Chapter 29: Chapter 29: A Well-Intentioned Lie

Gu Qinghuan’s acting was superb. With her own efforts, she managed to turn what should have been a heart-wrenching scene into a family intervention.

Zhong Zijun’s attention was diverted to her daughter’s marriage, and she no longer fixated on the money.

Gu Qinghuan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Although Zhong Zijun was barely convinced, the two elders weren’t fools. They saw through it all and understood that this child was only trying to comfort her mother.

Their hearts ached, shattered into pieces.

But still, they forced themselves not to expose Gu Qinghuan’s lie. After all, this was a dilemma with no easy way out—no matter what choice was made, someone would have to make a sacrifice. Just as Gu Qinghuan said, this was already the best possible outcome.

After that, Zhong Zijun and Cheng Shuying kept asking her about Xu Huai’an’s family background.

Gu Qinghuan certainly wasn’t going to cover for Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang. She could only tell them the truth.

When they learned that their new son-in-law had such heartless and bizarre parents, everyone was stunned.

Luckily, he had the sense to keep something back for himself. Otherwise, there really would have been no way forward.

When Zhong Zijun heard that her daughter had accepted a 100-yuan bride price from that family, she immediately realized where the 100 yuan for her medical treatment had come from.

At the time, she’d wondered who in this poor, remote village could be so generous as to lend them 100 yuan. She never imagined it was...

Zhong Zijun’s heart ached so much she could hardly breathe. She bit her lip hard, letting her tears fall in big, heavy drops.

Thinking back on everything her daughter had just said, all the hints and explanations, there was nothing left she didn’t understand.

Her daughter had done all this just to put her mind at ease!

All that talk about admiration and falling for a good man—none of it was real. It was just to help her accept the money for her treatment, money that her beloved daughter had traded her whole future for.

How heavy that 100 yuan was—it crushed the backs of everyone in the family, yet her daughter bore it all on her own slender shoulders.

She’d worried that her daughter would go astray or misjudge people, but in truth, Qinghuan was more clear-headed than anyone. She’d only done this out of necessity, for her mother’s sake.

She knew she couldn’t stubbornly refuse her daughter’s arrangements anymore, nor could she let down everything her daughter had done for her.

Suddenly, Zhong Zijun pulled her daughter into a tight embrace, holding her close just like when she was a child, gently stroking her back.

“Qinghuan, my child, you… you’ve suffered so much.” Of all the things she wanted to say, only this came out.

Her tears fell like broken pearls, one after another, onto Gu Qinghuan’s shoulder—and into her heart.

Gu Qinghuan was crying just as hard, clinging tightly to her mother.

It was as if, after weathering countless storms, mother and daughter were finally reunited, crying their hearts out in each other’s arms.

She could feel, in that moment, the original soul’s consciousness guiding her, as if saying a final farewell to her mother.

You must be satisfied with how things turned out, right? Don’t worry, I’ll take care of your family.

I hope you find happiness in your next life.

In the end, Zhong Zijun chose not to expose Gu Qinghuan’s lie, but to accept it painfully. This was her daughter’s pure, selfless love.

Still, the matter of that 100 yuan took root deep in her heart, becoming a demon she could never shake. From then on, she became obsessed with making money.

Many years later, she became a well-known entrepreneur. When someone interviewed her and asked why she worked so tirelessly, earning the nickname “She-Devil Boss” from her employees, she replied:

“There’s no other reason—just so that when money is needed, I’ll have it.”

—

The love between mother and daughter is truly miraculous. It gives people endless strength.

Gu Qinghuan composed herself, wiped away her tears, and glanced outside the cowshed. It was almost dark.

Thinking of the two little ones at home, still waiting anxiously for her, she had to say her goodbyes.

“Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, it’s getting late—I need to hurry back. There are still three people at home waiting for dinner!”

“Three people?” Grandma exclaimed in surprise.

Gu Qinghuan scratched her head awkwardly, only then realizing she’d forgotten to mention the two children.

There was already a mentally ill person at home who couldn’t take care of himself. If she added two more burdens, she was afraid they wouldn’t be able to accept it, so she’d instinctively kept quiet about it before.

“Uh, didn’t I say? Haha, well, there are two kids at his house—a boy and a girl, one is six and the other is four.

The villagers say they were brought in from outside, probably adopted.”

Gu Qinghuan had observed carefully—neither child looked anything like Xu Huai’an. Liu Guifang often called them “bastards,” so it was likely they weren’t his biological children.

Given his background, they were probably adopted or the orphans of fallen comrades.

The three elders, who had just calmed down, were startled all over again. Two more kids?

It wasn’t that they minded, but this meant Gu Qinghuan’s life would be even harder—she’d have to care for three people on her own.

A mother’s heart always aches for her child. As soon as Zhong Zijun heard this, she couldn’t sit still.

“You always tell us the good news and hide the bad. What else are you keeping from us? I can’t rest easy! I have to go back with you today and see for myself.” She wouldn’t be reassured until she saw it with her own eyes.

Zhong Weiqian and Cheng Shuying agreed. If they weren’t worried that the whole family going over would draw attention and cause trouble, they’d want to go too.

This granddaughter of theirs was just too resourceful—their hearts had already been on a rollercoaster all day.

Gu Qinghuan thought of the chaos at home and Xu Huai’an’s condition. It really wasn’t convenient, so she wanted to refuse.

But Zhong Zijun insisted, so she had no choice but to compromise and agree to take her back for a look.

But it was still early, and they could easily be seen. Gu Qinghuan decided to go home first, tidy up, and then sneak back to pick up Zhong Zijun after dark.

Since they were going to do this, they might as well be bold and let her secretly recuperate there for a while. Her mother’s injured arm needed proper care,

and the cowshed clearly wasn’t suitable. Zhong Zijun would definitely insist on helping with chores.

Nutrition was another big issue—she would never spend money on good food for herself.

After discussing it, everyone except Zhong Zijun herself agreed that she should secretly stay at Gu Qinghuan’s house for a while to recover.

Zhong Zijun’s objections were overruled.

They’d need Duan Shengfa’s help for this.

Gu Qinghuan told Zhong Zijun to pack her things and that she’d come for her that night.

Then she snuck off again to the home of Captain Duan.

The second time is always easier.

When Duan Shengfa saw the “God of Wealth” coming again, he sensed something good was up. He hurried to invite her in and asked his wife to bring a cup of sweetened water.

Gu Qinghuan pulled a carton of Zhonghua cigarettes from her bag and placed it on the table, along with a five-kilogram sack of premium flour.

“Comrade Gu, what’s this? I haven’t heard anything about the last thing you asked me.” Duan Shengfa glanced at the gifts, his eyes full of longing.

These were Zhonghua cigarettes, the kind only leaders smoked—one pack cost eighty cents, and this was a whole carton! This girl was really generous.

“It’s not about last time, Captain Duan. I wouldn’t come empty-handed. I have another favor to ask today.

My mother just got out of the hospital, and her arm still can’t move. I’d like her to recuperate at my house for a while. To outsiders, we’ll just say her injuries are too severe and she’s recovering in the cowshed. Would that be okay?”

Duan Shengfa hadn’t expected this request.

For a moment, he couldn’t make up his mind."

"Chapter 30: Trying on New Clothes

This matter could be big or small.

If someone reported it, a person who should be doing re-education in the cowshed might end up enjoying a comfortable life instead, and in the worst case, even lose their position.

But over the past year, it seemed like the winds from above had shifted. The Revolutionary Committee wasn’t making as much trouble anymore—maybe it wouldn’t turn into anything serious?

Duan Shengfa was hesitant.

Gu Qinghuan reassured him, “Captain Duan, I won’t make things difficult for you. I’ll make sure she stays hidden at home and doesn’t show her face. No one will find out.”

“Alright! Just be careful. I’ll take care of things on my end,” Duan Shengfa said, gritting his teeth.

“Thank you so much,” Gu Qinghuan replied with a bright smile.

After seeing Gu Qinghuan off, Duan Shengfa picked up the bag of flour on the table and headed out. He needed to visit the Party Secretary’s house to smooth things over—if anything happened, they’d all be in it together.

—

Meanwhile, Gu Qinghuan, having gotten the go-ahead, happily hopped on her bicycle and hurried home.

As she neared the house, she took out the supplies she’d prepared and tied them to the bike.

The two children, hearing her knock, ran over excitedly to open the door.

“Mama, you’re back!”

“Mama, why are you home so late?”

Gu Qinghuan walked in as she spoke, “I had something to take care of, so I’m late. You must be hungry. I brought you some sponge cake—have a bite to tide you over.”

She handed the kids the cakes, then unloaded the rest of the things from the bike and carried them inside.

“Mama, you have some too.” Beibei sweetly offered her cake to Gu Qinghuan’s lips.

Gu Qinghuan took a small, symbolic bite.

Dabao quickly offered his as well. “Mama, have some.”

Gu Qinghuan took a small bite from his too, and only then did the two little ones start eating happily.

“I bought you both new clothes for the winter—come and see.”

Gu Qinghuan placed the biggest bundle on the kang in the east room. The new clothes for the three of them covered the whole bed, along with a ten-jin thick cotton quilt with a festive floral cover.

There were cotton jackets and pants, wool sweaters and trousers, thermal underwear, wool socks, little underpants, cotton shoes—everything they could possibly need.

The two children were so stunned they forgot to eat their cake. There was so much, and everything was brand new from the inside out.

And the clothes were all beautiful styles they’d never seen before.

Beibei’s eyes were practically sparkling with excitement. She wanted to touch the new clothes but was afraid her hands would dirty them.

“Mama, are all these for us? They’re so pretty! I love them!” Beibei didn’t hide her delight and snuggled into Gu Qinghuan’s arms.

“As long as you like them.” Gu Qinghuan patted her little mushroom-shaped head.

Even Dabao, who was usually reserved, was visibly happy. He’d already noticed that there were two sets for their father as well.

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

But he didn’t see anything for their mother.

“Mama, did you only buy for us? Was there not enough money? We only need one set each—you should get some for yourself too.” Dabao looked at Gu Qinghuan, noticing how worn her old clothes were.

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

“Mine are in the other bundle outside. These are all for you two. Now finish your cake, wash your hands, and try on your new clothes.” Gu Qinghuan was a little touched.

She’d chosen to take care of them, but having such sensible and sweet children still warmed her heart.

Once the kids knew she had clothes too, they relaxed and ran outside in delight.

Now they finally acted like real children.

This warm family scene didn’t escape Xu Huaian’s notice. These past few days, he felt more at ease than ever before.

Knowing the kids were well cared for, he could finally relax, and even his usual irritability had faded.

“Thank you. You’ve worked so hard,” a deep, slightly husky male voice said.

Gu Qinghuan jumped in surprise.

She hadn’t noticed Xu Huaian was awake.

“You’re up? Perfect timing. These are for you and the kids. Do you want to try them on?” Gu Qinghuan said, a little awkwardly fidgeting with her hands.

“No need. Thank you for getting all this.” Even underwear and socks—she was so thoughtful.

To be honest, Xu Huaian felt a bit grateful to his parents at that moment. Even though they’d given up on him, they’d sent Gu Qinghuan his way. Her arrival had made life so much better.

“By the way, I picked up the pension today—405 yuan in total. I bought some odds and ends, and all these things cost about a hundred or so,” Gu Qinghuan estimated.

Xu Huaian could tell everything had been chosen with care and probably wasn’t cheap. But the fact that she’d thought to get them all winter supplies was more than enough.

“You don’t have to report to me. I said before, from now on, you’re in charge of the family’s money.

How’s your mother doing? If you need anything, don’t hesitate—use whatever money you need from home. Get them some winter supplies too. Life in the cowshed is hard, especially in winter.”

Gu Qinghuan had her own money, but it still felt good to be trusted like this.

She would have bought things for her family anyway, but Xu Huaian’s generosity was a pleasant surprise, putting her in a good mood.

So her words carried more warmth.

“My mom was discharged today, thank you. I just brought her home this afternoon. I’ll make sure she has everything she needs, but…” Gu Qinghuan hesitated.

“What is it?” Xu Huaian looked at her, puzzled.

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

Xu Huaian instantly understood.

What mother wouldn’t be shocked to hear her daughter had married a man who couldn’t take care of himself and was rumored to be crazy?

Gu Qinghuan’s family had once been scholarly and well-off—her relatives would have a hard time accepting a son-in-law like him.

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

Even though their marriage was unconventional, Xu Huaian couldn’t help but feel anxious.

What if Gu Qinghuan’s mother saw him like this and disliked him?

What if she didn’t approve?

Should he let Gu Qinghuan go? It would be a pity for the two kids, who’d only just started to have better days.

But what right did he have to keep her? His family was in such a state.

Xu Huaian’s mind was in turmoil.

“Um, I’ll go get her after dark. Her arm is badly injured, so I want her to stay with us for a while. Everything’s arranged, don’t worry.

Oh, and I told her I married you willingly, so don’t let anything slip.

If she says anything harsh, please don’t take it to heart,” Gu Qinghuan said quickly.

Xu Huaian understood what she meant. Seeing that she had no intention of leaving, he felt a little more at ease.

If it were just him, he’d rather die than drag someone else down. But there were two poor children, and he’d promised their relatives to take good care of them. He had no choice but to keep relying on Gu Qinghuan.

“I understand. Given my situation, it’s only natural for your mother to be upset. I’ll only be grateful, never angry with her,” Xu Huaian said sincerely.

Just then, the two kids burst in to try on their new clothes.

Gu Qinghuan had a good eye—the clothes fit the children well, with a bit of room to grow.

“My clothes are so pretty, and they’re new! I love them!” Beibei danced around in her new outfit.

“They fit perfectly, Mama, you’re amazing!” Dabao chimed in with a compliment.

The two little ones jumped around on the kang in their new clothes, filling the whole room with happiness.

Xu Huaian was infected by their joy and, for once, smiled.

Gu Qinghuan was a bit stunned—he actually looked quite handsome when he smiled, with a kind of fragile beauty.

On a whim, she said, “How about I untie the ropes on your upper body? You could sit up and try on your new clothes.”

These past two days, with the spring water and medicine, his mood had been stable. If she only untied his upper body, it should be fine, right?"

"Chapter 31: Getting Up for the First Time, Haircut