Chapter 30 No Sentiment, Only Respect

He called home to ask about Gu Congshuang. No one answered.

Ye Bei’s mother, Wang Miaoxue, answered, “I just heard…”

“Heard what?”

Wang Miaoxue felt a pang of guilt. The previous divorce had left a deep scar. Now, she heard that Gu Qinshan was hospitalized after being attacked by debt collectors.

Wang Miaoxue told Ye Bei everything. Ye Bei was relieved that Gu Congshuang was fine.

Regarding Gu Qinshan, he said, “Mom, please visit them. I believe Congshuang will repay the debt. If not, I can lend them some of my salary.”

“No! Your salary isn’t enough. I have some retirement savings; I’ll give them some.”

“No, this is my problem. Don’t interfere or distrust Congshuang.”

Wang Miaoxue was jealous. Even now, he was defending Gu Congshuang.

He clearly cared deeply for her.

“Don’t worry, your father is here. They’re urging you; hang up.”

Ye Bei hung up, met with angry glares from his waiting officers. He bowed his head and said,

“Sorry, guys. I’ll treat you all to cigarettes later.”

He didn’t smoke, but many in the army did; it was a gesture of camaraderie.

He returned to his barracks.

As they approached their destination, the pre-battle atmosphere intensified.

Morale was affected; cigarettes weren’t the solution.

Everyone wanted to call their families.

Ye Bei returned to his dorm and wrote a letter.

He’d written many, but mail delivery was slow.

Still, he wrote one every day.

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Gu Qinshan was cursing in his hospital bed, his face stiff and comical.

“Dad, stop talking and rest; your face will freeze.”

Gu Qinshan, unable to frown, pointed outside, “Get out!”

“Go home, don’t cause trouble.”

Gu Congli wanted to leave. He hated the hospital’s smells and patients.

But he was afraid to go home; the debt collectors had vandalized their house. The whole city was laughing at them.

His uncle, Gu Qinhai, arrived with a basket of fruit and other family members.

Gu Qinshan’s face darkened. He felt humiliated; the whole factory knew about his toilet-cleaning job, and now the whole city did.

His brother seemed to be visiting but was actually mocking him. He wanted to hide under the covers but had to maintain appearances.

He said, “Brother, I have facial paralysis; I can’t smile. I appreciate your visit, but please leave.”

“I can’t rest easy until you’re discharged. I bought you some apples; they cost a lot.”

No sentiment, only respect.

“Thank you, brother.”

“Don’t mention it. I heard you owe 3000 yuan.”

“Don’t mention it. Brother, can you lend me 3000 yuan?”

Gu Qinshan wanted him to leave, hoping he’d lend him the money, but he knew his brother wouldn’t.

His brother said, “The apples cost a lot; we don’t have much money. Otherwise, I’d pay it for you.”

Gu Qinshan, if he could frown, would have rolled his eyes.

Gu Congbing watched Gu Congshuang, who was now the center of attention.

She heard the Ye family was unhappy.

She was pleased; her plan hadn’t started yet, and Gu Congshuang was already facing trouble.

She was happy to watch them fight.

Gu Congshuang，despite owing 3000 yuan, remained calm.

Gu Congbing wondered if the Ye family had paid her debt.

Even if they did, the Gu family’s reputation was ruined.

Their marriage was uncertain. This was a stroke of luck for her.

A commotion erupted in the hospital.

Three thugs swaggered to Gu Qinshan’s bed.

The ward was crowded; adding three thugs made it unbearable.

The leader, Chen Shan, was sent by Sister Luo.

“The contract states that debts must be repaid. Pay within a month, or we’ll use force.” Chen Shan showed the contract.

Gu Qinshan wanted to tear up the contract.

He regretted his greed. He didn’t know Director Mo.

He didn’t know anyone named Mo.

He’d spent his savings raising his children. He could only pay 1500 yuan, his retirement money.

“Don’t bully us. We have connections with the Ye family. We’ve hired a lawyer. If you vandalize again, we’ll call the police!”

Chen Shan sneered, “I’m just following orders. Pay half now, or I’ll come back every day.”

“It’s 3000 yuan. I’ll pay.”

A woman stood at the door.

Gu Congshuang looked up; it was Ye Bei’s mother, Wang Miaoxue.