Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Trying on New Clothes

This matter could be big or small.

If someone reported it, a person who was supposed to be doing hard labor in the cowshed would be living the good life instead, and might even lose their position if things went badly.

But over the past year, it seemed like the political winds had shifted, and the Revolutionary Committee wasn’t causing as much trouble anymore. So maybe it wouldn’t be a big deal?

Duan Shengfa was torn.

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 know.”

“Alright then! Just be careful, and I’ll take care of everything on my end.” Duan Shengfa gritted his teeth as he spoke.

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

After seeing Gu Qinghuan off, Duan Shengfa picked up the bag of flour on the table and headed out. He was going to visit the Party Secretary to smooth things over, just in case. If anyone got in trouble, they’d all be in it together.

—

Gu Qinghuan, having gotten the green light, happily hopped on her bicycle and hurried home.

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

The two kids heard her knocking and ran over excitedly to open the door.

“Mama, you’re back!”

“Mama, why are you only back now?”

Gu Qinghuan walked in and said, “I had something to take care of, so I’m late. You must be hungry. I brought you some sponge cake—have a little snack first.”

She handed the kids the cake and started unloading the things from her bike, carrying them into the house.

“Mama, you eat too.” Beibei sweetly pushed her cake toward Gu Qinghuan’s mouth.

Gu Qinghuan took a small symbolic bite.

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

Gu Qinghuan took a small bite from his cake too, making sure to be fair. Only then did the two little ones eat contentedly.

“I got you both some new clothes for winter. Come and take a look.”

Gu Qinghuan placed the largest 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 heavy 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 kids were stunned, forgetting even to eat their cake. There was so much, and everything was brand new from the inside out.

And all the clothes looked 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 dirty hands would soil them.

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

“As long as you like them.” Gu Qinghuan ruffled her little mushroom haircut.

Dabao was rarely this happy. He’d already noticed—not only did they get new clothes, but Dad had two sets as well.

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

But he didn’t see anything for Mama.

“Mama, did you only buy for us? Was there not enough money? We only need one set each, you should get something for yourself too.” Dabao looked at Gu Qinghuan with concern. Her old clothes were looking pretty shabby.

Beibei also looked over anxiously, afraid Gu Qinghuan hadn’t bought anything for herself.

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

She was taking care of them by choice, but to have such sweet and considerate children made her feel really good.

The kids relaxed when they heard she had clothes too, and ran out happily.

Now they finally acted like real children.

This warm scene caught Xu Huaian’s eye. These past couple of days, he’d 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 hard,” came a slightly husky male voice.

Gu Qinghuan jumped in surprise.

She hadn’t noticed Xu Huaian was awake.

“You’re awake? Perfect timing. These are for you and the kids. Want to try them on?” Gu Qinghuan said, a little embarrassed, fiddling with her fingers.

“I’ll pass on trying them. 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 right now. Even though they’d given up on him, they’d sent Gu Qinghuan his way. Her presence had made life so much better.

“Oh, by the way, I picked up the pension money today—405 yuan in total. I bought some odds and ends, and all this cost a little over a hundred.” Gu Qinghuan gave a rough estimate.

Xu Huaian could tell these things had been chosen with care and probably weren’t cheap. But the fact that she thought to get them all winter supplies was already wonderful.

“You don’t have to report to me. Like I said, from now on, you’re in charge of the household finances.

How’s your mother doing? If you need anything, don’t ask me—just use the money as you see fit. Get them some winter supplies too. Conditions in the cowshed are tough, and winter is hard to get through.”

Gu Qinghuan had her own money, but being trusted like this still felt nice.

She would have helped anyway, but his generosity was unexpected and put her in a good mood.

So her words carried a bit 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 trailed off.

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

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

Xu Huaian understood instantly.

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; it must be hard for them to accept a son-in-law like him.

He nervously licked his lips. “So, when is Mother-in-law coming?”

Even though their marriage wasn’t exactly normal, Xu Huaian couldn’t help but feel anxious.

If Gu Qinghuan’s mom saw him like this, would she dislike him?

What if she didn’t approve?

Should he let Gu Qinghuan go? The kids had only just started to have a good life.

But what right did he have to keep her? Their family situation was what it was.

Xu Huaian’s mind was in turmoil.

“Um, I’ll go pick her up when it gets dark. Her arm is badly injured, so I want her to stay here for a while. Everything’s arranged, don’t worry.

Oh, and I told her I married you of my own free will, 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 she had no intention of leaving, he felt a bit more at ease.

If it were just him, he’d rather die than burden someone else. But there were two poor kids, and he’d promised their relatives he’d take good care of them. He could only keep relying on Gu Qinghuan.

“I understand. Given my situation, it’s only natural for your mother to be upset. I can only be grateful, not resentful,” Xu Huaian said seriously.

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

Gu Qinghuan had a good eye—the clothes fit perfectly, with a little room to grow.

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

“They fit so well, 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 room with happiness.

Xu Huaian was infected by their joy, and a rare smile appeared on his face.

Gu Qinghuan was a little stunned—he actually looked pretty good 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.”

With the spring water and medicine these past couple of days, his mood had been stable. If she only untied his upper body, it should be fine, right?"