Actually, Gu Fangbai had seen photos of Chu Xiangxue’s elder brother before.
Although due to various circumstances, Grandma had only managed to preserve three somewhat blurry 2-inch black-and-white photographs.
Still, the basic facial features were discernible.
The two Chu siblings didn’t look much alike, especially in the eyes.
Compared to the younger sister’s charming almond-shaped eyes, the elder brother had typical long and narrow phoenix eyes.
Paired with naturally thick sword-like eyebrows, a straight nose, and thin lips.
The combination was quite handsome, yet carried an unapproachable sense of sternness.
Therefore, when Gu Fangbai saw Chu Yu’s photo again, she didn’t find him unfamiliar but directly asked: “He’s your brother, right?”
“Ah? You’ve met my brother? When?” Chu Xiangxue looked momentarily embarrassed. She had originally planned to let her old classmate see the photo first and only reveal her brother’s identity if he made a good impression. She never expected…
Gu Fangbai gently reassured her: “I haven’t met him, I was just guessing. Don’t you remember? Back in our first year of high school, you told me your brother was in the military.”
“I really forgot.” Chu Xiangxue grew even more embarrassed, but still pressed on: “Then… what do you think of my brother?”
In such situations, Gu Fangbai naturally wouldn’t be evasive, but agreeing without asking anything wouldn’t fit her character either. So she said: “Why don’t you tell me more about your brother’s specific circumstances first?”
“Right, right.” Chu Xiangxue slapped her forehead, excusing herself for being inexperienced at matchmaking. “My brother is 28 this year. He joined the army after high school graduation, was later recommended by the organization for advanced training, and holds a university diploma. He’s served for nine years total and was promoted to battalion commander last year. But…” Her voice caught here, suddenly unable to continue.
Seeing this, Gu Fangbai didn’t rush her. Instead, she opened the Ba Xian Table drawer, took out that bag of Taosu (Peach Crisp), offered her a piece, and said gently: “No hurry, we can talk while eating.”
“Thank you.” Chu Xiangxue took several deep breaths, swallowing down the lump in her throat before accepting it: “You have some too.”
Gu Fangbai took a piece as well, then proactively continued the previous topic: “A 28-year-old battalion commander? Your brother is quite impressive.”
“Yeah…” Hearing her friend’s praise, Chu Xiangxue felt more heartache than happiness.
Even though her brother always shared only good news over the years, as his closest family member, how could she not know that his achievements today were earned through repeatedly applying for combat duty, paid for with blood and tears?
Her father had once said that if not for their family’s class status holding him back, given her brother’s capabilities and military merits, he could have been promoted to regiment commander.
Instead of being stuck like now, where even after their parents voluntarily published a disownment notice in the newspaper, he still couldn’t advance, and might even be transferred to remote outposts to be gradually marginalized.
Chu Xiangxue understood her brother well. He had dreamed of military life since childhood, and even when facing great setbacks, he would always push forward against difficulties. She believed this time would be no exception.
And precisely because she understood him too well, she felt uneasy.
Especially when over a month ago, her brother called saying he had found out where their parents were sent for re-education and would try to transfer there to look after them – that unease nearly peaked.
Chu Xiangxue knew full well about her brother’s current situation. How could he possibly transfer wherever he wanted?
It would be better for her to become an educated youth in a nearby village to care for them instead.
Her eldest brother was wary of her and unwilling to reveal their parents’ address no matter what.
But for her brother to get his wish was too difficult—unless… he performed outstanding military feats again.
Chu Xiangxue was truly frightened. After much deliberation, she came up with the idea of finding a young woman with a clean background to be her sister-in-law.
For this purpose, she had specifically consulted with senior military acquaintances.
Coincidentally, one uncle was also looking for a suitable match for her brother.
The implication was that the army valued talent, and if he could marry a woman with advantageous background to compensate for his unfavorable class status, although future promotions would still be difficult, it would be much better than the current situation—at least he could retain his current position.
Chu Xiangxue believed that if her future sister-in-law were willing to marry beneath her station, not only her but also their parents and brother would do their utmost to treat her well, and they could even entrust the entire family fortune to her.
As for the candidate, Chu Xiangxue’s first ambitious hope was her high school classmate Gu Fangbai.
The girl’s background was not only clean but also politically impeccable—both “red and expert”!
But precisely because Fangbai was so outstanding in every aspect, Chu Xiangxue hesitated.
She never expected that Fangbai would actually be willing to consider a military man and even took the initiative to visit her home.
If she weren’t certain that her brother and Fangbai had never met, she would have suspected her old classmate was attracted to her brother’s handsome face.
After all, her brother had been quite popular back in his school days…
Noticing Xiangxue suddenly spacing out, her brows gradually knitting with worry, Gu Fangbai sighed silently and took the initiative to guide the conversation: “With your brother being so excellent, finding a partner shouldn’t be difficult, right?”
Coming back to her senses, Chu Xiangxue didn’t hide anything—she shared everything she could about her parents’ situation, her brother’s plans and difficulties.
Although she wanted to play matchmaker, she never intended to rely on deception.
Moreover, given Fangbai’s intelligence, she could probably deduce the general situation even if not told everything.
Gu Fangbai did know the rough circumstances, but not through deduction—her grandmother had personally told her.
Eldest Brother Chu had voluntarily taken on a mission at the end of July this year and ultimately sacrificed himself to save a comrade.
It was precisely because of Chu Yu’s sacrifice that Xiangxue would later volunteer to become an educated youth in the countryside to care for his parents.
And it was also why Fang Zhifan later dared to act so brazenly—he knew the three remaining Chu family members no longer had anyone to protect them…
Thinking of this, Gu Fangbai lowered her gaze, only raising her eyelids again after the shadows in her eyes had dissipated: “I’m satisfied with your brother as a person, but I can’t give you an immediate answer. This is a lifelong matter—I need to consider it carefully and consult my elders…”
Though inwardly she thought that if not for fear of appearing too eager, she would have agreed directly.
Chu Xiangxue was already overjoyed, almost unable to believe her ears: “…Fangbai, you… you mean it? You’re really willing to consider?”
Sensing the other’s happiness, Gu Fangbai smiled and assured: “Yes, I’ll consider it seriously.” Had Grandma not saved her back then, she would have died long ago… So in this life, she would become Grandma’s armor.
Receiving this confirmation, Chu Xiangxue—who hadn’t shed a tear despite countless malicious attacks since her parents were sent down over a year ago—finally broke down, crying profusely.
It was good to let it out. One’s spirit couldn’t remain tense forever. Gu Fangbai had long seen the worry and anxiety beneath Xiangxue’s calm surface. Instead of comforting her, she gently patted her back, waiting for her to gradually calm down on her own…
As a young lady from a prominent family, Chu Xiangxue had been raised with kindness yet possessed an inherent resilience. After crying for just a few minutes, she regained her spirited demeanor: “Fangbai, don’t worry, my eldest brother is truly wonderful.”
Gu Fangbai smiled and reminded her: “We still need to ask your brother. What if he already has a female comrade he likes, or feels ashamed to rely on a wife?”
Chu Xiangxue waved her hands repeatedly: “Impossible! My brother isn’t foolish, and I’m certain he doesn’t have anyone he likes.”
“Even so, we should ask. Besides, I need a few days to consider things as well.” Life wasn’t a fairy tale. As long as it didn’t violate ethics, there were countless practical matters requiring careful consideration. If Chu Yu stubbornly insisted on relying solely on himself, Gu Fangbai would actually look down on such naivety.
Fortunately, her primary motivation was repaying kindness, with no particular expectations toward men.
If they were compatible, she’d commit sincerely to the marriage; if not, she’d maintain superficial harmony. The important thing was to safely navigate the most difficult decade ahead.
Completely unaware of her old classmate’s dual contingency plans, Chu Xiangxue still felt somewhat dazed by the unreal turn of events, readily agreeing to whatever Fangbai suggested: “I’ll call the military base first thing tomorrow morning!”
Gu Fangbai forced a slightly shy smile: “Could we keep this matter confidential for now? Since nothing’s settled yet, I’d hate for rumors to spread…”Chu Xiangxue adopted a solemn expression: ‘Fangbai, rest assured – I won’t even breathe a word to Zhifan.'””
That was exactly what Gu Fangbai wanted to hear. Satisfied with the answer, she stayed chatting with Xiangxue for over an hour more.
It wasn’t until her watch showed eight o’clock that she took her leave.
Knowing her old classmate was now a formal newspaper editor, Chu Xiangxue expressed concern: “Are you returning to the newspaper office now? It’s quite late – shall I see you home?”
Gu Fangbai firmly declined: “There’s a direct bus route, and the conductress knows me well. It’s just a short walk – no need to trouble yourself.”
“Then let me at least walk you to the bus stop.” Still uneasy about the dark, rainy conditions outside, Chu Xiangxue would have insisted on hosting her overnight if not for her family’s unfavorable class status.
Gu Fangbai declined again, agreeing to meet again once there was news. Umbrella in one hand and flashlight in the other, she stepped briskly out of the Chu residence.
She felt pleased with her efficiency – having made a promising start on just her second day in 1968…
Thud…
“Quick, throw something! Dad said capitalist whelps live here.”
Smack… Waa… “I hit the door!”
“My mud clod’s bigger! You’re stronger – you throw it! Aim higher, into the courtyard!”
“I’ve got a rock here…”
Gu Fangbai never expected her good mood to be shattered so quickly by the raucous noise behind her.
Having studied history, she knew exactly how difficult things were for the Chu family during this period.
But she had assumed Xiangxue was relatively sheltered, given she still had a job and lived in this large house.
Reality delivered a stinging slap – she’d been too presumptuous. The pervasive malice in this environment could drive anyone to madness.
Unable to openly scold the children for fear of causing trouble for Xiangxue, yet incapable of remaining indifferent, Gu Fangbai settled for approaching the misbehaving brats with a frosty expression. She stared until they scattered in panic, then slowly exhaled the suffocating resentment trapped in her chest.
Instead of leaving immediately, she turned off her flashlight and stood silently in the darkness for over ten minutes, ensuring the troublemakers wouldn’t return before finally walking away…
It appeared she needed to accelerate her plans.
Faster, faster.
Compared to Gu Fangbai’s anger, Chu Xiangxue inside the house didn’t even lift an eyelid.
She had experienced too much these days—people had thrown mud and spat on her—so pounding on the door was nothing.
Right now, Chu Xiangxue was more concerned about how much money and ration coupons she had hidden at home. She wanted to buy lots and lots of nice things for Fangbai.
Oh, and her older brother too—she could call him tomorrow morning. He would surely be so surprised!
Ahh… Hurry up and get light, sky…
Too excited, Chu Xiangxue’s mind wandered all over the place, and she barely slept a wink all night.
Finally making it to 6 a.m., as the sky was just beginning to brighten, she tucked the money and coupons into her pocket and hurried out of the house.
The post office opened at 8 a.m., and she was determined to be first in line!