Camera
Li Yuxia brought up Zhu Hui, and Zhan Aiping invited her to the study to talk. Gu Sheng, being considerate, took the two children outside, acting as a dutiful father by taking care of them.
Li Yuxia asked, “How is Zhu Hui doing now?”
“She’s doing quite well. She’s preparing for the anaesthesiologist exam,” Zhan Aiping replied.
Li Yuxia sighed, “Don’t lie to me. A woman who goes through a divorce, how can she not be in pain? The gossip from others alone is enough to wear her down. Who divorces easily? Even in the countryside, women hardly ever divorce, no matter how bad things get.”
Zhan Aiping explained, “Everyone at our clinic is nice, and no one gossips about her. She’s quite happy at the clinic. Director Hao even praised her for being positive and forward-thinking… She’s preparing to go for advanced training in the county.”
Li Yuxia sighed, “But isn’t this much harder than before? Captain Luo had his faults, but his conditions were good. Zhu Hui didn’t have to suffer while she was with him. Now, he’s realized his mistakes. His mother has also gone back home… He even came to me for help. They say it’s better to break ten temples than to break one marriage. If they could get back together, it would be a wonderful thing.”
Zhan Aiping shook her head, “I don’t think Zhu Hui is in the mindset for that now. She’s fully focused on studying.”
“Li Director, you’re heavily pregnant. Why not rest a bit and stop worrying about these things?”
Li Yuxia waved her hand, “He came all the way to ask for my help, so I had to speak. Now, Zhu Hui is close to you, so maybe if you talk to her, it could help. Captain Luo is just trying his luck.”
Zhan Aiping responded, “If they didn’t appreciate each other when they were married, what’s the point of dragging things out after the divorce?”
Li Yuxia said, “He’s changed now, though. A prodigal son returning home is worth more than gold. Captain Luo really cares about Zhu Hui now…”
“Talking to me won’t help,” Zhan Aiping shook her head. “Let Captain Luo go talk to Zhu Hui himself.”
Li Yuxia clicked her tongue, “Aren’t you good at matchmaking? If their bond hasn’t completely broken, can’t you pull the strings again and say some nice things about Captain Luo?”
Zhan Aiping said, “Now isn’t the right time. Zhu Hui is focused on her studies and doesn’t want to think about relationships.”
Li Yuxia replied, “When a man reaches marriageable age, and a woman reaches marriageable age, Zhu Hui can rebuild her family and then continue studying. It’s not too late.”
“It’s too late,” Zhan Aiping refused. “I’m not interested in helping them reconcile. If you want to, you can talk to Zhu Hui yourself.”
“Me? I don’t feel like meddling either,” Li Yuxia sighed. “I’m pregnant and don’t want to create trouble for myself. If he hadn’t begged me so hard, I wouldn’t even care.”
“I believe Captain Luo is sincere. If Zhu Hui still has feelings for him, she shouldn’t act too proud. Let her give him a chance to reconcile and rebuild their relationship.”
“Just mention it to her for me, please. Consider it as me asking for a favour.”
“Alright,” Zhan Aiping nodded. “I’ll mention it to her, but whatever decision she makes is her own business, not mine.”
Li Yuxia added, “It’s not mine either. I’d be happy if they could reconcile, but if it’s not meant to be, then it can’t be forced.”
“Captain Luo’s conditions are pretty good. If Zhu Hui misses this opportunity, where else will she find someone as good?”
“After all, Captain Luo is a military officer. It’s easy for him to find someone.”
Zhan Aiping smiled, “Then let him go find someone else.”
“But he still thinks about Zhu Hui. He’s a rare, sentimental man.”
“I’m just saying it; whether you listen is up to you.”
After that, Li Yuxia left, and Zhan Aiping saw her out, saying, “Be careful!”
“Okay, you can go back now.”
When she returned home, Little Tangyuan and Guobaorou were crying for their mother. Zhan Aiping went to hold the children, letting them crawl around her legs like little worms. Gu Sheng stood with his arms crossed, watching them fondly.
“It’s only when you, their mother, come that they behave.”
Zhan Aiping teased, “Don’t be modest. You were doing just fine with them earlier. Don’t think you can shirk your responsibility now, Comrade Gu.”
The idea that only mothers can handle children is nonsense. Whoever spends more time with them, they’ll grow attached to. Why should only mothers take care of everything, while fathers completely step back?
“Captain Luo should be a warning for you.”
Gu Sheng leaned in closer, placing his hands on the bamboo bed and gazing into her eyes. “What kind of warning? I’m nothing like Captain Luo.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “I just want you to take it as a reminder. Director Li came earlier, trying to persuade me to play matchmaker between Captain Luo and Nurse Zhu, to help them reconcile. What do you think, Chief of Staff Gu?”
“What do I think?” Gu Sheng relaxed, “I don’t have an opinion. I don’t know enough about their situation to judge.”
“You’re just afraid of saying something wrong and making me angry, aren’t you?” Zhan Aiping teased, lightly touching his handsome face.
“Why talk about this when we can spend time admiring how beautiful my wife is?” Gu Sheng laughed, sneaking a kiss on her cheek.
Zhan Aiping mockingly said, “Such a flirt.”
“They’ve already divorced, so what’s the point of reconciling?” Gu Sheng picked up Guobaorou with one hand and wrapped his other arm around Zhan Aiping’s waist. “Take me, for example. I’d never divorce my wife, no matter what.”
“I’m waiting to see you grow old, with white hair and no teeth left,” Gu Sheng chuckled.
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Me? I know how to stay young. Believe it or not, when I’m sixty-six, twenty-year-olds will still be calling me ‘sister.’”
Hearing this, Gu Sheng couldn’t help but laugh, “Those girls must need glasses.”
Zhan Aiping pushed him away playfully, “You’re the one who needs glasses. Just wait till you’re an old man; don’t come near me.”
“I’ll stick by you, circling around you every day,” Gu Sheng said with a smile.
With the pleasant banter, their day continued with the usual warmth of their family life, bringing light-heartedness and joy to their home.
Zhan Aiping washed the new dress she had just made. In this weather, it dried quickly, and the next day, she wore it to work at the hospital, feeling quite pleased.
The fabric had been selected by her godparents, and it meant a lot to her. Growing up, she rarely received such affection from her own parents—her mother never even bought her a dress. Now, having godparents who sent her fabric to make one felt like a small but meaningful compensation for the love she had missed in her past.
Though she was already a mother herself, and had gone through many things in life, Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but indulge in the joy of wearing her new dress, eager to show it off.
Zhan Aiping arrived at the hospital in her Dacron dress, attracting many admiring glances along the way. As soon as Qin Yanfang saw her, she exclaimed, “Deputy Director, you look so beautiful today! This dress has such a lovely color, and I adore the floral pattern!”
In those days, most clothes were too plain, so people’s aesthetic preferences leaned toward brighter, more colorful designs.
Qin Yanfang was particularly fond of Zhan Aiping’s blue-and-white floral skirt.
Zhan Aiping, clearly pleased, responded, “Isn’t it pretty?”
She stood there in her blue-and-white dress, the breeze lightly lifting the hem, showing off her slim ankles. She stood tall and graceful, her long black hair braided and pinned up at the back of her head. Her features were radiant, and her beauty striking. When she smiled, it made her even more captivating.
“What kind of fabric is this? It doesn’t feel like cotton. It feels sturdy and cool,” Qin Yanfang asked.
Zhan Aiping replied, “This is a Dacron dress, not cotton, but synthetic fabric.”
“It was a gift from my godparents.”
“Really? It’s a great name, and it does feel nice and cool.” Qin Yanfang circled around her, repeatedly exclaiming, “This dress is stunning, and it’s not just the dress—our Deputy Director Zhan is also incredibly beautiful!”
“You don’t look like a mother of two at all. I hope I look like you when I get married.”
Dr. Zhao chimed in, “You just need to work hard and learn from Deputy Director Zhan.”
“Stop talking,” Qin Yanfang said, pushing him aside. She continued to look at Zhan Aiping, more and more amazed. Zhan Aiping’s hair was neatly pinned up, revealing a delicate collarbone and her fair neck. With all her hair tied back, it emphasized the graceful lines of her jaw, and her skin appeared smooth and radiant.
“How did you style your hair? It looks beautiful.” Zhan Aiping’s updo was different from the tight, oily hairstyles worn by older women. Her hair was soft and voluminous, like a flower bud.
“Is this a style from Shanghai?”
Zhan Aiping smiled, “If you want to learn, I can teach you.”
“Of course! Deputy Director, you’re amazing—not only skilled in medicine, but also beautiful and talented!” Qin Yanfang praised her repeatedly.
Dr. Zhou, passing by, commented sarcastically, “Qin, you’re such a little sycophant, always flattering the Deputy Director.”
Qin Yanfang, annoyed, retorted, “What flattery? I’m just telling the truth.”
Dr. Zhou gave a huff and looked at Zhan Aiping, saying, “Deputy Director, don’t listen to her. She’s just flattering you. But I genuinely think you look lovely.”
Qin Yanfang shot back, “…You’re the real sycophant!”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Alright, enough, enough.”
“Everyone’s a sycophant now.” Director Hao, standing not far away, clicked his tongue a few times, “Dr. Zhou, Little Qin, stop crowding around the Deputy Director. Come, come, come flatter me instead.”
Zhan Aiping: “…”
Qin Yanfang: “Director, I’ve got something to do, so I’ll head out first.”
Dr. Zhou: “I need to prepare some ointments.”
Director Hao: “…”
Zhan Aiping chuckled, “Director, do you need me to flatter you?”
Director Hao sighed, “These people, can’t they compliment my handsomeness just once? Back in the day, I was quite the good-looking young man.”
Zhan Aiping then went to find Zhu Hui, who was sitting at her desk. Zhu Hui was wearing her nurse’s uniform, with her hair neatly tied back. Her face was expressionless as she focused intently on the book in her hands.
When there were no patients, Zhu Hui would take every opportunity to study.
With her brows furrowed in concentration, her expression was serious. Even though she was beautiful, there was a sternness in her demeanour. Her lack of expression gave her an air of authority, and her patients naturally trusted that she was a calm and experienced nurse.
When she saw Zhan Aiping approach, Zhu Hui smiled, “Deputy Director, what brings you here? I just passed the basic exam and am preparing to head to the county for a three-month training course. Just doing some last-minute review.”
“I came to talk to you about something,” Zhan Aiping said straightforwardly. “Yesterday, Director Li came to see me and mentioned your situation.”
Zhu Hui raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in her voice, “Are you here to try to convince me to reconcile with Luo Pingwei too?”
Zhan Aiping shook her head, “No, not at all. I’m just delivering a message. Director Li wanted me to mention that Captain Luo has changed a lot, and he’s very sincere in wanting to get back together. She asked me to tell you that you might want to give him another chance. That’s all—whether you care to listen or not is entirely up to you.”
Zhu Hui let out a bitter laugh, “Reconcile after a divorce? I’ve completely moved on. I’ve realized that Luo Pingwei and I are on completely different paths. It’s impossible for us to be together again. Our values just don’t align anymore.”
“I’ve changed.”
“Luo Pingwei has been trying to get close to me again. He keeps saying how hard it is for me to study to become an anaesthesiologist, telling me that if I were with him, I wouldn’t have to work so hard. He says I could just be a simple nurse, only work if I feel like it, and stay home to take care of the family. He even claimed that he’s been treated and can have children now—hah.”
Zhu Hui let out a sarcastic laugh, “He cares for me, but I feel nothing but discomfort. I’m completely repelled by him now.”
“In the past, when he boasted about his achievements and the hardships he endured to become a captain, I admired him. But now, when I’m the one working hard, staying up late studying, he tells me not to tire myself out. That I should just be a housewife. No matter how he says it, I find it patronizing.”
“It’s like he’s saying that women aren’t capable of achieving anything, that we should just stay home and rely on men to take care of us.”
Zhu Hui’s voice grew firmer as she spoke, “But I *want* to work hard. I enjoy the fulfilment that comes from studying and achieving my own goals. Sure, being a housewife might be comfortable, but the satisfaction I get from professional progress is far more rewarding. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have purpose and direction.”
“I used to feel like I was living someone else’s life—nervous and constantly seeking validation by showing off. But that life wasn’t for me. Even if it seemed glamorous, I don’t want it anymore.”
Zhan Aiping smiled, shaking her head, “You’re not foolish at all, Zhu Hui. In fact, hearing what you’ve said reminds me of a quote I once read. Let me write it down for you.”
Zhan Aiping pulled out her trusty Hero-brand pen and quickly jotted down a few lines:
*”A man’s greatest fortune is that, whether as a boy or as a man, he must embark on an extremely difficult path. Yet it is the most reliable path. A woman’s misfortune lies in the nearly irresistible temptations surrounding her. She is not asked to strive upwards, but is instead encouraged to slide down into bliss. When she realizes that the mirage has deceived her, it is often too late—her strength has already been exhausted by the failed venture.”*
Zhu Hui read the words, then smiled, “Thank you. I really like this. I want to walk the reliable path too.”
The two women exchanged smiles, understanding each other without needing further words. For Zhu Hui, the conversation felt like a breath of fresh air—one that reaffirmed her decision to forge her own path, far from her past with Luo Pingwei.
Before she left, Zhu Hui noticed Zhan Aiping’s dress, her eyes lighting up, “Your dress is beautiful, by the way!”
“Is it?” Zhan Aiping chuckled. “I’ve heard that quite a few times today.”
“It’s just the right season for it. Look, the flowers on the mountain are blooming. Should we go pick some pine flowers? There are so many—pumpkin flowers, plantain flowers, and the mountain’s horse chestnut flowers.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Why don’t we go make some pine flower cake?”
Zhu Hui grinned, “Sounds good! Have you ever been to the Water-Splashing Festival?”
“Not yet. Maybe in a few years when the kids are older.”
“True, you need to take care of yourself right now. I love water games, though, and I’d love to go with you.”
Zhan Aiping joked, “You won’t win in a water fight against me.”
“We’ll see about that,” Zhu Hui replied, laughing. “I’ll find a partner in crime, like your husband.”
“It’s a pity that I don’t have a childhood sweetheart.”
Zhan Aiping said, “Childhood sweethearts aren’t all that great. We used to fight and argue every day when we were kids.”
Zhu Hui laughed, “I don’t believe that.”
“It was just playful bickering,” Zhan Aiping said.
“…Well, maybe not always,” she added.
The two continued chatting for a while. The spring weather outside was beautiful, and they made plans to go to the mountains to pick pine flowers together.
Zhan Aiping also made another dress, this time a solid yellow one. After finishing it, she went to town to buy a camera and sent off a manuscript she hadn’t yet mailed. Once it was reviewed and revised, she expected to see the sample copy next year.
Publishing a book was a complicated process.
After sending the manuscript, Zhan Aiping let out a small sigh of relief.
She had bought a Seagull-brand camera for over 200 yuan, quite expensive at the time, considering a cancer surgery might cost only seventy or eighty yuan.
The camera had a bulky black-and-white appearance and felt heavy in her hands. The front featured two large circles, giving it a somewhat clumsy and oversized look. As she carried it home, many people glanced curiously at the camera, and some even wondered if she was a reporter from the provincial newspaper.
Back then, only reporters typically carried cameras around.
Zhan Aiping studied the camera at home while waiting for Gu Sheng to return. When Gu Sheng got home and saw the “big block” she was holding, he smiled and said, “So, you bought it?”
“Yep. Now don’t move, Comrade Gu. I’m going to take a picture of you.”
Gu Sheng raised his hand to block her. “Hold on, don’t get ahead of yourself. I need to take a shower and change clothes first.”
With that, he hurried off to the bathroom, not giving Zhan Aiping the chance to catch him off guard. Left holding the camera, Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but feel a bit exasperated.
He really had a “celebrity ego” the weight of three tons.
Unfortunately, the old-style camera didn’t allow for rapid-fire shots, so he was able to slip away before she could snap a picture. Unwilling to waste film, Zhan Aiping let him shower and change. She put the camera down, pulled out a mirror and comb, and started fixing her appearance.
“For a photo, you should look natural,” she said to herself.
When Gu Sheng came back out, he had changed into a crisp new military uniform. His stance was upright and composed, his handsome face set in a serious, silent expression, giving him an air of authority.
“Go ahead and take it,” he said in a deep voice.
Zhan Aiping thought to herself, *What’s the point?* She almost wanted to stick the words “fake” and “pretending” on his forehead.
“Hurry up and take the picture!” Gu Sheng urged.
Zhan Aiping took a few shots. Gu Sheng’s ability to strike a pose was quite impressive; he had clearly been good at it since his teenage years.
After she finished taking the pictures, Gu Sheng said, “Once the photos are developed, show them to our godparents. Let them see that their son-in-law is handsome, responsible, and a solid choice.”
Zhan Aiping was speechless. She felt like she had just taken a professional headshot for a well-behaved husky. The photos would probably show a dignified and well-groomed dog, but reality was something else.
Seeing the smug look on his face, Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but recall the time they first met at the hospital in Shanghai. It was snowing lightly, and when she turned around, she saw him standing in the cold wind, wrapped in a military coat with a cigarette in his hand, staring at her with a blank face… pretending to be just as imposing as he was now.
If they were going to take photos, they might as well do it properly.
Zhan Aiping found a military coat and draped it over Gu Sheng’s shoulders, then handed him a cigarette, urging him to strike a pose.
Gu Sheng furrowed his handsome brow. “Is this really necessary? I don’t even smoke anymore.”
Zhan Aiping responded, “We’re just taking a picture, come on, hurry up.”
Gu Sheng sighed. “Fine… but don’t show these to our godparents. Wearing a coat in this heat, they might think I’ve lost my mind.”
Zhan Aiping couldn’t hold back her laughter. “I’ll keep it for myself then, how about that?”
“Alright, my wife, you can take the pictures however you want.”
Zhan Aiping instructed, “Look more dignified, act fierce, can you manage that? Give me a fierce look.”
Gu Sheng replied, “…I can’t look fierce when I’m looking at you.”
Zhan Aiping teased, “Cooperate with me now, and I’ll make it worth your while tonight with a reward.”
Gu Sheng’s expression immediately turned “fierce.”
Zhan Aiping: “…”
After the photoshoot, Zhan Aiping gave him a playful kick. *Some people really are like mules—you have to dangle a carrot in front of them to get them to move.*
Gu Sheng eagerly took the camera from her hands and massaged her shoulders. “You must be tired, my wife. The camera is heavy. Come, sit and rest.”
Zhan Aiping swatted his hand away, pretending to be annoyed. “Look at you, acting like you’ve never accomplished anything.”
Gu Sheng grinned. “Well, I’ve got to take good care of you if I want my reward. What if you don’t keep your promise?”
Zhan Aiping raised her eyebrows playfully. “What if I go back on my word?”
Gu Sheng, with hands on his hips, responded in mock indignation, “Hey, Zhan Da Aiping, we can’t go breaking promises like that!”
“Then you’d better keep treating me well,” Zhan Aiping said, extending her right hand and curling her index finger. “Come here, let me give you a little taste of your reward.”
Gu Sheng smiled as Zhan Aiping cupped his handsome face and, laughing, stood on her toes to give him a quick kiss on the lips.
“How about a bit more, just a bit more…” Gu Sheng coaxed.
Zhan Aiping sighed, “…”
“Look, Guobaorou is awake, and he’s watching. Don’t let him learn from his father how to be so shameless.”
Gu Sheng said with a laugh, “In the Gu family, we have a tradition of doting on our wives.”
“I didn’t see that from you before.”
“You hold the camera now and take my picture. Make sure you get my good side.”
Zhan Aiping gathered the kids and took a few more photos with them. Gu Sheng snapped a few pictures of her and then she said, “We should take the kids outside for more pictures.”
Gu Sheng smiled indulgently. “Anything you want, wherever you want to go for pictures, we’ll go.”
Zhan Aiping softly replied, “Okay.” Then she added, “Now go make dinner.”
“You heartless woman, using me and then tossing me aside. No more rewards from you?”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “If you keep asking for rewards, there won’t be any left for tonight.”
Gu Sheng sighed, “Fine… just save them for me later.”
Gu Sheng went to cook, while Zhan Aiping turned her attention to the two little rascals. The two kids were completely focused on their mother. Earlier, during the photoshoot, they had been making a fuss with their constant “ah ah” sounds, and she had to keep holding down these two wriggling little “worms.”
Luckily, since they were siblings, they didn’t always need their parents to hold them. The brother and sister played together, squeezing each other’s little hands, or sometimes holding their own hands. They had just learned how to clasp their hands together.
Zhan Aiping brought out two small cloth tigers for them. These tigers were handmade by Gu Sheng himself. His craftsmanship wasn’t bad—he was skilled at drawing and quite handy, and he had made the kids two “majestic” little cloth tigers.
She thought it was a pity that she hadn’t taken pictures of him threading the needle. Zhan Aiping was fine at suturing wounds, but ask her to sew a cloth tiger, and that was beyond her abilities.
The cloth tigers Gu Sheng made were beautiful, with fierce expressions, almost lifelike. Zhan Aiping happily squeezed the tail of one of the tigers.
She waved the cloth tigers in front of the children and said, “These tigers were made by Daddy. Rawr! Do you like them?”
The two little ones drooled and smiled at her, grabbing the tigers and hugging them tightly. Soon, the tigers were covered in baby drool.
Zhan Aiping’s mouth twitched. “…”
She looked at the two drool-soaked tigers. Even though she was their mother, she couldn’t help but feel a bit grossed out.
Comrade Zhan didn’t want to play with the tigers anymore.
When Gu Sheng brought the food over, Zhan Aiping said to him, “Daddy, make me one too. Why do the kids get tigers, and I don’t?”
Comrade Gu didn’t miss a beat and replied, “Do you think you’re still a kid?”
Whoever heard of an adult playing with cloth tigers?
Zhan Aiping, full of righteous indignation, said, “Didn’t you say you love your wife? If you really loved your wife, you’d make me a cloth tiger too.”
Gu Sheng, indulging her with a helpless smile, said, “You’re being unreasonable.”
“One kiss, and I’ll make one for you.”
Zhan Aiping quickly agreed, “If I kiss you twice, will you make me a bigger one? Bigger than the kids’?”
“That’s not going to work,” Gu Sheng shook his head. “If you want a bigger one, that’ll cost you three kisses.”
“Deal,” Zhan Aiping said cheerfully. “Make it for me.”
Gu Sheng scooped a bowl of rice for her and added, “Once it’s done, don’t go around showing it off. If anyone asks, say you made it yourself.”
Zhan Aiping protested, “Can’t you let your wife have a little moment of happiness?”
“Nope,” Gu Sheng said firmly. “Don’t go causing trouble for me. If a bunch of people start asking you to make them cloth tigers, what are you going to do? I’m not cleaning up that mess.”
“Just say these tigers were sent by their godparents from Shanghai.”
Zhan Aiping sighed. “Fine, you’ve really thought this through.”
On a day when Gu Sheng came home early, the family went outside for a photoshoot. Gu Xiangyi, Gu Sheng’s younger sister, came along to help carry the camera and took pictures of the family.
Gu Sheng and Zhan Aiping each held one child, with Little Tangyuan and Guobaorou clutching their cloth tigers in their hands. They seemed to love the tigers their dad had made.
When Gu Xiangyi saw the tigers, she exclaimed, “Sister-in-law, where did these tigers come from? They’re so well-made! You didn’t make these yourself, did you?”
Before Zhan Aiping could respond, Gu Sheng quickly interjected, “They were sent by their godparents from Shanghai.”
“Oh, from Shanghai! No wonder they’re so beautiful,” Gu Xiangyi nodded thoughtfully. “When I have kids in the future, I’ll buy cloth tigers this pretty for them too.”
Gu Sheng said, “They’re pretty hard to get. You won’t be able to buy them.”
Gu Xiangyi, curious, asked, “Really? Are they like the Dacron fabric? Imported too?”
Gu Sheng responded with a grin, “Very clever.”
There was a double meaning in his words.
Gu Xiangyi laughed, “Did I figure it out? I knew I was smart.”
Zhan Aiping silently thought, “…” *Adorable little sister.*
“Sister-in-law, your dress is so beautiful!” Gu Xiangyi couldn’t stop complimenting Zhan Aiping’s dress. “The fabric is stunning. Sister-in-law, you look like a fairy.”
Zhan Aiping smiled at her and said, “With such a sweet mouth, I’ll make you a dress too.”
Gu Xiangyi was surprised, “You’ll make one for me? I didn’t do anything to deserve it. I’d feel bad.”
“Why feel bad? I still have some fabric left. I’ll make you a set of clothes.”
Gu Xiangyi, a bit shy, replied, “That’s really too much…”
Gu Sheng chimed in, “There’s nothing wrong with your sister-in-law making you a dress.”
“Alright then!” Gu Xiangyi happily agreed. “Sister-in-law, you really are the best!”
Once the photos were developed, Zhan Aiping packed them into an envelope, along with local specialties like Pu’er tea, coffee, Sanqi, and ham, to be sent to Shanghai. Professor Sun had told her to give it directly to Dean Xu, who would find someone to take it to Shanghai.
So, Zhan Aiping brought a large package to the military hospital, including the dress she made for Gu Xiangyi. She didn’t see Gu Xiangyi, so she first went to find Dean Xu.
As soon as Dean Xu saw her, he smiled and lengthened his voice, “Oh my, bringing so much stuff. Have you and your teacher made up?”
Zhan Aiping nodded, “I’m troubling you with this.”
“That old Sun isn’t such a good guy. He always makes me play the bad cop. I should’ve ignored him back then. If I had just kept you here at the military hospital, things would’ve been much better… You two really are something.”
Dean Xu was clearly frustrated, feeling as though his old comrade-in-arms had tricked him. If it weren’t for Professor Sun’s intervention, Zhan Aiping would have already been working at the military hospital.
“Your teacher told me to look after you, but how can I do that now? You’re not even here at the hospital. What am I supposed to do, grow wings and fly over to take care of you?”
Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but laugh, “Dean Xu, you’re exaggerating. I still owe you my thanks. Please try some of the pine flower cake and double-skin milk I made. I left them here for you.”
Dean Xu: “…”
He tried the pine flower cake and found it delicious. The more he thought about it, the more annoyed he became. He clenched his teeth and said, “Do you think your teacher did this on purpose? He just didn’t want his student to work at my hospital.”
“Dean Xu, you’re misunderstanding. It wasn’t like that—it was all just a series of misunderstandings.”
Dean Xu replied, “What about now? Have you thought about coming here?”
“My godfather told me to focus on my work.”
Dean Xu’s eyes widened, “Your godfather? Who’s that?”
“I’m no longer Professor Sun’s student. He and his wife are now my godparents.”
Dean Xu’s jaw practically dropped to the floor. “…”
His head buzzed. He thought he had fallen into a small trap, but it turned out to be a deep pit.
“Unbelievable!” Dean Xu slapped the table. “He definitely did this on purpose. He couldn’t bear to let his ‘daughter’ fall into my hands.”
“Little Zhan, you have no idea. When you first came here, your teacher would call me every other day to complain about you. He would list all your faults, saying you were bad at this and bad at that, tearing you apart until there wasn’t a shred of you left. At the time, I thought, what kind of grudge do these two have? What on earth did you do to make Old Sun so mad… Turns out, he treated you like his own daughter!”
Dean Xu clicked his tongue a few times, shaking his head in amazement. “His own daughter running off with another man, no wonder he was so angry he was jumping up and down.”
“Ah, now it makes sense. I get it. I get it,” he said with a knowing grin.
Zhan Aiping was left speechless. “…”
After saying her goodbyes to Dean Xu, she went to find Gu Xiangyi. When Gu Xiangyi saw her, she was overjoyed. Zhan Aiping had brought her some pine flower cake and double-skin milk. They sat together on a hospital bench, and Gu Xiangyi, grinning, rested her head on Zhan Aiping’s arm and hugged her.
“Sister-in-law, you’re the best. My brother might not be my real brother, but you are definitely my real sister-in-law.”
“Don’t say silly things. Your brother is of course your real brother, and I am definitely your real sister-in-law,” Zhan Aiping replied with a smile.
“Sister-in-law, the pine flower cake you made is so delicious,” Gu Xiangyi said happily.
Zhan Aiping handed her the dress. “Try it on when you get home. If it doesn’t fit, I can adjust it for you.”
Gu Xiangyi was touched. “I’m so lucky. I get delicious food and new clothes. What more could I ask for?”
“Silly girl,” Zhan Aiping said affectionately.
After chatting for a while, Zhan Aiping was ready to leave. But just as she was about to exit the military hospital, someone called out to her. It was an old classmate—Zhu Dongxia.
“Zhan Aiping,” Zhu Dongxia called, standing behind her in a white coat. She looked at Zhan Aiping with a complicated expression.
Over the past year, Zhan Aiping had changed a lot. She had become a mother, giving birth to twins, and was now the deputy director of a township health clinic. Zhu Dongxia found it all quite incredible.
Back in the day, Professor Sun had such high regard for Zhan Aiping—she was the shining star. And now, she was quietly working at a small rural clinic? Zhu Dongxia couldn’t believe it.
Today, Zhan Aiping was radiant, completely transformed from the proud, aloof “handsome girl” she had been at school. If their old classmates were to meet her now, they might not even recognize her.
“Long time no see, Zhu Dongxia. Looks like we’ve run into each other again,” Zhan Aiping greeted her.
“Congratulations,” Zhu Dongxia said. “I heard you’ve become the deputy director of the health clinic.”
Though the words sounded like a congratulation, there was a subtle hint of mockery in her tone.
*Deputy director of a tiny, broken-down clinic? What’s so great about that?*
Zhan Aiping probably didn’t feel proud about it either, Zhu Dongxia thought. If she were in Zhan Aiping’s shoes, she wouldn’t have the face to meet old classmates. The more Zhan Aiping might want to avoid her, the more Zhu Dongxia wanted to engage.
“Thank you, Zhu Dongxia. How have you been?” Zhan Aiping asked casually.
“Not bad,” Zhu Dongxia replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face as she studied Zhan Aiping.
After a few more exchanges, Zhan Aiping was about to leave. But Zhu Dongxia called out, “Hey, wait a second.”
Zhan Aiping turned around.
With a smile, Zhu Dongxia said, “Zhan Aiping, it’s perfect timing. Old Ma and a few others are coming by soon. Why don’t we have a little reunion with our old classmates?”
Before Zhan Aiping could respond, Zhu Dongxia quickly added, “You’re not going to refuse and make us lose face, are you?”
“If you agree, I’ll call a couple more people. It’s been so long since graduation, and we’re all scattered around the country. It’s rare to have the chance to meet up. You should join us.”
Leave a Reply