When Zhan Aiping and her husband got off the train with their children, it was snowing lightly outside. Both kids had fallen asleep earlier, and once the train stopped, Zhan Aiping woke them up and bundled them up in warm clothes. They waited until most of the other passengers had left before stepping off the train.
Guobaorou and Xiao Tangyuan held tightly to their mother’s hands. Just stepping off the train filled them with excitement, and Zhan Aiping had to hold their hands firmly to keep these little firecrackers from dashing off in all directions.
The two of them wanted to walk as much as possible, never fearing a fall. When they slipped on the snowy ground, they’d simply climb back up on their own with a little pat-pat.
Because they were bundled up like little round balls, they wouldn’t get hurt even if they fell. But Zhan Aiping, as their mother, worried about the possibility of them hitting the back of their heads, which would pain her deeply.
Maybe it was a hormonal response after giving birth, but Zhan Aiping was fiercely protective as a mother. If either of her children got hurt, her eyes would go red with worry.
It might also be because Guobaorou and Xiao Tangyuan were her children with the one she loved, and since she had lacked motherly love growing up, she wanted her kids to never experience what she had endured.
She wanted to give her children clear, unconditional love, not one tinged with shame and anger.
Being this kind of mother for the first time, the more she invested in her children, the more she cared about every little detail. She even asked Gu Sheng if he thought she had changed.
Gu Sheng simply replied, “If you put your heart into raising anything, even a pig, you’d be heartbroken over it.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “…Don’t compare our kids to piglets.”
Zhan Aiping had thought that being too caring might make her kids overly naive. After all, talents often grew from hardship and struggle. As the old saying goes, “When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on someone, it first exercises their mind and body…”
She’d also heard the saying “Writing resents a smooth life.” If life is smooth, how can one write compelling stories? Only after experiencing trials and hardships can someone express those intense emotions on paper.
But then she thought, why force her kids to become “talented”? There was nothing wrong with them just being happy, normal people.
As she stepped off the train, she told Gu Sheng, “It’d be fine if we raise two little darlings who just enjoy life.”
After all, happiness is the rarest thing.
“Happiness really is the most important, isn’t it, Youyou and Yuanyuan?”
The two kids didn’t quite understand their mom’s words; they just giggled in response.
Gu Sheng said, “Just remember this when Mrs. Zhou next door starts talking to you.”
Zhan Aiping: “…”
She didn’t want to compete, but others always seemed to drag her into it, and her natural competitiveness always made her want to come out on top.
“Gu Sheng, do you think our kids will inherit your competitiveness?”
“Like father, like son.”
Gu Sheng added, “Or rather, like mother, like daughter.”
“You, Zhan Daping, always claimed to have failed tests, but then ranked first in class, pretending not to study while secretly working hard.”
“Your classmates probably disliked you, especially the top students, while the weaker ones liked you because they wanted to copy your homework.”
Grinding her teeth, Zhan Aiping retorted, “Did I really do that? Wasn’t it you?”
That was ancient history by now.
Gu Sheng nodded, “Guess it shows we’re really a match.”
“Dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes, and mice beget burrowers.”
“My dear, don’t hold unrealistic expectations for our kids.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “Just hope this isn’t all a dream.”
If they did end up with two super-competitive kids, Zhan Aiping would be out there bragging like crazy.
Even though she tried to avoid putting pressure on them, she couldn’t help imagining the scenarios where they’d make her proud. She looked up at Gu Sheng and said, “If our kids were like you and me, that’d be amazing. Every time they ranked first, I’d go flaunt it to the mothers of Big Elbow and Sweet and Sour Fish.”
“If people asked how I raised such great kids, I’d just wave it off and say I never pushed them—they were self-motivated. I’d even tell them to relax, but they just loved doing their homework.” She stroked her chin with pride. “If they envied my kids for ranking first, I’d say, ‘Oh, I don’t even want them to be first, I’d be happy if they ranked second or third.’”
Gu Sheng said, “…Why?”
She replied, “I don’t want them to be first, but they just keep being first—nothing I can do.”
Gu Sheng’s mouth twitched, “People might want to punch you.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “I have a reason, Gu Sheng. In a few years, the college entrance exams might come back. Every student will have to take it to get into college.”
Gu Sheng asked, “And then?”
She continued, “Then I can justify myself by saying, ‘Those who get first every time might not get first when it matters, so my kids shouldn’t chase first place now; they’ll save it for the big exam.’”
Gu Sheng was speechless.
“Now I know why you can write stories. Even as a doctor, you keep dreaming; your imagination is endless.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “Dreaming isn’t a crime.”
They chatted slowly as they walked out, where Gu Ze’an and his wife had been waiting for ages. They’d come to the station to pick them up and had been waiting the whole afternoon.
Finally—
“There they are! I see that annoying son of mine.” Gu Ze’an hurried toward them, while Qin Ying and Gu Xiangyi jogged over.
“Dad, Mom, Little Sister.” Zhan Aiping set the kids down and greeted her in-laws.
Gu Ze’an picked up his little granddaughter, and Qin Ying took her little grandson. The two grandparents were overjoyed, and the two little ones, slightly stunned, let themselves be held.
Zhan Aiping coaxed them, “Be good, call them Grandpa and Grandma.”
The two obediently echoed, “Grandpa, Grandma.”
Their soft, baby voices and gentle temperaments amazed Gu Ze’an and Qin Ying. “So well-behaved?”
“So obedient?”
Their voices sounded together, like two little parrots.
Gu Ze’an and his wife had never expected their grandchildren to be so well-behaved, repeating whatever their mother asked them to say. This level of obedience was surprising.
Gu Ze’an and Qin Ying exchanged glances, blinking in disbelief.
They took a closer look at Guobaorou and Xiao Tangyuan, these two little ones bundled in colourful quilted jackets, with faces as soft and white as glutinous rice balls, even faintly smelling of milk.
“Are my son’s kids really this well-behaved?”
Gu Ze’an and Qin Ying were thoroughly baffled.
Both Gu Sheng and Zhan Aiping had been loud and troublesome as toddlers… At one or two years old, they were even more mischievous and restless, nothing like this level of obedience.
Gu Ze’an mused, “Could it be that two negatives make a positive?”
Qin Ying choked a little, “…”
Zhan Aiping asked, “Two negatives make a positive?”
Gu Sheng clarified, “He’s saying our little ones are sweet and well-behaved.”
Zhan Aiping smiled, “Of course, my kids are little angels.”
Gu Ze’an sighed in disbelief, “They’re nothing like Gu Sheng when he was little.”
Gu Sheng objected, “Who says they’re not? My daughter doesn’t look like me?”
Qin Ying replied, “Apart from their looks, there’s nothing about them that resembles either of you two.”
Zhan Aiping protested, “Really? Were Fifth Brother and I that hard to handle as kids?”
At the mention of “Fifth Brother,” Gu Xiangyi perked up like a radar locking onto a target. “Did you just call him Fifth Brother?”
Gu Sheng crossed his arms, “What else should she call me?”
Zhan Aiping revealed the truth, “Your little brother specifically reminded me to call him that before we left, and he even had me sign an unequal agreement.”
“Really?” Gu Ze’an laughed, “Good on you, Pingping, that’s the way to handle him.”
Gu Xiangyi, with a mischievous grin, said, “You have to call him that in front of Third Brother too. That way, you’ll both annoy Third Brother and get the best of Fifth Brother—win-win.”
“My Third Brother still thinks you two are a fake couple.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “What if your little brother and I really are pretending? Maybe we’ve just been putting on an act.”
“This time, we came to finally come clean.”
Gu Sheng: “…?”
Gu Ze’an, Qin Ying, and Gu Xiangyi were all stunned.
Seeing their shocked faces, Gu Sheng found it amusing and decided to play along with his wife. “We basically got married because of the kids.”
Pretending to reminisce, he added, “At that wedding banquet, I was only supposed to be filling in. But we drank too much, and Pingping took me to her place to rest. We ended up sleeping in the same bed… cough—how could I not take responsibility?”
Zhan Aiping’s mouth twitched, thinking, *You sure can make up stories.*
Gu Ze’an and Qin Ying: “…”
Gu Xiangyi looked puzzled, “But the dates don’t match up with the kids’ birthdays? Did you already have kids then?”
Gu Sheng replied, “Just kidding.”
Gu Xiangyi: “…”
“Big Brother, if you keep joking like this, I’m going to start believing Third Brother that you’ve been fooling us.”
…
The family continued their banter as they exited the train station and squeezed into a Jeep to head back. Since there were more people now, with Gu Ze’an, Qin Ying, Gu Xiangyi, and a driver on the way here, they had to cozy up a bit on the return trip. The kids were snuggled up in their grandparents’ laps.
Gu Ze’an, holding his little granddaughter, couldn’t bear to let go.
When they arrived home, he still didn’t want to go inside, instead parading around proudly with his grandson in one arm and his granddaughter in the other.
Qin Ying trailed behind helplessly, “Be careful not to drop my grandchildren.”
“Hey, Lao Zhang (Old Zhang), Lao Li, Lao Wang, come see my grandkids!” Gu Ze’an’s face was all pride and joy.
Lao Wang came out to congratulate him, albeit a bit insincerely, “Congratulations, congrats. My grandson’s already old enough to buy soy sauce, and you finally have grandkids, huh?”
Ignoring the jibe, Gu Ze’an sighed in satisfaction, “Even my youngest son is a dad now. Time waits for no one.”
“Lao Wang, isn’t your youngest son the same age as mine? He’s still unmarried, isn’t he? Shouldn’t he be looking for someone?”
“Look at that! Same age, same generation, yet my son already has a son and daughter. When will your youngest catch up?”
Lao Wang was irritated, “You… only you would say that; your son’s the only one who’s a dad now.”
Gu Ze’an smirked, “What? That just proves my son outdid yours. If you’ve got what it takes, have your son outdo mine.”
Lao Wang: “…”
Qin Ying had had enough, “Let’s go inside already. Don’t keep my grandkids out in the cold. Come in and warm up by the fire.”
What a spectacle.
“Sweeties, say goodbye to Grandpa Wang.”
Guobaorou and Xiao Tangyuan obediently parroted, “Goodbye…”
They were still too young to repeat long phrases, so they only managed the last two words.
Old Wang was utterly shocked.
“Oh my, are these kids really this well-behaved? Are these really your grandchildren?”
Old Wang was taken aback: “Is this… really your son’s children? Are they really from your family’s fifth son and Ai Feihong’s daughter?”
His mind couldn’t process it. “I remember those two weren’t like this when they were young, right?”
Gu Ze’an responded with a mysterious hum, “Then you must be remembering wrong.”
He then swaggered off with his grandchildren.
The Gu family lived in a two-story house with a yard. Gu Xiangyi helped Gu Sheng and his wife carry their luggage inside. Meanwhile, Third Brother Gu was lounging on the sofa on the first floor with his legs crossed, looking relaxed. However, he was secretly listening to any sounds from outside.
Had they arrived?
Why couldn’t he hear the children?
Gu Sheng and his wife now had a set of dragon and phoenix twins, and this little pair should have been lively and loud, right? All kids are little troublemakers, especially considering his fifth brother’s childhood, which had practically driven everyone crazy.
As his older brother, he had suffered the most from his antics.
Third Brother Gu chuckled darkly, “Gu Sheng and Zhan Aiping, they’re finally getting their karma.”
He’d been plagued by his younger brother’s mischief since childhood.
Now, these two little terrors had grown into big ones, who had in turn given birth to more little terrors. This wasn’t just karma—it was poetic justice.
He imagined that the couple probably bickered all the time and that their children had loud voices, crying day and night like wild cats in the night—enough to send chills down one’s spine.
After eavesdropping for a long while, he muttered, “Why don’t I hear the kids?”
Unable to contain his curiosity, he jumped up and rushed to the door. “Have you brought Old Five back? Why haven’t you come in—”
He froze upon seeing Zhan Aiping outside. It was really her.
With a smile, Zhan Aiping greeted him, “Hello, Third Brother.”
Third Brother Gu twitched, “You’re calling me Third Brother, but something feels off. Like a weasel wishing a chicken Happy New Year.”
This eldest daughter of the Zhan family had become more beautiful, fair-skinned even, but he knew better than to underestimate her. After all, she was the one who had sent his little brother to the ER.
She was also the one who had driven his brother to burn the midnight oil studying.
Their mother, Qin Ying, often scolded him, saying that his grades couldn’t compare to his youngest brother’s, who was self-disciplined and never needed to be supervised.
Third Brother Gu was exasperated.
Gu Sheng politely intervened, “Third Brother, she’s my wife.”
Third Brother Gu replied, “Well, both of you weasels wishing me Happy New Year.”
Zhan Aiping: “…”
She raised an eyebrow, retorting, “You’re a grown man. Don’t act so timid; it’s rather small-minded.”
Third Brother Gu: “!”
“Old Five, control your wife already.”
Gu Sheng shrugged, “How could I possibly control her? I’m completely at her mercy now.”
Third Brother Gu was stunned; he hadn’t expected Gu Sheng to be so “submissive.” He’d assumed that Gu Sheng and Zhan Aiping were working together, with her lowering herself to keep the peace. But the reality was…
He couldn’t help but be impressed, “So, to marry a beautiful wife, you… you really went all out.”
Gu Sheng smiled calmly.
Third Brother Gu glanced at Zhan Aiping. “Miss Zhan, you really have grown prettier.”
Zhan Aiping replied confidently, “I’ve always been this pretty.”
Third Brother Gu scoffed, “Shameless, aren’t we?”
Gu Sheng added, “Seems your eyesight’s not great.”
Third Brother Gu scratched his neck, “Had I known you were this beautiful, Pingping, you wouldn’t have ended up as my brother’s wife; you’d be his sister-in-law already.”
Gu Sheng rolled up his sleeves. “A brother’s wife is off-limits. Let’s have a word in private, Third Brother.”
Third Brother Gu chuckled, “Who wants a private talk with you? Where are your kids? Let me see them.”
Gu Xiangyi sighed, “Dad took them out to show them off. I’d love to hold my little nephew and niece, too. They’re so sweet.”
Third Brother Gu watched sceptically, thinking, Sweet? “Sweetly” mischievous, maybe.
Just then, Gu Ze’an and Qin Ying returned with the children. Guobaorou and Xiao Tangyuan, upon seeing their mom, got excited and reached out to her, needing a “recharge” in her arms after a long time apart.
They had gotten used to this life of going to work with their mom, with her coming to hold them, talk to them, and play with them every so often.
“Mommy—”
Their soft, sweet voices were music to the ears, and Zhan Aiping smiled as she reached to hold her two children.
Gu Ze’an handed his grandchildren over to their mother with ease, saying, “They still prefer their mom, always sticking to her.”
Gu Sheng chimed in, “My son and daughter love me, too.”
Gu Ze’an gave him a dismissive look. “You’re just tagging along.”
“Mommy…” Xiao Tangyuan clung to her mother, asking for a cuddle.
Zhan Aiping picked her up, then turned to Third Brother Gu, “Sweetie, say hello to your Third Uncle.”
Xiao Tangyuan bobbed her head like a little chick pecking at rice, “Third Uncle?”
Her soft, sweet voice sounded so cute, like a little dumpling herself.
Third Brother Gu was stunned when he saw Xiao Tangyuan. His first thought was, This little girl really looks like Old Five. Wow, this daughter of his is just too adorable.
“I’m… I’m already a Third Uncle? Time really waits for no one.” Third Brother Gu couldn’t believe that his younger brother was the first to become a dad—it was almost embarrassing to admit.
He said to Gu Sheng, “Congrats, Old Five, you’re a father now.”
Gu Sheng extended a friendly hand, “Thank you.”
Third Brother Gu added, “Your daughter is way cuter than you.”
Though they looked so much alike, this soft little girl was far more lovable than Gu Sheng ever was.
“Can I hold her?” Third Brother Gu couldn’t help but feel a bit envious—he didn’t envy much, but he did envy his little brother’s sweet daughter.
Zhan Aiping adjusted her hold on her daughter and gently asked, “Would you like to be held by Third Uncle?”
Xiao Tangyuan tilted her head and nodded.
After all, at the hospital, she was often picked up by others. Little Tangyuan was already used to it.
These silly adults always got so excited just by holding her.
Although she didn’t fully understand adults’ emotions, she instinctively sensed that they liked her, and it made her happy.
Zhan Aiping showed Third Brother Gu how to hold her. He was both thrilled and cautious, amazed to be holding such an adorable little one. On his ship, he’d never get a chance to hold a child this precious.
Her tiny hands and feet were soft, her skin as fair as dough, and her big, dark eyes sparkled like jewels. When she looked at him without blinking, it melted his heart.
How could Old Five have such an adorable daughter?
Holding his little niece, Third Brother Gu didn’t want to let go. This little dumpling was so soft and smelled so sweet—he wanted to sneak her away.
“Call me ‘Third Uncle’ again,” he said softly, his tone gentle and even a bit syrupy, which made Gu Xiangyi shiver a little.
Always polite, Xiao Tangyuan said, “Third Uncle.”
“Say it a few more times, and Third Uncle will bring you lots and lots of presents…”
…
Gu Ze’an was mildly disgusted by his son’s doting display and turned away, speaking boldly to Gu Sheng, “Your mother bought plenty of meat and vegetables. Why don’t you cook tonight and make us a feast?”
Gu Sheng protested, “What?!”
“Old Gu, have you lost it?” What kind of father makes his son cook as soon as he arrives?
Gu Sheng sneered, “Your son returns home with his wife, son, and daughter, and instead of a prepared feast, you’re telling me to cook?”
Gu Ze’an replied, “Isn’t there good food here? All it needs is your strong hands to bring it to life.”
“Your brother doesn’t believe you can cook; show him what you’ve got. Don’t let my grandchildren go hungry.”
Gu Sheng, flatly, “Not happening.”
Gu Xiangyi turned to Zhan Aiping, “Sister-in-law, maybe you can convince my brother.”
Zhan Aiping stepped forward, patting Gu Sheng’s shoulder, “I’ll go with you. I can cook instead.”
“You can help me.”
It had been a while since she’d cooked, and suddenly, she felt a surge of motivation. To her, cooking for others was deeply satisfying.
She was visiting her in-laws; this was her chance to show off her skills.
Before Gu Sheng could react, Gu Ze’an and Gu Xiangyi jumped in, saying, “No way, Pingping! It’s your first time here; you can’t be expected to cook. Please, have a seat!”
They firmly insisted that she take it easy.
Annoyed, Zhan Aiping protested, “Today, I’m cooking, whether you like it or not.”
“No, no, we can’t let sister-in-law tire herself out! Sister-in-law, come and play with Guobaorou.”
“My grandkids can’t be away from their mom…”
They pressed her down onto the sofa, much to her frustration. Why won’t they let me into the kitchen?
Gu Sheng chuckled, “Let her go, I’ll cook. She’ll be my assistant.”
Gu Xiangyi’s eyes sparkled, “No, let me help you instead, sister-in-law deserves a break!”
Zhan Aiping called out, “Gu Sheng, aren’t you going to rescue me?”
Gu Sheng stepped in and pulled her out of their “trap,” saying, “Don’t bully my wife.”
“She’s my precious bride, after all.”
“Tonight, I’ll treat you to something special—all thanks to my wife.”
Zhan Aiping said, “No need to fuss over ‘good fortune’—just help me out in the kitchen.”
“Stop resisting, honey,” Gu Sheng replied with a grin.
While the couple headed to the kitchen to cook, the others took the opportunity to play with the kids. It had been a long time since the Gu family had any little ones around, so everyone wanted a turn holding the grandchildren and little niece and nephew.
Third Brother Gu clung tightly to Xiao Tangyuan, not willing to let anyone else near her. “Tangyuan likes her Third Uncle best, right? Don’t scare her away.”
“Anyone who dares frighten my little niece will have to answer to me.”
…
Third Brother Gu held onto Xiao Tangyuan, making Gu Ze’an fume silently on the side-lines, not daring to snatch her back. Meanwhile, Qin Ying, his wife, monopolized Guobaorou, doting on him with endless “My sweet grandson.”
Gu Ze’an and Gu Xiangyi watched enviously from the side, pleading, “Let us hold them for a bit; surely you’ve had your turn?”
But Qin Ying and her son stubbornly held on to the children, unwilling to share.
Third Brother Gu focused on building his bond with Xiao Tangyuan, feeding her milk-flavoured teething biscuits. “You love Third Uncle best, don’t you?”
Xiao Tangyuan nodded, happy to agree as long as she got snacks.
“See? Tangyuan is closest to Third Uncle,” he said smugly.
Secretly, Third Brother Gu plotted to win her over so that Xiao Tangyuan would prefer him over her father, Gu Sheng.
“Remember to be good to Third Uncle, okay? Forget about that smelly dad of yours.”
“Daddy?” Xiao Tangyuan tilted her head, calling out in a crisp voice.
Xiao Tangyuan was delighted—her Third Uncle had given her so many things, from sweet biscuits to cute toys, even a big panda plush.
She hugged the panda, grinning from ear to ear.
Third Brother Gu chuckled, “You like it? If you keep liking Third Uncle best, I’ll give you even more.”
Xiao Tangyuan nodded, holding the panda doll close, smiling with her eyes nearly closed in joy.
Seeing that she seemed fully on his side, Third Brother Gu felt triumphant. This little girl has probably forgotten all about her dad by now, he thought gleefully. Time to rub it in Gu Sheng’s face.
Gu Sheng stepped out of the kitchen just then and saw Third Brother Gu holding Xiao Tangyuan. He found the scene mildly annoying; he didn’t like others holding his precious daughter.
“Hey, Old Five, come see your daughter,” Third Brother Gu said, delighted. If I’m going to tease him, now’s the time, he thought, as the little one was happily distracted by her doting Third Uncle.
Gu Sheng, as expected, approached and softly called to his daughter, “Tangyuan?”
“Daddy!” Xiao Tangyuan cheerfully called, thinking her dad had come to take her home.
Perfect timing; she’d “collected” enough things to hand over to her dad.
She stretched her hands toward Gu Sheng, almost dropping the panda plush, which he picked up and handed back to her.
But she just pushed it toward him with her soft little voice saying, “It’s for Daddy.”
It was heavy for her, and she was tired of holding it, so her dad could carry it instead.
“You’re giving it to me? What a good daughter,” Gu Sheng said, but in his mind, he thought, This “filial daughter” is just like her mother. Just like her mom, whenever Zhan Aiping had something too heavy or inconvenient to carry, she’d pass it over to him. And now, Xiao Tangyuan was following suit, giving anything too heavy or unwieldy to Dad.
Gu Sheng thought, Daddy’s just a pack mule.
But for the sake of his pride, he wouldn’t reveal the truth. Confident that his daughter didn’t understand “grown-up talk,” Gu Sheng smiled and said to Third Brother Gu, “See? My daughter’s so thoughtful. Anything nice, she wants to give to her dad.”
Xiao Tangyuan, indeed not understanding, cheerfully called, “Daddy!”
Third Brother Gu’s face turned green: “?!”
This little niece of his had taken his panda doll only to give it to her dad.
His expression shifted, dissatisfied. “I don’t buy it. If you’re so capable, tell her to give you everything.”
Third Brother Gu gestured toward the pile of white rabbit candies and other toys nearby.
Gu Sheng turned to Xiao Tangyuan. “Should I take these for you too?”
He reached toward the pile as if to take them.
Third Brother Gu watched intently, knowing that little kids usually guard their belongings fiercely. If Gu Sheng tried to take them, surely Xiao Tangyuan would cry and fuss.
But to his surprise, Xiao Tangyuan generously lifted her chubby little hand, dressed in her floral padded jacket, and pushed everything toward her dad.
All these things were for Daddy!
Then she turned her sparkling eyes back to Third Uncle, clearly expecting more “gifts” from him.
Third Brother Gu: “…”
Gu Sheng, feeling triumphant, said, “My daughter’s smart, loves her dad dearly.”
Xiao Tangyuan beamed up at her father, her face full of joy.
Third Brother Gu felt a tinge of envy in his heart. “You and Big Miss Zhan… seriously, how did you two end up with such a well-behaved daughter? A genetic mutation? If Tangyuan didn’t look like you, I’d suspect she wasn’t even yours.”
Gu Sheng snorted, “She’s definitely my own daughter, no doubt about it.”
Third Brother Gu felt a pang of longing; he wished he had such an obedient daughter too. “Give me back my panda! I gave that to your daughter, not to you.”
“No way, my daughter gave it to me,” Gu Sheng replied, leaving with the panda in hand.
In the kitchen, Gu Sheng lifted the panda plush and let it “kiss” Zhan Aiping’s face, teasing her, “Your daughter offered this to me.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “She just treats you like a storage bin.”
She was quick to toss anything she didn’t want to her dad—forgetful, naïve, and overly generous.
Gu Sheng replied, “Our daughter’s smart; she knows how to ‘reap the rewards.’ She gathers all kinds of things from Third Brother and then gives them to Dad.”
Zhan Aiping sighed, “Sometimes I wonder if she’s genuinely generous or just a little too naïve. She acts smart but is oddly selfless.”
Most kids are possessive, but Tangyuan was different. Perhaps because she’d always had uncles and aunts showering her with gifts, she enjoyed them but didn’t feel the need to hoard them. Even if Dad took them, she didn’t mind.
Zhan Aiping wondered, “Why do you think she gives you all her nice things?”
Ever since the twins turned one, they had been growing fast, learning to talk and understand more of what adults said, even developing their own preferences. Recently, Zhan Aiping had noticed that her daughter liked giving things to Gu Sheng.
As a mom, she was starting to feel a little jealous!
Why give everything to Dad and not think about Mom?
As a “junk collector” and “carrier,” Gu Sheng’s mouth twitched slightly in silence.
Zhan Aiping nudged him, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”
“What’s there to say? Look in the mirror, and you’ll understand,” Gu Sheng replied with a playful sigh. “Like mother, like daughter. Haven’t you noticed that Tangyuan’s mannerisms are just like yours?”
“She’s learning from her mom.”
Zhan Aiping was stunned. “What?!”
She learned all this from me?
“Am I really that silly?”
Gu Sheng chuckled, “What do you think?”
“You’re setting a good example as a mom.”
Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but laugh. “I thought she favoured her dad, and I was feeling jealous. Turns out she’s following my lead—a true daughter of mine.”
“Exactly. Let Dad handle it.”
“Now, put that panda down so it doesn’t get greasy. Otherwise, if she wants it later and finds it dirty, she’ll cry.”
Gu Sheng replied, “Don’t worry; our daughter has a short memory.”
Zhan Aiping shook her head. “I still can’t tell if she’s clever or silly.”
That evening, Gu Sheng and his wife prepared a reunion feast. Qin Ying had wanted to help, but the couple politely sent her away, leaving her to serve and bring dishes to the table in the end.
The family enjoyed a warm meal together.
Gu Ze’an sighed, “All we’re missing are the eldest, second, and fourth.”
Third Brother Gu chimed in, “Second Brother said he’s bringing his girlfriend soon… Can you believe he even has a girlfriend? I heard she’s a cultured lady.”
“Old Five, you’re pretty good at cooking.”
“Tomorrow, you can cook again so Second Brother and his fiancée can taste it too.”
While they were enjoying their reunion dinner, Second Brother Gu was still on the train, accompanied by his girlfriend.
Next to him sat a young woman with her arm in a sling, trembling slightly, her legs shaking. “Please, can we not go?”
“We’re already on board, no turning back now.”
They were taking an overnight train to arrive by morning. It was cold, and the train windows were closed. Though the girl wore a thick cotton jacket, her lips were pale, and she looked quite uncomfortable.
Second Brother Gu had tried to buy sleeper tickets, but his girlfriend had refused, insisting it wasn’t appropriate since they weren’t married yet—not even in separate bunks.
So, they ended up sitting with the rest of the passengers. With the holiday rush, seats were packed. Those in the sleeper compartments were generally officials, while the seating areas had all kinds of people, including petty thieves.
Second Brother Gu kept a watchful eye, scanning his surroundings with a sharp gaze.
He spotted a potential thief.
As he watched the man preparing to make a move, he was about to step in and stop him. But the thief hesitated and backed off as a conductor approached.
The conductor stopped in front of him and said:
“Comrade, we suspect you of human trafficking.”
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