In the end, no matter what Wang Meili said, Gu Haojun simply wouldn’t go.
Even if Old Mrs. Gu stepped in, it was useless.
Liu Peiling couldn’t maintain her composure and awkwardly smiled, finding an excuse to go home. Wang Meili had to coax her down, while Gu Haojun took Gu Lingling with him, carrying a cage to go work.
If he stayed in this house any longer, he’d probably succumb to returning to the team early.
"Lingling, why don’t you play with Gu Juan anymore?" Gu Haojun asked as he cut the grass.
He was strong, and soon enough the cage was packed full, filled tight by him. If Gu Lingling were to do it, she’d need at least five trips to get this much.
"Yeah, just not playing together." Gu Lingling understood what Gu Haojun meant but didn’t explain.
She was close with Gu Haojun, but Gu Juan and Wang Meili were Gu Haojun’s real sister and mother.
"That’s good." Gu Haojun seeing her demeanor, shook his head helplessly knowing her thoughts, "By the way, Lingling, could I ask you for a favor?"
"What is it? Tell me first." Gu Lingling played with the grasshopper Gu Haojun had made for her, smiling.
"Your handwriting is so good, could you help me by making a calligraphy copybook? I want to practice my calligraphy." Gu Haojun felt a bit embarrassed.
The letter Gu Lingling sent to the troops caused quite a stir. Now everyone knew Gu Haojun had a sister with great penmanship, while his own writing was laughably scratchy like chicken scrawl.
"Sure." It’s not difficult at all, and she’s already decided to use the Red Treasure Book for the copybook—it’s safe.
"There’s actually something good here." Gu Haojun put down the sickle and said with a smile, "Looks like we’re in for a treat."
Gu Lingling also perked up at his words. Following Gu Haojun’s gaze, she found a small pond not far from the river.
Probably because of the heavy rains recently, the river overflowed, but was stopped by a bunch of water plants. If they hadn’t come here to cut grass, they might not have discovered it.
The siblings approached and found several fish in the pond.
The pond was shallow, only reaching Gu Shaojun’s calves, and soon he caught the fish, the largest over two pounds, the smallest as big as a palm.
Gu Lingling thought Gu Haojun would take the fish home, but instead, he took her to the mountain, grilling fish and chatting with Gu Lingling, "Lingling, I’m really glad you’re able to be now."
Gu Lingling didn’t understand why he said that, but she didn’t intend to respond.
"In a couple of years, I’ll be able to apply for the family to join the troops." Gu Haojun focused on grilling the fish, "I know this is selfish of me, I’m sorry, Lingling."
Clearly knowing Gu Chunhai and Wang Meili’s relationship, and knowing what kind of person his mother is, yet he turned a blind eye for years to avoid going home.
If not selfish, then what?
"Is the fish ready? I’m hungry." Gu Lingling still didn’t respond.
She didn’t take revenge on Wang Meili and Gu Juan directly, only stepping in to teach them not to go too far, because of Gu Haojun, she would never forget his kindness to her.
But if Wang Meili and Gu Juan wanted to be like in the previous life, she wouldn’t hesitate.
Even if it means standing on opposite sides with Gu Haojun, becoming enemies, she wouldn’t care.
This lifetime, she doesn’t want to live bewildered.
Gu Haojun smiled, "Alright, taste your brother’s cooking skills."
The previous topic was not continued.