Chapter 25

During the past few days, Luo Dazhu forced a smile and said, “Yes, just a few more days. You’ve worked hard during this time.”

The wedding of Jiangsu Su took place two days later. After the ceremony, the military family compound hosted a performance featuring the military district’s art troupe.

Noticing Xu Sister-in-Law’s gloomy mood in recent days, Gu Nian and Li Pandi insisted on taking her to watch the show. She allowed them to pull her along, but midway, Li Pandi suddenly clutched her stomach in pain.

“I have a stomachache. Can you come with me to the restroom?”

Seeing her break into a cold sweat, the two had no choice but to accompany her. After using the restroom, they passed by the backstage area and overheard whispers—then, a woman’s voice:

“Luo Dazhu, when are you finally going to divorce her?”

“I’ll talk to her tonight. You stay in the city and don’t come here for performances anymore. Too many people in the military district know me—if someone finds out, it’ll be bad.”

It was Luo Dazhu’s voice. Xu Sister-in-Law clenched her fists. She never expected Luo Dazhu would truly betray her.

“What are you afraid of? Sooner or later, I’ll move into the family compound with you. It’s better that she finds out now.”

“Alright, alright, don’t get upset—it’s bad for the baby.”

“Oh, stop fussing. Be careful with the baby.”

“It’s fine. The doctor said everything is okay.”

Xu Sister-in-Law couldn’t listen anymore. She grabbed Gu Nian and Li Pandi and left. The three of them had lost interest in the performance and went straight back to Xu Sister-in-Law’s home, where her three daughters were already asleep.

In front of Gu Nian and Li Pandi, Xu Sister-in-Law didn’t need to put on a brave face. She burst into tears. Neither of them spoke; they simply held her, letting her vent her emotions.

After she had cried enough, Gu Nian prepared paper and a pen. “Sister-in-Law, write it down now. If you don’t start taking action, Luodazhu will file for divorce citing ‘irreconcilable differences,’ and it’ll be too late.”

“Alright.”

Following Gu Nian’s advice, Xu Sister-in-Law wrote down everything Luodazhu had done. She wasted no time—she went to the military district that very night and dropped the report letter into the complaint box.

When Luodazhu came home, Xu Sister-in-Law acted as if nothing had happened. Meanwhile, the military leadership was furious after receiving the report.

A military marriage was sacred, and Luodazhu had dared to cheat. They immediately assigned Li Chuanzhi to investigate.

The investigation proved the accusations true. Even though the report was anonymous, Luo Dazhu’s affair with the art troupe actress was undeniable.

While Luo Dazhu was still lost in dreams of embracing a soft beauty and having a son, military authorities arrived.

“Luodazhu, haven’t you settled things at home yet?”

“Ah… I have, I have.”

“Since you have, come with us.”

“Can I ask what this is about?”

“Someone reported you for having an affair.”

Luo Dazhu’s heart sank. Who had leaked the news? He had hidden it so well.

It had been fine for so long—why did this have to happen at such a critical moment?

“This is slander! I swear, my reputation is well-known in the military district!”

It was precisely because he had always acted righteously that many initially refused to believe he would do such a thing. After all, he had three daughters—why didn’t he think about them?

“Come with us.”

No one cared for his pleas. Luodazhu was taken away, along with the actress from the art troupe.

Because she was pregnant, the military district was lenient—she was sent to a farm for reformation. That was already the lightest punishment.

However, Luo Dazhu was not so lucky. Given the severity of the crime, he received the harshest possible punishment.

He regretted everything. But it was too late.

It was his own mother who had planted this seed of destruction.

Before she passed away, Chen Lixia had talked to him.

She urged him: “Xu Hua can’t give you a son. You should find another woman to bear a child.”

At first, Luo Dazhu had rejected the idea, thinking his mother was speaking nonsense.

But later, during an art troupe performance with his comrades, he fell in love at first sight with a female performer.

After getting close, he realized she liked him too. Over time, they ended up together.

Luo Dazhu rented her an apartment in the city, and she was now two months pregnant.

Desiring a son, Luodazhu decided to follow his mother’s advice.

He had never intended to divorce Xu Hua. His plan was to wait until the actress gave birth, then take the child while sending her away.

News of Luo Dazhu’s scandal spread throughout the family compound. The residents sympathized with Xu Hua, bringing her gifts and support.

Xu Hua assured them she was fine. Life had to go on, and she would raise her three daughters well.

The military district leadership, recognizing her hardships, allowed her to keep her family housing and her job in the canteen. They even gave her a 500-yuan compensation.

She was grateful for the kindness of those around her.

However, Luo Dazhu’s younger sister, Luo Heimei, soon arrived.

“Sister-in-Law, my brother is awful for what he did. But don’t worry, I’m on your side!”

“Now that it’s just us two, we’ll support each other. I’ll help you take care of the children.”

After all she had been through, Xu Hua no longer trusted Luo Heimei’s sweet words. She could see right through her.

“Just say what you want, Luo Heimei.”

“Well… Even though my brother wronged you, you’ve been part of our family for years. We still have a bond. I actually came to ask if I could borrow 100 yuan.”

“You know how hard my life has been since I married Old Shang. As my sister-in-law, you should help me out.”

Luo Heimei thought Xu Hua wouldn’t mind sharing, given that she had received 500 yuan.

But when Xu Hua realized she was only here for money, she was furious.

“Luo Heimei, your brother may have wronged me, but this money is my compensation from the military district.”

“If you want money, go ask them yourself. Without their approval, I won’t give you a single cent.”

“Sister-in-Law, that’s not fair! I’m your only family left in the military district!”

“Then I’d rather not have family.”

Xu Hua and Luo Heimei completely severed ties that day.

Luo Heimei left empty-handed, her face cold.

As time passed, Gu Nian’s belly grew bigger.

Then, one day, an exciting piece of news spread.

Everyone—both in the military district and the educated youth in the remote mountain village—was abuzz with excitement.

In an old, dilapidated house, a woman sat slumped on the floor, her eyes empty.

But when she heard the news from outside, her gaze flickered…