Chapter 24: That’s My Partner

Shen Nanqing didn’t wait long before Song Huaiwen returned, carrying big bags and small parcels.

His speed was so fast that Shen Nanqing was amazed—if she didn’t know better, she might think he had performed a magic trick.

“Here.” Song Huaiwen carefully took a towel out of the net bag and unfolded it. Inside was wrapped a single iced sugar stick.

The iced sugar was simply wrapped in yellowed paper, faintly radiating a cool chill.

Shen Nanqing took the iced sugar and glanced at his hand. “You only bought one?”

“I forgot.” Song Huaiwen smiled a bit sheepishly and urged, “It’s okay, I’m not thirsty. You eat it quickly, or it’ll melt.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of Shen Nanqing’s mouth. She thought to herself that he hadn’t really forgotten; clearly, his mind was on her alone. Otherwise, why else would he remember to wrap it in a towel—just to prevent it from melting?

She peeled away the paper from the iced sugar, which still gave off a faint white steam. Taking a small bite, the icy coolness instantly spread across her tongue, chasing away the heat all over her body.

Her heart felt sweet.

Seeing how content she looked, Song Huaiwen’s heart filled with joy. He felt that as long as she was happy, he could do anything for her.

Then he took a handkerchief out of his pocket and gently wiped the sweat off her forehead.

Shen Nanqing’s long lashes fluttered. The soft touch of the handkerchief instantly made the warmth on her face rise a few degrees.

“You should try some too.” The words were out before she could regret them. But her hand was faster than her brain—she had already offered the iced sugar to him.

They had just confirmed their relationship, and she had already made such an intimate gesture. Would he think she was frivolous?

As she hesitated, holding the iced sugar with a missing corner, Song Huaiwen bent down and took a bite.

As he moved closer, Shen Nanqing froze completely, her mind blank. She only felt the warm breath he exhaled gently brush over her fingers, sending a tingling sensation through her.

Song Huaiwen stood back up. Rarely had he seen Shen Nanqing look so stunned and adorable, and he couldn’t help but laugh softly.

Shen Nanqing, embarrassed and angry, gave him a sharp glare and quickly changed the subject: “Why did you buy so many things?”

Earlier, on the bus, Song Huaiwen had casually noticed the sign for the supply and marketing cooperative. At the time, he thought of buying something to help Shen Nanqing cool off. But by the time he arrived, he suddenly remembered he was going to meet her parents—he couldn’t show up empty-handed.

Having no experience in this area, he relied on the enthusiastic recommendations of the lady at the cooperative.

“I don’t really know what your uncle and aunt like, so I just bought some random things.”

Shen Nanqing suddenly felt a bit guilty and whispered, “My parents are easygoing; they’ll like it.”

But the more she said, the less confident she felt. Her heart was a little uneasy.

She had just broken up with Ling Haoxuan, and now suddenly she was bringing a man home. She had no idea how her parents would react.

The old locust tree in the family compound was the inevitable path to the Shen family home. Most young people had already gone to work, and some elderly men and women gathered with children under the tree’s shade to cool off.

“Oh, isn’t this Nanqing!” a woman called out loudly. “Is this your partner?”

This woman was none other than the gossip queen of their family compound. Earlier, the rumors about Xu Ruyan and Ling Haoxuan had spread throughout the whole factory housing area by word of her mouth.

Because of this, Ling Yanhong had even gone to her doorstep and had a big argument with her.

Both were equally fierce, with no clear winner.

Shen Nanqing never underestimated these women. She knew well that once they started talking, rumors spread like wildfire.

She smiled and nodded, silently acknowledging.

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That aunt’s eyes seemed stuck on Song Huaiwen as if glued to him. Exaggerating, she said, “The young man is really handsome. He looks perfectly matched with our Nanqing.”

The moment she said “matched,”

Song Huaiwen instantly felt this aunt seemed much friendlier. He answered whatever she asked, careful not to leave any bad impression that might spoil their “match.”

If people back on the island saw this scene, they’d be shocked.

This guy was famous on the island as a “high mountain flower”—cold, aloof, and taciturn—completely different from the approachable and easygoing demeanor he showed now.

On the other side of the old locust tree, Shen Man was playing games with his little brothers. Hearing someone call his aunt’s name, he ran over curiously.

Shen Man came rushing like a firecracker but slammed on the brakes as he approached Shen Nanqing. “Little Aunt, it really is you!”

Kids seemed to have endless energy, still running around in the summer heat.

Shen Nanqing wiped the sweat off Shen Man’s forehead with a handkerchief.

(This handkerchief was the one Song Huaiwen had just bought.)

“Is anyone home?” she asked.

“Yes, grandma and brother are at home.” With that, Shen Man pulled Shen Nanqing toward the house.

After a few steps, Shen Man noticed someone following them. He didn’t dare to look directly, but carefully glanced back and whispered, “Aunt, who’s that following us?”

Actually, Shen Man had noticed Song Huaiwen’s presence a while ago, but the man’s aura intimidated him, so he didn’t dare get close.

The kid thought his voice was very quiet, but Song Huaiwen heard everything clearly.

Shen Nanqing glanced back and smiled: “That’s my boyfriend.”

Hearing that, Shen Man immediately stopped in his tracks. His courage grew, and his eyes lit up with curiosity as he stared at Song Huaiwen.

“Hello, my name is Song Huaiwen. I’m your aunt’s boyfriend,” Song Huaiwen said, feeling as sweet as if he had eaten honey after hearing “my boyfriend,” his voice unconsciously becoming softer.

In this era, everyone had a natural respect for soldiers. If a family had a soldier, it was a great honor.

Song Huaiwen was very tall—1.88 meters.

Shen Man had to tilt his head back and asked, “Uncle, I heard the PLA can beat up bad guys. Have you ever fought bad guys?”

Before Song Huaiwen could answer, Shen Man patted his chest and said, “When I grow up, I want to be as strong as you and protect Auntie!”

Song Huaiwen smiled and patted his head, “Okay! Uncle will protect Auntie for now. When you grow up, we’ll protect her together.”

The group laughed and chatted happily.

Near the courtyard gate, Shen Man suddenly shouted loudly, “Grandma, my aunt brought her boyfriend!”

This shout startled Shen Qi inside the house so much that she nearly pricked her hand with the silver needle she was holding.

She put down the clothes she was sewing on the table and hurried to the door, wanting to ask Shen Man what was going on and whether someone in the compound was gossiping about Qingqing.

She caught sight of the tall, unfamiliar youth behind Shen Nanqing and was momentarily stunned. Looking at her daughter, worry filled her eyes. “Why did you suddenly come back?”

The military had strict discipline and wasn’t a place for random outings. She had just returned to the unit—not likely to come back so soon.

Shen Nanqing hesitated to say someone had called the unit using her father’s name, so she vaguely said, “I forgot something important at home and came back to get it.”

Shen Qi naturally didn’t believe her. She cleaned her daughter’s room herself and would know if anything extra was there.

Seeing her daughter unwilling to say more, Shen Qi didn’t press further. She hurriedly led them inside and shooed away the grandson who was watching the commotion nearby.