Big Fat Fish
“A reunion with old classmates?”
Although it had only been a few years since they graduated, for Zhan Aiping, it truly felt like an “old classmates” gathering. Regardless of Zhu Dongxia’s intentions in inviting her, Zhan Aiping readily agreed, “Sure, it’s been a long time. Let’s meet up when we have the chance.”
Zhu Dongxia was stunned. “…”
Zhan Aiping dared to meet up with old classmates? Was she not afraid of losing face? After all, she was now just a deputy director at a rundown township hospital.
“I wonder how many years it’s been since we graduated. Everyone must have changed. We all got assigned to different parts of the country after graduating from the military academy…” Zhu Dongxia mused. The differences between classmates from the same class were growing wider. Some had thrived in school but struggled after graduation, while others, once unnoticed, suddenly found themselves fortunate after graduating.
For example, some people went to great lengths to get a job in a “big city” but ended up in a desolate, unappealing place. Others who had been posted to remote deserts or plateaus suddenly found their units transferred to more desirable locations.
Life’s circumstances were unpredictable, especially in the military, where constant relocations and changes were the norm.
“Zhan Aiping, you stayed in Shanghai before. No one expected you to end up here… and as the deputy director of a township hospital, no less.” Zhu Dongxia paused, then continued with a smile, “Among our batch of students, you’re the only one who’s made it to deputy director so soon. Everyone will surely be envious.”
The idea of Zhan Aiping being a deputy director after only a few years was almost laughable.
There was a sarcastic undertone in Zhu Dongxia’s words. Zhan Aiping raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Well, I married the youngest son of a commander. Isn’t that even more enviable? Which of you has married as well as I have?”
Not to mention, her husband was incredibly handsome.
Zhu Dongxia: “…”
Zhu Dongxia forced a smile, unable to come up with a retort, because what Zhan Aiping said was undeniably true.
“The conditions here aren’t as good as in Shanghai. You must feel wronged.”
Zhu Dongxia’s jealousy was eating her up inside. She knew that the conditions here were far worse than in Shanghai. But Gu Sheng’s looks, abilities, family background, and future prospects… If Zhu Dongxia had the choice, she would’ve also chosen to marry Gu Sheng.
She clenched her teeth in secret but outwardly praised the benefits of living in Shanghai, hoping to stir discontent in Zhan Aiping and make her regret her decision. “Back when we were students there, Shanghai was so beautiful. I still dream of going back to visit our alma mater. I was so envious when you stayed in Shanghai. How many of our classmates got to stay behind? It was such a great opportunity…”
“The quality of life there is amazing. They have all kinds of imported goods, and there’s always extra pork available without needing ration tickets. Life would be so much better there. I even want to visit the little Western-style houses—tell me, Zhan Aiping, do you ever regret coming here?”
Zhan Aiping smiled gently, “I’ve never regretted it. I suppose I was blinded by love. My husband and I were childhood sweethearts, so I had no choice but to follow him… But his family’s conditions are quite good. I haven’t been deprived of anything here. His parents, and his four older brothers, have taken good care of us.”
“Oh, really?”
Zhan Aiping casually added, “We have enough formula at home to last until next year. When I was in confinement, his eldest brother sent over plenty of things. When the babies turned one month old, they sent more than we could possibly finish.”
“And as for those White Rabbit Creamy Candies, I’ve given most of them away.”
Zhu Dongxia swallowed her jealousy. “You’ve recovered well after giving birth.”
“My husband treats me well. I didn’t marry the wrong man. He stayed by my side every day during my confinement, taking care of me.”
Zhu Dongxia: “…Oh.”
Zhu Dongxia suddenly regretted inviting Zhan Aiping to the reunion. Some people, no matter where they are, always manage to live enviable lives.
In truth, Zhu Dongxia did envy Zhan Aiping’s position as deputy director, but only because she had married well. She was close to home and held a leadership role in a hospital. Whether it was a big hospital or a small one, being the director meant being the top person in charge, a “leader” who could direct others and live a comfortable life.
For someone like Zhu Dongxia, who didn’t have great grades and lacked ambition, Zhan Aiping’s life seemed like paradise.
But for someone like Zhan Aiping, who had once excelled, this life might not have seemed as impressive.
Zhan Aiping said, “Go ahead and contact everyone. Let me know once you’ve set the date.”
Zhu Dongxia nodded, “Alright.”
Though she had initially wanted to mock Zhan Aiping, Zhu Dongxia still looked forward to a class reunion. Even if she couldn’t get a laugh out of it, the chance to gather with old classmates was still worth it.
“Then I’ll head back for now.”
Zhan Aiping left the military hospital and returned to her own yard. Gu Sheng had arrived home earlier and had already picked up their two children. He was busy entertaining them when he saw Zhan Aiping return. Smiling, he asked, “Was my little sister happy? Sister-in-law made her a dress.”
“She was thrilled. She even said her own brother might not be her real brother, but her sister-in-law is definitely her real sister-in-law.”
Gu Sheng laughed, “Silly girl.”
“My dear wife, you’re back. Come look after the kids for a moment. Just look at this—one of them drooled all over my sleeve. I’m a mess now, can’t show myself in public.”
Zhan Aiping responded, “You’re complaining about your own son’s drool?”
Gu Sheng crossed his arms, “Are you telling me you don’t mind? Don’t think I didn’t see you making faces.”
Zhan Aiping: “…”
She walked over and picked up their son. Little Guobaorou was all smiles, and their daughter cooed and reached out toward her as well. Zhan Aiping put her son down and picked up her daughter, saying, “Mommy’s not as skilled as Daddy, I can’t carry both of you at once. Come on, let’s all play together.”
After handing the kids off to her, Gu Sheng wiped the drool off his sleeve and sat down with a grand posture, carefully examining the photos they’d taken earlier. “Wife, you look beautiful in these photos.”
“I’m going to treasure them.”
Zhan Aiping asked, “How many of my photos have you secretly stashed away?”
Gu Sheng replied, “Aren’t these nicer than the older ones?”
Zhan Aiping huffed, “So you admit you didn’t like my old photos? Men are all so superficial.”
Gu Sheng was pleased with the photos, “I show the bad ones to others, but I keep the pretty ones for myself.”
Zhan Aiping retorted, “Then I’ll take some of your bad photos and show them to people too.”
With a serious face, Gu Sheng said, “That won’t do, dear wife. If you show people my bad photos, they’ll think you have bad taste for marrying an ugly man.”
Zhan Aiping was speechless, “Aren’t you afraid people will say the same about you?”
“If they do, they do. I’m just a hopeless romantic.”
Zhan Aiping took off their son’s drool bib and threw it at him. While changing him into a clean one, she warned, “Keep talking like that, and next time, I’ll throw a diaper at you.”
Gu Sheng grinned and moved closer, trying to win her over. “Don’t be mad, dear wife. I’ve hidden all your old photos at the bottom of the drawer. No one will ever see them—good ones or bad ones. They’re just for me to enjoy.”
“Now that’s more like it,” Zhan Aiping said, playfully tapping his face.
Gu Sheng grumbled, “You just wiped our son’s drool on my face.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “That’s to bring you closer to your son.”
“Let me return the favour,” Gu Sheng said as he grabbed the drool bib and playfully wiped her face. Zhan Aiping was furious and climbed onto Gu Sheng’s back, sitting on his shoulders.
Holding onto her legs, Gu Sheng said, “Now the whole family can be close together.”
Zhan Aiping announced, “I’m really mad now. I’m going to sit on your head, and I’m not getting down.”
“Go ahead, sit up there until you feel better. After all, I’m the lowest in the household hierarchy.”
Zhan Aiping stayed perched on his shoulders, while their two kids sat on the bamboo bed, looking on with wide eyes at their parents. They were both fascinated because suddenly, their mother had become so tall.
“Today, I ran into Zhu Dongxia at the military hospital. She invited me to meet up with some old classmates.”
Gu Sheng asked, “Old classmates from military school? Anyone I know?”
“I’m not sure. You probably know a few of them.”
Gu Sheng asked, “Are there men or women going?”
“Both, I guess. She mentioned this guy, Old Ma—he once carried me.”
Gu Sheng immediately got jealous, his tone rising. “A man? How did he carry you?”
“Did you sit on his shoulders like you’re sitting on mine now?”
Zhan Aiping laughed. “He carried me on a stretcher. You know we had those competitions with stretcher races.”
In their school, part of the sports competitions included medics carrying “injured” soldiers on stretchers. It was a unique event.
To win first place, it was usually the male students who carried the stretchers, while the lighter female students played the role of the injured.
But it wasn’t always pleasant—some teams were so desperate to win that the person on the stretcher risked being jostled off.
Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow, “…So, you played the injured quite a lot?”
Zhan Aiping smiled. “Of course! I even got good at drawing ‘scars.’ Want me to try one on you?”
During their medical exercises and exams, they each had to play the role of the injured at some point, acting out various scenarios.
Gu Sheng clicked his tongue twice. “No wonder you’re good at acting. You’ve practiced. You could switch careers to the theatre troupe.”
Zhan Aiping playfully pinched his face. “I think you’d be just as good.”
“Go on then, have your little reunion with your old classmates,” Gu Sheng said with a grin.
Zhan Aiping laughed. “I’ll brag about marrying a great husband.”
Gu Sheng tugged her hand affectionately. “That’s not bragging, dear wife. You’re just telling the truth.”
“When you speak the truth, others will be envious.”
Zhan Aiping said, “Some might even be hoping to see me make a fool of myself.”
Gu Sheng chuckled, “If anyone laughs at you or makes you feel bad, just come home. Your fifth brother will comfort you.”
Zhan Aiping laughed. “If anyone mocks me, I’ll make sure to drive them crazy with jealousy.”
“That’s the spirit.”
….
“Zhan Aiping? Is she going to be there too? Then I definitely have to meet her.” Over the phone, Liu Shi sounded eager once she heard Zhan Aiping would be there.
“Zhu Dongxia, it’s been a long time since we all got together, hasn’t it?”
Liu Shi had been wanting to meet up with Zhu Dongxia for a while, but Zhu had been hard to reach. Now that Zhu Dongxia had invited her, she readily agreed.
Liu Shi had good circumstances. While her family background was average, she got lucky and was assigned to work as a military doctor at the Chun City Cadre Rest Home. It was a highly coveted position—easy work, low stress, and best of all, it offered the chance to meet high-ranking officials and military leaders. Sometimes, opportunities arose by pure luck.
She had been lucky herself. The person she was dating was also from a cadre family, and Liu Shi was very satisfied with the match. They were about to discuss marriage. Recently, knowing she had studied in Shanghai, her fiancé’s family had even gotten her some imported “Dacron” fabric. Liu Shi had made a few dresses but hadn’t had the chance to wear them out yet. With this old classmate reunion coming up, she figured it was the perfect occasion.
Over the past year, Liu Shi had been busy with her relationship and hadn’t heard much about anyone else. It was only after talking to Zhu Dongxia that she learned Zhan Aiping had gotten married and had even left Shanghai to move to Yunnan Province.
Liu Shi found Zhan Aiping’s situation surprising. She hadn’t interacted with Zhan Aiping much in the past, but she remembered her as an outstanding student, always valued by their teacher, Professor Sun. Back then, everyone assumed Zhan Aiping would stay in Shanghai and eventually become Professor Sun’s most treasured disciple.
But things had changed. Liu Shi wasn’t sure of the specifics, but she knew something must have happened. Another former classmate, Xue Ningjia, had also left Shanghai and moved to the Northwest. They had once been the envy of everyone.
Of course, Liu Shi wasn’t envious. She felt her assignment to the cadre rest home was the most comfortable arrangement.
Liu Shi was shocked. “What? Zhan Aiping got married and had twins? So soon, even before me…”
She had only spent the past year dating, and now it turned out that one of her old classmates had already gotten married and had children. Of course, some others had started even earlier, but… this was *Zhan Aiping*.
Liu Shi always thought Zhan Aiping was more “handsome” than most of the boys in their class. Back when they first entered school, during line-up drills, Zhan Aiping stood next to her. Liu Shi remembered looking at her cold, chiselled profile and thinking, *This guy may not be tall, but he sure has a handsome face.* She had assumed that “he” had been assigned to the girls’ team due to his height.
Liu Shi was second to last in the row, and Zhan Aiping was at the very end. Every time she turned right during drills, she faced Zhan Aiping’s striking features. Her heart fluttered a little, and when “he” handed her water with a cool but gentle demeanour, Liu Shi thought it was destiny—that they were meant to be a military doctor couple, saving lives together…
But just a few days later, Liu Shi found out that Zhan Aiping was a woman. Her heart instantly shattered into pieces.
Afterward, Liu Shi felt extremely embarrassed and avoided interacting with Zhan Aiping. Thus, throughout their time in school, they remained just ordinary classmates without much contact.
Now, hearing that the person who had once stirred her heart had gotten married and had children left Liu Shi feeling quite conflicted.
After hanging up the phone, Liu Shi’s expression remained one of indescribable complexity.
—She simply couldn’t imagine Zhan Aiping being pregnant.
Liu Shi mentioned the upcoming old classmates’ reunion to her current boyfriend, Zhao Zhiyong. “It’s a gathering of old classmates from military school. Zhu Dongxia invited me, and I thought I’d go.”
Even as she said this, her face looked slightly off.
Zhao Zhiyong, noticing her strange reaction, asked, “Why do you seem so conflicted about an old classmates’ reunion? How many people are going?”
“About four or five,” Liu Shi replied.
“Are they close friends?” Zhao Zhiyong asked casually.
“They’re okay,” Liu Shi answered.
Zhao Zhiyong became suspicious. “Is that person you used to like going to be there too?”
Liu Shi had once told Zhao Zhiyong that she had a crush on someone during military school, which had made Zhao quite jealous at the time.
Liu Shi remained silent.
“So it’s true?” Zhao Zhiyong’s eyes widened. “Then don’t go. What’s the point of a reunion like that? We’re about to get married. Are you trying to rekindle something with him?”
Liu Shi waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t be ridiculous. She’s already married and has kids.”
“She’s married?” Zhao Zhiyong was taken aback.
Liu Shi nodded. “She had twins—a boy and a girl.”
Zhao Zhiyong, still feeling awkward, said, “Alright then, go ahead and meet her.”
Liu Shi decided to wear her prettiest dress to meet Zhan Aiping. After all, that person had been her “first crush” in her youth. She couldn’t help but want to look her best.
A couple of days before the reunion, Zhao Zhiyong saw her packing several beautiful dresses, and his brows furrowed so deeply it looked like they could catch a fly. “How about I go with you?”
Liu Shi refused. “Why would you go? You don’t even have time off.”
“You’re dressing up so beautifully. Who are you trying to impress? That person you used to like? Liu Shi, what exactly are you thinking? Do you really have the nerve to wear the clothes I bought you to meet him?”
Liu Shi sighed, exasperated. “I never said *she* was a man.”
Zhao Zhiyong blinked. “Not a man? But didn’t you say you liked her before?”
Liu Shi explained, “It was right when school started, and I mistook her for a guy.”
Zhao Zhiyong: “…”
“I was so shocked I said, you’re telling me she had kids? Oh my god, she gave birth to twins herself? I *have* to see this!” Liu Shi exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise.
Zhao Zhiyong twitched his lips. “Now I kind of want to tag along just to see this ‘female classmate’ of yours.”
He was genuinely curious about what this “female classmate” looked like.
Liu Shi set off for the reunion, which was being held at Zhu Dongxia’s house. Zhu had married her partner and was allocated a small two-bedroom apartment. It wasn’t large, but Zhu Dongxia felt a sense of superiority. In those days, living in an apartment building was something everyone envied.
She had tidied up her home, arranged a few fresh flowers for decoration, and was eagerly waiting for her classmates to arrive. There were only five people at this old classmate gathering—two men and three women. The two male classmates, Ma Ming’an and Qian Zhou, had come over with a medical exchange team. Besides them, it was Zhu Dongxia, Zhan Aiping, and Liu Shi, the three women.
Ma Ming’an and Qian Zhou had already heard about Zhan Aiping and were both curious to meet her. Zhu Dongxia had taken the day off and had carefully dressed up. Liu Shi arrived first, wearing a striking red floral Dacron dress, drawing everyone’s attention.
Zhu Dongxia, seeing her, was both surprised and envious. “That dress is really something. What fabric is it?”
“Dacron, of course. Haven’t you seen it before?”
“Oh.” Zhu Dongxia nodded. She had never been close to Liu Shi in the past, as Liu had been assigned to a cadre rest home—a job with good conditions and opportunities to meet senior officials, something Zhu Dongxia deeply envied.
Now, with Zhan Aiping joining the reunion, Zhu Dongxia secretly hoped there might be some rivalry between the two.
Liu Shi had never stood out much in school, usually just blending in. But she had been lucky. She was attractive, landed a great job, and now, being more successful, it was only natural for her to want to flaunt it in front of someone as “once-excellent” as Zhan Aiping.
People who are doing well often tend to speak with more confidence, just like how Old Ma had behaved when they met earlier.
Not long after Liu Shi arrived, Zhan Aiping showed up as well, bringing along some candies and biscuits. She handed them to Zhu Dongxia and said, “Your place looks really nice, Zhu Dongxia.”
“And this is Liu Shi?” Zhan Aiping asked, turning to her.
Liu Shi’s jaw practically hit the floor as she stared at Zhan Aiping in utter shock. “You, you, you… you’re *Zhan Aiping*?”
Liu Shi was looking at the stunning beauty before her and wanted to poke her own eyes out. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It was as if she was doubting her own memories… doubting her past.
Zhan Aiping was dressed in a pale yellow Dacron dress that hugged her waist, accentuating her tall and slender figure. Her features were radiant, and her long hair was elegantly pinned up. She moved with such grace that it was impossible to forget her after a single glance.
The face was the same, but—
How had she ever mistaken this face for that of a boy and developed a crush on it?
Zhan Aiping smiled, “You don’t recognize me? I’m retired now. I’ve changed quite a bit.”
“Changed? That’s an understatement.” Liu Shi was completely dazed, as if she had been struck by lightning. It was unbelievable.
Her first crush.
The person who had once stirred her heart.
Had turned from a handsome “boy” into a stunningly beautiful woman.
Whoever had married this gorgeous, accomplished woman must have been extraordinarily lucky.
Seeing Liu Shi’s dumbfounded expression, Zhan Aiping blinked and asked, “Is it really that unbelievable?”
Back in school, Zhan Aiping and Liu Shi hadn’t been particularly close, barely interacting with each other.
As Zhu Dongxia poured drinks on the side, she couldn’t help but notice that both women were wearing Dacron dresses. She bit her lip, feeling a mix of discomfort and anticipation. Part of her hoped to see the two of them compete and clash over their dresses.
After all, it was just a Dacron dress. She could get one too if she really wanted.
Liu Shi stared at Zhan Aiping’s face for a long moment, unable to hold back. “Can I touch your face?” she asked.
Zhan Aiping refused, “No.”
Aside from her husband, Gu Sheng, and her children, no one else could touch her face.
Liu Shi exclaimed, “Zhan Aiping, you are *so* beautiful!”
She could no longer hold back her admiration: “I really like you.”
These delayed words had been waiting for years. Back in the day, Liu Shi had developed a crush on the cold, dashing “young man” she thought Zhan Aiping was. Although the crush only lasted a few days, she had distanced herself afterward and avoided any interaction with Zhan Aiping. Now, with both of them married and having kids, she finally felt free to express the feelings she had never shared.
Looking at Zhan Aiping now, dressed elegantly as a woman, Liu Shi realized that she still had a soft spot for that strikingly beautiful face. How could anyone *not* like such a stunning woman?
Zhan Aiping was even more beautiful than before. Liu Shi was proud that her taste had been so spot on!
Zhan Aiping was puzzled by Liu Shi’s enthusiasm. “…?”
Liu Shi, smiling, said, “Zhan Aiping, do you remember? During the drills when we first started school, I stood right next to you. You stood so tall and strong in your military posture. No matter how hard things got, you never complained, even under the blazing sun. I remember watching the sweat drip down your face… and you even gave me water?”
Zhan Aiping vaguely recalled some distant memories. “…Did that really happen?”
It was such a long time ago that she couldn’t quite remember.
Liu Shi nodded eagerly. “Yes! I thought you were so proud back then!”
Zhan Aiping replied, “I really can’t remember.”
Liu Shi, still nostalgic, added, “It’s alright. Let me tell you, I even accidentally stepped on your foot once, and you didn’t even scold me. You just looked at me. I was so exhausted those first few days—I thought I might faint and fall right into your arms.”
Liu Shi remembered those early days of military school vividly. She had struggled to adapt to the training, and at one point, she even fantasized about fainting so she could fall into what she thought were Zhan Aiping’s “arms.”
The two women sat there, chatting enthusiastically, with Liu Shi doing most of the talking while Zhan Aiping listened. The conversation brought back fond memories of their military school days.
Zhu Dongxia, observing the two from the side, was baffled. She recalled that Liu Shi and Zhan Aiping hadn’t been particularly close back in school. Were they really stationed next to each other during training?
The two women were chatting away like they had been best friends back then. Zhu Dongxia sneered inwardly. They must be faking it.
Not long after, Ma Ming’an and Qian Zhou arrived. Both looked quite different from their student days—Ma Ming’an had gained some weight, while Qian Zhou was still tall and skinny, now sporting a pair of small glasses. They were equally surprised to see Zhan Aiping and Liu Shi.
“Zhan Aiping and Liu Shi?” Ma Ming’an exclaimed.
“Our female classmates really turned out beautiful. No wonder they say female soldiers are treasures,” Qian Zhou added.
Zhu Dongxia, wanting to impress, had not cooked at home. Instead, she had ordered a table full of food from a state-owned restaurant, which was delivered to her place. She set the table and invited everyone to sit down for the meal. Ma Ming’an and Qian Zhou, feeling comfortable, even asked for some wine to go along with the food.
Back in school, Ma Ming’an had been known as a good-natured, well-liked person. He had done well after graduation and was now part of the medical team that had come for an exchange, earning recognition from his superiors. He was feeling confident and proud, and his tone reflected that.
In terms of career success, Ma Ming’an felt he was doing the best out of everyone present. Qian Zhou, seated next to him, seemed to act as his sidekick. As for the three female classmates, Zhu Dongxia’s achievements were modest, Liu Shi had a good job, but her future was uncertain. And then there was Zhan Aiping—once the top student in their class and favoured by Professor Sun—now reduced to being the deputy director of a township hospital. Ma Ming’an couldn’t help but feel a sense of superiority, especially in front of these women.
After some small talk, Ma Ming’an couldn’t resist bringing it up. “Zhan Aiping, you were once Professor Sun’s star pupil. How did you end up here?” His tone was teasing, almost mocking.
Qian Zhou, sensing the awkwardness, shot Ma Ming’an a look, trying to signal him to dial it back. He didn’t want things to get too uncomfortable.
Zhan Aiping replied calmly, “My husband is stationed here. I came with him.”
Qian Zhou added, “I didn’t expect you to be the first one to take off the military uniform.”
Zhan Aiping responded, “Life is full of surprises.”
Ma Ming’an, unable to let it go, asked, “Do you still keep in touch with Professor Sun?”
This question made the atmosphere a bit tense. Everyone at the table had, to some degree, heard rumours about Zhan Aiping’s falling out with Professor Sun. Zhu Dongxia had even discussed it in detail with some of them. Originally, Zhan Aiping had been set to work at the local military hospital, but it was Professor Sun who had intervened with Dean Xu, causing her to be sent to the township hospital instead.
Zhu Dongxia looked up to see how Zhan Aiping would react, only to find her completely composed. Zhan Aiping even smiled a little as she replied, “Yes, we’ve been in touch. I called him just a few days ago and sent him a package.”
Gesturing to her outfit, she added, “This dress I’m wearing was sent to me by his wife from Shanghai. You can’t find this kind of Dacron fabric around here.”
Liu Shi’s eyes lit up. “Really? The dress I’m wearing is also made from Dacron. My fiancé had someone get it for me from Shanghai. We’re getting married soon.”
Trying to shift the topic to something lighter, Qian Zhou chimed in, “Congratulations, Liu Shi! Your fiancé seems like a great match. Good family, and he’s a good guy too.”
Zhu Dongxia, however, wasn’t too interested in this topic and busied herself with her food.
Liu Shi smiled and said, “But our Aiping here has married even better—childhood sweethearts! Her husband is already a deputy regimental commander, and in a few years, our Zhan Aiping will be the wife of a regimental commander.”
Zhan Aiping replied modestly, “We’re both doing well. Your political commissar is quite good too.”
Ma Ming’an, feeling a bit uncomfortable, muttered, “It’s good to be a woman—you can marry a good man.”
At this moment, Zhu Dongxia put down her bowl and said, “You know Gu Xiangyi from our hospital? She’s Zhan Aiping’s husband’s younger sister.”
“Really?” Ma Ming’an was visibly startled. He had interacted with Gu Xiangyi recently and thought she seemed quite innocent. He had even considered trying to date her, especially after learning more about her family background. But now, realizing that her older brother was Zhan Aiping’s husband, he felt his hopes dashed.
Zhu Dongxia’s revelation made the others exchange meaningful glances. Zhan Aiping, observing their reactions, understood what was going on. However, she wasn’t too worried. While Gu Xiangyi might seem naive, she wasn’t someone who could be easily swayed—thanks, in large part, to the influence and “training” from her older brother, Gu Sheng.
Realizing the implications, Ma Ming’an quickly shifted the conversation away from Zhan Aiping. Meanwhile, Zhan Aiping and Liu Shi continued their lively chat. As the gathering drew to a close, Liu Shi extended an invitation, saying, “If you ever come to Spring City, you must stop by my place.”
“Of course,” Zhan Aiping replied, feeling that she had connected well with Liu Shi. She then invited her in return, “You’re also welcome to come visit my home anytime.”
Liu Shi sighed, “I wish I had more time this visit. I would’ve loved to see your twins.”
“And I still haven’t met your husband,” she added.
Zhan Aiping smiled and said, “I’ll give you a chance to meet him someday.”
As they were leaving, both Zhan Aiping and Liu Shi thanked Zhu Dongxia: “Thanks for organizing the reunion. It was great of you to set this up.”
The two of them had clearly enjoyed themselves.
Zhu Dongxia: “…”
She silently vowed never to host a class reunion again.
When Zhan Aiping returned home, Gu Sheng asked her, “How did the reunion go?”
With a slight smile, Zhan Aiping happily replied, “It was nice.”
Gu Sheng frowned. “Did you and that guy, Old Ma, who once carried you, have a good chat?”
“What? No. Old Ma is more interested in your sister now.” Zhan Aiping sighed. “I remember he used to be a decent guy.”
She went on to tell Gu Sheng what had happened at the reunion.
Gu Sheng pulled her close and draped his arm over her shoulder. “People change. If you’re feeling down, lean on my shoulder, good buddy.”
Zhan Aiping teased, “Good buddy, how about we don’t sleep in the same bed tonight?”
“No way,” Gu Sheng refused to sleep separately.
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Good buddies aren’t supposed to share the same bed. This isn’t a bunk bed situation.”
Gu Sheng hugged her, smiling. “My good buddy has long since become my wife.”
Later, after hearing about the reunion from Qian Zhou, Chen Mengxia, who was now living in the northeast, called Zhan Aiping. Back in the day, the two had been close, sharing the same bunk—Zhan Aiping on the top bunk, and Chen Mengxia on the bottom. After graduation, they hadn’t kept in touch much due to living far apart.
“Pingping, I heard you moved all the way to Yunnan!”
“And I heard you’ve gotten super pretty. I haven’t even seen you yet. When are you coming to visit me up north?”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “When are you coming here to visit? It’s nice and warm here in the winter.”
Chen Mengxia joked, “Don’t rub it in and make me jealous.”
“I’m already freezing like a bear here. Next time we meet, let’s have a drinking contest. I can really hold my liquor now!”
In the freezing cold, having a drink or two was essential to stay warm.
Zhan Aiping replied, “I don’t drink, definitely can’t keep up with you.”
Chen Mengxia teased, “You’re a mom of two now, huh? Don’t overdo it. When I finally see you, you better not be a mom of four kids! I’m still single over here.”
Zhan Aiping joked, “No way. If I ever have four kids, I’ll send them to you to raise.”
“No thanks! Just send me a letter so I can see how gorgeous you’ve become.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Sure, you send me a letter too, and let me see how well you can drink.”
…
Nearby, Gu Sheng overheard the entire phone conversation while dutifully carrying their two children. Zhan Aiping was still chuckling as they returned to their yard. Gu Sheng remarked, “Maybe I should organize a reunion with some of my old classmates too.”
“A reunion?” Zhan Aiping raised an eyebrow. “Are you planning to mock your classmates for being blind? Not realizing the hidden gem standing right in front of them?”
“Exactly,” Gu Sheng crossed his arms, looking proud. “All of them have seen photos of my wife.”
Zhan Aiping’s face darkened. “Mention those photos one more time, and I’ll hit you.”
Gu Sheng just laughed and pinched her cheek affectionately.
By June and July, it was mushroom season again, and Zhao Jing and Qin Yanfang had officially gotten married. To celebrate, they hosted a mushroom feast at the hospital for everyone.
Dr. Zhou expressed his concern, “What if the whole hospital gets food poisoning?”
“If we all get sick, that would be a disaster.”
Dr. Zhao reassured him, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”
They had only chosen safe, edible mushrooms. Dr. Zhao wasn’t about to ruin his own wedding with a food mishap.
Zhan Aiping smiled and congratulated them. “Congratulations to both of you.”
Qin Yanfang replied, “Thanks to you, our matchmaker!”
“Look how big Guobao and Xiaotangyuan have grown,” she added, referring to Zhan Aiping’s twins.
Even though she didn’t want to accept it, Zhan Aiping was given a small red envelope as the matchmaker. Her two kids were carried over and rolled around on the newlyweds’ bed, a symbolic gesture for good fortune.
“Be careful, don’t let them drool on the bed,” Zhan Aiping warned with a chuckle.
The twins, now over six months old, were chubby and healthy, clinging to their mother as soon as they rolled over. Zhan Aiping scooped them up and put them back into the stroller.
Hospital director Hao came over, looking out from the third-floor corridor. “This worked out well. You two got married, and you don’t even have to move. How convenient.”
Zhao Jing and Qin Yanfang had drawn rooms next to each other when they first arrived at the hospital, both living in single rooms. Now that they were married, the two rooms were combined, saving them the trouble of moving for their new life together.
Qin Yanfang joked, “We’ll only be able to live here for a few years. Once we have kids, it’s going to get cramped. Director, when are we getting new housing at the hospital? There’s a new batch of recruits coming soon, and there won’t be enough rooms for everyone. When will we get to move into a nice two-bedroom or even three-bedroom place?”
Director Hao replied, “Just wait. I think the good days are still ahead of us.”
Since the beginning of the year, there had been major changes in the international situation, and the country was also evolving. As diplomatic relations normalized with several countries, and with more nations establishing ties, there was even talk of restoring the country’s legitimate seat at the World Health Organization. The domestic healthcare industry was bound to flourish along with these developments.
After attending Qin Yanfang’s wedding banquet, Zhan Aiping took her two children and returned with Qin Lanfang. The men were away on training, so Zhan Aiping moved into Commander Jiang’s house to stay with Qin Lanfang and Shen Liqing. The three women lived together, along with a young medical orderly named Xiao Zhao.
Shen Liqing, nearing her due date, sighed in frustration, “Why am I not giving birth yet? Isn’t it common for twins to come early? Why am I still waiting?”
Qin Lanfang patted her belly and said, “You’re really hanging in there.”
Shen Liqing sighed, “My two little fat fish.”
“And they sure love to move around,” she added, rubbing her belly.
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