Chapter 9

Zhao Yunsheng nodded, feigning a shy, playful expression. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked at Deng Lijun with a hint of provocation.

“At the time, Brother Deng said he enjoyed chatting with me and hoped there could be something more. I thought, with Yuanbao in tow, it wouldn’t be appropriate, so I reluctantly declined.”

“!!!”

Deng Lijun’s eyes nearly popped out. Wait—Zhao Yunsheng was perfectly fine, so why drag him into this?

His heart leapt to his throat, tongue-tied, and he sensed a strong murderous aura beside him.

Looking up, he met Pei Hechuan’s warning gaze.

Boss, let me explain! It’s just that your woman is far too beautiful. Had I known she belonged to you, I wouldn’t have dared to say a word… even if I had a hundred lives’ worth of courage.

“Why not appropriate?”

Deng Xiaotong slammed her hand on the table, nearly jumping up in excitement.

“Yunsheng, I think you and my brother are perfect for each other! We know each other well, my parents like you, and they adore Yuanbao too…”

She grew more and more excited, glancing at Qin Feng.

“My mom keeps saying she wants to hold a grandson. If you married my brother, we’d get a golden grandchild for free!”

“Mom, isn’t that right?”

Qin Feng, sipping her tea, almost choked. She peeked at her husband, and the two exchanged a subtle, troubled glance.

It wasn’t that Yunsheng was unsuitable. But their son was a company commander with a bright future. Why settle for a twice-married woman?

Even if they genuinely liked Yunsheng and her child, they weren’t eager to raise someone else’s kid.

Deng Xiaotong, of course, didn’t know how to hold back. She brought up sensitive topics in front of Yunsheng, which wasn’t ideal.

What to do?

In the end, Deng Lijun begged for mercy. “Xiaotong, watch what you say! Not everyone is mute. Do you really think Comrade Zhao couldn’t be a good match for anyone? Her husband must be a hero—clearly not me.”

Deng Xiaotong didn’t understand what was wrong with him.

“Brother, why back off now? You liked Yunsheng too, didn’t you? She’s so beautiful. Even if she’s been married, she’s highly sought-after at the factory. I’m just giving you a chance…”

“Enough, enough! Let’s eat. Why say these things in front of a superior?”

If he kept going, he’d get disciplined back at the barracks. Was he even keeping his life?

Qin Feng quickly intervened to smooth things over.

“Exactly, let’s eat first.”

Even though her son’s refusal was clear, Yunsheng wasn’t upset. She secretly enjoyed watching Deng Lijun fumble—who asked him to side with Pei Hechuan?

During the meal, the Deng family fussed over Yuanbao, leaving Yunsheng free to relax.

Qin Feng’s cooking was excellent and suited her taste perfectly, so she ate heartily.

But as she ate, a strong gaze she couldn’t ignore kept on her.

She knew it was Pei Hechuan.

Before, she was gentle and polite, eating neatly. After the mission ended, she had reverted to her natural, carefree self. Pei Hechuan, having spent the last few days trying to reconnect, must have slowly realized she wasn’t the same as in his memories—his persistent love had faded slightly.

Lost in thought, she suddenly noticed a piece of braised pork on her plate. Her heart skipped a beat as she glanced at the man beside her.

Pei Hechuan held a wine glass in one hand while calmly placing the food on her plate with the other.

Seeing her puzzled look, he lowered his gaze and explained thoughtfully,

“I remembered you used to like this.”

Zhao Yunsheng felt powerless, as if she had punched a pillow. She took a deep breath and quietly moved the braised pork aside.

“You’re mistaken. I don’t like sweet things.”

Pei Hechuan seemed not to hear and persisted, offering her more.

To avoid drawing attention from Qin Feng and the others, she had no choice but to eat reluctantly.

Though Pei Hechuan’s expression remained calm, his narrow eyes were full of amusement.

Because of his attentiveness, Zhao Yunsheng was almost done eating halfway through the meal.

Not wanting to sit too close to him, she used the excuse of getting some fresh air and stepped outside.

The early spring night was chilly. She tightened her coat and lifted the curtain to leave.

Every movement made Pei Hechuan restless. He put down his wine glass and stood up immediately.

“Uncle, Auntie, enjoy your meal. I’m going out for a smoke.”

Deng Qinglin gestured to stop him. “Commander Pei, you can smoke inside. We don’t have that many rules.”

Only Deng Lijun knew Pei Hechuan was leaving for Zhao Yunsheng and quickly gave his father a knowing look.

“Dad, the commander is just being polite. Don’t worry, finish your meal.”

Deng Qinglin let go. Pei Hechuan nodded slightly and strode after her.

The cold wind outside cleared the slight drunkenness from his face, dispersing the smell of alcohol.

His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings until they locked on Zhao Yunsheng. His inner tension finally eased.

As he stepped forward, someone beat him to it.

“Yunsheng, still awake this late?”

He Dali had just returned and was stunned to see his beloved right in front of him.

Determined and unwilling to give up, he had thought for a long time outside. He had never felt this scared before.

Compared to the company commander, he was so inadequate. If he didn’t act first, he might never get another chance.

He clenched his side, mustering courage, and cautiously stepped forward.

“Just got back from Xiaotong’s. Why aren’t you sleeping, Brother He?”

He Dali smiled awkwardly, approaching carefully.

“Yunsheng, my mom said you had a blind date with the commander today?”

He held his breath, hoping for denial—or even a chance.

Zhao Yunsheng nodded, understanding his implication.

“No matter who I meet or marry, you’ll always be my dear brother in my heart.”

Dear brother…

He Dali felt as if his heart was set ablaze, staggering back half a step.

His dark face was filled with loss; his gaze toward Zhao Yunsheng full of sadness.

He tried to smile. “Yunsheng, you really…”

Shhhhhh

The sound of a match striking rang behind them, sharp in the silent night.

Both He Dali and Zhao Yunsheng looked up, spotting someone not far away.

Squinting, a man was lighting a cigarette, the flame casting shadows over his face.

He inhaled deeply, snapped the match, and looked toward them with a hint of displeasure. Casually holding the cigarette between his fingers, he asked,

“What are you talking about? Tell me, I want to hear.”

Those few words made Zhao Yunsheng’s heart race.

He Dali felt the tension but didn’t yet realize the gravity.

He stepped closer to Zhao Yunsheng, nervously explaining,

“We’re just chatting. Commander Pei, you’re heading back?”

He had learned that afternoon from Deng Lijun that this seemingly difficult man was his superior—a young, two-stripe, three-star regiment commander with limitless potential.

Though not one to flatter, He Dali sincerely respected this heroic man who protected the country.

Seeing him smile like a fool, Pei Hechuan felt a surge of frustration. He had been away for years, and He Dali had been the one caring for Yuanbao all this time—anger welled up even more.

“Did I ask you? I’m asking Zhao Yunsheng.”

“???”

He Dali’s face fell. He quickly turned to Zhao Yunsheng.

She hadn’t expected Pei Hechuan to follow her for a breath of fresh air. Was he really afraid she’d run away? Would he be shadowing her all the time? Did she even have freedom anymore?

Fuming, she stood abruptly, giving no respect.

“We’re talking, what’s it to you?”

Hah. Years gone by, and her temper had only grown.

Pei Hechuan nodded, then decisively stepped forward, wrapping her in his arms. With one hand, he pinned her shoulders, letting her struggle in vain.

Meeting He Dali’s shocked gaze, Pei Hechuan felt exhilarated. Glancing at Zhao Yunsheng’s pouting eyes, he provoked further,

“Want me to tell your Brother He who Yuanbao’s father is? Hmm?”

“!!!”