Chapter 107: Gu Tong saw Gu Tingxiao
Wanyan had no intention of seizing power; Director Li was only heading to the logistics department to help out for a few months, not leaving forever. She wasn’t that foolish. As long as she could keep things running steadily for the next ninety days, her job was done. As for who would eventually become the permanent director of logistics, that was a decision for the factory leadership to make.
The moment Wanyan stepped out of the factory gates, she spotted Gu Tingxiao waiting for her, holding several parcels. He naturally took her bicycle from her and handed over the snacks he had purchased.
Wanyan looked at the candies and cakes with a touch of confusion. She knew he only kept about five yuan of pocket money each month. Ever since he arrived in Chengdu, he had been buying her treats every single day. Where on earth was he getting the money? Had his mother’s monthly allowance suddenly become irrelevant?
“Wanyan, I sent a telegram home,” he said, his voice brimming with suppressed excitement. “My parents were thrilled when they heard the news. They plan to leave for Chengdu tomorrow; they should be here in a week.”
“They’re leaving tomorrow?” Wanyan stared at him. “That’s so fast.”
Gu Tingxiao looked away, a hint of guilt flickering in his eyes. In truth, he had called his father’s office, practically begging him to take a day off and head south immediately. He only had two weeks left before he had to return to his regiment, and he was terrified that if they didn’t finalize the engagement before he left, something might change. He needed to put his mind at ease.
The stakes felt high. Between his stoic personality and their long-distance correspondence, he felt the miles between them acutely. If Wanyan had been willing, he would have married her right then and there, taken her back to the army, and kept her by his side forever.
“Yes,” he said, looking at her anxiously. In the cold winter air, his palms were actually sweating. “If you… if you don’t want to…”
If you don’t want to, we can wait a little longer…
“I’m willing,” Wanyan said, her eyes curving into a smile. She wasn’t opposed to getting engaged or starting a family; she believed in letting nature take its course.
“Really?”
“Mhm.”
Seeing the sincerity in her gaze, Gu Tingxiao finally let out a long breath. If she was this agreeable, he might actually achieve his dream of marrying her before the year was out.
“If you’re hungry, have some cake first. I’m taking you to the state-owned restaurant for dinner,” he said, regaining his composure. “And we’ll go to the movies after. I already stopped by and let Grandpa and Grandma Sheng know.”
He had spent most of the day at the Sheng house after making his phone call home, only leaving when it was nearly time for her shift to end.
“Alright.” Wanyan smiled. He had arranged everything perfectly; she just had to follow his lead. She sat on the back seat of the bike, cradling the snacks, and Gu Tingxiao made sure she was seated firmly before pedaling away.
For the rest of the week, Gu Tingxiao fell into a devoted routine. He woke up early to bring Wanyan breakfast and see her off to work. Afterward, he would head to the Sheng apartment to keep the two elders company until it was time to pick Wanyan up again.
He spent his days helping them with whatever chores needed doing—repairs, heavy lifting, even sewing or mending. He was happy to do it, and the two elders grew so fond of him that they treated him with more affection than their own biological granddaughter.
“Uncle Sheng, Auntie Sheng, I’m here to see you!”
Gu Tong knocked on the door. Since Grandpa Sheng’s stint in the hospital, she had become a frequent visitor. She and Mother Sheng had even become close friends, often going on shopping trips together.
Today, she had come to chat and, more importantly, to discuss her nephew’s upcoming marriage. She had received a call from her sister-in-law the day before, asking for a detailed briefing on the Sheng family. Even though the Shengs were an ordinary family, their simple, harmonious dynamic had made Mother Gu feel much more comfortable.
To Mother Gu, social status was secondary to character. She had three sons and a daughter; she didn’t want a new daughter-in-law to bring chaos into the household. Between her eldest and third sons being soldiers and her daughter being married to a reliable officer, her mind was mostly at peace. Even her youngest son, who had chosen politics over the military, was doing well for himself.
Her primary worries had always been the eldest and the third. The eldest was finally back in the Capital Military Region, which was a relief. But the third, Tingxiao, was still unmarried and stationed far away, often taking on dangerous missions and returning with injuries. She didn’t demand an elite match for him; she just wanted a kind, devoted woman who would give him a reason to come home safe.
Tingxiao had always been a man of few words and a “poker face,” and she had truly feared he would be a lifelong bachelor. So, when he announced six months ago that he was dating, she was ecstatic. If he hadn’t insisted in his letters that they wait so as not to “scare the girl off,” she would have been in Chengdu months ago.
Now that the day had finally come, she couldn’t wait. After hearing Gu Tong praise Wanyan’s filial behavior at the hospital, Mother Gu was convinced the girl had a good heart. The moment Gu Tingxiao gave the word, she and Father Gu packed their bags and bought the best gifts the Capital had to offer. They were currently on a train bound for Chengdu.
When Gu Tingxiao opened the door to his aunt, Gu Tong shot him an unhappy glare. This brat had come to Chengdu without saying a word to her; if her sister-in-law hadn’t called, she’d still be in the dark.
“I’ll settle the score with you later,” she muttered, though she kept her voice low to be polite in front of the Shengs. Gu Tingxiao didn’t argue and stepped aside to let her in.
“Uncle, Auntie, I’m back again!” Gu Tong called out, holding up a fresh cut of meat. Grandpa and Grandma Sheng were delighted to see her, and Grandma Sheng immediately hurried to pour her a cup of warm sugar water.
