Chapter 423: Mutual Assistance

Chapter 423 Mutual Assistance

The cafeteria cook didn’t recognize Xiao Xiao. "Young girl, are you new here?"

Ye Xiaoxiao smiled, revealing her snow-white, even teeth. "Yes, I’m a newly arrived military spouse on the island."

Hearing this, the cook gave her two extra pieces of meat to her bowl.

"Come more often in the future. Must be tough getting used to life on the island at first."

Ye Xiaoxiao nodded earnestly. "I’ll do my best to adapt."

As Ye Xiaoxiao carried her food container home, she ran into Lu Hanchuan and Deputy Regimental Commander Li, who had just left the military base and were walking home while chatting.

Ye Xiaoxiao reminded Deputy Regimental Commander Li, "I stopped by your place earlier. Your wife doesn’t look so good."

Upon hearing this, Deputy Regimental Commander Li hurriedly said a quick goodbye to Lu Hanchuan and rushed home.

Lu Hanchuan took the aluminum food container from Xiao Xiao’s hands and asked, "What'd you get?"

The military cafeteria served the same dishes for everyone, but there were four main dishes and a soup to choose from depending on what you like.

Lu Hanchuan had eaten already, but he wanted to know what Xiao Xiao had picked.

"Braised hairtail, eggplant in soy sauce. The cook gave me a lot of extra meat."

Ye Xiaoxiao had already eaten at the cafeteria a few times. The food in the military canteen was quite delicious, and they don't skimp on portions like the school lunch ladies with their 'portion-control shakes.'

"Our Xiao Xiao is always so likable," Lu Hanchuan praised first, then asked, "What did you say was wrong with Li Linghui’s wife?"

"When I saw her, she seemed very weak—mostly from being worn out from the trip and difficulty adjusting to the new environment. She’ll probably need a few days to rest up to recover."

People are built different, and Kong Xuelan had always appeared frail. After all this, she looked even weaker.

"Oh no!" Ye Xiaoxiao suddenly remembered that Kong Xuelan hadn’t eaten yet. "Did Comrade Li Linghui already get food? His wife hasn’t eaten."

Lu Hanchuan reassured her, "It’s no big deal to make another trip. We’ll stop by later to see if they need any help."

As they walked back together, Ye Xiaoxiao said, "I wanted to help, but Comrade Kong seemed kinda embarrassed, so I left first."

Not everyone readily accepts others’ kindness.

Xiao Xiao wasn’t very familiar with Comrade Kong Xuelan. If the other person was big on keeping up appearances, it might be better not to overstep, as it could make things awkward.

Lu Hanchuan thought about what she said. "Let’s go home and eat first."

The weather was gradually warming, and the days were getting longer. The sea breeze on Changjing Island was gentle at dusk, and as they walked back to the compound, they saw soldiers and their families.

"Are there other residents here?" Ye Xiaoxiao asked.

"Yes. Outside the military base, you’ll find some island fishermen," Lu Hanchuan pointed out. "There’s also a market and small shops on the island. I’ll take you there when I have time."

With so many tasks to settle and hand over, Lu Hanchuan had been busy from morning till night and didn’t have time.

"I’ll go check it out tomorrow."

Ye Xiaoxiao knew there were still many undiscovered places on the island—no way she could wait.

Remembering Lu Hanchuan was still beside her, Ye Xiaoxiao reassured him, "Once I get familiar with the place, I can take you to see it."

Lu Hanchuan pretended not to notice Xiao Xiao's little thoughts.

"Then I’ll trouble you, my dear."

Hearing the address, Ye Xiaoxiao nodded calmly, "No problem, anytime."

The two returned home, and Xiao Xiao went to eat first.

Lu Hanchuan looked around at what needed tidying up.

He had already seen the outhouse in the yard—the guys had done a pretty good job.

Next was the daily water supply, which was simple enough. The house had water storage jars, and for him and Xiao Xiao, one big jar was enough.

But since rain could muddy the well water sometimes, Lu Hanchuan cleaned out the other jars in the house.

If he had time, he could fetch water himself; otherwise, he could pay someone to help.

Of course, he wasn’t asking for free work—he’d pay them fairly.

Lu Hanchuan noticed the study Xiao Xiao had set up. He moved the desk inside and tidied it up quickly, making it look much neater.

By the time Ye Xiaoxiao finished eating, it was getting dark.

"Want to check on the neighbors?"

Lu Hanchuan and Li Linghui had worked together for years. "Let’s go take a look."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Then I’ll bring some tonic pills for Mrs. Li."

Xiao Xiao dug through the medicine cabinet and found pills suitable for Kong Xuelan’s current condition.

When the two arrived next door, Kong Xuelan was still eating, while Deputy Regimental Commander Li was unpacking their luggage.

However, it was clear he was hopeless at housework—his "unpacking" mostly involved taking things out and just dumping them anywhere.

Kong Xuelan was annoyed. Being a bit particular, she couldn’t stand her husband’s method of organizing—he was just making a mess.

"Just leave it. I’ll handle it myself when I feel better. What’s already unpacked is enough for now."

Li Linghui wasn’t worried about the luggage; he was concerned about his wife’s health.

"You look worse than yesterday. Maybe you should see a doctor."

Kong Xuelan shook her head. "No need. I know how I feel. It’s nothing serious—just getting used to the new place."

Ye Xiaoxiao and Lu Hanchuan entered at that moment.

Li Linghui was startled. "Commander!"

Lu Hanchuan waved off his nervousness. "Just checking if you need help."

Li Linghui rubbed his hands awkwardly. "No, no. We haven’t really started unpacking yet, so it’s a bit messy here."

Ye Xiaoxiao handed the medicine to Kong Xuelan. "These are traditional Chinese pills made by Rende Pharmacy, suitable for your condition. You can take two after dinner."

Li Linghui: "That’s great. I was just saying we should take her to see a doctor."

Kong Xuelan looked at Ye Xiaoxiao gratefully, "Thank you. We’re so grateful for Regiment Commander Lu and his wife’s help."

Li Linghui suddenly remembered that Regiment Commander Lu's wife was actually a highly skilled doctor.

"No trouble at all. Have a good rest after your meal. We'll take our leave now."

Lu Hanchuan handed the medicine to Kong Xuelan before leaving with Ye Xiaoxiao.

Compared to Deputy Regimental Commander Li's home, Ye Xiaoxiao had tidied up much faster.

Though Deputy Regimental Commander Li was several years older, he was hopeless at household chores.

...

The next day, after Lu Hanchuan left, Ye Xiaoxiao finished breakfast and decided to check out the island’s little store.

Not knowing the way, she walked very slowly.

As she exited the family quarters, the guard at the gate asked where she was heading and if she needed someone to go with her.

"No need, I just want to visit the store on the island."

The guard told Ye Xiaoxiao which way to go, explaining that the little store wasn't far from the family quarters.

After thanking him, Ye Xiaoxiao headed toward her destination.