A voice from the back of the crowd rasped, “Who would dare intervene? She’s the daughter of the city defense team’s captain.”

Zhou You was puzzled. In this district, where officials and military personnel resided, it was likely a thrown stone would hit a minister. How then could the mere daughter of a city defense captain assault someone in broad daylight?

"Back off! Or do you want a piece of this too?"

Zhou You laughed, Shao Zhen joined in, taking a step back to watch her sister-in-law in action.

"What's so funny?" Their amused expressions seemed to pierce the other side like daggers.

"Madam, why torment yourself over a worthless man? There are plenty of fish in the sea; don't hang yourself on one tree," Zhou You advised genuinely.

Men from the crowd chimed in, "Exactly! Look at me, miss. I'm a good catch too!"

"Do you even know who her boyfriend is? Stop embarrassing yourselves."

Out of curiosity, Zhou You turned to Shao Zhen, "Who is he?"

Shao Zhen hesitated and then whispered a name. Zhou You was expecting someone unfamiliar, but to his surprise, it was a very well-known celebrity—a star with many films under his belt.

Well, he is indeed very handsome.

Zhou You consoled, "I get it now. But no matter how handsome, a man with poor character is never worth it. Let this matter slide, there are plenty of good men out there. I hope you won't trouble my sister again."

"Hmph! Who are you to tell me what to do?" She stepped forward, making a fist in a threatening manner, "Pretty boy, get lost!"

A thought flashed across Shao Zhen's mind: You're in trouble now!

Zhou You remained unmoved. Yet, to the astonishment of the onlookers, the woman suddenly drew a dagger from her waist and held it to her throat. It was just a hair's breadth away from piercing her skin.

She was in shock. What just happened? Why couldn't she control her body? Her hands wouldn't obey her.

"What... What did you do to me?" she stammered.

Zhou You shrugged nonchalantly, "I didn't do anything."

The crowd was stunned. Was this sorcery? Or could it be...

"He's a psychic manipulator?"

"Wait, I recognize him! He... he's the Marshal's spouse!" Not many knew Shao Zhen, but Zhou You was a widely recognized figure, even if no one had made the connection earlier.

"So, he's the man who won over Marshal Shao."

"Such good looks."

"Such immense power, even more than the legends."

"What a perfect match!"

"Oh my god, I'm totally crushing on this guy!"

"That woman dared to vie for the man of the Marshal's sister? How is she even alive?"

"No, no, no, she made it clear earlier, she dumped that jerk. He must've been taken by a homewrecker, right?"

"Truly pitiable."

Just then, someone shouted, "The city guards are coming!"

Everyone immediately dispersed, pretending they weren't part of the gathering. After all, the captain of the city guards was a troublesome figure.

Chapter 212: An Unexpected Guest

As the crowd dispersed, Zhou You left with Shao Zhen. The female warrior could only watch helplessly, unable to move even a step.

Shao Zhen, looking at the empty shopping cart, said irritably, "I avoided her at first sight, yet she came straight for me. Now, I couldn't even buy the vegetables."

"Let's go. I'll accompany you." As the two shopped, the video from earlier went viral online. Some even came to gawk, while others approached Zhou You for autographs.

Zhou You quickly finished shopping and headed home, teased by Shao Zhen: "Seems like you, as the Marshal's spouse, will soon overshadow my brother as the top martial artist in the world."

"There's always someone better. Many skilled individuals still exist."

Once home, Zhou You started preparing lunch. Surprisingly, old Mr. Shao helped pick the vegetables while Shao Zhen was reluctantly washing them. But within minutes, she took a call and conveniently escaped.

The elderly Shao sighed, "Neither of my children give me peace of mind. They're grown yet so clueless about everyday tasks."

Zhou You defended Shao Qi, "It's not that bad. Shao Qi just can't cook. He's competent in other matters."

"Really? What does he usually do?"

From Zhou You, the old man got a fresh perspective on his grandson. Indeed, love could bring about change.

This also showed Shao Qi's unwavering commitment to Zhou You.

The elder wasn't rigid in his thinking. In this post-apocalyptic world, lifespan was uncertain. He wasn't concerned about descendants but wanted his children to have companions for the journey ahead.

Zhou You prepared six dishes and a soup, plenty for four. Shao Qi returned just before mealtime, bringing a guest.

"Captain Yao is here."

Yao Chen came today, thick-skinned and eager to savor Zhou You's famed cooking. Tales of Zhou You's culinary prowess were legendary in their regiment. Missing it would be a lifetime's regret.

Hence, Yao Chen showed up shamelessly.

"Just call me Yao Chen." He seemed a tad reserved. He had visited the Shao residence many times, often checking on Mr. Shao when Shao Qi was away. He had also dealt with Shao Zhen's troublesome ex-boyfriend.

"Or you can call me senior. Relax, it's like your own home." Shao Qi washed his hands and, seeing the spread, exclaimed, "It's been so long since I've had Zhou You's cooking."

"Smells amazing."

"Let's eat." The elder sat first. Once he began, everyone else dug in. Zhou You and Shao Qi were composed, but the other three were so engrossed they hardly spoke.