Chapter 45.1

The night had turned slightly cool.

The night was tranquil, like water.

Compared to the day’s bustling activity, Su Xi, lying in bed and tossing and turning, found the quiet of the night frightening.

In the silence, the question that Xie Zhen had asked earlier that day unconsciously resurfaced in her mind.

She sighed softly, turned over, and lifted her small hand to pull up the thin blanket that had slipped off, placing it back on her stomach. Her gaze was fixed in one direction, and her thoughts were in disarray.

In her view, there was nothing wrong with her brothers’ feelings; they had not harmed anyone.

However… what about Xie Zhen?

Such feelings were hard to accept, not only in the conservative 1960s but even in her past life; many people couldn’t still accept them.

Yet, as long as her brothers stayed together, with Xie Zhen’s sharpness, he would discover it sooner or later, just like today.

What would he think then?

Thinking of this, Su Xi felt frustrated, she tugged at her hair, almost wishing she could pull it out.

Just when Su Xi was at a loss as to what to do, a few rhythmic knocks on the door interrupted her attempts to pull her hair.

Su Xi sat up slightly. “Is it big brother?”

Outside the door, Su Dong’s clear and gentle voice rang out. “Xixi, if you’re not asleep, come out for a moment. I have something to ask you.”

Su Xi glanced at the watch by her pillow under the faint moonlight. It was nine-thirty in the evening.

When Big Brother came to find her at this hour, did he… notice something?

Thinking of this, she tidied her disheveled hair, got out of bed, and responded, “Okay!”

After saying this, Su Xi slipped on her shoes and walked outside.

She had taken just two steps when she turned back to grab a thin coat and put it on.

It had rained in the evening, leaving a lot of moisture in the air, and the temperature was quite cool.

Su Xi quietly exited the door, only to find not just Big Brother but also Brother outside.

Brother pointed to their Grandma Chen’s room, indicating that Su Xi should be quiet.

Su Xi pressed her lips together, asked no questions, and followed her brothers to the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen, Su Dong did not speak immediately but sat at the table, watching Xi Yannan pour water for the three of them.

Xi Yannan made a cup of milk specifically for Su Xi and handed it to her with a relaxed tone. “How did you know it was big brother knocking? It couldn’t have been me?”

Su Xi smiled slightly. “Brother doesn’t knock as politely as Big Brother does.”

Xi Yannan clicked his tongue and said nothing more, simply taking a seat next to Su Dong.

The authority in the household was clearly evident.

The room was lit by an oil lamp, and a breeze from somewhere flickered the light, making it flicker.

Su Dong moved the oil lamp to a different position and then spoke softly, “Xixi, did something happen today? I noticed you’ve been absent-minded all evening.”

Su Xi was not surprised by her big brother’s intuition. After a moment’s thought, she replied directly, “Xie Zhen asked me about… your relationship today.”

Su Dong’s long fingers tapped absentmindedly on the table. “Didn’t you tell him?”

Su Xi shook her head. “I didn’t say anything; I haven’t gotten your consent yet.”

Su Dong’s eyes were filled with a smile. “Silly girl, there’s nothing you can’t say.”

Su Xi became anxious. “But…”

Su Dong sighed and gently patted his sister’s small head. “Xixi, don’t be afraid. There’s nothing to worry about. You should trust Xie Zhen’s character. When I agreed to be with Yannan, I had already prepared for the worst.”

For some reason, Su Xi suddenly felt a lump in her throat, and her eyes reddened. She opened her mouth but couldn’t utter a single word.

Su Dong comforted his sister by rubbing the top of her head, just like when she was younger. He continued, “The outside world is too chaotic right now. Once things settle down, I will return to the hospital in our hometown. By then, Yannan will have retired from the military, and we will stay in different cities across the country for two to three years at a time. That way, no one will suspect anything.”

Su Xi hesitated, “But what if things are chaotic for ten years?”

Su Dong laughed, tapping his sister’s smooth, white forehead with his fingers. “That would be great. By the time we’re around 40, we can travel around the country. Also, do you think I’ve been making announcements about having a partner recently for no reason?”

Su Xi looked confused and covered her forehead. “Isn’t it to discourage others?”

Su Dong’s eyes curved into a playful smile. “Sort of, but not exactly.”

Su Xi’s eyes widened in realization. “You mean?”

Su Dong nodded. “I plan to have it spread that my partner passed away after a while. Then, I’ll be disheartened and lose interest in marriage…”

Su Xi stammered, “Can… can you really do that?”

Xi Yannan scoffed. “Why not? It doesn’t hurt anyone.”

Su Xi turned to Brother, who was lounging with his legs crossed. “And what about you?”

Xi Yannan shrugged nonchalantly. “When the time comes for a mission, if I get injured, I’ll have Big Brother issue a certificate saying I’m unable to have children.”

Su Xi gave him a blank look. “Isn’t that a bit too harsh?”

Wasn’t it said that men care a lot about their reputations?

Xi Yannan grinned, his face full of carefree defiance. “What’s the big deal? Is face more important than substance?”

Su Xi, in a daze, was surprised to find that the issue that had troubled her so much could be resolved so simply.

With her worries lifted, Su Xi no longer felt the cold, and she loosened the coat she had been wearing, giving her brothers a silly smile.

Su Dong, both amused and touched, pushed the milk essence closer to his sister. “Drink the milk essence; it’s no longer hot. And stop overthinking. Just be honest with Xie Zhen tomorrow. We will be a family sooner or later; it’s impossible to keep it a secret. Besides, Yannan has been with him for four years. Xie Zhen’s character and integrity are beyond doubt.”

Su Xi knew well the qualities of her own partner; she just felt that such matters should be communicated with her brothers first.

Since her brothers had a plan, Su Xi didn’t worry any further and finished the milk essence in one gulp.

She wiped her mouth and went back to bed.

—o—o—o—