Chapter 15: The Family Courtyard

When they arrived at the family courtyard, Xiao Wang enthusiastically helped unload the luggage before driving off to report back.

“The organization assigned me a house—it’s a detached courtyard. I’ll take you to see it.” Looking at the wife he hadn’t seen in years, Zhong Youliang felt deeply grateful. Grateful that she raised their daughter to be so sensible, lively, and adorable. But he wasn’t someone who was good with words; he didn’t even know where to begin.

“Dad, do we have a house here too?” Little Zhong Ling was absolutely thrilled.

“Come on, I’ll show you.” Zhong Youliang was infected by his daughter’s sunny energy and even his tone became more spirited.

When they arrived at the courtyard, He Yashu found that it perfectly suited her tastes. The courtyard wasn’t big, but there was a small garden inside. In the modern world, He Yashu had been a textbook literary woman, very fond of flowers. Seeing the little garden made her smile unconsciously.

Zhong Youliang, who had been quietly watching his silent wife all along, finally saw her smile and couldn’t help feeling happy too.

Little Zhong Ling darted around the house to explore and soon came running over to hug He Yashu’s leg. “Wow, Mom! There are so many rooms inside!”

Holding her daughter’s hand, He Yashu stepped inside and saw it was a three-bedroom apartment with a living room. Given Zhong Youliang’s position, being allocated such a nice place showed that the organization really took care of him.

“Lingling, do you like it here?” Zhong Youliang gently stroked his daughter’s soft hair and asked tenderly.

“I love it! I really love it here!” Lingling exclaimed loudly.

“All right, let’s quickly unpack the luggage.” Thinking of the grain and food their in-laws had sent, He Yashu directed the father and daughter to help sort everything out.

Watching He Yashu bustling around, Zhong Youliang couldn’t help but fall for her all over again. She was more and more like the wife he had once dreamed of.

Feeling an intense gaze on her, He Yashu turned and saw Zhong Youliang’s deep eyes fixed on her, as if trying to draw her in. She couldn’t help but blush and feel her heart flutter.

After tidying up a bit, Zhong Youliang went out with his daughter. He wanted to proudly show off—he had a daughter too!

Meanwhile, He Yashu headed to the courtyard to admire the plants. To her surprise, there were her favorites—peonies and sunflowers. Immersed in the sight of the flowers, she felt as if she had returned to the modern world and was completely satisfied.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Thinking it was the father and daughter returning, she hurried to open it, only to find a gentle-looking woman standing there.

“You must be from Captain Zhong’s family, right? I heard his wife would be visiting today. My husband is Captain Huang—you can call me Sister Chen,” the woman introduced herself warmly.

“Hello, Sister Chen. I’m He Yashu.” Surprised to receive a visitor on the very first day, He Yashu quickly invited her in.

“Captain Zhong is really lucky to have such a beautiful and capable wife. You just arrived, right? But your house is already so clean!” Sister Chen complimented.

“Oh, don’t praise me, Sister Chen. My husband probably had someone clean it before we came. I just did some simple tidying.” He Yashu found Sister Chen reminded her of her own friendly sister-in-law back home and felt a natural closeness.

“I figured you might not have had time to shop yet, so I brought over some vegetables from our own garden. If you need anything in the future, just come find me.” Sister Chen had taken an instant liking to the kind and pretty He Yashu. She wasn’t arrogant at all and seemed worth befriending.

“Thank you, Sister Chen. Here, take some dried goods I brought from my hometown—have a taste.” He Yashu quickly dug through her bags for the dried goods she had brought from home.

“Oh no, you really don’t have to be so polite! I just thought you might not have groceries yet and wanted to help.” Sister Chen declined repeatedly. Times were hard; people couldn’t afford to take others’ food casually.

“We must be fated, Sister Chen. I could tell right away that you’re a warm-hearted person. You brought me vegetables, so how can I not share a little something in return? These don’t cost anything—I foraged them myself in the mountains. Please try them,” He Yashu smiled.

Only then did Sister Chen smile and accept them. After chatting for a bit more, she left with the dried goods.