Chapter 13

After a moment’s thought, Zhao Yunsheng decided against it. Right now, Pei Hechuan hated her to the bone—she wasn’t about to go looking for trouble.

Seeing her unmoved, Liu Ping slipped away like her feet were coated in oil.

“Officer, since Director Xiang has confessed, I’ll be going now.”

Confess? Confess to what?

Director Xiang’s face turned green. Damn it, he hadn’t done anything wrong—what was there to confess? He just had a sneaky mind, not the courage to commit a crime. Sure, he’d “take advantage” here and there, but he’d never forcibly take someone’s woman!

He opened his mouth to protest but froze when he met Pei Hechuan’s two-stripe, three-star gaze.

What now?

He’d crossed the regiment commander—did this director still have a future?

Panic filled his face, his legs shook, and his hands trembled helplessly.

Seeing this, the police officer quickly saluted Pei Hechuan.

“Commander, Zhao Yunsheng is really your wife?”

Zhao Yunsheng felt a twinge of guilt. Unmarried and already pregnant, without a marriage certificate—did that count?

She didn’t deny it, and a faint smile flickered in Pei Hechuan’s narrow eyes.

“Yes. I’ve been on missions away from home and only recently returned. Thank you for handling today’s situation.”

The police officer nodded repeatedly, feeling proud to assist a military spouse.

“No, no. Zhao Yunsheng pointed out that Director Xiang harassed her. I’m verifying the facts and will collect evidence to ensure she gets justice.”

He practically offered his leg—why not? Solving Director Xiang’s misconduct would be a huge benefit for the female workers at the meat factory.

For years, single women had suffered silently. Now, with Pei Hechuan backing her, Zhao Yunsheng could finally strike at the root of the problem.

Zhao Yunsheng almost couldn’t contain her smile, thanking him profusely.

“Thank you, officer! You truly serve the people.”

“As long as Director Xiang is brought to justice, I’ll even send a commemorative banner to you all.”

Director Xiang didn’t dare speak or confront Zhao Yunsheng. Without evidence, he could still escape, but crossing this commander would ruin him.

He regretted it! If he’d known this little brat had such a strong background, he’d have chosen Xu Mingjuan instead. Now, after being beaten and potentially losing his post, he was bitterly remorseful.

“Since the statements are complete, I’ll take my wife home. You investigate thoroughly, and we’ll fully cooperate if needed.”

Pei Hechuan had originally gone to the factory to check on Zhao Yunsheng. They’d been together for two years, and back then, Zhao Yunsheng had the title of “educated youth” but never actually worked in the fields.

He had wanted to see for himself how she handled work. But learning she’d been taken by the police, he rushed over immediately to assist.

Standing at the doorway, watching for a long time, he realized that the gentle, virtuous girl he once knew had become a sharp-tongued little firecracker.

He blamed himself for not being there sooner.

Before they could leave, the police chief himself was drawn to the scene.

The group warmly invited Pei Hechuan to sit and rest. The sight left Director Xiang despondent, knowing he had no chance of recovery.

Zhao Yunsheng felt elated. While Pei Hechuan chatted politely with them, she quietly slipped away.

Even as Pei Hechuan smiled and laughed, his peripheral vision tracked her, and he quickly followed.

“Zhao Yunsheng, is this how you treat someone who helped you?”

Zhao Yunsheng paused and, with arched eyebrows, spoke her mind.

“Thank you for today, Commander. I have a few bottles of good wine at home—I’ll bring them to you.”

A repayment of the favor, and no further entanglements.

Seeing her act all innocent after gaining the upper hand, Pei Hechuan’s gaze darkened, and he narrowed his eyes knowingly.

“Just a few bottles of wine? You think that’s enough to appease me?”

Zhao Yunsheng immediately lifted her chin and countered, “Then Commander, how do you want me to thank you?”

Pei Hechuan had a plan in mind but didn’t reveal it. He glanced at the jeep parked outside and nodded.

“I’ll take you home first.”

Zhao Yunsheng was about to leave when she noticed Xu Mingjuan coming out of the police station. Her eyes lit up, and she waved from a distance.

“Aunt Xu! Aunt Xu, let’s go together!”

Xu Mingjuan smiled awkwardly.

“I’ll be fine. You two go ahead.”

Zhao Yunsheng rolled her eyes—this wasn’t her husband, after all. But having not denied it at the station, she couldn’t really refute it now.

“No worries, we’re all family,” she said, linking arms with Xu Mingjuan and guiding her to the jeep.

The young girl’s enthusiasm was irresistible, and Xu Mingjuan, with nowhere to refuse, got in. She had barely settled when she noticed a sharp gaze on her.

Looking up, she met Pei Hechuan’s slightly displeased eyes.

Being experienced, Xu Mingjuan immediately understood and urged Zhao Yunsheng:

“Yunsheng, should I sit in the front so you two can sit in the back?”

Zhao Yunsheng shook her head. Holding her arm tighter, she said coquettishly:

“No need to be so formal, let’s sit together.”

All along, she ignored Pei Hechuan. Seeing him frown while giving orders to the soldiers, she whispered to Xu Mingjuan:

“Stay with me. I haven’t seen him for years; we’re a bit awkward. I don’t want to sit next to him.”

Xu Mingjuan looked at them and smiled warmly.

“They’re married and already have a child—what’s the big deal?”

She smiled again, calm and gentle, like a fragrant gardenia with no trace of threat.

Zhao Yunsheng adored her, staring intently.

“Ah, Aunt Xu, you’re the best—stay with me.”

Xu Mingjuan couldn’t resist. Her own two children were independent, seldom acting spoiled; being pampered by Zhao Yunsheng, so sweet and pretty, was too much to resist.

“All right, all right, I’ll stay with you.”

Zhao Yunsheng’s heart soared, snuggling close.

Pei Hechuan turned, taking in the scene.

Yes, he felt a pang of jealousy, but also excitement. One day, she would act this way just for him.

Seeing his gaze locked on Zhao Yunsheng, full of affection, the two soldiers were stunned.

Wasn’t the commander supposed to be all work and no romance? Just a few days in, and he’s already head over heels?

Could this romance even be real?

They had heard that Zhao Yunsheng was a young widow with a child. Pei Hechuan was handsome, powerful, and high-ranking. Why would he choose to become a stepfather so quickly?

They looked at each other, afraid to ask directly, only hinting praise:

“Commander, you have good taste—your wife is truly beautiful.”

Pei Hechuan cast them a meaningful glance, clearly agreeing with the sentiment.

The commander didn’t scold them—so this was real?

They exchanged a glance, hearts sinking.

A flower among manure—beautiful as she was, could the commander really treat himself this way?

There were other women in the unit interested in him. Seeing him choose a widow must have been infuriating.

They couldn’t fathom what charm Zhao Yunsheng held to capture the commander’s heart so quickly.