Chapter 15: The Adultery

Lan Yuchu didn’t show any unusual reaction. After hearing what Lin Qiyue said, he continued applying the disinfectant while gently blowing on the wound.

Sure enough, the cool breeze made it hurt a lot less.

After disinfecting, he applied a cotton pad and reminded her:
“Keep it on for the morning. If it looks better by the afternoon, you can take it off. Otherwise, it might fester. Don’t get it wet. If it still hurts, just stay home and rest today. I’ve got some things to handle with a friend this afternoon, but I’ll be back later.”

“Okay~” Lin Qiyue replied, sounding a little flat, which made Lan Yuchu wonder if she was upset.

“I left all the money in the cabinet—that’s all we’ve got right now. If you’re bored, feel free to go out, shop for clothes, or walk around.”

Lan Yuchu couldn’t help adding more.

“You should keep your money safe,” Lin Qiyue said, “If it goes missing, I’m not taking responsibility.”

She felt he was trusting her a bit too much. She had never been married before and usually spent whatever she had.

If she couldn’t control herself and spent all the money, they’d be in trouble.

“And besides,” she mumbled softly, “don’t you need that money to win over your childhood sweetheart?”

Lan Yuchu had good hearing—he caught that.

He felt uncomfortable and explained seriously,
“You’re my wife. You manage all the money. My friends are all guys—his name is Liu Yuanzhu, he’s from the same compound as us.”

“I got it, geez. Why are you being so fierce?” Lin Qiyue thought his tone was a bit impatient.

Lan Yuchu added,
“I just didn’t want you thinking I was out on a date with some woman. I’m reporting to you in advance so you don’t sit here sulking.”

“I’m not sulking,” she replied. As if I’d care—you can’t leave fast enough! she thought.

But then again—how could that be? He’s a soldier; he couldn’t mess around like that. That was their discipline.

Besides, in the novel, they hadn’t crossed any boundaries before marriage.

Lan Yuchu, realizing he wasn’t getting through to her, turned to leave.

But then remembered what their company commander said: When your wife is mad, a kiss solves everything.

He turned back, bent down, patted her head, and kissed her on the forehead.

Lin Qiyue’s eyes widened in disbelief—he actually kissed her.

Lan Yuchu saw that her expression changed, clearly pleased.

He smiled and said cheerfully, “Wash up and come out for breakfast.”

Click—the door closed behind him.

That’s when Lin Qiyue finally reacted: That jerk actually kissed me!

She touched the spot he kissed, pressing her lips together, smiling and smiling again.

“What the heck, it was just a kiss!” she muttered to herself. But she didn’t feel any repulsion at all.

After washing up and coming out, Lan Yuchu had already prepared a bowl of noodles for her, with a side of pickled vegetables.

Lan Yusui was already eating. Shen Qingmiao, however, was unusually quiet and gave Lin Qiyue a side glance.

This woman is definitely scheming something, Lin Qiyue thought.

Yesterday she had come back with a lot of money from that man—
today, she was probably going to properly entertain him.

Lin Qiyue’s eyes sparkled. If I keep an eye on her today, I might uncover some secrets.

After breakfast, Lan Yusui put on her pretty dress, asked her mom for three yuan, and went out to hang out with her classmates.

Lan Yuchu also said goodbye to Qian Xiuying and left, telling her not to save lunch for him.

Lin Qiyue didn’t go out. She stayed focused on watching Shen Qingmiao.

Qian Xiuying took Yangyang out for a stroll and bought some groceries.

Then Shen Qingmiao changed into a nice dress and headed out too—despite being five months pregnant.

“Mom, can you watch Yangyang for a while? I’m heading out to see my sister,” Shen Qingmiao said.

Qian Xiuying had just returned and didn’t say much. She still cared though, and reminded,
“Don’t stay out too late, okay? You’re pretty far along.”

Shen Qingmiao smiled sweetly, “I know, Mom.”

As soon as she left, Lin Qiyue also made up a random excuse:
“Mom, I’m going out for a bit, I’ll be back soon.”

She quickly followed Shen Qingmiao. She kept her distance, not daring to get too close.

Qian Xiuying, seeing everyone out of the house, was left alone with the child—finally a rare moment to rest and relax.

Since no one would be home for lunch, she didn’t need to cook for everyone either.

Lin Qiyue trailed behind Shen Qingmiao.

She didn’t get on a bus but walked for over twenty minutes to a more remote part of the city center.

She went into a supply store and bought some food, then headed into a narrow alley, arriving at an abandoned factory.

The place looked utterly deserted. Lin Qiyue was nervous, but curiosity pushed her to keep following.

There was no one around, barely any foot traffic.

Shen Qingmiao entered the factory. Lin Qiyue peered through a crack and saw her getting cozy with a man.

She could clearly see the man’s face—it was that older guy, He Weiguo.

“What are you doing? I’m pregnant, remember?” Shen Qingmiao said with disgust on her face, clearly trying hard to hold back.

She didn’t want He Weiguo to touch her.

He Weiguo was displeased and snapped, “I gave you a thousand yuan—that’s almost a year’s salary. So what if I touch you a little?”

Lin Qiyue saw it all clearly and found the man disgusting. How could Shen Qingmiao…

“I’m carrying your child. You better be careful, He Weiguo,” Shen Qingmiao warned, slapping his hand lightly as he reached for her.

He Weiguo wasn’t happy but had no choice. After all, she was pregnant.

“How’s Yangyang? You haven’t even brought him for me to see. I am the father of both Yangyang and the baby in your belly, you know?” He Weiguo said while touching Shen Qingmiao’s stomach, his gaze softening.

Shen Qingmiao frowned slightly but had no way out.

“Oh right, your sister-in-law isn’t as pretty as your husband’s younger sister. Why don’t you bring your little sister out next time—let me have some fun with her too?”

Thinking Shen Qingmiao couldn’t satisfy him, He Weiguo pinched her chin and continued, “I can’t touch Lin Qiyue now, but your man’s little sister should be fair game, right? Slip her some drugs and do it quietly—then you can pressure her however you want. Her voice carries a lot more weight than Lin Qiyue’s, doesn’t it?”

“You’re crazy! That’s the daughter of the Lan family. Do you think you can afford to mess with the Lan family?” Shen Qingmiao was completely shocked by his audacity.

Outside, Lin Qiyue had been eavesdropping and was so stunned by what she heard that her mouth dropped open in disbelief.

These two scumbags really have no shame at all.

“Just perfect,” He Weiguo continued. “My wife is dead. If I get your little sister-in-law’s body, she’ll have to marry me. Then you and I can—”

“You’re insane, He Weiguo!” Shen Qingmiao couldn’t listen anymore and cut him off.

He Weiguo was annoyed. He shot her a glare and snapped, “You told me Lin Qiyue was still a virgin, but before I could even get my hands on her, her husband came back! She’s probably no good now. But your little sister-in-law is still untouched. It’s the same thing.”

He Weiguo showed no fear—his eyes were full of greed and desire.

Seeing him angry, Shen Qingmiao softened her tone and said,
“Think about it—do you really think you can handle the consequences of messing with Lan Yusui? If anything goes wrong, they’ll throw you in jail for sure. But Lin Qiyue is different. Once you get her, the Lan family will definitely make them divorce to protect their reputation.”

“What’s in it for me?” He Weiguo sneered, glancing at her belly. “You make my kid call someone else ‘dad,’ and now you want me to do something so horrible? Lin Qiyue and Lan Yuchu have a military marriage. If I mess with her, won’t I go to prison?”

“You won’t. Once you get your way, I’ll convince that woman to get a divorce. After that, you can have her all to yourself. No more threatening factory women into sleeping with you—Lin Qiyue will be your permanent ticket to everything. I’ll stay in the Lan family with the baby, and our child will get a better education. When we’re old, won’t that be good for you too?”

Shen Qingmiao just wanted someone to take her place and help her escape this miserable life. She was trying to exploit He Weiguo’s weakness.

Lin Qiyue remembered that in the original novel, He Weiguo only confessed after her death—Lan Yuchu had traced the clues back to him. But the whole time, he never revealed Shen Qingmiao’s involvement. That’s how she managed to live in the Lan family for so many years undetected.

Lin Qiyue never imagined Shen Qingmiao could be this vicious.

Could it be that Lan Chuhe knows something? Is that why he never comes home?
She couldn’t figure it out. Her nose began to itch, and she sneezed uncontrollably.

“Achoo~”

Covering her mouth, Lin Qiyue glanced nervously inside.

But the people inside had already heard her—startled, she immediately turned and ran back the way she came.

“It’s Lin Qiyue—catch her!” Shen Qingmiao recognized her at a glance.

He Weiguo, fearing exposure, rushed out after her, closely chasing behind.