Chapter 177 - 176: New Year Plans (Third Update)
Gu Xiaoqing’s trials and tribulations were unknown to Fang Shaohan.
Upon returning home, Fang Shaohan called Fang Shaonan, essentially instructing him to focus on his studies— the stuff had been delivered to him.
He also discussed with his parents about sending Fang Shaonan to study abroad.
When Fang Shaohan saw that dress, he understood his brother’s thoughts.
Fang Shaonan was just at the age where feelings of affection begin, and having an interest in girls at this age is completely normal. Fang Shaohan wasn’t the stubborn conservative type of older brother, and the two were only five years apart. If Fang Shaohan hadn’t had to retire due to an injury, he wouldn’t care about Fang Shaonan’s affairs.
He would just see it as a youthful crush—as everyone went through a young and reckless phase.
But in Fang Shaohan’s heart, the name Gu Xiaoqing was synonymous with sycophancy and climbing the social ladder.
Fang Shaohan didn’t understand what kind of life-saving grace was behind that name, it was merely a girl risking her life for her own safety—how did she become his younger brother’s savior?
Given the circumstances back then, if Gu Xiaoqing didn’t save herself, her outcome would be far worse than Fang Shaonan’s. Such brilliance in desperation was normal.
If it were him, he would’ve done the same—put everything on the line at a chance.
In that sense, he might as well be the savior of many others.
He had been to the Gu Family’s spicy hotpot restaurant and inquired about their affairs.
The Gu Family’s story seemed to be synonymous with overnight wealth.
Their rise seemed shrouded in some mysterious aura.
Their luck was unbelievably good, who could deny that a rural family, with no background or means, could achieve this?
Fang Shaohan didn’t believe there weren’t connections involved because he had once heard He Cui discuss how she helped arrange their shop when Gu Xiaoqing and her family first came to the city.
Fang Shaohan instinctively thought that was why Gu Xiaoqing was so close to Fang Shaonan.
After all, Fang Shaonan had He Cui and Fang Jianguo behind him.
The influence of these two could change many things.
This might be why the Gu Family suddenly became rich.
Many have privately said that the Gu Family had connections, backed by military officials.
Fang Shaohan felt that was evidence.
At least, the Gu Family must have been using his parents’ names to gain favors at many times.
Gu Xiaoqing must be a deeply calculating, scheming girl. Don’t let Fang Shaohan’s encounter with her fool you, it left a deep impression.
This girl was definitely not someone Fang Shaonan could handle.
Too smart, too sharp, too sensitive, quick-witted, and not at all bad-looking, with a mature allure hidden within her innocence—this maturity isn’t typical of a fifteen or sixteen-year-old and shows worldly wisdom.
Hence, he instinctively believed Fang Shaonan was enthralled by Gu Xiaoqing.
He must save his brother, who was already beyond help.
The Fang Family knew Fang Shaonan’s penchant for getting into trouble.
This time, Fang Shaohan believed with him around, his brother wouldn’t cause trouble.
He Cui and Fang Jianguo were unaware of Fang Shaohan’s thoughts.
They believed he was looking out for Fang Shaonan as an older brother would.
Moreover, going abroad, in today’s society, is no longer a significant matter.
In 1988 China, many are striving hard, wanting to fight for success.
Everything made people want to change.
Everyone’s mindset was like that.
Studying abroad wasn’t unthinkable anymore, plus, Fang Shaohan suggested the idea of Fang Shaonan receiving some overseas military training, which Fang Jianguo naturally saw as positive.
After all, learning advanced foreign military knowledge benefits the country’s future military construction. As a veteran military commander, Fang Jianguo welcomed such advancements.
He preferred his child to spearhead the effort, contributing to national defense development.
Thus, it was effortlessly decided.
Of course, Gu Xiaoqing was unaware that Fang Shaohan treated her as something to be guarded against.
This incident quietly subsided.
The following outcome was that year, Fang Shaonan was indeed sent to study in the United States, never fulfilling his promise to return during winter break.
Gu Xiaoqing couldn’t meet Fang Shaonan again to return the dress.
Gu Xiaoqing would still occasionally visit the Fang Family to see He Cui and Fang Jianguo, but after facing Fang Shaohan’s murderous glares and notably hostile attitude several times, Gu Xiaoqing gradually faded out of the Fang Family’s view.
She felt there was no need to do so.
Her visits to He Cui and Fang Jianguo were only because she believed one shouldn’t just discard others after using them. Basic social courtesy required caring for friends’ parents, chatting to ease two elderly people’s longing for their son was an act of goodwill.
However, if their son didn’t appreciate it, why continue? It would only be asking for trouble.
So, over time, Gu Xiaoqing has not appeared at the Fang Family for several months.
The sophomore year seemed to pass in a blink.
Gu Xiaoqing and her classmates faced a tense senior year.
This was their do-or-die year.
During this year, everyone abandoned their comfortable lifestyles, becoming very driven.
They only slept for short periods, wishing for a thirty-six-hour day.
Gu Xiaoqing was relatively relaxed.
But even she became busy this year.
Her three-year high school life was probably her most comfortable life in comparison.
No extreme relatives, no endless scheming, no constant anxiety about others’ plots—this was the happiest life.
Of course, that was also thanks to Gu Ruhai’s persistence. The changes in her father were remarkable. Since moving to the city, due to busy business, Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei barely found time to return to the village to visit Mr. Gu.
Every Chinese New Year was their hotpot restaurant’s busiest time; there was no time to think about going home to celebrate.
They let Uncle Li Weimin bring a hundred yuan to the Gu Family, buying some city nutritional items as New Year gifts for the two elders as a gesture.
They had no choice; upon entering the city, they realized city life wasn’t as easy as rural life.
Even though Gu Ruhai was quite well-off now, the pressures he faced were immense, incomparable to previous days.
So for the past two years, they hadn’t returned for the New Year. (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for recommendations or monthly tickets at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Cellphone users, please read at m.qidian.com.)