Lin Qingping and Gu Juncheng

Chapter 266 His Letter

Before the Lunar New Year, some residents on this street started saying that meat and vegetables frozen outside had gone missing, suspecting that thieves had stolen them. As a result, no one froze anything in their yards anymore.

But one day, someone called the police, saying that someone had broken into the house.

That day, Lin Qingping was preparing to do a thorough house cleaning with Zhiyuan when she saw the police coming from house to house asking if anything had been stolen.

Lin Qingping didn't add anything, but she thought about going to Gu Youlian's house to take a look. As a result, she found that the window of Gu Youlian's house had been pried open.

She rushed into the house to check, and found it ransacked.

When the police asked her what was missing, she couldn't say. This was Gu Youlian's house, not hers, so how would she know? The only option was to write to her to ask, but for now, she still needed to tidy up the mess.

Starting from the living room and continuing all the way to Gu Youlian's bedroom.

All the major appliances in the living room were still there. Lin Qingping was only worried about whether Gu Youlian had left any cash at home. However, given Gu Youlian's frugal and careful nature, even if she had, it wouldn't be much.

As she tidied up, her mind wandered until she started tidying up the desk in Gu Youlian's bedroom.

The locked drawer in the middle of the desk had been pried open, and documents such as ID cards and household registration books were scattered all over the floor. Lin Qingping picked them up one by one.

There were two broken photo frames on the ground. One contained a photo of Du Gen, Gu Youlian, and Xiaomai, while the other framed a photo of the Gu family. It looked like it was taken the year Gu Juncheng joined the army. The elderly Gu couple were sitting, while Gu Juncheng and Gu Youlian stood behind them. Gu Juncheng was wearing a military uniform that a newly enlisted soldier would wear, with a big red flower on his chest.

Back then, the photos were black and white, but you could still imagine what color the military uniform was, and how bright red the big red flower on his chest was.

A deep sadness welled up in Lin Qingping's heart. She picked up the glass, folded the two photos together with the documents, and prepared to put them back in the middle drawer.

When she opened the drawer, she found a stack of letters inside, also scattered. Most of them were sent to her by Du Gen from the south, addressed to "Gu Youlian". However, one of them had handwriting that was completely different from Du Gen's. The three characters "Gu Youlian" were written with strong, vigorous strokes.

She was very familiar with this font.

I don't know how many times I've seen this in my life; it's from Gu Juncheng.

In her drawer, there lay a stack of letters, all written to her by him. She remembered every single word of each letter clearly.

She picked out that one letter from a pile of letters, knowing full well that it was private and that she and he were divorced, but she still opened it.

Zhiyuan waited anxiously in his yard for Lin Qingping to return, but she didn't come back. He ran over to look for her and started shouting at the door, "Mom, Mom, are you done yet?"

As he called out, he arrived at the door.

Lin Qingping was reading a letter when she heard the sound. She quickly put the letter away, stuffed it back into the envelope, and went out to greet them. "You're here!"

Zhiyuan looked at her with some concern, "Mom, are you crying?"

Lin Qingping quickly wiped her face; she had rushed out and forgotten to wipe away her tears…

Yes, she cried. How could she not cry?

Gu Juncheng was always an obstacle she could never overcome in her heart...

"Mom, what's wrong?" Zhiyuan came forward, his eyes full of anxiety.

Lin Qingping forced a smile, "It's nothing. I just checked and it seems my aunt's family lost a lot of money. It's like your aunt has worked for nothing all year. I'm worried about her."

When Zhiyuan heard that this was the case, he was relieved and took her hand, saying, "Mom, it's okay, money can be earned back."

"Mmm." Lin Qingping nodded, turned her face away, but tears were still streaming down her face uncontrollably.

"Zhiyuan." She tried hard to appear calm and pushed Zhiyuan out. "Go back and help Mom clean the yard. Auntie's place still needs some cleaning. Let's work together and try to finish cleaning both houses today."

"Okay." Zhiyuan was still a child and didn't notice anything unusual. He went out as his mother wished.

Lin Qingping closed the door, turned around and leaned against it, covering her face and bursting into tears, which streamed down her face through her fingers.

Some people, once you stop thinking about them, it hurts so much that it feels like your whole heart and lungs are being clawed.

Lin Qingping returned home with red and swollen eyes. Although she had applied cold water to her eyes when she left Gu Youlian's house, it didn't help much.

When he walked into his own yard, he heard a man's voice talking to Zhiyuan.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she ran home as fast as she could.

She pushed open the door and saw a tall man standing inside with his back to the door. Her heart pounded, but it also suddenly cooled down, and she felt like she was sinking to the bottom.

It's not Gu Juncheng.

She was initially captivated by the sight of a man, getting excited at the mere sight of him, but upon closer inspection, she knew that this figure was definitely not Gu Juncheng…

She stood there, her heart utterly cold.

The man turned around and smiled at her, "Lin Qingping."

Zhiyuan also said, "Mom, Uncle Liang came to help with the chores at home, and he helped a lot!"

Lin Qingping nodded and smiled slightly, "It's almost Chinese New Year, why aren't you going home?"

Liang Jiaqi was a little reserved, then blushed and smiled, "I'm not going home for the New Year this year."

Steam rose from the kitchen. Lin Qingping asked Zhiyuan, "Is the water boiling?"

Zhiyuan nodded. "Yes, I'm going to cook dumplings."

As if afraid of upsetting her, he tried again, "Mom, Uncle Liang has helped us a lot, shall we invite him to stay for dinner?"

"Weren't you planning to cook dumplings for him?" Lin Qingping went into the kitchen to wash her hands.

Zhiyuan followed him in. "Well, I don't know how to cook anything else."

Seeing that Lin Qingping didn't speak, he asked again, "Mom, you're not angry, are you?"

"No." Lin Qingping finished washing her hands. "It's just that Mom feels a little tired today and wants to take a nap. You guys eat by yourselves."

"Oh, okay." Zhiyuan looked at her, his face still full of worry.

Lin Qingping was afraid that the child might have some kind of grudge, so she pinched his cheek and said, "Don't clean the house anymore. Let me rest for a while, and we'll do it together tomorrow."

"it is good."

Zhiyuan answered from behind, but she went out and saw Liang Jiaqi, who was sitting, immediately stand up and smile at her with the clarity and innocence unique to a young man.

She could only smile slightly and say, "I'll rest for a while. You and Zhiyuan can have dumplings."

Then, she turned around, went upstairs, locked herself in her room, and tried to sleep with her head covered, even if she couldn't fall asleep. She believed that if her head was covered, her crying wouldn't be heard.

But later, she actually fell asleep and slept until night.

She opened her eyes, feeling disoriented and unsure of what day it was. She remained stunned for a while before she came to her senses and remembered what had happened that day.

My eyes feel sore and painful again.

There were soft footsteps outside; it must be Zhiyuan.

She rubbed her eyes, got up, opened the door, and sure enough, Zhiyuan was lying at her door listening for any sounds.

The door suddenly opened, startling Zhiyuan.

"Mom," Zhiyuan said nervously, head bowed, "I came to see if you were awake, and if you were hungry."

Lin Qingping took his hand. "Let's go. What do you want to eat? Mom will make it for you."

"I cooked dumplings..." Zhiyuan said softly.

"Dumplings again?" Lin Qingping couldn't help but laugh.

Zhiyuan's face suddenly lit up. "Mom, aren't you sad anymore?"

It turns out, this kid wasn't completely clueless.

Faced with Lin Qingping's questioning gaze, Zhiyuan explained with a long face, "Whenever you're sad, you lock yourself in your room and sleep for a long time..."

Lin Qingping: ...

For such a young age, he is incredibly observant.

Zhiyuan glanced at her and said, "Mom, the last time you acted like this was when you were arguing with my father."

Upon hearing this name, Lin Qingping froze for a moment.

In this family, no one has mentioned this person for a long time.

In fact, the more you avoid mentioning it, the more it proves there's something fishy going on...

"Mom, I've said it before, even if Dad Gu isn't good to you, I'm good to you." Zhiyuan's little hand was in hers, warm and soft. "Mom, other people can be good to you too."

After saying this, Zhiyuan was terrified. He glanced at Lin Qingping again and, finding no sign of anger, continued, "For example... for example... Uncle Liang."

What is this child saying? Is he trying to set her up with Liang Jiaqi?

Lin Qingping poked him on the forehead. "Don't think nonsense. Where did you learn that at such a young age?"

"But Uncle Liang..."

"Uncle Liang is like a younger brother to me, so don't say anything out of line." Lin Qingping interrupted him. In her past life, Liang Jiaqi was her younger brother.

Zhiyuan sighed, "Uncle Liang is much better than your brother."

Lin Qingping: ...

That's true. Compared to Liang Jiaqi, her Lin Jiagui is worlds apart.

"Do you like your Uncle Liang very much?" Lin Qingping went downstairs, let go of his hand, and went into the kitchen to start cooking.

Zhiyuan followed him in, "It's not that I like it, it's that I like it too. Uncle Liang is a really good person, and the key thing is how he treats you..."

"Zhiyuan, would you like some braised pork?" Lin Qingping interrupted him again.

Alright! Zhiyuan's not going to say anything more...

"Mom, are you in a better mood?" Zhiyuan asked, seeing that his mother was even in the mood to make braised pork.

"Hmm..." Lin Qingping started cutting the meat, the best three-layered pork, into chunks.

“But you…” Never mind, Zhiyuan didn’t bring up the fact that she had just been crying. As long as she was happy, that was all that mattered.

"Go peel the garlic," Lin Qingping instructed him. Seeing his still listless appearance, she smiled and said, "Zhiyuan, I'm really all better, really."

After crying, you should pick yourself up and keep going...

Whatever awaits ahead.

However, Lin Qingping often lost in thought.

For example, tonight she forgot to add salt to the braised pork and added double the amount of sugar, making it so sweet that Zhiyuan's throat was sore. "Mom, although I love sweets, you haven't made me any desserts for two days. This isn't the way to make it up to me!"

Lin Qingping: ...

Lin Qingping made a mark on the calendar.

It was just an ordinary day, neither a holiday nor a special occasion.

Zhiyuan noticed, "What day is this? Is this the first day of school? It doesn't seem like it!"

"Hmm, it's an important day." Lin Qingping put down the calendar and drew a flower on Zhiyuan's face.

Zhiyuan: ...

Zhiyuan noticed that his mother was becoming increasingly forgetful. She would forget to put vegetables in the pot, or forget to add water when cooking rice. As for other things, she would throw away the keys when taking out the trash and then come back with the trash bag. She would throw away the new "Fu" character and put the old one on top of the new one.

Various kinds, emerging one after another.

Zhiyuan was very worried. If that was the case, he would have to cook the New Year's Eve dinner for his mother and him. Otherwise, they would have to eat dumplings again.

But Zhiyuan's worries were unnecessary, because on New Year's Eve, a guest arrived—Liang Jiaqi.

Liang Jiaqi is a master chef!

Zhiyuan immediately felt that this year's New Year's Eve dinner was settled!

You see, Lin Qingping went out early in the morning and hasn't come back yet. He's home alone and doesn't know what to do!

According to the customs of their hometown, the New Year's Eve dinner should be eaten at two or three o'clock in the afternoon. At noon, Liang Jiaqi was busy in the kitchen when Lin Qingping returned.

"Mom, where have you been?" Zhiyuan quickly went to greet her and helped Lin Qingping with her things. "It's New Year's Eve today!"

"Hmm." Lin Qingping patted his head. "I rushed back to cook, didn't I? Who's inside?"

Lin Qingping shuddered again, almost collapsing to the ground.

"It's me!" Liang Jiaqi poked her face out from the kitchen.

Lin Qingping pressed her wildly beating heart, unable to speak for a long time.

"Aren't you welcoming me, Lin Qingping?" Liang Jiaqi put on a pitiful look. "I'm spending the New Year alone, bringing my own cooking skills here. Can't you even take me in? I'll go back after I finish my New Year's Eve dinner."

Lin Qingping came to her senses and said, "There's no need for that. Let's just stay at home."

Zhiyuan happened to see what she bought and asked her, "Mom, what did you buy?"

“Vegetarian cakes, for worshipping Buddha,” Lin Qingping said, and continued from where she left off, “Perfect timing, I’m going to burn the first incense. If I really want to be the first to burn incense, I’ll have to queue up in the middle of the night. Liang Jiaqi, you can stay home and rest and keep Zhiyuan company.”

Zhiyuan was surprised. "Why are you burning the first incense? Mom, we've been in the capital for so many years, and I've never seen you go before!"

Lin Qingping put the vegetarian cakes down and whispered, "Go and pray for peace."

"Then..." Zhiyuan didn't understand. Even if it was for seeking peace, why was it necessary to go in the middle of the night? He frowned. "Couldn't we go during the day?"

Lin Qingping put the fragrant fruits and melons into the basket and covered it with a cloth. "Of course... the more sincere your heart, the better."

Zhiyuan couldn't understand what his mother was saying.

However, Lin Qingping failed to burn the first incense of the day.

In the afternoon, the New Year's Eve dinner was prepared and served. Liang Jiaqi even brought out a bottle of wine and wanted to open it and drink, but Lin Qingping had to go to burn incense, so she didn't drink it. She just prepared to pick up her bowl and said, "I'll just toast with you with the food."

For Zhiyuan, it remains a glass of Arctic Ocean soda.

Strangely, the moment Lin Qingping picked up the bowl, it slipped from her hand and fell to the ground, shattering into pieces. At the same time, Zhiyuan's hands were also empty. The moment he picked up the cup, it slipped from his hand and also shattered, spilling the drink all over the floor.

Lin Qingping and Zhiyuan were both stunned for a moment, looking at their empty hands, at a loss.

Liang Jiaqi quickly smiled and said, "May everything be peaceful and safe!"

Lin Qingping gradually calmed down and nodded, "Yes, may Sui Sui be safe and sound."

But Zhiyuan knew that his mother was very anxious.

From the moment they started eating, his mother kept checking the time, even though he said more than once, "Mom, it's still early, it's not dark yet, it's still light!"

But it was no use; his mother kept watching.

Anxious and restless, she finally made it to past nine o'clock in the evening. The Spring Festival Gala was playing on TV, and Lin Qingping couldn't sit still any longer. She got up, picked up her basket, and said, "I can't wait any longer, let's go now..."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a loud, urgent knocking sounded at the door.