Chapter 411: Applying for Leave

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The thought alone brought a sour sting to Zhang Mei’s nose. Not too long ago, the Gu family was prosperous and envied by many, including the Gong family, their in-laws. Many sought to ingratiate themselves with them, but now, their circumstances were pitifully desolate.

Zhang Mei was still unwilling to accept this reality. At times, she couldn’t help but wonder if things would have been better if Gu Zi and Lin Miao hadn’t been switched back.

After all, she had heard that Lin Miao had been living quite well these past years. Gu Zi, on the other hand, was indeed more capable, able to bring honor and glory to the Gu family. It seemed that Gu Zi was more suited to stay with the Gu family.

However, the sight of Lin Miao’s inconsolable state that day made Zhang Mei feel guilty for harboring such thoughts. Even if the Lin family had treated her well, it was nowhere near the conditions the Gu family could offer Gu Zi. What good would it do?

In the end, it was their families’ mistake of swapping the children that led to this disaster, causing Lin Miao to suffer. They owed Lin Miao an apology.

Zhang Mei felt her husband was right. They should seek out the Lin family, and ask Lin Miao’s foster parents to speak on Lin Miao’s behalf. Whether it was to make up for their debt to Lin Miao or to salvage the Gu family’s reputation, they should go…

Meanwhile, at the Su family home in Daqing Village, the family had just finished dinner and tidied up. They were each engaged in their post-dinner activities. Gu Zi was nestled on the living room sofa with Lele, telling her a fairy tale.

Initially, Su Bing and Su Li were also listening in, but when their training time arrived, they were called out by their dedicated instructor, Su Shen. They were now in the yard practicing horse stance while listening to Su Shen explain new training techniques.

“The set I just demonstrated is the basic moves of Sanshou boxing, which you must master…”

Su Shen, dressed in an army green vest, stood tall and imposing, his face stern. He was the embodiment of military discipline. Su Bing and Su Li looked up at their towering father, their hearts filled with admiration, but also guilt.

Their father was an excellent soldier and should have remained one. Yet, he had chosen to retire and return to Daqing Village to take care of them.

Neither their father nor their mother was their biological parent, but they treated them better than any biological parents could. What more could they ask for?

With this in mind, the brothers took their training seriously. Even the playful younger brother would devote himself to these e ndurance-demanding exercises, gritting his teeth and persevering when he felt like giving up. Now, they could maintain the horse stance for half an hour without faltering.

Su Shen instructed the two brothers to practice in the yard, preparing to go in and check on his wife and daughter. However, before he could turn around, there were visitors at the courtyard gate. It was Gu Zi’s elder brother and sister-in-law.

Su Shen strode over to open the door, welcoming the visitors inside. Su Bing and Su Li saluted their uncle and aunt in military fashion, then continued their training. Lin Cheng and Li Hua were somewhat taken aback by the sight. It seemed that their brother-in-law and sister were not an ordinary couple, training their children as if they were in the military. They found it admirable.

Gu Zi had also heard the commotion. By the time Su Shen brought her brother and sister-in-law inside, she had already prepared some warm water.

“Brother, sister-in-law, have some water. I’ll go wash some fruit,” she offered.

Li Hua stopped her, saying, “Just the water is fine, don’t go to any trouble. Sit down. We’re sorry for disturbing you so late, but we had to come. My husband wants to ask Su Shen for a leave.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Cheng addressed Su Shen, “Yes, tomorrow Li Hua and I need to go to the city to pick up our father from the hospital. We need to take half a day off. I didn’t get a chance to ask you this afternoon, so we had to come over after dinner. Is that okay?”

Although their parents had told Lin Cheng not to go, insisting they could manage on their own, Lin Cheng was still worried and wanted to be there.

However, the pig farm had been very busy lately, and he didn’t want to be accused of seeking special treatment or being casual about his work. So, after dinner, he brought his wife to ask for leave.

Su Shen sat next to Gu Zi, took the cup of warm water she handed him, and asked, “Of course, but doesn’t Father need to stay in the hospital for a while longer?”

Gu Zi listened from the side. She also remembered that he was supposed to stay in the hospital for a while longer. However, she guessed why he was being discharged early. It was probably because Papa Lin felt uneasy staying in the hospital.

Papa Lin embodied the most genuine mentality of the working class. He was honest, loyal, and generous throughout his life. He was not the type of person who would immediately embrace hedonism just because his daughter had married a wealthy man.

One could say that even if Papa Lin became a wealthy man in the future, he would not indulge in any extravagant waste. He would live his life frugally.

In fact, Gu Zi admired such people, which was why she was willing to fulfill her filial duties to him on behalf of the original owner..