When the old man heard that, his body stiffened. His eyes reddened instantly.
“You… don’t find this old man useless because of my age?”
Ge Wenhan had devoted his entire life to the country. When he was young, he was busy with work and delayed marriage. By the time he grew older, he had lost the heart to look for a partner.
Seeing others surrounded by children and grandchildren it would be a lie to say he didn’t feel envious.
He had long wanted to acknowledge Su Die as his granddaughter, but since her grandparents on the Su side were still alive, he felt awkward bringing it up.
If Su Die followed Gu Jingzhou to the northwest, he would truly have no one left to confide in.
The moment Su Die saw his reaction, she understood everything.
“Grandpa Ge, how could I ever dislike you? As they say, ‘Having an elder at home is like having a treasure.’ From now on, you’re my real grandfather.”
Gu Jingzhou had absolutely no objections he listened to his future wife in everything.
“That’s right, Grandpa Ge. The northwest may be far, but with Xiaodie and me taking care of you, it’s better than staying alone.”
Ge Wenhan wiped the moisture from the corners of his eyes. He turned his slightly hunched body away, then after a long while turned back, his voice a little awkward.
“I can go with you but I won’t live in the military family compound. Rent me a small courtyard outside. And I have to bring my books.”
Su Die smiled. “Don’t worry. Not a single book will be left behind.”
Gu Jingzhou added, “Leave the books to me. Military trucks transport supplies from the capital to the northwest every month. We can send them along.”
After settling the matter, the heaviness in the old man’s heart lifted completely.
“From now on, wherever I go, I’ll take you with me,” Su Die said with a bright smile as she waved goodbye before leaving.
“Mm. Got it,” he replied softly.
After leaving Grandpa Ge’s house, Gu Jingzhou drove Su Die home.
“Xiaodie… I’ll come see you again tomorrow.”
His gaze burned with reluctance, but he forced himself to leave.
Su Die nodded. “If you’re busy tomorrow, you don’t have to”
“I’m not busy.” Even if he were, he would cancel it. What could be more important than courting his wife?
Gu Jingzhou was scheming. He deliberately didn’t step into the Su family courtyard, instead standing at the entrance.
Let the neighbors see.
He wanted everyone to know he was Su Die’s legitimate boyfriend.
Anyone harboring thoughts about his future wife could give up.
Su Die had no idea about his little calculations. She just thought he was clingy but she liked being clung to.
If a man was cold and indifferent, that clearly meant he didn’t care.
Only by spending time together would feelings deepen.
They were chatting at the entrance when Niu Zhenzhu returned from work.
Seeing her future son-in-law, she greeted him warmly. “Xiao Gu, stay for dinner! I bought lots of groceries.”
Gu Jingzhou waved his hands quickly. “No need to trouble yourself, Auntie. I need to hurry home to discuss Saturday’s proposal.”
Niu Zhenzhu didn’t insist. She greeted him and went inside to cook.
Gu Jingzhou lingered until nearly everyone in the alley had returned from work before reluctantly leaving.
“Xiaodie… when you have time tonight, remember to think of me…”
He ran off after saying that, leaving Su Die stunned.
Wasn’t that something girls usually said?
Why were their roles reversed?
But truth be told, Su Die quite liked it.
Having a clingy husband would probably make life interesting.
After she entered the courtyard, Niu Zhenzhu poked her head out from the kitchen, teasing:
“Finally seeing my youngest daughter in a relationship. I was so worried these past months my hair was turning white.
The neighborhood office even urged me again today, saying the next batch would send you to the countryside.
I told them you’re about to marry an officer and follow the army. They were so envious.
Looks like I, Niu Zhenzhu, finally get to hold my head high.”
She was still speaking happily when the two elders of the Su family arrived with Su Jing.
Su Jing was Su Die’s cousin her father’s elder brother’s daughter. She had dropped out before finishing middle school and was now a temporary worker at a food factory.
Su Die exchanged a look with Niu Zhenzhu.
Just as she’d guessed the Su family had caught wind and come to cause trouble.
At that moment, Su Lan returned with Duoduo from school.
Old Madam Su cleared her throat and spoke first.
“So, the divorce of Su Lan has caused quite a stir.”
Niu Zhenzhu replied coolly, “Guo Huai slept with his sister-in-law. Hard not to cause a stir.”
“Heard she got 6,000 yuan in compensation? Your maternal family didn’t come to borrow money, did they?”
That was what Old Madam Su cared about most. Su Lan was a member of the Su family the compensation should belong to them, not outsiders.
Su Die smiled brightly.
“Last night that old woman from the Niu family brought her two foolish sons to grab the money. I broke one’s ankle and ruined the other’s knee. They’re both in the hospital now.”
Old Madam Su’s mouth twitched. “Y-you… You’re a young girl. How can you be so ruthless?”
“If you’re not ruthless, you won’t stand firm. My sister got a sum of money from her divorce everyone wants to pounce and snatch it. If I’m not fierce, we’d be bullied to death.
Whether it’s the Su family or the Niu family, it’s best you mind your own business instead of acting like stray dogs begging everywhere.”
She had no intention of sparing the elders’ dignity.
For years, the Su family had never cared how Niu Zhenzhu and her daughters survived. They were no better than the Niu family.
“Su Die, how dare you insult us? Who are you calling a stray dog?” Su Jing demanded angrily.
Hearing that Su Lan had received a large sum and that Su Die had found a handsome, high-ranking officer, Su Jing had nearly exploded with jealousy.
How could the people she once looked down on rise overnight?
She followed her grandparents here hoping to get a share.
“I’m talking about you and these two disrespectful old things,” Su Die replied calmly. “What are you going to do about it?”
“Su Die, you’re outrageous! Is this how you treat your elders?” Old Madam Su shouted.
“Exactly!” Su Jing’s jealousy burned at the sight of Su Die’s flawless face.
Why were they both from the Su family, yet she was dark and plain while Su Die was stunning?
Su Die sighed and apologized to Niu Zhenzhu.
“Mom, my hands are itching again…”
Understanding her meaning, Niu Zhenzhu nodded. “Your sister and I will go inside. Do as you please.”
She treated both sides equally neither favoring her maternal nor marital family.
“Y-you… what are you going to do?” Su Jing retreated nervously as Su Die cracked her wrists.
Su Die smiled faintly.
“I don’t like wasting words on trash. I prefer action.
Since you came here asking for a beating, I’ll grant your wish.
Pick one leg and one arm. I’m kind enough to leave you able to walk to the hospital.”
Old Man Su shot up from his seat. “You dare touch Xiao Jing and I’ll”
Smack!
Without hesitation, Su Die slapped him across the face, grabbed his collar, and threw him out the gate.
Old Madam Su panicked and ran after him. Su Jing clutched her face and fled as well.
Standing at the doorway, Su Die sneered.
“If you don’t want to get beaten, stay far away from me. I don’t have a good temper.”
She slammed the gate shut.
Old Man Su, having been struck hard, rolled his eyes back and collapsed backward in rage.
“Old man! Old man!”