Chapter 141: Chapter 141: Visiting Gu Yunchuan, Xia Shuhua’s Current Situation

Human emotions are truly the strangest thing, especially between parents and children. No matter how much they hurt each other, it seems there’s always something that can’t quite be let go.

Gu Yunchuan was by no means a good father—he’d made plenty of mistakes, even done some terrible things—but Lanting still remembered the good in him.

It’s like a child who’s been scolded and beaten countless times by their parents, yet still clings to their leg with a flattering smile.

She wasn’t the original owner of this body, so she felt nothing for Gu Yunchuan. But since Lanting wanted to see him off one last time, she decided to accompany him.

“Go ahead. Say your goodbyes. And bring him some things he might need in the northwest. Once he’s gone, it’ll be hard to see him again.”

Given the state he was in, there was really nothing left to hold against him.

Lanting nodded. “I understand.”

The siblings went their separate ways to prepare.

Gu Qinghuan dug out some of the original owner’s old bedding from her space. She’d bring that for him—it was the least she could do.

After all, he did give them life.

Lanting found a few of his old clothes and a big tea mug. He also secretly tucked some of his saved money into a pocket in the clothes.

That was all he could do for him.

With everything packed, the siblings went straight to the detention center to visit Gu Yunchuan.

Gu Yunchuan, disheveled and dirty, was sitting on the ground when he suddenly heard someone call out, “Gu Yunchuan, you have visitors! Get up!”

He thought to himself, Who could it be? Who would come see me at a time like this? Probably just here to laugh at my misfortune.

Looking back on his life, he realized he didn’t have a single true friend, not one person who’d go out on a limb for him. What a failure.

No, maybe he’d had them once, but he’d lost them himself.

When he saw the siblings, he was visibly surprised.

To be honest, after reflecting on his actions these past few days, he realized from their perspective, they must hate him to the core and probably wished he’d just die already. He never expected them to actually come see him, and he felt a complicated mix of emotions.

Awkwardly, he spat into his hand and tried to smooth his hair. His once-slicked hair was gone; now he just looked like any other old man.

“What are you doing here?” Gu Yunchuan sat down on the bench.

“Came to see how you ended up,” Lanting said stubbornly, face stiff.

Gu Yunchuan chuckled, not flying into a rage like he usually would at his son’s words.

Funny, isn’t it? At times like this, the mind is clearest.

Maybe all teenage boys are rebellious like this. Lanting had always been sharp-tongued, but deep down, he was a good kid.

Xia Shuhua would always use his words against him, saying Lanting didn’t care about his father, that he was wild and unruly.

So for years, father and son only ever argued and clashed, never seeing eye to eye.

But now, at this moment, Gu Yunchuan found himself remembering his son’s good points.

The boy had a good heart, not as ruthless as he was. Thank goodness neither of his children were as selfish as he was.

Like Zhong Zijun—so gentle and upright.

“Thank you for coming to see me. Lanting, listen to your sister from now on. Huanhuan, your man is a good one—live a good life with him.”

For once, Gu Yunchuan actually seemed like a real person. No wonder he’d managed to trick Zhong Zijun into marrying him back then.

Seeing him so pitiful now, both Gu Qinghuan and Lanting felt a pang of sympathy, but quickly suppressed it. This was his retribution.

“We don’t need your advice. I heard you’re leaving in a couple of days, so Lanting and I packed some old things for you to use out there.” Gu Qinghuan handed him the bundle, not wanting to say anything more.

Gu Yunchuan’s eyes reddened—a rare sight. They say a dying man’s words are kind.

At the darkest point in his life, the only ones to visit him were his own children—children he’d never treated well.

Seeing the bundle his daughter had prepared, he couldn’t hold back anymore and started to cry.

“Kids, I’m sorry! I’m sorry to you, to your mother, to everyone in the Zhong family.

I’m a bastard! I’m an animal!” he sobbed, slapping himself hard across the face.

Lanting was stunned, not knowing how to react.

He almost wished Gu Yunchuan would just curse at him like before—it would have been easier to take.

But seeing him so remorseful now, Lanting couldn’t even bring himself to say the harsh words he’d prepared.

The siblings just watched Gu Yunchuan’s performance, feeling nothing. If only he’d realized all this sooner, none of this would have happened. People always learn to cherish things only after they’ve lost them.

When Gu Yunchuan finally finished crying, he stopped.

“This is it. The mountains are high and the rivers long—take care of yourself.” This was goodbye, for life.

The siblings got up to leave.

“Huanhuan, tell your mother I’m sorry. I won’t get another chance to say it to her in this life.” He knew his chances of survival were slim.

The labor camps in the northwest were notorious for being harsh.

He’d let down so many people in his life, made so many mistakes.

But the one he owed most was Zhong Zijun. His selfishness had ruined her life.

Zhong Zijun was one of the few good things in his life—beautiful, kind-hearted, someone he could never measure up to. The better she was, the more unworthy he felt, and that bred inferiority and cowardice, which turned into dark thoughts.

If only he hadn’t done what he did back then—how different things might have been!

But “if only” doesn’t change anything.

Gu Qinghuan nodded. She would pass on the message, but she knew Zhong Zijun would never forgive him. Some things can’t be fixed with a simple “I’m sorry.”

Lanting turned back, a little embarrassed. “Behave yourself and try to come back early. I’m not going to the northwest to collect your body.”

He did hope Gu Yunchuan would survive and return, even if the chances were slim.

Maybe he could last two or three years, but ten? That was a stretch.

Gu Yunchuan kept crying, unable to stop.

“Kids, I’m sorry! Please don’t hate me, don’t hate me!”

When the siblings walked out, Lanting quietly wiped away his tears, and of course, Gu Qinghuan noticed.

This kid was all tough talk, but soft-hearted inside.

“He treated you so badly, and you’re still crying for him?”

“Who—who’s crying for him? I just got something in my eye.”

Alright then, teenage boys really are a handful.

But there was one thing that struck Gu Qinghuan as odd—Gu Yunchuan hadn’t mentioned Xia Shuhua or her son at all. Did he really believe Xia Shuhua had cheated on him and that the boy wasn’t his?

You had to admit, it was a fortunate misunderstanding. Back then, Xia Shuhua had said it just to spite him, but Gu Yunchuan took it seriously and really believed he’d been cuckolded, that the boy wasn’t his. He was so angry he couldn’t care less about someone else’s child.

Meanwhile, Xia Shuhua was in dire straits herself.

Although Gu Yunchuan hadn’t implicated her, so she’d dodged a bullet, she was now saddled with debt.

And things just kept getting worse.

First, there was all the ridicule and gossip from the people in the family compound, making her too ashamed to leave the house.

Then, the factory sent people to clear out her home and sell everything to pay off debts.

The TV, radio, bicycle, sofa, bed, wardrobe, her watch, gold necklace, bracelet—anything that could be sold was taken, leaving only a pile of old clothes.

Even so, she still owed the factory two or three thousand yuan.

Her home was empty—just her and a wailing child.

Her daughter Xia Chun had been taken back by her father. The Xia family was heartless—after all those years she’d supported them, the moment she was in trouble, her parents and brother cut ties and took her niece away.

She was left to face everything alone.

The child had been cared for by Xia Chun these past months, but now that she was gone, he cried all day, every day, never stopping.

Later, someone from the factory’s logistics department came to tell her she had three days to move out.

The house had been assigned to Gu Yunchuan by the factory. Now that he’d been fired for what he’d done, the house had to be reclaimed. There were plenty of workers waiting for housing.

Many people had their eye on Gu Yunchuan’s big house, and had complained to the factory that troublemakers shouldn’t get to keep a company house.

So the logistics people came knocking.

At this point, Xia Shuhua couldn’t care about her pride anymore. She sat on the ground, wailing and making a scene, insisting the house had been given to their family.

But the factory wouldn’t budge. They told her flatly: move out in three days, or don’t blame anyone if you get hurt when we come to clear you out.

With no options left, Xia Shuhua snuck out with her child to her daughter’s house, hoping she could help.

This was the first time she’d visited since Chen Zhaodi got married.

She hadn’t said much yet when her daughter burst into tears.

“Mom, what am I going to do? I just found out the Yun family has separated us out, and except for this apartment, they didn’t give us anything. We have to fend for ourselves.

Yun Nianzhou goes out every day looking for work, but nothing’s good enough for him. When he comes home, he just drinks and loses his temper.

Yesterday I told him to go ask his grandmother for money, or at least take any job he could find instead of being so picky.

He went crazy and almost hit me.

I thought I’d married into money, but it’s turned out like this—what bad luck!

What’s wrong with the Yun family? Nianzhou is their only heir. Why aren’t they helping him, or at least giving him a way forward? Why are they pushing us out?

Ever since the wedding, they haven’t given us a cent. Yun Nianzhou spends whatever he gets, so there’s no savings. These days, we’re living off what little I’d saved before. If this keeps up, we won’t even have enough to eat.”

Chen Zhaodi poured out her troubles to Xia Shuhua—partly to vent, partly to let her mother know not to expect any help, since she was in trouble herself.

Xia Shuhua thought over what Chen Zhaodi said and guessed the Yun family was trying to force her daughter to give up on her own.

“Ni’er, don’t get discouraged. I’ve heard that rich families raise their kids differently from us.

The Yun family must be trying to teach Nianzhou to be independent. Otherwise, how could he inherit the family business in the future?

Now, more than ever, you have to stay calm. Don’t let them scare you. Ordinary people would kill for a chance to marry into a family like that.

Sure, things are tough now, but at least you’ve made it through the door.

That incident at the wedding embarrassed the Yun family, so it’s no surprise they’re keeping their distance for now. Maybe they’re hoping you’ll give up and leave on your own. If you really do, you’ll be playing right into their hands.

You have to stick it out! Time will tell. As long as you support Nianzhou and get your life together, maybe have a child or two, the Yun family will come running back to welcome you.”"

"Chapter 142: Reassurance

Chen Zhaodi listened to Xia Shuhua’s analysis and found it made a lot of sense.

That old lady from the Yun family cared most about saving face, and she’d never been satisfied with Chen Zhaodi to begin with, thinking her background was too low.

After what happened at the wedding, the old lady hadn’t bothered with them at all. Just as her mother said, she was probably trying to squeeze Chen Zhaodi out so she could find a new wife for her grandson.

At the wedding, the Yun family wanted to save face, so at least they didn’t say anything about divorce. They must have been hoping she’d leave on her own, so the Yun family could keep a good reputation.

Thinking about it this way, everything made sense.

Yun Nianzhou went out drinking every day, wasting time, not looking for a job, and his attitude toward her was getting worse and worse. All these signs pointed to them trying to force her to give up on her own.

Sure enough, the older the wiser. If her mother hadn’t pointed this out, she might really have been unable to hold on.

“Mom, you’re right. I can’t give up now. I’m just one step away from the finish line. I have to stick it out.”

“It’s good that you’ve thought it through. Your job now is to take good care of Nianzhou and don’t argue with him. Try to get pregnant as soon as possible—ideally, have a son. If you can give them a grandson, the Yun family will welcome you back with open arms. When that happens, all the wealth and glory will be yours.”

Xia Shuhua painted a grand blueprint for her daughter, but really, she was also drawing a pie in the sky for herself.

She owed the factory so much money she couldn’t pay back, couldn’t run away, had no job, no house, and still had a little child to raise. She was just scraping by, counting the days.

Her only way out was her daughter. Things were tough now, but as long as her daughter could secure her place in the Yun family and have a child, a few thousand yuan would be nothing—they could easily help her pay off her debts.

By then, she could return to the comfortable life she once had.

Fortunes rise and fall, and she wasn’t about to give up now.

After their talk, both mother and daughter felt much better.

But Xia Shuhua’s problems still weren’t solved.

Chen Zhaodi didn’t have any money to help her pay off her debts, and Xia Shuhua wanted to move in with her daughter.

But Chen Zhaodi firmly refused.

“Mom, the Yun family already looks down on us. If you move in, what would that look like? Even if Nianzhou agreed, if his grandmother found out, she’d be even angrier. You’d better think of another way! What about the Xia family? Grandma and grandpa have taken plenty of money from you over the years, and you’ve often helped out Uncle’s family too. Now it’s time for them to help you. And if that doesn’t work, there’s still my dad’s side. You’ve given them twenty yuan a month for five years—now it’s their turn to give something back.”

Chen Zhaodi absolutely refused to take Xia Shuhua in. That would be a bottomless pit—why should she, as a daughter, be responsible for her mother’s entire life?

She completely forgot how she’d enjoyed the good life with Xia Shuhua all these years.

“Don’t even mention it. Your grandma and grandpa have always doted on your uncle and treated me like a tool—use me and toss me aside. Your uncle is even colder. The night after the wedding, he took Xia Chun away, afraid I’d take advantage of his family. If I hadn’t been taken away that day, he probably would’ve called Xia Chun back right then. Relying on them? I’d be better off begging on the street.”

Talking about her own family made Xia Shuhua angry. If her parents had been tougher and treated her better, she wouldn’t be in this situation.

“But you reminded me—your deadbeat dad has taken so much money from me, even got a job thanks to me. Now it’s his turn to pay me back. If it comes to it, I’ll just move into the Chen family’s place. I don’t believe he’d dare throw me out.”

In the past, she would have been embarrassed to do this, worried about too many things. But now, she couldn’t care less—she could barely survive, so what was the point of saving face?

The Chen family was her last straw.

At least her own son was there.

No sooner said than done, Xia Shuhua gave her daughter another pep talk, telling her to hang in there and not give up easily.

Then she took her son and went to the Chen family’s place in Mao’er Hutong.

Mao’er Hutong was as lively as ever, full of people everywhere.

She arrived right at rush hour, with crowds squeezing into the apartment building. Carrying her child, she almost lost a shoe in the crowd.

Finally, she made it to the Chen family’s door, looking as disheveled as could be, her child crying loudly.

Chen Fulai happened to be coming home from work and nearly bumped into her.

“Mom, what are you doing here? Bringing us living expenses?” Chen Fulai looked at her suspiciously. He remembered his sister had brought the living expenses just half a month ago!

The Chen family was out of the loop—they hadn’t attended the wedding, and Chen Zhaodi wouldn’t have told them about her own troubles, so they had no idea Gu Yunchuan had been arrested.

Xia Shuhua didn’t say anything, just kept a stern face.

Chen Fulai, as usual, respectfully invited the “God of Wealth” inside. After all, when he got married, he was counting on Xia Shuhua to buy him a bicycle, a watch, and a sewing machine.

Old Mrs. Chen was tidying up inside. When she saw Xia Shuhua, she was surprised—after all, Xia Shuhua used to visit dressed to the nines, dripping with jewelry.

But this time, she wasn’t even wearing earrings.

And it was the first time she’d brought the child.

As for the child, Old Mrs. Chen disliked him. When Xia Shuhua was pregnant, she’d secretly mocked her for having a child so late in life—what a joke.

To her, the child was proof of Xia Shuhua’s betrayal, an eyesore.

Xia Shuhua wasn’t there for small talk. She sat down and laid everything out.

When the three members of the Chen family heard why she was there, the quiet little room exploded.

What? Gu Yunchuan was arrested? No more living expenses?

Chen Fulai was especially devastated, unable to believe it.

Although the rumors about Wang Xiaowei had affected him a bit—people in the building were gossiping and no one was introducing him to girls anymore—it didn’t affect his prospects at work. People at the factory didn’t know about his family’s issues.

He’d just started seeing a girl from the logistics department, and she’d said she wanted the “three rounds and one sound” and “twenty-four legs” for the wedding.

He’d boasted he could provide all that. The family had some savings, and with his mom’s help, it wouldn’t be a problem.

Now, just when he was about to succeed, the money tree was gone!

Old Mrs. Chen and Chen Kuan weren’t as disappointed. In fact, they felt a strange sense of satisfaction, especially Chen Fulai’s father, Chen Kuan, who was lying in bed, secretly delighted.

That unfaithful woman dared betray him—now she was getting her comeuppance.

He was happy the money was gone too. Every time she came over, she acted so high and mighty. Now that she’d fallen on hard times, let’s see how she shows her face.

Old Mrs. Chen was happy too. For the sake of that twenty yuan a month, she’d put up with Xia Shuhua’s attitude for years. Now, finally, she could get her own back.

“Your man got arrested, so what are you doing here? Xia Shuhua, don’t forget—you were the one who did wrong first. Don’t think we’ll take you in again. Not a chance.” Old Mrs. Chen bluntly kicked her out."

"Chapter 143: Asking for Money

Chen Fulai shrank into the corner without saying a word. To him, a mother who no longer had any value was useless—why bother keeping her around?

Xia Shuhua had long known things would come to this, but now that it had really happened, she still felt a chill in her heart.

She didn’t care about the others, but Chen Fulai was her own son. She’d loved him for over ten years. Even after she remarried, the only reason she’d let the Chen family threaten her into giving them living expenses was so her son could have a better life.

She never imagined that once he found out she had no money left, he’d turn so cold and heartless.

Fine! Very well! He takes after her—how wonderful!

“You know perfectly well why I’m here. Over the past few years, I’ve spent at least a thousand yuan on your family.

Now I’m here to collect. You need to give me at least five hundred yuan—I know you have it.

If you don’t, I’ll go to the police and tell them that every cent I’ve given you over the years came from Gu Yunchuan’s embezzled funds, which should have been turned in. When that happens, you won’t get away with anything.

It’s up to you. I have all the time in the world to wait you out.” Xia Shuhua made it clear she wasn’t leaving until she got her money.

Old Lady Chen was so angry she pounded her chest and stomped her feet.

“You wicked woman! Where would our family get five hundred yuan? Chen Kuan needs medicine every month, and all our money is long gone. Now Fulai’s about to get married and we can’t even scrape together enough for that, and you come here to squeeze us for more.

You might as well let the police haul me off to a labor camp—because we just don’t have the money.”

Clearly, Old Lady Chen was playing the poverty card. She was the one who managed all the family’s money.

Her son Chen Kuan was disabled, but the factory had paid out a decent sum for his treatment.

Over the years, the family had managed to save more than 1,500 yuan. They’d spent 200 on Wang Xiaowei’s situation, leaving 1,300 yuan.

She’d planned to save that money for Chen Fulai’s wedding—there was no way she’d touch it.

Chen Fulai tried to persuade her too. “Mom, look at the state of our family—where are we supposed to get five hundred yuan for you?”

He actually knew about his grandmother’s savings, but that was the family’s last resort—they couldn’t touch it.

“I don’t care. If you really can’t give me the money, then sell this job and give me the money. I was the one who bought your father this job in the first place. It’s only fair that I take it back now!”

Xia Shuhua was determined to squeeze some money out of the Chen family today, no matter what—even her own son’s words were useless.

Old Lady Chen, enraged, slapped Xia Shuhua hard, leaving her stunned.

Lately, her luck had been so bad she’d even choke on water—was everyone taking turns hitting her now? That damned old woman.

“Xia Shuhua, you shameless vixen! Back then, no family wanted you, your son didn’t want you, but you insisted on running off with someone else. Now you’re back to ruin Fulai’s life? Don’t even think about it! As long as I’m alive, no one is touching Fulai’s job.” Old Lady Chen nearly spat a mouthful of phlegm in Xia Shuhua’s face.

Xia Shuhua was furious. She wanted to hit back, but with her son sleeping in her arms, she could only hold herself back.

After all these years, this old woman still wanted to bully her? No way!

“Old witch, you think being loud makes you right? Just wait—I’m going straight to the police station. If I have to, I’ll drag you all down with me.

All these years, your Chen family has bullied me to death. Fine, then—let’s all go down together!”

As for her son Chen Fulai, she might as well pretend she never gave birth to him. He was useless anyway.

“Mom, where are you going?” Chen Fulai called after her.

Xia Shuhua stormed out, holding her child tight and walking quickly. She was so angry she didn’t care about anything else—she just wanted to drag the Chen family down with her, even if it meant mutual destruction.

Seeing she was serious, Chen Fulai panicked and called out to Old Lady Chen, “Grandma, let’s just give her the money! At least we’ll still have half left, and I can keep my job. If we don’t, we’ll lose everything—not just the money, but my job too. How will I ever find a wife and support a family?”

Chen Kuan sighed and said to his mother, “Give it to her! Just make her promise never to come back. Fulai has nothing to do with her anymore.”

Only then did Old Lady Chen relent. “You’re all cowards! Fine, I’ll get the money. Go bring her back.”

Chen Fulai finally caught up with Xia Shuhua and managed to persuade her to return.

The moment Xia Shuhua walked out the door, she regretted her outburst—she should have waited a bit longer. Luckily, her gamble paid off, and Chen Fulai had chased after her.

Old Lady Chen handed her the money, but demanded she write a guarantee: from now on, she would sever all ties with Chen Fulai, never have anything to do with the Chen family again, and that nothing in the Chen family would have anything to do with her.

Xia Shuhua agreed immediately. With Chen Fulai spoiled by his grandmother like this, who knew who would end up supporting whom in the future? If she had to rely on him, she’d never have a good life.

Sometimes, you just can’t pin all your hopes on others—you’ll only end up disappointed. Only what you have yourself is truly yours.

She wrote the guarantee, took the five hundred yuan, and left the Chen family.

With this money, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

She found a place to live with her child, somewhere close to her daughter.

But before she could even warm the money in her hands, Chen Zhaodi came by every few days to borrow some. For the sake of a better future, she could only grit her teeth and hand it over.

But that’s a story for another time.

—

Gu Qinghuan and Xu Huai’an arrived at their appointment on time.

Since it was her first time meeting Xu Huai’an’s superior, Gu Qinghuan had to prepare some gifts.

She went with the usual: specialties from the Northeast—hazelnuts, pine nuts, and other dried fruits she’d harvested from her space, all very good for one’s health.

She also brought a few boxes of tea, since most middle-aged and elderly people were fond of tea.

And some health supplements as well—that should be enough.

Not long after they arrived at Quanjude, Tang Zhenye showed up in plain clothes, accompanied by a young orderly.

The four of them found a private room, ordered a roast duck and a few other dishes, and sat down to chat."

"Chapter 144: The Old Commander and Xu Huai’an’s Past

“I saw you two coming out of the Revolutionary Committee this morning. Was something going on?” Tang Zhenye, a former scout, had a keen eye for observation.

He hadn’t missed the dejected expressions on their faces as they left earlier that morning.

These days, anything involving the Revolutionary Committee was rarely good news, which was why Tang Zhenye asked.

Gu Qinghuan glanced at Xu Huai’an, unsure whether she should say anything. After all, it wasn’t exactly a good thing.

Xu Huai’an didn’t shy away. He lowered his voice and briefly mentioned the situation with Zhong Luoning, making it clear he was on Zhong Luoning’s side.

Tang Zhenye fell silent, lost in thought. He was never one to follow the crowd or jump to conclusions. Even when Xu Huai’an spoke, he wouldn’t believe it right away—after all, without investigation, there’s no right to speak.

Just then, the dishes arrived, and Gu Qinghuan quickly called everyone to eat.

The topic wasn’t brought up again after that.

During the meal, aside from some small talk, the old commander asked about Xu Huai’an’s recovery.

It was only today that he learned the son of an old comrade of his had developed a mental illness similar to Xu Huai’an’s after the war.

In just half a year, the young man had become a shadow of his former self, needing to be restrained at home to prevent him from hurting others or running wild. Sometimes, he didn’t even recognize his own family.

From what the old commander knew, Xu Huai’an’s illness had lasted even longer, yet he seemed no different from a healthy person now.

So, he specifically asked Xu Huai’an about his treatment, hoping it might help his old comrade and that poor child.

In fact, such cases had already begun to appear in the army, though they were rare and couldn’t be generalized.

Most soldiers who developed mental health issues were forced to retire, though the army would provide some financial support.

What happened to them afterward was anyone’s guess.

Xu Huai’an was the only one he knew who had actively cooperated with treatment and shown significant improvement.

Xu Huai’an told the old commander the entire course of his illness, hoping that, as someone who had also suffered, his experience might help others.

His rapid recovery was thanks to Gu Qinghuan’s spiritual spring water and medicine, as well as her devoted care and the warmth of family.

But of course, they couldn’t tell the old commander the truth. People are selfish by nature, and Gu Qinghuan couldn’t risk everything on human decency.

What if she gave them the medicine or the spring water, and someone discovered its secret? What if Gu Qinghuan ended up being taken away for research?

When the old commander learned that Xu Huai’an had once been bedridden and completely dependent for a whole year, nearly giving up on life, his eyes immediately reddened, tears welling up in his cloudy gaze.

“Huai’an, you’ve suffered. I’m sorry—I didn’t know what you were going through.”

Xu Huai’an spoke lightly, but the truth was even more painful than he let on. He’d never been one to complain, so he only gave a brief account of his ordeal.

He focused on describing Gu Qinghuan’s role in his treatment.

“Commander, you have so much on your plate. My troubles are nothing.” Time had passed, and he’d already forgotten those agonizing days and nights—now, he only remembered happiness.

For the first time, the old commander looked at Gu Qinghuan seriously. He stood up and gave her a formal military salute.

“What are you doing, sir? Please, you mustn’t!” Gu Qinghuan was so startled she didn’t know what to do with her hands and feet. What was going on? She thought about returning the salute, but was afraid she’d do it wrong and make things even more awkward, so she just stood there, flustered.

Luckily, it only lasted a moment.

“Comrade Gu, as Huai’an’s former commander, I want to express my heartfelt thanks. Thank you for choosing him and caring for him when he needed it most.

You’ve worked hard!

Even though Huai’an only mentioned a few things, it’s not hard to imagine how difficult it must have been for you to choose him under those circumstances, to hold your little family together and care for him so attentively.

The Chairman once said, ‘Women hold up half the sky.’ Young comrade, you’ve truly shown me the strength and greatness of women.”

Driver Xiao Liu, standing nearby, quietly wiped away a tear.

No wonder he was a leader—just a few words, and even Gu Qinghuan was moved by herself.

It was all fate, really. If the original Gu Qinghuan hadn’t sold herself to the Xu family for a hundred yuan, she wouldn’t have ended up with such a mess to deal with. But fortunately, everything had turned out well.

“Commander, you flatter me. We’re just a small example of thousands of military families—nothing special.

I’ve admired soldiers since I was a child. When I learned about Huai’an’s situation, I was willing to marry him without hesitation and take care of him.

From the day I married him, I told myself: the medals he earned at the cost of his health—I’ll protect them for him!

Doing something for him doesn’t feel hard at all.” Out in the world, your identity is what you make it. Gu Qinghuan said all this without the slightest embarrassment.

Her words made Tang Zhenye and Xiao Liu even more respectful. This young comrade had real conviction!

If all military wives were like her, the home front would be rock solid.

Xu Huai’an looked at the radiant Gu Qinghuan, his heart full of warmth. She was his light.

From the day she appeared, his world had become bright and full of hope.

After that, they ate and chatted, the atmosphere much warmer than before.

Gu Qinghuan, who had been a little reserved at first, relaxed and joined the conversation, emphasizing her psychological approach to treatment, hoping to offer more hope to others.

Her so-called psychological therapy was really about companionship, attentive care, understanding, and respecting the patient.

Without medication, the support and presence of family became even more important.

The old commander thought this made a lot of sense.

Learning that Xu Huai’an was now receiving treatment at Beijing Hospital, he planned to recommend the psychologist to his old comrade as well, hoping it would help.

After the meal, Xu Huai’an went to pay, only to be told the old commander had already settled the bill.

“I said I’d treat you today—don’t argue.

Huai’an, seeing you doing well now, I can finally relax. If you really recover, I hope you’ll consider coming back. I’ve always believed you were born to be a soldier.

No matter how long it takes, as long as I’m here, there will always be a place for you. That promise will never change.”

Xu Huai’an’s eyes reddened with emotion. Real men don’t cry easily—unless they’re truly moved.

The old commander had discovered and nurtured him, breaking the rules for him more than once. Xu Huai’an would never forget that kindness.

The two men’s final farewell ended with a military salute.

Xu Huai’an and Gu Qinghuan didn’t take a car home; they walked. The night air on the street was tinged with a faint sense of intoxication.

“The old commander is one of the few people who’s ever shown me warmth. I joined the army young, and like many young men, I was stubborn and liked to stand out. Once, during a big military competition, I nearly got into a fight with a superior and ruined my future. The old commander happened to show up and resolved the conflict with just a few words.

Later, he thought I had potential and even found me a mentor. He helped me a lot…” Xu Huai’an’s voice was gentle, and Gu Qinghuan was so drawn in by his story that she didn’t even realize when they started holding hands.

When she did, she tried to pull away, but Xu Huai’an only held her tighter.

Maybe it was the night that made people’s defenses soften, or maybe, after learning his story, she couldn’t bear to refuse him. In any case, Gu Qinghuan didn’t pull away again, and the two of them walked home hand in hand."

"Chapter 145: Tang Zhenye’s Good Intentions, Making the Newspaper