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

Chapter 372 "Completely Letting Go of My Habits"

Gu Chenghuai saw this scene as soon as he entered the room.

The beauty is even more radiant than the red plum blossom.

In an instant, a surge of satisfaction welled up in his chest; this was his treasure.

The corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

I walked over quietly.

"You're awake. Are you hungry?" His gaze was fixed on Lin Zhao's face, his deep voice tinged with laughter, his eyes full of tenderness.

"It's alright." Lin Zhao looked away from the red plum blossoms and gazed at him with bright eyes. "Where did you pick these plum blossoms? They're so beautiful."

"On the mountain," Gu Chenghuai replied simply, without mentioning at all that he had gone to the mountain early that morning to look for plum trees.

"I love it so much." Lin Zhao nestled into his arms.

Gu Chenghuai felt refreshed and invigorated. Giving Zhaozhao gifts was truly comforting. When she received them, her eyes lit up, and she praised them from every angle: she knew how to dress, how to wear a hat, how to smell flowers… she gave her plenty of emotional value.

The four kids also learned the essence of this.

He lowered his head to find Lin Zhao's lips, but she dodged him.

"You're so annoying, I haven't brushed my teeth yet." Lin Zhao pushed away the handsome face that was leaning closer, her tone unhurried but with a hint of complaint.

"I don't mind." Gu Chenghuai lowered his eyes and kissed her forehead.

"Fine, you dare say you dislike it." Lin Zhao found fault with him unreasonably, pinching his waist with her hands.

Gu Chenghuai chuckled softly, offering no rebuttal and acknowledging her innocence. He lifted her sweater with his fingertips, then guided the slender hand on her waist toward the abs his wife liked.

His expression was cold and stern, exuding an aura of unsmiling demeanor, while he kept making subtle, underhanded moves.

Who understands?

This look really touched Lin Zhao's heart.

"Gu Chenghuai, you've changed." Lin Zhao lightly scratched at his well-defined muscles with her fingernails, glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, and hummed softly.

"What's changed?" Gu Chenghuai's deep voice was tinged with a hint of hoarseness, and his eyes darkened slightly.

"She used to be secretly flirtatious, now she's openly flirtatious." Lin Zhao found this phrase to describe her.

Gu Chenghuai chuckled softly, pulled her closer, and rested his chin on her shoulder. "That's a very apt description. The me of the past was imprisoned, but the me of now is the real me. Zhaozhao, are you satisfied?"

Lin Zhao felt a tingling sensation in her ears and turned her head slightly, trying to get rid of the alluring feeling that made her feel itchy all over.

Getting a vasectomy completely lets a person let loose and be themselves.

Yes, without Lin Zhao's knowledge, Gu Chenghuai secretly underwent a tubal ligation.

"Satisfied," Lin Zhao answered frankly, giving him a charming look. "So you weren't putting in your full effort before?"

It's no exaggeration to say that Gu Chenghuai returned this time like a peacock spreading its tail feathers.

Gu Chenghuai pinched the bridge of his nose and said bitterly, "How could I dare?"

He touched Lin Zhao's lower abdomen, "I don't want you to suffer the pain of childbirth again."

Even if he wanted it, he would hold back, afraid of getting pregnant again. He would only come when he couldn't resist or wanted to please his wife. There were contraceptives available, but they were too small and didn't satisfy him. What could be more pleasurable without any burden?

Gu Chenghuai dared not say this, for Zhaozhao would definitely get angry and scratch him.

"You're thoughtful." Lin Zhao was fairly satisfied with Gu Chenghuai's answer.

She grabbed Gu Chenghuai's ear, "But you were too impulsive about getting a tubal ligation. You didn't even have anyone with you. How could you do that? What would I do if something happened? You're so annoying!"

Gu Chenghuai lowered his head to make it easier for her to pull, and said gently, "It'll be alright. Even if it breaks, I'll find a way to make you happy..."

He emphasized the word 'sex' in a roguish way.

Under Lin Zhao's glare, he continued, "I had the surgery at the military hospital, with a professional doctor. It's safe and secure. I care about that place more than you do, because it concerns my happiness."

Lin Zhao: "..."

She didn't want to talk to this guy.

“I don’t care, I must be present if this happens again in the future.”

The thought of this person undergoing surgery and resting alone made her heart feel like it was being gripped by a hand.

Gu Chenghuai knew that Zhaozhao felt sorry for him, and the corners of his lips immediately curved into a smile, "Okay."

"Are you hungry now? Shall I help you get dressed?" The body in his arms was soft and fragrant, and he didn't want to let go.

"No need." Lin Zhao glared at him. Was that putting on clothes? That was taking advantage of him.

I don't know who said it before, but Zhao Zhao, I am not a person who is obsessed with desires.

cut.

A man's mouth, a liar.

Lin Zhao finished dressing and saw Gu Chenghuai take two IV bottles out of her cotton shoes.

"Wife, let me help you put on your shoes while they're still warm." Gu Chenghuai half-squatted down, picked up the shoes from the ground, and helped Lin Zhao put them on.

Lin Zhao said in a light tone, "Ah Huai, where did you get that IV bottle? It's warm inside your shoes, not cold at all. You're so kind. I like you so much."

Gu Chenghuai's lips curled up at the compliment, "I bought it this morning."

IV drip bottles also cost money.

"You don't find it troublesome at all?" Lin Zhao said, her face full of smiles.

"It's no trouble at all. Things that are good for you are never troublesome," Gu Chenghuai said matter-of-factly.

He led Lin Zhao out the door.

The thermos was filled with hot water, and there was also hot water in the pot, keeping the rice warm.

After washing up, Lin Zhao ate lunch.

The village was bustling with activity, with groups of children exchanging New Year's greetings everywhere, and their joyful voices could be heard even from inside the house.

"Where's my red envelope?" Lin Zhao asked.

Gu Chenghuai took out a stack of red paper packets from his coat pocket, which were full of small coins.

"Where's the fruit platter? Is it all ready? Judging from the sound, quite a few children seem to be coming," Lin Zhao said. She was not short of money or supplies, and was known for her generosity. She had prepared a lot of candy and cookies to treat the children who came to pay their respects for the New Year.

"Everything is ready." Gu Chenghuai nodded.

"Go back inside and comb your hair first," he added.

Lin Zhao's hair was not combed yet, simply tied back with a wooden hairpin, making her look gentle and beautiful.

"You braid my hair." Lin Zhao turned her head.

"Sure." Gu Chenghuai didn't feel embarrassed at all; on the contrary, he was looking forward to it.

He really liked it when Zhao Zhao asked him to do things, no matter what they were.

I never felt forced or embarrassed.

He is willing to learn what he doesn't know.

The two returned to the house.

Lin Zhao said it was compiled by Gu Chenghuai.

The man can weave even complicated bamboo baskets, build simple houses, make dog kennels, and traps... He has a wide range of skills and is a very capable person.

He was indeed unhappy about having his hair braided.

Soon, Lin Zhao's hair was tied up in two braids, looking both relaxed and sophisticated.

"It looks beautiful. Gu Chenghuai, you have such skillful hands."

Gu Chenghuai put down the comb. "I'll learn a few more types later and weave different ones for you."

He was focused solely on his career and never glanced at the women. However, he couldn't resist the gossip-loving Sun Yeli by his side. That man was a chatterbox; he vaguely remembered him saying… the braids worn by the female members of the performing arts troupe were all prettier than those of the other comrades…

Next time there's a performance, I'll take Zhaozhao to see it. He won't go alone; what's the point of a married young man like him watching a show!
He only wanted to show off his pheasant feathers in front of his wife.

"Okay." Lin Zhao gave him a chance.

The two walked out of the house one after the other.

There was a knock on the courtyard door.

Gently, obediently, and politely. Lin Zhao smiled, even this usually boisterous child was being refined when offering New Year's greetings.

She stopped Gu Chenghuai, afraid that he would frighten the children and make them run away, and went to open the door herself.

Gu Chenghuai: Is he that scary?
Lin Zhao opened the door, and Yu Baohengbao was in the lead, along with Qian Baohengbao. Their red star bags were bulging with stuff.

“Mom, we’re wishing everyone a Happy New Year,” Yu Bao said first.

The children followed along to offer New Year's greetings.

"Aunt Lin, we've come to wish you a Happy New Year!"

He spoke haltingly, bowed like a little penguin, his round body swayed as if he were about to fall, but was steadied by the older children.

She said in a cute, innocent voice, "Happy New Year~"

Lin Zhao liked the well-behaved and polite cubs, and her eyes softened. "Happy New Year to you too. Come in quickly, I'll get you some candy."

Everyone came to the courtyard.

Gu Chenghuai came out of the kitchen carrying candies and cookies and casually placed them on the table.

He was tall and had been on the battlefield. Even if he tried to suppress his aura, adults would feel uneasy, let alone children, who wouldn't dare to breathe loudly.

The older children took the initiative to greet Gu Chenghuai and wish him a Happy New Year.

"...Happy New Year to you all too." Gu Chenghuai felt a little uncomfortable receiving New Year's greetings from a cub, but he still replied.

When he was in the military region, the children would run away whenever they saw him, as if he were some kind of monster.

In all honesty, he was a good man. He was ruthless towards enemy spies, but treated his compatriots with great courtesy.

"Come and have some candy," Lin Zhao called out to the children.

The children here have all received candy from her and love this aunt who brought so much sweetness to their childhood. They smile and move closer to her.

"Yu Bao, Heng Bao, you divide them. It's okay if we run out of candy, there's more at home." Lin Zhao gave the twins the right to divide the candy.

It's uncertain whether they'll be able to come back next year, so let's cheer the kids up.

"Thank you, Mom." Yu Bao's eyes were bright.

He happily started sharing candy with the children.

Many of these were things the children had never seen before, and their faces lit up with bright smiles.

"Thank you, Aunt Lin. I wish you a wonderful life and all your wishes come true," the talkative child said sweetly.

Lin Zhao smiled, worried that the child might feel uncomfortable, and pulled Gu Chenghuai back into the house.

……

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Gu Chan took her husband and children back to her parents' home.

Upon seeing Little Stone, the entire Gu family was very excited and kept asking him questions.

"Little Stone, you're from the provincial capital now, practice hard. We look forward to the day we can go to watch you play." Bangbang patted his cousin on the shoulder to encourage him, acting like a big brother.

Lai Mei asked excitedly, "Little Stone, is the provincial capital fun? What interesting places have you been to? Tell me about them!"

Tie Dan said, "You don't have to go to school, do you? You don't have to get up early, you eat meat every day, and you live in an apartment building? Just thinking about it makes me feel so happy." Before Xiao Shi Tou could answer, he became envious.

Little Stone answered their questions softly, speaking slowly, without any of the ferocity he displayed when playing ball.

Gu's mother was admiring her young grandson who had left home at such a young age. She pushed her talkative grandsons aside and said, "Little Stone just arrived. Let him calm down and have a drink of water. Don't you care about your little brother at all?"

Bangbang, Lai Mei, and Tie Dan: "..."

Li Bao smiled sheepishly, "Grandma thinks the older brothers talk too much."

Yu Bao tugged at his hand, "See through it but don't say it."

Li Bao covered his mouth with his hand, shook his head, and said, "I won't say anything, I won't say anything."

Tie Dan pinched his younger brother's cheek and said, "Do you know what it means to cover your ears while stealing a bell? Look at you now."

"I'm not stupid, you're the stupid one," Li Bao said angrily.

She even complained to Gu Yuanshan, "Dad, my brother said I'm stupid!"

"Don't listen to him, you're the smartest." Gu Yuanshan didn't turn around, he was having a drink with Wei Xiangdong. The opportunity to drink together is limited throughout the year, so they should cherish it.

Li Bao smiled smugly and said to Tie Dan, "Dad says you're stupid, but I'm not stupid."

Tie Dan: "..." You actually believe such perfunctory words? Aren't you stupid?

He's sure his dad didn't hear what his brother said.

Gu Chan and Wei Xiangdong were living a better life. They brought a lot of New Year's gifts, including ten catties of fatty pork, new clothes for the Gu family elders, and candy for the children.

Of course, they didn't forget to prepare red envelopes for the children.

"Come here and get your red envelopes," Gu Chan called out to the children, waving the red envelopes in her hand.

Yu Bao and the other children ran over excitedly.

Gu Chan handed out red paper packets one by one.

"This is for Yubao. I wish our Yubao a happy new year where he grows taller and is healthy."

"This is for Hengbao. Wishing our Hengbao a happy new year."

……

Seeing this, Lin Zhao and the others also took out the red paper packets they had prepared and started distributing them.

Mainly for the Stone Brothers.

The other children already received theirs yesterday.

Several uncles and aunts, as well as grandparents, received many red envelopes from the two boys. This was their secret stash of money, and the two brothers were very happy, thanking them joyfully.

The two stones are becoming more and more generous.

Lin Zhao glanced at the Stone Brothers. They were both wearing cotton-padded coats, which were dark blue and quite long, reaching their thighs, and black pants. Standing there, they looked like two poplar trees of different heights.

He exudes confidence.

See? Parents' work is the courage of their children.

Those two prickly, timid little boys have transformed into the confident and poised individuals they are today.

"What are you looking at?" Gu Chenghuai's voice rang in my ears.

"Look at those two stones." Lin Zhao tilted his head. "Haven't you noticed how much the two brothers have changed?"

“I found it. It’s huge,” Gu Chenghuai said.

He also noticed something strange about his brother-in-law, who seemed to be doing something extraordinary.

Gu Chenghuai planned to have a private talk with his brother-in-law.

He had no intention of interfering in other people's private affairs; he just wanted to confirm some things.

After all... his brother-in-law is related to his sister's happiness.

"Mother, is there any news about Xing'er?" Gu Chan asked her mother.

Gu's mother paused slightly, thinking that Gu Xing'er had never returned to the brigade after getting married, and had not even sent back a single note. She felt a mix of emotions.

She said she wouldn't care about that daughter anymore, but she was born from her own womb, how could she really not care?

I just didn't expect that girl to be so heartless. After getting married, she didn't send a single message back. She ignored them and didn't even visit her second uncle or her grandmother.

How cruel!

Mother Gu was sensible and kept this matter in mind, but she never mentioned it to her daughters-in-law, knowing that none of them liked Gu Xing'er.

"Why bring her up? It'll only upset her. Your father and I will just pretend we don't have her as our daughter. Don't mention her again."

Gu Chan didn't believe her mother wasn't sad at all, after all, it was a rare year for the family to reunite.

She hesitated for a moment and said, "If Mother is worried, I'll go and find out about Xing'er?"

Mother Gu waved her hand, "Alright, let's ignore her."

Gu Xing'er will come back if something happens. She's so selfish, she won't wrong herself.

(End of this chapter)