Chapter 12

Hearing her words, Yan Zeyang gave a brief nod. “The arts troupe’s performance was well done.”

“Really? I was the lead dancer today. If Commander Yan enjoyed it, on behalf of the arts troupe, I’d like to invite you to watch us perform more often!”

Standing so close to him, hearing his praise, and admiring his strong, upright figure, Han Xiuli felt her heart surge with joy. Her gaze softened with undisguised admiration.

Noticing her excitement, Yan Zeyang’s brows furrowed slightly. He glanced around casually and saw that nearly a hundred people backstage were subtly watching their interaction. Without directly responding to her invitation, he simply nodded before turning and walking away.

…

Han Xiuli remained at the backstage entrance, peering out even after his figure had disappeared from view. Despite this, her heart felt sweet with hope.

She had already initiated conversation with him twice. Surely, he would remember her now?

From the moment she first saw Yan Zeyang, she had been captivated. No other man in the entire military district could match his commanding presence and handsome features. His family background was also outstanding.

And she was the most beautiful woman in the arts troupe.

Even Director Zhao had once mentioned that Yan Weiguo’s son had high standards and wouldn’t settle for just anyone—only someone truly exceptional might catch his eye. And within the entire military district, she was undoubtedly the best candidate.

However, backstage, Director Zhao could only shake his head as he observed the scene.

Han Xiuli was the niece of his wife’s relatives, and he had watched her grow up in the arts troupe. She had always been ambitious, aiming to marry into a prestigious family in the capital. And now, she had set her sights on the only son of the Yan family.

But as someone with experience, he could tell—she didn’t stand a chance.

Yan Zeyang wasn’t the type to be easily swayed by a pretty face.

No matter how attractive his niece might be, she had failed to catch his attention. He hadn’t even spared her a second glance before walking away without hesitation.

Meanwhile, a few young female performers—tall, fair-skinned, and with flushed cheeks—were gathered nearby, whispering amongst themselves.

“Did you hear what she said? ‘Commander Yan, I was the lead dancer today…’” One of them, a girl with rosy cheeks, mimicked Han Xiuli’s voice mockingly, drawing a round of giggles from the others.

Competition within the arts troupe was fierce. There was only one lead dancer position, and while it was supposed to be based on merit, Han Xiuli had secured it due to her connections with the leader’s wife. The other top-tier performers were naturally dissatisfied, and the internal tension had been building for some time.

“She really thinks he’s interested in her? That’s some thick skin! Commander Yan was clearly just waiting for the performance to end so he could pick up his package. She’s so full of herself!”

“Exactly! And did you hear her? ‘Today’s lead dancer was me…’ Pfft! As if she doesn’t know how she got that role! Commander Yan’s family has been in the military for three generations. He’s good-looking, capable, and his father is a high-ranking officer. He’s destined for a top position in the future. Would he even consider someone like her? Please! Even my dad, a regiment commander, wouldn’t dare hope to become in-laws with Commander Yan’s family.”

“Oh wow, you’ve really thought this through. Hoping your dad could become in-laws with the Yan family?” another girl teased.

“Shut up! It was just an example. But still, even I have a better shot than Han Xiuli!”

…

That evening, at precisely 4:00 PM, Wen Xin went to pick up Yan Miaomiao from school.

The elementary schools at this time were incredibly basic—far from the towering modern institutions of the future.

Even though this was Beijing, it wasn’t the bustling metropolis it would become in later years.

In fact, it looked more like a poor rural county. The best way to describe it in one word? Rustic.

Yes, incredibly rustic.

Outside the central area and the palace district, the rest of the city was downright primitive. The elementary school buildings, for example, could easily be mistaken for those found in the most impoverished regions of modern times.

As school dismissal time arrived, a flood of dusty, disheveled elementary school students poured out of the school. After a whole day of running and jumping around the dirt-covered playground, dust filled the air. There were even piles of sand nearby, where many children stopped to play on their way out.

It would be a miracle if they didn’t turn into little dust-covered chicks.

Luckily, Yan Miaomiao managed to stay relatively clean. Amid the crowd, she quickly spotted a familiar figure—her tiny frame making her stand out. Though officially six years old, she wasn’t even that in full years yet.

Today, the moment Yan Miaomiao saw Wen Xin, her face lit up with joy as she ran over at full speed, throwing herself onto Wen Xin’s leg.

She tilted her head back, her bright little eyes sparkling as she gazed up at her.

Wen Xin smiled softly. “Did you enjoy your lunch today?” she asked.

“Mm-hmm!” Yan Miaomiao nodded enthusiastically. At lunchtime, when she opened her lunchbox, many classmates had gathered around to look. She even shared the fruit-flavored drink Wen Xin had packed for her. Usually, because she was younger, the older kids didn’t like playing with her. But today, everyone surrounded her, calling her name excitedly. They even invited her to play. She had never felt so happy.

Wen Xin kissed her on the forehead before taking her hand to head home.

As they walked, Yan Miaomiao bounced along beside Wen Xin, full of energy. When they were almost home, she tugged on Wen Xin’s sleeve, looking up with big, hopeful eyes. “Auntie, will you pick me up tomorrow too?”

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and Wen Xin could see the deep longing in hers. This child was sensitive and quietly insecure.

Though she had a father and an older brother, Yan Weiguo was always busy with work—he barely had time for his daughter. If he managed to come home at night and give her a quick hug, that was already rare.

As for her older brother, the book had mentioned that Yan Zeyang truly cared for his little sister. But in the end, he was a man. He could have stayed at the military base, avoiding the frustration of dealing with the woman his father had married to replace his mother. Yet, he chose to return home every day. His reasons were clear—he was there to protect his sister.

Even if he did nothing else, just his presence at home was enough to ensure that no one dared to lay a finger on Yan Miaomiao. And that “someone” referred to He Wenyan.

But while he could shield her in this way and provide material comforts—pretty clothes, school supplies—he lacked the tenderness and detailed care a child needed. Wen Xin had even seen Yan Miaomiao happily run up to him for a hug, only to be stopped because he didn’t want to get dirty. The little girl had been visibly disappointed, standing in place watching her brother walk upstairs before quietly heading to the kitchen.

Children are deeply dependent on love and affection. What they need is actually very simple.

Wen Xin crouched down, gently kissed Miaomiao’s cheek, and pulled her into a warm embrace. “Yes, I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

The little girl stiffened slightly in her arms, seemingly unused to such closeness. She hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. But just as Wen Xin was about to let go, she shyly asked, “Auntie, your hugs feel so nice.”

Then, after a pause, she added, “Mommy used to hug me like this… but I haven’t been hugged by Mommy in a long time.”

She was quick to clarify, “I mean Mommy, not Auntie He.”

Wen Xin gently stroked her two small, slightly yellowed braids. As someone who had also lost her mother at a young age, she deeply understood that kind of loneliness. Poor little girl.

That evening, He Wenyan returned home from work. The hospital wasn’t far from the military district, so she usually walked if time allowed. Occasionally, she rode a bicycle.

When she arrived, Wen Xin was busy in the kitchen. She had timed the meal perfectly, just as she was bringing out a large bowl of fish ball and egg soup. The fish from yesterday’s rations hadn’t been finished, so she had turned it into fish balls and stored them in the fridge. Tonight, they made for the perfect soup—tossing in a few vibrant green leaves, creating a beautiful mix of white, green, and yellow.

Seeing He Wenyan enter, Wen Xin smiled and greeted her. “Director, you’re back. Dinner is ready; we’ll be eating soon.”

She had worked in the service industry long enough to maintain professional courtesy. Whether she put her heart into the job was one thing, but she would at least be polite and leave no room for criticism.

After a long day, He Wenyan stepped into the courtyard, immediately catching the scent of home-cooked food. Walking through the door, she saw a warm smile waiting for her, with a well-prepared meal already set on the table. All she had to do was wash up and sit down.

For the first time, she found herself thinking—maybe hiring this maid wasn’t such a bad idea after all. She had initially felt uncomfortable having a stranger in the house, but now she was rather satisfied.

For once, she gave Wen Xin a rare smile and nodded. “Miaomiao’s home?”

“Yes, she’s inside playing,” Wen Xin replied.

He Wenyan hummed in acknowledgment before heading to her room to put her bag away.

Wen Xin finished setting the table, but when she turned around, she saw Yan Zeyang stepping inside, holding his military cap in one hand and a bag in the other. His steps were steady, his figure commanding, and there was a slight upward curve at the corner of his lips.

The moment he entered, his gaze landed directly on her.

This gave Wen Xin a bad feeling.

She stayed where she was, watching as he casually tossed the bag onto the kitchen counter as if waiting for her to pick it up.

Did he expect her to go over just because he wanted her to? Wen Xin deliberately busied herself with arranging the dishes, dragging out the moment. Internally, she wondered—what on earth was in that bag?

Sure enough, Yan Zeyang’s face darkened. Less than thirty seconds passed before he ordered in a commanding tone, “You. Come here.” His voice had the same authority as if he were addressing his soldiers.

Wen Xin flicked her ponytail in defiance, glancing at him a few times before reluctantly walking over. With a forced politeness, she said, “Comrade Yan, I’m busy. What do you need?”

Yan Zeyang: “…”