Floral cloth
Zhan Aiping brought home some ice pops, packed in a small wooden box wrapped in a thick little blanket. By the time she got home, the ice pops hadn’t melted, but along the way, the sweet milky scent kept wafting out.
She, Shen Liqing, and Qin Lanfang couldn’t eat ice pops.
When she got home, Gu Sheng had already returned. Zhan Aiping quickly pulled out a milk-flavoured ice pop and shoved it into his mouth, not even giving him time to wash up. The temperature had risen, and although it wasn’t yet the rainy season, the days were relatively hot. After a long day, Gu Sheng was sweaty, and the moment he got close to Zhan Aiping, a wave of heat came off him.
On top of that, with the ice pop in his mouth, misty white air immediately appeared in front of him.
Zhan Aiping used a handkerchief to wipe his sweat while Gu Sheng bit off a chunk of the ice pop and chewed it directly in his mouth.
Zhan Aiping: “…”
Just watching it made her teeth ache from the cold.
“Doesn’t your teeth hurt?”
At least he should be licking it instead.
Gu Sheng shook his head, “Not at all.”
“Then eat more. I brought several. The kids and I can’t eat them, so hurry up. Our kids are already drooling just smelling the milk.”
Their two little ones, nicknamed “Guobao” and “Xiaotangyuan,” were little foodies. They were four months, almost five, and they got tempted by anything they saw, but they couldn’t eat it yet.
They had just sprouted tiny baby teeth, and lately, they had been drooling and craving everything.
Gu Sheng smiled, “You brought so many, I can’t finish them all.”
“Go ahead and eat until you get a stomach-ache.” If he couldn’t finish them, they would just melt back into milk and bean paste water.
Gu Sheng said, “I’ve got a strong constitution unless you spiked them with a laxative.”
Zhan Aiping smiled faintly, “I really did put laxative in them.”
Gu Sheng reached out and pinched her cheek. “I’ll take a shower first and then eat more later.”
After Gu Sheng showered, he ate two more ice pops. Zhan Aiping watched from the side, feeling her teeth ache, “Your teeth are really strong.”
“They’re pretty good. Refreshing in this heat.” Gu Sheng was eating a mung bean ice pop. Compared to the milk-flavoured one, he preferred the mung bean for its cooling effect without being too sweet.
Zhan Aiping raised an eyebrow, “Jealous, Comrade Gu? Don’t you regret not joining the Navy? Navy ships have ovens and refrigerators. I almost got assigned to the East Sea Fleet back then.”
“Not jealous. Good thing you didn’t go.” Gu Sheng touched his nose. “Being stuck on a ship for ten days or half a month, wouldn’t you feel miserable? Like being locked in at home and not allowed to step outside for a month.”
“The refrigerators on those ships are for freezing vegetables. Isn’t it better to eat freshly picked ones every day?”
“As for the ovens… not many people like eating bread. My brother said all he wanted on the ship was steamed buns with pickles. It was miserable.”
Gu Sheng’s third brother was in the Navy.
Zhan Aiping said, “I used to want to go onboard and see for myself.”
“Nothing much to see,” Gu Sheng said, finishing his ice pop in a few bites.
Zhan Aiping teased, “I bet you get seasick.”
Gu Sheng replied, “I don’t get seasick, but I’m sure you do.”
Zhan Aiping: “…”
“One of my classmates said that after getting seasick enough times, you get used to it.”
After finishing his meal, Gu Sheng went to cook, while Zhan Aiping went to the study to tidy up her manuscripts. She had previously sent a batch to the publisher, and they had asked her to add a few more articles, along with some suggestions. So, she wrote a few more pieces, and since she was going to the county tomorrow, she planned to mail them on the way.
“Tomorrow, I’ll be teaching a class at the county health school,” Zhan Aiping said. It had been a year since she last stood in front of students to teach, and she felt a little excited.
Gu Sheng smiled softly, “Just by looking at your expression, I can tell you love teaching.”
“If I were really that passionate about teaching, I would’ve forced you to study medicine.”
“We can’t take the kids with us. I’ll ask Sister Qin to watch them, and there’s also a familiar health worker. It’s just for one day — I’ll leave in the morning and be back by evening.”
Gu Sheng nodded, “Go without worry.”
“Remember to wake me up early tomorrow,” Zhan Aiping stretched, feeling relaxed. “I don’t like being woken by an alarm. You wake me up.”
Gu Sheng’s biological clock was always precise; he woke up naturally without needing an alarm.
He gave her a look of mild disdain, “Look at you! How long has it been since you left the military, and you’ve already gotten this lazy?”
Zhan Aiping worked at a township hospital, typically working one day and resting the next. On her days off, she would lounge around with the kids and only get up when the sun was high in the sky.
He chuckled and pinched her nose, “Even the bugle calls at the base couldn’t wake you up, you lazy little pig, sleeping so soundly.”
The other military wives in the compound weren’t used to the bugle calls and would be woken up by them, but no matter how loud it was, it never had any effect on Comrade Zhan.
The camp was filled with sounds throughout the day. Before meals, there were songs to sing, and before bed, there were roll calls and more singing, one platoon after another, their voices rising and falling in waves.
“People naturally love to sleep in. If it’s not necessary, I don’t want to wake up early either.” In fact, even top leaders sometimes enjoyed reversing day and night; many people were more energetic at night.
Zhan Aiping said matter-of-factly, “I need more sleep to take care of my body. Comrade Gu, you should cherish your young body too. When you get old, you won’t be able to sleep even if you want to.”
“That’s nonsense. You doctors are full of nonsense.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “I know you’re just jealous of me.”
The next morning, Gu Sheng woke her up as promised. He had to call her several times before Zhan Aiping pushed his face away, “The kids aren’t even awake yet.”
“Just because the kids are still sleeping doesn’t mean you can stay in bed. You were the one who told me to wake you yesterday.”
Gu Sheng had already dressed and sat by the bed, calling her again.
Zhan Aiping stayed in bed a bit longer. By now, the daytime sun made things hot, but the early morning was still cool and refreshing, perfect for staying under the covers. Eventually, she was woken up by a big dog licking her.
She found herself nestled in Gu Sheng’s arms, sitting on his lap, and finally gathered the energy to wake up. “What time is it?”
“Why haven’t you left yet?”
Zhan Aiping groggily looked at the bright light outside the window, then glanced at the clock. She was shocked, “How early did you wake me up?”
Gu Sheng said, “I knew it would be hard to wake you, so I woke you half an hour early.”
Zhan Aiping: “…” Was that really necessary?
“Just wanted to spend a little more time with you.”
“Are you silly? You could’ve slept a bit longer. I can sleep on the ride later, but you’d better not be sleepy because you didn’t get enough rest.” Zhan Aiping lifted her hand and straightened his collar, yawning.
Gu Sheng smiled gently at her and said tenderly, “I’m not sleepy. I’ll be going now.”
“Give me a kiss before you go,” Zhan Aiping said as she proactively embraced Gu Sheng and gave him a quick peck on his warm lips.
Gu Sheng hugged her tightly for a moment, “I wish I could wake you up like this every day.”
“Just so I could throw myself into your arms every day?”
Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but burst his bubble, “If you wake me up like this every day, I’ll just want to punch you.”
“Now go on.”
Gu Sheng left, and Zhan Aiping finished getting everything ready. She entrusted the kids to Qin Lanfang and the compound’s health worker, Xiao Zhao, to look after them together. The kids, Guobao and Xiaotangyuan, recognized both of them and wouldn’t cry or fuss, so they should be fine until their mother returned.
Qin Lanfang said, “Don’t worry about a thing. Go ahead and head to the county.”
By now, Qin Lanfang had become quite skilled at taking care of the kids.
“Thank you so much.”
Zhan Aiping caught the bus to the county, a bit earlier than usual. The bus wound through narrow paths in the countryside, passing through forests and rice fields. The sky had just brightened as the sun rose, golden rays breaking through the clouds. The sky was a deep blue, and the clouds were tinted gold. In the distance, the rolling mountains were the same colour as the sky, blending together as if they were one.
Zhan Aiping liked to sit by the window when riding the bus. The morning breeze blew in, fresh and cool against her face, as the rice fields by the roadside swayed in the wind, the green and yellow crops rippling like waves.
After riding for a while, she started to feel drowsy and slept until they reached the county. When she woke up, Zhu Hui was sitting behind her and said, “We’ve arrived, time to get off.”
The bus to the county would stop wherever needed along the way, and there were only two buses in the morning. If you missed both, you had to wait until the next day.
There weren’t many people heading to the county today. Zhan Aiping and Zhu Hui got off the bus and walked to the county health school. The school was located on the outskirts of the county and looked no different from a regular middle school from the outside—it was actually a vocational school.
They arrived early, and there were only a few students on the playground. The two of them went inside, and Zhan Aiping went to the teaching building to find the principal. Principal Wei asked the young administrator, Teacher He, to show her around the campus.
“Teacher Zhan, why don’t you try teaching a few classes first?”
Teacher He, a young woman in her twenties, smiled and said, “You must be Teacher Zhan, right? So young and already a deputy director, that’s impressive! I’ll show you around our health school.”
“Over there are the student dormitories, that’s the cafeteria, and there’s the library.”
Zhan Aiping asked, “Can I borrow books from the library?”
“Of course! I’ll take you to get a library card.” Teacher He was very enthusiastic and led her to register for a library card. Zhan Aiping borrowed two medical books right away, and Teacher He gave her a teasing look, pointing out that there were novels available too.
Zhan Aiping just smiled and shook her head.
“Our school offers a one-year program to train barefoot doctors. See those certificates hanging on the wall? Those are the barefoot doctor certificates from our school.”
In those days, a barefoot doctor’s certificate looked like an award certificate—handwritten and stamped. With that certificate, one could practice medicine in rural areas.
Zhan Aiping taught a few classes to the medical assistant students, and it went quite well. She only needed to come in to teach a few classes each week. After she finished, Teacher He took her to collect some teacher benefits.
“These are some notebooks, and this Hero fountain pen—it’s all part of the teacher perks.”
Each class Zhan Aiping taught earned her a small stipend of one or two cents, not much.
“Oh, and there’s Lighthouse soap too. I’ll grab two bars for you; it’s also part of the teacher benefits.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “I’ve only taught a few classes and I’m already getting so many things.”
“This soap is hard to come by, even though it’s not expensive.”
In the afternoon, Zhan Aiping returned to continue teaching. After finishing the last class, a few more people had gathered at the back of the classroom, including Principal Wei and Director Xu from the military hospital.
It had been a long time since Zhan Aiping had seen Director Xu, and she hadn’t expected to run into him here.
After the class ended, Principal Wei praised her, “Teacher Zhan, you really teach well. Young and capable.”
Zhan Aiping exchanged a few polite words with Principal Wei, and soon it was just her and Director Xu remaining.
It was clear that Director Xu had something to discuss with her.
“Comrade Zhan, come with me to the military hospital later. Someone has sent you something, and you can pick it up on your way back.”
Zhan Aiping was taken aback. “…Someone sent me something?”
Her heart skipped a beat. She felt a bit incredulous, her emotions stirred with anxiety. She instinctively thought of someone but hesitated to dwell on it.
“It came from Shanghai. I won’t say much more. You’ll see for yourself when you pick it up.”
Zhan Aiping nodded, “Thank you, Director Xu.”
Director Xu looked at her and sighed, his face betraying a hint of regret. “You did well in class just now. Your foundation is strong. Your teacher always said you were the hardest-working student back in your school days.”
Zhan Aiping remained silent.
“Congratulations on your quick promotion to deputy director of the hospital.”
Zhan Aiping gave a faint smile. “It’s just a small rural hospital.”
Director Xu responded, “It’s still a hospital, and with the promotion comes greater responsibility.”
“That Gu boy sure got lucky, marrying someone like you.”
Zhan Aiping chuckled.
Director Xu continued, “If only my son had that kind of luck.”
Hesitating a moment, Zhan Aiping asked, “Professor Sun knows I’ve been promoted to deputy director?”
Professor Sun, or Teacher Sun, was her former mentor and someone she wasn’t sure how to face.
Professor Sun was an old friend of Director Xu.
“He knows and said you’ve made him proud.” After saying this, Director Xu fell silent.
Zhan Aiping felt a lump in her throat, like something had gotten stuck, and she couldn’t get the words out.
She and Director Xu took a jeep to the military hospital together. Along the way, Director Xu didn’t mention Professor Sun again but instead asked about the development of their Yanxin Health Clinic. Zhan Aiping answered him in detail.
Director Xu said, “You’re doing well as deputy director.”
“And you’re a good mother, bringing your kids to work with you. As they say, women hold up half the sky.”
When they arrived at the military hospital, they got out of the jeep, and Zhan Aiping followed him to the director’s office. Along the way, they ran into Gu Xiangyi, but the two didn’t have time to speak. She first went with Director Xu to pick up her items.
“Sister-in-law?” Gu Xiangyi blinked, surprised. “Why is my sister-in-law here? Is she being transferred to the military hospital? But she just became deputy director at the health clinic.”
When they reached the office, Zhan Aiping saw a large wooden box and couldn’t help but laugh. What could possibly be in such a big box? It was large enough to fit a whole person inside.
She tried to push it but found it was heavy. It was probably filled with books, and Zhan Aiping understood immediately.
Director Xu said, “You can open it when you get home. I’ll have someone help carry it for you.”
“Thank you, Director Xu,” Zhan Aiping said.
Director Xu sighed, “I should have kept you at the military hospital when I had the chance.”
Zhan Aiping smiled but didn’t say anything further. Two young soldiers came to help her carry the large box to the hospital entrance. At that moment, Gu Xiangyi slipped away from her duties and came over excitedly when she saw Zhan Aiping. “Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law! What brings you to the hospital?”
“I’m just here to pick something up.”
“Oh,” Gu Xiangyi sounded disappointed. “So, you didn’t come specifically to see me?”
“Well, I suppose I did come to see you, too. If you have time, come by the house for dinner. Guobao and Xiaotangyuan miss their aunt.”
Gu Xiangyi laughed, “Do they really miss me? All those two do is eat and sleep. I doubt they’re thinking about me.”
“They think about their mother more.”
“Well, if they don’t miss me, I sure miss them a bit.”
Zhan Aiping smiled and said, “They’re starting to get their first teeth.”
“Really? When they have all four teeth, I think baby teeth are just the cutest.” Gu Xiangyi thought for a moment and added, “Once they turn a year old and can talk, they’d better call me ‘Little Aunt.’”
“Of course they will.”
Zhan Aiping gave her a bar of Lighthouse soap. Gu Xiangyi took it with a smile, “So, you came all the way here just to give me soap? It’s good stuff.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “I got it as a perk from teaching at the health school. I’m giving you a bar.”
“Thank you, Sister-in-law.”
After leaving the military hospital, a military jeep was arranged to take Zhan Aiping home. The driver turned out to be someone familiar—Zheng Hua, the same young soldier who had had a flat tire on his way to the hospital before and almost experienced a breakdown.
“Sister-in-law, please sit tight.”
This time, Zheng Hua drove with extra determination, making sure he didn’t give her any reason to take control of the steering wheel and embarrass him again. The drive was smooth, and soon they arrived at the compound. Two strong young soldiers helped her carry the box into her home. As the large box sat in the middle of the room, Zhan Aiping stared at it, lost in thought.
Professor Sun had been her mentor, and she always felt she hadn’t lived up to his teachings.
Her heart trembled as she walked over to the box. Her fingertips were cold as she gently opened it. Inside, the scent of books and synthetic fabric greeted her. On top of the pile was a letter, with books, notes, and neatly folded Dacron cloth underneath.
Zhan Aiping picked up the letter, recognizing the familiar handwriting. It was from Professor Sun. In the letter, he congratulated her on giving birth to twins and on her promotion to deputy director of the hospital.
After reading the letter, her eyes reddened, and hot tears spilled down her cheeks.
As she wiped her eyes, she heard a commotion outside—it was Gu Sheng returning home.
“Wife, what did you bring back?” Gu Sheng called out as soon as he walked in. He’d heard from others that his wife had brought home something big. Since the kids weren’t home yet, being the good father he was, he had gone to get them from Qin Lanfang. Carrying one child in each arm, he had a soldier help bring the stroller back.
Hearing Gu Sheng’s voice, Zhan Aiping quickly wiped away her tears. When Gu Sheng entered the room, the two children stirred as soon as they saw her. They were eager to nurse.
“You—” Gu Sheng saw her face and immediately felt a pang of worry. Zhan Aiping took the children and began nursing them while Gu Sheng went outside to get the stroller and close the door.
He pulled a chair over, sat beside her, and gently asked, “What’s wrong, wife?”
He reached out to wipe her tears.
Zhan Aiping leaned against him, her eyes closed, “My teacher, Professor Sun, sent me some things.”
To her, Professor Sun wasn’t just a teacher; he was like a father figure. He had always been strict with her, placing high expectations on her, and even treating her as if she were his own daughter. Ever since she left the military, she hadn’t had the courage to face him and hadn’t contacted him since.
She feared nothing more than seeing the disappointment in Professor Sun’s eyes.
Both her mentor and his wife had lost their children early, having experienced the sorrow of “white-haired elders sending off their black-haired children.” During her time at school, Professor Sun had always taken great care of her, and during holidays, Zhan Aiping would visit his home for meals. His wife had been fond of her, often saying that, despite being a grown woman, she was as headstrong and determined as a young man. They joked that it was as though they had gained a son.
“Not just a son,” they would say, “but a son and a daughter all in one.”
Her mentor and his wife gave her the kind of parental love she had been missing, but she… deep down, she was both afraid of and attached to this kind of warmth. It might have been because of her strict upbringing from her mother and the emotional distance with her father. Her relationship with her own parents had never been close. She had never shared intimate conversations with her mother, and in her teenage and early adult years, she didn’t know how to accept such warmth from others.
She could only try her hardest not to disappoint her teacher… but in the end, she felt she had failed to live up to his expectations.
Gu Sheng kissed her tear-streaked cheeks. “Why are you crying like this? Could it be your teacher wants you to divorce me and take you back?”
Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but laugh through her tears. “…”
“Stop talking nonsense,” she said, patting his handsome face. After a moment of silence, she added, “I just feel guilty. My teacher has been so good to me. He sent me so many things—look, he sent me a lot of medical books, tons of research notes, and his personal observations… even my mentor’s wife bought me some Dacron fabric. This kind of synthetic fabric is imported, only available in Shanghai and Guangzhou.”
At the time, the country couldn’t yet produce synthetic fabrics like Dacron. They relied on imports, and the fabric was only sold in cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou. In Shanghai, buying Dacron fabric often required long waits, as everyone scrambled to get it since it didn’t require ration coupons.
Last year, the nation’s leaders, aware of the public’s demand for synthetic fabrics, made plans to import production technology and build factories domestically. However, it would still be several years before the fabric would be widely produced in the country.
While Dacron was lighter and cooler to the touch, it wasn’t breathable, didn’t absorb sweat, and wasn’t warm. Wearing it was far less comfortable than cotton, but cotton was prone to wear and tear and needed frequent patching, which could look shabby. Dacron, on the other hand, was durable, brightly coloured, and didn’t require ration coupons.
In those days, wearing Dacron in Shanghai was considered a status symbol.
Gu Sheng said, “The fabric looks nice. Why don’t you make a few dresses?”
Zhan Aiping smiled, “I could also make a few outfits for you so you can show off.”
Gu Sheng’s mouth twitched, “You mean with this floral print fabric?”
“Tsk tsk,” Zhan Aiping teased, giving him a disdainful look. “There’s white and green fabric too, but the first thing you noticed was the floral print. I get it—you must love floral prints. No problem, I’ll make you a floral shirt so you can show it off.”
“No, no, please make me a proper shirt. Maybe something for the kids too?”
Zhan Aiping said, “The kids should wear cotton—it’s breathable and absorbs sweat. This synthetic fabric isn’t breathable.”
“Whatever you say. Dr. Zhan always knows best,” Gu Sheng said, staring at her without blinking. “So, you were just crying from being moved. Don’t get too emotional. Don’t let your teacher trick you into going back. You’re my wife now.”
“You can’t abandon your family!”
Zhan Aiping replied, “My teacher just wants me to keep working hard.”
Gu Sheng breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, “Then keep working hard.”
“Since you’ve already retired from the military, don’t look back. A good horse doesn’t graze on old pastures. Our mighty Zhan Daping doesn’t look back. Look at you now—so lazy, lying in bed in the mornings, never making the bed. Let’s stay true to being retired female soldiers, okay?”
Zhan Aiping laughed and gave him a playful kick. “Go away.”
“Deputy Director Zhan, keep up the good work toward your promotion.”
Zhan Aiping was speechless. “There’s only one spot for a director. For me to be promoted, I’d have to wait for Director Hao to leave. You’ll have to wait for Colonel Jiang to leave to get your promotion.”
Either they’d have to be transferred out, or wait for a vacancy to open.
“Not necessarily.”
Who could predict the future, after all?
Zhan Aiping gathered her courage and made a call to Professor Sun. When he answered, he pretended to sound calm: “You’ve been settling in over there for a whole year, and now you finally remember to call your teacher?”
“You heartless brat, you had kids and didn’t even tell me.”
Zhan Aiping rubbed her nose, “Teacher, I thought you didn’t consider me your student anymore.”
Last year, when she was about to join the military hospital, it was Professor Sun who intervened, convincing Director Xu not to accept her.
“You’re so stubborn,” Professor Sun said, clearly frustrated. “Is that brat so great? You followed him all the way out there and even gave him two kids. Truly, a daughter grows up and no longer belongs to her parents.”
Zhan Aiping laughed and teased him, “Dad, didn’t I find you a good son-in-law? He’s very promising. Next time, I’ll bring him over to serve you well.”
“Now, that sounds better,” Professor Sun huffed. “But no, no, I don’t want to see that brat. I want to see my grandson and granddaughter.”
“Alright, I’ll bring them all to see you.”
Professor Sun said, “Now that you’re calling me ‘Dad’ so affectionately, how about you officially acknowledge me as your godfather?”
Zhan Aiping replied, “Sure, I’ll be your goddaughter.”
They had never joked like this when she was still his student. But now, having left the school and the military, there was no longer a need to avoid such familiarity. Even if she truly became his goddaughter, it wouldn’t matter.
Professor Sun was momentarily stunned, “Really?”
After his surprised remark, he didn’t wait for her response before decisively saying, “You, Zhan Aiping, from now on, you’re my goddaughter. No longer my student. As for being a bad student, you’re expelled. I don’t need you anymore.”
“My direct disciple, and you ended up as just the deputy director of a small town hospital. Shameful! Don’t tell anyone you were my student, I can’t bear the embarrassment.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Godfather, I won’t bring shame to you.”
Professor Sun responded, “If you’re my daughter, it doesn’t matter if you embarrass me. You’re my only precious daughter, after all.”
Zhan Aiping’s eyes reddened, “Please don’t be too kind to me.”
“I was too harsh on you before,” Professor Sun said, his tone softening. “Your godmother—your teacher’s wife—used to scold me for putting too much pressure on you. You were so young, and I pushed you too hard.”
Zhan Aiping whispered, “…It wasn’t like that.”
Professor Sun asked, “What really happened back then?”
“There were a lot of complicated factors.” It might have been the first time she faced life and death, the memory of almost losing Gu Sheng by accident, her arguments with her younger brother, and the weight of her teacher’s expectations… it was all tangled together.
Zhan Aiping briefly explained over the phone, “I’ll tell you the full story when I see you in person.”
“So, you and that brat have such a long history together,” Professor Sun sighed in relief. “It’s good to have grown up together. Just don’t go off running away with some wild man.”
“Why didn’t you just poison him back then? Let him get lucky with a daughter like you for nothing.”
Zhan Aiping, exasperated, said, “Godfather, stop saying nonsense.”
“Did you get the Dacron fabric your godmother picked out for you? Make yourself some pretty dresses. You’re not in the military anymore, so wear all the beautiful dresses you want. Be just like those young girls who love to look nice, and don’t make anything for that brat.”
Zhan Aiping chuckled, “Don’t worry, I’ll make myself some beautiful dresses. Godmother has great taste—the fabric she picked is lovely.”
“Of course it’s lovely. Your father picked it personally.”
Zhan Aiping: “…”
“That blue floral fabric, do you like it? I wanted to get you red, but your godmother insisted on the blue,” Professor Sun said.
“The brighter and more colourful, the better. You suit vibrant colours.”
Zhan Aiping: “…” Thank you, godmother.
“You used to be like a tomboy. I can’t even imagine you in a floral dress. When you have the dress made, wear it and take some pictures, send them over so your godmother and I can see.”
“And make sure to include my two little grandkids in the photo.”
“As for that man, no need to include him.”
Zhan Aiping laughed helplessly, “Alright, I’ll make the dress, take pictures, and send them to you and godmother.”
Professor Sun was stunned, “You can make clothes now? You know how to use a sewing machine? How did that happen?”
Zhan Aiping replied, “After I got married, I learned.”
“I swear, I’ll strangle that Gu boy.”
**Nomad: Godfather Sun is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters**
Zhan Aiping reassured him, “Godfather, I’ll even make clothes for you and godmother.”
“You’d better,” he said. “When will you bring my grandkids to visit us in person? That’s what I’d really like.”
Zhan Aiping promised, “I’ll definitely find an opportunity.”
Professor Sun added, “Send a letter home every month. Don’t get lazy like some daughters who marry off and forget about their parents. All that nonsense about ‘a married daughter is like spilled water’ is outdated thinking from the old society.”
“I’ll write back to you and godmother right away.”
Professor Sun, slightly grumbling, said, “Fine, and throw in a picture of that son-in-law of mine too. No choice now; since my daughter likes him, I’ll have to accept it.”
Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but laugh, “Alright, this so-called ‘ugly son-in-law’ has to meet his in-laws too.”
They chatted a bit more, and Professor Sun said, “By the way, while you’re over there, if you get the chance, visit an old comrade of mine at the Spring City Medical College.”
“Understood.”
After hanging up, Zhan Aiping felt a weight lifted from her shoulders. She was happy. She now had a godfather and godmother. Her own mother had passed away long ago, and her father had remarried and started a new family. For a long time, she had felt as though she had no parents. But now, she felt like she had parents again.
When she got home, she found Gu Sheng comforting their kids. Seeing her return, he let out a soft hum, “What’s this? Thinking about going back to your teacher again?”
Zhan Aiping said, “I don’t have a teacher anymore. He doesn’t want me; he expelled me from the school.”
Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow, “Why?”
“He said I embarrassed him by running off with a wild man and becoming the deputy director of a small town hospital. He can’t bear the shame.”
“Wild man?” Gu Sheng asked, as though confirming that he was the ‘wild man.’
“Exactly. So, we don’t need that teacher anymore.”
“Good,” Zhan Aiping nodded with a smile. “And guess what? I found you a new father-in-law.”
Gu Sheng raised his brow, confused, “New father-in-law?”
“That’s right. You now have a new father-in-law and a new mother-in-law. Are you scared?” Zhan Aiping smiled slyly. “Professor Sun is now my godfather, and his wife is my godmother.”
“Really?” Gu Sheng laughed, “Well then, I’ve gained a new set of in-laws.”
Zhan Aiping puffed out her chest, looking down at Gu Sheng from a higher position, “Comrade Gu, you better watch out from now on. I’ve got my family backing me now, so don’t even think about bullying me.”
Gu Sheng sighed helplessly, “How could I ever dare to bully you? I’d be grateful if you weren’t constantly sitting on my head.”
Zhan Aiping huffed, “My teacher is nothing like Zhan Bo. You’re not his good son-in-law; you’re the wild man who took his daughter away. Just wait—your father-in-law is going to make your life difficult.”
Gu Sheng exaggeratedly sighed, “Wife, you’ll have to take care of me.”
Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but laugh. She moved the two kids aside and snuggled into Gu Sheng’s arms, hugging him tightly. “Gu Sheng, I’m really so, so happy today…”
“Congratulations,” Gu Sheng smiled and kissed her on the forehead.
Meanwhile, after hanging up the phone, Professor Sun was overjoyed, smiling from ear to ear. His wife, Qi Shuwan, returned home with groceries and asked, “Did you call Pingping? Have you two made up as teacher and student?”
“I’ve been telling you to reach out to her, but you were being stubborn. I heard she had twins, so I said to send her some Dacron fabric, and you insisted on stuffing all those useless books in the package. What good are those books? She can’t even get Dacron over there, and I wanted to send her something useful. Why do you always—” Qi Shuwan rambled on.
Professor Sun waved his hand, “It was Pingping who called me. Our teacher-student relationship is over; I don’t want her as a student anymore.”
Qi Shuwan scolded, “What nonsense are you talking about? She’s the student you’ve always worried about. If I hadn’t heard from someone else that she had twins, you wouldn’t have even thought about sending her anything—”
Professor Sun interrupted, “Even though I don’t want her as a student anymore, I’ve gained a daughter.”
“From now on, Pingping is our goddaughter.”
Qi Shuwan’s eyes widened in surprise, “Really?”
“Yes, you must be happy now. Not only do you have a daughter, but also a son-in-law, a grandson, and a granddaughter.”
Qi Shuwan said, “Why didn’t you say so earlier? I didn’t send nearly enough! And when you called our daughter, you didn’t even let me talk to her.”
Professor Sun chuckled, “Well, you weren’t around, and it was *she* who called me, not the other way around.”
“Don’t worry, she’ll write us a letter soon and send pictures so you can see her in a dress, along with our two little grandchildren—and that ‘wild man’.”
“What wild man? That’s… our son-in-law now.” Qi Shuwan, who had always longed for children, was overwhelmed with emotions. She couldn’t wait to meet her new daughter. “I still can’t believe Pingping married so far away.”
Professor Sun sighed, “Exactly.”
Meanwhile, Zhan Aiping was preparing to make herself a few dresses. She wanted to take some nice photos to send to her godparents, showing them how she was doing—and also to show off her sewing skills. The blue and white floral fabric was actually quite pretty, though a bit too flowery for a full dress. Laughing to herself, she decided to make a skirt instead. Paired with a simple white blouse, the floral skirt would look elegant and refined.
The yellow fabric, being solid-coloured, would work well for a full dress. Fortunately, there was enough white fabric left to make Gu Sheng a set of clothes, though he rarely had an opportunity to wear anything other than his military uniform.
At home, Zhan Aiping tried on her new outfit—a crisp white blouse paired with a blue-and-white floral skirt. The fabric was cool and light, not the most comfortable, but it had a soft, flowing drape. She checked herself in the mirror and felt satisfied with the result.
When Gu Sheng returned and saw her, his eyes immediately lit up. “Wow, my wife is gorgeous! You should make a few more dresses like this. Don’t worry about making anything for me—save all the fabric for yourself. Even if you don’t wear them out, you can wear them at home for me.”
Zhan Aiping shot him a glare, “You wish.”
“It’s so much easier for women to make dresses. You finish them so quickly. My wife has turned into quite the skilled seamstress.” Gu Sheng circled around her, admiring her handiwork. “I’m really missing out. Why didn’t you wear dresses when you were fifteen or sixteen? You could have worn a cheongsam. I’ve never seen you in one before.”
“There are plenty of tailors in Shanghai who make cheongsams. I’ll get a few made for you, just like those ladies on the old Snow Cream ads.”
Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but laugh, “Look at you. Keep your voice down and don’t talk nonsense.”
“Alright, I’ll stop,” Gu Sheng said, walking over to take her hand and looking her over carefully. Zhan Aiping, feeling shy under his gaze, lowered her head and stared at her feet.
“We’ve been together for years, and you’re still staring.”
Gu Sheng grinned, “My wife is beautiful—why wouldn’t I want to look at her?”
“Am I really that beautiful? I’ve made a few dresses before.”
“This fabric’s different, that’s all,” Gu Sheng nodded approvingly. “It’s new and looks great.”
Zhan Aiping, flattered, smiled brightly. “Go on, keep talking. Your mouth was made for compliments—keep them coming.”
“I’m beautiful!” Zhan Aiping declared, as Gu Sheng pulled her into his arms.
“Wife, you’re really shameless,” Gu Sheng teased.
Zhan Aiping grinned, “Shall we take a few pictures? Should we borrow Xiaomei’s camera, or maybe we should just buy one ourselves?”
At first, Zhan Aiping didn’t see the need for an old-fashioned camera. Gu Sheng’s younger sister had one, and they borrowed it occasionally. But now, the idea of having their own camera seemed appealing.
Gu Sheng agreed, “Let’s buy a camera then. After all, you control the family’s finances. Do you really need my approval for anything?”
Zhan Aiping smiled, “Well, I thought I’d consult with Comrade Gu and get some expert advice.”
Gu Sheng nodded decisively, “Buy it.”
As the couple chatted happily, their children, feeling ignored, started fussing. They both turned their attention to the kids, soothing them together.
Gu Sheng held their daughter, Xiaotangyuan, and said, “Look at your mom, wearing a new skirt. Isn’t she pretty? Soon, she’ll make you some beautiful dresses too.”
Zhan Aiping added, “I just hope our daughter likes wearing dresses.”
Gu Sheng laughed, “Even if she doesn’t, we’ll make her a few anyway.”
Suddenly, their son, Little Gou, let out a loud “Ah?!”
Gu Sheng smiled, “Your son’s not happy. He wants a couple of outfits too.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Alright, I’ll make clothes for all three of you. You’re all so demanding.”
Just then, there was a noise from the yard. It was Director Li Yuxia, who was heavily pregnant, coming to visit. Upon seeing Zhan Aiping’s new outfit, she exclaimed, “Wow, that dress is beautiful!”
“Director Li, what brings you here?” Zhan Aiping asked.
Li Yuxia sighed, “I came to talk to you about Zhu Hui.”
Leave a Reply