Chapter 23: A Wager, Competing for the Grandchild

“Grandfather, you are wise beyond measure, both brilliant and powerful—nothing escapes your discerning eyes.” Gu Bin, accustomed since childhood to jesting with his grandfather, cupped his hands in a gesture of utmost admiration.

His grandfather burst into hearty laughter, his voice robust and full of vitality.

“Grandfather,” Gu Bin seized the moment while his grandfather was in good spirits to voice his concern, “Honestly, I feel that Secretary Li is rather ostentatious—he doesn’t quite seem suited to be your secretary.”

His grandfather’s expression shifted slightly. “Why do you think that?”

“Here’s what happened...” Without concealing anything, Gu Bin recounted the afternoon’s events in detail, leaving nothing out.

“That’s not right of him,” his grandfather said, his laughter fading and dissatisfaction flashing in his eyes. “Next time he comes, I’ll have a word with him.”

“Grandfather, Uncle bought a villa in Guangzhou a long time ago and has been urging you and Grandmother to move in...” Gu Bin’s eyes flickered as he smiled and coaxed, “Honestly, the southern climate is mild, the winters aren’t cold, and it would be good for your old rheumatism. Why not agree to Uncle’s invitation and enjoy a leisurely life in Guangzhou? That way, certain people with impure motives won’t keep disturbing you in your old age.”

“Do you think I don’t want to enjoy a peaceful life?” His grandfather’s eyes widened in mock annoyance. “The only reason I’m still here is for you, isn’t it?”

“Yes, yes, I know. It’s all because you and Grandfather are locked in that wager.” Gu Bin took it lightly, laughing and teasing, “You want my brother and me—one to join the military, the other to go into politics. Whichever of us does better in the future, the two of you will see who wins...”

—

Gu Bin’s grandfather had joined the army at a young age, a man of bold temperament and genuine candor, whose only flaw was his preference for sons over daughters.

He and his wife had one son and one daughter. His eldest son and daughter-in-law bore three granddaughters, but with the advent of the one-child policy, they complied with the national call and underwent sterilization.

With no hope of a grandson, the old man was deeply dejected for a long time, sighing at home, finding fault with everything, his temper foul and unyielding—so much so that his wife nearly divorced him.

This state of affairs persisted until the birth of his youngest grandson.

Gu Bin’s mother had two sons—the eldest was four when the youngest was born. Upon seeing his lively, adorable new grandson, the old man was struck with a sudden idea.

He and Gu Bin’s other grandfather were old comrades-in-arms, having fought together during the liberation of Jinan before the founding of the country, the kind who could entrust their backs to each other amid the roar of artillery on the battlefield.

Gu Bin’s paternal grandfather remained in the military, while his maternal grandfather’s political career had also flourished.

The two families were well matched, and their children’s marriage had been a union of joy. The birth of the youngest grandson should have been a cause for celebration, but suddenly an unexpected twist occurred.

His maternal grandfather, thick-skinned and relentless, insisted that the child bear his surname—Gu.

At first, his paternal grandfather refused, and the two old men nearly came to blows over the matter. In the end, it was Gu Bin’s father, unwilling to see his wife distressed, who relented and agreed for his younger son to take his mother’s surname, officially registering the household under his maternal grandfather’s name.

Thus, the two brothers had different surnames: the elder, Fu Zheng, after their father, and the younger, Gu Bin, after their mother.

—

“Little Zheng is already a fighter pilot. You must also strive to excel—now that you’re in university, study hard. You mustn’t let him surpass you.” His grandfather, evidently still mindful of the wager, was not angered by the teasing; instead, he offered solemn advice.

“I understand,” Gu Bin replied with a knowing smile, a hint of helplessness flickering in his eyes.