"There’s way too much of this fish, and the old man doesn’t like it. Who bought it? And what are those things? The leaves on these vegetables are all rotten, what’s going on? And are these tomatoes even correct? Didn’t I say I needed the ones with pointed bottoms?" Wang Guihua kept criticizing with a frown.
The maid said nothing; weren’t these bought by you anyway? It’s not the first time she’s pretending to be knowledgeable. She just kept cooking, ignoring Wang Guihua.
Gu Dongfang was in a good mood today; both of his grandsons brought their partners over. It seems he’ll soon have descendants and hold a grandchild, extremely joyous. He changed his clothes early and went down to the first floor.
Gu Zishan happily poured his father a cup of tea and handed over a newspaper: "Don’t worry about Jun Tao, Guihua will keep an eye on him. I worry about Gu Junming, Dad, you know he’s not very obedient. Who knows if he’ll bring back an unsuitable wife. Guihua has mentioned several times that if it doesn’t work out, she’ll find a good girl."
Gu Dongfang sighed: "Back then, I was still in the Northwest and didn’t come back. The caring you have towards them has been lacking. Jun Tao has always been cared for by you two, but Junming has never been close to family members. When he marries, it must be done well. You hardly managed him when he was young, and now you’re interfering in his life; your relationship will never improve this way."
"Yes, Dad, those years were my fault." Gu Zishan felt very ashamed by his father’s words.
Whenever he thought of Gu Junming, his emotions became complicated, knowing he wronged his eldest son. Yet despite his efforts later, his son never gave him the chance. Just like Wang Guihua said, now that he’s getting married, he merely notified them without intending to seek their opinions.
Gu Dongfang glanced at his son and said nothing more, though his heart bore resentment towards him. From a military family, yet lacking backbone! But his only son endured hardships and is now quite old, what can be done?
Gu Juntao came down the stairs at this time: "Grandpa, Dad, you don’t have to be so nervous. Just come out when the guests arrive; it’ll be timely enough." He appeared calm but somewhat tense.
Originally, he planned to bring Yang Hongying along, but who knew Yan Kai would say he’s bringing her in person, leaving him to wait at home.
Gu Zishan glanced at his second son: "Still not saying who it is? Playing mystery, is it fun?"
"You’ll know when the time comes, I guarantee you’ll be satisfied. It’s a pretty girl, also military." Gu Juntao chuckled.
Gu Zishan nodded approvingly, considering a military family surely promising.
Wang Guihua saw her son coming down and hurriedly walked over, patting his clothes: "Change into something more spirited?"
Gu Juntao laughed and waved his hand: "Wearing my uniform, I think it’s quite good."
"Right! Since it’s a military family, wearing a uniform is appropriate." Gu Dongfang laughed. Although this grandson hasn’t got the ideal physique, he still looks quite spirited.
Soon, guests arrived, brought in by a little soldier. It was Zhao Hong and Wang Dabao, the soldier saluted: "Sir, these two claim to be your relatives."
Zhao Hong immediately smiled at Gu Dongfang: "Granduncle, I came to see you!"
After pondering for a while, Gu Dongfang smiled: "It’s you, Honghong. Guihua, let them in."
The little soldier saluted and left directly.
When Wang Guihua welcomed them, she felt a bit displeased. She’s always looked down on such small-time households, not to mention they seemed to come to take advantage. Yet considering the old man’s face, she greeted with a smile.
Wang Dabao had been beaten last night, still had some swelling on his face, but smiled as he approached.
"Granduncle, I’m Zhao Hong’s partner. It’s the weekend, and I specially came to see you." He said, handing over his gift.
It was some top-quality bird’s nest, and though Wang Guihua held no good impression of these two, she was satisfied to see this. It’s a great gift to give her son for nourishment. She thus prepared to receive it with a smiling face.
Upon raising her head and seeing her husband’s glare, she hurriedly said: "We can’t accept this; we mustn’t take things recklessly."
"We juniors are merely visiting our elders, absolutely no other intentions." Zhao Hong quickly said: "Please accept it. Otherwise, I genuinely wouldn’t know if I should come next time."
Seeing Gu Dongfang say nothing more, Wang Guihua quickly accepted the gift: "Sit, please sit, have some tea."
Ignoring Gu Zishan’s gaze, she put the gifts aside.
Zhao Hong chatted with Gu Dongfang a few words, and he was quite happy, having a girl to tell him jokes amidst a family full of men was rare. But Wang Dabao felt anxious; being a clever fellow, he understood there must be esteemed guests arriving soon based on the kitchen’s hustle, feeling a bit uneasy about how to speak up.
The old man inquired about Wang Dabao’s profession, Zhao Hong quickly laughed: "He’s in business."
Looking at Wang Dabao, Gu Dongfang nodded with a smile: "You’re sensible, aren’t you? Since you have a boyfriend, get married soon. You’ll also reassure your family early on."
"Yes, we’re discussing it now." Zhao Hong glanced at Wang Dabao.
Wang Dabao barely managed a smile; he felt nothing for Zhao Hong now, unable to break up so casually dragged things along.
Seeing his expression, Gu Dongfang felt displeased but knowing this wasn’t his place, he refrained from commenting. Though observing this man wasn’t impressive, he disregarded his swollen face, indifferent to its cause.
Everyone in the Gu Family knew Zhao Hong was here for a specific reason today, but since they weren’t stating it, they naturally didn’t inquire, just exchanged small talk.
Wang Dabao realized the main topic hadn’t been addressed, pushed Zhao Hong strongly.
Though unwilling, Zhao Hong reluctantly started: "Granduncle, actually, we came today with a little request..."
"It’s about your military mess hall..."
Before she could finish, others arrived outside, Bai Fanglan and Wang Hu came together.
Bai Fanglan smiled: "Old man, we came to see you."
These two surely were notable figures, not just considering Bai Fanglan but for Wang Hu as well, requiring proper hospitality. Both Gu Zishan and Wang Guihua approached them warmly.
Wang Guihua smiled at Bai Fanglan: "Haven’t seen you in a while, Fanglan. You’ve gotten prettier!"