Jiang Nian Confronts Liu Qiang

"Clatter."
The chopsticks in Zhao Gang's hand fell to the ground. He swallowed the food in his mouth in shock, smacked his lips, and for a long time didn't react. Aunt Zhao was also stunned, still looking at Lu Yu and Jiang Nian holding hands. It was Zhao Gang's wife who reacted first, giving an unnatural laugh: "Mar, married?"
"Yes."
Lu Yu nodded: "Married for half a year."
At this, the Zhao family members all reacted.
Aunt Zhao: ......
Just yesterday, she had, in front of Jiang Nian, tried to set her up with someone, persuading her to remarry, saying the man's conditions were good. But compared to Second Brother Lu, they truly weren't that good.
Zhao Gang chuckled, rubbed his face, and stammered: "This is good, good news."
Zhao Gang's wife said: "I heard Zhao Gang say you two aren't actual uncle and sister-in-law, right?"
Lu Yu said: "Yes, my mother left me at the Xu family and then left."
Speaking of this, Aunt Zhao also had a topic. Thinking of the Lu family's affairs back then, she got angry: "To say your mother's heart was too vicious. Your father had only been dead for a year, and your mother threw you at the Xu family and ran off. For so many years, she hasn't come back to see you."
This was the first time Jiang Nian had heard someone talk about Lu Yu's birth mother.
The book didn't mention his mother's story, only a single sentence at the beginning, stating that Lu Yu was left at the Xu family by his birth mother, who told Xu Cheng's father she would return to pick him up after a while. As a result, she left for over a decade, with no news at all.
Jiang Nian noticed Lu Yu's mood was a bit low. She thought that he might have grown up enduring others' taunts and the wait for his mother's return, and her heart ached as she squeezed his hand. Lu Yu looked up at Jiang Nian, his thin lips slightly parted in a faint smile, and he returned her grip.
Seeing the affectionate gaze between the two, Zhao Gang's wife chuckled. She wasn't very clear about the situation here, but seeing Lu Yu and Jiang Nian, she felt they were a good match. Moreover, since they weren't actual uncle and sister-in-law, there was nothing wrong with them being together.
Zhao Gang scratched the back of his head, not knowing what to say.
Aunt Zhao looked at Lu Yu, then continued: "You only have those eyes and brows that are especially like your mother's. The rest of your features resemble your father. Your father was very handsome when he was young, diligent and capable, and he even drove the tractor for the brigade. Villagers from near and far wanted to introduce their daughters to your father. Later, someone brought your mother to our village, and your father fell for her at first sight. They got married within a few days."
Lu Yu lowered his eyes and didn't speak, seemingly unwilling to discuss the past.
Aunt Zhao slapped her leg and said: "Eat, eat. Don't talk about those sad things."
The meal was almost finished when Lu Yu said: "Aunt Zhao, we're leaving tomorrow."
Aunt Zhao was startled: "Why so soon?"
Lu Yu said: "My leave is over; I need to return to the regiment."
Aunt Zhao "oh-ed": "So you have to go back. Will you two come back at the end of the year?"
Zhao Gang also asked: "Are you coming back for New Year's?"
Lu Yu glanced at Jiang Nian, then told Aunt Zhao: "I'll come back alone for New Year's to see my eldest brother and Uncle Xu."
In the eyes of Aunt Zhao and her son, they thought Lu Yu didn't want Jiang Nian to return, probably fearing that if the villagers knew they were married, Jiang Nian wouldn't be able to bear the gossip. In Lu Yu's eyes, that was only part of the reason; the biggest factor was not wanting Jiang Nian to get close to the old house in the countryside.
Zhao Gang said: "That's good too. It's cold traveling in winter."
The meal was very quiet. As it was about to end, Aunt Zhao suddenly brought up the Jiang family in Tian Xi Village. She looked at Jiang Nian: "Something big happened to your maternal family last year, do you know?"
Jiang Nian shook her head. Since that big quarrel with the Jiang family, she hadn't contacted them again.
Aunt Zhao said: "Your sister-in-law couldn't stand the hardship and ran off with a wild man, abandoning her children. Your brother took his anger out on the children, almost beating the child to death. The whole family quarrels all day long over this. This news spread from the neighboring village to ours half a year ago."
Jiang Nian: ......
The Jiang family still owed her and Lu Yu 300 yuan. The deadline for this money was five years, and two and a half years had passed, but the Jiang family hadn't paid a single cent.
The jokes about the Jiang family spread throughout Tian Xi Village. Everyone was saying that the Jiang family was getting their just deserts, serving them right for how they treated their daughter before. Now their daughter was living comfortably with her younger uncle, who was an official.
These words all came from Tian Xi Village, and Aunt Zhao and everyone else knew about them.
Aunt Zhao saw it now and felt that these words were indeed true; Jiang Nian truly enjoyed good fortune by following Second Brother Lu.
After dinner, Aunt Zhao's family left. Lu Yu took the bowls and chopsticks to the kitchen to wash them, then swept the yard. That night, when he held Jiang Nian, he still dared not close his eyes, fearing that if he fell asleep, Jiang Nian would be like last night. It wasn't until dawn that Lu Yu managed to get two hours of sleep.
When Jiang Nian woke up, Lu Yu was still asleep. After three years of living together, it was the first time she had woken up earlier than Lu Yu.
She rolled over and lay in Lu Yu's arms, her fingers lightly touching Lu Yu's eyelashes. Her fingertips slowly slid down the man's nose, touching his lips. Hearing Lu Yu's steady breathing, Jiang Nian pursed her lips tightly, her fingertips tracing his jawline to his prominent Adam's apple, pressing lightly. She was about to tease him when her hand was suddenly caught, and Lu Yu's deep, hoarse voice came from above her head: "Must you wake me up?"
Jiang Nian: ???
She looked up into Lu Yu's bloodshot eyes, blinking in surprise: "You weren't asleep?"
"Just woke up."
Lu Yu restrained Jiang Nian's slender waist and lifted her: "Let's get some exercise."
Jiang Nian: !!!
She really shouldn't have teased Lu Yu in the morning.
Jiang Nian had nowhere to brace herself, only able to be controlled by Lu Yu's strength, until she lay limp in his arms, unable to elicit his pity. Instead, it made him even more dominant.
Her eyes blurred with tears as she looked at the man so close, who once again lifted her off the kang bed.
By the end, Jiang Nian's consciousness was muddled, even her fingers felt tired. Lu Yu placed her on the kang bed and lightly kissed her damp eyelashes: "I'll go boil some warm water for you to bathe."
With that, he walked out, looking refreshed.
Jiang Nian: ......
This scoundrel of a man, how could he have endless energy?
Lu Yu boiled hot water and helped Jiang Nian wash up. Jiang Nian, feeling tired, went to the yard to wash her face. Lu Yu finished breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, then folded the quilts and wrapped them in a bedsheet. He carried a large bag, locked the door, and left with Jiang Nian. Zhao Gang knew Lu Yu and his group were leaving early today, so he borrowed a donkey cart to take them.
After arriving at the county, Lu Yu took Jiang Nian onto a bus. On the bumpy road, Lu Yu held Jiang Nian's hand and leaned against the seat, dozing off for a while. When the bus reached the station, Jiang Nian noticed the red bloodshot lines in Lu Yu's eyes again.
She was startled and squeezed Lu Yu's hand: "What's wrong?"
Lu Yu rubbed his temples: "Didn't sleep well last night. Just dozed off for a bit."
Lu Yu had barely slept for two nights since returning to his hometown. He was afraid that if he fell asleep, something might happen to Jiang Nian again. Now that they were out, sitting here, the fatigue overwhelmed him, and he closed his eyes for a short nap.
After getting off the bus, the two went to the train station. Lu Yu bought two sleeper tickets for the 4 PM train. It was 1:30 PM, so they went to a state-run restaurant for lunch, then headed to the waiting room at the train station. The waiting room was crowded. Lu Yu found an empty spot for Jiang Nian to sit down, but Jiang Nian, feeling sorry for him, didn't want to sit. Lu Yu pressed her down.
He smiled and said: "It's common for me to go three days without sleep when I'm on a mission."
An old lady sitting nearby saw this and smiled: "You newlyweds have such good feelings for each other."
Jiang Nian smiled and exchanged a few words with the old lady.
Having drunk a lot of water at noon, Jiang Nian stood up to go to the restroom. Lu Yu, uneasy about her going alone, accompanied her. He waited outside the restroom. As he turned his head, he saw a familiar figure. The person was wearing a green summer military uniform, carrying a large bag, and accompanied by a young woman. The two were talking and laughing, and if others didn't know, they might think they were husband and wife.
"I'm done."
Jiang Nian came out of the restroom and saw Lu Yu turning to look into the distance, his brows tightly furrowed and cold. She followed his gaze and saw a familiar figure emerge from the bustling crowd. The person was shielding a woman as they walked towards the waiting room, the way he protected her was just like protecting his wife.
Jiang Nian never expected to encounter Liu Qiang here.
And for her and Lu Yu to personally witness him being entangled with another woman!
Xu Yan was at home alone with two children, enduring the scorn of some military wives and aunties. Liu Qiang's monthly salary only gave her a pitifully small amount, barely enough for the three of them to eat. This time, when she returned, she heard Xu Yan say Liu Qiang hadn't been back for several months. She thought Liu Qiang had been busy training troops outside.
But now, seeing this, where was he training troops?!
He was clearly keeping a woman outside!
Jiang Nian immediately flared up, quickly running to confront Liu Qiang. Lu Yu saw a small figure dart past him.
Lu Yu: ......
He quickly followed, helping Jiang Nian navigate the bustling crowd.
Jiang Nian pushed through the crowd and saw Liu Qiang shielding the woman as they sat down. After placing the large bag on the ground, he thoughtfully asked if she was hungry. The woman nodded, and then Liu Qiang took out a bag of biscuits and walnut cakes from the large bag, asking the woman which one she wanted!
Not just Jiang Nian, Lu Yu's expression also darkened several shades.
Jiang Nian shouted: "Liu Qiang!"
As Liu Qiang stood up and looked at her, Jiang Nian jogged over and, without hesitation, slapped Liu Qiang, angrily saying: "Aren't you letting Xu Yan down? Xu Yan bore you two sons, and she eats grass and chaff at home with the children every day, while you're out here enjoying yourself with another woman, buying her biscuits and walnut cakes. When have you ever bought anything for Xu Yan and your children? Are you worthy of being a husband! Are you worthy of being a man?!"
Jiang Nian's voice was almost a roar. The noisy crowd waiting for the train all looked in their direction.
Many people had expressions of watching a show, especially upon seeing Liu Qiang in his military uniform. Some began to point fingers at Liu Qiang and that woman. The woman immediately turned cold, stood up, and cursed Jiang Nian: "Who are you? Like a shrew, why are you hitting people?!"
"I'm Liu Qiang's neighbor! I'm his wife's relative!"
Jiang Nian retorted unceremoniously. Liu Qiang finally recovered, not bothering about the finger marks on his face, and told the woman behind him: "You sit down first, I'll talk to them."
Liu Qiang couldn't bear the surrounding gazes and looked at Jiang Nian with pleading eyes: "Let's talk aside."
Jiang Nian didn't give an inch: "Is there anything that can't be said face-to-face? Say it right here!"
She was determined not to give Liu Qiang any face today. Seeing this, Liu Qiang looked up at Lu Yu behind Jiang Nian. Lu Yu's brows furrowed, and a hint of coldness appeared in his eyes. He said indifferently: "If you haven't done anything against your conscience, then say it here."
Liu Qiang choked, rubbed his face, turned to glance at the woman, and then told Jiang Nian and Lu Yu: "This is my comrade's younger sister. He asked me to help take her back to her hometown. It's not what you think; she and I are innocent."
Innocent again!
Before, he was entangled with Zheng Hong. Although nothing actually happened, that kind of behavior was even more disgusting, completely disregarding Xu Yan. And now it was this kind of behavior again. Jiang Nian was so angry she wished she could slap Liu Qiang again. She asked coldly: "Have you had any leave these past few days?"
Liu Qiang shook his head: "No leave. I applied for leave."
Jiang Nian sneered sarcastically: "You applied for leave to take another woman back to her hometown, but you don't have time to visit your wife and children? You haven't been back for months; have you forgotten that you have a wife and children waiting for you at home?!"
The people around pointed fingers at Liu Qiang, and Liu Qiang's face also turned red: "In short, she and I are innocent. You can think whatever you want. I'm busy training troops outside all day and don't have time to come back. This time, my comrade personally asked me for help, so I reluctantly applied for leave."
He opened and closed his mouth, portraying himself as utterly wronged.
The woman saw this, annoyedly glared at the meddling Jiang Nian, and followed Liu Qiang's words: "My brother asked Commander Liu to take me home. If you want to find trouble, go find my brother."
Liu Qiang didn't care for much else, leaving a sentence: "Commander Lu, please trouble you to step aside and talk."
With that, without waiting for their agreement, he turned and walked outside the train station.
Lu Yu took Jiang Nian's hand, pinching her trembling fingertips: "Don't get so angry; you'll make yourself mad."
Jiang Nian pursed her lips tightly, suppressing the warmth rising in her eyes. She looked up at Lu Yu, her voice a little choked: "I feel sorry for Xu Yan. I feel she's not worth it."
Lu Yu said: "Let's go ask Liu Qiang for the specific situation first."
The two walked out of the train station. Liu Qiang stood under a sign, smoking. Seeing Jiang Nian and Lu Yu come out, he extinguished the cigarette in his hand and said: "That really is my comrade's younger sister. He asked me to help take her back to her hometown." He looked at Jiang Nian: "I haven't done anything to let Xu Yan down. I'm wearing this uniform, after all; I wouldn't do such immoral things. Please don't tell Xu Yan about this, otherwise she'll make a fuss with me again."
His words implied that Xu Yan was in the wrong, which Jiang Nian finally couldn't bear, and she slapped Liu Qiang again.
The slap was very hard, making Liu Qiang's face twist. He frowned, intending to settle scores with Jiang Nian, but Lu Yu's long arm reached out, pulling Jiang Nian into his embrace. His face was cold as he stared at Liu Qiang: "Xu Yan hasn't had it easy following you. If you do anything to wrong her, I will truthfully report your situation to your superiors."
Liu Qiang's expression changed.
Then he said: "A clear conscience fears no slander. If I didn't do it, I didn't do it."
He touched his stinging cheek and saw Lu Yu and Jiang Nian's intimate actions: "You two—"
Lu Yu said without hesitation: "We're married."
Liu Qiang was shocked. Jiang Nian held her head high, meeting Liu Qiang's gaze, and enunciated each word: "If you dare to betray Xu Yan, I will write a complaint against you. If you don't let Xu Yan live in peace, I will make sure you don't live in peace!"
Liu Qiang: ......
The four o'clock train was about to depart. Lu Yu took Jiang Nian and left. As Jiang Nian entered the train station, she looked back and saw Liu Qiang rubbing his swollen, red cheek, his expression impatient, his brows tightly furrowed.
He was impatient?
She was furious!
How unlucky to encounter such a scumbag like Liu Qiang!
Jiang Nian thought of Xu Yan at home with two children, eating worse than others, a woman busy inside and out. The more she thought, the more she felt Xu Yan was not worth it.
Only after getting on the train did Jiang Nian's anger gradually subside. She sat by the window, watching the scenery rapidly recede, feeling very sorry for Xu Yan. Thinking of Zheng Hong prolonging Xu Yan's previous life's ending, Jiang Nian was afraid Xu Yan would follow the same old path. She buried her head in her elbow, her eyes stinging with discomfort.
A slight weight settled beside her. The hand resting on the table was taken. Jiang Nian looked up and met Lu Yu's deep, dark eyes. Her nose tingled. She said nothing. Lu Yu squeezed her fingertips: "Liu Qiang won't abandon Xu Yan."
Jiang Nian bit her lower lip: "How do you know?"
Lu Yu said: "He values his future more. He won't be expelled from the army for another woman. As long as Xu Yan doesn't actively propose divorce, Liu Qiang won't open his mouth."
Jiang Nian: ......
She remembered that in the book, it was Xu Yan who, unable to bear Liu Qiang and Zheng Hong, actively proposed divorce. Later, Xu Yan was married off by her maternal family to an old bachelor in the village.
Such a capable person was the most disgusting.
He wouldn't refuse, wouldn't take responsibility, and even if caught, he'd have excuses.
The sleeper berth was packed with people. By dinner time, Lu Yu went to the water room to fetch water. As he was about to pour water for Jiang Nian, Jiang Nian looked up and saw someone standing outside the sleeper partition. That person's gaze was fixed on her side, his brows furrowed.
Jiang Nian: ......
She moved closer to Lu Yu. Lu Yu handed her the thermos lid, then turned to look at the middle-aged man outside the sleeper partition. He looked to be 50-60 years old, with gray hair, wearing a gray-blue short jacket. When he saw Lu Yu looking at him, he didn't avoid his gaze, but openly met it. After staring for a few seconds, he nodded and left.
Jiang Nian: ......
She asked curiously: "Do you two know each other?"
Lu Yu said: "First time meeting."
Jiang Nian: ......
Fearing Jiang Nian would be scared, Lu Yu said: "If you're tired after dinner, go to sleep first. I'm not sleepy yet; I'll watch over you tonight."
Jiang Nian originally wanted Lu Yu to sleep first, but thinking he wouldn't agree, she didn't say much. She ate a piece of pastry, drank some warm water, and lay down. Outside, it gradually grew dark, and sleepiness set in. With Lu Yu watching over her, she slept soundly. Many times in the middle of the night, she rolled off, only to be caught by Lu Yu and placed back on the mattress.
The middle-aged man in the upper bunk saw this scene, smacked his lips and said: "Comrade, is it hard sleeping in the same bed with your wife?"
Lu Yu chuckled, a hint of doting affection in his eyes: "It's fine."
Jiang Nian slept until the next morning. Lu Yu was sitting at her feet, resting his head against the door frame. Hearing Jiang Nian stir, he opened his eyes and looked at her: "Did you sleep well?"
Jiang Nian nodded: "Well."
She put on her shoes. Seeing the red bloodshot lines in Lu Yu's eyes, while everyone else was still asleep, she tenderly took his hand and quickly leaned down to kiss his lips: "Go home and get a good night's sleep to recover."
Lu Yu watched Jiang Nian blink her eyelashes, a smile flashing in his eyes: "Alright."
Jiang Nian went to the restroom, washed her face, and returned to the carriage. People in the carriage were gradually waking up. Lu Yu first picked up their belongings. After the train arrived at the station, he took Jiang Nian out. As soon as they exited the train station, they were called back by someone behind them.
"Comrade, comrade."
It was the middle-aged man who had stared at Lu Yu last night.
Jiang Nian moved closer to Lu Yu, carefully scrutinizing the other party. Lu Yu frowned and asked: "Is there something you need?"
The middle-aged man was neatly dressed, with a certain dashing aura about him. Jiang Nian rarely saw an older person with such a feeling. She held Lu Yu's hand tightly, unsure of what he wanted.
"I mean no harm."
The middle-aged man wore a kind smile. He first glanced at Jiang Nian, then looked at Lu Yu, asking: "Are you surnamed Lu, named Lu Yu?"
Jiang Nian's delicate brows furrowed. She didn't understand how he knew.
She hadn't called Lu Yu by name much on the train, let alone been overheard.
Lu Yu's thin lips tightened a bit. After a moment, he said: "Do you know me?"
He narrowed his eyes slightly, seeing the middle-aged man lower his head, shake it, and chuckle. The laugh carried a hint of sigh and understanding. Then he looked up at Lu Yu and said: "Is it convenient to tell me your address? Someone wants to see you."
Lu Yu didn't speak, his deep, dark eyes coldly staring at the middle-aged man's face.
After a long time, he finally whispered his current address. The middle-aged man was startled for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said: "So promising."
Lu Yu's thin lips pursed tightly, and his expression also darkened a few shades.
Jiang Nian listened vaguely. After the middle-aged man bid farewell and left, she asked Lu Yu: "Who wants to see you?"
Lu Yu paused for a moment, then squeezed Jiang Nian's hand: "I don't know."
Arriving in Yuan City, Jiang Nian wanted to see Guang Xiu. Lu Yu accompanied her to the embroidery shop and happened to meet Tian Mai and Guang Xiu. Tian Mai was carrying a small cloth bag and holding Guang Xiu's hand. Guang Xiu had two braids, tied with two red threads, looking pretty and lively.
Tian Mai saw Jiang Nian, her eyes lit up, and she happily said: "When did you two come back?"
Jiang Nian said: "We just got off the train." She then asked: "Sister Tian, are you taking Guang Xiu home?"
Tian Mai said: "Teacher Ji has to leave and won't be back until next month. She told me to take Xiu Er home first. Are you two heading back? We're going the same way."
Jiang Nian said: "Yes, we are."
Just as they arrived at the embroidery shop, Jiang Nian went in to look. Su Na immediately teased her upon seeing her. Yu He and Fan Shan also chatted happily with Jiang Nian. Dong Shu occasionally interjected a few words. The atmosphere in the embroidery shop was more harmonious than before. Jia Yuan had taken the day off, saying she was dealing with Tong Gang. Tong Gang, after being beaten, still hadn't learned his lesson and came looking for Jia Yuan again.
As soon as Shu Xue saw Jiang Nian enter, she ran to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative to buy a pile of delicious food for Jiang Nian, insisting she take it home. Seeing this situation, Jiang Nian knew it was similar to Chen Yao's matter. She hadn't expected things to progress so quickly in the seven or eight days she was gone.
Jiang Nian chuckled and asked: "Aren't you afraid of Chen Yao?"
Shu Xue was a little shy, pulling Jiang Nian to sit on the long bench by the window, and whispered: "No, he doesn't look that fierce." She then asked: "How was your trip back this time? Was it hot in your hometown?"
Jiang Nian said: "The temperature is pretty much the same as here."
"Jiang Nian."
Shu Xue held Jiang Nian's hand and smiled: "Thank you."
This thank you made Jiang Nian a little shy. She smiled and asked: "Is the wedding date set?"
Shu Xue shook her head: "Not yet. I'll wait until Chen Yao's next leave to discuss these things with me."
Jiang Nian stayed in the embroidery shop for half an hour but didn't see Ge Mei. She thought Ge Mei had gone to the textile factory to check on embroidery fabrics. Shu Xue said that Director Ge's daughter-in-law came to see her, and the two went out in the morning and hadn't returned yet.
Jiang Nian came out of the embroidery shop. Lu Yu took the items from her hand: "Who bought these?"
Jiang Nian said: "Shu Xue bought them. Her and Chen Yao's matter is settled."
Shu Xue bought quite a few things. Jiang Nian roughly glanced at them, estimating they cost Shu Xue the equivalent of a large embroidered piece. Several people sat on the bus. Jiang Nian took out a handful of small milk candies from her bag and gave them to Tian Mai: "For the children to eat."
Jiang Nian had helped them a lot, and Tian Mai was truly embarrassed to accept the candies. Jiang Nian smiled and said: "For Xiu Er and Qian Er."
Guang Xiu heard her name mentioned and bravely turned to look at Jiang Nian. Although she still didn't speak, she seemed to have improved somewhat. Tian Mai accepted the milk candies, gave one to Guang Xiu, and said: "This is from Aunt Jiang."
Guang Xiu lowered her head. After a long while, she reached out for the candy, then looked up at Jiang Nian and said: "Thank you, Aunt Jiang."
After speaking, she quickly lowered her head, tightly clutching the candy, and said nothing more.
Jiang Nian was startled for a moment. Tian Mai also happily patted Guang Xiu's head: "Today I picked Xiu Er up. Teacher Ji said Xiu Er can now speak a word or two with others, which is a good start. She'll come once a month from now on and often take Xiu Er out."
Old Guang had a monthly salary. After sending money to his elderly mother, the remaining savings could cover Xiu Er's tuition. As long as Xiu Er could get better and better, she and Old Guang would willingly eat grass and chaff.
The bus took an hour and a half to reach the county town. Tian Mai wanted to go to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative to buy some things. Lu Yu and Jiang Nian went home first.
As soon as the two arrived at the military compound, they saw Gu Shi Zhou and Chen Yao coming out of the regiment.
"Sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law."
Jiang Nian pursed her lips and smiled: "Are you two going out?"
Gu Shi Zhou nodded: "We have some business to attend to."
He looked at Jiang Nian, his cold expression softening with a hint of a smile: "Did you have a good time on your trip back, sister-in-law?"
Jiang Nian nodded: "Yes, not bad."
This trip back could also be considered an announcement of her and Lu Yu's marriage. When they returned next time, she feared they wouldn't be able to avoid some gossip.
Lu Yu said: "Come to our place for dinner tonight. I'll go buy some vegetables later."
Chen Yao, upon hearing this, was the first to rejoice: "Then I'll have a feast tonight! I can eat sister-in-law's cooking!"
Gu Shi Zhou patted Lu Yu's shoulder: "You've been traveling for seven days; go back and rest. I've already filed a report for your two-day delayed leave, and it's been approved."
Lu Yu: "Thank you."
The house hadn't been lived in for several days. Jiang Nian immediately opened the windows for ventilation. She told Lu Yu to get a good sleep first. He hadn't slept much since returning to his hometown, and little on the train. Even an iron man couldn't endure it.
Lu Yu washed his face, changed his clothes, then hugged Jiang Nian from behind, resting his chin on her neck: "I'll go buy groceries this afternoon. You should rest for a bit too."
Jiang Nian gently nodded: "Mm."
She had slept all night on the train and wasn't sleepy at all. She pushed Lu Yu into the house, and after he hugged and kissed her for a while, he went to sleep.
Yue Er was the first to know about Jiang Nian's return. She happily ran over and knocked on the door. Jiang Nian, afraid of waking Lu Yu, quickly ran to open it. As soon as the door opened, Yue Er hugged her: "Jiang Nian, I missed you so much."
Jiang Nian: ......
One might think they were newlyweds separated for a short time, even more affectionate than a honeymoon.
She patted Yue Er's shoulder and smiled: "Let go a bit, you're going to squeeze me to death."
Yue Er happily released Jiang Nian and asked her how she had been doing these past few days. The two chatted in the hallway for a while. Hearing footsteps coming from the stairs, they turned to look and saw Deputy Commander Luo carrying a catty of meat. He greeted Yue Er, then looked at Jiang Nian and smiled: "You're back."
Jiang Nian nodded: "How's your pregnancy?"
Deputy Commander Luo said: "It's been a bit better these two days; not as severe vomiting."
Yue Er asked Jiang Nian if she wanted to go to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative. She wanted to buy some white sugar. Jiang Nian was planning to buy some meat and spices. Gu Shi Zhou and everyone else were coming for dinner tonight. Jiang Nian closed the door and went to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative with Yue Er. On the way, Yue Er sighed to her: "In a few days, Second Uncle Fang's family is coming. They said they're coming to Yuan City for a medical check-up and want to stay with us. Old Fang applied for them to stay for ten days first, then see if they need to extend it."
Seeing a hint of impatience on Yue Er's face, Jiang Nian sensed something was off and subtly asked: "Is their whole family coming?"
Yue Er said: "Isn't that right? I heard my mother-in-law say that his second uncle's family is very shameless. But I've been with the army ever since I married Old Fang, so I haven't had much contact with them. I don't know if they're really as shameless as my mother-in-law says."
Jiang Nian thought of Xu Yan's family, how utterly shameless they were, and immediately looked at Yue Er with sympathy.
Yue Er went to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative to buy a catty of white sugar. Jiang Nian bought a bottle of wine, some spices, then went to the food station to buy a fish and two catties of meat. When she returned home, she just happened to meet Fang Xia and Fang Guo, who were returning from school. Both children obediently called out "Aunt Jiang."
Jiang Nian looked at Fang Xia. She resembled Yue Er, her expression and eyes almost identical to Yue Er's, but her skin was fairer, making her look much prettier than her mother. Jiang Nian smiled and said: "Fang Xia, are you twelve this year?"
Yue Er said: "Yes, a big girl."
Fang Xia said: "I'm not a big girl; I'm still a little girl."
Yue Er laughed and scolded: "Alright, alright, little girl."
Jiang Nian carried the items back into the room, washed her hands, and went into the kitchen. After rinsing the pots and dishes with clean water, she began to prepare lunch. It hadn't been convenient to cook during her several days away, so Jiang Nian specifically made Lu Yu's favorite zhajiangmian.
She scooped the noodles into a bowl, poured braised meat sauce over them, and placed it on the table outside. Just as she was about to call Lu Yu, a low growl suddenly came from the room: "Jiang Nian—!"