Chapter 149

Chapter 149

Xu Yuqing took one last look at the mound of earth before turning to leave.

Xie Junli followed behind her, saying nothing, silently trailing after her.

The descent was much more difficult than the ascent; the path was slippery, and Xu Yuqing nearly fell several times. Xie Junli wanted to help her up, but she shook her head in refusal.

She still wanted to walk this path on her own.

Watching her small figure resolutely moving ahead, Xie Junli felt as if his heart were being squeezed, both painful and numb.

He strode over, intending to scoop her up, but Xu Yuqing dodged away. In doing so, she slipped and almost fell, managing to steady herself with difficulty. She looked at Xie Junli in confusion, "What are you doing?"

Xie Junli withdrew his hand, somewhat helpless, "I'll carry you down the mountain."

Xu Yuqing looked at the path ahead—it wasn't far—and she still wanted to walk it herself to calm down. "No need, I can go down myself. What do you want to eat later?"

Her attempt to lighten the mood went unanswered. Xu Yuqing glanced over; he had a cold expression, showing no emotion. Seeing this, her forced smile faltered.

Xu Yuqing patiently asked again, "What's wrong?"

Xie Junli maintained his expressionless face, shaking his head without responding, "Let's go."

On the way back, it was very quiet. Xu Yuqing said nothing, clasping her hands together and pursing her lips.

When they encountered familiar military wives along the way, she merely nodded and greeted them before moving past.

Upon returning home, Xie Junli remained silent, not even entering the house. Instead, he put on his military uniform and began chopping firewood.

Bending over, he swung his large hand, splitting the wood in two. It should have been a good sight, but seeing his expression, Xu Yuqing's anger rose, and she turned away, ignoring him.

It was nearly noon, and she should have started preparing lunch, but feeling unhappy, she didn't want to cook. Instead, she leaned against a long chair, munching on sunflower seeds bought for the New Year.

Time passed quickly, neither speaking. Xie Junli finished chopping all the remaining firewood, releasing his frustration along with his exertion.

Straightening up, it was already past one o'clock. He hurried home, opening the door to hear her deep breathing.

She had fallen asleep, still leaning against the chair, with a red mark on her neck clearly visible.

Xie Junli moved quietly, approaching her gently. Looking at her peaceful sleeping face, his heart softened, and he carefully lifted her into his arms.

She hadn't stirred when he picked her up, only moving slightly to find a comfortable position and falling back asleep.

Holding her close, Xie Junli regretted his earlier behavior.

Laying her down gently, she turned over and continued sleeping. Xie Junli brushed her hair aside, not wanting to disturb her rest.

She looked particularly docile while sleeping. Gently caressing her chin, warmth filled his heart.

If only she could be this compliant when awake.

Could she rely on me more? Could she stop carrying everything on her own?

He questioned himself, then saw Xu Yuqing wrinkle her nose, shaking her head as if in discomfort.

...

He sighed, pressing her nose lightly in exasperation.

Why is she so stubborn even in sleep?

Worried about her hunger, he stood up, looking around. The cafeteria might not have any food left, so he decided to cook something.

He started cooking rice, washed some cabbage, took out eggs, and chopped some scallions to prepare.

He would finish cooking when she woke up.

Returning to the room, Xu Yuqing was still sound asleep. Xie Junli climbed onto the bed, intending to read beside her, but soon fell asleep himself, holding her close.

They slept for a couple of hours on empty stomachs.

Perhaps due to the warmth, when Xu Yuqing woke up, she realized how hungry she was, with a large hand still around her waist.

Still half-asleep, she instinctively buried herself in his embrace, hugging him tightly.

"I'm hungry," she said, pouting.

In the next moment, she stiffened, memories of before sleep flooding back. Looking at the drowsy man, she withdrew her affection, sitting up coldly, trying to get off the bed.

Xie Junli opened his eyes, noticing her change, and instinctively pulled her back into his arms.

"I was wrong," he admitted immediately.

Xu Yuqing relaxed slightly, looking at Xie Junli suspiciously, "Where did you go wrong?"

Xie Junli: "I shouldn't have ignored you and refused to eat."

"Wrong!" Xu Yuqing slapped him angrily.

He didn't understand why she was upset, and if this happened again, she would definitely break up with him.

Xu Yuqing: "This is emotional abuse. I've told you many times, if there's an issue, talk to me. We can discuss it properly. You gave me the silent treatment on the mountain!"

Xie Junli felt even more guilty, knowing it was all his fault, yet unable to control himself.

Lowering his head, he apologized, "I know, it won't happen again."

Xu Yuqing still felt it was not right. Every time she reflected on it, but the next time it would happen again. And she had also discovered the hidden issues he had: "Xie Junli, I am an individual, belonging to myself first, and then to you as your lover. I don't have to rely on you for everything. I can also manage on my own. You need to give me my own space."

When she woke up, she remembered what Xie Junli had been murmuring in her ear.

In matters that they could handle together, she would definitely rely on him. But this was her family matter, something she could handle herself.

Xie Junli didn't understand. He released his grip on Xu Yuqing's waist, and they both sat up, facing each other, confronting one another. Xie Junli said, "I was worried you might slip and fall down the mountain. The path is very slippery."

Xu Yuqing shook her head: "You don't understand. I don't want to rely on you in front of my mother. My mother relied on men all her life, but look at how things turned out for her. I know you mean well, but at that moment, I just wanted to walk by myself."

She spoke earnestly.

Xie Junli still didn't understand. He closed his eyes in confusion, "Between us, you make all the decisions. But when it comes to matters involving your safety, I want to protect you."

His hoarse voice spoke each word clearly, and Xu Yuqing suddenly realized they were talking past each other.

Xie Junli wouldn't understand her situation as a woman, and she wouldn't understand his concerns.

Both loved each other, but on this matter, there might be no solution.

Xu Yuqing thought to herself, feeling lost.

They looked at each other, and Xu Yuqing finally gave in. She offered a way out: "Alright, I'm hungry. Let's get something to eat."

Xie Junli pursed his lips: "Okay."

They got off the bed, and Xie Junli held Xu Yuqing's hand tightly, unwilling to let go. For some reason, he felt a bit empty and scared.

They walked to the kitchen, and Xu Yuqing pulled away her hand, "How about some cabbage and scrambled eggs?"

Xie Junli managed a stiff smile: "Sure."

Xie Junli started the fire, and with the vegetables already washed, cooking went quickly. The rice in the other pot had cooled, so Xie Junli reheated it.

Garlic slices went into the pan, followed by the cabbage, soy sauce, and white vinegar. A sprinkle of chili powder finished the dish. The spicy cabbage was done.

Scrambled eggs were even simpler. To make them delicious, more oil was needed.

Pork lard went into the pan, melting before the chopped green onions were added. The beaten eggs were poured in, puffing up instantly. Stirred with a spatula, soy sauce was drizzled around the edges, filling the air with a fragrant aroma.

With the two simple dishes ready, Xu Yuqing carried them out, while Xie Junli brought the rice and chopsticks.

They sat down to eat. Though the food was the same, Xu Yuqing found it tasteless.

Looking over, she saw that Xie Junli was eating slowly too, though still in large bites. Sighing helplessly, she couldn't bear seeing him like this and placed a piece of egg in his bowl, "Eat quickly. After we finish, let's go shopping at the supply store."

Xie Junli's eyes lit up, and he quickly ate the egg, looking at Xu Yuqing: "Okay!"

After finishing their meal, Xu Yuqing sat as usual, watching Xie Junli finish the remaining food and wash the dishes.

Once he was done, Xu Yuqing tidied herself up, packed money and coupons, and they headed out.

Outside, public displays of affection were still inappropriate, but married couples walking side by side were acceptable. Xu Yuqing had seen couples who kept a two-meter distance while walking.

Feeling playful, Xu Yuqing would secretly grab his hand when no one was around, intertwining their fingers. Previously, Xie Junli would disapprove but couldn't resist, blushing as he walked ahead.

Now, before Xu Yuqing could make a move, Xie Junli, upon seeing no one around, eagerly took her hand, holding it tightly, interlocking their fingers. Xu Yuqing looked over, surprised, but he showed no expression, making it seem like she was the one causing trouble.

She couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, not revealing his eagerness as they walked to the supply store.

Arriving at the supply store, Xu Yuqing went straight inside, "Hello comrade, do you have any tea for sale?"

There were only three clerks in the supply store. Seeing Xu Yuqing, their eyes lit up. Thanks to recent newspaper articles, everyone recognized the "canned goods comrade."

The clerk replied, "No, we don't have tea yet. It hasn't arrived!"

Xu Yuqing looked around, thinking, and then said, "Do you have any liquor? Give me a bottle, and a pound of assorted candies."

The clerk smiled happily, "Sure thing!"

The liquor was what Xu Yuqing used for cooking, and they were running low. The assorted candies could be eaten when they felt like snacking. She could also bring some to the canned goods factory for Liu Ruan.

Looking around, she noticed the clerk pointing out some biscuits, "Comrade Xu, how about some biscuits? They're fresh and crispy. Later, they'll turn into crumbs and won't be as crispy."

As she spoke, she took out a tin of biscuits, shaking it to demonstrate their crispness.

Xu Yuqing nodded in satisfaction; both she and Xie Junli enjoyed biscuits, "Please give me a pound, comrade." How did she know her surname?

As Xu Yuqing paid, the clerk, taking the money, whispered, "Comrade Xu, does the canned goods factory have any defective cans?"