Chapter 40.1

Jiang Suihan, who was nestled at home, naturally didn’t know that someone had started fantasizing about marrying her husband and living a life envied by others after her death.

In the kitchen, there were leftovers from last night’s lamb and unfinished cabbage. She planned to cook some noodles to make do.

Dinner was brought back by Xu Zhao from the cafeteria. Jiang Suihan didn’t have to cook and was quite content. To be honest, she could cook, but she didn’t like doing it every day, as it felt like a chore. Moreover, Xu Zhao had said she could do whatever she liked at home and that her happiness was what mattered.

In the afternoon, she had been trying to make clothes and was a bit tired, so she occasionally wanted to take a break and relax.

Xu Zhao moved the braised pork ribs a bit closer so Jiang Suihan could reach them. “The school project is settled. Construction will start in a few days and should be completed soon.”

The army had plenty of people, and all they needed was to build a bigger house. Adding some tables and chairs wouldn’t take much time.

Jiang Suihan was a bit surprised. “That’s great. It’s even better if it’s completed before the school year starts. It’ll be nice to see a bunch of kids jumping around the family compound. Getting them into school sooner is better. Lele can play outside with Zhao Xiaojun and the others for a few more days, but he should settle down soon.”

Once the primary school is built, the little one can start attending school. After being so wild these days, he has probably forgotten the few characters he learned before.

Jiang Leyun expressed surprise, “Starting school already? How soon! I had plans with Xiaojun and the others to go fishing and crab-catching by the creek.”

Thinking about the end of his carefree days made the little one pout in disappointment. He wanted to discuss with his sister, “Can I go to school later?”

Having been bullied at school before, Jiang Leyun wasn’t enthusiastic about attending. Here, no one knew his family’s situation, and no one would scold or bully him. If given a choice, he would prefer not to go to school.

Jiang Suihan made a firm decision, leaving no room for negotiation. “No, children need to go to school. This is non-negotiable. Tonight, I’ll go to your room to check your study progress and see if you’ve been slacking off. Let me make it clear now: you must finish your homework before playing. This is my requirement, and it must be met.”

She had anticipated that her brother would resist going to school. It was natural for children to love playing, and getting them to focus on learning instead of playing could be challenging.

Jiang Suihan wasn’t trying to deprive the child of playtime but wanted him to develop a good habit. Playing was fine, but it had to be preceded by completing daily homework.

Hearing the disheartening news so suddenly, Jiang Leyun moaned and slumped onto the table, looking pitifully at his sister, hoping she would show some leniency because of his weak and innocent appearance.

However, his sister’s resolve was unshakable, and her attitude did not waver. Noticing another person in the house, he shifted his gaze to his brother-in-law, blinking his eyes and gazing at him with a pleading look, hoping he could intercede on his behalf.

Receiving the silent plea for help from his brother-in-law, Xu Zhao touched his nose and said thoughtfully, “Children love to play, so you shouldn’t push them too hard all at once. It might backfire. I think Leyun is quite sensible and obedient. If you talk to him properly, he will listen. Work and play should be balanced—that’s called combining work and rest.”

Jiang Suihan gave Xu Zhao a sideways glance. It seemed that while she was playing the bad cop, he was stepping in as the good guy.

“I didn’t expect you two to get along so well. I was worried about your age difference and differing living habits. It seems I was worried for nothing—you’ve become allies.”

Jiang Leyun raised his chin and said, “Of course, my brother-in-law and I get along great. If you don’t force me to study and do my homework, I’ll be nice to you, and you can leave my brother-in-law out of it.”

Xu Zhao looked at the child speechlessly. “Thank you,” he thought.

It was clear that Jiang Leyun was quite a troublemaker, and Xu Zhao regretted his moment of weakness.

Jiang Suihan pretended to contemplate. “You do have a point. So, I’ll leave the task of helping him with his homework to you. I believe you can handle it.”

Immediately regretting taking on this thankless job, Xu Zhao waved his hand and said, “You’re his sister; you should do it. He listens to you better.”

Jiang Suihan glanced at him lightly. “Leyun just said that he gets along best with you. It’s better if you handle it; he trusts you more.”

Jiang Leyun grumbled and puffed out his cheeks in frustration. He felt like a mere plaything being tossed around. Didn’t he have any dignity?

“I don’t need your help. I’ll do my homework myself.”

It was just homework. The teacher used to say he was very clever, and small amounts of homework were no trouble.

Jiang Suihan looked at her younger brother’s small head. “Look at you, so proud of yourself. You’re the smartest, aren’t you? Fine. But once you’re in the new school, don’t complain about your classmates being stupid. Be humble, listen to your teachers, and study well.”

She hadn’t seen him this mischievous before. Since coming here, it seemed like the child’s nature was finally showing. He spent his days outwitting adults to gain more benefits for himself.

She was pleased that her younger brother had not been affected by the events in Mingjiang City and was in a good mood. Now, he was happy every day, his mind filled with fun and play.

Jiang Leyun made a face at his sister. “I know. I’m not that picky.”

Being a bit slow-witted wasn’t a problem, as long as he listened and had fun.

Jiang Suihan glanced at Xu Zhao. It was all thanks to him—he had pulled her and her brother out of a difficult situation and given them a stable and worry-free life.

The decision to marry him had been impulsive, but she didn’t regret it. Now, she was even more convinced that her choice had been the right one.

Jiang Suihan served Xu Zhao a piece of ribs, saying with heartfelt gratitude, “Thank you.”

Xu Zhao was puzzled and became wary. “Why are you suddenly thanking me?”

Had he done something to touch her?

He had spent the whole day at the army base as usual, buying breakfast in the morning, filling the water tank, and returning home in the evening. Nothing special had happened.

Jiang Suihan couldn’t be bothered to explain. “It’s nothing. I just wanted to thank you for working hard these days. You’ve been training a lot, so eat more and replenish your energy.”

Xu Zhao didn’t press further. If she didn’t want to explain, he wouldn’t ask. He guessed it wasn’t anything significant.

Jiang Suihan tentatively asked him, “Once the school is built, will they be hiring people?”

Xu Zhao immediately guessed her intention. “Are you thinking of becoming a teacher at the school?”

Jiang Suihan nodded, not denying it. “Yes, I’m considering it. I’ve been feeling a bit bored at home and thought it would be nice to have something to do to pass the time.”

Some men prefer their women to stay at home, believing they should manage household affairs while the man supports the family.

From what she’d seen of Xu Zhao, he didn’t seem to be that kind of man. He respected women and didn’t look down on them.

Xu Zhao set down his chopsticks. “If you’re bored at home and want to work, I support you. If you get tired and want to rest at home, that’s fine too. We have enough money, and I’m getting a promotion with a pay raise. I can easily support both you and Leyun. What’s most important is what you want to do. I’ll support whatever you decide.”

Once Leyun starts school, Xu Zhao would be at the base during the day, sometimes away for a month or two on missions. She’d be alone at home without someone to talk to, which could be quite lonely.

Teaching at the school would be good—having something to do would keep her mind occupied, and since the school was near the base, he wouldn’t have to worry about her.

Jiang Suihan smiled and sweetly praised Xu Zhao, “I knew you were the best. I definitely didn’t marry the wrong person.”

Xu Zhao’s ears turned red, and his mouth curved into an involuntary smile.

Jiang Leyun instinctively rubbed his arms, feeling goosebumps. He felt as if he were shining brighter than the lightbulb above his head.

Sister and Brother-in-law were getting more and more affectionate.

Jiang Suihan curiously asked, “You mentioned your salary has increased—by how much?”

In their household, Xu Zhao was the only one with a job to support the family, so his salary directly impacted their living standards. This was something she needed to clarify.

Xu Zhao replied, “I used to be a Captain with a monthly salary of 114 yuan. Now that I’ve been promoted to Deputy Regiment Commander, my salary has increased to 127 yuan a month.”

Jiang Suihan remembered that before the family had any issues, her father, who taught at a university, earned about 180 yuan a month. This was considered high compared to most people in the country, given that the average wage for workers was between 40 and 50 yuan. The Jiang family had previously enjoyed a much better standard of living compared to ordinary working-class families.

Once, during a casual chat with Wu Guihua, she had heard that Captain Zhao, despite being in his thirties, was still just a captain and wondered if he could get promoted further.

Jiang Suihan wasn’t familiar with the promotion process in the military. Xu Zhao was 25 this year, still not quite 26, and it was unusual for a 24-year-old to hold the position of deputy regiment commander in the army.

Thinking back to when Xu Zhao came to Mingjiang City injured, Jiang Suihan felt both touched and frustrated that he hadn’t taken better care of his injuries: “Was your promotion related to your previous injury? Was it really severe?”

He had told her the injury wasn’t serious, but if it weren’t, the military wouldn’t have allowed him such an extended break. With all the issues and chores since their move, she hadn’t paid much attention and was tricked by him.

Xu Zhao, feeling guilty and unable to hide it any longer, downplayed it: “It’s nothing too serious. Injuries are common in missions. I was just accidentally shot in the left shoulder while saving a teammate. It’s all healed now; it wasn’t as bad as you think.”

He moved his left shoulder to show Jiang Suihan.

Jiang Suihan, with a stern face, wasn’t willing to let him off easily: “You should have told me about the injury. You did heavy work even though you were hurt. Don’t you know wounds need to be protected from further harm? If your shoulder doesn’t heal properly because of me, affecting your career, would you make me feel guilty forever?”

She was genuinely angry, feeling that Xu Zhao didn’t trust her or tell her the truth. She understood his intention to avoid worrying her.

Men often think they should handle outside matters alone without troubling their families. She disliked this approach, believing family members shouldn’t be kept in the dark.

Jiang Suihan looked at Xu Zhao seriously: “We are a family. I hope we can be honest with each other. If something happens, you should tell me. Hiding things only makes me more worried and anxious.”

Xu Zhao cautiously took her hand: “Please don’t be angry. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have kept it from you. I won’t do it again.”

Jiang Suihan glared at him: “Only next time?”

Xu Zhao, in a bid to avoid trouble, almost swore: “I misspoke. I’ll tell you everything from now on. I promise not to lie to you.”

Jiang Suihan: “You better not deceive me.”

Xu Zhao nodded sincerely.

Jiang Leyun silently sighed at the scene, realizing that their home was completely under his sister’s control.