Chapter 5: Fiancée

The next day, Lin Yiqiao eagerly came back to deliver lunch.

But the guard at the post informed her that the military zone was now under lockdown — no entry allowed.

Lin Yiqiao had a strong hunch this was aimed at her. Still, she didn’t get upset. With a smile, she handed the meal over to Xiao Hu.

As she walked toward the front gate of the military compound, she spotted someone from a distance — Sister Liu, whom she had met on the train. Liu was talking to a guard.

“Sister Liu?” Lin Yiqiao called tentatively.

“Comrade Xiao Lin? Oh good, help me talk to this comrade! My niece came to see her uncle.”

Only then did Lin Yiqiao notice the young girl beside her — around eight or nine years old. The girl was dressed plainly. While Liu Yun was arguing heatedly with the guard, the girl stood calm and composed, with a maturity far beyond her years.

The girl’s father was also there — a simple, honest-looking middle-aged man.

“I’m also here to deliver food to my uncle,” Lin Yiqiao said with a smile. She bent down slightly and asked the girl, “Sweetheart, who’s your uncle?”

Zhao Xinxin gave her a faint glance, eyes tinged with a trace of disdain. “Qi Jun,” she replied coolly.

Lin Yiqiao froze — Qi Jun?!

That man from before?

“Well… not technically her uncle,” Liu Yun explained, “Xinxin’s aunt, Zhao Hui, was once engaged to Qi Jun. She died in the Changping earthquake two years ago.”

“He is my uncle,” Zhao Xinxin said firmly, looking at Liu Yun.

“Yes, yes, he is — but can you get him to let us in then?”

Zhao Xinxin didn’t respond. Instead, she turned to the guard and said, “Uncle soldier, could you please call Commander Qi and let him know we’re here? He really is my uncle.”

The guard hesitated. “Commander Qi hates being disturbed by visitors.”

“You can dial, I’ll do the talking. I promise I won’t make it hard for you.”

“…Alright then.” The guard dialed Qi Jun’s office number.

Off to the side, Lin Yiqiao was observing the little girl.

She wasn’t afraid that Qi Jun had a former fiancée. If she had her eyes on a man, she was going to get him — no matter what.

As for the girl…

Something wasn’t right. Lin Yiqiao’s instincts told her Zhao Xinxin was no ordinary child — and that made her very curious.

The line finally connected, and before Qi Jun could speak, Zhao Xinxin grabbed the receiver.

“Uncle! Uncle!” she shouted.

Gone was the calm and collected voice — now she sounded excited and full of energy.

“Uncle? Who is this?” Qi Jun’s voice remained steady.

“It’s me, Xinxin! Didn’t Auntie ever tell you about me?”

“Your aunt is…? Sorry, I don’t think I’ve heard of you.”

Lin Yiqiao caught a glimpse of Zhao Xinxin’s face going dark for a second, before she quickly recovered. “My aunt is Zhao Hui. Now do you remember? Uncle, I need to talk to you about something. Can you let us in for a bit?”

There was a pause on the other end. Then Qi Jun finally spoke. “Alright. Put the guard back on the line.”

The guard took the phone and replied, “Yes, sir. Yes.”

Then he led Zhao Xinxin and her father inside.

“Sister Liu, you’re not going in with them?” Lin Yiqiao asked.

“No way I’m going in there to embarrass myself,” Liu scoffed, pulling Lin Yiqiao to sit down with her. “You don’t know this — Commander Qi was introduced to Zhao Hui by a mutual contact. She was a doctor at the military hospital. They never got as far as marriage before she died. Commander Qi’s a man of deep feeling — he hasn’t been with anyone since.”

“Calling him uncle? Seriously? Zhao Hui passed away and they’re acting like nothing happened, dragging their whole family here from the countryside. Not a shred of shame.”

“They’re just kids, they don’t understand these things,” Lin Yiqiao said with a mild smile.

“She’s no clueless kid,” Liu Yun muttered, realizing she might’ve said too much.

“By the way, Xiao Lin — is your uncle in the military too?”

“Yes, he’s the logistics department director.”

“Ah, I figured. That’s why you’re not in the same compound as us. Anyway, once this family leaves, I’ll treat you to a proper meal.”

“Sure! I’ve been wanting to taste your cooking,” Lin Yiqiao said with a smile, glancing toward the military compound.

What exactly does Zhao Xinxin want from Qi Jun?

“Sister Liu, I’ve got something to take care of. Let’s catch up another day.” She smiled politely.

“Alright, alright, you’d better go. Standin’ around here just feeds the mosquitoes,” Liu waved her off.

Lin Yiqiao turned and left.

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The evening breeze was truly lovely — fresh and clean.

Beijing was planned in square grids, every few steps a government building, guarded by soldiers holding gleaming rifles. Everyone coming and going looked so serious and proper.

A massive national machine was operating within the heart of this old city.

Lin Yiqiao walked while kicking small stones along the road.

If she guessed right, that building at the center of the compound — that was probably Qi Jun’s residence.

So young.

A commander?

She couldn’t help but smile.

Beijing really was… enchanting.