Chapter 40.2

At night, with the scent of apples filling the air, Guan Yue fell asleep, dreaming of picking apples.

The next morning, around nine o’clock, Wang Ze and Gu Ci arrived by car. They saw a row of crates leaning against the wall inside the main house, each filled with vegetables.

“Damn, there are apples too.”

Gu Ci grabbed one, took a big bite, and found it crisp, sweet, and fresh. “This is unbelievably delicious.”

Wang Ze, being more observant, said: “Look at the apple stem.”

The apple stem was still green, just like it had been freshly picked from the tree. With such freshness, how could it not taste great?

Wang Ze took one for himself and ate it, amazed. He’d never had such a good apple before. With a few satisfying crunches, he finished it quickly.

Wang Ze glanced at the crates on the floor. “Let’s split it in half. Two baskets of apples—one for each of us.”

Gu Ci said: “No, my parents want to give some away. Half a basket for you is already generous enough. Don’t be too shameless, taking free food!”

Wang Ze retorted: “Why give away such good apples? Giving them to others might cause trouble. It’s better to just eat them at home.”

The two of them argued for a while, and in the end, they agreed to split the apples evenly.

As for the vegetables, the Wang family was larger, so the Gu family took a bit more of the vegetables that could be stored. The Wang family took more of the leafy greens.

Wang Ze’s car was filled with vegetables and fruits. He was delighted and said to Gu Sui and Guan Yue: “Thanks a lot! When you get married next year, I’ll definitely bring you a big gift.”

Gu Ci, irritated, kicked him. “Without me, would you even be able to eat the good things they bought?”

“Haha, what are brothers for? If I tried to pay you, you’d definitely refuse. Let’s go, I’ll drop off your veggies at home first.”

Gu Ci turned around and told Gu Sui and Guan Yue: “Pack up, and we’ll have lunch at home. We’ll leave in the afternoon.”

Wang Ze added: “I’ll drive you to the station this afternoon.”

Gu Ci jumped into the passenger seat, and the two of them hurriedly came and just as quickly left.

Guan Yue said: “There are still a dozen apples on the apple tree in my room.”

Gu Sui replied: “Pick them all and take them to eat on the road.”

“Alright then.”

Neither Gu Ci nor Guan Yue waited until noon. After tidying up the yard, they grabbed their packed luggage and headed to the family compound.

As soon as they arrived, Zhang Limin hurried over. “How much did you two spend in total?”

Gu Sui replied: “Mom, these vegetables are hard to find. We’re lucky to even get them. We’re not short on money, just take them and enjoy them, don’t ask.”

Zhang Limin scolded: “You two children, you’ve never been through tough times. You don’t take money seriously. Fine, I won’t say anything more.”

Gu Ci came out of the house, carrying his packed luggage, and tossed it onto the sofa. “We’re leaving this afternoon. Stop talking, hurry up and make us something delicious. If you want to eat Mom’s cooking again, you’ll have to wait until next year.”

With her sons at home these past few days, Zhang Limin had been in high spirits, but now that both sons and daughters-in-law were leaving, she felt a bit downhearted.

Gu Sui put his arm around his mom’s shoulders. “I’ll help you cook.”

Gu Ci, with nothing else to do, also went over to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Gu Jingde, who had been silent up until now, asked Guan Yue: “Could you check my pulse?”

Guan Yue smiled. “I was just about to suggest that.”

Gu Sui’s parents were in good health, so Gu Sui didn’t have to worry much. It seemed like Gu Sui’s father thought the same way.

Gu Jingde, being a doctor himself, had always been careful about his health and felt that his body was in excellent condition.

After Guan Yue checked his pulse, she smiled and said: “Uncle, your health is indeed very good.”

Gu Jingde responded: “When Aunt is free, you should check hers as well.”

Guan Yue nodded. “Of course.”

At Wang Ze’s house, when his parents saw him come back with a carload of vegetables and fruits, their eyes nearly popped out.

“Where did you get all this from?”

“Why didn’t you wait until evening to bring it back? What if the neighbors see?”

“Don’t talk, quickly move it inside and hide it.”

Wang Ze’s grandpa and dad held prominent positions, and their family lived in a separate two-story house. However, since they were still within the large compound, it would be troublesome if others found out.

Before anything bad happened, no one could be sure which close friends might end up reporting you.

Wang Ze’s family consisted of six people: his grandpa, grandma, parents, and himself and his older brother. Both brothers were unmarried and there were no children in the house, so they didn’t have to worry too much about accidentally leaking information.

The whole family quickly moved the items into the storage room behind the kitchen to hide them.

Only then did Wang Ze’s older brother ask: “Did the Gu family bring this?”

Wang Ze nodded. “It was Gu Sui, Gu Ci’s younger brother. Did you see that apple earlier? The stem is still green, I don’t know where they got it from.”

“Didn’t they tell you?”

“No, maybe it’s inconvenient to mention. Otherwise, with my relationship with Gu Ci, there’s no way they wouldn’t tell me. This time, what we got, we’ll split between our two families.”

“The Gu family’s good people, they’re all reliable. We should keep in touch more in the future.”

Wang Ze and Gu Ci had a good relationship. When the Gu family went through a tough time in the past, Wang Ze’s family had helped a lot.

Wang Ze’s mom took three apples, washed and sliced them, and brought them out. “Come, try these.”

The family took a bite, and the apples were crisp and sweet—so sweet that they’d never tasted anything like it before.

Wang Ze’s grandpa, who usually didn’t like fruit, actually liked this apple. “I’ve never had an apple with such a strong apple flavor.”

The family burst into laughter.

After eating his piece, Wang Ze’s older brother said: “The Gu family’s not only reliable, they’re all capable people. Don’t even get me started on Gu Ci and Gu Sui. And Gu Sui, now that he’s found a wife, he’s no one to be underestimated.”

Wang Ze’s mom said: “A couple of years ago, I heard that Gu Sui found an orphan girl in the village where he was sent. The Wang family’s daughter followed him, but was sent back after a fight.”

Wang Ze sneered: “They’re talking nonsense. That girl from the Wang family is no good. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been sent in so quickly.”

Wang Ze’s older brother said: “Gu Sui’s fiancée is no ordinary person, and her medical skills are exceptional. Calling her a ‘miracle doctor’ wouldn’t be an exaggeration. The year before last, the Southwest Military District had her build a sanatorium. Later, a few other military districts got involved, and we helped too. The courtyard Guan Yue lives in now was a gift from our military district.”

“Guan Yue is that impressive?”

“Yes, very impressive. This morning, she was even received by two top officials.”

Wang Ze added: “She also has strong connections with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The person who came to pick her up today was a director from the Ministry. He’s risen to prominence in the past two years, mainly because he brought in many production lines and supplies.”

Wang Ze’s mom was stunned. “A doctor, and her connections are so wide?”

Wang Ze’s dad said: “A regular doctor wouldn’t have such a wide network, but a miracle doctor is a different story.”

Wang Ze’s dad, still in office, knew some of the behind-the-scenes details. Many of the changes in the Southwest Military District this year were largely tied to Guan Yue’s influence.

Wang Ze said: “Gu Ci said Gu Sui and Guan Yue are going to get their marriage certificate when they get back and have the wedding on New Year’s Day next year.”

“Then you should take some time off and go.”

Wang Ze nodded. Whether out of friendship or for business reasons, his connection with the Gu family couldn’t be severed.

---

In the afternoon, after lunch, Wang Ze drove to take Gu Ci and the others to the train station.

The car pulled up at the entrance of the station, and Wang Ze said: “I heard from Gu Ci that the sanatorium called?”

He was speaking to Gu Sui.

Gu Sui nodded. “They got through.”

Wang Ze said: “Then give me a phone number. If anything comes up and I can’t reach your brother, I can contact you.”

Gu Ci gave Wang Ze a light shove. “You should give Gu Sui your number too.”

Wang Ze said: “Don’t you have one already? Just give him yours.”

“I didn’t bring the notebook with the phone numbers. How am I supposed to give it to him? Should I write him a letter when I get to Qingchuan and mail it?”

Wang Ze replied: “Look at you, why are you being so harsh?”

Wang Ze found a piece of paper and a pen in the car, wrote down his home phone number for Gu Sui, and Gu Sui also gave him the number for the sanatorium.

Wang Ze said: “Stay in touch if anything comes up.”

Gu Sui smiled and said: “Sure, Wang Ge, see you next time.”

Wang Ze nodded: “You all go on in. I’ll just drop you off at the entrance.”

Gu Ci gave Wang Ze a pat on the shoulder. “We’re off!”

Once they were in the car, Gu Ci said to Gu Sui: “The Wang family is eager to build a good relationship.”

Gu Sui nodded.

Gu Ci and Wang Ze had known each other for many years, but Wang Ze had only ever interacted with Gu Ci.

Today, however, he had suddenly asked for the sanatorium’s number, which meant he was putting him in a favorable light.

Gu Ci glanced at Guan Yue and said to Gu Sui: “You haven’t even gotten married yet, and you’re already benefiting from Guan Yue’s connections.”

Gu Sui laughed, understanding what his brother meant.

He had been a doctor before, and was still one now. People hadn’t paid him much attention back then, but now they were actively trying to build a good relationship with him. The reason, he knew, could only be Guan Yue.

Guan Yue, sitting on the lower bunk, was drinking water, completely uninterested in their conversation.

Gu Ci said: “Don’t overthink it, don’t let it get to you. Even if you don’t associate with him, just because you’re my brother, if something really happens, he won’t ignore you when he can help.”

“I know.”

“Just go lie down on the bed, it’s too cold out here.”

“It won’t be cold in a few days, when the train reaches the south.”

The train was heading southwest from Beijing, and there were very few people on board. By the time they were close to their destination, no one else had boarded their car.

At this station, Gu Ci was going to get off the train early and head to Qingchuan. He stuffed the remaining six apples into his brother’s bag. “If something comes up, call the sanatorium.”

“I know.”

Guan Yue pulled out a wooden box from somewhere and handed it to Gu Ci. “Take this.”

Gu Ci took the box, shook it, and immediately knew what was inside.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

Guan Yue’s space stored quite a few medicines. When they left Beijing, they had given some to Uncle and Aunt, and the rest were kept for Gu Ci.

Gu Ci got off the train, and the train rumbled to life again.

There were still two or three hours until they reached Qing County. Guan Yue couldn’t fall asleep anymore, so she climbed down from the upper bunk.

From north to south, the view outside the window changed from icy snowfields to lush forests.

Gu Sui said: “In a few more spring rains, wild vegetables will start sprouting.”

Gu Sui had grown up in the north, and had only moved to the south a few years ago. Now, he was quite familiar with the seasonal changes of the south. Compared to the harshness of the north, he preferred the mildness of the south.

Guan Yue leaned on his shoulder. “We’ll have lunch at Uncle Cai’s place and then head back.”

Gu Sui replied: “Mom and Dad prepared quite a few Beijing specialties. Before we get off the train, we should set aside some for Uncle Cai.”

“Divide it into four portions, keep some for ourselves, and the rest we’ll give to Xiao Ma and the others, and also set some aside for Li Tao.”

Gu Sui ran his fingers through her messy hair. “We’ll give it to Li Tao tomorrow, and also ask Captain Zhou for a recommendation letter. The day after tomorrow, we’ll go and get our marriage certificate.”

“The day after tomorrow?” Guan Yue suddenly sat up.

“What’s wrong with the day after tomorrow?”

Guan Yue pouted: “Let’s wait two more days. I want to rest for a couple of days before going into the city. I’m so tired!”

“Then when do you think would be good?”

Guan Yue counted on her fingers. “How about a few days later, for the Lantern Festival?”

“Okay, as you wish.”

Guan Yue smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re so good.”

“Sit properly, the train car doesn’t have a door, people can see us.”

“No, I want to hug you.”

Gu Sui curled the corner of his lips. “Alright, just a little longer.”

“Mm.”

---

After a while, the train would arrive at Qing County, and those who were getting off began packing up their things in advance.

When Gu Sui and Guan Yue went to Beijing, they had two big bags of stuff, and now, on the way back, they still had two big bags. At the previous station, Gu Ci had gotten off, and Guan Yue had stuffed the heavier luggage into her jade pendant space. Gu Sui was holding the New Year gifts for Uncle Cai’s family, along with a set of spare clothes for the two of them.

Once they got off the train, Guan Yue led the way. “Hurry up, or Aunt Cai will have lunch ready before we get there.”

“Don’t worry, even if there’s not enough food, Aunt Cai won’t let you go hungry.”

They were walking quickly, and on the herbal medicine street, they ran into Cai Guofu, who had just gotten off work.

“Guan Yue, you’re back from Beijing?”

“Yes, Uncle Cai, happy New Year.”

Cai Guofu laughed heartily. “Happy New Year! You’re back early. Are you leaving right after the holiday?”

“We’re leaving on the third day of the New Year.”

“That’s too early. Gu Sui, aren’t you staying a bit longer with your parents?”

Gu Sui replied: “My dad starts work again on the third day. We decided to leave early. They’re planning to visit Qingxi Village for New Year’s Day next year, and we’ll make sure they stay a bit longer then.”

“Your parents are coming to Qingxi Village?”

Gu Sui smiled and said: “Yes, Guan Yue and I decided to get married, and we’re having the wedding on New Year’s Day.”

“Congratulations, congratulations! Aunt Cai was just saying how perfect you two are for each other. Guan Yue, have you told your teacher about the wedding?”

“No, we only decided in Beijing, but I’ll write to him once I get back.”

“Hahaha, your teacher must be worried about you. He probably won’t wait until New Year’s Day—he might come as soon as he hears the news.”

Aunt Cai was also happy to see Guan Yue. Since there was no meat at home, she had specifically asked Cai Zhimin to go to the People’s Restaurant to buy a meat dish for lunch.

Guan Yue was tired and wanted to rest at home, so after lunch, she didn’t stay long. She gave the prepared Beijing specialties to Uncle Cai’s family and then left.