Chapter 50.1

After the first shot was fired, Lu Nong felt as if she had opened up her inner channels. She remembered Pei Ji’an’s words and focused solely on the target ahead, firing another shot.

When Lu Nong concentrated on her task, her expression turned cool and serious, resembling a rose with thorns. Even Pei Zheng couldn’t help but glance at her.

Roses are delicate and proud, picking one requires caution. Some fear the thorns, while others are careful not to disturb the rose, approaching gently to embrace it.

— A fierce heart can still appreciate the beauty of roses.

Old Wang gave a thumbs-up to Lu Nong, exclaiming, “Great job, sister-in-law! This is the first time I’ve seen a woman handle a gun so calmly and steadily. You’re brave and composed, just like a true member of the Pei family. I must say, your family really is a match made in heaven.”

Turning to Pei Zheng, he acknowledged him too, recognizing him as a promising soldier. Old Wang felt a twinge of envy; Pei Ji’an was incredibly lucky. What good deeds had he done in his past life to deserve such a wonderful family?

His wife not only looked stunning but also exuded charm, making people feel happy just by being around her. It would be one thing if she had a good personality, but to add to that, he had such a good son!

Thinking of his own wayward son and then glancing at Pei Zheng, Old Wang felt like snatching Pei Zheng to raise as his own.

Feeling sour yet amused, Old Wang decided to challenge Pei Ji’an to a shooting match.

The result, however, was quite disheartening… he lost ten to zero.

It wasn’t that Old Wang’s shooting skills were bad. He practiced regularly and maintained good shooting skills. However, his opponent was Pei Ji’an. As Old Wang himself put it, when Pei Ji’an was known as the “God of Guns” in the military district, no one dared to challenge him. His record remained unbroken for five years.

It was quite unfortunate. Old Wang hadn’t even taken aim for his third shot when Pei Ji’an had already loaded, aimed, and shot five times. By the time Pei Ji’an finished firing his ten rounds, Old Wang had just managed to fire his sixth shot. It was heartbreaking to witness.

Yet, he was hooked. He was what people call someone who is both inexperienced and eager to play. If it were anyone else, they might have let him win once to boost his spirits.

But not Pei Ji’an. He acted as if he didn’t see Old Wang shaking his head after losing. He insisted on winning decisively. Even when he won he didn’t show any joy, maintaining an earnest demeanor that was both frustrating and amusing to watch.

Lu Nong glanced sideways, sensing a hint of cunning. Surely, Pei Ji’an wasn’t doing this on purpose?

Eventually, Old Wang gave up, feeling disgruntled. “You little bastard, are you doing this on purpose? You couldn’t let your old squad leader win just once? Do you want me to embarrass myself in front of your wife and son?”

A hint of a smile crossed Pei Ji’an’s face.

Lu Nong: …It’s confirmed. It’s confirmed, who could withstand a scheming big shot like him?

After a short while of practice, Lu Nong stepped back, her arms slightly sore from the recoil of the gun. In contrast, Pei Zheng was becoming more and more enthusiastic, leaving Lu Nong feeling envious.

The only bright side was that she had managed to grasp the techniques within the limited time, so it wasn’t a total loss.

Pei Zheng grew more stable with each shot, possibly inheriting his father’s talent. He remained calm and collected, showing excellent shooting skills, hitting the target every time. Noticing Lu Nong watching him intently, he turned and flashed her a proud smile.

Lu Nong: “…” Damn, I’m so annoyed.jpg.

She was too lazy to pay attention to Pei Zheng and walked out of the shooting range, intending to walk around and breathe some fresh air.

“Where are you going?” Pei Ji’an called after her.

“I want to check out the ginkgo trees outside,” Lu Nong replied honestly.

Old Wang, always humorous, teased, “Brother, you’re not needed here anymore. What are you standing around for? Hurry up and accompany sister-in-law for a walk. I’ll keep an eye on your son.”

Old Wang winked at Pei Zheng, who readily supported his father’s romantic endeavors. “Yes, yes, Dad, I’ve learned everything from you. Don’t worry, Uncle Wang is here to make sure nothing goes wrong.”

Old Wang playfully patted Pei Zheng on the head. This kid was so different from Pei Ji’an, who was as cold as ice every day. Pei Zheng was cheerful and adaptable, making him a good son—too bad he wasn’t his own.

Lu Nong wasn’t embarrassed by Squad Leader Wang’s teasing. She blinked and leisurely walked toward the shooting range exit, acting as if the teasing didn’t involve her at all.

Pei Ji’an remained calm, following Lu Nong at a relaxed pace.

Squad Leader Wang: “…”

“I know your father is a hypocrite, but why is his wife like this too?” Squad Leader Wang incredulously turned to ask Pei Zheng.

Pei Zheng sighed deeply, recalling the days under his stepmother’s rule. He couldn’t help but sing a famous line from Sha Ji Bang:

“This woman is extraordinary!”

Squad Leader Wang: “…”

As Lu Nong walked along the slope outside the shooting range, she noticed a massive ginkgo tree nearby. It was a spectacular sight, with its golden leaves shining brilliantly in the distance, which she had noticed when she first arrived.

A meandering stream flowed down from above, its water crystal clear and free of any impurities. Even the surrounding stones were spotless, as if washed clean by the stream over the years. Occasionally, a fan-shaped golden ginkgo leaf floated down the water, further enhancing its clarity.

This stream was even cleaner than the one in front of the wooden cabin, and Lu Nong was delighted. She took off her shoes and socks.

Pei Ji’an, noticing her intentions, cast her a disapproving glance. “It’s too cold.”

Lu Nong playfully stepped into the water. “But I want to.”

In the early autumn morning, with the sun not yet fully risen, the stream was refreshing and cool. Lu Nong smiled in satisfaction. “It feels great.”

Pei Ji’an hadn’t managed to stop her earlier, so he could only watch as she waded upstream, the gentle stream lapping at her delicate ankles.

The streambed had shallow grooves carved by the water over time, leaving only rugged rocks and pebbles behind. Lu Nong walked unsteadily on the uneven surface, and Pei Ji’an had no choice but to extend his arm to her.

Lu Nong flashed him a charming smile, taking hold of his arm as they continued their silent journey uphill.

After a considerable trek, they finally reached the mid-slope. Lu Nong stepped out of the stream and headed toward the sturdy ginkgo tree.

As she approached, she noticed that the area around the tree had been meticulously maintained. A layer of small pebbles covered the ground to prevent soil erosion during heavy rains and to provide a pleasant spot for people to relax. Lu Nong discovered several flat stone benches nearby.

She sat down on one of the clean benches, gazing up at the ripe ginkgo fruits hanging heavily from the branches, feeling tempted to eat them.

Lu Nong had a bold idea—she wanted to climb the tree.

However, this ginkgo tree was incredibly thick. Even several adults couldn’t wrap their arms around it. The smooth trunk made it difficult to climb just by technique alone, but fortunately, the trunk wasn’t too high. With a few stones stacked up, she figured she could reach the lower branches.

Moreover, climbing without shoes would be easier as the tree had developed a natural patina from exposure to the elements.

Without hesitation, Lu Nong placed a stone under the tree and began to climb.

Pei Ji’an: “…”

Pei Ji’an rubbed his forehead, feeling a sense of déjà vu as he recalled the carefree girl who once stood on a tree, laughing with delight.

Fortunately, the ginkgo tree was ancient, with strong branches and a sturdy trunk. A grown man could easily stand on it, and since Lu Nong was lighter than an adult, climbing it wouldn’t pose much risk.

He stood below the tree, keeping a close watch on her.

Lu Nong hadn’t climbed a tree in a while. Once at the top, she looked out over the landscape. The sky was a deep blue, and the mountains were shrouded in mist, giving a sense of vastness and tranquility. In that moment, she felt completely at one with nature, her mind cleared of all distractions.

Pei Ji’an quietly watched her from below.

After a long while, Lu Nong snapped back to her senses, remembering her goal. She licked her lips and cautiously shook a branch. The fruits couldn’t resist the pull of gravity and fell “plop” to the ground below.

Greedy Lu Nong shook another branch after the first, continuing until she was tired, finally returning to the lowest branch.

Now the question was how to get down.

Without shoes, she had jumped up using momentum, but jumping down bare-footed would be painful.

“Come down,” Pei Ji’an extended his hands.

Lu Nong smiled mischievously and jumped into Pei Ji’an’s embrace, and he caught her, spinning her around slightly due to the momentum.

Once in his arms, he didn’t let her go but instead lifted her onto a nearby stone bench, gently brushing off the fine dirt from her feet.

After walking through the stream and climbing a tree, Lu Nong’s feet were dry but still icy cold.

Pei Ji’an glanced at her, a hint of reproach in his eyes. He crouched down and pulled Lu Nong’s feet against his chest to warm them.

Lu Nong was surprised. She hadn’t expected him to go this far. He was usually so quiet, doing more than he said.

Pei Ji’an’s chest was warm, perfectly heating Lu Nong’s chilled feet. She sighed contentedly inside and smiled at Pei Ji’an, “I’ll treat you to some ginkgo nuts. They taste great when roasted.”

When she was younger, her cousins had taken her to eat them, roasting them over a fire, and they were incredibly delicious.

Lu Nong stretched her feet in Pei Ji’an’s embrace, seeking warmth. After a while, she grew curious about his views on love and tilted her head to ask, “Pei Ji’an, do you believe in love?”