Chapter 749: True Freedom
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Gu Zi knew that Su Shen was preparing for a long journey. Rising early the next day, she busied herself in the kitchen. She intended to prepare some food for the man to eat on the road, as well as some everyday snacks.
Gu Zi had a premonition. This trip of his would likely take some time. By preparing extra food for him to take along, she hoped to provide some comfort for him when he missed home, giving him something tangible to hold onto.
Su Bing woke up early in the morning to review his lessons. As he went downstairs to water the flowers, he heard noises coming from the kitchen. Glancing at the wall clock in the living room, he noted that it was only six o’clock. Why was his mother preparing breakfast so early today?
With curiosity piqued, Su Bing approached the kitchen. On the counter, he saw three lunch boxes. These boxes were specially designed by his mother to make it easier for them to carry meals to school. Each box was divided into several compartments for soup, rice, and dishes. Once the lid was secured, even if the box was tossed around, the food inside would not mix.
The food would remain as it was packed, even after the box was opened. His mother had mentioned that these boxes were also ideal for long journeys, picnics, or trips, making them incredibly convenient. Su Bing had always admired his mother’s ingenuity. However, now that their school had a cafeteria, there was no need for them to bring their own meals. Why was his mother using these lunch boxes? Was someone in the family going on a trip? Could it be his father?
Su Bing also noticed dozens of dumplings shaped like gold ingots on the kitchen counter. His mother was preparing a steamer, likely to steam the dumplings. As he moved closer, he saw the food packed in the three lunch boxes. It was indeed a feast.
The first lunch box, large and with many compartments, contained five golden meat patties, five shrimp dumplings, a serving of mixed grain rice, seafood mushroom soup, and a jar of mixed fruit preserves made by his mother.
The second lunch box was filled with fried chicken legs, chips, and fries. Thoughtfully, she had squeezed ketchup and honey into the empty spaces. This box also included a jar of fruit preserves. The third lunch box was filled with popcorn. Beside it was a bag of stomach-soothing candies made by his mother, which could be eaten as is or dissolved in water…
Su Bing couldn’t help but gulp at the sight of the food. Just as he was about to ask about it, Su Li stumbled sleepily into the kitchen. Clearly, he had been lured in by the aroma of the food. Seeing the food in the lunch boxes, he immediately reached out to grab some. “Mom, today’s breakfast is so rich! The fried chicken legs look so delicious!” he exclaimed.
As Su Li spoke, his small hand instinctively reached for the large chicken leg. But in the next second, he was taken aback. For the first time, his mother had ruthlessly slapped his hand away just before he could touch the chicken leg. Su Li sobered up instantly, feeling a bit heartbroken. Love could disappear, couldn’t it?
Gu Zi quickly covered the lunch box. She had been too busy earlier to cover it in time. She explained to the two brothers, “I’m in a hurry. I have to take your father to the train station soon. I’ve prepared enough food for him to eat on the road. You can eat when you come back tonight. I’ll cook in a while, but for now, all this is for your father. Since you’re up, get ready for breakfast. We’re having dumplings today.”
Upon hearing this, Su Li realized that his father was going on a long journey and that his mother had prepared the food for him. So, his mother didn’t really stop loving him. Yes, his mother was just worried that his father wouldn’t have anything to eat on the road.
After some self-reflection, Su Li quickly recovered from his sadness. He picked up a plate of steamed dumplings and ate them with relish. After breakfast, he and his brother went upstairs to change into their school uniforms. By the time they came downstairs, their parents were already preparing to leave.
Gu Zi looked at her two sons. Once they put on their school uniforms, their demeanors completely changed. They no longer looked malnourished and skinny like before. Gu Zi happily bid her sons goodbye, watched them get into the Gao family’s car to go to school, and then took Su Li and Su Shen to the train station by taxi.
Su Shen didn’t need Gu Zi to accompany him, but she insisted on doing so. Su Shen didn’t refuse. He had his own selfish reasons. He wanted to spend more time with Gu Zi, even if it was just for the short time it took to see him off.
He had read the letter and understood Gu Zi’s worries. This trip might not be easy to get away from. The higher-ups wouldn’t let him go easily, but he couldn’t not go.
Because if he didn’t go, he wouldn’t gain true freedom. For Gu Zi and their home, he had to go, to meet with the leader and once again express his choice.
At the train station, when it was time to part, the usually cheerful Su Li became gloomy. Seeing her father board the train and look out the window at them, her mother also looked at her father. Although her mother was smiling, the little girl suddenly burst into tears. It seemed she had sensed the unspoken reluctance between her parents…