Chapter 127: Lu Qiaoqing’s Confession

Shen Zhengrong looked at Shen Chuning questioningly.

Before Shen Chuning could speak, Lu Qiaoqing boldly stated, “Comrade Shen Zhengrong, I’m telling you this because I believe our revolutionary ideals align perfectly. If you feel the same, we can start dating, and when the time is right, become revolutionary partners, working together to build a great socialist society!”

Shen Zhengrong: …

He was quite handsome and had received confessions from several female soldiers.

But he hadn’t expected a confession at home.

He smiled politely, “Comrade Lu Qiaoqing, I’m sorry, but I only want to focus on building socialism and am not considering personal matters.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Lu Qiaoqing’s eyes, but it quickly vanished, replaced by brightness.

She looked at Shen Zhengrong frankly, “Okay, Comrade Shen Zhengrong, since you’re not considering it now, I won’t force you.  But if you ever change your mind, remember to consider me!”

Shen Zhengrong was flustered by her boldness.

Female soldiers in the army, after being rejected, would shyly retreat.

This sent-down youth was interesting.  Instead of leaving, she made such a bold statement.

Seeing Lu Qiaoqing’s bright eyes fixed on him, his ears burned.  He quickly turned to Shen Chuning, “Little sister, I’ll head back to the army.  Be careful at home, and lock the door at night.”

He turned and left quickly, almost fleeing.

Shen Chuning thought her brother was escaping.

Lu Qiaoqing showed no embarrassment, watching his retreating figure.

“Qiaoqing, were you waiting for my brother?” Shen Chuning asked, puzzled.  Lu Qiaoqing shouldn’t have known he was coming.

Lu Qiaoqing shook her head, “Of course not. I didn’t know he’d be sending you home.”

“Then…” Shen Chuning wanted to ask when Lu Qiaoqing had decided to confess.

Lu Qiaoqing understood, raising an eyebrow, “You want to know when I decided to confess to your brother, right?

I decided when I saw him with you. You don’t know how popular your brother is. These days, aunts with daughters of marriageable age have been considering him as a son-in-law.

Even those without daughters are thinking of introducing their nieces. If I didn’t confess quickly and take the initiative, I might not even get a chance!”

Shen Chuning knew her brother was popular.  A few years ago, when people were wary of her brothers because of her, no one had proposed marriage to her older brothers.

But her third brother frequently received marriage proposals, which he rejected.

Now that she was married, people saw the Shen family as having gotten rid of a “hot potato,” and even more people were trying to set him up.

Shen Chuning suspected her brother harbored feelings for a female soldier named Ji Qianxue.  He rejected all the proposals.

“Qiaoqing, did you have something to tell me?” Shen Chuning asked as Lu Qiaoqing watched her brother leave.

Lu Qiaoqing snapped her fingers, pulling out a tin from her pocket, “I brought you this. My family sent it. Try it; it’s delicious.”

Shen Chuning saw a label reading “Douchi Lingyu” (sardines in black bean sauce).  This wasn’t sold locally.

She accepted it gratefully, “Qiaoqing, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Lu Qiaoqing said. “Didn’t you give me candy?  I heard Wang Yumeng is being released.”

Shen Chuning thought of her second brother and felt a headache coming on.

She nodded, “Yes, probably tomorrow.”

“You should talk to your brother and prevent him from falling for Wang Yumeng again.  Luckily, the truth came out.  If not, things could have been worse!”

Lu Qiaoqing said, “Wang Yumeng is quite something. I thought she’d be sent to a labor camp for months, but she was released after a few days.”

This reminded Shen Chuning.  Her brother was accused of undermining socialism, paying compensation for hunting and a fine.

A year’s hard work barely earned people over a hundred yuan.  Ten yuan was a month’s wages.

But her uncle revealed that Wang Yumeng received no punishment from higher authorities.  Someone had intervened on her behalf, and the matter was hushed up.

Shen Chuning couldn’t recall who that person was in her dream.  Initially, she’d been deceived by Chen Ziyun and hadn’t paid attention to Wang Yumeng.

By the time she found them, they were beyond her reach.

In her dream, after her brother’s death, Zhou Yubai investigated Chen Ziyun and Wang Yumeng for revenge.  But he kept her in the dark to protect her.

After Lu Qiaoqing left, Shen Chuning thought about Wang Yumeng and her brother.  She couldn’t find a solution to help her brother wake up.

She sighed, deciding to take things one step at a time.

Three days after Shen Chuning discovered the oil, Zhou Yubai returned home.

Shen Chuning was mending shoes when she heard a knock.

Seeing him, she was delighted, “Brother Yubai, you’re back?”

“Are you hungry? I steamed buns; I’ll get you some.”

Shen Chuning had steamed many buns, planning to eat one for dinner and save the rest.

Before she could, Zhou Yubai arrived.

As she turned towards the kitchen, a strong hand grasped her waist.

He lifted her into his arms, his gaze intense, his breath hot against her ear, “Wife, I’m hungry, but not for buns.”

Shen Chuning understood, her face reddening.