Chapter 87.4

Lu Xiaoqing frowned, unsure how to respond. She was happy for Jiang Nian but felt concerned because the groom was Lu Yu, her brother-in-law. How would they go back to their hometown? How would they face others?

She was also worried that Jiang Nian might face criticism and gossip.

Zhai Peipei was also worried but knew that the couple was already married and that their feelings for each other were genuine.

Lu Yu said, “We got married a little over two months ago.”

Jiang Nian noticed the concern on Zhai Peipei and Lu Xiaoqing’s faces and understood their worries. She tightened her grip on Lu Yu’s hand and said, “Lu Yu and I are not blood relatives.”

Zhai Peipei and Lu Xiaoqing were taken aback.

Jiang Nian continued, “My late husband’s surname was Xu. Lu Yu was only adopted by the Xu family and was not a blood brother of my late husband.”

Zhu Jun added, “Yes, although Captain Xu and Commander Lu are not blood brothers, they are as close as brothers.”

Zhai Peipei was surprised and exchanged glances with Lu Xiaoqing. It wasn’t until the dishes were served that they came to their senses and smiled. Zhai Peipei said, “Marriage is a good thing. Don’t make it so gloomy. By the way, Commander Lu, can you drink? Let’s have a drink to celebrate your marriage to Jiang Nian.”

Lu Yu nodded, “I can drink.”

Zhu Jun ordered a bottle of white liquor from the waiter. Jiang Nian drank a lot in one go. The four of them finished a bottle of white liquor. Lu Xiaoqing, who had a low tolerance for alcohol, got tipsy after just one glass. She slapped the table and said to Jiang Nian, “You’re so inconsiderate. You didn’t tell us such a big thing. Getting married and only telling us now. Don’t you consider us friends? Jiang Nian, I’m telling you, I’m really angry. You have to introduce me to someone, or I’ll never forgive you.”

She added, “That Deputy Commander Song seems pretty good.”

She then let out a hiccup.

Jiang Nian: …

Lu Yu: …

Zhu Jun: …

In the end, Zhu Jun had to carry Lu Xiaoqing back to the dormitory. He ran back to the hospital from the dormitory of the embroidery shop to take care of Zhang Xiao. Now his mother had made some warm porridge for Zhang Xiao, and Zhu Jun packed some meat dumplings from the state-run restaurant for them.

Zhang Xiao asked, “What did Commander Lu need you for?”

Zhu Jun explained the events at the state-run restaurant. Zhang Xiao said, “I think it’s quite good that Sister Jiang married Commander Lu. They make a good match—he’s handsome, and she’s beautiful.”

She smiled, “And it was actually Sister Jiang who helped us get together.”

Zhu Jun grinned, “Yes, we should thank sister-in-law and Commander Lu.”

Without their matchmaking, he wouldn’t have married such a good wife or had such a chubby son.

Zhu Jun spent the night on a chair in the hallway. The next morning, he bought breakfast for Zhang Xiao and his mother and then went to find Commander Lu and sister-in-law. They had gotten up early too, and he met them just as they were coming out of the guesthouse.

Zhu Jun smiled, “Commander Lu, I’m going back with you today.”

Lu Yu responded, “Okay.”

Jiang Nian was still a bit nervous. Lu Yu squeezed her fingers, reassuring her, “It’s okay. I’m here.”

They hadn’t had breakfast yet. Since Zhu Jun had been busy buying breakfast for Zhang Xiao and his mother, he had forgotten to eat himself. So, he went with Lu Yu and Jiang Nian to the state-run restaurant. Lu Yu ordered steamed buns, fried dough sticks, and milk. After Jiang Nian finished eating, Lu Yu finished the remaining food. Afterward, they went to the station to catch the return train.

On their way, a woman approached, wearing a light summer scarf. She glanced back repeatedly as if fearing someone was following her. Zhu Jun saw something was wrong and immediately stepped in front of her, asking, “Comrade, are you in trouble?”

The woman was startled by Zhu Jun’s voice and turned around, saying, “Someone is following me. Please help me block them.”

She then lowered her head and ran forward without watching where she was going, almost crashing into Jiang Nian. As the woman spoke, Jiang Nian recognized her voice as Sun Ying’s. Lu Yu pulled Jiang Nian aside to avoid the collision.

“Comrade, if you’re in trouble, tell me. We can go to the police station. Don’t be afraid.”

Zhu Jun tried to stop Sun Ying, but Jiang Nian noticed Sun Chao and several unfamiliar people running towards them from a distance.

She realized that Sun Ying was being chased by her father.

Jiang Nian said, “Zhu Jun, there’s no need to ask.”

Zhu Jun stopped and said, “Let’s go.”

Sun Ying, who was a few steps away, heard the voice. She abruptly stopped and turned to look at Lu Yu and Jiang Nian. From a few meters away, they looked well-dressed. Lu Yu was holding Jiang Nian’s waist protectively. The man’s brows were cold and sharp, and his gaze was indifferent, as if he was looking at discarded trash on the roadside.

Sun Ying hadn’t expected to run into Lu Yu here.

Especially not in such an embarrassing and shameful situation.

She glared at Jiang Nian resentfully. Jiang Nian also looked at Sun Ying. After several months, Sun Ying seemed like a different person. Even in a loose shirt, her emaciated frame was visible. Her cheeks were hollowed, making her eyes appear larger and her gaze vacant. The mole under her right eye had also faded.

To be honest, if it weren’t for the red mole under Sun Ying’s right eye, Jiang Nian might have almost failed to recognize her.

Zhu Jun was momentarily stunned before he recognized Sun Ying, his mouth opening in shock, unable to speak.

As the group of people in the distance came closer, Sun Ying pulled her thin scarf over her face and ran forward quickly, as if afraid of being caught by those behind her.

Lu Yu was holding Jiang Nian’s hand and moving forward. As Sun Chao and several older men ran past them, Jiang Nian heard Sun Chao shout, “If she gets caught, break her legs!”

Jiang Nian looked back and saw that Sun Ying had already reached the corner.

She guessed that Sun Ying wanted to abandon the child and run away but was discovered by Sun Chao. Sun Chao was dismissed from his position as director and the family lost its source of income. Sun Ying was the culprit of all this. Sun Chao must have hated his daughter.

They arrived at the station and boarded the train. Jiang Nian sat by the window and fell asleep almost immediately, resting her head on Lu Yu’s arm. She woke up just before reaching their destination. She looked at the scenery rushing past outside the window, closed her eyes again, and rested a bit longer. When the train stopped, Lu Yu helped her off.

Lu Yu was carrying a large bag containing items for Xu Yan, Liu Jianye, and Liu Jianwu. It had been six months since they last met, and Jiang Nian missed Xu Yan quite a bit, wondering how she had been.

The two of them got off the train and walked back from the county town. As they neared the military base, they encountered Xu Yan and the old lady from the supply and marketing cooperative, followed by Liu Jianwu. Liu Jianwu spotted Jiang Nian first and, excitedly, tugged on Xu Yan’s sleeve, jumping up and down, “Mother, it’s Aunt Jiang. Aunt Jiang is back!”

Xu Yan was taken aback, following Liu Jianwu’s direction. Not far away, Jiang Nian was walking at the front, with Commander Lu and Zhu Jun following behind. After six months, Jiang Nian looked different, and indeed, she seemed to be more beautiful than before.

Xu Yan joyfully called out, “Jiang Nian!”

She then ran over, with Liu Jianwu chasing after her, “Aunt Jiang, I missed you!”

The old lady also laughed, “Slow down, don’t trip.”

“Aunt Jiang misses you too.”

Jiang Nian ruffled Liu Jianwu’s head and smiled, “Jianwu, you’ve grown taller.”

Liu Jianwu replied, “My mother also says I’ve grown taller.”

As the old lady approached, Jiang Nian called out, “Auntie, did you go to the supply and marketing cooperative?”

The old lady replied, “Just bought some salt.” She then greeted Lu Yu and Zhu Jun and asked, “How come you’re back?”

Xu Yan added, “Yes, I thought we wouldn’t see you for the entire year.”

Jiang Nian pressed her lips together, unsure how to answer the old lady’s question. She turned to look at Lu Yu for guidance.