Chapter 65 - 23: "Accomplishing a Good Deed

Chapter 65: Chapter 23: "Accomplishing a Good Deed

It was still early, so Lin Zhao chatted with her old classmate for a little longer. They had popsicles to beat the heat, and standing in the shade made the weather just about bearable.

"You’ve changed a lot compared to before." Lin Zhao’s expression was full of admiration, her tone light and cheerful.

Faced with the beautiful woman’s praise, Guo Meizhu became flustered, not knowing what to do with her hands and feet.

"H-Have I?" the usually crisp and bold young woman said, feeling self-conscious.

"Yes, you have. You’re glowing with confidence now." Lin Zhao’s eyes were sincere.

Guo Meizhu’s face grew hot.

’Confidence?’

’...Do I really have that?!’

"Thank you," she said, her face flushed and practically glowing.

’The one complimenting me is Lin Zhao!’

Guo Meizhu recalled their school days—

Her father had been transferred here for work, so she had to switch schools. When she first arrived, she had an accent and couldn’t even understand the lessons. Other students hung out in twos and threes, but her personality wasn’t particularly outgoing, so she didn’t have anyone to talk to and was always alone.

And what about Lin Zhao back then? Even though she was a girl from the countryside, she was beautiful, a good student, and had a great personality. She could chat with anyone and was incredibly popular—a shining star.

Later, she was lucky enough to become Lin Zhao’s deskmate and received a lot of help from her.

For a long time, they were quite close.

After graduating from high school, her family arranged a job for her as a ticket seller at the movie theater, while Lin Zhao returned to the countryside. That was when they started seeing each other less.

’Looking at her now, Zhaozhao is already a mother. But her skin is still fair and delicate, and her smile is warm and bright, just like in school. She must have had a good life.’

Guo Meizhu was happy for her.

"If you want to see a movie in the future, just come find me. I can always save a few tickets for you."

Lin Zhao didn’t know that in just a few moments, her old classmate had been reminiscing about their school days. She smiled and said, "Okay, thank you in advance."

"It’s getting late, you should go in now." Guo Meizhu glanced at her wrist, saw that showtime was approaching, and urged them to go inside.

"Alright, we’ll head in first. We’ll find another chance to talk." ’I’m about to start a job too, so there will be plenty of opportunities to meet.’

"Okay!" Guo Meizhu replied cheerfully.

Lin Zhao led her two boys to the screening hall.

Er Zai was chattering away, his lively, big eyes darting everywhere as his mouth ran nonstop.

Da Zai, however, was quiet, not making a single sound.

Lin Zhao could tell her dear older son had something on his mind, so she asked, "Why so quiet?"

Da Zai looked up at her. "Mom, was that thing the auntie was wearing on her wrist a watch?"

"Yes, that was a watch," Lin Zhao said.

Her expression turned complicated at the mention of a watch.

’A watch was once offered to me, but I didn’t cherish it. I even scolded Gu Chenghuai for having more money than he knew what to do with. Now I truly regret it. Even if I have the money, I can’t buy one without a coupon.’

’I won’t think about it. The moment I do, I burn with regret.’

"How did you know it was a watch?"

Er Zai explained on his brother’s behalf, "Auntie is always pestering Grandma to buy her one. My brother and I have heard it a bunch of times."

A sarcastic look flickered in Lin Zhao’s eyes, but she said nothing.

’Gu Xing’er really has the mindset of a high-born lady but the fate of a servant girl.’

’But isn’t her entitlement entirely dependent on her third brother, the soldier?’

’Now that Gu Chenghuai has washed his hands of her, let’s see how long she can keep it up.’

"How come you don’t have a watch, Mom? Is it because Dad won’t buy you one?" Da Zai asked, his face serious and his expression displeased.

"No, that’s not it. I was the one who didn’t want it; I didn’t think I’d need it." Lin Zhao explained. Gu Chenghuai was very willing to spend money on her, and she wouldn’t let Da Zai and Er Zai misunderstand their father.

’It was me who was too stingy before, only thinking about saving money.’

’That’s why the number in our family’s passbook is quite substantial.’

"But you would need it! Mom, you’re pretty, and you’d look even prettier with a watch," Da Zai said earnestly. "When you start working, a watch will be very useful."

’When Auntie was trying to trick Grandma into buying her a watch, she said she really needed one for school to tell time.’

’Mom will need to tell time for work, too.’

"You need a watch coupon to buy a watch. We’ll get one when we can get a coupon." Lin Zhao stroked Da Zai’s little face, which had gotten a bit fairer, her heart softening.

’They say some children are born to repay a debt of gratitude. Both of my boys are like that.’

Da Zai was reassured. "Mm."

Lin Zhao led her two sons to their seats.

It was the little ones’ first time in a movie theater. Their eyes darted everywhere, unable to settle on any one thing.

They were very well-behaved. No matter how amazed they were, they didn’t shout or scream, only observing everything around them with their bright, clear eyes.

Until...

The lights all around them dimmed.

The moment the lights went out, Lin Zhao turned to the side, half-hugging her two sons. She held their hands tightly and whispered, "Don’t be afraid. The movie is about to start, so they have to turn off the lights."

As she was explaining, beams of light shot out, and an image appeared on the screen. Everyone in their seats fell silent instantly. Even the most lively and active children stopped talking, their eyes shining as they stared at the screen.