Chapter 3

He Bingning wasn’t lying—she really didn’t know how to breastfeed. After giving birth, she had hardly cared for the babies herself. She had refused to nurse them and simply fed them formula instead.

In the 1980s, formula wasn’t easy to get, but her elder brother and sister-in-law doted on her, sending tins of imported high-grade formula one after another until the cupboard was stacked full.

In the past, He Bingning never realized it, but now she understood: she had always been surrounded by love.

She just never cherished it.

Fortunately, she had been reborn—everything could still be made right.

Mixing formula had always been Gu Huai’s job. She never learned, and even changing diapers was left until he came home.

Instead, it was He Bingning who lazed about, unwilling to look after the children, never lifting a finger for housework, living as though untouched by even spring water.

And Gu Huai—he endured it all without complaint, patiently coaxing her day after day.

The old He Bingning had never been much of a mother. But now she wanted to change.

Gu Huai pinched her soft cheek and said, “So that’s what’s bothering you? Don’t worry, I’m home now. I’ll make the formula for the babies.”

“But…” He Bingning twisted the corner of her blouse with her fingers, lowering her eyes. “I heard… breast milk is better for babies. And… I do have milk…”

Her cheeks flushed as she spoke. She and Gu Huai had barely met before marrying, with only one night together on their wedding. She became pregnant immediately, and after that—nothing.

They had never even truly seen each other’s bodies.

Yet, somehow, they already had two children.

“Actually… I really do want to try breastfeeding,” He Bingning said softly, her voice laced with shyness.

It was an ordinary enough sentence, but it left Gu Huai so flustered he couldn’t sit still, his hands at a loss for where to go. After a long struggle, he finally stammered, “Then… I’ll go out.”

Seeing his awkwardness, He Bingning’s brows and eyes curved into a smile. She realized her man was, in fact, rather adorable.

“Go out? Why? I was hoping you’d help me~” She caught his hand. His hand was large and warm, and just holding it filled her with reassurance.

Gu Huai was as straightforward as they came. How could he endure this? His Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice hoarse: “I… don’t know how either.”

“It’s fine,” He Bingning began unbuttoning her blouse, “we can figure it out together.”

…

Soon, He Bingning discovered just how strong Gu Huai’s body was…

So strong that she was left with aching back and weak knees.

And in the end, they didn’t figure out breastfeeding at all—Gu Huai went to prepare formula instead.

While he was busy, He Bingning hurriedly redressed herself. In broad daylight, what were we even doing…

If anyone found out, people would laugh themselves sick. Especially her—so beautiful and delicate, with a reputation already less than spotless. If she were branded a “harlot” in the military compound, how could she show her face? Gossip was a terrifying weapon…

She herself didn’t much care—but she feared it might harm Gu Huai’s reputation. After all, being an officer was a special profession.

And beyond that, their children would grow up in this compound too. She couldn’t bear for them to be pointed at and whispered about.

Flustered, she fixed her hair. Her skin was marked here and there with love bites, but thankfully the weather was cool, and she was in long sleeves and trousers. No one would see. Only a faint mark on her neck remained, but a little powder covered it easily.

As a pampered daughter of a wealthy family, her dressing table was always full of cosmetics, many of them imported—some gifts from her brother and sister-in-law, others bought with Gu Huai’s salary.

Since their marriage, Gu Huai had handed over all his pay to her. As soon as money came in, she spent it on frivolous things. When it was gone, Gu Huai never scolded her, only reassured her, saying, “We live in the compound, food and housing are provided. If the money’s gone, it’s gone. As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.”

Looking into the mirror now, He Bingning sighed. Her reflection showed an intelligent face, but the truth was she had been foolish—so foolish. She had never appreciated what she had.

How could she ever have abandoned such a good husband and her own children?

She must have been blind to have thrown herself into the arms of another man. No wonder she had paid for it in her last life, ending lonely and unloved.

This time, she would not be a fool.

Gu Huai, after preparing the bottles with practiced ease, glanced over and saw her touching up her powder. Realizing what it meant, he struggled for a long while before blurting out:

“I’ll be gentler next time.”

“Eh?” Somehow, that single line struck her funny bone. Still holding the puff, she burst into peals of laughter, shaking with mirth until she couldn’t stop.

Gu Huai rubbed the back of his head in confusion. “What’s so funny?”

He was sure he hadn’t said anything wrong. He had hurt her this time—so next time, he would be gentler. As long as she was willing to be close to him, he would do anything.

“I’m laughing because you’re such a straight man.”

“What does that mean?”

“Nothing~” He Bingning set down the powder puff and smiled sweetly. “Let’s hurry and feed the babies before the formula gets cold.”

The twins were well-behaved; after drinking their bottles, they fell soundly asleep.

He Bingning checked her reflection in the mirror again and again, afraid she’d missed some trace that could fuel gossip.

Gu Huai, thinking she was simply admiring herself, praised her: “Wife, you’re already beautiful enough.”

Her face flushed pink. The intimacy just now had left her heart still fluttering, and with his earnest compliment, her cheeks grew even hotter. She pouted playfully: “You only know how to sweet-talk me.”

She had always loved sweet words—that was why she once despised Gu Huai’s plainness. But now she realized that when a straightforward man tried to coax someone, it was clumsy, sincere, and so sweet it went straight to the heart.

To Gu Huai, his delicate wife’s coquettishness made his bones go soft. She was beautiful, gentle, had borne him two children—he would give her his very life if she asked.

Outside, footsteps began to scatter past. The men of the compound were returning home one by one. It was almost dinnertime.

In the military compound, dinner was always the most lively hour. There were two options: eat at the mess hall—free and convenient, where you could choose whatever dishes you liked—or cook for yourself. Most people chose the mess hall, though after a month of the same big-pot meals, many longed for a change of taste.

Shared kitchens were available in the compound, typically divided among three to five households. Since many families ate at the mess, there was usually enough space.

The officers trained hard every day and had large appetites. If you wanted a good selection at the mess hall, you had to go early—otherwise, little would be left.

Gu Huai glanced at He Bingning, then cautiously took her hand. Seeing that she didn’t resist, he couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at his lips.

Before, she had always avoided him. Even their married life had consisted of only one night together. But today was different—today, she was soft and tender, like flowing water.

Gu Huai thought he had finally warmed the ice around his beautiful wife, and joy welled up inside him. “Wife, let’s go to the mess hall and eat together.”

But He Bingning only shook her head with a smile.

“Oh…” Gu Huai sighed in disappointment. “Then I’ll fetch food for you instead.”

He assumed she simply didn’t want to go out. So he would bring the food back, coax her into eating, even spoon-feed her if needed. And still, she was often dissatisfied. He only thought it was the pampered habits of a city-bred young lady, and never took it to heart.

Realizing he misunderstood, He Bingning quickly explained in a coy tone: “I meant… let’s not eat at the mess hall today. Let me show off my cooking skills and make dinner for you.”