Chapter 14

The two people craned their necks, looking up expectantly, only to be met with Pei Hechuan’s cold glare.

“Alright, let’s go back first.”

He composed himself, got into the car, and drove them back to the meat factory.

After all the commotion, it was already noon.

Zhao Yunsheng jumped out and waved goodbye. “I’ve arrived. Thank you for everything, Commander Pei. You can head back first.”

Xu Mingjuan also expressed her thanks. “Thank you, Commander Pei.”

Pei Hechuan lowered his gaze politely. “Call me Xiao Pei. No need to be so formal.”

Xu Mingjuan realized this belatedly and covered her mouth, smiling. “Ah, right, you’re Yunsheng’s husband—technically family. It should be lunch break now, right? Xiao Pei, aren’t you going to pick up Yuanbao together?”

Zhao Yunsheng’s eyes widened in alarm.

My Aunt Xu… why are you so tricky?

She waved her hands, hastily refusing. “No, no, Pei Hechuan is busy with work at the unit…”

“Don’t worry, Aunt Xu. I’ll go pick up the child myself. I’m on leave recently, not busy at all.”

He deliberately moved closer to Zhao Yunsheng as he spoke, a perfect-looking couple in appearance.

Xu Mingjuan felt relieved. “Alright, you two take care of things. I’ll get ready and head home.”

Zhao Yunsheng was at a loss for words, and Pei Hechuan spoke up.

“Take care, Aunt Xu.”

Each word was courteous and calm—nothing like his yesterday’s menacing demeanor.

Zhao Yunsheng scoffed, muttering, “Two-faced…”

She stomped along the way, pulling off her work uniform and crumpling it in her hands.

She walked ahead, Pei Hechuan followed behind. First, she returned to the changing room to get dressed, locked her locker, and then went to pick up her child.

Standing at the doorway, she saw that most of the children had already been picked up by employees. Only Yuanbao sat bored on the steps, hands supporting his little face as he stared outside. He ignored the auntie talking to him until he spotted Zhao Yunsheng waving.

He pouted proudly. “Bye, Auntie! My mom’s here to pick me up.”

The female employee accompanying him looked up and immediately noticed the imposing Pei Hechuan in his military uniform, eyes widening in surprise.

“Yuanbao, is that man next to your mom your dad?”

Wait—didn’t Zhao Yunsheng’s husband pass away? Could it be a rumor?

Only then did Yuanbao notice Pei Hechuan outside. His eyes widened in shock.

Villain!

Why was he with Mom?

Was he going to bully Mom again?

No way could this villain be his dad.

Angry, Yuanbao clenched his tiny fists and shouted back: “No way! He’s not my dad!”

Yuanbao only needed Mom—he didn’t want a dad!

He yelled in a high-pitched voice like a little firecracker and rushed to Zhao Yunsheng, glaring at Pei Hechuan, swinging his little arms and legs.

“Go away! Don’t come near my mom! If you bully her, I’ll call the police and have you executed!”

It all happened so fast that Zhao Yunsheng couldn’t react in time.

She smiled awkwardly and looked up into Pei Hechuan’s annoyed eyes.

He… was actually angry at a child?

If he hadn’t cornered her at the door yesterday and touched her in front of Yuanbao, would her son really dislike him?

Pouting, Zhao Yunsheng reached out to grab her son—but Pei Hechuan beat her to it, catching Yuanbao by the back of his collar. The little boy dangled in midair.

“Let go! Let go!”

Yuanbao’s eyebrows scrunched, and his pout made him look fierce despite his small size.

Fearing for her son, Zhao Yunsheng rushed forward.

“Pei Hechuan, do you have to? Arguing with a four-year-old?”

Argue? How could he not? The kid refused to acknowledge him, and threatened to “execute” him—how could he let that slide?

He turned to dodge Zhao Yunsheng and leaned down to study the boy closely.

His nose… actually quite resembled his.

His eyes were a little similar, too, but the mouth was the closest match.

After scrutinizing, he met the boy’s fiery gaze and asked slowly, “Do you know who I am? Did your mom teach you to threaten to execute me?”

Yuanbao sniffled, “I don’t care who you are. You bully my mom, I’ll execute you!”

Zhao Yunsheng was deeply moved. Her little one, so brave and unyielding.

She quickly scooped him into her arms, feeling his cold little face and straightening his scarf.

“You’ve been waiting for Mom for a long time, haven’t you?”

“Of course! All the other kids got picked up, but Yuanbao stayed at the door, waiting for you, not even wanting to go inside to warm up.”

Before she could continue, a female voice interjected—it was Wu Qiao from the daycare.

She smiled politely. “Thank you for today, Comrade Wu.”

“No trouble at all. Yuanbao is very obedient, all the kids like him a lot.”

Wu Qiao’s eyes, however, couldn’t help sneaking a glance at Pei Hechuan.

Trying to cover it up, she twirled her hair. “Comrade Zhao, may I ask who this military gentleman is?”

Zhao Yunsheng glanced at Pei Hechuan and, seeing Wu Qiao’s intentions, teased him, “Oh, we just met. Not familiar yet.”

Wu Qiao’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Really? Then how come you came together?”

Zhao Yunsheng explained truthfully, “There was a bit of trouble, and he just happened to escort me back.”

Pei Hechuan’s face visibly darkened at her clarification.

Wu Qiao, oblivious, thought he was displeased with Zhao Yunsheng. She scolded her, self-righteously:

“Comrade Zhao, you’re so irresponsible! Military officers have busy schedules and training—how can you let him escort you back? You’re wasting his time!”

“???”

Zhao Yunsheng nearly laughed out loud.

Who gave this woman the right to lecture her?

She retorted, “Wu Qiao, if you’re so good at teaching, why not teach others? Picking on me just to show off your uniqueness? What’s wrong, interested in this gentleman?”

She slapped Pei Hechuan’s chest twice for emphasis.

Pei Hechuan’s expression darkened—he silently blamed Wu Qiao for the hit.

“Stop flattering yourself. He’s not interested in you. What are you comparing? I’m a widow—taller, prettier, more educated than you. Spring has come; if you want to marry, take care of yourself first.”

Wu Qiao, shocked by Zhao Yunsheng’s sharp tongue, was flustered. Looking at her darkened hands, then at the tall, handsome Pei Hechuan, tears welled up.

Through gritted teeth, she argued, “Comrade Zhao, I’m telling the truth! How can you insult me so badly?”

Right in front of the officer she admired, she felt mortified.

Zhao Yunsheng remained unflinching. “I’m telling the truth. What’s wrong? Ask this gentleman if I’m lying. Am I wrong? Am I short? Meddling too much?”

She glanced at Pei Hechuan, giving him a threatening look, her fierce expression oddly adorable.

Pei Hechuan, still surprised at her eloquence, quickly responded. He looked at the expectant Wu Qiao and nodded firmly.

“Yes.”