Just as Xu Huailan was about to press further on whether her niece was…
The next day.
5:40 in the morning.
The alarm clock had just started ringing when Gu Fangbai silenced it.
Unexpectedly, it still woke Chu Xiangxue sleeping on the inner side of the bed. She mumbled drowsily, “Is it six o’clock already?”
Gu Fangbai sat up, groped around the bedside with her feet in the dark, slipped on her slippers, and replied softly, “There’s still twenty minutes until six. Rest a little longer.”
“I’ll get up too. Can’t sleep anymore.” After lingering for just a minute or two, Chu Xiangxue also rose.
She never forgot her identity. Though she didn’t bring it up proactively, and others generally wouldn’t know, what if? What if someone happened to recognize her? Wouldn’t that just cause trouble for Fang Bai… Better to leave early.
Gu Fangbai could somewhat guess Xiangxue’s thoughts. She didn’t try to persuade her otherwise, instead changing the subject: “Did you sleep well last night?”
Chu Xiangxue peeked at Hu Yaoying on the other bed, seeing she was still fast asleep, then whispered back, “Since gaining my memories, this is the first time I’ve slept with someone else.”
So she hadn’t slept well. Gu Fangbai’s fingers nimbly braided her hair, then tossed the finished plait behind her: “My bed is only 90 centimeters wide. It is a bit cramped.”
Mentioning this, Chu Xiangxue felt somewhat embarrassed: “Did you not sleep well either?”
“Not at all, I slept straight through till morning.” Having experienced eternal separation, now that her grandmother was back by her side, Gu Fangbai felt incredibly secure—how could she not sleep well?
Unaware of the underlying story, Chu Xiangxue looked envious: “That’s really good. Do you also not mind unfamiliar beds?”
No! Gu Fangbai was particular about both beds and people, but some things couldn’t be said. She could only reply with a smile: “Just the bed.”
Worried about disturbing their roommate, the two didn’t speak further. When necessary, they communicated only with glances and gestures.
Unfortunately, after washing up, as they squatted by the door eating breakfast, Hu Yaoying was awakened by the aroma: “It smells so good! Are you eating fried noodles?”
Gu Fangbai turned around and only then noticed that the closed dorm door had been opened at some point, with Yaoying standing there drowsily, her black hair a mess. She couldn’t help but laugh: “And here I was worried about disturbing you, specially squatting outside to eat.”
Chu Xiangxue also curved her large almond-shaped eyes into a smile, thinking Comrade Hu Yaoying was truly adorable like this.
The temperature on a June morning wasn’t very high. A gust of wind swept by, giving Hu Yaoying a shiver and fully waking her up. Rubbing her arms, she invited them inside to eat while boasting, “I’ve had a sharp nose since I was little. No matter where my mom hid the goodies, I could always find them.”
Gu Fangbai entered the room, closed the door, and turned on the light before teasing, “No wonder they say greedy cats have sharp noses… Hurry and go wash up. I saved a portion of fried noodles for you. By the way, sweet or savory?”
“I’ll have savory. Where did you get the fried noodles?” Hu Yaoying didn’t hesitate, and after answering, she dug out a box of animal crackers from her rattan suitcase to share.
“Xiangxue brought it yesterday.” Gu Fangbai picked up the other’s mug, first rinsed it with hot water, then scooped in several large spoonfuls of cooked flour and a little salt. After adding hot water and stirring well, she dripped in a few drops of soy sauce and a small piece of lard.
Chu Xiangxue sniffed: “The savory one smells great too. Next time, I’ll mix a savory portion.” Today, she was having the sweet version—just flour and white sugar.
Gu Fangbai didn’t say anything, but took a ceramic bowl and scooped half a bowl of savory porridge, handing it over: “If you want to eat, just eat. Why wait until next time?”
In these times, people generally lacked oily foods. Even with money and ration coupons, one could only eat meat a few times a month. Moreover, with the Chu family being watched by so many eyes, Xiangxue probably hadn’t touched meat in a long time—no wonder her lips looked pale. He needed to find a way to nourish her properly…
Chu Xiangxue had no idea her old classmate was already thinking about how to improve her health. All she knew was that when she boarded the awning-covered boat to leave, she was holding her full stomach.
=
After seeing Xiangxue off, Gu Fangbai considered going back to his uncle’s house that very evening to come clean.
But when Yao Ying invited him to go shopping after payday, he realized payday was approaching.
He thought it would be better to wait rather than make up excuses to avoid overtime work with his editor.
After all, there was already an unspoken agreement at his workplace: to allow everyone to secure more supplies, no overtime was required on paydays.
Now, with only two days left until the June 15th payday,
two days would pass quickly, and it really wouldn’t do for him to keep leaving early.
Besides, his uncle might come looking for him first, especially since he still owed him a matchmaking meeting…
As Gu Fangbai had anticipated, on the morning of June 15th, just as he started work, he received a call from home.
The gist was that the matchmaking meeting was scheduled for 6 p.m. that evening at the State-run Restaurant, and his uncle would come to pick him up promptly at 5 p.m…
So that evening, Gu Fangbai had to decline Comrade Yao Ying’s invitation and, happily carrying his money, ration coupons, and two pairs of work gloves distributed as benefits, followed his uncle home.
After more than ten consecutive days of rain, the sun had finally come out today.
Although everyone was advocating “Destroy the Four Olds,” Gu Weiguo was somewhat superstitious. Once on the bus, he couldn’t contain his joy and whispered, “…It’s a good omen.”
Gu Fangbai chuckled, “Uncle, you still believe in such things?”
Gu Weiguo said matter-of-factly, “After so many days of rain, the sun just had to come out today. What does that mean? It means today’s matchmaking will succeed.”
“Is it that accurate?”
“Very accurate!”
“If you say so.” How eager was he for this matchmaking to work? A thought struck Gu Fangbai, and he frowned, “Has anyone unreliable come by recently to propose a match?”
Gu Weiguo’s breath hitched, but he quickly forced a smile, “No, don’t overthink it!”
So there had been… But Gu Fangbai knew that, as before, he wouldn’t get any answers, so he changed the subject, “Are we going straight to the restaurant? Isn’t Aunt coming along?”
Gu Weiguo subtly relaxed, “We’re all going, but we need to stop home first. Your aunt made you a new dress.”
Alright… Even though he knew this matchmaking wouldn’t work out, dressing properly was a basic sign of respect.
=
As it turned out,
Comrade Gu Weiguo’s superstitious theory wasn’t reliable.
Because just as he finished dressing up, Matchmaker Wang, the director, showed up at the door with an apologetic look.
It turned out the prospective match had been assigned an urgent task and was sent away on short notice.
Gu Weiguo, who had specially worn his best shirt, was displeased, “Doctors have to go on assignments too?”
“Doctors have assignments too. They’re very busy.” Director Wang was genuinely concerned about Fangbai’s marriage prospects. Before formally introducing this doctor, he had observed him for half a year.
Only after confirming his family background and personal character were beyond reproach did he bring the matter to the Gu family.
Who would have thought that at the last moment, such a situation would arise? Director Wang also felt somewhat embarrassed.
Xu Huailan was more concerned about something else: “Then… how long will the business trip last?”
Mentioning this made Director Wang even more frustrated. He raised his hand and rubbed his face hard: “It’s uncertain. The person has been transferred to the neighboring city.”
Gu Rongzhi was suspicious: “Could it be that someone deliberately arranged the transfer?”
At these words, the adults all fell silent.
Had they not guessed? No, they simply didn’t want the children to worry…
Director Wang patted his niece’s shoulder and forced a smile to reassure her: “Fang Bai, don’t worry. Uncle will definitely help protect him.”
Gu Fangbai, however, couldn’t be more relieved. It was better that the matchmaking fell through. After all, she had gone into the blind date with the intention of rejecting it, which felt somewhat improper. This outcome was just perfect. She quickly reassured him: “I know Uncle has been working hard for me, but don’t worry too much. Let’s take it slow. Perhaps the right moment hasn’t come yet.”
Seeing his goodwill acknowledged, Director Wang’s expression finally relaxed a little: “Your mother was like a mentor to me, and I’ve watched you grow up. It’s only right for me to put in some effort. Fang Bai, rest assured—Uncle knows what he’s doing.”
After saying a few more words, he absolutely refused to stay for a meal and insisted on going downstairs. He truly came and left in a hurry.
Gu Weiguo followed him out to see him off. Gu Rongzhi scratched his head and cautiously glanced at his somewhat irritable mother: “So, are we still going to the State-run Restaurant for dinner?”
Gu Fangbai immediately replied: “Yes! I just got my paycheck, so it’s the perfect time to treat you all to a nice meal.”
“…” Xu Huailan shot her niece a disapproving look. “Save that little bit of money you have.”
“What do you mean, ‘little bit’? I earn 65 yuan a month. Yao Ying has the same job as me and has six months more seniority, yet she only makes 53 yuan a month.” Gu Fangbai deliberately boasted.
Xu Huailan was indeed amused but still insisted: “Even so, you don’t need to spend your money. It should all be saved together with what your parents left for your dowry.”
Gu Fangbai sighed, linked arms with her aunt, and sat down on the bench. Softly, she said, “Aunt, too many people are eyeing my marriage. It won’t be easy for me to succeed in a matchmaking.”
Xu Huailan grew anxious and quickly looked her niece over: “Did someone else approach you at your workplace?”
Gu Rongzhi also leaned in worriedly: “Third Sister, why don’t you move out of the dormitory? Since school isn’t too busy lately, I can pick you up and drop you off at work every day.”
Gu Fangbai hurriedly reassured them: “No, no, don’t overthink it. I just suddenly thought the military is a good option. Marrying an officer might be more secure.”
“An officer?” Xu Huailan had considered it before, but having raised the girl from childhood, how could she bear to marry her off far away?
She and Old Gu had long agreed that Fang Bai should marry someone close by so they could keep an eye on her. However, as their niece grew older and more accomplished, the “wolves” circling her only multiplied.
No wonder, since ancient times, ordinary families struggled to protect exceptionally beautiful girls.
Just the thought that they might eventually have to marry the girl off far away made Xu Huailan’s heart ache terribly.
Gu Fangbai held her aunt’s hand and carefully analyzed the pros and cons with her.
Xu Huailan clasped her niece’s hand in return and, after a long silence, sighed with emotion: “Our Fang Bai is so clever, able to think everything through so thoroughly.”
Gu Fangbai felt a bit embarrassed: “It’s not that hard to figure out. I’m not that young anymore.”
Just as Xu Huailan was about to press further and ask if her niece had taken a liking to any male comrade, Gu Weiguo—who had just returned from seeing off their guests and stepped into the room—immediately interjected with displeasure: “Who says you’re old? Your aunt and I are still alive and well. With us protecting you, why are you in such a hurry to grow up?”