Chapter 30

This matter could be either big or small.

If someone reported it, those who should have been sent to the Cattle Shed for reeducation would be enjoying a comfortable life instead, and their position might even be at risk.

But in the past year, the atmosphere seemed to have shifted, and the Revolutionary Committee hadn’t been causing much of a stir. It seemed like there wouldn’t be any major issues.

Duan Shengfa was undecided.

Gu Qinghuan gave him a reassuring word: “Captain Duan, I won’t let you be troubled. I’ll make sure she stays hidden at home, not showing her face. No one will know.”

“Alright! You all be careful, and I’ll handle everything on my side.” Duan Shengfa said through gritted teeth.

“Then I really appreciate it.” Gu Qinghuan smiled and thanked him.

After sending off Gu Qinghuan, Duan Shengfa picked up the bag of Fuqiang flour on the table and left. He needed to go to the Branch Secretary’s house to take care of things, so that no one would be caught off guard later. If trouble came, they would all go down together.

–

Gu Qinghuan received the confirmation and, feeling happy, hurriedly rode her bicycle home.

When she was almost home, she took out the supplies she had prepared and tied them onto the bike.

The two children heard her knocking on the door and excitedly ran over to open it.

“Mom, you’re back.”

“Mom, why did you take so long to come back?”

Gu Qinghuan walked in while speaking: “I had a little something to take care of, came back late. You must be hungry. I brought you egg cakes, have a little snack first.”

She handed the egg cakes to the two children, then unloaded the items from the bike and brought them into the house.

“Mom, you eat too.” Bei Bei kindly pressed the egg cake to Gu Qinghuan’s mouth.

Gu Qinghuan took a symbolic small bite.

Da Bao quickly handed some over too: “Mom, eat.”

Gu Qinghuan fairly took another small bite, and only then did the two little ones happily start eating.

“I bought you two new outfits for the winter, come look.”

Gu Qinghuan placed the largest bundle on the kang in the east room. The new clothes for the three of them covered the entire kang, along with a ten-pound big quilt. The large floral quilt top looked very festive.

There were also cotton coats, cotton pants, woolen sweaters, woolen pants, autumn shirts and pants, wool socks, small underwear, and cotton shoes—everything one could need.

The two children were stunned, forgetting to eat the cakes in their hands. This was so much—everything was new, from top to bottom.

Moreover, the clothes were all very beautiful, in styles they had never seen before.

Bei Bei’s eyes were almost overflowing with excitement. She wanted to touch the new clothes but was afraid that the dirt on her hands might stain them.

“Mom, did you buy all of this for us? It’s so beautiful! I really like it!” Bei Bei openly expressed her affection and turned to lean against Gu Qinghuan’s chest.

“I’m glad you like it.” Gu Qinghuan patted her little mushroom-shaped head.

It was rare for Da Bao to be this happy. He had already noticed that it wasn’t just for them—Dad also had two sets.

This winter, they wouldn’t have to be afraid of the cold anymore.

But he hadn’t seen anything for Mom.

“Mom, did you only buy for us? Is it because you didn’t have enough money? We just need one set, you should buy something for yourself too.” Da Bao looked at Gu Qinghuan thoughtfully. Her old clothes didn’t look very presentable anymore.

Bei Bei also looked over anxiously, worried that Gu Qinghuan hadn’t bought anything for herself.

“My stuff is in the package outside. These are all for you two. Hurry up and finish your cakes, wash your hands, and try on the clothes to see if they fit.” Gu Qinghuan was slightly touched.

Although taking care of them was voluntary, meeting such understanding and adorable children still made her feel good.

The two children were reassured when they knew she also had something for herself. They happily rushed outside.

This was more like children should be.

The warm scene of the three was witnessed by Xu Huai’an. In the past few days, he had felt more at ease than ever before.

Knowing the children were well taken care of made him feel at peace. Even his previously volatile temper had settled down.

“Thank you, you’ve worked hard.” A slightly magnetic male voice sounded.

Gu Qinghuan was startled.

Gu Qinghuan hadn’t noticed earlier, but now she realized Xu Huai’an was awake.

“You’re awake? Perfect timing, these are for you and the two kids. Do you want to try them on?” Gu Qinghuan awkwardly scratched her hand.

“I won’t try them on, you’ve worked hard getting all this together.” Even the underwear and socks were included; she was very thoughtful.

To be honest, Xu Huai’an felt a sense of gratitude toward his parents. Though they had abandoned him, they had sent Gu Qinghuan. Her arrival had made his life better.

“By the way, I went to collect the condolence money today. It was 405 yuan in total. I bought some miscellaneous items, and plus all the things I got for you, it cost about a hundred and more.” Gu Qinghuan gave a rough estimate.

Xu Huai’an could tell that these items were carefully chosen and probably weren’t cheap, but the fact that she thought to prepare winter supplies for them was already very considerate.

“You don’t need to report to me. I’ve said it before—money at home is yours to manage freely.

How’s your mother doing? If there’s anything needed, don’t hesitate to use the money. You can also get them some winter supplies. Life in the Cattle Shed is tough, and the winter is hard to get through.”

Though Gu Qinghuan had her own money to spend, it still felt good to be trusted.

Even without him saying it, Gu Qinghuan would have arranged for everything. However, his generosity was something she hadn’t expected, and it made her feel happy.

So, when she spoke, there was a bit of sincerity in her voice.

“My mom was discharged today. Thank you. I just picked her up this afternoon, and I’ll arrange for the things that need to be done. It’s just…” Gu Qinghuan hesitated, trailing off.

“What’s wrong?” Xu Huai’an looked at her, confused.

Gu Qinghuan awkwardly said: “It’s just that my mom knows about this, and she’s a little worried. She wants to come and see.”

Xu Huai’an immediately understood.

Which mother wouldn’t be startled to hear that her daughter had married a man who couldn’t even take care of himself, a “madman”?

Gu Qinghuan’s family had once been a scholarly family, so it was probably very hard for her family to accept such a son-in-law.

He nervously licked his lips. “So, when is your mother coming over?”

Although they had an unconventional marriage, Xu Huai’an couldn’t help but feel anxious.

What if Gu Qinghuan’s mother saw him like this? Would she despise him?

What if she didn’t approve? What should he do then?

Should he let Gu Qinghuan go? That would be pitiful for the two children, who had just started to enjoy a few good days.

But what reason did he have to keep her? Their situation at home was like this.

Xu Huai’an’s thoughts spiraled.

“Well, when it gets darker, I’ll go pick her up. Her arm’s injured pretty badly, and I want her to stay at home for a while. I’ve arranged everything, so don’t worry.”

“By the way, I told her I married you willingly, so don’t let anything slip.”

“If anything I said offends you, please be patient with me.” Gu Qinghuan hurriedly added.

Xu Huai’an understood her meaning. Seeing that she wasn’t planning to leave, his heart calmed down a little.

If it were just him alone, he would rather die than drag anyone else into this. But there were still two pitiful children. He had promised their family that he would take good care of them, so he had no choice but to continue troubling Gu Qinghuan.

“I understand. Given my situation, it’s really too much trouble for you. No matter how angry my mother is, it’s to be expected. I’ll only be grateful, not upset with her.” Xu Huai’an said seriously.

Just as he finished speaking, the two children rushed in, trying on their clothes.

Gu Qinghuan had a good eye, and both children’s clothes fit well. They were a bit big, but there was still enough room for growth.

“My clothes are so pretty, and they’re new! So nice!” Bei Bei twirled around, admiring her new clothes.

“They fit so well, Mom, you’re amazing!” Da Bao showered her with praise.

The two little ones jumped around on the kang in their new clothes, and the whole room was filled with an atmosphere of happiness.

Xu Huai’an was also affected, and a rare smile appeared on his face.

Gu Qinghuan was a little stunned. He actually looked good when he smiled, with a kind of sickly beauty.

Without thinking, she said: “How about I loosen the rope on your upper body? You could sit up and try on your new clothes.”

With the spring water and medicine these past few days, his emotions had been unusually stable. Loosening the upper body should be fine, right?