pinched the tip of her nose: "How could I bear to let you get scolded? No matter how raging Grandma's anger is, let me bear it alone."

"That last sentence is so cringeworthy."

Lin Xiyu chuckled and teased, "It sounds like something Xiao Yi would say, like Ultraman's declaration before battling a monster."

"Cough cough."

Gu Bin was unusually embarrassed, and a suspicious blush rose to the roots of his ears.

"Ultraman? Sisters, what are you talking about?"

Xu Yi looked listlessly in the direction the People's Liberation Army soldiers had left, but upon hearing the words "Ultraman," he perked up and his eyes lit up instantly.

"Pfft."

Looking at her adorable, silly younger brother, Lin Xiyu couldn't help but burst out laughing again.

-

The journey down from Zhongtianmen usually takes 3 hours, but Lin Xiyu's knee injury made it even slower.

As evening approached, the group finally reached the exit down the mountain safely.

To express his gratitude, Gu Bin led the team back to the food street at the train station and treated all the students to a big meal.

After a satisfying meal, it was time for the last train to depart, and the students reluctantly embarked on their journey home.

The train arrived at Donghua Street at almost 10 o'clock, which was 8 o'clock.

Gu Bin kept his word and personally took the siblings home.

When the grandmother learned that her grandson had almost gotten lost and saw that her niece had many scratches and looked pitiful, she indeed threw a huge tantrum.

He listened respectfully with his head bowed, not daring to utter a single complaint.

Grandma doted on her child, and once she started scolding him, she wouldn't stop, her voice getting louder and louder.

In the end, it was Aunt Wang from next door who couldn't stand it anymore and came out to mediate. The old lady didn't want outsiders to laugh at her, so she suppressed her anger and let him off the hook.

As Gu Bin left, he touched the cold sweat on his forehead and let out a long sigh.

It was through this incident that he truly understood his grandmother's character.

The old man, who usually speaks softly and is kind and gentle, can be quite fierce when he gets angry.

It truly proves the old saying: a woman becomes strong when she becomes a mother.

A mother tiger protecting her cubs—you can't touch her tail.

-

Wangfuchizi West Street.

Gu Bin tiptoed open the courtyard gate, intending to sneak back to his room quietly under the cover of night.

Unexpectedly, the light in Grandpa's room was still on. Hearing the sound of the door opening, Grandma immediately lifted the curtain and came out with a playful expression.

"Tsk tsk, old man, come and see our eldest grandson. He went out for a while and came back looking disheveled. Who scolded him? He looks like he's constipated."

"Grandma."

Gu Bin glanced at his watch and gave a helpless wry smile: "It's so late, and you guys are still up?"

"How can we sleep if you don't come back?"

Grandma rolled her eyes at him, pretending to be angry: "You heartless brat, all you think about is pleasing outsiders. You've almost forgotten about us old folks."

"Grandma, you're really wronging me by saying that."

Gu Bin quickly stepped forward and affectionately put his arm around her shoulder: "You and Grandpa hold a place in my heart that no one can compare to, and no one can shake that position."

"Stop it."

Grandma smiled and glanced at him: "So, according to you, your little girlfriend can't compare to us either?"

"Cough cough."

Gu Bin's eyes flickered slightly as he avoided his grandmother's gaze.

"Speak."

Grandma persisted: "In your heart, who is more important, her or us?"

"Of course, it's you."

Gu Bin gave an awkward laugh and answered in accordance with his grandmother's wishes.

"Since that's the case..."

Grandma wouldn't let him off the hook: "We'll make you break up with her, do you agree?"

"Grandma, why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

Gu Bin's heart skipped a beat, a bad premonition rising within him: "Is someone deliberately stirring things up, unable to bear seeing others do well, trying to drive a wedge between us?"

"You don't need to try to fool me."

Grandma's voice suddenly rose eight octaves: "I'm just asking you, are you willing to break up with her?"

"I don't want to."

Gu Bin's eyes darkened, and facing his grandmother's death stare, he answered decisively.

What if your mother forces you?

Grandma, with an imposing air, asked again, "You won't even back down for her future and career?"

"Even if my mom forces me, I won't break up."

Gu Bin frowned deeply: "She wants to climb up the social ladder by stepping on my shoulders. Has she ever thought about my feelings? Why should I have to make sacrifices for her and marry a woman I don't like?"

"Do you really think so?"

Grandma looked at him with a deep, unreadable expression in her eyes.

"Yes."

A surge of resentment welled up in Gu Bin's heart. His eyelids drooped, and he lowered his head dejectedly. "Old man, did you hear me?"

Grandma was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly her tone changed and her attitude softened noticeably: "This is the good grandson you raised. He's grown up and doesn't take our words to heart anymore."

"Smelly boy"

Grandpa scolded impatiently, "What are you standing at the door for? Hurry up and come in."

"Aren't you two tired staying up so late?"

Gu Bin deliberately lingered at the door for a while before lifting the curtain and entering the room.

"It's all because of you!"

Grandpa was clearly already asleep, but he got out of bed again when he heard the noise: "You can't even go hiking peacefully. You've caused trouble and people have come to complain to our house."

Who caused the trouble?

Gu Bin retorted unhappily, "It's not Zhang Xiaoqian, is it? She caused trouble herself, and she still has the nerve to come and complain?"

"She didn't come; her parents came instead."

Grandpa pointed to the low stool in front of the bed and gestured for him to sit down: "Her father intends to recommend your mother for a position in a prefecture-level city."

"What about the conditions?"

Gu Bin frowned and scoffed dismissively.

Grandma's words were succinct and startling: "You're engaged to his daughter."

"I will not get engaged."

Gu Bin was resistant, and his tone was a bit harsh: "It's just a promise without substance, not worth ruining my life's happiness."

"A promise, that's all?"

Grandpa laughed in exasperation: "Do you know that such a position is something that ordinary people can hardly achieve in their entire lives?"

"Grandpa, do you really want my mom to go to another city?"

Gu Bin didn't want to argue with his grandfather, so he changed the subject and said, "Over the years, she and my father have been living apart because of her work. Their relationship has become very distant. She went to another city and we only see each other a few times a year. What kind of marital affection is there left? Even if my father doesn't say it on the surface, he harbors resentment in his heart. The two of them argue every time they meet. If this goes on for a long time, this family will fall apart sooner or later."

"Your mother's temper is a bit too stubborn."

Grandpa sighed sadly, "It's my fault for not teaching her well. She developed a competitive and intolerant personality."

“Xiaobin, you can’t blame your mother entirely for your parents getting to this point.”

The grandmother, feeling sorry for her daughter, wanted to defend her: "You're still young, there are some things you don't understand. Actually, before your father got married..."

"say no more."

Grandpa waved his hand, interrupting her: "Everyone has a youthful and impetuous phase."

"Youthful arrogance?"

Gu Bin was stunned, somewhat incredulous: "Grandpa, are you really talking about my stern and unsmiling father? Did he have a rebellious phase?"

"Humph."

Grandpa glared at him disapprovingly: "You brat, who do you think you got your temper from? You got it from your dad, as stubborn as a mule, never listen to discipline. Your dad got a lot of beatings when he was young, and your grandpa was always chasing him with a stick."

"It's true."

Grandma covered her mouth and laughed as she recalled events from many years ago: "Back then, your grandfather begged us to marry our daughter to him, saying that your mother should keep an eye on him and prevent him from causing trouble again."

"Does my dad have a girl he likes, but my grandpa doesn't approve?"

Gu Bin astutely grasped the key point: "Forcibly separating people and making my dad marry my mom?"

"Ugh."

Grandma stopped laughing and let out a soft sigh.

"It seems I guessed right."

Gu Bin nodded knowingly, revealing a knowing look: "No wonder they don't get along. There's a thorn in their hearts, it's no wonder they argue."

"so"

The grandmother felt sorry for her daughter: "This is not your mother's fault."

"Grandma, do you regret it?"

Gu Bin asked tentatively, "Knowing that my dad has someone he likes, you still made my mom marry him."

What's the use of regret?

Grandma smiled bitterly, "So many years have passed. You and your brother have both grown up. Although they haven't had a happy life, they have two outstanding sons. We are content to have grandsons like you."

"Too."

Gu Bin tried to please his grandmother by saying, "If my dad hadn't married my mom, I wouldn't exist."

"You're absolutely right about that."

Grandma poked his forehead with her hand, and wrinkles appeared at the corners of her eyes as she laughed.

"Grandma, my mom isn't happy."

Gu Bin pressed his advantage: "You don't want me to end up like her, do you? I'm your most beloved grandson, you can't bear to see my life buried in the grave of marriage, can you?"

"You brat, I knew you'd be waiting for me here."

Grandma laughed in exasperation and poked him again: "If you don't want to get engaged to Zhang Xiaoqian, don't bring up your parents. If your mother finds out, she'll skin you alive."

"Oh dear, I'm so scared."

Gu Bin pretended to be scared and hugged his grandmother: "Grandma, you must never let her know, otherwise this family will never have a peaceful day."

"Your mom wants you to get engaged."

Grandma smiled and scolded playfully, "If you go against her, will this family ever have any peace?"

"I'm going to hide away for a few days."

Gu Bin had his own plans: "I'll come back when she's calmed down."

"where do you want to go?"

Grandma's smile froze: "You just got back and you want to go out again? You really treat this house like a hotel, coming and going as you please."

"I didn't want to either."

Gu Bin feigned grievance: "It's my mother who's being unreasonable, insisting that I get engaged. None of you are speaking up for me. If I don't run away from home, I can only protest by going on a hunger strike."

"You still want to go on a hunger strike?"

Grandma angrily punched him: "Did we raise you all these years just so you could make us angry?"

"Ouch, ouch, that hurts!"

Gu Bin cried out as he dodged, "Grandma, please be gentle, be gentle! If you hurt my hand, Grandpa will be heartbroken."

"Alright, stop hitting."

Grandpa listened with amusement and chimed in with a laugh, "It's almost midnight, forget about this brat, you should go to sleep too."

Goodnight, Grandma and Grandpa.

Gu Bin reacted quickly, taking the opportunity to jump up from the stool and run away in a flash.

"this kid"

Grandma was both amused and exasperated. Her fist was still raised in a punching stance, but the person in front of her had already disappeared.

"A son is no longer under his mother's control once he grows up."

Grandpa stroked his rough stubble on his chin and sighed softly.

"As for the engagement, I think we should just let it go."

The grandmother felt sorry for her grandson and couldn't bear to see him suffer: "That Zhang Xiaoqian, I think her temper and personality aren't very good, she's not good enough for our Xiaobin."

"have you seen?"

Grandpa raised an eyebrow, showing a hint of surprise.

"I ran into her by chance when I visited Aunt Liu's house a couple of days ago."

Grandma didn't hide anything and truthfully recounted the scene where Zhang Xiaoqian threw a tantrum on set, driving Director Du and the others away.

"Since you don't like it, then forget it."

After a moment's thought, Grandpa made his decision: "Xiaobin's marriage is not urgent. He is only eighteen years old. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

"I think so too."

Grandma wholeheartedly agreed: "Once he goes to university in Beijing, have your sixth brother help find him an even better one."

(End of this chapter)