Chapter 33: What a Fine Son-in-Law

“Dad, we couldn’t come to see you over the New Year, so Little Lu and I brought this for you.”

Lu’s father was clearly not a man given to fussing over details. Gu Fengji took out the money he had prepared on the way and pressed it into his father-in-law’s hands, speaking with an embarrassed smile.

“Oh, no, no. We have enough ourselves. You two should save more for yourselves. You don’t need to give us anything.”

Lu’s father had never imagined that this son-in-law would arrive with so many gifts again—and even money besides. He was both surprised and delighted, waving his hands repeatedly in refusal.

What a fine son-in-law!

He gazed gratefully at the outstanding young officer before him, his heart filled with satisfaction and joy.

Under his father-in-law’s affectionate gaze, Gu Fengji’s scalp prickled, and a faint uneasiness rose in his heart.

The Lu family really were good people. The people of Guangxi were much the same—warm, hospitable, sincere, and simple-hearted.

If not for his marriage to Lu Jiao’er, he would never have treated the Lu family with such an attitude in the beginning.

“Dad, we can only be at ease if you’re doing well. Little Lu is far away, so she worries about you even more.”

“Exactly, Uncle Lu. Don’t refuse. Old Gu earns a hundred and fifty yuan a month, and he’s only giving you a hundred this time—he’s being stingy. Besides, it wasn’t easy for you to raise Sister-in-law. What’s wrong with letting him spend a little money on you? Has Sister-in-law written home? Old Gu and I have been so busy we’ve hardly had time to make a phone call or write a letter.”

Gu Fengji continued urging Lu’s father to accept the money. Seeing his opportunity, Ling Yulin immediately joined in to help. Gu Fengji could not conveniently ask certain questions, but Ling Yulin could.

Lu Jianping naturally had no reason to suspect either of them. They were family, after all, and he had no guard up around them.

“Yes, she has. Jiao’er has written and sent two packages as well. She sent us specialties from Beijing, along with some remarkably effective medicines and ointments.”

A daughter who remembered her family, cared about them, and was so thoughtful that everything she sent was useful and needed—Lu Jiao’er was simply the best daughter in the world.

Lu Jianping was immensely proud of her. He had always regarded Lu Jiao’er as his greatest pride.

Gu Fengji and Ling Yulin exchanged a silent glance, relief visible in both their eyes.

Thank goodness. She was safe and had not disappeared. But she clearly was not at the Gu residence. The only question was where in Beijing she was.

“Sister-in-law is really wonderful. I wish she’d send us some good things too.”

Ling Yulin smiled broadly and spoke in a joking tone.

“Have Jiao’er send you some medicine. Medicine from Beijing really is effective, especially the cough and phlegm remedies, and the ointment for rheumatism and pain in the lower back and legs. One application works wonders. It’s just a little expensive.”

“Oh, right. We still have some at home. I’ll get you each a bottle to take with you. Jiao’er said she’d send more next time.”

Lu Jianping had no idea that Ling Yulin was fishing for information. He simply followed the other man’s lead. As soon as he mentioned the medicine Lu Jiao’er had sent, he became even more excited.

The medicine was just too effective. Every time he used it, he praised it anew. It was practically miraculous.

Medicine from Beijing was really that good? Since when? Why had neither of them heard about it?

Gu Fengji and Ling Yulin exchanged another glance and tacitly waited for Lu Jianping to bring the medicine over.

“Little Gu, Little Ling, I brought you each a bottle. There are instructions on the labels, including how much to use and how to use it.”

If the medicine had been for someone else, Lu Jianping would certainly have been reluctant to part with it. But these were his son-in-law and his comrade, so he felt not the slightest unwillingness. He was even afraid they might refuse.

“Uncle, is this medicine really that effective? Could I tell Sister-in-law about it myself? My grandfather, my father, and the others all have problems with their legs and backs. I’d like my family to go to her for some, or at least ask where it can be bought.”

“Little Ling, wait a moment. I’ll fetch Jiao’er’s letter and let you write down the address.”

Lu Jianping had no idea he had been led into revealing the information, nor did he give it any thought. Gu Fengji was sitting right beside him, and Ling Yulin could have simply asked him—but the thought never crossed his mind.

Before long, Lu Jiao’er’s letter was in the hands of Gu Fengji and Ling Yulin.

No. 100, XX Alley, Haidian District, Beijing.

The two men had extraordinary memories. One glance was enough for them to memorize it completely. Without betraying the slightest hint of their thoughts, they returned the letter to Lu Jianping.

The three men continued chatting. Not long afterward, Lu Jianping was called away to butcher a chicken.

Gu Fengji and Ling Yulin would not be allowed to leave the Lu household until they had eaten their fill and enjoyed the meal.

Before getting into the car, the two men exchanged a glance and let out a long, heavy breath of relief.

Thankfully, they had managed to leave the Lu family a hundred and fifty yuan, along with ten flour coupons and grain coupons. Otherwise, they would have felt they had wronged the family.