Chapter 3

When Song Nian got off the bus and hurried to the Red Flag Garment Factory, she saw that the recruiters at the gate were already packing up their booth.

She quickly stepped forward. “Comrade, are you still hiring seamstresses?”

The recruiting woman, round-faced and wearing a blue work uniform, turned her head. When she saw Song Nian in a pale pink blouse, long polka-dot skirt, and polished leather shoes, her makeup neat and delicate, she couldn’t help showing a doubtful look.
“You… want to apply as a seamstress?”

What if this was just some pampered young lady looking for amusement?

Song Nian immediately nodded, a little nervous. “May I ask if you’re still hiring?”

The round-faced woman hesitated. “There’s a trial for the job. Do you know how to use a sewing machine?”

“Yes, I’m very skilled!”

Perhaps because Song Nian looked so earnest and resolute, the woman finally relented and handed her a form. “Fill this out. Tomorrow morning at ten sharp, gather here to enter the workshop for the trial. That’s basically the interview.”

Song Nian let out a breath of relief, taking the form with both hands and smiling in thanks.

The woman looked a little embarrassed, but when she saw Song Nian bend down to fill out the form and noticed her beautiful handwriting, she added, “Just as I thought—your handwriting matches your appearance, so lovely.”

Song Nian smiled and thanked her. The woman waved it off. “No, no. It’s just, at first glance you looked like someone who’d never touched a needle or thread. I worried you wouldn’t know how to use a machine.”

After collecting Song Nian’s form, she beamed. “Don’t forget—be here on time tomorrow. I really hope you make it in… having such a beautiful coworker would brighten anyone’s day.”

Song Nian flushed a little at the praise, clenched her fists lightly, and said with determination, “I’ll do my best.”

The round-faced woman’s eyes sparkled as she turned to leave, muttering under her breath, “So pretty… she talks so sweetly… ahhh she looks so soft and fragrant ahhh…”

Her colleague beside her laughed. “What’s wrong with you?”

After signing up, Song Nian didn’t linger and hurried back home.

Over lunch with Xu’s mother, she mentioned wanting to practice on the sewing machine, since she hadn’t used one for months and didn’t want to be rusty.

Xu’s mother gave her a look. “Why do you want to work? The Xu family can afford to support you.”

Song Nian thought for a moment, then answered frankly: “My parents are in the countryside now. They raised me before—now I want to do my best to take care of them.”

Xu’s mother raised her brows almost imperceptibly.

She didn’t say the Xu family had plenty of money or anything of the sort, only gave a faint “oh,” then said, “Go ahead. If you can’t find fabric or thread, ask Aunt Zhou. I’m going to rest.”

“Alright, Mom. Thank you, Mom.”

When Xu’s mother awoke from her nap, she heard Song Nian chatting with Aunt Zhou downstairs. Opening her door, she saw Song Nian had sewn an apron for Aunt Zhou, who was laughing happily, face full of joy.

That evening, Xu Jin returned home around the same time as the day before.

No sooner had he entered than his mother called him into her room.

“You two didn’t consummate the marriage last night?”

Xue Suwan had originally wanted to ask Song Nian, but then thought—if the marriage wasn’t consummated, the problem surely lay with her son. Asking the girl would be unfair. So she had held back for a whole day.

Xu Jin’s expression stiffened slightly.

She looked at him. “When you promised me you would marry and have children, was that just lip service? You’ve always been the most obedient, A Jin. Don’t let me down in this.”

Xu Jin rose to his feet. “You’re overthinking it.”

“That’s good.”

She waved her hand. “Go on, then. After all, she’s your new wife—don’t be too cold to her.”

He murmured an acknowledgment and left, closing the door.

When he returned upstairs and opened the bedroom door, he found Song Nian leaning against the headboard reading.

Just like the night before, when she saw him come in, she set the book aside. “You’re back.”

But unlike last night, she didn’t spring up, eyes bright and nervous, to greet him.

Xu Jin only gave a quiet “Mm.” “I’ll wash up first.”

Song Nian nodded and thoughtfully poured him a glass of water before climbing back onto the bed with her book.

She hesitated whether to tell him about the interview at the garment factory tomorrow, but looking at his indifferent manner, she felt he wouldn’t care.

The money he’d given her was respect for her role as his wife. Allowing her to find a job was simply the Xu family’s open-mindedness. He didn’t put her affairs to heart, and if she were too forward, it might only add awkwardness between them.

So when Xu Jin came back from his shower, switched off the light, and lay down, Song Nian turned silently to face the wall, closing her eyes.

She assumed they’d pass another quiet night like before. But then, the man behind her moved.

Seeing her turn her back, Xu Jin realized that his restraint last night, meant to be considerate, might actually have given her the wrong idea. After a pause, he slowly reached out.

When his long fingers rested against her waist, he felt her whole body jolt and tense.

He leaned closer, his voice low. “Is this alright?”

Song Nian was surprised, but then thought—after all, they were married. He couldn’t possibly avoid her forever. This day was bound to come.

Suppressing her nerves, she gave a quiet hum of assent. Immediately, he drew her back and laid her flat.

His presence loomed stronger, overwhelming.

Song Nian was terribly nervous, making no move… Yesterday she had already taken the initiative, only to be rejected. As a young woman, that left her with some lingering unease.

So, if he wanted this, she would let him take the lead.

The next moment, Xu Jin flipped over her, bracing himself with both hands by her shoulders. He hesitated, then let one hand slip down to lift her nightdress.

His hand was hot, so hot it made her tremble, her body even more tense. When he tugged at the edge of her undergarments, her breath nearly stopped.

Her mind went blank. When she felt an unfamiliar touch against her thigh, her heartbeat thundered wildly…

She was frightened.

Though untouched before, she had read a little about such matters, and she couldn’t shake the thought—this didn’t seem right.

No lead-up at all—straight into harbor?

Above her, Xu Jin’s breathing was slow yet heavy, warm air brushing her forehead. The next instant, heat pressed forward, parting her painfully…

Already tense, Song Nian tightened further.

He seemed strained as well, his breathing rough. Sensing her discomfort, he asked in a hoarse voice, “Does it hurt?”

It did hurt. But she knew this was probably uncomfortable for both of them, so she bit her lip and shook her head.

With that small movement, her body shifted slightly, and suddenly his breathing grew ragged. He sank heavily into her—pain lanced through her.

Even though she’d prepared herself, Song Nian couldn’t hold back a soft cry, tinged with involuntary tears.

Xu Jin froze instantly.

The delicate softness beneath him was luxury itself, decadent and alluring, yet he restrained himself, not allowing indulgence.

But once inside, the sudden surge of sensation and that plaintive cry nearly shattered his control. By the time he came back to his senses, it was already over.

His whole body went rigid.

He had heard plenty of crude talk among soldiers. He knew well enough what was expected of a man.

But now, realizing he had ended so soon—even with all his experience in the world—Xu Jin felt awkward and ashamed.

Song Nian, just starting to adapt to the pain, drew a breath, trying to relax. But then Xu Jin suddenly got up, pulling on his half-removed trousers, and strode quickly into the bathroom.

Song Nian blinked in confusion. “?”

So… that was it?

This didn’t seem like what she’d read in books…

But recalling his cold expression as he left the bed, she understood. Of course it wasn’t the same.

In those books, the man and woman loved each other, lingering long in passion. But Xu Jin didn’t like her. Their marriage and this consummation were simply for the sake of heirs. Of course it would be straightforward and efficient.

He was a man who valued efficiency, after all.

In the sound of running water, Xu Jin closed his eyes, filled with regret.

He had known the first time might be awkward. He simply… wasn’t practiced.

It wasn’t because the touch of that soft, delicate body had stolen his senses… or because her plaintive little cry had unleashed a flood of dangerous thoughts.

Moments later, Xu Jin returned from the bathroom, damp with steam. Standing by the bed, he said, “You should wash up.”

Song Nian had already dressed, though her cheeks were flushed. She gave a quiet “Mm” and slipped off the bed.

Xu Jin recalled the stories he’d heard from the barracks—soldiers bragging about helping their brides up after their wedding night. After a hesitation, he extended a hand, gentlemanly. “Let me help you.”

“No, no need.”

Song Nian quickly declined. “I’m fine, I’m not uncomfortable at all.”

And she darted into the bathroom.

Watching his bride leave with zero signs of weakness, Xu Jin’s already cool expression turned even frostier.

Chapter 4

The next morning, the two of them got out of bed from opposite sides, as clear-cut as rivers running separately, and went downstairs after tidying themselves up.

At the breakfast table, Xie Suwan finally showed a trace of a smile.

Just earlier, Aunt Zhou had gone upstairs to clean, then came down to quietly tell her something. Because of this, Xie Suwan had specially asked Aunt Zhou to make red date and longan soup to nourish Song Nian’s blood and energy.

“I heard you’re going for some kind of… interview today?”

Wiping her mouth, Xie Suwan added, “Let A’Jin drive you there.”

Song Nian quickly declined. “There’s a bus that goes straight from the entrance. It’s very convenient, you don’t have to worry about me, Mom.”

Seeing Song Nian lively and energetic after the consummation, not at all like the rumors that she would be weak and sore, Xu Jin’s expression turned cold and heavy. He finished his meal in silence and left without a word.

Song Nian finally let out a faint sigh of relief.

She had thought that after their consummation, perhaps they would be a little closer than before. Yet to her surprise, Xu Jin seemed even colder and more tense. Yesterday at least he had spoken a little, but today he barely said a few words at all.

It must be that he disliked her, but had been forced to consummate the marriage, which left him displeased.

The thought made her a little sad, but then again, it didn’t matter. All she needed to do was fulfill her part. He had said himself he would give her the respect she was due.

She couldn’t expect much more.

By just before ten o’clock, Song Nian had already arrived at the gates of the Hongqi Garment Factory.

Remembering yesterday’s experience, today she wore something much plainer: a white blouse, dark blue trousers, her long hair tied neatly into a ponytail. Simple and capable.

Around ten o’clock, she and the other applicants were led into the factory grounds.

There were twenty-six people in all, only a few of them men. Soon after entering, they were separated into groups according to the positions they were applying for.

Song Nian was applying to be a seamstress. Along with her, twelve young women were brought to the sewing workshop. After giving their names, they were each assigned to a sewing machine.

The large workshop was full of other women bent over their work. Occasionally, someone paused while changing fabric or thread to glance curiously at the new arrivals.

But because the twelve sewing machines had been surrounded by the recruiters, the others couldn’t see much.

Next to Song Nian, a girl in a red polyester blouse gave her a look, lifted her chin, and asked, “Where are you from?”

Her looks were decent enough, but her tone was commanding.

Not wanting to offend anyone, Song Nian answered, “South of the city.”

“You’ve got a bit of an accent. Not local, are you?”

Song Nian explained that her husband’s family was from here.

At the mention that she was already married, the girl’s demeanor softened noticeably, and she raised her voice on purpose: “Oh, so you’re married already? What does your husband do?”

The question was rather impolite.

Song Nian only replied lightly, “He works.”

Seeing her indifferent expression, the girl pouted and said nothing more.

Her name was Zhang Man, and she had been introduced here by her aunt, who just happened to be a team leader in the sewing workshop. Compared to the others, Zhang Man looked relaxed and unconcerned.

Soon after, Song Nian and the others were told to sit at their machines, and fabric pieces were brought over.

“Our Hongqi Garment Factory is recruiting openly according to policy. The interview method is a public test—selection will depend on your skill.”

The speaker was the workshop director, Jiang Yue’e, a woman in her forties with a brisk, no-nonsense air.

After a short explanation, she directly announced the start. The twelve candidates had fifteen minutes to complete a sewing task. Needless to say, the faster and better the work, the more likely they would be hired.

At the signal, the others immediately rushed to step on the pedals and start sewing.

But Song Nian did not. She first quickly wound her bobbin, then arranged the fabric pieces in the order she was accustomed to. Only after checking everything carefully did she begin.

Standing nearby, Jiang Yue’e and several team leaders and skilled workers observed closely. Among them was the very woman Song Nian had seen yesterday after her piano interview—the same woman who was Zhang Man’s aunt, Zhang Yalan.

Zhang Yalan recognized her almost instantly—the shameless seductress who had tried to lure her husband. Glancing at the name list, she sneered coldly.

Soon, Jiang Yue’e’s attention also fell on Song Nian.

From the start, she had noticed this particularly striking young woman. What caught her eye even more was the girl’s methodical checking of fabric and machine before beginning. When Song Nian finally started sewing, Jiang Yue’e’s eyes brightened in satisfaction.

Song Nian had been taught by a master and had years of experience. Her movements were smooth and skillful. Though she seemed to have wasted time at first, once she began, her work flowed like water.

While others broke their threads, hers ran smoothly. She reached for fabric pieces without even glancing, her stitching even and straight. Even the tricky collar corners and zipper insertion, difficult for most beginners, did not make her pause.

As she worked, Song Nian couldn’t help but feel a pang of irony. She had once learned sewing just as a hobby—never imagining one day it would be her livelihood.

Fifteen minutes passed quickly. At Jiang Yue’e’s command, the candidates stopped.

Some sat upright, confident in their work. Others looked worried, knowing they had not done well.

Jiang Yue’e inspected each one. When she came to Song Nian, she picked up the garment and examined it carefully.

“The stitching inside and out is neat, the collar corners are sharp, the zipper straight… very good.”

Song Nian kept a polite smile, reassured. Then she suddenly felt an unfriendly gaze.

Turning slightly, she saw a middle-aged woman glaring at her with hostility. After a moment of surprise, she recognized her—the wife of the scoundrel from yesterday.

Truly, enemies always meet.

But her conscience was clear. Not understanding the hostility, she chose not to pay it any mind.

Later, after being brought out of the workshop, she learned the results. Eight had been accepted, including her. They were each assigned to a team within the first sewing workshop.

By coincidence, her team leader was none other than Zhang Yalan, the woman who had glared at her.

Zhang Yalan hadn’t expected the temptress to actually have real skill. With everyone watching, she couldn’t prevent her being hired. But it didn’t matter—now that she was under her management, there would be plenty of ways to deal with her.

Smiling coldly to herself, she kept her face neutral. “Come on, I’ll take you to complete your onboarding paperwork.”

Zhang Man eagerly clung to her aunt’s arm, calling sweetly, “Auntie…”

Song Nian and the other six followed behind.

As she walked, she carefully observed the layout of the factory buildings and paths—after all, she would be working here now, and needed to get familiar.

What she never expected was to run into Xu Jin here.

He was in uniform, walking alongside a young man in factory overalls, with several others behind them, also in factory uniforms, who clearly held some authority.

Zhang Yalan quickly greeted them respectfully: “Deputy Director Xiao, Military Representative.”

The deputy factory director, Xiao Dingguo, nodded and asked, “These are the new recruits?”

Seizing the chance to ingratiate herself with the young and promising deputy director, Zhang Yalan replied warmly, “Yes, I was just about to take them to complete the onboarding procedures.”

“Alright, go ahead.”

Meanwhile, Song Nian stood frozen, staring at Xu Jin.

He frowned slightly, then deliberately shifted his gaze away, showing no intention of speaking to her.

Realizing he was avoiding suspicion, Song Nian too stayed silent, pretending not to know him, and moved her eyes away calmly.

Note: Hello readers, The two chapters will be combined into a single chapter. Thank you!