Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

In the following days, Jin Xiuzhu became even busier. She would go to the canteen in the morning, return to study food in the afternoon after a nap, and then practice calligraphy before attending evening classes and preparing ingredients for the next day's meals at the canteen.

She was busier than when she managed the courtyard and external business at the Marquis Mansion, where all she had to do was give orders and her subordinates would take care of everything else.

Despite the exhaustion, Jin Xiuzhu never considered slacking off. Every day, she tried to come up with a new dish—some based on what she had eaten before, others created together with her daughter. In the afternoons, besides completing assignments given by her teachers, she also copied texts and memorized them.

Jiang Mingchuan’s fountain pen didn’t feel right in her hand; she used to write beautiful small regular script, but it was difficult to achieve the same effect with this hard pen. Still, her handwriting remained commendable.

Compared to Jiang Mingchuan’s scribbles, Jin Xiuzhu’s writing was on a master level.

Jiang Mingchuan’s handwriting looked decent when viewed individually, but collectively, it was truly ugly—uneven in size and floating as if written in haste. Jin Xiuzhu couldn’t fathom how he achieved such an effect, and she inwardly disapproved.

Perhaps due to Jin Xiuzhu’s dedication, Jiang Mingchuan and He Yan felt pressured and began practicing their handwriting whenever they had free time, using Jin Xiuzhu’s writing as a model on discarded newspapers.

After they finished writing, Jin Xiuzhu would correct their work, circling any improvements.

After about two weeks of classes, the number of military wives attending the literacy class had halved. Many were still dragged there against their will, and the once crowded classroom now appeared empty.

As usual, Jin Xiuzhu arrived early. She didn’t quite understand why some of the military wives were reluctant to attend. In the Great Jing Dynasty, only boys could attend school, and the tuition fees and gifts for the teacher could drain a common family’s income for half a year. Not to mention the additional costs of stationery. Her family sold her and her second sister not only because they were poor but also to afford education for her brother.

She genuinely liked this place, despite its poverty. Here, ordinary children could read and write, and girls were included.

Jin Xiuzhu reviewed yesterday’s lessons while her daughter sat quietly on her lap, playing with a small tiger toy.

This was the first stuffed animal Jin Xiuzhu made for her. Later, she made a dog and a cat, but Fu Yanyan still preferred the tiger.

Not long after sitting down, Qian Yufeng entered with a familiar military wife, both looking gloomy. Jin Xiuzhu recognized her as Li Guilan, who was close friends with Qian Yufeng. The past few days, Qian Yufeng had been hiding at Li Guilan’s house to skip class.

Seeing Jin Xiuzhu sitting in the front row, the two women walked over dejectedly and sighed as they sat down beside her.

Curious, Jin Xiuzhu turned to look at them and asked, "Why did you come today?"

Qian Yufeng waved her hand helplessly. "Don’t ask. That brat Xiaojun tattled to his grandmother that I’ve been skipping class. My mother-in-law caught us at Li Guilan’s house and made us come to class."

She continued grumpily, "I’m so old, why should I learn these things? Haven’t I been living fine without them for so many years? And why does Daya insist on going to school?"

She clearly disliked the idea.

Li Guilan beside her sighed. "What bad luck today. We were having such a good chat."

"Exactly," Qian Yufeng agreed, then suddenly turned to Jin Xiuzhu and whispered, "Do you know who told people that your son Xiaoyan was bullied?"

Initially, Jin Xiuzhu wasn’t interested, but hearing this, she instinctively turned towards Qian Yufeng. "Who?"

Previously, she found it odd. Only the military wives knew about her work at the canteen and Xiaoyan’s adoption. Zhou Guowen, the child from the production team, must have heard it from someone.

Fu Yanyan, sitting on Jin Xiuzhu’s lap, also turned to look at Qian Yufeng. Mother and daughter shared similar features and expressions, both showing irritation and annoyance.

Qian Yufeng wanted to laugh at Fu Yanyan’s adult-like demeanor.

She lowered her voice. "Who else? Liu Hongyue. When you first came here and had dinner at Commander Yan’s house, you asked me about the person who bullied you. It was her. Do you remember?"

With Qian Yufeng’s reminder, Jin Xiuzhu recalled who it was. But she wondered, "Isn’t that all in the past?"

Even Commander Yan’s wife, Wang Ling, had shown kindness to her. Recently, Jin Xiuzhu sent some pastries to Commander Yan through Jiang Mingchuan, and Wang Ling later sent four salted duck eggs to their home, praising the pastries. Both families had exchanged several gifts since then.

Li Guilan couldn’t resist interjecting. "What’s past? These are separate issues. No matter who works at the canteen, she won’t be happy about it."

"She’s just envious of others’ success. Take Liu Meizi, who used to live next door to her. Just because Liu Meizi bought a bicycle, which Liu Hongyue saw, she started finding fault every day—complaining about Liu Meizi’s children being too loud or smoke from her chimney blowing into her house… I wonder how her husband puts up with her. Does he feel cramped sharing a bed with her at night? Hahaha."

She covered her mouth and laughed mischievously.

Qian Yufeng also grinned slyly.

Fu Yanyan, sitting on Jin Xiuzhu’s lap, felt embarrassed. Their conversation was inappropriate with a child present.

Jin Xiuzhu frowned. "That’s troublesome."

If it were a conflict between families, there might be ways to resolve it. But with someone always watching and waiting to cause trouble, it was unpredictable when they might strike.

She couldn’t help asking, "What’s her husband like?"

Qian Yufeng shook her head. "I don’t know. I’ve hardly seen Battalion Commander Qi."

The three fell silent. Suddenly, the military wife sitting to Jin Xiuzhu’s right leaned over and whispered, "Are you talking about Battalion Commander Qi Min? I know about him."

Hearing this, the three adults and one child turned to face her simultaneously.

The woman had two braids, a round face, and big eyes, but her skin was a bit dark. When she smiled, her teeth were very white. She spoke in a low, secretive voice. "Her husband was tricked into marriage."

Jin Xiuzhu and the others widened their eyes in surprise, staring at her. Qian Yufeng asked eagerly, "How so?"

Satisfied with their reaction, the woman continued, "His intended bride was her cousin, who was pretty, smart, and a high school student. But on the wedding day, she was substituted. The groom’s family was unaware until the wedding, and when they discovered the deception, they wanted to back out. However, the bride’s family wouldn’t let them, especially with so many guests present. They married out of embarrassment. They didn’t even share a bed."

It seemed she had overheard their previous conversation.

Jin Xiuzhu was astonished. This was the first time she heard of such a thing happening.

Li Guilan was equally shocked and asked, "How do you know all this?"

The woman raised her eyebrows proudly. "Of course. My husband used to eat with her husband, and he told my husband about it."

The three of them clicked their tongues, savoring the story. They hadn’t expected such a backstory.

Qian Yufeng wanted to ask more, but Teacher Chen approached, causing her to sit up straight.

After two classes, Jin Xiuzhu had learned a lot. Just as she got up, Qian Yufeng and Li Guilan had already left. Jin Xiuzhu took her daughter to find Fang Min, who was still standing on the podium.

Fang Min was also waiting for her. Jin Xiuzhu had previously heard that Fang Min made money by writing poems and articles at home, but how exactly she did it, Qian Yufeng didn't know. Jin Xiuzhu had to ask Fang Min about it tactfully, saying she wanted to see what she wrote. Fang Min didn't refuse and said she would give them to her tomorrow.

Fang Min took out two newspapers from the book. "My pen name is Worry-Free Jun. If you like them, I'll bring more next time."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "Thank you, Sister-in-Law."

Fang Min shook her head, waved goodbye, and left.

Jin Xiuzhu carefully folded them and put them in her schoolbag.

Fu Yanyan watched silently, not knowing why, but she saw a strong, vibrant vitality in Jin Xiuzhu now, feeling that she was eagerly enriching herself.

She couldn't help thinking that if she had met Jin Xiuzhu like this in her previous life, even if she was forced to study every day, she wouldn't have found it too exhausting, because Jin Xiuzhu worked much harder than she did.

Like He Yan, he hardly studied in his past life but later worked hard to get into a military academy. Now, he diligently did his homework and memorized books every day, always ranking among the top students in class.

The mother and daughter left the classroom and saw He Yan waiting for them near the door. Jiang Mingchuan wasn't home; he had taken his troops out for training these past few days.

Jin Xiuzhu was also surprised to see him and waved.

He Yan ran over, and when he got closer, he reached out to hold his sister's hand. Fu Yanyan hesitated but didn't pull away, considering Jin Xiuzhu's presence.

Jin Xiuzhu told him what she had heard before class and asked, "What do you want to do?"

He Yan thought for a while with his head down, shook his head, then looked uncertainly at his mother and sister.

Jin Xiuzhu softened at He Yan's clear eyes and suppressed the evil thoughts in her heart, smiling. "We shouldn't learn from them. A gentleman should be like a jade ornament, with virtuous words and noble deeds. We should be upright people, with good morals and conduct. We shouldn't emulate their bad behavior."

He Yan nodded vaguely, understanding that Jin Xiuzhu meant they shouldn't do bad things behind others' backs and should be good people.

Fu Yanyan, walking beside Jin Xiuzhu, remained silent, then loosened her grip on Jin Xiuzhu's hand.

That night, Fu Yanyan slept with Jin Xiuzhu. When they were back home and lying in bed, Fu Yanyan couldn't sleep. Finally, she tried to ask calmly, "Why does Mom teach me not to be soft-hearted towards anyone, but teaches Brother to be a gentleman?"

It took almost all her courage and strength to say those words.

She didn't understand. In her previous life, why did "Jin Xiuzhu" always compare her unfavorably with others? There were no such expectations for He Yan, praising him as smart and capable to everyone, while she was considered hopelessly stupid.

She was forced to study, scolded for being useless when she couldn't keep up, and made to wear old, dirty clothes, then berated for being ugly and an embarrassment...

Jin Xiuzhu was taken aback, not expecting her daughter to ask this. She opened her eyes and looked at the little girl beside her, stroking her head affectionately. "You're small, but you think a lot."

Without hiding anything, she continued, "Actually, before I said that to your brother, I thought we should retaliate, make your brother tell everyone about their family's problems at school so they could suffer too. But the moment that thought came to mind, I realized it wasn't right. Your brother is still young, with a long life ahead of him. There's no need to focus on trivial matters or harbor ill intentions. Being a gentleman is more dignified and leads to a more relaxed life than being a petty person."

"My heart is small, small enough to seek revenge for any slight. But tonight, I suddenly realized your father was right: there are some things you don't need to learn. I don't want you to live as tiredly as I did."

"This applies to your brother and to you. Before, I wanted to teach you everything useful so you could avoid many detours in the future, but you're different from me. You have loving parents. No matter what you face in the future, your father and I will always support you."

But she didn't. All she could rely on was herself, which is why her path became narrower and narrower.

At this point, Jin Xiuzhu's tone was somewhat sorrowful, but mostly relieved.

Fu Yanyan didn't fully understand, but she could tell Jin Xiuzhu wasn't showing favoritism.

She felt a sense of relief.

Jin Xiuzhu leaned down and kissed her forehead gently. "I'm not biased. Go to sleep."

Fu Yanyan's eyes welled up, and she obediently closed them.

She thought, _Finally, I've waited for these words._

---

Soon, the Dragon Boat Festival arrived. The breakfast menu in the canteen changed, adding zongzi and salted duck eggs. Jin Xiuzhu also showed off her culinary skills, making golden crispy cakes, emerald lotus flower cakes, osmanthus yam pastries, and sweet steamed milk pastries. She couldn't make much alone, so she got others involved, regardless of how much they learned.

Seeing Jin Xiuzhu's generosity, the other kitchen soldiers appreciated her kindness. They usually brought leftover ingredients home for her, and some even prepared dishes for her.

Although working in the canteen was busy, their family's diet indeed improved significantly. In just half a year, He Yan grew taller, and her daughter became even cuter and plumper, with fair skin and bright eyes, looking like a child in a New Year painting. Anyone who saw her would assume she was a city kid.

As for Jin Xiuzhu, her skin was so tender it seemed to exude moisture. When others asked, she claimed it was due to the steam in the kitchen, leading many military wives to start steaming their faces while cooking. One accidentally got burned and came to ask what happened?

Jiang Mingchuan found out about this and politely sent the woman away, then lectured Jin Xiuzhu, telling her not to spread false information.

Jin Xiuzhu guiltily touched her nose.

On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, after finishing her morning tasks, Jin Xiuzhu returned home with a basket full of food. These were rewards for the canteen staff, including zongzi and pastries, as well as two dishes made by Chef Zhang.

Chef Zhang had been busy since early morning. Today, there were leaders visiting, so the kitchen was bustling.

The mother and daughter ate as they walked home. When they arrived, He Yan was squatting on a stool outside, doing his homework. Hearing them, he looked up, his eyes lighting up upon seeing Jin Xiuzhu.

Jin Xiuzhu waved at him. "Come eat."

He Yan had eaten plenty of zongzi these past few days, but hearing this, he put down his pen and ran over, picking his favorite jujube-filled zongzi.

Back home, Jin Xiuzhu took out the zongzi and pastries from the basket, then went to the kitchen to get plates. Besides the salty pork and jujube zongzi served for breakfast, Chef Zhang had bought ingredients himself to make egg yolk mushroom and ham meat zongzi, a specialty from his hometown that he craved in his old age.

The zongzi weren't large. Jin Xiuzhu counted the number of people and placed a few on each plate, then instructed the children, "Take these plates to Commander Yan's house and say that my parents wish you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival with beautiful flowers, a full moon, and longevity. Remember?"

Ideally, Jin Xiuzhu should deliver them personally, but having the children do it avoided gossip.

He Yan stuffed his mouth and nodded vigorously, then carefully carried the basket out, followed by Fu Yanyan.

Jin Xiuzhu carried the other two plates of zongzi and pastries to the neighbors.

Their neighbors' place was livelier than theirs. It was a school holiday today, so Xiaojun and Daya were both home. Grandma Wu was quite traditional and had them clean the house early in the morning while she and Qian Yufeng were busy in the kitchen.

Daya was washing shoes in the yard; after not seeing her for some time, she had become much bolder. Seeing Jin Xiuzhu, she raised her head and greeted her, calling out, "Aunt Jin—"

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "Where's your mother and grandmother?"

Wu Xiaojun was chopping firewood in the yard; even if he was a boy who had been pampered since childhood, he still had to do his share of work.

Hearing this, he shouted towards the kitchen, "Mom—Aunt Jin is here."

After chopping the piece of wood in his hand, he threw away the axe and approached with a grin. "Aunt, what delicious food did you bring?"

Jin Xiuzhu handed him the pastries. "Try these; they were made fresh this morning."

Wu Xiaojun didn't hesitate to take and taste them.

When Qian Yufeng came out, Jin Xiuzhu chatted with her for a moment before preparing to leave. Wu Laopo took out two sausages from the kitchen and gave them to her. "These were sent from our hometown; they're good steamed or stir-fried. Take them back and try them."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "Then I won't be polite."

"Why would you be polite with us?"

Qian Yufeng saw her off and Jin Xiuzhu curiously asked, "Were these sausages sent by your brother-in-law Xiaojun?"

If that was the case, it wasn't bad.

Qian Yufeng showed disdain on her face. "How could it be? They were sent by my mother-in-law's younger brother's family. They want Zhu to find a match for their granddaughter. Their family is from the city and used to look down on us, but now that their granddaughter is going to the countryside as a knowledge youth, they're in a hurry to ask Zhu if there's anyone suitable. My mother-in-law wants to help, but their family looks down on ordinary people."

Jin Xiuzhu didn't know what to say, only saying, "Sister, it's fine to talk about this in front of me, but don't mention it in front of Aunt Wu."

Qian Yufeng smiled, feeling that Jin Xiuzhu was looking out for her. "Of course, I'm not stupid."

At noon, Jiang Mingchuan came home for lunch and then left. Before leaving, he told Jin Xiuzhu, "I won't be coming back for dinner tonight. Oh, and there's a performance at the auditorium at seven o'clock tonight. Do you want to go see it?"

"Seven o'clock?"

He Yan looked at Jin Xiuzhu with bright eyes.

Jin Xiuzhu hesitated. "We'll see later."

But she said to He Yan, "You can go watch it with Xiaojun after dinner. I'll tell Sister Qian."

He Yan nodded, his enthusiasm slightly dampened.

He still preferred to go with his mother and sister.

However, Jin Xiuzhu received news in the afternoon that she didn't have to attend the literacy class tonight. Hearing the news, He Yan was the happiest and immediately ran next door to tell Wu Xiaojun that he wanted to sit with his mother and sister tonight and wouldn't be going with him.

Seeing this, Jin Xiuzhu couldn't help but laugh helplessly. "He's such a child."

Upon hearing these words, Fu Yanyan tilted her head, wondering if she usually acted too mature?

At six-thirty in the evening, Jin Xiuzhu took the two children out. She had previously found out that because there were many people, they should bring their own stools, as there might not be any seats available.

He Yan carried two stools by himself, being particularly enthusiastic.

By the time they arrived, the front was already full, with rows of military uniforms. It was hard to distinguish one person from another. The stage was festively decorated in bright red, and there were photographers below.

Jin Xiuzhu came together with the Qian Yufeng family. Qian Yufeng, having experience, led Jin Xiuzhu to the right side and found a seat in the middle back. She enthusiastically described, "It's usually singing and dancing, but last year there were acrobatics and Huangmei opera, which were very entertaining."

Jin Xiuzhu knew about acrobatics. Once, she and Lord Marquis went to a teahouse for a banquet, and there was an acrobatic performance on the stage downstairs. At the time, she was so engrossed that she forgot to pour tea; it was indeed impressive.

As for Huangmei opera, she didn't know anything about it.

More and more people arrived, and eventually, Qian Yufeng had to move her stool closer to Jin Xiuzhu's so they could squeeze together.

Around seven o'clock, a man and woman dressed in military uniforms appeared on stage, each holding something and speaking loudly, their voices echoing throughout the auditorium.

Qian Yufeng explained to Jin Xiuzhu, "That's a microphone."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded in amazement.

After the host delivered a flowery speech, they invited a middle-aged man to sing. His voice was particularly loud and clear.

The songs here were very different from those in the Great Jing Dynasty. Although Jin Xiuzhu wasn't used to them, she found them amusing.

Next, female soldiers performed dances. Each one had a slender and graceful figure, captivating the young men sitting below, who clapped their hands excitedly.

Jin Xiuzhu couldn't help but say, "They dance so well."

Each dancer smiled like a flower, making them delightful to watch.

"Of course," Qian Yufeng said. "Those who can become cultural soldiers aren't ordinary people. Just their external conditions alone eliminate a large group of people, and most of them marry well later on."

Speaking of this, Qian Yufeng became a bit envious. She looked at the child in Jin Xiuzhu's arms. "Our Yanyan is beautiful; we should let her become a cultural soldier in the future. I've heard that many cultural soldiers marry the sons of leaders."

Jin Xiuzhu looked down at her daughter.

The little girl seemed a bit confused upon hearing this.

Jin Xiuzhu found it amusing and gently touched her head, saying softly, "Let's not think about it yet. We'll see what she likes in the future."

Qian Yufeng nodded indifferently, thinking that Jin Xiuzhu and her husband spoiled their child too much, unwilling to let her endure hardship.

If her daughter Daya looked like this, she would definitely send her to learn dancing early on.

Only Fu Yanyan remembered something. In her previous life, Zhao Yun's daughter, Tang Ying, had become a cultural soldier and met the grandson of a high-ranking official, stirring her thoughts.

Then she heard Jin Xiuzhu's words, and her heart felt sweet. She suddenly recalled what Jin Xiuzhu had said that night: her and He Yan's lives were long, and they shouldn't be affected by trivial matters.

Yes, in this life, she would live the life she liked without being influenced by others.

The evening party was lively, especially when the acrobatic performance came on, and the applause didn't stop. The Huangmei opera was also pleasant to listen to, and when it ended, many people found themselves humming along without realizing it.

The event concluded at 9:30 PM.

As the crowd dispersed, Jiang Mingchuan somehow managed to make his way over. He took Fu Yanyan from Jin Xiuzhu's arms; there were so many people that Jin Xiuzhu had been worried about stepping on her daughter, so she had been holding her.

After taking his daughter, Jiang Mingchuan reached out to ruffle his son's hair and then pulled out several pieces of chocolate from his pocket. They had been in his pocket for a while and had started to melt.

He first offered the chocolate to Jin Xiuzhu.

Jin Xiuzhu wasn't shy about accepting it and, somewhat clumsily, peeled back the wrapper. Looking at the dark confection, she glanced uncertainly at Jiang Mingchuan.

Jiang Mingchuan explained, "This is chocolate, a type of candy from abroad."

Reassured, Jin Xiuzhu gently bit into it and furrowed her brow.

It was bitter and strange-tasting, but as she continued eating, she found it strangely delicious, with a hint of sweetness amidst the bitterness.

She looked at Jiang Mingchuan again. He was holding their daughter in one arm and peeling the wrapper with the other. Fu Yanyan opened her mouth wide to eat, while their son had chocolate smeared all over his mouth. Only Jiang Mingchuan hadn't eaten any.

Jin Xiuzhu fed him the remaining chocolate.

Jiang Mingchuan looked at the candy being held up to his mouth and hesitated, "You should have it. I've had plenty before."

Jin Xiuzhu found this amusing. It was just candy, after all—she'd tasted far better things in her life.

But Jiang Mingchuan didn't know that. To him, this chocolate was the best thing he could offer.

Ignoring his protest, she continued to hold it out, "I want you to try it too."

Jiang Mingchuan felt warmth in his heart and reluctantly took a bite. The taste was familiar, yet somehow even better than he remembered.

Qian Yufeng and her family stood nearby, waiting for the crowd ahead to move. Wu Xiaojun's eyes were fixed on the chocolate, tugging at Qian Yufeng's clothes until they were misshapen. He wanted some but was too shy to ask.

Feeling awkward, Qian Yufeng whispered, "Your dad has some too. You can have it when we get home."

Wu Xiaojun pouted, "What if dad doesn't have any?"

Qian Yufeng didn't know how to respond because she had only said that to pacify him.

He Yan overheard and, reluctantly, glanced at the chocolate in his hand. After a moment's thought, he gave some to Wu Xiaojun, saying, "Here, Xiaojun, share it with Big Sister."

Wu Xiaojun's eyes lit up as he eagerly accepted it, still unsure, asking, "Really for me?"

He asked He Yan but looked at Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan.

Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan remained silent, and He Yan told him, "Share it with Big Sister, or I won't give it to you."

Big Sister hastily waved her hands, "You eat it. I'm not hungry."

Hearing this, Wu Xiaojun hesitated. Then, repeating what Big Sister had said, "Sister isn't hungry."

Before He Yan could say anything, Grandma Wu interjected, "Give half to your sister."

Wu Xiaojun wasn't afraid of his mother but was somewhat intimidated by his grandmother, who everyone listened to at home. Pouting, he divided the chocolate in half and slowly ate his portion. Then, smiling at He Yan, he exclaimed, "It's really good!"

If it were up to him, he wouldn't have shared with He Yan, but He Yan had generously given him some. Wu Xiaojun felt both happy and embarrassed.

He Yan didn't think much about it. To him, friendship was more important than the candy.

His mother wanted him to be a gentleman, and although he didn't fully understand what that meant, he felt that sharing like this was what a gentleman would do.

The two families parted ways at the hall entrance. Qian Yufeng and her family waited for Wu Erzhu to return home together, while Jin Xiuzhu and her group left first.

Qian Yufeng heard Jin Xiuzhu praise He Yan for sharing and being a good child, promising to cook something nice for him tomorrow. Jiang Mingchuan also mentioned that sometimes people shouldn't focus too much on material things but rather pursue spiritual fulfillment.

From a distance, they could hear Xiaoyan's joyful laughter.

Qian Yufeng felt a bit dazed, as Xiaoyan had lived with them for half a year and never laughed so happily.

Wu Erzhu soon emerged, chatting and laughing with others. After waving goodbye, he took the stool from Grandma Wu and asked how the evening went.

Wu Xiaojun wasn't interested in that and directly asked his father for candy.

Wu Erzhu was taken aback, "What candy?"

Wu Xiaojun grew anxious, "The black candy. Uncle Jiang had some, and mom said you did too."

Wu Erzhu realized what he meant, "Oh, the chocolate? That's something foreigners eat. It's not very tasty."

"But how can that be? I just had some, and it was delicious. Uncle Jiang had some. Where's yours?" He had planned to share some with He Yan.

Wu Erzhu waved dismissively, "There were so many people. How could I take some? Besides, didn't you already eat some?"

Wu Xiaojun wanted to say more, but Wu Erzhu turned to Qian Yufeng, disgruntled, "Why did you tell him that?"

Qian Yufeng felt uncomfortable, "Don't you know your son's character? When he starts making a scene, it's embarrassing. What else could I do? If you had taken some, it wouldn't have been an issue. Why didn't Captain Jiang feel embarrassed taking some?"

Wu Erzhu felt wronged, "With all those leaders around today, I wasn't thinking about that..."

Seeing that they were about to argue, Grandma Wu intervened, "Enough. Save your quarrels for when we're home. Don't make a spectacle of yourselves here."

Wu Erzhu fell silent.

Qian Yufeng huffed and turned her head away, feeling aggrieved.

She recalled how Jiang Mingchuan had immediately found them after the performance, taking the child from Jin Xiuzhu's arms to lighten her load and offering the first piece of chocolate to Jin Xiuzhu. He even hesitated to eat it, wanting to save it for his wife.

In contrast, her own husband hadn't noticed her carrying two stools and only paid attention to his mother. He hadn't even thought to get some candy for their children.

Thinking about how she had been married for over a decade and had never received even a piece of candy from her man, she felt a twinge of bitterness in her heart.

Wu Xiaojun walked behind with his older sister, whispering to her, "I really envy Xiaoyan; his dad truly dotes on him."

His sister glanced at him but said nothing, feeling a pang of discomfort thinking that the whole family pampered him the most.

Recalling the little girl nestled in Uncle Jiang's arms, who had been thin and pitiful just half a year ago but was now plump and fair, dressed in clean, well-fitting clothes, with two small pigtails on her head, it was clear that she was usually doted upon.

If only she could meet parents like them.

---

Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan returned home with their two children. On the way, Jiang Mingchuan mentioned the housing situation: "The leader asked about this today. We should be able to move by the end of the month. There will be a lottery in a couple of days. Do you want to draw?"

"Where will the lottery be held?"

"We don't know yet. It depends on the arrangements."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. Before she could speak, the daughter in Jiang Mingchuan's arms suddenly stretched out her hand. "I want to draw."

The little girl wore a serious expression, as if making a significant decision.

Seeing this, He Yan quickly raised his hand. "Then I want to draw too."

Without hesitation, the little girl declared, "Your luck is too bad; no can do."

In his previous life, He Yan had drawn the lot, and they ended up living next door to that family. This time, anyone could draw except He Yan.

He Yan felt a bit wronged. "We haven't even drawn yet. How do you know my luck is bad?"

Fu Yanyan huffed domineeringly. "I say no, then no."

He Yan puffed out his cheeks, about to say something more, but Jiang Mingchuan intervened with a smile. "Alright, alright, we'll all draw together."

Only then was He Yan satisfied.

But the little girl clenched her fists and showed him a threatening gesture, as if daring him to try.

Annoyed, He Yan muttered, "Meanie."

Just then, someone called out from behind, "Captain Jiang—"

The family of four turned around instinctively. They saw a man in his thirties or forties wearing a military uniform walking behind them with a child. He carried a stool in his hand. Seeing Jiang Mingchuan turn around, he laughed aloud. "I was worried I might have mistaken you. I didn't expect it was really you."

No one noticed Fu Yanyan gripping Jiang Mingchuan's collar tightly.

Jiang Mingchuan smiled and greeted him. "Captain Yang."

Then he introduced them, "This is Captain Yang. This is my wife, Jin Xiuzhu, and our children, Xiaoyan and Yanyan."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "Hello."

"Hello, hello."

Without Jin Xiuzhu's prompting, the two children greeted him politely. "Hello, Uncle."

"Hello."

The man smiled broadly and nodded, then bent down to make his child greet them. Standing beside him was an eight- or nine-year-old boy. Hearing this, he hid behind the man without saying a word.

The man smiled apologetically. "The kid is shy."

Jiang Mingchuan nodded understandingly. "It's the same for us."

The man seemed to remember something. "By the way, I'm hosting a banquet in a couple of days. Can you come and support me?"

Hearing this, Jiang Mingchuan hesitated visibly. He glanced at Jin Xiuzhu, who feigned ignorance and smiled. Politely, he replied, "Congratulations. We'll see if we have the time then."

The man nodded. "Alright, we'll see then."

He also followed Jiang Mingchuan's gaze to look at Jin Xiuzhu. It was dark outside, so he couldn't see clearly, but he could vaguely tell that she looked good, not old and ugly as some people said. He felt slightly relieved, thinking that Jiang Mingchuan probably wouldn't still harbor feelings for Zhao Yun.

After parting ways, Jin Xiuzhu waited for a moment. Seeing that Jiang Mingchuan didn't seem inclined to explain, she asked, "Who was that just now?"

Jiang Mingchuan paused but answered honestly, "That was Deputy Captain Yang. Before I met you, the commander's wife introduced me to a female worker. They're together now."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "Oh, I see."

Then she asked meaningfully, "What was the female worker like?"