Chapter 25: Blushing and Heart Racing (Part 1)

Sure enough, Han Chao finally asked, “Is that true?”

Chen Yufeng ignored him, picked up the kettle, and walked out of the room.

Han Chao took a deep breath—he could still smell the faint fragrance she left behind in the air.

Without hesitation, he followed after her and asked from behind, “Feng’er, what exactly is going on?”

In truth, Chen Yufeng wasn’t entirely sure either. She had simply noticed an old photo with seven or eight people in it. Most were dressed in plain, everyday clothing, except for one girl in the corner, wearing a traditional wide-sleeved jacket. That girl bore a striking resemblance to Wang Guoguo.

Of course, a single photograph wasn’t enough to be certain.

The girl in the picture looked no older than sixteen or seventeen, while Wang Guoguo was already forty-six. Her appearance had changed significantly over the years.

However, Wang Guoguo did own a traditional wide-sleeved jacket—identical to the one the girl in the photo was wearing.

Additionally, years ago, Wang Guoguo had taken a photo with Zhou Yafang, and in that picture, she looked almost exactly like the girl in the old photograph.

Based on those two clues, Chen Yufeng was confident—the girl in the photo was her mother-in-law.

Ever since Commander Xu had asked about the jade pendant Tiantian wore, Chen Yufeng had stopped letting her daughter wear it.

Now, handing the pendant to Han Chao, she said, “Ask Commander Xu about our mother’s name. See if he recognizes it.”

Han Chao took the jade, still puzzled. “I already told him my mom’s name before. He said he didn’t know her.”

The name “Wang Guoguo” was quite unique—memorable even.

Commander Xu had inquired about it long ago, asking about her hometown and age. Han Chao had replied honestly, saying she was forty-six and from Yunnan-Guizhou. At the time, Commander Xu had simply responded, “Then I probably don’t know her.”

Instead, what he had said afterward was much more intriguing:
“That jade looks a lot like my mother’s heirloom. But my ex-wife lost it—it was stolen. Well, if it’s lost, it’s lost. No big deal.”

He had implied that the jade had been stolen and somehow ended up in Wang Guoguo’s possession.

Now that was odd.

Chen Yufeng was convinced—her mother-in-law and those high-ranking officers must have a history.

Oh well, with Wang Guoguo coming to the capital soon, she would inevitably meet with them. Whatever had happened in the past, they’d find out soon enough.

For now, there was something else she needed to discuss with Han Chao—opening the restaurant.

Yesterday, Chen Fanshi had given her money. Not only had she gone on a shopping spree, but she had also bought a jacket for Han Chao. She gestured for him to come closer, holding the jacket up against him to check the length, smoothing her hand across his back as she said, “Brother, my dad gave me five thousand yuan yesterday.”

She wasn’t sure if it was because of her hands roaming over him or because of the shock of hearing such a large sum, but Han Chao suddenly tensed up.

He instantly stood up straight, like a tall pine tree.

Chen Yufeng continued, “I bought this jacket with his money. He also promised to give me another twenty thousand in a few days.”

It was a casual jacket—just a bit long in the sleeves. She wasn’t sure if it would fit him properly.

As she spoke, she gestured for Han Chao to go into the bedroom to try it on.

But instead of leaving, he simply started undressing right then and there.

It was summer, and they were only wearing light clothes. He actually took off his shirt right in front of her.

Even though they were husband and wife, they had only slept together for those first three nights after marriage. And even then, she had to sneak into his room, afraid of Wang Guoguo scolding her. Everything had been done in secret, in the dark, like thieves.

They had felt each other’s skin before, but they had never actually seen each other like this.

Flustered, Chen Yufeng quickly turned away and continued, “You know that restaurant near the preschool? Once my dad gives me the twenty thousand, I want to open it up. What do you think?”

“So… you didn’t end up suing your dad?” Han Chao asked as he finished undressing, stretching his arms.

His physique was unusual—broad, thick shoulders, with his right one noticeably larger than the left. Yet his waist was narrow, giving his whole body a V-shaped silhouette. The muscles in his arms were especially well-defined.

Chen Yufeng assumed he had only taken off his shirt and still had his vest on. She turned back around, reaching out to adjust the collar of his jacket—only to touch something smooth and cool.

Startled, she retracted her hand immediately, thinking she had touched a snake.

The man was also reaching for the zipper when he felt his wife’s hand brush against his abs. He froze in shock.

Chen Yufeng thought to herself—what’s wrong with this man? Wearing a jacket with nothing underneath?

Blushing, heart racing, she continued, “I’ll sue him after I get the 20,000 yuan. That money belongs to my mother.”

For the first ten years in the countryside, Chen Fanshi lived off his wife. After moving to the city, he lived off the antiques she sold. Just giving 5,000 yuan wasn’t enough.

After Han Chao zipped up his jacket, Chen Yufeng looked him over. The jacket was slightly large, but since his chest was broad, it still fit well. However, his build didn’t suit this style—once he put it on, it made him look even more burly.

There were suits available on the market, the kind Chen Fanshi wore, but a decent one cost at least 200 yuan, which she couldn’t afford yet.

She’d save up. Once she had enough, she’d buy him a suit and dress him properly.

After being fussed over for a while, Han Chao started to take off the jacket. He said, “Feng’er, forget about the 5,000 yuan your father gave you. But I doubt he’ll give you another 20,000. If you really want to start a business, I have some combat bonus money. It’s 6,000 yuan in total, but because of budget constraints in the logistics department, it hasn’t been issued yet. Once it’s available, you can use it however you like.”

Seeing Chen Yufeng remain silent, he added, “If you want to rent a storefront or set up a stall, that’s fine. But running a restaurant is too much. You can’t handle it alone.”

“I won’t be alone. We have both our moms. I’ve already asked them to come. The three of us will run it together,” Chen Yufeng said, counting on her fingers. “I asked Zhang Songtao, and he said that if we operate independently, and the military district hosts a banquet, we can take the order. As long as we get good reviews, the military district will even give a 50-yuan subsidy.”

A restaurant was a sound business venture.

Chen Yufeng was sure Han Chao would agree—there was no reason for him not to.

But he unexpectedly unzipped his jacket again and said, “How could our moms possibly come to the city?”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ve already called them. They’ll be here soon,” Chen Yufeng replied, reaching for his jacket. Her head was lowered, her expression shy. If she had two long, glossy braids, she would look even more charming.

Han Chao, staring at her intensely, hesitated. “You’re lying, aren’t you?”

He knew his mother well—Zhou Yafang would never dare step into the city. And Wang Guoguo, unless something truly significant happened, wouldn’t come either. Rural women had an innate fear of the city. The only way Chen Yufeng could get them to come was by telling a massive lie.

Feeling guilty, she muttered, “Mmm.”

The “dog man” actually laughed. “Can you keep up the lie?”

Neither of those women was easy to fool. If she tricked them into coming but couldn’t maintain the lie, not only would they leave, but she’d also get scolded.

“I can,” Chen Yufeng said, summoning her courage.

She wished he would just take off the jacket already. His face hadn’t changed, but his body had become intimidating—his muscles were defined, his back was so broad it made her feel uneasy. He was also tall, towering over her. Standing in front of him, she felt as though she couldn’t breathe.

“If you run into trouble keeping up the lie, just call me. I’ll back you up,” Han Chao said, finally removing the jacket and handing it to her. “And as for the restaurant, we can’t afford it. Wait for my bonus and rent a storefront instead.”

Chen Yufeng snatched the jacket and marched straight to the bedroom. “Brother, I’ll handle my own affairs. I don’t need your interference.”

“Feng’er…” The “dog man” sounded pitiful.

Chen Yufeng turned around, lips curving into a smile. “I lived alone in Guihua Town for seven years. You weren’t there back then.”

Han Chao crossed his arms, standing there shirtless, completely unbothered by it.

Yet she distinctly remembered—seven years ago, he was shyer than her. When she climbed through his window to sneak into his room, he had pushed her out twice.

Of course, he probably didn’t believe she could convince both mothers to stay in the capital, nor did he think she could open a restaurant. In his mind, she was incapable—just like the female characters in those books he read.

But Chen Yufeng refused to accept that. She had already mentioned the plan; how she carried it out was up to her. Just like today, when she cooked at Commander Xu’s house—that was her business.

Han Chao was angry, but he had nothing to say. He could only stew in his frustration.

Meanwhile, Chen Yufeng was determined to be like Qi Cailing in the novels—independent and strong, without relying on this “dog man.”

With a loud bang, she shut the bedroom door.

The noise startled Mimi awake. The little girl asked sleepily, “Mommy, are you fighting with Daddy?”

“No, we’re just talking,” Chen Yufeng replied.

“Don’t fight. Han Chao is a good man,” Mimi said, handing her mother the face cream.

Chen Yufeng had only used it once the previous night, but after noticing how smooth and fragrant her mother’s skin became, the little girl insisted she apply it every night after washing her face.

“I know he’s a good man. Now go to sleep, Mimi,” Chen Yufeng said.

“Why don’t you let him sleep with us?” Mimi rubbed her eyes. “I like him now. He’s my daddy, right? Why won’t you let him sleep in our bed? Do you not like him?”

Chen Yufeng’s issues with Han Chao weren’t about love or lack thereof. But to put her daughter’s mind at ease, she said, “I do like him—just like you do. But he’s a man, and men can’t sleep with us.”

Just then, Han Chao knocked on the door and said, “Can we talk about your father’s remaining 20,000 yuan?”

The “dog man”—his voice held a suppressed amusement, a chuckle he couldn’t quite hide. He must have overheard her conversation with Mimi. Chen Yufeng wished she could sew her mouth shut—she shouldn’t have spoken aloud.

Logically, she shouldn’t respond. She had already decided—she would open the shop on her own and didn’t need his input.

But the moment she heard “20,000 yuan,” she immediately sat up. “Brother, what about the 20,000 yuan?”

“Ma Shangbei was arrested. Chen Fanshi will definitely try to bail him out, and that will require money. Feng’er, I don’t think he’ll be giving you that 20,000 yuan anytime soon,” Han Chao said.

Hearing this, Chen Yufeng suddenly realized—her father was stingy by nature and had to get money from Zhang Yanli. Now that Han Chao had arrested Ma Shangbei, Zhang Yanli would need money to pull strings. Where would Chen Fanshi find the money to give her?

“Wait for my bonus. I’m going to sleep now.” After a few footsteps, the man left.

Mimi had been listening intently. Once her father was gone, she said, “Mom, Dad didn’t say to keep the door open today.”

The reason was obvious—Wang Guoguo and Zhou Yafang would be arriving soon.

Although Han Chao didn’t know what trick Chen Yufeng had used to convince the two women to come, once they arrived and found out she wasn’t sleeping in the same room as Han Chao, the first thing they’d do would be to push her into his bed.

Especially Zhou Yafang—she’d probably kick her over there herself.

That damn man. All he had to do now was lie back and wait for the two mothers to deliver her to him.

In truth, it wasn’t that Chen Yufeng didn’t want to open a shop in town. In the book, with Chen Fanshi’s support, she did open a small store. But the streets were chaotic these days—troublemakers frequently vandalized vendors’ stalls. In the end, the shop was abandoned.

After much deliberation, she was still determined to open a restaurant.

Unlike the unpredictable streets, the military district had fewer troublesome elements, making business more stable.

Right now, she had 5,000 yuan. If Han Chao’s bonus came through, she’d have a total of 10,000 yuan. The only issue was that she wouldn’t have enough for renovations.

She could start small. One step at a time.

The restaurant was non-negotiable.

News traveled fast in the military district. Early the next morning, as Chen Yufeng was taking the two girls to school, the loudspeakers were already broadcasting news about the accidental firearm discharge.

As for how the military leadership would handle the situation, no one knew yet.

But if the book was any indication, Ma Shangbei would be sentenced to at least ten years.

After dropping the girls off at their kindergarten, Chen Yufeng was about to leave when she overheard people whispering:

“Does Ma Shangbei have some connection to Commander Ma’s family?”

“They’re both from Tianjin—there’s some connection.” Someone lowered their voice. “His grandfather used to be a division-level officer. This is a disaster for everyone involved.”

In the military district, a strong backing could boost your career.

But if you broke the law, that same backing would be humiliated along with you.

Sure enough, someone else chimed in, “First Zhang Yanli kidnapped a child, now Ma Shangbei is causing chaos in the barracks. The office building is silent—no one wants to talk about it. I bet everyone involved is ashamed.”

Who exactly “everyone” referred to was left unsaid.

“Ma Shangbei is doomed,” one person concluded.

And with him, Chen Yufeng’s 20,000 yuan was also as good as gone.

The following week, Han Chao and Wang Shuya were busy inspecting various army camps for firearm safety. Meanwhile, Chen Yufeng took the bus into the city every day after dropping off the kids.

The city had many large restaurants, and she needed to learn how they operated—their menus, pricing, and even customer service, which she had no experience with.

So, for days, the capital’s hotel windows often had a woman peering inside curiously.

One day, just as she arrived at a hotel entrance, she saw two policemen dragging out a man in a pink dress shirt.

The man had a strange accent and kept shouting, “I’m from Hong Kong! I just want to sleep! I just want to ask how much for a room!”

“Sir, in Hong Kong, maybe sleeping around isn’t illegal, but here in the mainland, prostitution is a crime. You’re coming with us!” The officers hauled him away.

“I’m a Hong Kong businessman! I’m just trying to—what’s the word—uh, steal chickens! I just want to sleep!” The man flailed dramatically.

The officers were losing patience. “If you want to ‘steal chickens’ and sleep, you can do that in the station—there are plenty of hard beds for you there.”

With the economy booming, Hong Kong businessmen were becoming a common sight. Many came north to invest, but they also had a reputation for being lecherous.

Not only did the public look down on them, but Chen Yufeng also shot the man a scornful glare to express her own disdain.

The letter had been sent. In about half a month, Wang Guoguo and Zhou Yafang should arrive in the capital.