Back To The 80s-Chapter 26: Discovery_1

Liu Mei stumbled downstairs, needing a long time to catch her breath. Even though she disliked Gu Xiaobei, she had never intended to harm anyone. She suddenly realized that she did not understand Gu Xiaodong at all.

Meanwhile, Gu Xiaobei and Lu Zhanguo were driving into the city. Though there were no major shopping malls or fun places to visit, being with someone she liked even while walking down the bare streets was a sweet experience. That’s why Gu Xiaobei was in a great mood, chattering nonstop about interesting things she had seen.

Lu Zhanguo did not find this irritating. In his eyes, even the most ordinary things Gu Xiaobei talked about seemed fascinating. What he did not realize yet was that love often entails indulging in endless trivial banter.

Gu Xiaobei suggested revisiting a restaurant resembling E Country she had been to before. Although the food wasn’t great, it had a nice ambiance.

After they had ordered, Xiaobei turned to Zhanguo, "Well, isn’t it nice here? Perfect for our date." Zhanguo had become used to Xiaobei’s occasional eccentric remarks and said nothing.

The restaurant door chimed, stirring Xiaobei’s curiosity. She peeked over the tall back of the couch, quickly withdrew her head, and mouthed silently to Zhanguo, "Chi Xiaoyue."

Lu Zhanguo was surprised to see Chi Xiaoyue in T City but felt that it was none of his business. Gu Xiaobei sneaked glances around like a thief, then bent over, ran to Lu Zhanguo, and whispered, "She’s with an unknown man. Could he be her boyfriend?"

Lu Zhanguo didn’t feel annoyed by Gu Xiaobei’s gossip, but he responded in a hushed tone, "Whether he’s her boyfriend or not, it’s none of our business."

"It is our business. If she has a boyfriend, she won’t be interested in you." Xiaobei rolled her eyes at Zhanguo and added, "You’re so unattractive, how do you keep attracting so many unworthy admirers?" After finishing, she pinched Zhanguo’s waist.

Lu Zhanguo liked the little girl’s spoiled behavior towards him, but being a traditional-minded man, he felt it inappropriate in public. He caught Xiaobei’s playful hand and said, "We’re in public. Beware."

"So, it’s okay when we’re at home?" Xiaobei shamelessly gripped Zhanguo’s hand tightly, grinning from ear to ear.

When Chi Xiaoyue left, Xiaobei deliberately watched the pair. The man looked to be about thirty, not very tall at about five feet seven inches, possessing average features but an admirable bearing. They seemed well-matched.

Gu Xiaobei and Lu Zhanguo had dinner before returning. She stood downstairs for a while after Zhanguo drove off and then made her way upstairs.

Those at home had already had dinner. Unexpectedly, Liu Mei was sitting in the living room while Gu Xiaodong was not there.

Upon seeing Xiaobei, Liu Mei gave her a glance. Xiaobei was sure that in Liu Mei’s eyes, there was a mixture of mockery and sympathy.

Chen Qiumei came out of the bedroom when she heard the noise, "Why did you come back so late? Have you eaten? You’re still recovering from childbirth, you mustn’t eat randomly outside."

After hearing this, Liu Mei gave a cynical laugh and headed back to her bedroom.

Xiaobei pointed at Liu Mei’s door and whispered, "What’s wrong with her?"

"Who knows what’s gotten into her? Ever since she returned home this afternoon, she’s been sulking. Although, when isn’t she acting this way?" Chen Qiumei said, disgruntled.

"Where did my brother go? Why isn’t he ever at home at night?" Xiaobei asked intentionally, wondering if she could acquire any useful information for Zhanguo.

"Who knows? Busy during the day, busy during the night; he’s even busier than a chief commander." In truth, Chen Qiumei also had no idea what Gu Xiaodong was up to. "Oh, your brother asked you to work at the district office. Once you start, you’ll be a regular worker."

"I’m not going. Even if I stay in the city, I’ll find my own job. My brother doesn’t need to worry about me. Even if I don’t work, Lu Zhanguo can support me." Xiaobei frowned at the mention of Gu Xiaodong and her cheap mother. These people stabbed her in the back while pretending to care about her.

On her way home that day, she decided to stay in the city and work, believing that she would find a flaw in Xiaodong if she interacted with him frequently.

As for her cheap mother, she would surely not help Xiaobei when trouble arose.

"I’ve heard that the working environment at the district office is relaxed. Why are you being so stubborn now?" Chen Qiumei was a bit angry.

"Anyway, I’m not going. Whoever wants to go can go." Xiaobei got up and returned to her room after speaking.

"Birds of a feather." Chen Qiumei complained resentfully.

When Gu Xiaodong came back, it was already the middle of the night. The moment Liu Mei saw him reeking of alcohol, she snapped, "If you ever get drunk like this again, don’t bother returning. I don’t understand. Why does a military supplier like you have so many social obligations?" Gu Xiaodong didn’t bother to respond and lay down on the bed to sleep.

"Just so you know, when you’re out, be cautious. Everyone knows you’re connected with my father. Don’t do anything indecent that would stain his reputation." Liu Mei admonished relentlessly.

Gu Xiaodong opened his eyes, a spark in his gaze. After giving Liu Mei a glance, he closed his eyes again. But he felt terrible internally. No matter how hard he tried, people always attributed his success to his father-in-law.

In fact, his father-in-law only helped him get transferred from the border defense team. Every step after that was a product of his own hard work.

After Gu Xiaodong glanced at her, Liu Mei stopped talking. She saw in that look a warning, disdain, and anger. Considering that he would even harm the child in his own sister’s womb, Liu Mei felt a bit scared. She was very clear that Gu Xiaodong had married her only because of her influential father. If her father fell from power one day, she feared that Gu Xiaodong’s first move would be to divorce her.

Liu Mei spent all night having restless thoughts and barely got any sleep. Xiaobei, on the other hand, had a peaceful night, although her life currently lacked ambition or goals.

At breakfast, Xiaobei was startled to see Liu Mei with dark circles under her eyes, the whites of which were bloodshot. Xiaobei tactfully kept quiet.

Xiaodong broached the subject of her job, "Xiaobei, please report to the district office on the tenth of next month."

"I won’t go." replied Xiaobei, unfazed.

"I’ve pulled countless strings just to arrange this job for you. You can’t be so wilful." Xiaodong slammed his chopsticks down in frustration.

"I told you before, I don’t need your help. You never asked for my opinion and made decisions for me. Do you think you’ve respected me?" Xiaobei patiently responded.

"I did all this for your own good. Regardless, you’ll have to go."

"Now I’m a married woman, and strictly speaking, I’m no longer part of the Gu family. What right do you have to determine my life?" Xiaobei scoffed coldly.