Chapter 38: Understanding

Luo Jiaojiao, though she had never personally seen a country girl, had a general understanding from hearsay and observation. Her classmates often had older siblings who worked in the countryside, and the images of country girls described in their letters were deeply imprinted in her mind.

Those country girls were hardworking and enduring, diligent and persevering, a stark contrast to her own pampered upbringing.

Luo Jiaojiao knew deep down that she could never handle the strenuous labor of farm work.

The thought of waking up early and toiling under the sun filled her with dread.

According to her classmates, if she were to truly work in the countryside, a pampered young lady like her would likely starve to death within days.

Unless she could find a strong and capable man to rely on, she couldn’t imagine how she would survive in the countryside.

Luo Jiaojiao’s heart wasn’t filled with anger at those words; in fact, they weren’t entirely without reason.

She quietly peeked out from behind Leng Mohan, a hint of displeasure in her eyes. She understood that these words were actually aimed at Leng Mohan.

This emotion quietly festered in Luo Jiaojiao’s heart, carrying a touch of anger and deep self-deprecation.

She realized that it was because of her presence that Leng Mohan was subjected to such criticism. This realization made her mood even more complex.

Zhang Long and Zhou Bing were equally stunned by Luo Jiaojiao’s beauty. They couldn’t believe that this beautiful woman was actually a country girl.

Both their eyes showed a hint of amazement; Zhou Wenwen paled in comparison to Luo Jiaojiao.

Anyone could see that Luo Jiaojiao’s beauty was unparalleled; Zhou Wenwen was merely ordinary beside her.

Leng Mohan also noticed the amazement in their eyes. He looked back and saw Luo Jiaojiao looking at them as well.

His lips twitched slightly. This woman always seemed to raise her head at the most inopportune moments—a truly enigmatic woman.

Leng Mohan gently took Luo Jiaojiao’s hand, shielding her behind him. His gaze was cold and firm as he stared directly at Zhang Long, his tone unwavering and resolute.

“Who I marry is none of your business. I, Leng Mohan, am not the kind of man who relies on women to elevate himself. I will ensure that my woman gains the respect of the world because of me.”

He gently pulled Luo Jiaojiao and turned to leave, leaving Zhang Long dumbfounded, while Luo Jiaojiao felt incredibly secure under his protection.

As Leng Mohan passed Zhang Long and the others, he glanced at them, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips.

“It seems you should be the happiest, because I’ve decided not to be with Zhou Wenwen.”

Leng Mohan deliberately raised his voice so everyone could hear. “You’ve been trying to curry favor with her, hoping to climb the ladder through her connection to the Second Battalion Commander, but have you ever considered that she might not even look at you? It was impossible before, and it will be even more impossible in the future.”

“The competition in half a month, it seems you’re very confident in beating me,” I said coldly, looking at Zhang, a hint of challenge in my eyes. “Since you’re so concerned about my affairs, then prepare yourself to receive my full attack. I won’t hold back then.”

“Leng Mohan!” Zhang Long’s voice was filled with rage.

Leng Mohan gently pulled Luo Jiaojiao behind him, glaring back at Zhang Long with a challenging look, a sneer playing on his lips. “Want to fight?”

Zhang Long clenched his fists, but faced with Leng Mohan’s provocation, he dared not easily engage. He knew he was no match for Leng Mohan; even drawing a tie was a pipe dream.

Leng Mohan’s sneer deepened at Zhang Long’s hesitation. He said nothing more, turning and striding away with Luo Jiaojiao, leaving Zhang Long furious and helpless.

Zhou Bing was still lost in the stunning beauty of Luo Jiaojiao, as if in a dream, secretly thinking that if he had Leng Mohan’s choice, he too would choose this country girl over Zhou Wenwen.

After all, although Zhou Wenwen’s father could help someone rise quickly, missing a beauty like Luo Jiaojiao was irreplaceable. Besides, Leng Mohan was exceptionally capable and protected by the First Battalion Commander; he didn’t need the Second Battalion Commander’s help.

Looking at the taciturn Leng Mohan, Luo Jiaojiao softly said, “Did I cause you trouble?”

“What they said isn’t wrong. I really can’t offer you any help,” Luo Jiaojiao said self-deprecatingly, looking at Leng Mohan.

Leng Mohan smiled faintly, saying calmly, “What they said isn’t entirely without reason, but we have our own minds, so why fear what others say?”

Leng Mohan’s lips curled into a slight sneer, “Luo Jiaojiao, the reason I’ve reached this point is entirely due to my own abilities. I’ve never thought of relying on any woman to help me. You should know this. Stop overthinking. Since I married you, I will wholeheartedly take responsibility for you.”

He glanced at Luo Jiaojiao and said jokingly, “You, this so-called ‘country girl,’ don’t really seem like a girl who grew up in the countryside, but more like a pampered young lady from the city.”

Leng Mohan didn’t think too much about it, but in that brief moment, his thoughts drifted again.

“I also came from the countryside, but I never thought of relying on anyone. Unlike Zhang Long, once he became a platoon leader, he abandoned his betrothed and wanted to marry Zhou Wenwen, hoping to get promoted through her.”

Zhou Bing glanced at Zhang Long and commented, “Leng Mohan’s wife is so beautiful, no wonder he doesn’t like Zhou Wenwen. Even ten Zhou Wenwens couldn’t compare to her. Her beauty and figure are incomparable.”

Zhang Long witnessed all this, his dissatisfaction growing stronger. He secretly lamented the cruel twist of fate, why all the good things happened to Leng Mohan.

If Leng Mohan knew Zhang Long was blaming fate, he would probably find it childish and laughable.

After seeing Luo Jiaojiao off, Leng Mohan went out with a bucket.

Mu Bai saw Leng Mohan and raised an eyebrow, teasing, “Mohan, you’re going out again? Aren’t you going to spend time with your little wife?”

Leng Mohan looked back at him and replied calmly, “Yes, I’m going to get some hot water. What’s up?”

“What’s up? Didn’t you just run into Zhang Long? His face looked like he ate gunpowder,” Mu Bai leaned closer, clearly unable to suppress his curiosity.

“I saw him. What good could come from his mouth? I just ignored him. I’m leaving now.” Leng Mohan clearly didn’t have much time to spare; he had to get water for Luo Jiaojiao, he didn’t have time to chat with them.