Chapter 4: Buying Supplies at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative

Early the next morning, Mu Nanhe drove a military district vehicle to the family compound to pick up Yang Qingyan. Before long, she stepped out. She had tidied herself up simply, her complexion still somewhat pale, but her eyes remained clear.

Mu Nanhe quickly stepped forward to greet her, opened the passenger-side door for her, and said softly, “Get in.”

Yang Qingyan gave a slight nod and sat down inside.

Along the way, she sat in the passenger seat, quietly watching the scenery retreating past the window without saying a word. Mu Nanhe glanced at her through the rearview mirror from time to time, wanting to say something to break the heavy silence, yet he feared saying the wrong thing and making her more uncomfortable.

Sensing his gaze, Yang Qingyan remained silent for a moment before finally speaking first. Her tone was calm and indifferent. “I don’t want to talk about the past anymore. You didn’t willingly marry me back then, and I was forced into it with drugs. We can just continue like this for now. If you meet someone suitable in the future, you can tell me—I don’t mind leaving.”

Hearing this, Mu Nanhe’s heart clenched violently, and he instinctively slammed on the brakes.

Yang Qingyan was caught off guard and lurched forward, her forehead slamming into the dashboard. A sharp pain shot through her head, and she couldn’t help but curse, “Are you insane?!”

Mu Nanhe snapped back to his senses, his face full of anxiety and regret. He hurriedly apologized, “Sorry, I got too worked up. I don’t agree with what you said. Since you’re my wife, I will take responsibility for you, no matter what.”

As he spoke, he reached out, wanting to check the injury on her forehead. But fearing her resistance, his hand hovered awkwardly in midair before retracting.

Yang Qingyan let out a cold scoff, turned her head away, and said nothing more. Still, deep inside, she couldn’t help but wonder if Mu Nanhe truly meant what he said. The uncertainty of their future together suddenly felt even more overwhelming.

Mu Nanhe noticed her silence and knew that she wouldn’t be able to move past this so easily. So, without another word, he restarted the car and continued driving toward the town’s supply and marketing cooperative, though his speed was noticeably slower than before.

The cooperative was bustling with people, making for a lively scene. After parking the car, Mu Nanhe and Yang Qingyan walked in together and headed straight for the counter.

As Yang Qingyan mentally went over her shopping list, she asked the clerk to bring out some fabric for her to choose from.

The clerk glanced at Yang Qingyan, taking in her patched-up clothes, and a look of disdain flashed through her eyes. Her expression seemed to say, Can someone dressed so poorly even afford good fabric?

However, the moment she saw Mu Nanhe standing beside Yang Qingyan, dressed sharply in his military uniform, her attitude changed immediately. A bright smile spread across her face, and she no longer dared to slack off. She quickly pulled out several bolts of fabric and laid them on the counter.

Yang Qingyan paid no mind to the clerk’s shifting attitude. She was entirely focused on selecting fabric. Carefully examining the patterns and textures, she eventually picked a few in elegant, muted colors, planning to make bed sheets, quilt covers, and curtains. She wanted to bring some warmth into that otherwise cold and empty house.

As she made her choices, she meticulously calculated the fabric measurements in her mind, ensuring she had the exact amount needed for each piece.

Once she was certain, she methodically instructed the clerk, “Please cut these fabrics according to the measurements I’ve given.”

The clerk nodded eagerly and responded, “Of course, comrade! Just a moment—I’ll cut them right away.”

Mu Nanhe stood silently to the side, not interfering, letting Yang Qingyan make her selections at her own pace. When she finished, his gaze shifted toward the clothing section nearby. Speaking softly, he suggested, “Qingyan, there are clothes for sale over there. You should pick out two new outfits. The ones you’re wearing now… should be replaced.”

Yang Qingyan looked down at her patched clothes and indeed felt that it was time for something new. Since she was already out shopping, there was no reason to deny herself. She simply nodded slightly and walked toward the clothing section.

Mu Nanhe didn’t follow her. He remained by the counter, waiting.

At that moment, a young woman walked over and tapped him on the shoulder. “Nanhe-ge, what are you doing here? When did you come back?”

Mu Nanhe turned around, unable to immediately recall who she was.

Seeing his lack of recognition, the girl quickly added, “I’m Wei Lan from the cultural troupe!”

Mu Nanhe still didn’t have much of an impression of her. Though he disliked how intimately she addressed him, he said nothing and simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Wei Lan had come to the cooperative that day to pick out props for a performance. She hadn’t expected to run into Mu Nanhe, and excitement instantly filled her heart. A faint blush rose on her cheeks, and admiration sparkled in her eyes.

She was completely oblivious to Mu Nanhe’s indifference. Instead, she eagerly chattered on, “Nanhe-ge, I finally get to see you! You’ve been gone for so long—everyone’s been talking about you.” As she spoke, she even playfully shook his arm.

Mu Nanhe subtly shifted his stance, quietly putting some distance between them. With a polite but distant smile, he replied, “I was out on a mission.”

His gaze instinctively flickered toward the direction where Yang Qingyan had gone. He was worried about whether she was finding suitable clothes and, at the same time, uneasy that Wei Lan’s sudden appearance might cause a misunderstanding.

Wei Lan, however, failed to notice his distracted demeanor. She continued prattling on, “Nanhe-ge, you don’t know how exciting our cultural troupe’s latest performance is! You absolutely have to come watch it when it’s staged.” She tilted her head slightly, attempting a coy pose, hoping to capture more of his attention.

But Mu Nanhe only responded with a perfunctory nod. His eyes still drifted occasionally toward Yang Qingyan’s direction, his mind clearly elsewhere.