Chapter 49: Do as you please

After returning home with Xiaoyan, Tang Xiaorou found that Xiaoliang hadn’t come back yet, but he should be back soon. 

So, after sending Xiaoyan to play, she went into the kitchen.

Looking at the cabbage and potatoes, Tang Xiaorou eventually came out. “Forget it, to celebrate getting a job, let’s eat out tonight.”

At this time, Yao Bingcheng returned with Xiaoliang. “Sister, I’ve brought Xiaoliang back.”

“Mom…”

Xiaoliang, having been at school all day, called out to Tang Xiaorou with unusual enthusiasm.

“Xiaoliang, did you get used to school?”

“Yes.”

Hearing this, Tang Xiaorou touched Xiaoliang’s head. “Our Xiaoliang is so great.”

Seeing his task completed, Yao Bingcheng was about to leave.

“Wait, Bingcheng. After Shen Huaixu comes back, let’s eat out. I have some good news to announce.”

Yao Bingcheng asked curiously, “What good news?”

“You’ll find out at dinner.”

Tang Xiaorou kept it a secret. Shen Huaixu also returned at that moment. “Huaixu, we’re not cooking tonight; let’s eat out.”  She went back to the room to get money, deciding to have a good meal. “Huaixu, you and Bingcheng take the children outside and wait for me. I’ll be right there.”

“Okay.”

Shen Huaixu didn’t ask any questions and took the children to the yard.

Yao Bingcheng couldn’t help but say, “Brother-in-law, my sister said she has good news to announce, so everyone is eating out tonight.”

Now even Shen Huaixu was curious about the good news.

While they were talking, an unexpected guest arrived at the door.

“Older Brother Shen, you… you really got married?” Zhang Wanyu looked at Shen Huaixu in disbelief, hoping to hear a denial from him.

However, Shen Huaixu frowned and looked at Zhang Wanyu. “Yes, I’m married.”

Seeing Shen Huaixu’s admission, Zhang Wanyu looked hurt. “Why… why did you get married? You clearly knew…”

“Knew what?”

Tang Xiaorou quickly came out with the money, only to see Zhang Wanyu, the woman who had competed with her for the bicycle at the department store. “Why are you here?”

Zhang Wanyu looked at Tang Xiaorou who came out of the house, and looked at Shen Huaixu in disbelief. “Is she your new wife?”

“Yes.”

Zhang Wanyu couldn’t believe her ears. Although Tang Xiaorou was also pretty, she was no match for her. “Why? Why did you choose her and not me?”

Oh dear…

Tang Xiaorou stood aside with her arms crossed.  This woman liked Shen Huaixu.  Thinking this, she looked at Shen Huaixu to see what he would do.

Shen Huaixu subconsciously looked at Tang Xiaorou and explained, “I’ve only met Comrade Zhang Wanyu three times. I don’t know why she would say such things.”

“Really? It seems obvious she’s interested in you. Don’t you know?”

Hearing Tang Xiaorou’s words, Shen Huaixu said directly, “I don’t even know her, let alone being interested in her.

So I don’t understand why she would come here to disrupt our marriage.” In the end, Shen Huaixu looked coldly at Zhang Wanyu. “Comrade Zhang, please don’t say such things again, and please leave our house.”

“You…”

Zhang Wanyu couldn’t believe Shen Huaixu was so heartless. She clearly liked him so much, but he treated her like this.

People had already gathered to watch the commotion. Hearing Shen Huaixu’s words, they felt he was being too harsh.

“Regiment Commander Shen, Comrade Zhang just can’t accept your marriage. Why would you say that?”

“Yes, Comrade Zhang is such a good woman. She’s beautiful and works in the art troupe. She’s perfect in every way.”

Actually, they didn’t understand why Shen Huaixu didn’t like Zhang Wanyu. If Shen Huaixu had shown any interest, the two would have been together long ago. They could see Zhang Wanyu’s interest in Shen Huaixu, and they didn’t believe Shen Huaixu didn’t know.

Hearing this, Tang Xiaorou’s face darkened. These people were really enjoying the drama.

“What’s so good about Zhang Wanyu? She clearly knew Shen Huaixu was married to me, yet she came to my door and said those things. Is she trying to drive a wedge between us? What is her intention?”

Before Zhang Wanyu could explain, Tang Xiaorou continued, “I even suspect Zhang Wanyu is deliberately trying to harm Shen Huaixu. My husband achieved military merit at a young age and rose to his current position.

By coming here to slander my husband’s reputation, is she trying to hinder his career?”

“I… I didn’t.”

Zhang Wanyu was speechless and explained to Shen Huaixu, “I didn’t intend to harm you.”

“But you’ve already caused me trouble.”

Shen Huaixu said bluntly, “My wife and I have a very good relationship, so don’t let me see you again. Otherwise, I’ll report your behavior to your superiors.”

Seeing Shen Huaixu’s cold expression, everyone fell silent.

Thinking about it, it was true. If Shen Huaixu and Tang Xiaorou’s relationship were damaged, it would indeed affect Shen Huaixu.  Could Zhang Wanyu really have bad intentions?

This was the thought of most of the male comrades.

However, most of the military wives present didn’t think so. They had known for a long time that Zhang Wanyu had feelings for Shen Huaixu. 

She had just returned today and must have heard about Shen Huaixu’s marriage. She was probably stimulated and came to question him.  But…

Shen Huaixu’s wife from the countryside was indeed extraordinary. In a few words, she steered the situation in another direction. She was really bold.

At this time, Qian Manzhu rushed over.

Knowing that Zhang Wanyu had come to the family compound, she knew something was wrong. Seeing everyone gathered together, she waved her hand. “Aren’t you all going to cook? What are you all doing here?

Go home quickly.”  She pointed to Zhang Wanyu. “Comrade Zhang, your dorm isn’t here, right? You’ve worked hard in the art troupe. You’ve just returned, so you should go back and rest.”

Hearing this, Zhang Wanyu knew it was best to leave. She glared at Tang Xiaorou resentfully before leaving.

After Zhang Wanyu left, the others dispersed as well.

Shen Huaixu continued to explain to Tang Xiaorou, “I really don’t know that woman. Don’t overthink it.”

Qian Manzhu added, “Yes, Xiaorou, it’s all Zhang Wanyu’s wishful thinking. If Huaixu had feelings for her, they would have been together long ago. It wouldn’t have waited until now.”

Hearing this, Tang Xiaorou smiled. “Auntie, I know. Don’t worry, I won’t overthink it.”

“Phew… That’s good.”

Seeing Tang Xiaorou’s sensible and generous demeanor, Qian Manzhu looked at Shen Huaixu. “Look how good your wife is. You must treat her even better in the future.”

“Auntie, don’t worry, I will.”

Shen Huaixu promised.

After Qian Manzhu left, they were finally able to go out.  However, Tang Xiaorou couldn’t help but glare at Shen Huaixu. “Look at the trouble you’ve caused. If this happens again, I won’t be so polite.”

“Go ahead and be impolite. You are my wife, and the only woman I’ve ever been close to. So those who appear are all liars. Do as you please.”