Chapter 25 Because I Miss You

The one speaking was Gu Wanqing.

By the time Gu Wanqing came back, he had already asked the guard about what happened today. But as soon as he entered the door, he saw the legendary daughter-in-law massaging his mother’s temples. His first impression was that this daughter-in-law was scheming—trying to win over the two elders of the family. So naturally, his tone wasn’t pleasant.

Old Madam Gu could clearly hear that and rolled her eyes. “What are we doing? Don’t you have eyes? Can’t you see for yourself?”

Gu Wanqing was momentarily speechless, then continued asking, “Mother, what’s wrong with you? Why is she massaging your head?”

“Because your mother’s old illness acted up, and my granddaughter-in-law felt sorry for me, so she’s helping. Who else would I rely on? You?”

“…”

“Does that even help? Then maybe I should go learn from the military hospital too, and come massage you.”

“Please don’t.” Old Madam Gu said disdainfully, “With how clumsy and rough you are, don’t end up making me worse.”

Gu Wanqing: “…”

Old Madam Gu didn’t bother arguing with her contrarian son and quickly asked Song Youyou to stop. “You’ve massaged for so long—your fingers must be tired.”

“I’m not tired,” Song Youyou replied calmly.

Old Madam Gu sighed emotionally, “Oh, I’m really blessed. So late in life, I have a granddaughter-in-law who treats me so well!”

“…”

Gu Wanqing was left speechless again.

Song Youyou smiled faintly and asked, “Grandma Gu, are you feeling better now? Are you still dizzy or seeing black spots?”

“Not at all! That massage really saved me from a lot of suffering! Before, I’d be dizzy for a long time, and I’d have to lie down for half a day to recover. Now I’m not dizzy at all, and even my back doesn’t ache!”

“Mother, don’t exaggerate. Is it really that effective?” Gu Wanqing asked skeptically.

Hearing the doubt in his tone, Old Madam Gu got annoyed again. “Why did a perfectly good person have to grow a mouth like yours? If you can’t say anything nice, don’t speak at all.”

Gu Wanqing: “…”

Ignoring her son again, Old Madam Gu turned to Song Youyou and held her hand. “Come on, let’s ignore him. Grandma will show you the ‘three must-have items’ we bought.”

“Look, this is a Phoenix brand bicycle, this is a Yan brand sewing machine, and this is a Shanghai brand wristwatch. All these were specially bought by Xiao Ge’er.”

She had Gu Wanqing push her wheelchair as she led Song Youyou to see the items they had prepared.

“However, due to the time crunch, we didn’t get the radio yet. But we’ve already reserved one at the state-owned store. As soon as it’s in stock, we’ll be the first to get it.”

Seeing these items in the room, Song Youyou was a bit stunned. It would be a lie to say she wasn’t moved. Even for a family living in a military compound, buying the “three must-haves” in such a short time was no small feat.

First, they required ration tickets, which were incredibly hard to obtain. Second, these were all scarce items—even with tickets, there wasn’t always stock.

That the Gu family could acquire three of the big-ticket items so quickly meant they had really put effort into it.

“Oh right, and this too!” Old Madam Gu said, motioning Gu Wanqing to get the key from a drawer and bring out a small box.

“Look.” She opened it to reveal a deep green jade bracelet. Just by the bright and rich color, it was clear this was no ordinary piece.

“This is the heirloom bracelet we pass down to our daughters-in-law. Do you like it?”

As she spoke, she began to put it on Song Youyou’s wrist.

Panic rose in Song Youyou’s heart, and she quickly shook her head. “I can’t accept this—it’s too valuable.”

Just like Wen Xiaorou said, her marriage with Gu Xiao wasn’t based on love. They might part ways someday…

“It looks great on you. It suits you. Hurry up and thank Grandma,” a magnetic voice suddenly came from the doorway.

Song Youyou turned her head and saw a tall figure leaning casually against the doorway, arms crossed, watching them. Who knows how long he’d been standing there?

“Xiao Ge’er, how come you’re back today?” Old Madam Gu lit up with joy.

“I just got back. Came out with the unit’s supply truck. I only have about an hour. I need to leave again soon.”

“So rushed? I’ll go make you something to eat!”

“No need. I have to go soon.”

“Didn’t you say you had an hour?”

“I also stopped by the educated youth office before coming home, so there’s not much time left.”

The educated youth office…

When Song Youyou heard those three words, she couldn’t help but glance at the man who looked a bit dusty from travel.

Did he rush back with the military vehicle because he heard what happened to her?

Seeing the concern in the little girl’s eyes made Gu Xiao’s heart feel like it had been dipped in honey.

“Were you scared by what happened today?” he asked softly as he walked up to her.

“Huh?” Song Youyou stared at him blankly. It took her a while to realize he was asking about the anonymous letter incident.

“I wasn’t scared,” she shook her head.

Seeing how obedient she looked, Gu Xiao felt a strange tickle in his heart.

He composed himself and turned to the family. “I need to get back to the unit’s assembly point now, but I have something to say to Youyou. We’ll head out first.”

As he spoke, he tugged gently on Song Youyou’s sleeve, signaling her to follow.

Before leaving, he even grabbed the small box with the jade bracelet.

Seeing how anxious he looked, Song Youyou thought he was really short on time, so she quickly said her goodbyes. “Grandpa Gu, Grandma Gu, Uncle Gu—we’ll be going first.”

But Gu Xiao didn’t head to the main road. Instead, he led Song Youyou into a small park nearby.

The park was shaded with trees, and it wasn’t hard to find a quiet, hidden spot for a couple.

“Didn’t you say you were in a rush to get back to the unit’s car? Why did you bring me here?”

“Because I missed you. I wanted to hug you.”