Chapter 34: Something Is Not Quite Right With Him

Beijing.

At this moment, Lu Jiaoe had no idea that Gu Fengji had finally discovered she was not living at the Gu residence and had even tracked down her current address. Even if she had known, she would not have found it particularly significant. Lu Jiaoe had never considered herself a daughter-in-law of the Gu family, nor did she feel she was truly married to Gu Fengji. Had it not been for the circumstances at the time, their relationship would never have come to be. Consequently, she was simply waiting for an appropriate time to divorce him. She did not care in the slightest how the Gu family treated her; after all, she never regarded them as her in-laws.

"Little Lu, when will you be brewing more ointment and making medicine again? Spring is already here."

"That’s right, Little Lu! Once our friends and relatives found out about the medicine you make, they snatched up almost everything I bought. You really need to get to work soon. My friends and family said to make sure I buy from you the moment you have more."

"My friends and family are the same, Little Lu. I must be first in line!"

"Little Lu, I don't care what anyone says, I get priority too!"

...

Though the temperature in Beijing had only just climbed above freezing and the air remained biting, the neighborhood aunties and matrons had already gathered at her door to urge Lu Jiaoe to get to work. Since it hadn't snowed for several days and the temperature had risen above zero, they assumed it must be what Little Lu called "the start of spring." In any case, it was already spring in the south, and since the whole country followed the same calendar, they decided it was spring.

"Aunties, it will be another half a month. I plan to head over to the Fragrant Hills area then."

Lu Jiaoe felt she had whetted their appetites enough. Her medicine had already gained a reputation, and her livelihood was no longer a concern.

"Little Lu, it's a deal then. Those of us in this alley must have priority!"

"Exactly, we must be the first to buy."

"Little Lu, we are your biggest supporters; you have to look after your neighbors."

"Yes, yes, half a month is fine. We can wait."

"That’s right, Little Lu, we’ll be waiting for you."

"Little Lu, I’m going back to write down the quantities I need to buy for you."

"Old Liu, you’re too prepared! No, I have to go back and count how much I need, too."

"Who doesn't have friends and family? My family back home said they need over twenty bottles of various medicines."

"I can't fall behind; I need to go back and calculate. Both my parents' side and my husband's side need some."

...

In this day and age, who didn't have friends, colleagues, leaders, or relatives on both sides of the family? Ever since these women had touted the effectiveness of Lu Jiaoe’s medicine and shared some with their acquaintances, they had become quite popular among their social circles. Many had entrusted them with the task of buying more. Now that everything was set, all they needed was for Lu Jiaoe to "blow the wind" and get started.

"What are you all doing at Little Lu’s? Where is she? What’s going on? Why is it so rowdy?"

Director Huang from the neighborhood committee had just arrived at the door. Hearing the commotion, she grew nervous and hurried inside to inquire.

"Director Huang, it’s nothing! We’re just asking Little Lu when she’ll be making more medicine; we want to buy some."

"Yes, Little Lu says the medicine won't be ready for another half a month."

"Director Huang, we’re counting up the quantities for her right now. Do you need any?"

"We’ve already agreed with Little Lu—we’re all family here, so those of us in this alley must have priority."

None of them had expected Director Huang to show up. To prevent any misunderstanding, they all began explaining at once. Director Huang suddenly realized what was happening, and her own interest was piqued. It wasn't just them; even she had been waiting for more of Lu Jiaoe’s medicine. Ever since she had tried it and found it exceptionally effective, she had shared it with her own relatives, many of whom had asked her to buy more. She had been keeping a close eye on when Lu Jiaoe would start production again.

"Little Lu, save some for your big sister here, too. Don't forget about me, Sister Huang!" Director Huang said, beaming at Lu Jiaoe with a familiar and eager tone.

"Director Huang, Aunties, don’t worry—I won’t forget any of you." Lu Jiaoe didn't feel impatient; she smiled and agreed to their requests with a good temperament. After all, she had to sell it to someone. Selling to her neighbors and Director Huang would only earn her favor.

Her words left everyone feeling immensely satisfied. Aside from Director Huang, the others hurried home to tally their orders.

"Little Lu, come with me. I just received a phone call—it was from your husband. He wants you to come and take the call."

What? Her husband? Right—she was married. Legally speaking, she did have a husband. But how did he know she lived here? And how did he know the neighborhood committee’s number? Lu Jiaoe was bewildered, but she obediently followed Director Huang to the committee office.

Just as they arrived, the clerk, Xiao Li, was holding the receiver, looking surprised. She waved at them, shouting that the person had arrived, and then said to Lu Jiaoe, "Little Lu, it’s your husband."

Lu Jiaoe nodded with a smile, thanked Xiao Li softly, and took the receiver.

"Hello, this is Lu Jiaoe."

"I am Gu Fengji. Little Lu, I didn't know my family treated you this way, nor did I know you weren't living at my home. I am sorry."

Gu Fengji had used a childhood friend in Beijing to find the number for this neighborhood committee and had called immediately. As he listened to her voice, he felt an unexpected sense of nervousness and anxiety, coupled with shame for his family's behavior. However, Lu Jiaoe showed no sign of blaming him and did not feel he owed her an apology.

"I understand. They didn't do anything wrong. You don't need to apologize."

Lu Jiaoe truly felt that no one was at fault. She felt neither resentment nor hatred. It wasn't as if she lacked the ability to support herself; in fact, not living with the Gu family was better—she was freer, more convenient, and completely unconstrained.

Gu Fengji: "..."

He could hear her tone—it was relaxed and cheerful—and it left a strange, bitter taste in his mouth. For a moment, he didn't know what to say. The two fell into a silence, both at a loss for words.

"Everything is fine at home; I went back to check yesterday. By the way, I’ll have someone send you five hundred yuan tomorrow. If you need anything, go to the XX military unit in Beijing and look for Ping Wenli. He’s my childhood friend; I’ve already spoken to him. Also, Old Ling has contacted his family as well, so someone might come to look for you in the next few days."

After a long pause, Gu Fengji began to explain the arrangements he had made with his friends. Ling Yulin had also called his brother after learning of the situation, ensuring that someone would be there to help if Lu Jiaoe ever needed it.

"Thank you, but you don't need to send the money. I have my own." She appreciated his kindness, but she couldn't accept his money. What he had already provided was enough; in fact, she felt she was the one who owed him.

"You’re out there on your own without a job. You should spend what you need to spend. I don't have many expenses here; it’s more than enough for you, so don't try to save it for me." Gu Fengji was adamant. Supporting her was his responsibility, and he would not allow her to refuse.

Lu Jiaoe was stunned. "..."

He… he seemed to be acting a bit strange.