Chapter 636 | Chapter 637 | Chapter 638
Chapter 636: Return to Capital City
“Hold the cup and drink slowly.”
Shen Xu held the small cup with his tiny hands, taking careful sips of his milk before finally heading out with her, thoroughly content.
Sheng Wanyan took him to the clothing store. As soon as Xu Guihua saw such a small child coming in, she couldn’t help but want to pinch his cheeks.
“Where did this little son come from?”
Xu Guihua couldn’t resist teasing her. Sheng Wanyan rolled her eyes with practiced elegance.
“My little sons are back home, wailing to be fed.”
“He’s a friend’s child.”
Several store managers couldn’t resist coming over to crowd around Shen Xu as well. Shen Xu wasn’t shy in the slightest, charming them by calling out “Pretty Auntie” left and right.
He spun the store managers around his little finger, and in the blink of an eye, the child in Sheng Wanyan’s arms ended up in someone else’s.
“He’s so adorable.”
“Look at this small face—his cheeks are so soft!”
“Don’t pinch him too hard; you’ll hurt the little guy.”
Surrounded by these pretty aunts, Shen Xu smiled so wide he started drooling.
Sheng Wanyan couldn’t help but feel that Shen Xu’s expression looked strangely familiar. Why did he act so much like that little flirt, Yi Yi?
Shen Xu stayed there for the entire afternoon. By the time it was time to leave, his pockets were completely stuffed full.
When they returned home, Shen Xin and Ling Xuan had already gotten off work and come over. Seeing the proud, triumphant look on Shen Xu’s face gave them a headache.
“Wanyan, sorry for troubling you.”
Ling Xuan took Shen Xu from her and almost lost her balance, stumbling back a couple of steps. Shen Xin quickly reached out to support her from behind.
“It’s no trouble at all; Xu’er was very good.”
“Oh, right, these are for Xu’er.”
Sheng Wanyan handed the bags hanging from her wrist to Ling Xuan. Inside were all the toys she had bought for Shen Xu earlier today.
Shen Xu loved them so much he couldn’t take his eyes off them, and since Sheng Wanyan doted on him, she bought every single one.
“You really shouldn’t have spent so much.”
“They’re just small knick-knacks. Don’t stand on ceremony with me, Sister Ling.”
Ling Xuan smiled and shook her head. After chatting with Sheng Wanyan a bit more, she carried Shen Xu back home.
Once they left, Sheng Wanyan opened up the gifts that Shen Xin and Ling Xuan had brought over. The couple had truly been generous.
Inside were two cans of Malted Milk Extract, two jin of pastries, two bags of candies, two boxes of fruit, some local specialties from Shenzhen, and a genuine silk scarf.
Ling Xuan had excellent taste. The silk scarf was simple in design with vibrant colors, which suited Sheng Wanyan very well.
Sheng Wanyan put the gifts away into her space and shared the pastries among the store managers. The managers had also largely wrapped up their matters in Shenzhen by now.
During this period, Xu Guihua had been having the Shenzhen branch manager drive her around, and today she was finally able to hit the road on her own.
Sheng Wanyan had also finalized the positions for factory director, manager, and accountant for the Shenzhen factory. The factory director was an honest middle-aged man.
He didn’t know how to make clothes and was completely clueless about the industry, but he was honest and upright. He was a retired soldier who had been discharged due to injury.
He had a simple family background and was fiercely loyal—precisely the kind of person best suited to be a capable subordinate.
For the manager position, Sheng Wanyan selected a woman who had previously served as a workshop manager in a garment factory. As for finance, Sheng Wanyan only hired one accountant and left the position of finance manager vacant.
After all, she was aiming for university graduates. Even if the state assigned job placements, this position was particularly vital; she couldn’t hand it over to someone she couldn’t fully trust.
With the local manager keeping an eye on things here, she could rest easy to some extent.
Soon came the day for Sheng Wanyan to return to Capital City. Three people had arrived together, but now only two were returning.
Shen Xu threw a fuss about coming along to see her off no matter what. Sheng Wanyan had heard that Shen Xin managed to find a hundred-year-old ginseng and a wild lingzhi mushroom, which could help improve Shen Xu’s asthma.
In her past life, her main focus had been pharmaceutical research and surgery. Asthma didn’t fall under surgery—it belonged to respiratory medicine—so she actually did have solutions for it.
However, Shen Xu’s family had connections, and the old traditional Chinese medicine professor from the train had already taken over treating Shen Xu’s condition.
It seemed Shen Xu would gradually recover; with slow and steady conditioning, he would bound to get better sooner or later.
Sheng Wanyan boarded the train bound for Capital City, while Xu Guihua led her team back to Bingcheng.
Shen Xu broke into a wailing fit at the station, telling his parents that he wanted to pack his bags and go home with her. But all he could do was talk; no one was going to agree to that.
“Alright, next time there’s a chance, I’ll bring you to Capital City to visit Auntie.”
“Waaah… You’re lying!”
Shen Xu knew it was impossible for his parents to leave Shenzhen. They had promised to take him and his older brother out to play before, only to be called back to work.
“Alright, alright, say goodbye to Auntie.”
“Goodbye~”
Tears hung on Shen Xu’s eyelashes. No matter how reluctant he was, he had to say goodbye to Sheng Wanyan. Sheng Wanyan chuckled and rubbed his little cheeks.
“Goodbye. Auntie will come see you next time.”
Sheng Wanyan felt a bit reluctant to part with him as well. Though the child seemed lively and noisy, he actually never caused trouble for anyone.
He was active and playful, but far from a spoiled brat; he simply wanted people to play with him.
Sheng Wanyan waved goodbye to them. The Shenzhen manager also brought two children to see them off.
The two little girls had gained weight now and were dressed in clean clothes, clearly looking much healthier and livelier.
Sheng Wanyan returned to Capital City five days later. Gu Tingxiao had known about her return in advance and arranged his schedule accordingly.
Sheng Wanyan had to wait for Gu Tingxiao; the military region was currently preparing for an exercise, so Gu Tingxiao was extremely busy.
The store manager who returned with her took the bus home. Sheng Wanyan gave her tomorrow off as paid leave.
“Thank you, Boss.”
Once the store manager left, Sheng Wanyan went to the restroom to retrieve all the items she had bought from her space, then stood by the entrance to wait for Gu Tingxiao.
Gu Tingxiao arrived about ten minutes later. After loading the items into the trunk, he drove them home.
“Wife.”
“Tingxiao.”
The two hadn’t seen each other for nearly two months, and the way they looked at one another was filled with longing and intimacy.
In the past, it was always Sheng Wanyan waiting for Gu Tingxiao to come home, but now Gu Tingxiao was waiting for her. The roles had reversed—and truth be told, it felt pretty great!
After loading the items, Gu Tingxiao drove straight toward the military compound. Sheng’s mother and the others had returned to Capital City a while ago, but Yi Yi didn’t even know she was back yet.
She had returned two days ahead of schedule and deliberately instructed Gu Tingxiao not to tell Yi Yi, wanting to give her a surprise.
Yi Yi was sitting in the living room eating fruit, her little feet swinging back and forth, occasionally glancing at her little brother crawling on the floor below.
“Yi Yi, do you want more?”
Auntie Hu asked when she noticed the apple in Yi Yi’s hand was almost finished. She had been working here for a while now and knew the children’s habits well.
What Yi Yi loved most was fruit; she had to eat several types every day to be satisfied.
“Yes! I want to eat wild grapes.”
Father Gu had brought back quite a few wild grapes from the military region. There was a mountain behind the military area, and the soldiers often went there to pick wild produce.
In just three or four bites, Yi Yi finished off the rest of her apple, tossed the core into the trash can, and headed for the kitchen.
“Let me wash them for you. You just sit down.”
How could Auntie Hu let her do housework? But Yi Yi remembered all of Sheng Wanyan’s teachings.
Do your own things yourself.
“Yi Yi can do it herself.”
Auntie Hu smiled warmly at her words. She felt that the children of the Gu family were the most hassle-free kids around, never arrogant or using their family background to bully others.
Still feeling uneasy, Auntie Hu followed her inside to help wash the wild grapes clean before returning to keep an eye on the twins.
Chapter 637: Children Vying for Favor
Yi Yi carried a small stool out to the front yard, perching with her legs dangling as she ate wild grapes from a bowl. As she ate, the sound of a car engine reached her ears from outside.
Setting down her fruit, Yi Yi listened intently. Once she was sure it was their family’s car, she immediately fixed her eyes on the front gate.
The moment Sheng Wanyan arrived back at the military compound, her heart soared—flying straight to her three children at home.
She didn’t grab any bags, leaving Gu Tingxiao behind without a second thought as she bolted straight into the yard. She had missed her children dearly.
Upon entering, Sheng Wanyan caught sight of Yi Yi sitting near the entrance. Tears welled in her eyes, barely held back after missing her for so long…
“Mommy…?”
Yi Yi couldn’t quite believe her eyes. Were her eyes playing tricks on her?
She blinked hard. Confirming she hadn’t misseen, she instantly threw her arms wide and sprinted over.
“Mommy!!!”
“Yi Yi!”
Sheng Wanyan caught the rushing child in her arms, hugging her tightly and pressing several kisses against her cheek.
“Mommy missed Yi Yi so much. Have you been listening to Daddy while Mommy was away?”
“Mommy… I missed Mommy. I was good!”
Yi Yi clung tightly to her neck, pressing her little face against her, refusing to let go.
Seeing this, Gu Tingxiao had no choice but to carry the luggage inside himself while Sheng Wanyan carried Yi Yi into the house.
Lailai and Maomao, sitting on the floor, stared at her blankly, not quite recognizing her at first.
After staring for a good while, the memory finally clicked. They hurriedly began crawling over to her as fast as their little limbs could carry them.
“Lailai, Maomao!”
Sheng Wanyan led Yi Yi over and squatted down to embrace the two boys. Once Lailai and Maomao remembered who she was, they clung to her and refused to budge.
“Wanyan’s back!”
Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Gu heard the commotion from the backyard and quickly came in to check.
“Grandpa, Grandma.”
“You’re finally back! Yi Yi was talking about you every single day—she talked so much my head started to ache!”
Great-Grandma Gu rubbed her temples. When you didn’t have to look after the kids full-time, they seemed sweet, cute, and obedient. But once you actually had to handle them continuously, it really was exhausting.
Old, so old~ The two elders had no choice but to admit their age.
None of the older children were home, and both Mother Gu and Eldest Sister-in-Law were at work today, leaving only the little ones in the house. There was also Chouwa, who could now run and jump, making quite a racket—a veritable little tyrant of the compound.
“Mommy~”
Yi Yi leaned closely against her. Instantly, a three-way battle for favor broke out among the kids, each wanting to be right next to her.
Sheng Wanyan gathered the two youngest onto her lap, while Gu Tingxiao stepped up to steady them. He placed a hand on Yi Yi’s shoulder, pulling her close so she could lean against his side.
Sheng Wanyan kept a firm arm wrapped around Yi Yi. A five-year-old was at a sensitive age, and she worried Yi Yi might feel her parents favored her younger brothers. So while Lailai and Maomao were still too young to fully understand things, she made sure to give Yi Yi priority attention.
“Mommy brought back presents for all of you.”
“Come on, let’s go unwrap your gifts!”
Sheng Wanyan handed the twin boys over to Gu Tingxiao and led Yi Yi over to unwrap the presents. Loaded with bags big and small, Sheng Wanyan had certainly bought a lot.
“Yi Yi, look at what Mommy got for you.”
Sheng Wanyan brought out an exceptionally large item—tall and long, wrapped tightly in cloth strips.
She unwound the fabric. When Yi Yi saw what was inside, her eyes instantly went wide.
“A guqin!”
Yi Yi rushed forward to gently touch it. Naturally, this ancient zither hadn’t actually been brought back from Shanghai; it was something Sheng Wanyan had purchased beforehand.
“And this one.”
Sheng Wanyan handed her another item: a flute, which Yi Yi had also started learning recently.
“It’s so pretty!”
Yi Yi handled these items with extreme care, treasuring them dearly. She knew her parents didn’t earn money easily.
“Here are new toys and clothes for you and your brothers.”
Sheng Wanyan had bought several princess dresses for Yi Yi, which were hugely popular in Shanghai right now. For the twins, she had mostly bought toys and clothing; other items wouldn’t be of much use to them yet.
“And these are for Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma. Go hand them over.”
Everyone in the house received a gift. When Great-Grandpa Gu saw the liquor, he burst into a booming laugh.
As expected, his third grandson’s wife understood him best. Sheng Wanyan also brought out the items sent by Second Uncle and Second Aunt Gu for the two elders.
Right as they were unwrapping gifts, the rest of the family began returning home from work one after another.
Sheng Wanyan handed out the remaining gifts on the spot. For Gu Jingjing, there was a princess dress and art brushes; for the boys, toy guns, puzzles, and the like. She had also prepared clothes and skincare products for Father and Mother Gu.
She had gifts for Eldest Sister-in-Law and Yang Dongxia as well. For Eldest Sister-in-Law, she gave two sets of skincare products and two tailored suits—suits made in Shanghai were exquisitely crafted.
Eldest Sister-in-Law had helped look after her three children during these past two months. Even with Auntie Hu around, it had still been a bit of a burden.
For Yang Dongxia, she prepared a set of skincare products. Both sisters-in-law were thrilled upon receiving their gifts.
“You really shouldn’t have spent so much! Don’t buy such expensive things next time.”
Eldest Sister-in-Law was delighted, but her heart ached for the money spent. Every time her third sister-in-law gave her something, it was incredibly pricey.
Fourth Sister-in-Law (Yang Dongxia) quickly agreed upon hearing this. The skincare products in her hands looked extraordinarily luxurious.
“Eldest Sister-in-Law, it’s not like we get to go to Shanghai every day.”
“On rare occasions like this, how could I not buy a bit more?”
“Besides, you helped me look after the kids for two months. I’ve been keeping that in mind the whole time.”
Eldest Sister-in-Law smiled at her words. Taking care of the three children hadn’t been hard; Yi Yi was very sensible, and though the two little ones and Chouwa were quite energetic, the family had hired help. Sheng Wanyan had even hired Auntie Hu specifically to care for the three kids.
What she had done were just minor favors not worth mentioning.
“It was nothing! We’re family; helping each other out is only natural.”
Eldest Sister-in-Law waved off the small matter. Seeing Eldest Sister-in-Law’s two exquisite suits, Yang Dongxia said nothing, knowing full well how things stood.
She hadn’t been able to help Third Brother’s family with anything, so Third Sister-in-Law bringing back such an expensive gift for her was already generous enough.
She was still a student. Even if Gu Tinghao handed all his money over to her, she wouldn’t dare spend it recklessly. She still needed to save a dowry for Jingjing, and if they had children in the future, that would cost money too.
Having been married into the Gu family for half a year now, she had witnessed Third Sister-in-Law’s spending habits—it was something she could never match.
In fact, no one in the Gu family could match Third Sister-in-Law’s spending pace; money slipped through her hands like water.
Yang Dongxia couldn’t afford to splurge like Sheng Wanyan, so taking good care of her own little household was enough.
“Wanyan, you’ve gotten thinner.”
“These past two months must have been exhausting for you.”
Mother Gu noticed it the moment she looked at her. Sheng Wanyan had possessed a bit of fullness in her face when she left, but now it was gone.
Having rushed about for so long, it was impossible for Sheng Wanyan not to lose weight, though it wasn’t quite as drastic as Mother Gu made it sound.
“Mom, I’m fine.”
“Everything has been settled, so things will be easier from now on.”
Hearing that she had wrapped up her affairs, Mother Gu felt at ease. After all, Sheng Wanyan would soon face graduation and join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered little personal free time. When the time came, if she wanted to handle her own business, she likely wouldn’t be able to step away easily.
Chapter 638: Gu Jingjing’s Inferiority Complex
Seeing how happy she was, Sheng Wanyan felt a surge of joy as well. Lailai and Maomao, catching sight of the novel toys, gleefully grabbed them to play with.
“Oh, right, these are books I brought back from Shanghai for Jingjing.”
“They’re all books related to oil painting colors and artworks.”
When Gu Jingjing saw several thick volumes, all of which were related to oil painting, she instantly grew excited.
“Thank you, Third Aunt!”
The moment Gu Jingjing got her hands on the books, she couldn’t help but open them and start reading. Seeing this, Sheng Wanyan felt deeply relieved.
To nurture an artist in the family—what a proud thing that would be!
“No need for thanks; we’re family.”
Hearing this, Gu Jingjing held the brushes to her chest and nodded, a rare smile appearing on her face. Seeing her like this, the family felt happy for her too.
“When you’re finished reading them, just tell your Third Aunt. I’ll have someone mail more back for you.”
“That would be too much trouble for Third Aunt…”
Gu Jingjing felt a little embarrassed. These books looked very expensive at first glance, and her uncle’s family was already spending so much money raising her…
She didn’t want to spend so much of the family’s money.
“It’s no trouble at all. Your Third Aunt has employees over there, so it’s simple to arrange.”
Seeing her looking like she didn’t dare let the adults spend money on her, Mother Gu quickly stepped forward to hug her comfortingly.
“Your Third Aunt dotes on you. Besides, your Second Grandfather’s family is also in Shanghai, so Grandma will help ask them later.”
Seeing Gu Jingjing looking down, Yi Yi ran over with the flute in hand and pulled on Gu Jingjing’s sleeve.
“You are my sister! I’m your younger sister! We are family!”
“Yi Yi has money! Yi Yi will pay to buy books for you!”
Yi Yi was very generous; she had plenty of money in her small vault, and she was willing to spend it all on her sister.
Her sister was good to her, so she wanted to be good to her sister too!
Hearing this, Mother Gu quickly gathered Yi Yi into her arms, holding a granddaughter in each arm, her heart filled with immense satisfaction.
“You’re all good children. Grandma dotes on you both to pieces.”
Mother Gu kissed each of them on the cheek and squeezed them in a warm embrace before finally letting go, thoroughly content.
“Thank you, little sister,” Gu Jingjing said, thanking her softly and carefully.
Yi Yi patted her own chest with grand swagger. “It’s all a piece of cake!”
Hearing her act like a little adult, the whole family instantly burst into laughter. She really was a little rascal putting on big airs.
Mother Gu quickly urged Sheng Wanyan to go rest and get a good sleep, not letting the family disturb her.
After all, school was starting in a few days. If her third daughter-in-law didn’t get a proper rest, how could she manage school?
“Mommy, sleep!”
Yi Yi pulled on her hand to go upstairs to sleep. Sheng Wanyan nodded and led Yi Yi upstairs, with Gu Tingxiao holding a son in each arm as he followed behind them.
“The moment Third Daughter-in-Law comes back, Third Brother turns right into a tail following her around,” Eldest Sister-in-Law teased upon seeing this.
Everyone couldn’t help laughing—and wasn’t it true…?
Whenever Sheng Wanyan was home, Gu Tingxiao’s eyes never left her. Wherever Sheng Wanyan went, he followed.
“Am I not the same?” Gu Dagao chimed in.
Eldest Sister-in-Law gave him a stern glare.
With so many people around, didn’t he feel any shame?
Great-Grandpa Gu and the elders all pretended not to hear, looking up at the ceiling. Gu Jinfang, however, was a leak in the family vessel.
“Dad, you’re so old, how can you say such nauseating things?”
“Get the hell out of here!”
Hearing his father bark at him, Gu Jinfang curled his lip. Did his dad really think he was afraid of him?
As it turned out… he was!
“Alright! I’ll get lost right now.”
Gu Jinfang moved upstairs nimbly, not forgetting to bring along his gifts as well as his younger brother and sister before he left.
Gu Jingjing and Gu Jinyu were both carried off by him. If he didn’t take them away, were they supposed to stay behind and watch their parents show off their affection?
Gu Jinfang pulled Gu Jinyu and Gu Jingjing into his room, leaving Gu Jingjing looking utterly bewildered.
“Little Sister, come, come, come! I’ll give you something good!”
Gu Jinfang pulled both little ones into his room. Locking the door, he went straight to the wardrobe to search for something.
Gu Jingjing and little Gu Jinyu sat on the bed waiting, watching Gu Jinfang rummage around.
Eventually, Gu Jinfang retrieved an iron box from the wardrobe and thrust it firmly into Gu Jingjing’s hands.
“Eldest Brother, what’s this?”
“It’s for you.”
Gu Jinfang tilted his head back and raised his chin, his eyes brimming with pride. Gu Jingjing looked down at the iron box in her hands.
“Bwother~”
“What about mine?”
“Why would a boy need a gift! A boy’s duty is to defend the home and nation!”
Gu Jinfang immediately lectured his biological younger brother. Chouwa (Gu Jinyu) instantly shut his mouth.
His brother was so majestic! He was his idol!
Gu Jinfang: “…” What a truly silly little brother, so easily fooled.
Gu Jingjing opened the iron box. Inside was packed with money—all the savings Gu Jinfang had accumulated over so many years.
“If you want to read books in the future, take this money and give it to Third Aunt.”
“Eldest Brother…”
Before Gu Jingjing could finish what she wanted to say, Gu Jinfang waved his hand with grand generosity.
“You’re my sister. It’s only right for an elder brother to dote on you.”
“Besides, our branch only has you as a precious girl. If I’m not good to you, who am I supposed to be good to?”
“Could I possibly be good to this little tub of butter?”
“Boys can’t be raised spoiled!”
Gu Jinfang pinched Gu Jinyu’s cheek. Gu Jinyu stared at him, completely lost.
Gu Jinyu: “…” No personal attacks, please!
“Eldest Brother, I can’t accept this.”
Gu Jingjing’s eyes turned red. Back when she was helpless, it was her aunt who had brought her into this household.
She was grateful to her uncle’s family, so she couldn’t take her eldest brother’s things. She had to be content.
She was afraid that if her uncle’s family was too good to her, she would indulge in this love too much.
Then she would truly want to become their real daughter, but she knew she wasn’t.
She couldn’t make things difficult for her uncle and aunt; she didn’t dare to ask for too much.
And the same went for Third Aunt. She was so gentle with her, so attentive to her, supporting her passions and dreams. But she couldn’t long for a mother’s love, nor could she steal it from Yi Yi.
Yi Yi was the person in the family who treated her best. Whenever there was good food, she would share a portion with her, and whenever things were bought, her share was included too.
Little Sister Yi Yi was wonderful. She couldn’t compete with her; she had to protect her.
“I’m your brother, and you’re my sister.”
“A brother protecting his sister is as natural as the sky above and the earth below!”
“But I…”
I’m not your real sister!
“What about ‘you’? What’s your family name?”
“It’s Gu…”
“Then isn’t that enough!”
Gu Jingjing looked at him in sudden surprise. Gu Jinfang reached out and ruffled her hair.
“Besides, you have to remember: you are a member of the Gu family.”
“Gu family members aren’t afraid of rumors and gossip. We only let our strength speak for us.”
Gu Jingjing nodded with reddened eyes. But what strength did she have?
“Your household registration is under our eldest branch, so you are one of us in the eldest branch.”
“Your brother here doesn’t have many possessions, but I’ve never lost a fight!”
Even if he lost… he wouldn’t say a word about it anyway, so no one would know the truth.
“In the future, I will be the head of the Gu family. As for the younger brothers and sisters below me, I will always be able to protect them!”
When Gu Jinfang said these words, his tone held not only pride, but also responsibility and resolve.
