Chapter 6

As soon as the two sisters-in-law reached the gate of the courtyard, Li Yanfang patted Song Ci’s arm and pointed at the two people walking towards them from a distance and said, “Third sister-in-law, is that woman Song Zhen?”

Song Ci glanced over, but the man she saw wasn’t Song Zhen, but Gu Yiran, the hero the author had so beautifully crafted. After just one glance, she forced her gaze back. From the moment she looked over, she felt drawn to that face, her heart beating faster. She’d seen every handsome man, so there was no way this could happen. There was only one possibility: the rules of the book’s world were affecting her. Thinking of this possibility, she wanted to get as far away from the hero and heroine as possible.

Seeing her lowering her head, not knowing what she was thinking, Li Yanfang patted her arm and said, “Third sister-in-law, what’s wrong with you?”

“Oh, I remembered something. I’m not afraid to tell you that I have fallen out with these two people. When you see them, stay away from them to avoid being implicated by me.” Song Ci said as he opened the gate.

Although Li Yanfang and Song Zhen were from the same village, they had never spoken to each other, so they didn’t think of going over to say hello. Instead, they were interested in how Song Ci had fallen out with them, so they hurried in and asked, “Third sister-in-law, why did you fall out with them? I think Comrade Gu is quite kind.”

Song Ci gave her a warning look and said, “He’s already married.”

“I know, I know. This isn’t the first time I’ve met such a nice gay man! You had a falling out with someone, and when they heard I was my brother’s sister, they wanted to give me a ride. So, you’re a nice guy, right? So, how did you fall out?”

“I, your third sister-in-law, was jealous of Song Zhen’s good marriage, so I made up a lot of lies about her, and then the couple found out about it.” Song Ci thought that instead of letting outsiders tell Li Yanfang, it would be better for her to tell it herself.

“Ah? No, Third Sister-in-law, my Third Brother is not bad either. He is the most promising one in our Li family. He is the battalion commander. Third Sister-in-law, you are too greedy.” Li Yanfang looked unsatisfied.

“You’re right, I was never content before. Fortunately, I woke up in time. Although your third brother is uneducated, he is an upright person and is good to Xiaoshu and me. I must live a good life with him.” Song Ci hurriedly expressed his opinion.

Li Yanfang nodded quickly: “That’s it. You can’t be a person who only wants to be on the other side of the fence. You will get nothing if you do that.” After that, she continued: “But I can understand you. Comrade Gu is so good-looking and he must have a good family background. I envy him too. By the way, sister-in-law, do you know how Comrade Gu met Song Zhen? Is he from our place too? No, why haven’t I ever heard my brother mention him? I told him a long time ago that if he has good things, he should think of me more. It seems that he didn’t take my words to heart at all.”

“It seems like we met when we were on a mission. Fang, judging from your expression, you also want to find a soldier? Your brother is a soldier, and you know it’s not easy to be a military wife.” Song Ci reminded her.

“I know, it’s just that you are rarely at home. I came here just to see if there is anyone suitable here, so that my mother won’t have to force me to marry Zhang Chengcai all day long.” Li Yanfang said indifferently.

“Mom is not that kind of person. Are you hiding something from me?” Song Ci looked at her suspiciously.

“Hehe, didn’t I just curse Aunt Li a few words when I was angry? You know, she is a big mouth, and everyone in the village knows about it.” Li Yanfang smiled embarrassedly.

“Aunt Li?” Song Ci thought for a moment before remembering that Aunt Li was a well-known matchmaker in their area. She and Li Yannian had asked her to be the matchmakers. No wonder Zhang Xiumei wasn’t particularly angry when she heard Li Yanfang had secretly come to their place. She probably thought it would be a good idea for her to stay out of the spotlight. She had originally wanted to tell her what Wang Juan had said, but she held back, figuring she would wait and see.

After putting Li Yanfang’s bag into the house, she thought about cooking. When she came out, she saw Xiaoshu walking in from outside the yard.

“aunt.”

“Hey, Xiaoshu, auntie misses you so much.” Li Yanfang went over and hugged the person.

“Xiaoshu misses his aunt, too.” Xiaoshu said cheerfully.

Li Yanfang only then noticed his dirty little hands and quickly put them on the ground. “Go wash your dirty little hands. This is the first time I’ve worn this dress, and I’m afraid it might embarrass you, so you can’t get it dirty.”

“Xiaoshu, come here.” Song Ci shouted at the kitchen door.

“Third sister-in-law, let me light the fire for you.” Li Yanfang also walked over.

“No need. Why don’t you go to Xiaoshu’s room and rest for a while? I see you are tired. I will call you when the meal is ready.” Song Ci said as he poured water for Xiaoshu to wash his hands.

“I am a little tired. Come on, Xiaoshu, take me to your room.” Li Yanfang waved to Xiaoshu.

Song Ci first scooped some water to moisten the pot, then went to the vegetable patch to pick a few scallions. He planned to make some oil-splashed noodles and scramble a few eggs. It was Li Yanfang’s first day here, so he had to make a good meal. Unfortunately, it was almost noon, so it was too late to buy meat, and there was no guarantee it would be available.

In the Gu family’s courtyard, Song Zhen and Gu Yiran were also in the kitchen. Song Zhen was cooking while Gu Yiran sat in front of the stove. Song Zhen was chopping meat when she suddenly stopped and turned to ask Gu Yiran, “Yiran, do you think Song Ci has changed?”

“Has it changed? I didn’t notice.” Gu Yiran said indifferently.

Song Zhen felt sweet in her heart. Gu Yiran had always been rude to other women, and she was very satisfied with his attitude.

“She used to target me, intentionally or unintentionally, but she’s been much quieter lately.” Song Zhen thought for a moment. In fact, except for today, she hadn’t met Song Ci in this period of time.

“Maybe the previous warning was effective.” Gu Yiran said concisely.

“I heard that she has been reviewing at home recently. I wonder if it’s because she heard that I am also going to take the college entrance examination. You don’t know, in the past, people in the village always compared her with me. She was an educated youth who went to the countryside, and I was just a farm girl. Many people said that I was not as good as her.” Song Zhen said, thinking about the original owner’s days in the village.

“It’s all in the past. Even if she wants to compete with you, you can’t beat her.” Gu Yiran comforted her.

“That’s right, and that’s why I don’t bother with her. Every time I see her eyes turn red with jealousy when she sees me, I know I win. I don’t want to compete with her, but she used to oppose me in everything, so I was a little impatient, and sometimes even felt sorry for her. Now it’s good that she has quieted down, and everyone can live a peaceful life. After all, we are neighbors, and you and Captain Li are in the same military district. If we really make a fuss, no one will benefit. Even if we are not wrong, we will get into trouble.” Song Zhen smiled.

“Yeah.” Gu Yiran nodded. He didn’t take Song Ci seriously. From childhood to adulthood, there were too many women who wanted to throw themselves at him.