Chapter 124: The Gentle, Docile Zhou “Captain Zhou”

Soon, Zhou Yubai and several soldiers in green uniforms appeared.

When Zhou Yubai approached, she ran towards him, her eyes curving into a smile, “Brother Yubai, the food is ready.”

She pointed to the food packed in buckets.

“Thank you, wife,” Zhou Yubai said loudly, without reservation, his eyes filled with a tenderness his soldiers had never seen.

The soldiers were stunned, exchanging incredulous glances.

Was this gentle man really their Captain Zhou battalion commander?

Perhaps Zhou Yubai seemed unusually approachable; after their eye contact, they began to murmur.

“Isn’t it normal for our battalion commander to be gentle with his wife? If you married such a delicate wife, would you dare to frown at her?”

The others shook their heads vigorously; definitely not.

Suddenly, a death glare fell upon them.  They felt a chill run down their spines, instinctively standing at attention in perfect military posture.

“Call her sister-in-law,” Zhou Yubai said.

They saluted in unison, “Sister!”

Facing this, Shen Chuning felt awkward, “Hello, everyone.”

Zhou Yubai then said, “Your sister prepared a feast for you; go get it!”

Although distracted by Shen Chuning, the soldiers had already been salivating at the aroma.

At the battalion commander’s command, they rushed to carry the food.

Zhou Yubai’s gaze fell on the young men attending the banquet.

Seeing them lower their heads, he smirked.

He hadn’t just come for the food; he was asserting his dominance.

He’d overheard Lin Shulan jokingly mention that his wife was very popular, with many aunts in Xiahe Village wanting to introduce her to someone.

He had to show up and let those eyeing his wife reconsider their chances.

Zhou Yubai naturally joined Shen Chuning in toasting the elders.

They went to Peng Kaiyuan’s table, toasting Peng Kaiyuan, Zhou Baoguo, Shen Qingsong, and the commune secretary, Ma Guosheng.

Then, they went to Shen Chuning’s colleagues’ table.

Although most had avoided Shen Chuning after Shen Zhengliang’s incident, it was understandable.

Now, they acted as if nothing had happened.

After introducing her colleagues to Zhou Yubai, Shen Chuning said, “This is my husband, Zhou Yubai.”

Everyone stood to toast Zhou Yubai.

After drinking, Zhou Yubai poured another cup, his sharp gaze fixed on Yin Linjiang, “Comrade Yin, we meet again.

Last time, you helped my wife; we haven’t had a chance to thank you properly.

Today, my wife and I would like to thank you for your help.”

Since Zhou Yubai had nearly broken his hand, Yin Linjiang dared not harbor any thoughts about Shen Chuning.

Now called out, he could only smile awkwardly, standing up with his cup, “Comrade Zhou, you’re too kind. Helping colleagues is what we should do.”

He used “colleague,” not “comrade,” acknowledging their relationship and abandoning any other intentions.

He finished his drink.

The once fragrant rice wine now tasted bitter and spicy, almost bringing tears to his eyes.

Zhou Yubai drank his wine, then took Shen Chuning’s cup, apologetically saying, “My wife doesn’t drink well; I’ll drink this for her.”

Shen Chuning was stunned.

But her colleagues understood.

Zhou Yubai’s repeated use of “my wife” was a clear declaration of ownership, a warning to Yin Linjiang.

Yin Linjiang’s attentiveness towards Shen Chuning had been obvious, though she’d never reciprocated.

Shen Chuning had stated she was married when she started working.

Yin Linjiang had been pursuing her unilaterally.

After the toasts, Zhou Yubai pulled his wife to a secluded spot behind the house, “Wife, want to see my base?”

Shen Chuning had always been curious about his workplace.

Considering the secrecy, she’d never thought of going.

Now that he offered, her eyes lit up, “Yes, it’s no longer confidential; I can go as your family member.”

“Then I’ll go,” Shen Chuning said with a smile, two cute dimples appearing on her fair face.

Zhou Yubai kissed her cheek, “Let’s go!”

In the village, Zhou Yubai restrained himself, walking beside his wife, occasionally brushing her hand.

In the mountains, away from others, he no longer held back, crouching down, “Wife, get on.”

The mountain path was difficult; Shen Chuning was slender, and carrying the burden had exhausted her.

He offered to carry her, and she didn’t refuse.

He lifted her easily, frowning slightly.  She was still so light.

Didn’t milk powder, malted milk, and chocolate help with weight gain?

She’d eaten what he bought, yet hadn’t gained any weight.

Suddenly, he felt the softness of her breasts against his back.

He realized she hadn’t gained weight everywhere.  It had all gone there.  Her breasts, which he could easily hold in one hand when they got married, now couldn’t be contained by one hand.