Housework
Gu Xiangyi was incredibly envious of Zhan Mingzhao’s incredible luck with women. These women seemed absolutely smitten—even though Zhan Mingzhao was practically a poor nobody, they were all still eager to marry him.
“My sister-in-law says even after two years working as a labourer, there are still girls from that area sending you gifts.”
“Not just girls in their twenties; even women in their forties and fifties…”
Gu Xiangyi was practically green with envy. No matter where he went, Zhan Mingzhao seemed to effortlessly attract free meals and gifts.
“When you were younger and chubby, I don’t remember you being so popular!”
“That’s because you got tan and skinny,” she said, eyeing her older brother, who had bulked up with muscle.
Zhan Mingzhao, well accustomed to the effect he had, laughed it off. He had a knack for avoiding serious entanglements and had walked through countless admirations unscathed.
“Honestly, being surrounded by women all the time is exhausting. I should just become a monk and hide away somewhere women can’t find me,” he sighed, considering that maybe a man like him was destined to renounce worldly desires and take refuge in Buddhism.
Gu Xiangyi raised a brow. “What monastery? The old traditions are long gone—there are no monks anymore, not even nuns.”
All the monasteries had been repurposed, and even the nuns and monks had returned to civilian life.
“One day,” Zhan Mingzhao mused, “I’ll leave the army.”
Gu Xiangyi shrugged. “When you’re born into a military family, it’s not like you have much choice. Where would you go?”
For both of them, their families, friends, and lives were all connected to the army. It was hard to imagine any other path.
Zhan Mingzhao sighed, “It’s all because of your brother. If Gu Sheng hadn’t married Zhan Aiping, I wouldn’t have ended up as a performing artist in the military, spending my days exhausted by rehearsals, constantly surrounded by female soldiers. Life was so much easier back in the countryside as a young labourer.”
In the countryside, he was surrounded by Dai girls, had the respect of the older folks, and lived like a free spirit. Food was abundant, and in the off-seasons, he could sleep in as long as he liked.
“Being a soldier has no appeal,” he complained. “And being a performer is even worse. Three minutes on stage, years of practice behind the scenes. It’s gruelling.”
Gu Xiangyi shot back, “If anyone’s to blame, it’s your sister. This has nothing to do with my brother.”
“Wow, you really defend him,” he said, clicking his tongue.
“You’re just as protective of your sister, you watchdog,” she retorted.
“Loyal guard dog.”
They exchanged a few playful insults before catching each other’s eyes and laughing.
“Finding a decent partner is so hard,” Gu Xiangyi sighed. “I wish I had it as easy as you do. If I were you, I’d have found a husband in no time.”
Zhan Mingzhao laughed. “Finding a spouse is serious business. It’s not something you just jump into with the first person who shows interest.”
“Everyone keeps saying I have poor taste,” Gu Xiangyi muttered, covering her face. “It’s my five brothers who scare them all off. Who’s going to marry a girl with five big brothers breathing down their necks?”
The more she thought about it, the more she felt her family’s strength was working against her. The idea of five protective brothers was bound to scare off any decent guy, she thought. Only the ones with ulterior motives dared approach her!
Zhan Mingzhao couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s not that serious.”
“Five brothers,” Gu Xiangyi insisted. “Would you dare marry into that?”
Zhan Mingzhao chuckled. “If I married you, I’d have my sister as my in-law, and who’d dare mess with me when my sister’s there?”
Gu Xiangyi squinted, “You sound brave… and also a bit scared.”
“Oh yeah? Would you dare say that in front of my brother?”
Zhan Mingzhao swallowed but stubbornly replied, “Why wouldn’t I? As long as my sister’s got my back, I have nothing to fear!”
Gu Xiangyi swallowed, clearly intrigued. “The way you’re describing it is starting to sound appealing to me.”
“Zhan Mingzhao, we’ve practically grown up together, right? We know each other’s background… If I chose you, my brothers definitely wouldn’t think I had bad taste. Not only would they approve, but all the aunts and neighbours would be thrilled, too…”
“And you’re not afraid of having five brothers-in-law… Look, maybe we should make this a family affair.”
Zhan Mingzhao choked on his own spit. “No way!”
Family affair? That sounded more like a nightmare! Why on earth would he marry a general’s daughter and deal with five big brothers? That’d be crazy!
“Zhan Mingzhao, I’m serious. Think about it—marry me.”
Zhan Mingzhao’s face went pale. “Gu Xiangyi, don’t be crazy.”
“Zhaozhao, just give it a thought. Look at my family, my looks—where am I lacking compared to other women?”
Zhan Mingzhao pleaded, “Help!”
“Or how about this—if you’re still single in two years, just marry me. Come on, Zhaozhao, think about it! You’re actually quite good-looking; if you get a bit tanner, I’ll like you even more.”
“In two years, I’ll take you home to meet my family.”
Zhan Mingzhao was practically scared speechless.
“I’m going back to the performing troupe to find someone else.”
Gu Xiangyi laughed, “You won’t find anyone, so just get ready to be my husband.”
“Then I’ll be the one showing off, bragging that I have a childhood sweetheart for a husband.”
…
Zhan Mingzhao rushed over to Zhan Aiping, ready to file a complaint. “Sis, you need to talk to that little sister-in-law of yours.”
Zhan Aiping chuckled, “What happened? Did she try to flirt with you?”
“She told me to marry her and said we should ‘keep it in the family.’”
Zhan Aiping’s smile froze. “If you dare marry her, your brother-in-law will lose his mind.”
Just then, Gu Sheng joined the conversation. “Why would I lose my mind? If my sister marries your brother, I’d actually be more at ease.”
Zhan Aiping looked shocked. “But wouldn’t that make the family dynamics confusing?”
Gu Sheng shrugged, “They can call each other whatever they want.”
…
The more Zhan Mingzhao listened, the more creeped out he felt. They hadn’t even started dating, and the two were already discussing family titles!
“Sis, let’s not talk about that now. I want to leave the army. It’s been three years—I’m ready to be a civilian again.”
Zhan Aiping raised an eyebrow. “Three years? Who’s counting?”
“Isn’t three years long enough to retire?” he asked.
She sighed, “I’m just worried about you getting into trouble. The army keeps things strict; it’s safer for you there. Look at all the girls you attract. Have you considered what could happen?”
Zhan Mingzhao scoffed, “What could possibly happen?”
“You’re popular with the ladies, which means there are men out there who are jealous. Men can be very competitive, you know. If you stayed back in the countryside as a labourer, someone would have already taken a swing at you.”
Zhan Mingzhao’s expression turned sour.
“Alright, here’s the deal: once you’re married, then you can leave the army.”
“Fine,” he said with a smirk, “I’ll just marry Gu Xiangyi, then.”
“If marriage means I can leave the army, I don’t mind. I’m just done with this life.”
Zhan Aiping sighed. “What exactly would you do if you left?”
“Be a farmer, work as a labourer. I’d raise chickens, grow vegetables, do laundry, cook, and raise kids. I’m good at driving a tractor, too.”
“Maybe I’ll work for a transportation company!”
Zhan Aiping sighed. “It’s 1974 now, just a few more years until the movement ends. Soon, the educated youth will return to the city, and the college entrance exams will be reinstated. I’d really like to see you go to university.”
Zhan Mingzhao scoffed, “Sis, do you think I’m like you?”
He had no interest in studying; he’d rather be a carefree youth in the countryside.
Zhan Aiping felt like she was punching cotton. “I’ve always told you to study more, but you never listen.”
As a top student herself, she couldn’t understand why she had a brother who avoided studying.
“It’s not for everyone, sis,” he replied. “You can’t force it.”
“Being your kid must be rough,” he joked.
“I’m just not the type for academics,” he added.
Zhan Aiping rubbed her temples, muttering, “How did I end up with a little brother like you?”
Gu Sheng chimed in, “Don’t feel too bad—my sister doesn’t like studying either.”
Exasperated, she turned to him. “You know, maybe you and Xiangyi should get married. Two people who don’t like studying might actually produce a kid who does.”
Zhan Mingzhao chuckled, “Sis, why are you so hung up on academics?”
Zhan Aiping replied, “It wouldn’t be hard on my kid at all. Our little Guobaorou is plenty smart.”
“Well, it’s hard enough being your brother.”
Zhan Aiping sighed inwardly. Most youth sent to the countryside would jump at the chance to go to university and return to the city. Her brother, however, seemed happiest as a village youth, spending his days aimlessly.
“Alright, just stay safe in the army for a few more years. It’s still rough out there, so don’t make me worry.”
“Can I leave if I get married?” he quipped.
She gave him a stern look. “Stop daydreaming and get out.”
After he left, Zhan Aiping leaned against Gu Sheng with a sigh. “Having younger siblings is such a headache. Being the oldest is a full-time job.”
Gu Sheng smirked, “If your brother married Xiangyi, both families would be at ease.”
She grimaced. “No, they’d be a complete disaster together—more so than us.”
“What kind of life would they lead?”
“Your brother does seem quite domestic, though. He’s always talking about laundry and cooking and taking care of kids.”
She gave him a skeptical look. “And you don’t remember what I said before we got married?”
Gu Sheng blinked, “Uh…?”
She flashed a playful smile. “I told you I’d handle the laundry, the cooking, taking care of the kids… the whole shebang.”
Leave a Reply