Zhao Guiying found her not only beautiful but also spoke with a gentle refinement, unlike other military wives she had met, and felt an involuntary closeness.
"As long as the person is healthy, children will come eventually; there's no need to rush. Look at me, I've had three boys in a row, and it drives me crazy just thinking about it. So, the most important thing is to have someone you truly like, don't you think?"
Chen Lishu smiled, "Boys and girls each have their own advantages. Sister-in-law, I'm sure this time your wish will come true."
Zhao Guiying's face lit up with joy at her words, "Thank you, sister-in-law, for your good wishes."
When Gu Xingdong returned in the evening, Chen Lishu did not tell him about what happened during the day, and she specifically asked Chen Liyuan not to say anything either. A day's training was tiring enough, and Chen Lishu didn't want him to worry about such trivial matters.
However, secrets don't stay hidden forever. The next day, Gu Xingdong heard about the incident from someone else.
It wasn't just anyone, it was Wu Zheng.
He had heard it from Lin Xiaoyue.
"Good heavens, you wouldn't believe the presence of mind and words sister-in-law had. She said something like 'why argue with those who share your interests, and don't bicker with fools.'"
Lin Xiaoyue had mentioned it then, but unfortunately, his memory was poor, and he'd forgotten it by the next turn.
Gu Xingdong raised his eyes, "To compete with those of similar interests, and not to argue with fools about their shortcomings."
"Yes, yes, that's it. Ah, I tell you, Old Wei's mother is so troublesome! That old lady gives me a headache every time I see her. You didn't see how she cursed Old Wei's wife as if she were a nobody. Sister-in-law is absolutely capable; with just a few words, she sent the old lady packing."
The muscles in Gu Xingdong's jaw twitched, his lips forming a straight line. He didn't reply, his gaze fixed on the training ground not far away.
"Old Gu."
Wei Gang's voice suddenly came from behind, tinged with a hint of embarrassment.
"Old Wei, what's wrong with you? Don't you want your own child? And you're still doing ideological work? I think you should really reflect on yourself." Wu Zheng turned and asked, frowning at him.
Wei Gang gave a wry smile, "No matter how much of a scoundrel I, Wei Gang, am, I would never give away my own flesh and blood."
Wu Zheng clicked his tongue and patted his shoulder, "Your mother is truly something."
Wei Gang's gaze fell on Gu Xingdong, and he said apologetically, "Old Gu, this was all my mother's doing. I spoke to her yesterday after I found out, but she is my mother, after all. I will personally go to your place tonight and apologize to sister-in-law."
Gu Xingdong turned and smiled at him kindly, "It's nothing. My wife isn't someone who minds small things. There's no need for an apology."
Wei Gang secretly breathed a sigh of relief at his words. After all, his relationship with Gu Xingdong and Wu Zheng was different. Although they had worked together for nearly three years and were of the same rank, Gu Xingdong's professional ability was outstanding, and the importance placed on him by the higher-ups was obvious to everyone. But nothing stays hidden forever. With this incident happening, he didn't know how to explain it to his superiors. Hearing Gu Xingdong's tone now, he felt a bit more at ease as it seemed he wouldn't pursue the matter further.
Gu Xingdong casually asked, "Old Wei, I heard you used to have good physical fitness and were a model soldier in your previous unit?"
Although he didn't understand why Gu Xingdong had suddenly changed the topic, Wei Gang felt a bit proud when mentioning his past. "After being recommended to attend university, I started working in civilian roles. Now, with less exercise, I can't compare to before."
Gu Xingdong chuckled, "It just so happens that I have some free time now. Come, let's find a place, and I'll see how much of your old strength remains."
"No, you don't have to, do you?" Wei Gang finally sensed something was amiss, but it was too late.
Watching Gu Xingdong lead the way, Wei Gang shook his head helplessly, realizing the beating was unavoidable today.
Wu Zheng, being sensible this time, didn't follow. He merely gave Wei Gang a look of "good luck."
Who was Old Gu's wife? She was Old Gu's sensitive spot, especially when that old lady targeted people's sore points. Wei Gang was also clueless; his own mother had done such disgusting things, and in the end, she only got a few words of reprimand. Even he couldn't stand it.
...
In the afternoon, Gu Xingdong and Wei Gang were summoned to the leader's office.
"Old Yang, did you need me for something?" Gu Xingdong asked, feigning ignorance, as soon as he entered.
"Don't be so casual," Yang Zhiguo glared at him, his gaze falling on Wei Gang. Seeing his brow furrowed and his complexion pale, he curiously asked, "Wei Gang, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Gu Xingdong chimed in, "The weather is too hot; he probably suffered heatstroke. I told him when he arrived that he shouldn't neglect his health because of work. Is the daily morning drill enough exercise? He should also participate in high-intensity training with us more often, don't you agree, leader?"
Yang Zhiguo nodded, "Xingdong is right. Wei Gang, if you're not busy, take some time to train with everyone."
Wei Gang immediately stood up straighter and tightened his jaw, replying, "Yes!"
Having his topic diverted by Gu Xingdong, Old Yang almost forgot the main reason for the meeting. He put on a serious face and looked at Wei Gang sternly, "I heard your mother caused quite a stir yesterday. If you, as the instructor, can't even manage your own family, how can I trust you with the work below?"
Wei Gang's face paled. Suppressing the pain in his body, he confessed, "Yes, this was my oversight. I will absolutely ensure such a thing never happens again."
"Is this just your oversight? This is your dereliction of duty. Do you know how serious the impact is? Why do families accompany soldiers? You, on the other hand, have caused such a scene. If you can't even manage your own household, you shouldn't be an instructor anymore; just..."
"Old Yang."
Gu Xingdong's words were met with a stern glare from Yang Zhiguo, but he continued with a smile, "It's not that serious. Besides, Old Wei has already recognized his mistake, so don't make a mountain out of a molehill. In my opinion, let him write a self-criticism of a thousand, no, two thousand words. The more profound, the better. What do you think?"
Yang Zhiguo was interrupted by him again, and his anger wasn't as strong as before. He glanced at the two of them, waved them off, and said, "Both of you get out of here and write your self-criticisms. Each of you submit one to my office tomorrow."
Gu Xingdong asked in confusion, "Why do I have to write one too?"
Yang Zhiguo gave him an exasperated look, "Your attitude is not good."
Gu Xingdong: "..."
"Can we negotiate? Is one thousand words okay?"
"Get out!"
The two walked out of the leader's office. Wei Gang hesitated before speaking, "Old Gu, just now..."
Gu Xingdong didn't give him a chance to speak, "I'm not like you who writes with a pen. You can write my self-criticism for me too. Training requires my presence, so I'll head over there first."
Wei Gang stared at the retreating figure for a moment. As he started down the steps, he couldn't help but let out a slight hiss, "This kid really knows how to hit hard."