Chapter 20.1

“I don’t like it. Just take it back.”

As soon as the words were spoken, Li Qiuyan’s smile, which had been hanging on her face, instantly froze. She looked at her in disbelief.

Wen Nuan knew that Gu Qinghan was a nice person; otherwise, Li Qiuyan would not have come to him directly. She must have been sure he wouldn’t refuse.

Li Qiuyan probably thought she was also someone with a thin face, believing that if she dragged over the board, it would make others feel embarrassed and help her out.

Although Gu Qinghan was a nice person, Wen Nuan was not.

If Gu Qinghan couldn’t refuse, then she would let him refuse instead.

After all, she did not want to be some kind of pushover; she only wanted to live her own little life comfortably. As for how Li Qiuyan thought of her, she did not care at all!

Wen Nuan smiled at Li Qiuyan, innocently blinked her eyes, and said softly, “Sister-in-law Li, since you asked for my opinion, I will give you an honest answer: I really don’t want Qinghan to help with this.”

After speaking, Wen Nuan walked toward Gu Qinghan, not wanting to see what expression he had, but simply stood beside him.

She slowly said, “Let’s not even mention how long my Qinghan has to train every day in the army and how exhausting it is. I want to ask you a question, sister-in-law: if Qinghan starts by helping you, then what will we do when other sisters-in-law come looking for him for help? Should we agree to them?”

The smile at the corners of Li Qiuyan’s lips completely disappeared, and her face began to pale slightly. She opened her mouth and said, “This… this really isn’t good, but it’s not like I have any men in my family. Ever since he sacrificed himself, I’ve been the one handling everything big and small at home. Other families at least have a man to support them. If it weren’t for the fact that I truly had no choice, I wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing this up with you.”

It was mealtime, and many people, hearing the commotion, poked their heads out from the kitchen door. Some who had already eaten simply brought their bowls and squatted at the yard entrance to watch the excitement.

Wen Nuan noticed that Li Qiuyan was using the excuse of “I don’t have a man to help me at home” to imply that others should be obligated to assist her.

It seemed that if they didn’t help her, they would be like sinners.

Seeing the increased number of people around the two rows of red brick houses, she raised her voice and said, “Sister-in-law, that statement is a bit inappropriate. The organization takes special care of every family that needs help. This task can be handled easily; if you go to the supply office, the comrades there will definitely be willing to help you. The organization is our greatest support.”

“The organization has helped us so much; doesn’t Sister-in-law Li feel that?”

The army actually takes special care of many families and comrades in need. For instance, families coming from the south receive a supply of several catties of rice every month.

Moreover, Li Qiuyan was still able to live in the family compound, which was also the organization’s special care for her.

Li Qiuyan knew she was in the wrong. She had her own selfish motives—knowing that Gu Qinghan was a good person, she wanted to go to him. Back when he was in the army in G Province, he had taken special care of their family. All she was asking for was a little cart; he surely wouldn’t refuse.

She didn’t expect that the seemingly easy-to-bully Wen Nuan would actually refuse her to her face. She felt her confidence waning, saying, “Comrade Wen, you do have a point. The organization has indeed helped our family a lot.”

Li Qiuyan’s face suddenly turned pale. She had not anticipated that Wen Nuan would bring the organization into the conversation. If she dared to say no, it would be like stabbing the entire organization in the back.

She couldn’t bear such a heavy accusation.

Wen Nuan looked at her, revealing an innocent expression, and continued, “I hope sister-in-law doesn’t blame me for being so direct. I have my own selfish reasons too. I care deeply for my family, just as I care for my man.

Previously, in order to make a cart for the child, he would train during the day and then, after turning off the lights at night, spend hours sanding the wood. He barely got a few hours of sleep, and I worry he won’t be able to handle it. It’s one thing to stay up late once or twice, but if it becomes a habit, it could affect his training, and that would be problematic.”

“I hope sister-in-law won’t hold it against me or think I’m petty. After all, I’m only concerned about my man’s health and safety.”

Li Qiuyan looked at the innocent and pitiful expression on Wen Nuan’s face, feeling increasingly guilty as she listened.

There was no denying that what Wen Nuan said made sense, but for some reason, hearing it felt so harsh.

As she caught the gazes of the on-looking family members nearby, Li Qiuyan felt as if she had done something wrong and suddenly wanted to find a hole to hide in.

Just then, Wen Nuan’s neighbor, Sister-in-law Guihua, suddenly shouted loudly, “That’s right! Deputy Commander Gu is a pilot being specially trained in our unit. We have over 13,000 people in the 34th Division, but only 36 can fly fighter jets. If anything were to happen to him, who could take on that responsibility?!”

“There are so many people in the unit who could make a little cart; anyone could do it. It’s not like it has to be Deputy Commander Gu helping out!”

The family members from the row of red brick houses opposite all chimed in, “Exactly! There are only about thirty pilots; it doesn’t matter who you ask. Even if he has that time, I wouldn’t want to trouble him.”

“My man says being a pilot is much tougher than their training, and the physical demands are especially high. Eyesight is the most important; sometimes they even have to fly at night. If they’re working in the dark every day and damage their eyesight, what then?”

Some of the military wives had actually held grievances against Li Qiuyan for a long time. Before Gu Qinghan and Wen Nuan arrived, she often took advantage of the fact that they were martyrs’ widows, asking their men to do this and that. Now, finally feeling empowered, one of them spoke up, “Comrade Li, you could just go to the supply office to find someone to help. Deputy Commander Gu trains so hard; you shouldn’t bother him.”

“Besides, they have a few-month-old baby at home who also needs care. Deputy Commander Gu is very fond of the child, and when he comes back from training, he doesn’t even have enough time to play with the baby. He shouldn’t have to help you with this and that; not everyone is obligated to serve you!”

“One shouldn’t be too greedy. The organization has already provided you with a lot of support; you can’t expect everyone to cater to your every need to get by. Doesn’t everyone struggle to make a living?”

Li Qiuyan’s face turned pale as she listened to the family members’ discussions, feeling a bit incredulous.

After all, she had always been the one to receive their care and sympathy. How had the tables turned completely against her now?

It was clear that they had once pitied her for her husband’s sacrifice, offering her comfort and various forms of assistance. How had it now become a matter of her being greedy?

Moreover, Gu Qinghan had supported their family in various ways before. What was wrong with asking him to make a little cart?

What’s more, Gu Qinghan hadn’t even spoken yet. Why was it up to Wen Nuan to say anything?

But when she turned to look at Gu Qinghan, she saw that he had somehow picked up a delicate little girl, chubby and adorable.

The sight of the two of them—one big and one small—showed how both their shining eyes were completely focused on Wen Nuan, not blinking even once.

Li Qiuyan felt more and more wronged. She had genuinely come looking for help, yet now everyone was enjoying the spectacle and casually criticizing her. Could they truly understand her hardships?

Finally, Li Qiuyan turned to Wen Nuan and said hoarsely, “Comrade Wen, I didn’t consider things well. I didn’t expect Deputy Commander Gu to be so busy. I will be more careful in the future.”

Wen Nuan smiled, her lips curling slightly. “I’m just glad you don’t blame me, sister-in-law. If you need help, I can go with you to the supply office tomorrow and ask the comrades there to help you make a little cart.”

“…”

“No, no need! I can apply by myself.”

Li Qiuyan tightly gritted her teeth, glanced at her, and then grabbed two pieces of wood as she walked home.

As soon as she left, the onlooking family members moved in front of Wen Nuan’s house, comforting her. “Little Comrade Wen, you don’t have to overthink this; it’s not your fault. If it were me, I would refuse her too.”

“You were thinking of Deputy Commander Gu; that’s a good thing. A young couple should care for each other. Pilots do have it tough. After a long day of training, he shouldn’t have to help her with a cart.”

“Exactly.”

“Oh, by the way, there was a delicious smell just now. It must be the food you’re cooking at home?”

The topic shifted instantly, and everyone began discussing the delicious meal they had smelled the night before.

“I also noticed that wonderful smell last night. I wonder who was cooking.”

Sister-in-law Guihua smiled and said, “So you all smelled it? That’s from Little Comrade Wen! I live next door to her, and it’s driving me crazy with hunger! I can’t wait to see what delicious food she’s cooking tonight; my stomach is already rumbling from the smell!”

“Oh wow, it’s all made by Little Comrade Wen? What did you make? My husband asked me to find out who cooked last night so he could learn from you!”

“It really smells good! I didn’t expect you to cook so well, Wen Nuan! Some people in the family compound said you couldn’t cook; those gossipers are so annoying. I’ll definitely clear that up for you tomorrow!”

“I think Deputy Commander Gu runs home every day because he’s craving Little Comrade Wen’s cooking!”

“Look at you! You wouldn’t let Deputy Commander Gu go if he missed his wife!”

Surrounded by several military wives, Wen Nuan was bombarded with questions about what she had cooked the night before and how she made it.

Wen Nuan answered each question and even shared her cooking process.

If it hadn’t been for the little one Gu Qinghan was holding suddenly crying, the sisters-in-law would have kept her there indefinitely.

—o—o—o—

When Wen Nuan returned home, Gu Qinghan had already calmed the baby down.

His tall figure stood by the stove, holding the child, with his deep, dark eyes fixed on her, silent and still.

Feeling a Xiao Guilty, Wen Nuan met his gaze. Gathering her courage, she asked, “Are you upset with me?”

The man didn’t think twice and shook his head. “No.”

Wen Nuan immediately walked over to the dining table, pulled out a chair, and sat down. She picked up the chopsticks that had long been set out and asked, “Don’t you think I’m being petty? I won’t even allow you to help out a little?”

Based on Gu Qinghan’s personality as a nice guy, he would definitely think she was being petty and unreasonable.

But so what?

Especially in the case of Li Qiuyan, who was in a relatively special situation; it was understandable that Gu Qinghan would want to help.

However, Sister-in-law Guihua was right. Once this precedent was set, it would be difficult to refuse in the future.

At the very least, for the time being, she could ensure that Li Qiuyan wouldn’t come looking for her again.

Moreover, Wen Nuan felt that Li Qiuyan seemed to be doing it on purpose.

She was a cunning fox, and what game was she playing with her? If she really thought it would bother her, she wouldn’t have directly brought the board to someone else’s doorstep!

Seeing her sit down, Gu Qinghan also walked over, holding the child, and sat down next to Wen Nuan at the Eight Immortals table. “No.”

Wen Nuan noticed he had sat down and couldn’t help but ask again, “Did you come back with her tonight?”

Gu Qinghan raised his eyes to look at her and slowly replied, “No, I only ran into her after I got back to the family compound. As soon as she saw me, she directly brought the board over.”

Wen Nuan’s expression softened slightly as she stirred the portion of rice Gu Qinghan had already served her with the chopsticks. In a calm tone, she said, “It’s not that I’m unwilling to help, but you’re already busy. Training is exhausting, and you usually get home around seven. After eating and washing a dish, it’s nearly eight.

The lights in the barracks go out at nine-thirty, and you’ll waste time helping her with a cart. The child won’t even have time to play with you.”

After listening, Gu Qinghan nodded, his demeanor turning serious. “I understand. I’ll try to spend more time with you all in the future.”

After a moment of thought, he added, “Training is tiring, but I can handle it.”

Wen Nuan smiled, looking at his handsome profile. “That’s not what I mean. Actually, when it comes to helping others, I hope you can have some boundaries.

They say to help the needy, not the lazy; to provide urgent assistance, not to aid the impoverished.

If Sister Li truly has no way out and needs help, I’m more than willing to assist her. But take tonight’s cart, for instance. She clearly went to the supply office to pick up the boards already. If she had mentioned her difficulties to the comrades there, they would have certainly helped her with the cart.”

“But she specifically brought the boards back home and even went out of her way to come to us for your help, which feels a bit off. I know you’re always eager to help others, and I greatly admire your altruism.

However, some people might not think the same way. Today, I ran into her son, He Dazhuang. I heard from the people in the family compound that He Dazhuang used to take food from others.

They pitied him and didn’t mind, even sneaking him some food and drinks. But that’s not what he deserves; later, when others stopped giving, he grew resentful and didn’t express any gratitude.

I heard Sister Li used to be in the army in G Province, and her husband is also one of your subordinates. You must have helped her quite a bit. Has she ever sincerely thanked you?”

Gu Qinghan was too much of a good person; sometimes he never considered the darker side of other people.

However, Wen Nuan had seen too many examples of relationships turning sour over interests.

Even siblings would go to court over a house; what’s more, parents and children could tear their families apart over money or property.

They had no ties to Li Qiuyan’s family. Helping her was kindness, but not helping her was reasonable.

But since they were such people, Wen Nuan felt she couldn’t lend that hand.

If they called her petty or selfish, so be it; she simply didn’t want to let worthless people take advantage of them.

She also hoped Gu Qinghan could help those who truly needed assistance.

In the past, she had lent money to a friend to buy a home in a good school district. Who would have guessed that the person would later buy a car but would not repay her?

They acted as if the tens of thousands she lent them were a life debt, constantly pressing her for repayment.

Eventually, she did get that money back, but at that time, she had been thinking of going to Northern Europe to see the aurora borealis, and now that opportunity was lost.

Gu Qinghan paused in his eating, his expression turning a bit serious, and he remained silent.

The two ate in silence. The egg-fried rice smelled delicious when freshly cooked, yet for some reason, Wen Nuan couldn’t taste anything.

—o—o—o—

When it was time for bed, Wen Nuan soaked her feet as usual, helped the child wash up, and then went to sleep.

The child continued to play in bed and only gradually fell asleep after the lights were turned off.

Wen Nuan held the child and lay on her side, but she couldn’t fall asleep. When Gu Qinghan returned to bed, she pretended to be asleep.

Once the lights were off, the room was engulfed in darkness.

Gu Qinghan raised one arm and rested it behind his head, staring at the blue-tiled ceiling for a while before slowly turning over and softly saying, “I’ll pay more attention from now on.”

Looking back, it seemed he had been a bit too easygoing.

Li Qiuyan had clearly recognized that he wouldn’t refuse, which was why she acted that way.

When he was in the army in G Province, Li Qiuyan’s husband was his right-hand man.

Her two sons loved to come find him at mealtimes. Sometimes, when he saw the children looking as if they were starving, he would give them half of his in-flight meal.

At that time, he didn’t think much of it. After all, in the military, many comrades helped take care of the children of fallen soldiers, so sharing a meal with someone in need felt like a small way to lend a hand.

However, over time, they seemed to take it for granted. Many times, when their elders fell ill or when they needed money for something, they would come to him first for help.

It wasn’t unusual for a superior to help subordinates in need.

However, just as Wen Nuan said, Li Qiuyan and her family had never sincerely thanked him.

This time, he realized that the most important thing was that he hadn’t considered Wen Nuan’s feelings.

Li Qiuyan’s blatant visit to their home seemed to emphasize a special relationship between them.

After thinking for a long time, he finally understood why Wen Nuan had asked if he had returned to the family compound with Li Qiuyan.

He hadn’t been careful enough to avoid misunderstandings.

After a while without a response from Wen Nuan, Gu Qinghan assumed she had fallen asleep.

In the darkness, he looked at Wen Nuan’s long black hair cascading down, some strands gently swaying in front of his nose. After a moment of thought, he reached out and wrapped his arms around her from behind, using his legs to warm her feet.

Wen Nuan suddenly opened her eyes. Feeling the warmth at her feet, she moved slightly and whispered, “Gu Qinghan, you’re a good person. I hope your kindness to others won’t be taken for granted.”

In the original story, Gu Qinghan was also a good person. However, after he died a hero’s death, aside from their daughter and the comrades from his former unit, no one else came to see him off for the last time.

Moreover, because he had been a labor reform prisoner, he even carried the stigma of being an ex-convict.

In the darkness, Gu Qinghan suddenly asked in a hoarse voice, “Wen Nuan, will you take my kindness for granted?”

Upon hearing this, Wen Nuan thought for a moment, then suddenly turned around and wrapped her arms around him. “We are husband and wife. I don’t want to ask you to be good to me unilaterally; let’s support each other in the days to come.”

She couldn’t see Gu Qinghan’s expression but felt his breath on her neck, which was a little ticklish.

After a long while, Gu Qinghan finally replied softly, “Okay.”

Finally, he slowly lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss near Wen Nuan’s ear.

Wen Nuan brushed aside the ticklish strands of hair by her ear and turned back toward Lele, a faint smile blooming at the corners of her lips.

—o—o—o—