Chapter 113: Two Become One

Chapter 113: Two Become One

The kids were more excited about going to the zoo than anything else, even though they had no idea what a zoo was. In the early morning, the two little boys were bouncing around like two tiny balls, chanting to anyone who would listen: “We’re going to the zoo!!”

“To the zoo!” they shouted in unison.

“Mom and Dad are taking us to the zoo!”

Their high-pitched voices repeated the same phrase over and over, like two little megaphones, eager to tell everyone within earshot.

Gu Cheng rubbed his ears, remembering how on the ship, the constant roar of engines and waves had been a never-ending background noise. Some people’s hearing was affected, but Gu Cheng’s had always been exceptionally good—that is, until he spent a whole day with his two-year-old sons.

Captain Gu then realized what the most terrifying sound in the world was. The duet of his two boys could rival a group of ducks. To those who knew, it was just two children, but to those who didn’t, it seemed like he was carrying a kindergarten with him.

“Raising kids can damage your hearing,” Gu Cheng thought, arms crossed, as he looked down at the two short, chubby little “penguins” at his feet—or rather, mobile loudspeakers. From the moment they woke up, their little mouths had been chattering non-stop.

When the little loudspeakers were quiet and sitting obediently on the sofa playing with toys, it was a blissful time for the adults.

“Comrade Gu, I have to admire you. Your ability to resist distractions is extremely strong. It must be an innate ability you have as a father,” Qin Yao cast an admiring glance at Gu Cheng. Yesterday at noon, the two kids had caused a huge ruckus, but Gu Cheng had remained as still as a mountain and fallen asleep, enjoying a comfortable nap.

This, however, led to an argument between Old Master Gu and Gu Zhuyong.

Old Master Gu said his grandsons had good constitutions, just like him, and were born to be good warriors—able to wake up and fall asleep at will, able to sleep soundly in any environment. It was a rare and valuable talent.

Gu Zhuyong, on the other hand, argued that being able to sleep through such noise meant that on the battlefield, he’d be oblivious even if bombs were exploding around him.

Qin Yao admired Gu Cheng’s calm demeanor. With both sons and the grandfather and father arguing noisily beside him, he remained composed. She couldn’t tell if he was really asleep or just pretending, but either way, he slept soundly.

“I don’t have such thick skin,” Qin Yao thought.

“Comrade Qin, practice more and try to catch up to Comrade Gu’s level,” Gu Cheng said with a smile, as he applied moisturizer to Qin Yao’s hands and helped her put on her leather gloves.

The couple then worked together to catch the two little ones, cleaning their faces and applying moisturizing oil. The children’s skin was delicate and needed protection from the wind, otherwise they would start sniffling. The two kids were wrapped up tightly, their noses clean and dry.

Wherever they went, people praised how clean and handsome the boys were.

The couple took the kids to the zoo. As soon as they arrived at the entrance and opened the car door, the two little ones shot out like cannonballs, scampering towards the gate with small, quick steps, like wild monkeys set free in the jungle.

“Tigers! Tigers!” they shouted.

Gu Cheng strode leisurely behind them, while Qin Yao tied her scarf and tucked her hands underneath it, walking forward.

The kids’ steps were small, and every day they ran and hopped around. When they fell, they didn’t cry but got up and continued running. Qin Yao couldn’t help but wonder if they had tiny motors powering their endless energy.

The younger the children, the more energy they had.

They first took the kids to see the tigers, and then went to feed the monkeys. At this time, the monkeys were in their enclosure and could be fed peanuts. A mother monkey held her baby, and the monkeys were quite intelligent—they even imitated the visitors’ actions.

Qin Yao held Mingming in her arms, while Gu Cheng held Rui Rui. A group of monkeys gathered around Rui Rui, scrambling for the peanuts he offered.

“What’s wrong with these monkeys?” Gu Cheng wondered.

The monkeys piled on top of each other, forming a tangled mass, all eyes fixed on the child in Comrade Gu’s arms.

Qin Yao thought to herself: Maybe because you’ve got a ‘monkey magnet’ in your arms.

The panda symbol appeared in many places, including basins, kettles, and cups, all featuring images of giant pandas and bamboo. The two little ones had seen pictures of pandas before but were seeing a real panda for the first time.

While the pandas in the pictures looked small, the real thing was a massive, bamboo-chomping machine.

Mingming looked at the bamboo longingly, wanting to try chewing it. Qin Yao was exasperated: "You can't bite it."

"Mom, I want to eat it!"

"We'll go dig for bamboo shoots in the mountains when spring comes."

"I want to eat it, I want to eat it, I want to eat it too!"

……

Qin Yao handed her younger son to Gu Cheng, leaving the greedy one to him, while she held her older son, who was full of charm. At that moment, the giant panda stopped eating bamboo and, using all four limbs, crawled over. The mother and child got a close-up view of the giant panda.

Gu Cheng held his son, who looked strikingly like him, and couldn't figure out why this child, who seemed like a monkey spirit, was his and looked so much like him.

And he’s always hungry! He even wants to chew on bamboo.

He wasn’t this foolish when he was little.

"Alright, Dad will take you to eat it." Gu Cheng grabbed his son and turned to leave.

Qin Yao called out from behind, "Where are you two going?"

Gu Cheng took the child to find Qin Xueguan, the kids' uncle, and asked him to get some fresh bamboo for the little rascal to chew on. Experience is the best teacher; if he didn’t let him try it, the child would think it was something great.

Qin Xueguan couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, I'll get some. I also have some dried bamboo shoots. How about I make a dried bamboo shoot duck for the child at noon?"

Qin Xueguan found a few thin bamboos. Gu Cheng coldly snapped them and handed them to the little rascal in his arms. Mingming, being a smart kid, took one bite, realized it was too tough, and stopped complaining. It was as if the child who had been demanding to eat the bamboo earlier wasn’t him at all.

Qin Xueguan took his two nephews to see the red pandas.

"Red pandas have varying temperaments; some are afraid of people, while others are quite friendly. Canca is quite bold and isn’t afraid of people."

Qin Yao went to see the bold Canca that her fourth brother mentioned. This red panda was very lively, could walk on two legs, and was well-adapted to human touch. It loved eating fruits.

"Pretty cute, just like children." Qin Xueguan’s face softened with a gentle smile. Over the past two or three years, Qin Xueguan had become much tanner, and his speech more forthright and refreshing. He was always warm and welcoming, especially with small animals.

Qin Xueguan shared some good news with Qin Yao. "Hey, listen up. Don’t tell Mom and Dad yet. Your brother might be going to study at the Agricultural University."

Qin Yao immediately said, "That's great news. Is it confirmed?"

Nowadays, whether it was further studies or university, recommendations were required. If Qin Xueguan had the opportunity to study at the university, his rank would certainly be raised after completing the course, and he might be transferred to a key position.

"It should be confirmed." A smile appeared on Qin Xueguan's face, and the joy was impossible to hide. "There are three spots this time. We went through an assessment before, selecting three out of the top four. I ranked second, so I should be a sure thing, right?"

If he’d been third or fourth, Qin Xueguan wouldn’t have had high hopes, but being second meant it was almost guaranteed.

"I privately asked Director Li, and he gave me a knowing look, indicating I'm definitely in."

"Yaoyao, let's wait until the notice is posted and the selected individuals are confirmed before telling our parents. Let them be happy then."

Qin Xueguan couldn’t hide his pride, but he’s gotten more cautious over the years, so he wouldn’t announce it just yet.

Qin Yao didn’t seem too excited about it. "They’re bringing back the college entrance exams next year. If you’re determined, you could start preparing this year and become a formal university student."

But going straight from the zoo for further studies and keeping his job would be better for his career there.

It's hard to say who is good or bad, but this opportunity to go for further training is a huge blessing for Qin Xueguan.

"Hmm." Qin Xueguan smiled as he spoke with his younger sister and brother-in-law. He adored his two little nephews—his only two nephews—and had told them many amusing stories about animals, which fascinated the two little ones.

Two two-year-old children: "Huh? Ah! Hmm hmm hmm!"

The two kids mostly didn’t understand and could only respond with ‘hmm’ and ‘ahh,’ or repeat what adults said in a mix of adorable and bizarre ways.

Qin Xueguan didn’t mind this kind of "conversation between chickens and ducks" at all. On usual days, he talked to animals. Even the smartest animals weren’t as clever as his two little nephews.

Gu Cheng said to Qin Yao, "Fourth Brother is really patient. As a father, I feel ashamed of myself."

Qin Yao: "..."

Qin Xueguan chuckled, wiping his brow, "If you spent all day talking to animals, you’d develop this kind of patience too."

No matter how much you talk to the animals in the zoo, they won’t respond, only giving basic reactions. Even the smartest dog can only follow a few commands from humans.

It’s clear that humans are an incredibly intelligent species, far more advanced than any other animal.

Mingming: "Uncle, can I eat this?"

He was pointing at the panda’s poop, which looked like green dumplings and smelled faintly of bamboo—it was used for research.

Qin Xueguan: "Ah?!"

Qin Yao stifled a laugh and teased Gu Cheng, "Did your son come back as a dog this time around?"

Gu Cheng: "..."

"Uncle will let you smell it, but this can't be eaten. Don't put it in your mouth. Later, Uncle will take you to eat something delicious..."

The two children clung to Qin Xueguan's legs, staying close to their parents, feeling secure and showing great interest in exploring the new world and making new friends. They wanted to play with their uncle, their little mouths chattering non-stop.

For the first time, Qin Xueguan realized that taking care of two kids was way more exhausting than looking after a bunch of animals.

What made it even more challenging was that these two could understand everything and wouldn’t stop asking all sorts of quirky questions.

"Uncle, is that delicious?"

"Uncle, did you give birth to this bear?"

"If you didn't give birth to it, why are you raising it?"

"Dad and Mom?"

...

Qin Xueguan was both overwhelmed and amused by the endless stream of childish questions. "Kids this age don’t always seem bright, but they’re surprisingly clever."

"Yes."

Qin Yao smiled to herself, thinking that raising kids had its own special kind of joy.

"Director Li, Director Li..." Qin Xueguan saw a figure in the distance, said a quick word to his younger sister, his face full of smiles as he rushed forward, greeting him enthusiastically. From a distance, it looked like he was flattering Director Li as he followed behind him.

Director Li was a middle-aged man of short stature. He wore a hat that hid his hair, and his smooth, round face gave him an owl-like appearance. His expression was indifferent when speaking to Qin Xueguan.

Without giving Qin Xueguan much time to speak, Director Li found an excuse and left. After the conversation, Qin Xueguan returned, smiling, and said, "Director Li is pretty down-to-earth and easy to talk to."

"He’s not talking to me because he’s worried people might think I’m getting special treatment, but I don’t need any special treatment anyway..."

Qin Yao nodded, careful not to pour cold water on Qin Xueguan, though she felt something was off in her heart.

After a pleasant lunch, something unexpected happened in the afternoon. The list of candidates for the advanced training program was posted, with March as the reporting date to the school. There were three slots, and the first, third, and fourth-ranked candidates were listed, but Qin Xueguan, who ranked second, was missing.

Stunned, Qin Xueguan rushed to the office to confront the leadership. "Why isn’t my name on the list? I’ve been awarded excellence every year, and my assessment ranked second. Isn’t it about selecting the best?"

Even in terms of background and ideological conduct, he had no issues. Sun Qi, who ranked third, had a problematic family background, yet he was also selected!

Before, Qin Xueguan had thought Sun Qi would be pulled from the list, but it turned out his own name was missing instead.

"Don’t make a fuss here. The list has already been finalized and sent to Agricultural University. Comrade Qin, just relax. There will be other opportunities, and you won’t be forgotten. Just keep working hard."

"If you miss out this year, there will be opportunities next year."

Qin Xueguan argued loudly, "Why not me? Why isn’t my name on the list?"

"The decision was made by higher-ups. It might be because your current work is not suitable."

"I was on the shortlist, so why am I being excluded?"

...

Qin Xueguan caused a commotion in the office, drawing a crowd outside the windows. Qin Yao and Gu Cheng brought the child over, and Qin Xueguan was still arguing with Director Li. He even involved Acting Vice Principal Zhang Yuan.

Director Li was startled to see Zhang Yuan. "It’s a small matter, but he’s still making a fuss."

"Qin Xueguan, I’m telling you, if there’s no slot, there’s no slot. We’re not giving it to you just because you’re making a scene!"

Zhang Yuan asked coldly, "What’s going on here?"

Director Li maintained an official tone. "He’s making a fuss because his name isn’t on the list for further studies."

Anxious, Qin Xueguan said, "My name should be on the list."

Director Li replied, "It’s not, and the list has already been posted."

Qin Xueguan shot back, "I’m ranked second in the assessment, so why isn’t my name on the list?"

Director Li answered, "After comprehensive consideration..."

Seeing the situation, Zhang Yuan understood and guessed it might be due to background issues. There was some reason for Director Li’s handling of the matter.

Zhang Yuan nodded. "Since the list has been finalized, let’s move on. Comrade, you need to understand that creating a disturbance won’t resolve anything."

"I have no issues. I’m ranked second in the assessment, so why isn’t my name on the list? The third person has issues with his background, so why was he chosen even though he’s not as good as me and has a problematic background?"

Taken aback, Zhang Yuan listened as Director Li remained calm. "Deputy Principal, as you can see, with his level of ideological awareness, selecting him would be a big problem. The staff have reflected that he has ideological issues and is not proactive in his work."

Qin Xueguan was anxious. "What ideological issues do I have?"

"This kind of behavior shows a lack of proper ideological understanding."

...

Zhang Yuan said coldly, "Alright, Comrade, if you keep making a scene, you might end up with a demerit."

Qin Xueguan felt as if the sky was collapsing. Everything seemed certain for him, so why did Director Li suddenly change his stance? He was an outstanding employee.

He stood rooted to the spot, his features dull and lifeless.

"Maybe it's because my brother didn't bribe him with money."

At this moment, Qin Yao suddenly walked into the office and uttered a bombshell of a sentence. Even Director Li, who had been calm just a moment ago, changed his expression. "Who are you? What nonsense are you spouting?"

"I'm saying my fourth brother has no issues with his family background, he ranked second in the assessment, and he didn't get selected for the advanced study program because he didn't bribe you with money!" Qin Yao said loudly.

Coming to his senses, Qin Xueguan looked dazed. "Sis, s-sis..."

Even he knew that you couldn't make baseless accusations without evidence. Qin Xueguan soon realized the probable reason he wasn't selected, regretting his own naivety.

What Qin Yao said was just his guess, but such unfounded speculation had no evidence to back it up.

Qin Xueguan felt extremely bitter. At this point, he wanted to try to calm his sister down.

"Who are you, and what nonsense are you spouting?" Director Li could no longer maintain his calm. "Get security to throw them out."

"The evidence of bribery is right here in your office. Check that leather bag."

Qin Xueguan felt drained. How could Director Li have hidden money there?

Zhang Yuan also found it amusing, and the crowd outside the window found it even more hilarious.

Only Director Li was visibly shaken. He had been too confident, thinking the most dangerous place was the safest, especially since he didn't want his wife to find out.

To his horror, Qin Yao was right, and cold sweat drenched Director Li's back.

"Don't cause trouble here. If you want evidence, I'll show you by opening the drawer—"

At that moment, Qin Yao quickly grabbed the bag. "Brother, this bag is quite heavy. There might really be money and receipts inside."

Director Li was furious. "What do you think you're doing?"

As Director Li was about to rush forward and grab the bag, a man blocked his way. Everything spun, and he was pressed down on the table by his neck.

"Contact the inspection team," Gu Cheng said, having already noticed something was off with Director Li's reaction to the bag. He suspected there was something inside.

Qin Yao opened the worn-out leather bag, and in front of everyone, she pulled out a thick cowhide notebook. When she opened it, it was hollowed out, with a stack of money and industrial tickets inside.

Zhang Yuan's eyes widened, and the crowd outside the window was even more astonished. Most of them were ordinary folks who had never seen such anti-corruption plots on TV. Who would have thought to hide money like that?

Qin Xueguan was also stunned. There were several other notebooks in the bag, all hollowed out to hide money.

Additionally, a note fell out, which read: Director Li, it's all up to you to resolve the quota matter.

Qin Xueguan read the note aloud, and when he finished, he couldn't believe it. "My God!"

The people outside were thinking the same. "My God!"

While everyone knew people paid to pull strings, catching someone so openly was rare.

It was exposed right in front of everyone, impossible to hide now.

"Over eight hundred yuan. There's actually that much here."

"My God, how much did he take?"

"Was it Sun Qi who gave it, or Liu Qu?"

"Both of them, I suppose..."

……

Director Li, pinned to the table, felt a wave of dizziness and realized it was all over. He wished he had hidden the money at home and handed it to his wife; now, everything was ruined.

What kind of luck does this Qin family have?

Director Li was escorted away for investigation, and Qin Sige was also questioned. Once such matters were exposed, they became a typical case for a crackdown. The posted list was torn down and needed to be reviewed again.

Although there would be a re-evaluation, Qin Sige felt somewhat disheartened, thinking that human society was complex and dirty, not as pure as the world of animals. Whether he pursued further studies or not no longer seemed important.

What good is having a degree and becoming a leader? Would I end up like Director Li?

"I wish I could be an animal, living a simple life of eating, sleeping, and playing, free from all the underhanded dealings."

Qin Yao advised him, "Brother, you need to take full advantage of this opportunity for further training."

"Yeah." Qin Sige nodded, then couldn’t help but say, "Little sister, you were a bit impulsive today. We were lucky."

"If he did something wrong, there would always be loopholes. Making a bigger fuss is necessary to investigate him. I really don’t believe otherwise."

"Brother, if you aren’t afraid of investigation, he is."

If Qin Sige really had a problem, then so be it. But he had no issues with his background, no problems with his evaluations, and was still an outstanding employee... If a thorough investigation were conducted, the one with issues would likely be someone else.

"Yaoyao did nothing wrong." Gu Cheng thought his wife’s decisive action was just right. It was the perfect time to make a scene, and their family had connections. Qin Sige had no problems at all, so it was easy to seek help for justice.

It was also lucky that they caught this guy’s misdeeds on the spot, saving a lot of trouble.

"You’re right. An upright person has nothing to fear." Qin Sige felt a bit agitated, thinking he had been too young and too confident. But what would he do if this happened again? Should he bribe in advance?

No, he wanted to strive to be the best!

In his teens, Qin Sige lacked this drive and had little interest in studying, but now he suddenly had the determination to aim for first place. As the saying goes, 'A blacksmith must himself be strong.' He needed to work harder and be more diligent. As long as he was strong enough and irreplaceable, he wouldn’t be pushed around so easily again.

Seeing her brother rekindle his ambition, Qin Yao thought that encountering such a situation might not be a bad thing. That kind of determination to push forward and stay strong isn’t born overnight—it’s built through repeated challenges.