Chapter 7 If she bullies you, just fight her back

That night, Lin Suisui dreamed—not only of Huo Changzheng and Song Xiao’s wedding photo, but also of a world flourishing in the wake of social reform and openness. In about two years, the country would begin its economic reform, and Dongcheng, as a frontline region of this new era, would soon be full of opportunities to make money.

Because it was adjacent to Hong Kong, Dongcheng, as the provincial capital and its surrounding cities, would benefit greatly from the ripple effect—it would truly be a land of gold.

Lin Suisui was no longer the naïve country girl she once was. If she wanted to divorce Huo Changzheng, she needed to achieve economic independence. Without that, everything else was off the table.

So when she heard that Fang Qianqian was from Dongcheng and had connections in Hong Kong, she immediately wanted to befriend her. She believed that becoming friends with Fang Qianqian would broaden her horizons.

Even though she hadn’t finished touring all the houses, Lin Suisui had already made up her mind. Fang Weiguo was surprised, especially since choosing that particular house meant she would be living right across from Fang Qianqian—someone whose reputation in the family compound was a mix of praise and criticism.

Fang Qianqian was known for her blunt and straightforward personality. If she didn’t like something, she would say so, even if the person she was speaking to was an older wife. Lin Suisui, who appeared soft and gentle, seemed like someone who could easily be pushed around, and Fang Weiguo worried she might be bullied.

Although he had many sisters-in-law, Lin Suisui was the wife of his own commanding officer, and that made him feel particularly protective.

“Sister-in-law, are you sure you want this one?” Fang Weiguo couldn’t help asking again.

“Yes. Why, is it not allowed?” Lin Suisui asked in return.

“…It is allowed.” The commander had already instructed him—whatever house his wife wanted, she could have. No opinions necessary. Fang Weiguo didn’t argue further. As for Fang Qianqian, he debated whether to say something but ultimately kept quiet. After all, most of what he’d heard was gossip, and as a man, it wasn’t appropriate for him to spread rumors about the wives in the compound.

He handed Lin Suisui the house keys and left to tend to other errands.

Lin Suisui stayed behind with Doubao to do some basic cleaning. The house was relatively new, but very empty—it would need furnishing before it could be livable.

“Mommy, let me help you.”

While Lin Suisui swept with an old broom from the corner, Doubao picked up a battered dustpan and helped gather trash.

“Doubao is such a good boy.” Lin Suisui bent down and kissed her sweet son on the cheek.

“If Deputy Commander Huo saw you kissing another man, I bet he’d get jealous,” came a cheerful, teasing voice from the doorway.

Lin Suisui looked up and saw Fang Qianqian stepping through the half-open door.

“Sorry to drop in uninvited—hope I’m not disturbing you?”

“Not at all! Come in,” Lin Suisui said with a smile, waving her over. She glanced around the nearly empty house, a little embarrassed. “It’s just… there’s nothing here yet, so I can’t even offer you a seat.”

“I figured you wouldn’t have anything set up yet. That’s why I came to ask if you need help finding a carpenter.” Fang Qianqian explained that when she had first moved in, she also had nothing. She had gone to the county to find an old master carpenter to build furniture—his quality and craftsmanship were both excellent.

“It’s like a pillow being handed to someone who’s falling asleep! I was just worrying about where to find a carpenter, and here you are.” Lin Suisui felt even more confident she’d made the right decision moving in across from Fang Qianqian.

“Great, then I’ll go with you to the county tomorrow morning,” Fang Qianqian said. “You can also pick up pots, dishes, and other household items.”

“Thank you so much! But how will we get to the county?” Lin Suisui asked.

“There’s a bus stop about a kilometer from the compound’s gate. We’ll take the bus.”

“Perfect. I’m counting on you!” Lin Suisui was genuinely grateful. Remembering her son beside her, she nudged him forward. “Doubao, greet Auntie.”

Doubao stepped forward and politely said, “Hello, Auntie. I’m Doubao.”

Hearing the word “Auntie,” Fang Qianqian’s eyes lit up, and her smile deepened. She reached out and patted the top of his head. “Doubao looks like his dad—handsome and polite. I love it when kids call me ‘Auntie.’ ‘Auntie’ sounds so much better than ‘Madam’—that just feels old-fashioned.”

Lin Suisui had no idea where Doubao picked up “Auntie” from—he had always said “Madam” before—but she didn’t mind. He left a good impression, and that would make learning from Fang Qianqian easier down the line.

After a few more pleasantries, Fang Qianqian headed home. Lin Suisui and Doubao kept cleaning until sunset, then went to the cafeteria for dinner.

Evening meals were busier than breakfast, and when Lin Suisui showed up holding Doubao’s hand, she could clearly feel many eyes on her. It made her a bit uncomfortable, but she tried her best to ignore it. After collecting their food, she hurried away with Doubao.

When they returned to the dorm, Huo Changzheng was already back. The awkward moment from earlier that day flashed in her mind—even though he probably hadn’t seen anything, she still felt embarrassed. She didn’t even dare look at him directly, not that she usually did.

“Went to the cafeteria?” Huo Changzheng cleared his throat, breaking the silence.

“Yes.” Lin Suisui nodded. Then she remembered she had only gotten one meal and quickly added, “I didn’t know you’d be back, so I didn’t get yours. Should I go get it now?”

“No need. I’ll head there myself in a bit.” Huo Changzheng waved it off. “I heard from Fang Weiguo that you picked the house across from Cheng Hao’s place?”

“Yes.” Lin Suisui replied, but his question made her second-guess herself. She hesitated and asked tentatively, “You don’t like that house?”

So much for “whatever you like is fine.” That must’ve been just a polite remark—she shouldn’t have taken it seriously.

“No, as long as you like it, it’s fine,” Huo Changzheng said carefully. “It’s just… people say Cheng Hao’s wife can be a bit… intense. If she gives you a hard time, don’t hesitate to push back. Don’t worry about saving face.”

“She won’t. Qianqian is actually very nice,” Lin Suisui said. “She’s been really warm and helpful—she even offered to take me to the county tomorrow to get furniture.”

“You’re going to the county? How are you getting there?” Huo Changzheng asked.

“We’ll take the bus.”

“…Are you sure you won’t get lost?” His tone was skeptical.

“Of course not.” Lin Suisui met his doubtful stare and felt a sudden surge of competitiveness. “I came here all by myself with Doubao on a train. Why would I get lost just going to the county?”

Faced with that logic, Huo Changzheng had no comeback. He pointed to a drawer nearby and said, “There are tickets and money in there. Buy whatever you need.”

With that, he stood up. “I’m heading to the cafeteria now.”

“Okay,” Lin Suisui replied, slightly dazed.

Just as he was about to walk out, Doubao called after him, “Daddy, will you come back after dinner?”

Huo Changzheng wasn’t sure why his son suddenly asked that, but he nodded. “Of course. I’ll come back right after I eat. You go eat dinner with Mommy now.”

With that, he glanced once more at Lin Suisui, then turned and walked out.