BTYFOV Chapter 37

 Chapter 37: Playing Tricks

Then order your brother's favorite dish

─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───

Gu Wuyi chuckled and said, "We’ve met that lawyer before. Even if Miaomiao grew up and changed, he couldn’t possibly become a different person."

"So he really is Uncle Qin’s son?" Fu Qingyun asked curiously. "Isn’t it possible they just look alike?"

Gu Wuyi replied, "Of course not! There are plenty of people in Binhai City and many families without sons. Why would Miaomiao’s master specifically hand him over to my dad?"

Fu Qingyun wasn’t doubting the father-son relationship between Qin Feng and Miaomiao; he just felt everything seemed too coincidental. It was as if some unseen force had turned the gears of time, bringing them together in advance.

Perhaps their rebirth wasn’t accidental, nor was it merely due to the strong wishes they had before dying. Maybe things had already changed without them realizing it.

They had both been reborn two years ago, but Miaomiao, whose background remained mysterious, naturally drew Fu Qingyun’s suspicions.

"Has Uncle Qin ever mentioned Miaomiao’s mother?" Fu Lingyun couldn’t help but ask.

Gu Wuyi nodded. "A brief romance. It’s not that unusual. Foreign countries are more open than we are. With Dad’s looks, it’s easy for women to lose themselves. He’s no saint. Alone in a foreign land, feeling lonely, and then a beautiful woman throws herself at him? It’s only human to get swept up in the moment."

Fu Qingyun put himself in that position. In his past life, during times of loneliness, he had indeed wished for someone to be by his side. "Let’s not talk about Miaomiao. Uncle Qin said he’d give Wang Genbao three days. He wouldn’t go back on his word, would he?"

Gu Wuyi was also worried that someone as petty as Wang Genbao might regret it. "Who was the one so confident that Qin Ying was having a boy?"

Fu Lingyun shook his head.

The older brother, Fu Qingyun, said, "All we know is that it was a traditional Chinese doctor skilled at taking pulses. They say he’s never been wrong."

A flash of something crossed Gu Wuyi’s eyes. Could it be the same doctor he had met in his past life?

He had met that doctor when he was thirty, the year before he was imprisoned. At that time, the doctor must have been at least sixty-seven or sixty-eight years old, if not seventy.

"Qingyun, did Wang Genbao mention how old that doctor is?"

Fu Qingyun shook his head. "He only said he’s in his forties or fifties."

Gu Wuyi’s expression darkened instantly.

The two brothers couldn’t help but turn to him, looking worried.

Gu Wuyi asked, “Do you remember the old Chinese doctor I mentioned before, the one who never misses a diagnosis?”

The brothers nodded. They remembered because it was too incredible, like something out of a palace intrigue novel.

Then they suddenly realized what he meant and blurted out, “No way!”

Gu Wuyi nodded. “He’s also from Binhai. I met him when I was on a business trip back from the capital — gave him my seat on the bus, and that’s how we got acquainted.” After a pause, he couldn’t help but curse, “What a stroke of luck for him!”

Both brothers knew who that him referred to — Wang Genbao.

Fu Qingyun couldn’t hold back. “Poor guy’s two daughters are probably going to end up as nannies for his son in the future.”

Gu Wuyi shot him a glance. “You still have the energy to pity someone else? Don’t forget, your household registration is still under his family.”

Fu Qingyun thought about how over the past two years they’d been dropping hints to Wang Genbao about what goods to stock, worrying that he’d lose money, even suggesting places he could check out. They’d pretended to be clueless, asking him if he was comparing prices — yet Wang Genbao had been eager to kick them aside. He suddenly felt like slapping himself — didn’t you learn enough from your losses in the past life?

“If only I were a bit older,” Fu Qingyun muttered.

Gu Wuyi chuckled, “And I wish I could wake up and be in college already. Is that possible?”

Fu Qingyun fell silent.

Fu Lingyun recalled something Qin Feng had once said — that he couldn’t afford to raise five kids. “Big brother, Uncle Qin really wouldn’t pass us off to someone else, would he?”

Gu Wuyi shook his head. “Dad doesn’t make promises easily, but when he does, he keeps them.” He looked puzzled. “Why would you ask that?”

Fu Qingyun frowned. “He said he couldn’t afford to raise us. Is a returning PhD graduate’s salary really that low?”

In their past life, they’d heard people say that retirees earned tens of thousands every month. Even though prices were lower now, surely a retired professor would make more than two hundred yuan a month?

Gu Wuyi laughed. “Of course, it’s not that low. He can more than cover our basic needs — he could even support two more kids.”

“Then why would he say that?”

The two brothers were confused.

Gu Wuyi hadn’t understood it before either. It wasn’t until he followed Qin Feng that he came to realize, “Of course, raising kids isn’t just about giving them food and drink. You have to keep an eye on their studies, make sure they don’t stray off the right path, occasionally care about what they like, and take them out to have some fun. In other words, ensure their mental and physical well-being.”

“Huh?” The two brothers exclaimed in surprise. Is it really that complicated?

Gu Wuyi explained, “Most families are probably like Wang Genbao’s — as long as you’re fed and clothed, they think their job is done. But our family isn’t like that.” He glanced around, and after confirming that Gu Xiao’er wasn’t around, he lowered his voice. “There was a time when Qingkuang got seriously ill. Dad not only took leave to stay with him at the hospital, but also held him while he slept at night. Gu Xiao’er was so happy that he wished he was sick every day."

Fu Qingyun’s jaw dropped in shock.

Fu Lingyun couldn’t help but ask, “He’s really that good?”

Gu Wuyi nodded. “Dad says that’s how normal parents should treat their kids. Those who treat children like possessions, scolding and hitting them at will, are unqualified parents.”

Fu Qingyun couldn’t help but remark, “According to his standards, aren’t there way too many unqualified parents?”

“That’s why reform schools never run out of students.”

The two brothers fell silent.

Gu Wuyi put an arm around each of them. “You don’t need to worry about anything.” He paused for a moment. “Back when you both wanted to follow Dad, you weren’t overthinking like this.”

Fu Qingyun muttered softly, “We were just scared that, aside from Uncle Qin, anyone else would be just like our former foster parents.”

“And yet you still chose Wang Genbao?” Gu Wuyi asked in disbelief.

Fu Lingyun explained, “At least during holidays we could see you guys. If Wang Genbao ever hit us, we could go to you, and you’d go to Uncle Qin. Uncle Qin is kindhearted — he wouldn’t ignore us, right? If we’d gone to someone else, even if we asked Uncle Qin for help, he probably wouldn’t be able to intervene since it’s someone else’s household matter.”

Gu Wuyi thought it over. “That makes sense. Even if Dad couldn’t do anything, Grandpa and Grandma would probably scold them a bit.”

That had been the brothers’ logic at the time.

“But that’s all in the past now,” Gu Wuyi said. “You can rest easy. Come on, let me show you around our home.”

As they went upstairs, Gu Wuyi suddenly remembered something. Their house had four bedrooms and a study upstairs, but only two rooms had beds. One was occupied by Qin Feng and Miaomiao, and the other was shared by the two brothers — and it only had one bed.

Gu Wuyi pushed open the door to his bedroom and looked at the 1.5-meter-wide bed. He gestured at it, unsure. “Think we can squeeze in?”

Fu Qingyun lay down to test it and shook his head slightly. “Barely.”

“Dad will figure something out.” The factory might not take a break, but that didn’t mean stores stayed open too. Since it was the New Year holiday, there was nowhere to buy a bed. Gu Wuyi could only pin his hopes on Qin Feng.

Qin Feng was busy to the point his neck ached. He rubbed his eyes and glanced at his watch — it was already past four.

“No wonder it’s getting dark inside,” he muttered, stretching as he got up. He opened the door and stepped out.

Hearing the movement, Gu Wuyi, who was lounging in Qin Feng’s room watching TV, immediately ran out to tell him about the bed situation.

Qin Feng followed him to the bedroom, took a quick look, and then went to grab three chairs. He placed the chairs on the other side of the bed and laid the blanket across them. “Lie across it for now and make do for a few days. I’ll go buy a bed this weekend.”

Gu Wuyi couldn’t help but comment, “We could make do like this for a long time.”

Qin Feng chuckled. “Still, we need two beds. You boys are growing up. What if your grandpa comes to stay over? You can’t expect him to squeeze into one bed with you like before.”

Hearing that, Gu Wuyi suddenly remembered. “Dad, in a few days, it’ll be exactly two years since we started living with you, right?”

“That’s right.”

Gu Wuyi sighed with emotion. “Time really flies.”

Qin Feng ruffled his hair. “Of course. By autumn, you’ll be in middle school.”

Gu Wuyi’s heart trembled with unease. He suddenly thought about his previous life — how he hadn’t even finished the second year of middle school before he was forced to drop out. “Dad, which middle school will I go to?”

Qin Feng replied, “If you ask me, it should be the city’s No. 1 Middle School. But it’s too far from home, so you’d have to board there.”

Gu Wuyi would only be eleven by autumn. Qin Feng didn’t feel comfortable letting such a young child stay in a dormitory.

It wasn’t just a matter of safety or whether Gu Wuyi could take care of himself. Qin Feng was more worried that his son’s character might be influenced by the older kids in the dorm.

If a person’s character went bad, no amount of good grades would matter.

“I don’t want to live in a dorm,” Gu Wuyi blurted out.

Qin Feng said, “Then go to No. 2 Middle School, next to the No. 5 Primary School. I’ll buy you a women’s bicycle. You can go to your grandparents’ house for lunch on regular days. If it rains or snows, you can eat at school. How about that?”

Gu Wuyi nodded in agreement.

Qin Feng reminded him, “The teachers at No. 2 Middle School aren’t as good as those at No. 1 Middle School.”

“I have Dad,” Gu Wuyi couldn’t help but say.

Qin Feng chuckled. “Alright! Come on, let’s go downstairs and help Dad heat up the food.”

When they got downstairs, Gu Wuyi noticed the table filled with dishes of meat and thought about how the elderly couple barely ate anything.

After dinner, Gu Wuyi told Gu Xiao’er to take Qingyun and Lingyun upstairs to watch TV.

Miaomiao was curious about the new older brothers. Before Gu Wuyi could say anything, he eagerly followed them upstairs.

Qin Feng still had work to do. After confirming that Gu Wuyi could handle cleaning up the kitchen, he went back into the study.

Once everyone was gone, Gu Wuyi took out the dumplings from the freezer.

Those dumplings had been made on New Year’s Eve. The elderly couple had deliberately stuffed the freezer full to make sure Qin Feng would have something to eat when he worked late, or so the kids could cook a snack if they got hungry at night.

Gu Wuyi boiled water and cooked the dumplings. Once they were ready, he scooped them into a lunchbox. He didn’t bother cleaning the pot right away. Instead, he filled a large steel pot halfway with cold water and placed it on the stove to warm up, so they would have hot water to wash their faces and feet later.

After handling everything, Gu Wuyi called Gu Xiao’er downstairs to go to the public restroom with him.

The public restroom didn’t have any lights, so they needed to bring a flashlight. Gu Xiao’er assumed his brother needed him to hold the flashlight, so he immediately ran down.

But instead of heading toward the restroom, they walked toward the main gate. Gu Xiao’er couldn’t help but ask, “You’re going the wrong way.”

Gu Wuyi pulled out the lunchbox he had tucked under his coat. “We’re going to Grandma’s house. Let’s bring something for Grandpa and Grandma to eat.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Gu Xiao’er turned around. “Did Dad tell us to go?”

Gu Wuyi shook his head.

Qin Feng likely wanted the elderly couple to come to terms with it on their own.

But they weren’t like him. Qin Feng had seen much of the world, was calm and wise, and had a strong heart.

They were just ordinary people. Even Gu Wuyi himself — if he hadn’t lived a second life and fully understood the true nature of his biological parents — wouldn’t have been able to act as decisively as Qin Feng did in the face of today’s situation.

Curious, Gu Xiao’er asked, “Does Dad know?”

“Even if Dad finds out, he won’t blame me. I’m doing this so Grandpa and Grandma can see clearly that even a kid like me is more capable than Qin Ying.” Gu Wuyi’s method might have been a bit manipulative — after all, he wasn’t really a child — but if it worked, he didn’t mind using it a few more times.

Gu Xiao’er thought about how difficult it must be for the elderly couple. If Qin Ying were to fall out of favor with Wang Genbao, they might even take her back in. “Brother, you did the right thing. Do you need me to do anything?”

Gu Wuyi thought for a moment, and a cold wind seemed to sweep past him, suddenly clearing his mind. “I know what to do now.”

“I know too.” By now, it was just past six, and the villagers hadn’t gone to bed yet. As the brothers reached the village entrance, someone recognized them and asked why they were there. Gu Xiao’er immediately explained that Grandpa and Grandma hadn’t eaten much at lunch and hadn’t had dinner either, so they were bringing some dumplings for them.

Since food cools quickly in winter, the villagers urged them to hurry.

After the brothers walked away, some villagers couldn’t help but mutter, “Qin Ying isn’t even as good as the two kids. And those cousins of hers… I heard from her uncle that when Qin Feng and Wang Genbao fought, they actually helped Wang Genbao. They’re all so foolish.”

One villager said, “They must have made money with Wang Genbao. Helping Qin Feng doesn’t get them any money.”

“Why would Qin Feng’s uncle open a restaurant in the city?” Another villager disagreed. “Qin Feng’s two aunts should stop making a fuss about his marriage and stop hassling his parents. I don’t believe Qin Feng wouldn’t help them.”

This comment left the other villagers speechless.

Another villager added, “You can’t judge both Qins with a single brush. Maybe things will be better in a few days.”

The first villager shook his head. “It depends on who you’re talking about. Qin Feng even dared to sever ties with his sister, so how could he get along with them? Even after Qin Feng’s death, they wouldn’t get another glance from him.” He paused, then added, “Now that’s someone who can do big things. Ruthless!”

The previous villager couldn’t help but ask, “Ruthless means they can do big things?”

“If you hesitate and waste three months on something small, what can you accomplish?” The villager shook his head. “I need to teach my son to learn from Qin Feng.” Without waiting for anyone to respond, he turned and headed home.

When the villager got home, Gu Wuyi and his brother were just arriving at the door.

Gu Xiao’er knocked for a while before Old Qin finally came out.

Gu Wuyi looked at him, wearing slippers and a cotton coat. “Are you already sleeping?”

“Why are you two here?” Old Qin quickly invited them in. “Your grandma said it was you, and I thought she was getting old and confused.”

Gu Wuyi didn’t speak. He passed through the kitchen and went in to grab two pairs of chopsticks.

Old Qin was a step too slow in closing the door. When he turned around and saw Gu Wuyi coming out of the kitchen, he asked, “Are you hungry? There are some biscuits your uncle brought. Didn’t your dad heat up any dishes for you tonight?”

Gu Wuyi finally said, “We’ve already eaten. Grandpa, hurry up.”

Once he entered, Gu Wuyi went to the back room.

Previously, the house didn’t have electricity, but after Qin Feng returned to the country, he had the old couple’s house wired for electric lights.

The bedroom was brightly lit, and Old Qin also noticed that Gu Wuyi was holding a lunch box.

Gu Wuyi handed the lunch box to Madam Zhou. “I brought you some dumplings I made. They’re still hot.”

Madam Zhou was confused.

Old Qin was also puzzled. “You two… came to bring us food?”

“Yes.” Gu Xiao’er put down the flashlight and shivered. “It’s so cold. How can you not eat anything?”

When Old Qin saw the child shivering from the cold, he quickly urged him to get in bed. “Take off your shoes and warm up.”

Gu Xiao’er didn’t hesitate and climbed into the bed.

Madam Zhou couldn’t help but glance over. Seeing his red nose, she felt a pang of sympathy. “You should’ve just let your dad bring it over. Why did you both come?”

“My dad’s busy with work,” Gu Wuyi sat down beside the bed. “I watched the dumplings cook.”

The old couple was both surprised.

Gu Wuyi nodded.

Madam Zhou couldn’t help but put down her chopsticks and take his hand. “You’re such a thoughtful child.”

Gu Wuyi awkwardly said, “It's because of us that Aunt made such a scene today. If it weren’t for us, you wouldn’t have had to help take care of Qingyun and Lingyun.”

Madam Zhou had previously asked Old Qin whether their favoritism toward Qin Feng was the reason Qin Ying had caused so much trouble for them.

At this moment, seeing the two children’s innocent faces, Madam Zhou was sure that the fault didn’t lie with them, but rather with Qin Ying being influenced by Wang Genbao, who had made her dissatisfied. It was also their constant compromises that had led to Qin Ying’s insatiable greed and her belief that it was all justified.

Madam Zhou’s spirits lifted as she said, “It’s not your fault! Even without you two, with your dad being so successful, Qin Ying and Wang Genbao would have become worse and worse, and they would’ve caused all this trouble.”

Old Qin nodded. “It’s just a few years later. It’s not any better now. If she keeps causing trouble like this in a few years, your grandma and I might be driven to our graves by her.”

Gu Wuyi saw that the old lady's attitude was firm, and he secretly let out a sigh of relief. “Then don't be angry anymore. My dad is still working. When he's done, if he knows you’re still upset, he might not be able to sleep tonight.”

Madam Zhou shook her head. “I’m not angry anymore, not angry anymore.”

Gu Wuyi went out. “I’ll get you some water. Drink some water first. Dumplings can be hard to swallow without water.”

Madam Zhou was even more touched.

After eating, with some strength and a lighter heart, they also started to worry about the two of them.

Madam Zhou and Old Qin put on their hats and scarves to walk them back to the staff residence.

Originally, Gu Wuyi didn’t want them to send them.

But then he thought, the old couple had been inside for a while, and it was probably good for them to get some fresh air.

However, he never expected them to accompany them all the way home and even ask about how Fu Qingyun and Fu Lingyun would sleep that night.

The two brothers knew they had caused Qin Ying to make a scene, and they were too scared to look at them.

The more timid and scared they were, the worse the old couple felt, and they realized that even though Qin Ying was an adult, she was no better than these children.

Old Qin walked up to the Fu brothers and said, “Your grandma and I weren’t angry at you today, we were just disappointed in Qin Ying. Don’t overthink it.”

The children hurriedly shook their heads.

When Old Qin saw how anxious they were, he didn’t say anything more, afraid that they might lose sleep over it.

“Go ahead and watch TV. We’ll go to the study.”

Gu Wuyi accompanied the old couple to the study and knocked on the door.

Old Qin said, “Your dad can’t hear any noise when he’s working.” He spoke as he opened the door and stepped inside, and indeed, Qin Feng was busy.

Madam Zhou whispered, “Don’t disturb him.”

Old Qin quietly closed the door and instructed Gu Wuyi to call him before bed, then took the flashlight and went back.

During the New Year, there wasn’t much to do. Although it was nearly 8 PM, many people were still outside chatting, unable to sleep because the night was just so long.

When some villagers saw the old couple, they advised them, saying, "If Qin Ying doesn't listen, just don't bother with her."

According to the village customs, people would usually say, "Mother and daughter should never have overnight grudges." But it was Qin Feng who decided to sever ties, and most of the villagers admired him, naturally siding with him and believing he had done the right thing.

Madam Zhou was actually a bit worried about the villagers gossiping behind their backs. Hearing that they also thought Qin Ying had gone too far made her feel much better.

When they got home, she was still worried about Qin Feng and the five children.

Old Qin had been troubled by it as well.

Gu Wuyi, knowing they had delivered dumplings to them, eased Old Qin’s worries. "The kids have grown up and can take care of themselves. Who knows, in a few years, our son might even need several children to take care of him."

Madam Zhou couldn't help but think of their son, who was so devoted to his work. "That's true. When we get old, we’ll really have to rely on the kids. If there’s only one, like Miaomiao, even if Miaomiao is willing, his future wife might not agree. With five sons, there’s always one who wouldn’t want Qin Feng to be alone."

Old Qin nodded. "When my father had us three brothers, he was worried that if one child was unfilial, there would be no one left to rely on." He sighed deeply. "Today, Xiao Feng said something right. If you raise a few kids, you end up with two grown sons. This deal is worthwhile no matter how you look at it."

When these words were said, Madam Zhou felt even more that Qin Ying had been foolish.

What’s the point of having biological children? Qin Feng’s grandparents are old, and his eldest and second uncles are just as lazy about serving them. Yet, the non-biological ones still know to deliver dumplings.

"I originally planned to make a few pairs of shoes for the older sons when I had time. But maybe I should start with Qingyun and Lingyun instead?" Madam Zhou asked.

Old Qin replied, "Don't be too tired."

Madam Zhou shook her head. "If I don’t have something to do, I can’t stand it." Then she couldn’t help but feel relieved. "Thankfully, Qin Ying doesn’t know that oldest boy and second boy can make popsicles. Otherwise, she definitely wouldn’t have agreed to sign the severance agreement."

Old Qin also felt relieved. "Let’s not talk about family matters outside. It’s best to let Wang Genbao think that all the money we saved has been spent by the children."

After today’s incident, Madam Zhou understood that it was their eldest uncle who had the money, and she also realized that when they didn’t have money, relatives like Wang Genbao wouldn’t bother visiting for ten or even twenty years.

Even if they were looked down upon for not having money, Madam Zhou would rather everyone think they were poor.

On Sunday, Qin Feng went to buy a bed, and the old couple went to help. Whenever they met someone, they would worry about how the five children were doing. Qin Feng received his monthly salary.

Wuli Village was very close to the staff residence, and after a few days, her words spread, making many villagers sympathize with Qin Feng. No matter how good his conditions were, with so many children, who would dare marry him in the future?

No one introduced a match for Qin Feng, and his heart became calm.

The children were sensible and could take care of themselves, so Qin Feng didn’t have to worry. Not long after, he and his team improved a fuel-powered vehicle, significantly increasing its speed.

Because of this, the Northern Railway Factory received a batch of overseas orders.

Qin Feng had also helped his colleagues in the sales department negotiate this deal.

Although Qin Feng, a returning PhD graduate, was young, his six years of study in the most developed country earned the clients' trust. They signed the contract even before the dishes were served.

As a result, Qin Feng received a substantial bonus, with the extra amount nearly matching his base salary.

Qin Feng hadn’t taken a vacation for many days. Since Fu Qingyun and Fu Lingyun had arrived, he hadn’t been able to pay much attention to them, so he requested a ten-day leave from the factory director.

For the first three days, Qin Feng slept soundly.

The fourth day was May Day, Labor Day. The village school also allowed a day off, so Qin Feng took his parents and five children straight to the department store. They each got a new set of clothes, and they also bought some candies, milk powder, wheat milk, and other daily necessities before heading to the Binhai Grand Hotel.

Before they left, some villagers asked, and Madam Zhou only said that Qin Feng was going to the bookstore to buy books, while they would look after the children.

The crops had grown, and there was grass in the fields. It was busier than the beginning of the year, so they didn't have the time to watch her or think too much, and they believed the story.

When they entered the private room at the hotel, Madam Zhou couldn’t help but worry. "Son, we can also go to your uncle's restaurant for a meal. They have chicken, fish, meat, and eggs there."

"His cooking can’t compare to the chefs here. It’s just suitable for students who’ve never eaten good food."

The waiter entered with the menu, and upon hearing this, couldn’t help but laugh. "Engineer Qin is right. Our restaurant has launched many new dishes recently. If you order, I’ll let the manager know and give you a 20% discount."

"I’ll take a look." Qin Feng was surprised to see that the new dishes were mostly light, while the local specialty was usually rich and oily. "These dishes are probably not prepared for local people, are they?"

The waiter nodded. "As the economy improves, more people from other places come here. If we don’t change, they’ll eventually be taken by private restaurants. Besides, if we always serve the same things, people will get tired of it. It's not like before, when people only went to restaurants once every few years."

Qin Feng agreed. "Your restaurant is good. You’ll be able to keep it going."

Gu Wuyi was quite surprised. His dad was really impressive.

—This restaurant indeed continued to stand strong in the center of Binhai City.

Just as he was thinking this, a menu appeared in front of him.

Gu Wuyi was confused.

Qin Feng said, "Everyone just order what you like, that’s enough."

Miaomiao reached out to grab the menu. "Big brother, second brother, third brother, fourth brother, I’ll help you order!"

Qin Feng didn’t hesitate to expose him, "To order what you like?"

Miaomiao turned to his brothers, widening his eyes and pausing after each word, "You, all, like, to, eat, what?"

Gu Wuyi couldn’t help but say, "I suspect you’re trying to intimidate me."

"How could that be? I like big brother the most," Miaomiao said without hesitation.

Gu Xiao'er purposely asked, "What about me?"

"Dear brother!"

Gu Xiao'er laughed, "Then order what your dear brother likes to eat."

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