After exchanging a glance with Gu Jianing, Sheng Zexi immediately understood her intention and played along, saying, “If my status as a soldier means my wife can’t even enjoy a portion of braised pork without having to give it away, then what kind of man am I? When we arrive at the station and reach the military base, I’ll go ask my superiors if being a soldier or a military spouse means we can’t eat anything and have to give everything away. If that’s the case, who would still want to be a soldier? It’s truly heartbreaking to think that soldiers are shedding blood on the frontlines to protect the people, with so many sacrificing their lives on the battlefield, only to have those they protect bully and humiliate my wife.”

Sheng Zexi’s words were sharp and to the point, and they immediately startled the woman.

In any era, civilians hold soldiers in high regard. They protect the country and its people, ensuring the stability and safety of everyone’s lives. They are the most respected and beloved individuals in the world.

While they fight bravely on the frontlines, how could anyone dare to take advantage of their families? Shouldn’t they be offering help and support instead?

The people around them, seeing the pitiful Gu Jianing with her reddened eyes, already felt sympathy for her. They knew the woman was shameless—after all, in these times, getting meat wasn’t as simple as just asking for it. Now, thinking more deeply, they felt even more indignant.

Thus, condemning gazes fell on the woman, and the words spoken were merciless.

“Soldiers are on the frontlines risking their lives to protect us. What’s wrong with them eating a portion of braised pork?”

“How can you be so shameless? If you want to eat meat, buy it yourself. If you can’t afford it, then don’t eat it.”

“This child needs to be taught a lesson. At such a young age, he’s already crying and demanding other people’s meat. What will he become when he grows up?”

“Apologize, apologize! You must apologize!”

The woman was forced to step back, and the little boy burst into tears, terrified.

Hearing Gu Jianing and Sheng Zexi’s words, the man who had been sitting there calmly—the woman’s husband—finally couldn’t sit still anymore.

What kind of talk was this?

Regardless of the soldier’s rank, if those words were truly spread, they would become infamous.

If being a soldier meant having to sacrifice everything, who would still want to serve?

Moreover, while soldiers are on the frontlines fighting and protecting the country, their wives can’t even enjoy a piece of meat they bought themselves? Wouldn’t that chill the hearts of those brave soldiers?

They might even be labeled as counter-revolutionaries and end up in prison.

So, the man stepped forward and slapped the woman.

“Stop talking nonsense! Hurry up and apologize to the soldier and his wife.”

The woman hurriedly apologized to Sheng Zexi and Gu Jianing.

“Comrade, I’m sorry. She was just confused and spoke nonsense. I’ll make sure to teach her a lesson.” After saying this, the man dragged the little boy away. “If you’re hungry, eat the steamed buns. If you don’t want to eat, then go hungry.”

Gu Jianing and Sheng Zexi exchanged a glance. Both of them could tell that the man was the most despicable one.

When the little boy and the woman were being aggressive earlier, why had he remained so calm and unresponsive?

It was only now, seeing public opinion shift in favor of Gu Jianing and Sheng Zexi, that he stepped in to stop things, fearing the situation would escalate.

And his method was to hit and scold. Honestly, Gu Jianing found such people utterly contemptible.

She immediately stopped giving them any attention. Social scum like them weren’t worth a single glance from her.

The people around them were also surprised. Gu Jianing, a beautiful and delicate-looking young woman, was actually so formidable.

In an instant, those who had harbored similar thoughts as the woman quickly dismissed them. Not to mention, she had a soldier for a husband.

Don’t mess with them, absolutely don’t mess with them.

After sitting down, Sheng Zexi exchanged another glance with Gu Jianing.

Gu Jianing slightly raised her chin, revealing a somewhat proud expression. Seeing his little wife’s bright eyes, eager for praise, Sheng Zexi smiled and patted her head, saying, “That’s the way. If anyone bullies you in the future, fight back. Don’t hold back. I’ll always have your back.”

Gu Jianing nodded firmly.

“Let’s continue eating.”

“Okay.”

They had to eat, after all. They couldn’t let irrelevant people ruin their mood.

Meanwhile, Shen Huaiyuan and Bai Juan, who had just returned from a trip, heard about what had happened and lamented not being there earlier. Otherwise, they could have spoken up for Gu Jianing and Sheng Zexi.

Gu Jianing didn’t have a big appetite. Although she had tasted both meals, she couldn’t finish them.

So, Sheng Zexi finished the rest.

A man in his prime, especially a soldier with a heavy training regimen, naturally had a large appetite.

After eating, Gu Jianing started feeling drowsy.

“Go to the restroom first, then sleep on the upper bunk,” Sheng Zexi suggested.

“Okay.”

Leaving their luggage with Shen Huaiyuan and Bai Juan, the two headed toward the restroom.

However, when Gu Jianing was led to the restroom, her delicate and pretty face scrunched up, and she instinctively covered her nose and mouth.

It stank, it was too dirty, and it was just too filthy.

Gu Jianing, who had a strong sense of cleanliness, immediately turned to leave, but Sheng Zexi stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Ningning, if you need to go, you should go now. It’s still bearable at this point. In a day or two, it might get worse…”

“Besides, we’ll be on this train for three days and two nights.”

Yes, three days and two nights. And this was only the first day.

Gu Jianing felt like crying.

Knowing Sheng Zexi was looking out for her, she pulled her scarf up to cover her nose and mouth, gritted her teeth, and went in.

Sheng Zexi waited outside, his eyes filled with heartache.

He knew how much Ningning valued cleanliness. Yet now, because of him, she had to endure this.

Sheng Zexi felt deeply distressed.

Fortunately, he remembered the house he had applied for when he submitted his marriage report.

He was grateful that when his superiors asked what kind of house he wanted, he didn’t choose an apartment in a multi-story building. Instead, he chose a single-story house with a courtyard, complete with a well, a private bathroom, and a separate shower.

Otherwise, if they had to live in an apartment building, sharing toilets, showers, and even kitchens with others, he knew his delicate wife wouldn’t be able to handle it.

In fact, the house he had requested was highly sought after. At the time, many people wanted it, and Sheng Zexi had to use his military merits to secure it.

His superior had even asked him, “Is it worth it?”

Sheng Zexi thought: “Yes, absolutely worth it!”

Now that he was married, the military merits he had earned would either be used for promotions or to ensure his wife’s comfort. That was the most worthwhile use of them.

As he was lost in thought, the restroom door opened, interrupting Sheng Zexi’s reflections.

Sheng Zexi carefully guided his pale-faced wife back to their seats.

Once they returned, Gu Jianing’s delicate face was still scrunched up, and she pouted at Sheng Zexi, saying, “When we arrive, the first thing you need to do is boil water for me to take a bath.”