Chapter 28

Cheng Jingmo suppressed a chuckle, but it still came out as a “pfft.”

They had been together for a week now, and it was the first time Yu Xiangnian had seen Cheng Jingmo smile. That person who was usually so cold and aloof looked strangely handsome when he smiled.

With his short hair exposing his scalp, all his features were laid bare. His lips curved upwards, his phoenix eyes slightly squinted, radiating light. His rugged features suddenly softened, presenting a different kind of charm!

Yu Xiangnian chuckled too, then teased him, “Why is your sense of humor so low?”

She asked Cheng Jingmo to take Xiao Jie to wait for her at the entrance of the park, while she would quickly deliver the fabric and join them.

Cheng Jingmo had already wiped away his smile. “I’ll drop you both off at the park entrance first, then go deliver the fabric.”

He dropped Yu Xiangnian and Xiao Jie at the park entrance, then carried the fabric to Aunt Sun’s house.

The same little girl answered the door as in the morning, and they repeated their peculiar exchange:

“Who are you looking for?”

“I’m looking for Aunt Sun.”

“Old vines, old trees, crows in the dusk.”

“Make a pair of autumn trousers.”

“When will the bright moon appear?”

“Love eating pig’s head meat.”

Cheng Jingmo thought to himself that the people Yu Xiangnian knew were as amusing as she was.

He had just been here a few hours ago, and now he had to go through this ridiculous code again!

Aunt Sun took five yuan for making clothes.

Cheng Jingmo hurried to the market. By this time, all the fish and meat had sold out, leaving only some vegetables.

Carrots, eggplants, cowpeas, spinach—he bought two kilograms of each, plus two pumpkins, which he carried in two mesh bags, and quickly headed towards the park.

It was almost time for the bus to leave, and the families had gathered here.

Cheng Jingmo recognized Yu Xiangnian and Xiao Jie among the women and children sitting under a tree.

They were sitting on a bench, eating ice popsicles and holding candied haws in their other hand.

Why was Yu Xiangnian eating non-stop like a child ever since they arrived in town?!

Seeing him approach with vegetables, Yu Xiangnian quickly stood up and said, “You’re all sweaty. Sit down first, I’ll go buy you an ice popsicle.”

Before Cheng Jingmo could refuse, she ran off to buy one.

There were many people in the park, and several vendors were selling popsicles from small refrigerators.

In no time, she returned holding one. “Quick, eat it before it melts.”

Cheng Jingmo never ate snacks normally. He intended to give it to Xiao Jie, but seeing Yu Xiangnian’s sparkling eyes and pink cheeks from running, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse. He took the popsicle from her.

Watching the trio sitting on the bench—Cheng Jingmo eating his popsicle, Yu Xiangnian and Xiao Jie enjoying candied haws—others couldn’t help but sigh.

“If this wicked woman sincerely married Vice Captain Cheng, that would be great.”

“Yeah, Xiao Jie would have a home and hot meals. His parents in heaven could rest easy.”

“I think these three look like a family. Maybe they can make it work.”

“Do you think they share a bed?”

The women: “…” They were also curious!

At four o’clock sharp, the military truck blared its horn, the sound booming as if afraid the families with hearing impairments wouldn’t hear and couldn’t return home.

Cheng Jingmo took the lead, starting to lift each child onto the truck.

Yu Xiangnian and Xiao Jie remained seated on the bench, waiting for all the families to board before approaching.

Yu Xiangnian watched Cheng Jingmo in his military green attire, bending down repeatedly to lift each child onto the truck.

Sometimes a family member or child would thank him, and he would smile faintly and nod.

Whether it was his upbringing by his parents or the military education, Cheng Jingmo was truly well-mannered.

Once all the children were on board, Cheng Jingmo quickly walked back to Yu Xiangnian and Xiao Jie, picking up the items. “Let’s go.”

He loaded the items onto the truck first, then lifted Xiao Jie up, and finally helped Yu Xiangnian onto the truck.

The return journey was even more crowded, with everyone buying things and packing the truck tightly.

Since the positions near the sides of the truck were taken, the three stood closer to the rear in the middle of the truck.

Cheng Jingmo supported Xiao Jie, while Yu Xiangnian stood close to him, clutching the back of his clothes.

As the truck bumped along the road, Cheng Jingmo could feel Yu Xiangnian’s soft body occasionally brushing against his arm. His arm stiffened, and his mouth felt dry.

He shifted slightly away, but soon Yu Xiangnian leaned in again. His entire body tensed, sweat beading on his temples.

Yu Xiangnian paid no attention to Cheng Jingmo’s discomfort; she simply couldn’t stand steadily without holding onto something.

Suddenly, the truck hit a big pothole, and everyone inside gasped as their bodies were jolted upwards.

Yu Xiangnian lost her balance in an instant, letting out a soft cry as she lurched forward.

Cheng Jingmo’s body also shifted slightly, but he quickly regained his balance. Reflexively, his right hand supported Xiao Jie, while his left hand wrapped around Yu Xiangnian’s waist. He felt a softness press against his chest.

His lower abdomen tightened, feeling like it was on fire, and his entire body flushed hot.

Quickly, he withdrew his hand in embarrassment, creating distance between them again, bowing his head slightly and pulling in his abdomen.

Yu Xiangnian, oblivious to Cheng Jingmo’s inner turmoil, grabbed his clothes again and murmured softly, “This road is so bumpy!”

Meanwhile, Su Mingliang’s wife, Feng Aiqin, was infuriated by Cheng Jingmo and Yu Xiangnian’s intimacy.

Previously, she had introduced her niece Wu Xiaomin to Cheng Jingmo. Wu Xiaomin was educated and came from a big city, and in her eyes, they were a perfect match.

But when it came to the issue of marriage, they couldn’t agree. Wu Xiaomin wanted Cheng Jingmo to send Xiao Jie back to his hometown to be cared for by relatives, but Cheng Jingmo adamantly refused, leading to their breakup.

Not three months later, Cheng Jingmo married Yu Xiangnian.

Feng Aiqin had thought Cheng Jingmo would marry someone who would be good to Xiao Jie, but it turned out not to be the case. Xiao Jie couldn’t even get a decent meal with Yu Xiangnian!

In Feng Aiqin’s eyes, Cheng Jingmo was now just a freeloader!

Wasn’t it because Wu Xiaomin’s family lacked connections and background that he had rejected her? Now he had married such a shrew, all for her family’s background!

Glancing at the items by Cheng Jingmo’s feet—grain, oil, and surprisingly, Big White Rabbit candies and Milk Tablets—Feng Aiqin couldn’t believe it.

Her husband was a political commissar, yet she couldn’t bear to buy a can of Milk Tablets for herself. With three children at home, she only dared to buy a pound of Big White Rabbit candies occasionally to satisfy their cravings.

But there were so many candies here, probably more than three pounds!

She didn’t believe Yu Xiangnian would be willing to buy these things for Xiao Jie; she must have wanted them for herself!

“Deputy Commander Cheng, are these things for Xiao Jie?” Feng Aiqin asked, smiling with an undercurrent of sarcasm.