When dating, what should a sister…
Glass Factory Family Compound.
The Gu household was particularly lively today.
Xu Huailan had taken leave at 3 PM to come home for thorough cleaning.
Gu Weiguo had started preparing dinner dishes since the previous day.
As for Gu Rongzhi, he wasn’t idle either. After returning from school, before he could even take a sip of water, his parents had him running around busily.
Finally managing to wipe the five-drawer cabinet spotless, he couldn’t help but complain: “Mom, this is really excessive. Could Comrade Chu possibly examine our home with a magnifying glass?”
Most doctors tend to be somewhat particular about cleanliness, and factory doctor Xu Huailan was no exception. While their home was usually quite tidy, today she seemed determined to eliminate every speck of dust.
Hearing her son’s complaint while carefully wiping the bamboo casing of the thermos, she said: “More work, less chatter. Go check if your sister is back yet.”
“You’ve had me check five times already.” Though Gu Rongzhi complained verbally, he moved quickly, darting out to the corridor in a few steps. While sneaking meatballs from a plate into his mouth, he peered toward the main gate.
Just as he was about to say she hadn’t returned, his attention was caught by a scene in the distance.
Due to the overcast weather, the summer evening at past 6 PM was already tinged with thick twilight.
But Gu Rongzhi had good eyesight and could still make out familiar figures in the fading light.
Worried he might be mistaken, he leaned on the concrete railing and looked more carefully. The beauty in the pink skirt swaying in the wind on the back seat of the steadily approaching bicycle ridden by the man in white shirt was indeed his third sister.
Confirming he hadn’t mistaken the person, Gu Rongzhi immediately patted his father who was cooking beside him: “Dad, Third Sister is almost at the main gate. I’ll go down to meet them.”
“Already here?” Gu Weiguo instinctively craned his neck to look and indeed saw two figures entering the compound.
The distance and dim light made it hard to see the male comrade’s features clearly, but just from his height and upright posture, Gu Weiguo’s constantly anxious heart already felt somewhat relieved.
“My, this young man is quite tall—half a head taller than our Rongzhi,” Xu Huailan remarked with an immediate smile when the two parties met and she saw her son only reached Little Chu’s ear level.
Though Gu Weiguo was also satisfied, he wanted to test further and couldn’t help muttering: “Rongzhi is only 16 by traditional count, he can still grow taller. He’ll soon be taller than that Chu fellow.”
“More nonsense. Taller than Little Chu? He’d have to reach two meters… Enough, they’re coming up. Get back to your cooking!” Xu Huailan couldn’t be bothered with her jealous husband. Smoothing her ear-length bob, she quickly removed her apron and tied it on her husband, straightened her clothes, then walked smiling toward the staircase.
Gu Weiguo complained to his wife’s retreating back: “I’m already wearing an apron.”
“It’s fine to wear one more.”
“……”
=
The newspaper office was only half an hour by bus from the Family Compound.
But it took over an hour by bicycle.
Fortunately, Chu Yu was physically strong and could manage easily even with someone on the back seat.
Of course, this so-called ease didn’t include his mental state.
In Chu Yu’s view, the pressure of meeting his future father-in-law wasn’t much lighter than his first mission.
Especially when being cheerfully escorted upstairs by his future brother-in-law, his nerves were stretched taut.
Walking side by side, Gu Fangbai naturally noticed Brother Chu’s unusual tension and gently reassured him: “Don’t be nervous, my uncle and aunt are very kind.”
How could one not feel nervous when wanting to marry the girl he cherished in the palm of his hand? But Chu Yu still managed a smile in response: “I’ll try my best.”
Gu Rongzhi, who was leading the way ahead, also laughed: “Yeah, Brother Chu, my parents are very warm, especially my mom. She might look serious…”
“Ahem… Little Chu is here.” Xu Huailan, who had come to the staircase landing, interrupted her son’s careless remarks. Where was she serious?
Gu Rongzhi flashed an ingratiating smile at his mother, then swiftly sidestepped and hid behind his sister.
“…Can’t be bothered with my mischievous son’s antics,” Xu Huailan discreetly sized up the visitor while smiling warmly: “You’re Little Chu, right?”
The elder before him was slightly plump, with a neat Hulan haircut, delicate eyebrows, long round eyes, and fair skin. Her smile was particularly amiable, easing Chu Yu’s tension. He quickly greeted her: “Hello, Auntie. I’m Chu Yu.”
“Ah! Hello, hello. Such a handsome young man. Come on inside.” This young man from the Chu family was even better-looking than in the photos and seemed polite. Xu Huailan’s first impression of him was quite favorable.
Gu Fangbai chimed in appropriately: “Auntie.”
“Ah, let’s go home first.”
It really wasn’t the place to talk outside, so everyone fell silent and headed together toward the Gu residence at the end of the corridor.
It was dinner time, with many neighbors coming and going.
Seeing the Gu family’s gathering, they couldn’t help but ask a few curious questions.
Xu Huailan uniformly introduced him as a junior relative. Only after entering the house did she apologize: “Sorry, Little Chu. There are many people watching our Fang Bai, so we had to introduce you that way.”
Chu Yu set down the large cloth bag he’d been carrying: “Fang Bai already discussed this with me. I also think it’s more appropriate to keep it quiet.”
“Good, good. I’m glad you understand. Let me introduce you—this is Fang Bai’s uncle.”
“Hello, Uncle. I’m Chu Yu.” Facing the male elder, Chu Yu not only greeted verbally but also offered a cigarette.
Since Gu Weiguo still needed to cook, he tucked the cigarette behind his ear and nodded with a smile: “Hello. Make yourself at home, no need to stand on ceremony.”
“Thank you, Uncle. I will.”
“I heard from Fang Bai that you serve in the military in Jingu City?”
“Yes, I’ve been there for many years.”
“Oh? How old were you when you enlisted?”
“I joined at 18.”
“That is many years. Are you a battalion commander now?”
“Yes, I was promoted the year before last…”
“…”
Seeing the older and younger men engaged in endless awkward small talk while standing, Xu Huailan quickly interjected: “Alright, Old Gu, go finish cooking. You can chat more at the dinner table later.”
Chu Yu perceptively added: “Uncle, I’m quite skilled at cooking too. Let me help.”
“No need. This is the last dish in the wok—it’ll be ready soon.” After shooing her long-winded husband who couldn’t get to the point, Xu Huailan guided the tall young man to sit at the Ba Xian Table before cheerfully addressing her niece: “Fang Bai, you sit too. Rongzhi, what are you standing around for? Go brew two cups of tea.”
Gu Fangbai unceremoniously directed: “I don’t want tea. Fourth Brother, make me malted milk instead.”
Gu Rongzhi immediately agreed and asked: “Brother Chu, would you like malted milk too?”
“Thank you, but I don’t need any.” After responding, Chu Yu didn’t just sit idle. He stood up, opened the cloth bag, and began taking items out one by one.
Two cartons of cigarettes, two bottles of Maotai liquor, two boxes of tea leaves, two tins of malted milk powder, two pieces of fabric, and various pastries—all in double portions. When he finally pulled out the last two packs of assorted candies, Gu Fangbai, who had been crouching nearby curiously, was already somewhat bewildered: “Why so much?”
Xu Huailan also felt it was too much to accept: “Yes, Little Chu, your housewarming gifts are more elaborate than what people bring for engagements. Later, just leave a couple of items and take the rest back.”
Taking them back was out of the question. Chu Yu directly arranged the items in the five-drawer cabinet: “There’s plenty more at home. It was mainly hard to carry everything, otherwise I would have brought it all.”
Xu Huailan still didn’t want to accept them. Without a formal relationship established, what would it mean to accept so many fine things?
But before she could speak again, her troublesome niece chimed in first: “Since they’re already here, it’s all your nephew-in-law’s filial respect. Auntie, don’t refuse.”
How… how did he become her nephew-in-law already? Xu Huailan was stunned, unsure how to respond.
It wasn’t until the last dish was served and the family sat down to eat that she belatedly realized: “Are you two already dating? And you’ve decided on a wedding date?”
Gu Weiguo, who had just taken a sip of wine, was equally confused. Weren’t they just meeting for the first time?
Chu Yu quickly set down his chopsticks and straightened his posture: “Uncle, Auntie, Comrade Gu and I… Fang Bai and I are indeed officially dating, but the wedding date hasn’t been set yet. This matter must be discussed with both elders.”
Was this the first time Brother Chu had called her by her name? Gu Fangbai glanced at him curiously before explaining: “Uncle, Auntie, you know our situation. The sooner we settle this, the better.”
Although they had always hoped their niece would marry, now that the moment had arrived, Gu Weiguo and Xu Huailan instead felt a sense of melancholy.
But… as their niece said, however reluctant they were, the marriage must happen.
So Gu Weiguo looked at his niece and asked seriously: “Are you sure it’s Little Chu?”
Xu Huailan also advised: “This is a lifetime matter. You two mustn’t be impulsive.”
Chu Yu and Gu Fangbai exchanged glances, then nodded firmly toward the two elders in unison.
Since the young people were committed to each other, Little Chu was now their confirmed future son-in-law. Gu Weiguo’s attitude naturally shifted—he shed the surface-level politeness and began the core “interrogation.”
For example, whether he would remain in Tianjin long-term, and whether marriage would help his future career advancement.
Xu Huailan had many questions too, but she cared more about the details.
Such as her future nephew-in-law’s birth date and time, lifestyle preferences, and family members’ personalities.
In short, by the end of the meal, Chu Yu had barely tasted the food, only remembering being grilled until he was sweating nervously.
Even Gu Rongzhi, who had initially intended to observe the “enemy,” was startled by his parents’ full-force questioning and began sympathizing with his future brother-in-law.
As for Gu Fangbai, she was mostly embarrassed, yet understood her elders’ concern. She could only seize opportunities to serve Brother Chu more food, worried he might go home hungry after the meal.
Fortunately, although the questions were intense, the outcome was positive.
Though Chu Yu wasn’t talkative, every answer was sincere, and his manners and upbringing were impeccable.
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Gu Weiguo and Xu Huailan had already gotten their nephew-in-law to call them “Uncle” and “Aunt.”
Seizing the opportunity, Chu Yu immediately brought up the betrothal gifts and the “three rounds and one sound” items.
“Your aunt and I have long prepared the ‘three rounds and one sound’ items—they’re all part of Fang Bai’s dowry.” Seeing his nephew-in-law about to refuse, Gu Weiguo quickly continued, “Little Chu, your aunt and I discussed this many years ago. We originally planned to buy Fang Bai a house nearby so that even after marriage, she’d remain close to us…”
But plans couldn’t keep up with changes. In recent years, more and more people had taken notice of their niece’s status as the orphan of a martyr. Gu Weiguo knew all too well they couldn’t protect the child much longer.
Xu Huailan reached out to wipe her niece’s tears, her voice trembling slightly. “The betrothal gifts can follow the usual standards, but… Little Chu, to be blunt, our Fang Bai stood by your family during difficult times. We hope you’ll cherish her in the future—she’s a good child.”
Gu Fangbai hadn’t expected her uncle and aunt to say such things. Though she knew their words were meant for the original owner of this body, the merged memories and emotions made a surge of bittersweet warmth rush uncontrollably to her nose and eyes.
She recalled that the original owner had drowned accidentally in August, before any marriage discussions had taken place. What must her elders have felt, facing the dowry they’d prepared so long ago?
At this thought, Gu Fangbai wiped the corner of her eye again, feeling as if something were stuck in her throat—unable to be swallowed or spit out.
Chu Yu hadn’t expected his words to move everyone to tears.
Especially Fang Bai—he’d never known those beautiful phoenix eyes, usually carrying a hint of cool detachment, could soften one’s heart so deeply when filled with tears.
Flustered, Chu Yu handed his beloved a fresh handkerchief while firmly assuring the elders, “We’re immensely grateful that Fang Bai is willing to marry me. Please rest assured, Uncle and Aunt, I’ll cherish her dearly and never let her suffer any hardship.”
Gu Weiguo patted the young man’s broad shoulder. “You’re a soldier, an officer vetted by the Party. I believe in your sincerity now, but life is long, so we must speak frankly in advance.”
Relieved to see his beloved had stopped crying, Chu Yu responded, “Please go on, Uncle.”
“It’s simple—your aunt and I will always be watching. If we find you treating Fang Bai poorly, we’ll bring her home immediately.”
Though Chu Yu didn’t believe that day would ever come, he solemnly agreed, “Understood!”
Satisfied with his nephew-in-law’s attitude, Gu Weiguo moved to the main topic after covering the essentials. “Tomorrow I’ll check for an auspicious wedding date. Are you planning a banquet?”
The couple hadn’t discussed this yet. Chu Yu looked at his beloved. “Fang Bai, you decide.”
Considering it best to keep things low-key, Gu Fangbai thought for just a few seconds. “Let’s not hold a banquet in Su Shi. How about we register our marriage first, then hold a wedding banquet at your military unit?”
Chu Yu had no objections. “As you wish.”
Though disappointed, Gu Weiguo understood the priorities. “Then we’ll pick the nearest auspicious date. Little Chu, I recall military marriages require political vetting? Will there be enough time?”
Chu Yu: “Before coming back, I already filled out the application forms. I’ll call my comrade tomorrow to have him submit them to the regimental commander. The approval should come through quickly.”
Normally, it would take about ten days to half a month, but both the brigade commander and regimental commander were anxious about his marriage prospects. They would definitely approve it as quickly as possible.
“That’s good…”
That night, Chu Yu didn’t leave the Gu residence until 11 p.m.
As his proper romantic partner, Gu Fangbai naturally accompanied him downstairs to see him off.
Gu Rongzhi, who was worried about his third sister, also came down with them, though he lingered about ten meters behind, not wanting to interrupt.
“Go back inside, it’s dark out here,” Chu Yu said, pushing his bicycle to the courtyard gate, stopping his partner from accompanying him further.
Gu Fangbai didn’t insist. She handed him a small bag she was carrying: “This is for you.”
Chu Yu reached out to take it: “What is it? I already received your return gift.”
“This is for Xiangxue. It’s braised spare ribs, which she loves. My uncle specially made them.”
“You two really are close.” Completely unaware that such scenes would become routine in the future, Chu Yu felt nothing but pure gratitude and happiness at this moment.
Gu Fangbai liked hearing that. Her eyes curved into smiles: “There are many puddles on the road, be careful when cycling.”
Chu Yu nodded: “It’s fine, I have a flashlight… I’ll head off then. Shall I pick you up Sunday morning?”
Gu Fangbai: “Okay, after 9 a.m. would be good? I want to sleep in… Also, remember to tell me once Xiangxue’s departure time is confirmed. I’d like to see her off.”
“…Alright.”
=
As Chu Yu had anticipated.
At the military base, Regimental Commander Yue was overjoyed when he received the marriage report submitted by Sun Guangming on Chu Yu’s behalf.
However, after carefully reviewing the woman’s qualifications, he grew hesitant. Though he trusted his outstanding subordinate’s character, he couldn’t help but confirm: “Are Comrade Gu Fangbai’s circumstances genuine?”
Sun Guangming grinned, showing his white teeth: “Absolutely genuine. Comrade Gu is Old Chu’s sister’s high school classmate and good friend. It was Sister Chu who made the match—how could it be fake?”
This wasn’t just making a match—it was like custom-tailoring the perfect partner! Regimental Commander Yue smacked his lips twice. Amid his delight, he suddenly realized: “He kept this tightly under wraps… So that kid didn’t go back just to visit family, but to meet a potential spouse?”
“Hey, visiting family and meeting a match don’t conflict. Don’t be upset, Old Yue. You know Old Chu’s situation—better safe than sorry.”
The regimental commander pointed vaguely in his subordinate’s direction and grumbled gruffly: “Upset my ass! I’m thrilled! Alright, get back to work.”
Sun Guangming urged: “Then you’d better hurry. Old Chu has already won over his future father-in-law. He’s just waiting for the report to get the marriage certificate.”
Regimental Commander Yue retorted impatiently: “Do I need you to tell me? Don’t you think I’m more anxious than Chu Yu?” Was it easy for the army to cultivate talent?
Sun Guangming completely ignored his superior’s annoyance: “Don’t forget to keep it confidential.”
“Got it, now scram!”
“Right away!” With his comrade’s lifelong matter resolved, Sun Guangming was in such high spirits that he didn’t mind the regimental commander’s attitude at all.
After leaving the office, instead of hurrying back to camp, he made a special trip to the third battalion, happily strutting around in front of the smug Zhao Youliang a few times.
He left the third battalion personnel utterly bewildered, then hummed a military tune, clasped his hands behind his back, and swaggered away contentedly.
Sun Guangming thought, soon, Old Chu would be able to bring his sister-in-law to the military unit, and that would be the moment for their first battalion to finally hold their heads high!
With this thought, Political Instructor Sun’s singing grew even more resonant: “The red clouds fly as the sun sets behind the western hills, the soldiers return to camp after target practice…”①
Unaware of the reason, the passing young soldiers instinctively joined in loudly: “Hey! Returning from target practice…”
=
Far away in Su Shi, Chu Yu was completely unaware of his partner’s mischievous antics.
After entrusting the marriage application to Old Sun, he began preparing for his sister’s departure.
The north was nothing like the south of the Yangtze River—its winters were bitterly cold and long.
Although the region was rich in grain and industry, the Honghe Brigade was remote, and the supply of goods was far less convenient than in Su Shi.
On top of that, considering his parents’ situation, Chu Yu needed to prepare a great many things.
Of course, no matter how busy he was, he didn’t forget to visit his future in-laws to strengthen their bond…
“Why are you bringing gifts again? I told you not to!” Though Xu Huailan was delighted that her nephew-in-law had visited for two consecutive evenings, she felt it was unnecessary for him to bring large and small packages each time.
Chu Yu made himself at home, placing the various gifts in the cabinet: “It’s only for these few days. Once I return to the army, it won’t be convenient to send anything.”
“But there’s no need for you to give so much. How long will it take us to finish all this?” Xu Huailan walked over to help.
Gu Weiguo, however, was quite pleased—not because he coveted the gifts, but because he was happy to see how much importance his nephew-in-law placed on Fang Bai. He brought out the best tea leaves from the house, personally brewed a cup, and called out: “Little Chu, come sit. Let your aunt handle this.”
“Alright, I’m coming.” Though he responded this way, Chu Yu still made sure to put everything away properly before walking over.
Gu Weiguo pushed the teacup toward his nephew-in-law: “Have you had dinner?”
“Yes, I have.”
“Next time, come straight to our home for dinner. Bring your sister along too.”
Xu Huailan, who had followed them over, added: “That’s right. You and Fang Bai can get your marriage certificate next Wednesday. We’re family now. Starting tomorrow, bring Xiangxue over to eat with us.” After all, they lived close by—just a ten-minute bike ride away.
Chu Yu, however, shook his head and declined. First, he carefully explained his sister’s recent situation, then asked: “We can get the marriage certificate next Wednesday?”
At this, Gu Weiguo chuckled cheerfully: “Yes, I consulted an old master, and he said the next auspicious day for marriage is next Wednesday.”
Today was already Thursday, so there weren’t many days left. Chu Yu felt elated: “Does Fang Bai know?”
Xu Huailan replied with a smile: “We haven’t had the chance to tell her yet. It’s perfect—you can go and tell her yourself, Little Chu.”
They really hadn’t seen each other for two days. Under the teasing gazes of the two elders, Chu Yu, though slightly uncomfortable, followed his heart: “I’ll go see her tomorrow evening.”
“Go ahead, go ahead. Fang Bai’s job is truly busy. Your visit will give her a chance to relax…” Xu Huailan’s attitude toward Little Chu was entirely that of a mother-in-law doting on her son-in-law—the more she saw him, the more satisfied she became. Overjoyed, she couldn’t help but worry: “Last time, you mentioned that Xiangxue plans to become an Educated Youth. Have you prepared everything? The north is terribly cold.”
Chu Yu shook his head: “Not yet. I can’t openly go to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative too often, so I’ve been asking my former comrades for help.”
“Huh? Why bother finding someone else? Give me the list, I’ll go buy the things. A female comrade can help check if you’ve missed anything.” Xu Huailan had always been protective of her own, and now that Little Chu had become her son-in-law, Chu Xiangxue was naturally included in her circle of family.
Auntie’s willingness to help was exactly what Chu Yu had hoped for, though she hesitated: “…But what about your work?”
Xu Huailan waved it off casually: “I’ll swap shifts with a colleague… Come now, isn’t it only right for family to help each other out?”
“Then I’ll trouble you, auntie.” With things having reached this point, Chu Yu stopped being coy. He promptly took out the money and wrote down the items he hadn’t yet purchased, feeling grateful once again to his sister for helping him find such a good family.
However, this gratitude came quickly and vanished even faster.
After returning home, when Chu Yu told his sister about his mother-in-law’s help and father-in-law’s consideration, he casually mentioned he was going to see his intended the next evening.
Little did he expect that Chu Xiangxue would want to tag along.
Having finally found a legitimate excuse to meet his intended, Chu Yu naturally didn’t want to bring his sister along. He made his displeasure perfectly clear: “What are you going for?”
Chu Xiangxue gritted her teeth: “How can you be so ungrateful? Today is Thursday, and I have to go to the countryside next Tuesday. What’s wrong with wanting to see my good friend before that?”
Chu Yu remained unwilling, considering the possibility of sending his sister on another day. But remembering his intended’s busy work schedule and that she couldn’t leave the unit every evening, he reluctantly agreed.
Chu Xiangxue: “…”
=
It was raining again.
In Su Shi during June, continuous rain was the norm.
Every plum rain season, the entire city seemed soaked in water.
The Chu siblings, each wearing raincoats, first took the bus, then transferred to a black-canopied boat, arriving at the Su City Newspaper Office at 7:30 in the evening.
The newspaper office was no different from daytime – brightly lit, with everyone bustling about.
Chu Yu took off his raincoat and asked his sister to wait outside while he went to speak with the security guard.
Hearing that he was looking for Editor Gu, the guard studied him for a moment before recognizing him: “I remember you, you’re Little Gu’s cousin, right?”
Chu Yu offered the guard a cigarette: “That’s me, uncle. Is Fang Bai upstairs?”
“She is, you can go up yourself.” The guard took the cigarette and examined it, noticing it was a “Flying Horse” brand. He couldn’t bear to smoke it right away, carefully storing it in his soft cigarette case instead.
“Thank you, uncle.” After expressing his thanks, Chu Yu headed straight to the second floor. In just two or three minutes, he returned with his intended to find his sister.
Gu Fangbai happily linked arms with Xiangxue: “I was thinking of visiting you these past couple of days, but you came first.”
Welcomed by her old classmate and future sister-in-law, Chu Xiangxue’s large almond-shaped eyes curved into crescents: “Then we must be kindred spirits.”
“…” What kind of kindred spirits is this? Chu Yu couldn’t help but complain internally.
Unexpectedly, just as this thought crossed his mind, his intended contradicted him.
Gu Fangbai looked completely agreeable: “I think we have great tacit understanding too.”.. By the way, Xiangxue, when are you going to the countryside? Why don’t you stay with me tonight? We can have a good chat.”
“I’m leaving next Tuesday.” After saying this, Chu Xiangxue patted the satchel she was carrying: “We’re on the same wavelength again – see, I’ve even brought a change of clothes.”
Chu Yu pinched the bridge of his nose: “…” Since when did he know the brat was planning to stay over?
Gu Fangbai completely missed her intended’s reaction, continuing happily on her own: “That’s wonderful! Wait a few more minutes, I’ll just go upstairs to wrap up my work.”
Watching the two girls chatting and laughing, making plans together, Chu Yu suppressed the strange feeling in his heart and quickly spoke up to remind them: “Fang Bai, uncle has already chosen the date for our marriage registration.”
“So soon? Which day is it?” Gu Fangbai looked over curiously.
Seeing her target finally shift his gaze to her, Chu Yu was satisfied: “Next Wednesday.”
Gu Fangbai was somewhat disappointed: “Wednesday? Then Xiangxue won’t be able to see us get our marriage certificate.”
Chu Yu: “…?”
=
Newspaper employee dormitory.
The two girls washed their hair, bathed, and tidied up thoroughly. By the time they lay down in bed, it was already 9 PM.
Hu Yaoying had a blind date tonight and had left work early to go home.
So, only the two of them were in the dormitory tonight.
With no outsiders around, Chu Xiangxue spoke without much reservation: “My brother must be angry, hahaha… Earlier when you kept talking to me, his face turned dark.”
Gu Fangbai was speechless: “It’s not that exaggerated.” They had only met a few times after all.
“Really, if you don’t believe me, pay attention next time.”
“Next time? In a few days you’ll be going to the countryside.”
“That’s true… Fang Bai, I want to talk to you about Zhi… about Fang Zhifan.” There were some things she felt awkward discussing with her elder brother, but with her future sister-in-law who was also a woman, Chu Xiangxue had no such reservations.
Gu Fangbai: “Even if you hadn’t brought it up, I was planning to ask about the situation.”
Chu Xiangxue scratched her slightly warm cheek: “Huh? You knew? Did my brother tell you?” Although she trusted her brother’s judgment, she still had doubts in her heart.
Gu Fangbai could have lied to keep herself uninvolved, but she didn’t: “I was the one who first brought it up with your elder brother. I thought Fang Zhifan was acting too perfect. Everyone has flaws, someone like him seems particularly fake and obviously unreliable. Coincidentally, your elder brother didn’t like him either.”
This was an answer Chu Xiangxue hadn’t expected. She sat up in surprise: “You… you’ve only met Fang Zhifan once or twice, right? Could you really tell he wasn’t genuinely good to me?” So how foolish had she been? After spending day and night together for over a year, she hadn’t noticed anything.
Gu Fangbai also sat up and began educating Xiangxue about various modern deception techniques, especially those used by such high-quality social climbers.
In this era when novels were banned books, Chu Xiangxue had never been exposed to the shocking stories from the information explosion era. After having over a dozen cases crammed into her mind all at once, she became completely dazed.
After a long while, she flopped back onto her pillow listlessly, murmuring weakly: “…So, I’m that rich, beautiful woman targeted in a pig-butchering scheme? Fang Bai, dating is so scary. I don’t even dare to interact with male comrades anymore. Who knows what kind of heart they’re hiding beneath the surface.”
“There are still good men out there. We shouldn’t dismiss everyone, like your elder brother for example.”
Chu Xiangxue rolled over: “Is my brother the kind of good man you mentioned – one who does more and says less?”
Actually, Gu Fangbai didn’t really understand either, but if it could help Xiangxue completely get over that scumbag Fang, pretending to understand a bit was acceptable. So she declared firmly: “Yes! Brother Chu is exactly that kind of good man.”
Chu Xiangxue still lacked confidence in herself. Even after hearing so many stories about scoundrels, she felt she still couldn’t tell them apart – there were just too many tricks. So she simply pushed the responsibility away: “Ah, whatever. If I really meet someone suitable in the future, I’ll bring him to you and brother first. I’ll only date him if you both approve.”
In Chu Xiangxue’s view, it didn’t matter that she wasn’t clever herself – she could simply follow the lead of clever people.
“Alright… I suppose.” Gu Fangbai agreed with a guilty conscience, thinking to herself that if such a day ever came, she could just push the blame onto Chu Yu. After all, that man clearly had eight hundred tricks up his sleeve.
I wonder if he’ll seek revenge on that scumbag Fang?
=
“Revenge on Fang Zhifan?”
Today was their first official date, and Chu Yu never expected that after the basic pleasantries, the first topic his beautifully dressed partner would bring up was that despicable Fang fellow.
“I just feel we can’t let him off too easily.” Gu Fangbai desperately wanted to see Fang Zhifan suffer misfortune, but she lacked connections. Without absolute certainty of success, she didn’t dare take risks and could only place her hopes on Brother Chu.
Though somewhat amused and exasperated, Chu Yu still answered seriously: “After we see Xiangxue off, I’ll discuss calling off the engagement with Uncle Fang. As for Fang Zhifan, I’ve had people keeping an eye on him all along. He’s very ambitious – if he can’t get what he wants from the Chu family, he’ll definitely look for his next victim…”
Gu Fangbai: “I heard from Xiangxue that Uncle Fang is a good person?”
“Mm, he’s indeed a very kind elder.” It was precisely out of respect for Uncle Fang that Chu Yu hadn’t immediately dealt with Fang Zhifan. Otherwise, given the current sensitive period, there were plenty of ways to bring that Fang fellow down.
Of course, he would only give one chance. If Fang Zhifan targeted someone else and continued his wicked ways, Chu Yu would definitely crush him completely.
It all depends on his choice.
Gu Fangbai generally understood Brother Chu’s unspoken meaning. Confident that he hadn’t let his guard down against Fang Zhifan, she changed the subject to ask about today’s plans.
Chu Yu pulled two movie tickets from his pocket: “I asked around – couples usually go watch movies, stroll in the park, then shop at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative.”
Gu Fangbai had no objection to watching movies, but: “…With this weather, there must be lots of mosquitoes in the cinema, right?”
Chu Yu took a coil of mosquito repellent incense from his bag: “Logistics must be properly handled.”
“Pfft… what else do you have in that bag?” Gu Fangbai never expected this seemingly serious soldier to possess a hidden humorous side.
This was the first time Chu Yu had seen his partner laugh so heartily. Her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, stretching their naturally upturned corners into a captivating curve, thawing her usually cool beauty and coloring it with charming allure.
Chu Yu lowered his phoenix eyes, carefully concealing his admiration: “Want to see what’s in the bag?”
Seeing the bag offered before her, Gu Fangbai froze for a moment. She had only said it casually, never expecting Brother Chu to take it seriously.
Chu Yu: “Not looking?”
“…I’ll look.” Sharing the contents of one’s bag must be proof of taking the relationship to the next level, right? Gu Fangbai’s mind filled with uncertain thoughts even as her hands busily undid the clasp to carefully examine the interior.
Watching the unguarded girl lean closer, Chu Yu’s lips curved upward as he cheerfully introduced each item he’d brought.
Surprisingly, the items were not only well-chosen but diverse, yet all potentially useful. The more Gu Fangbai looked, the more amazed she became, until she couldn’t help looking up: “How do you know all this?”
If she didn’t know her grandmother so well, she’d suspect she’d encountered some elaborate scam too. How could there be a man who was so thoroughly prepared?
Chu Yu closed her eyes for a long moment, then couldn’t resist giving her partner a light flick on the forehead: “What are you thinking? The things in the bag are the result of me seeking advice from several people.”
“Is that so…” Gu Fangbai rubbed her head, rather embarrassed, and changed the subject: “Let’s go watch a movie.”
Chu Yu glanced sideways at the guilty-looking girl and snorted: “Let’s go.”
When many people feel guilty, they tend to talk excessively, and Gu Fangbai was a classic example. After catching up with her partner, she started making conversation: “Shall we go to the park after the movie?”
Chu Yu turned to look at her: “Maybe we should go to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative first?”
Gu Fangbai shook her head: “I don’t need anything, so let’s skip the Supply and Marketing Cooperative… How about taking a photo together? As a wedding picture.”
Of course that was fine. Chu Yu agreed immediately: “We’ll take several later.”
Gu Fangbai had no objections: “Xiangxue is off today too, should we ask her to join us for photos?”
When dating, having a younger sister around is too bothersome. Chu Yu said disdainfully: “No.”
“Alright… By the way, I exchanged some nationwide general tickets and plan to give them to Xiangxue when I see her off the day after tomorrow.”
“Maybe… let’s not talk about Xiangxue today?”
“…Oh.”
Author’s Note: Note: ①Lyrics from “Returning from Target Practice”
Still desperately seeking collections!! [Heart][Heart][Heart] Seeking comments!! Seeking nutrient solution!!! This chapter randomly drops 100 red envelopes, mwah! [Covering face peeking](*╯3╰)