010. Neither She Nor Her Husband Are Here

Hearing the woman’s voice, everyone’s eyes instinctively shifted toward her.

It was Zhou Sumin, a military doctor in the district forces, holding the rank of captain.

Lu Qingyan rarely had much to say to her; in daily encounters, it was usually just a friendly nod.

“Section Leader Zhou,” Lu Qingyan responded politely.

Zhou Sumin scanned the room and noticed all unfamiliar faces—none she had seen in the military before.

“Commander Lu, not going to introduce them?” Zhou Sumin teased.

Lu Qingyan’s brow twitched slightly. We’re not that close yet, are we?

Still, out of courtesy, he introduced everyone one by one.

“So this is your wife? She’s really beautiful,” Zhou Sumin said, genuinely surprised, glancing Wen Shiyang over.

Indeed, she was young and even more striking than expected.

Before their arrival, everyone had assumed Lu Qingyan was single.

After all, he had spent most of his time in the military, leaving little opportunity for romance or marriage, and no one had ever mentioned a wife.

Now, she also realized he even had children—and they were already quite big.

“Thank you,” Wen Shiyang replied simply with a smile.

After so many years as a courtesan, she knew women far better than men.

A glance, a single word, the tone or volume—all of it gave her clues.

She could tell whether someone was sincere, flattering, or teasing with remarkable accuracy.

In Section Leader Zhou’s gaze, she clearly detected a hint of hostility.

And the source of this hostility was Lu Qingyan himself!

She liked Lu Qingyan—of that, Wen Shiyang had no doubt.

“It’s getting late. I’ll head upstairs. See you tomorrow, Commander Lu,” Zhou Sumin said with a polite smile.

Lu Qingyan didn’t understand and didn’t respond.

Zhou Liang watched the scene, sensing a subtle tension brewing.

He had heard of Zhou Sumin back in the military—she came from a well-connected family, had studied abroad, and returned to land a second lieutenant position immediately.

In just a few years, she had already become a captain!

Indeed, having background or not made a huge difference.

People really could drive you crazy just by existing. Zhou Liang shook his head in awe.

“Slap.”

Seeing Zhou Liang shaking his head in amazement, Lu Qingyan couldn’t resist smacking the back of his head. “What are you shaking your head for?”

Zhou Liang rubbed his scalp. “Nothing, nothing at all!”

Lu Qingyan picked up the two kids, nearly asleep, and looked at Zhou Liang. “There’s an empty room upstairs. Make do for one night.”

Zhou Liang nodded; he had no choice.

Then he softly said to Wen Shiyang, “Tired, huh? Come on, let’s go upstairs and sleep.”

Wen Shiyang was indeed exhausted—after a whole day of traveling, her body was worn out.

She yawned and followed Lu Qingyan’s steps.

There were three rooms. Lu Qingyan placed Dabao and Xiaobao in one, tucking them in.

Knowing Wen Shiyang liked cleanliness, he brought back a basin of hot water so she could wash up.

“Zhou Liang is here, so last night you had to share a room with me. Just so you know,” Lu Qingyan explained to avoid awkwardness.

“No trouble at all,” Wen Shiyang replied.

Logically, if the original owner hadn’t died, they probably would have already become a couple.

The original owner liked Lu Qingyan, and she was slightly afraid of him.

She knew he was a reliable man, perhaps even exceptional, but still—she felt afraid, though she couldn’t quite say of what.

Soaking her feet, Wen Shiyang suddenly asked seriously, “Lu Qingyan, what about Dabao and Xiaobao’s mother?”

Lu Qingyan had never mentioned his ex-wife, as if she didn’t exist in the world.

His hand paused while pouring water. Calmly, he said, “She’s not here.”

Wen Shiyang hadn’t expected that answer and quickly apologized. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know…”

Lu Qingyan set down the kettle and explained evenly, “Neither she nor her husband are here.”