Back To The 80s-Chapter 542 - 534: Cruelty_1

Lu Zhanguo stood by the window, listening to Wang Biao’s questioning of Lone Wolf, feeling a bit sad. Was he getting old? Was he becoming soft-hearted? He knew that the pregnant woman could pose a problem, yet his heart softened just this once.

How cruel is war? It can turn women and children with the strength of iron into bloodthirsty demons.

Lu Zhanguo had experienced it firsthand during the ’79 war with Yue Country, where women and children pretended to surrender, only to fire at their soldiers from behind when their guards were down.

Many soldiers were punished for shooting at prisoners and civilians.

According to the Geneva Convention, prisoners of war should be treated with dignity.

Our country, influenced by Confucian thought, emphasizes treating prisoners with respect even more.

So when it comes to female and child prisoners of war, the emphasis on humanity and righteousness is even more pronounced, even to our own detriment, yet we never seem to learn from our mistakes.

Wang Biao never experienced the war against Yue Country, so he thought that war was a man’s affair.

But in a country where everyone is part of the war, it does not distinguish between men and women.

Lu Zhanguo turned around to look at the silent Lone Wolf and said, "Lone Wolf, tell everyone about it, it might increase their combat experience."

Lone Wolf stood upright, and said solemnly, "During our retreat, when Wang Biao was passing by some bushes, he made too much movement and caused the bushes to sway unnaturally. The pregnant woman watched Wang Biao’s position, stood up, and prepared to pull out a gun from her clothing. I was afraid that firing a shot would alert the enemy snipers. If she wasn’t incapacitated in one move, her shooting would also attract the enemy."

When Lone Wolf finished, he licked his lips.

Wang Biao listened, shells-shocked and sweating profusely. He said in disbelief, "No, I didn’t see any gun in her hand!"

Lu Zhanguo spoke from the side, "On her waist, at the side of her large belly, you could see the handle of a gun that she hadn’t had the chance to pull out yet."

Wang Biao broke out in a cold sweat. Today, he had come close to brushing shoulders with death.

Lu Zhanguo became more interested in Lone Wolf, as if he could see his own young self in him.

...

With the arrival of the elder Jin, Lu Songyuan would walk leisurely to meet Jin every morning. The two would play chess and drink tea.

Wen Xiuqing also found time to pickle vegetables for the winter, chop chili peppers into sauce, and peel tomatoes to be stewed into homemade ketchup for soups and stir-fries during winter.

When Gu Xiaobei was free, she would bring along the two kids to help, assisting in peeling the tomatoes. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Xiaopang and Mo Wang could already find their own entertainment, pulling grass from the courtyard to feed the chickens.

Zhou Siping led Doudou to the side to join in the excitement.

As Wen Xiuqing worked, she asked, "Your father said that the border has become chaotic again. Have Zhanguo and his comrades been sent to the front line this time?"

Gu Xiaobei had also been feeling uneasy these days, but she comforted Wen Xiuqing with a smile, "It’s alright. The conflicts on the border now are all petty skirmishes. Zhanguo and the others are definitely not in danger."

Wen Xiuqing shook her head with a sigh, "In any case, from now on, we absolutely cannot allow our Mo Wang and Doudou to join the army. Two generations of our family have already defended our country. This generation should enjoy a peaceful life."

Gu Xiaobei shared the same thoughts. She admitted that her sense of duty was not strong enough. However, if Mo Wang himself wanted to join the army, she would not stop him.

"Have you heard from Aiguo recently? How’s Yueyue doing? Yueyue should be starting first grade this autumn, right?" After worrying about her second son, Wen Xiuqing began to worry about her third son.

"Yes, Yueyue will be starting first grade in the autumn. Fang Jing said he’s grown quite a bit." Gu Xiaobei had called Fang Jing several times. One time, she called just as Fang Jing was finishing her shift. From the calmness in Fang Jing’s voice, Gu Xiaobei had a brief chat with her, but didn’t talk much as Fang Jing had to get back to work.

"Among all our sons, Aiguo has the softest heart. He’s always the first to extend a helping hand when someone needs help, and he has a very lively personality. I can’t believe his marriage has turned out so unhappy." Wen Xiuqing sounded a bit sad as she spoke.

Gu Xiaobei remained silent. She hadn’t had the heart to tell Wen Xiuqing that Lu Aiguo had called to say that he was considering moving to the southern lands to earn more money.

Bai Xiaolan also came over to help. Seeing Wen Xiuqing’s dejected mood, she decided to change the subject and asked, "Xiaobei, you mentioned something about having pregnancy photos taken the other day. What kind of photos are these?"

Gu Xiaobei replied with a smile, "It means that we take photos of you with your big belly now so we can look back on it in the future."

Bai Xiaolan shook her head, "Now that I’m so fat and ugly, the photos will look awful."

Wen Xiuqing also found this surprising, "Why would anyone want to take pictures like that? Don’t people usually take pictures after the baby is born? Having a picture of a big belly... that’s so unattractive."

Gu Xiaobei only laughed and remained silent. Twenty years later, pregnancy photos would become very popular.

Qin Li arrived on her bike with a watermelon. As she entered the courtyard, she laughed and said, "I went to the residential compound first, thinking you all would be home."

Gu Xiaobei knew that Qin Li must have had something to do, otherwise, she wouldn’t have made a special trip in mid-morning. She got up and washed her hands, then led Qin Li inside to talk.

"What’s the matter?" Gu Xiaobei asked.

Qin Li replied with a smile, "It’s good news. When I was casually chatting with Uncle Jin yesterday, we discussed making mooncake gift boxes for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Uncle Jin said that every year, there are consolation activities; they distribute rice, oil, and flour to the five guarantees households and to the honoured families. He suggested that we produce a unique, low-cost mooncake to add to their distribution."

Gu Xiaobei’s eyes lit up, "This really is good news. Even if we made a little less money, it would help us build our reputation."

Qin Li nodded, "He will inquire about the acceptable price range and we need to urgently produce a sample for them."

"I’ll get in touch with the carton factory tomorrow to have them produce some samples for us." Gu Xiaobei started thinking about how to design distinctive packaging.

"Oh, by the way, Jiujiu and Chen Gang both received their admission letters. Aunt Jin wants to have a celebration meal at the Huixiang Building. When the date is set, I’ll let you know."

"Good, both kids have made us proud." Gu Xiaobei said with satisfaction.

After Qin Li finished her business, she rushed back to the store.

Gu Xiaobei escorted Qin Li out the door and watched her leave. She felt a sense of sigh, the Cheng Qijia family had found their own happiness, when would Qin Li find hers?

At lunch, Wen Xiuqing rolled out noodles. During the meal, she couldn’t help but complain, "Your father is practically living with Old Jin, even eating lunch there. Doesn’t he worry about disturbing Old Jin’s rest?"

Gu Xiaobei laughed and said, "My father has finally found someone he can chat with, he should make the most of it."

Zhou Siping opened his mouth and said, "Xiaolan’s eldest aunt heard that the Qi Family found a match. She plans to come over and take a look. She might have to impose on your family for a few days."

Bai Xiaolan couldn’t help but say, "I’m really afraid of my eldest aunt coming. She might ruin my cousin’s relationship."

"You, girl, why are you speaking nonsense." Zhou Siping scolded with a laugh.

Wen Xiuqing courteously said, "What’s there to impose on? There’s plenty of room here. The new house on the west side has bedding and covers. I’ve made all of them this year. It’s comfortable living."

Gu Xiaobei continued to ate in silence, worrying for He Qin in her heart. Bai Mingzhu was not easy to get along with.