Chapter 14 Ordinary Days

“Why don’t you just rest well today?” Lan Xubai wrapped his arms around Lian Nanshu, who was leaning against him, and lowered his head to ask for her opinion. “We can visit my parents over the weekend instead. By then, my younger sister won’t have class either, so we can go together. That way, she can help distract you. How does that sound?”

Lian Nanshu looked up at him and smiled without saying anything, reaching up to touch his eyebrows.

Seeing her silent, Lan Xubai grew a little worried and asked again, “Why aren’t you saying anything? Do you not like Luobai? Or do you not want to go to my parents’ house?”

After tracing his brows, she reached for his face but couldn’t quite touch it. She then leaned closer, bringing her lips near his ear and whispered, “Whatever you say~”

That drawn-out tone in her voice lingered in his ears, making his body instinctively react. His face reddened, and he quickly pushed her away, saying, “Dinner is ready. It’s staying warm in the pot. Let’s wash up and eat?” He stood up abruptly.

Watching him flee in a fluster, Lian Nanshu smiled smugly. A little teasing was harmless—after all, she couldn’t escape anyway. Might as well make him suffer a bit.

Lan Xubai had been thoughtful. He had cooked dinner, kept it warm, and even brought in the laundry before it got dark, placing it on the sofa. When Lian Nanshu saw that familiar red camisole, she couldn’t help blushing again.

He had said he liked it!

Touching her burning cheeks, she felt that living a peaceful life with Lan Xubai might not be such a bad thing after all.

After dinner, Lian Nanshu returned to the room to write. Lan Xubai knew she enjoyed creating, so he didn’t disturb her. He simply poured some water and brought her some fruit.

He didn’t want to bother her while she worked, but he also reflected that after years in the military, he was still too rough around the edges. He didn’t want Nanshu to dislike him, so he decided to use this free time to read more books! That way, he could have more meaningful conversations with his wife.

This kind of life felt calm and serene.

When Lian Nanshu got into a serious writing mode, she would focus completely on her work. After writing several pages, her fingers were sore. As she stretched, she realized there was still some lingering pain down there.

She put her pen down and noticed the glass of water and the plate of fruit already waiting for her. Looking toward the living room, she saw the corner of the sofa—and him, sitting there quietly reading.

He hadn’t disturbed her once, quietly reading the entire time.

She picked up the untouched fruit and walked to the doorway. Leaning there, she watched him read. His long legs, solid build, and those bruises on his neck…

As she ate the sliced fruit, a shy and slightly bashful expression bloomed on her face.

“What are you smiling at?” Lan Xubai looked up when he noticed her staring at him. “You finished writing?”

“Mm~” She walked over to the sofa, sat beside him, picked up a piece of apple with a toothpick, and fed it directly to him—even though apple was her least favorite.

Lan Xubai looked blissful, didn’t refuse, and opened his mouth to eat it.

“Tired?” he asked gently after chewing and swallowing.

“Do you mean work or writing?” Lian Nanshu wasn’t sure what he was referring to.

Lan Xubai hesitated for a moment, then said, “Both.”

Lian Nanshu leaned on his shoulder and thought for a bit. “Actually, I like both my work and writing. It’s just that work requires constant socializing, which I don’t really enjoy. I prefer writing—it’s quiet, and I don’t have to talk to anyone.”

She liked that feeling—quietly doing something she loved, alone.

But in this era, you needed to work to earn a living and avoid being criticized by others. After graduation, many of her classmates had been assigned to teach in remote areas. Because she was a top student, the school leadership valued her and asked her to stay on as a teacher.

In truth, she didn’t enjoy teaching. The way some people stared at her made her uncomfortable. She was beautiful—she spent time on skincare and cared about her appearance. But that made her the target of unwanted attention and malice.

Actually, her writing paid well—enough to support her life. But she felt guilty leaving the school after everything her mentors had done for her. So she stayed.

Lan Xubai had learned about her situation over the years. He knew she was often harassed for her looks and that, living alone here, she had to endure rumors and gossip from neighbors.

If he asked her to leave everything behind and follow him to the military base… would she be willing?

After all, she was a modern, independent woman. She might not be able to accept a life of staying home without work. She’d probably feel bored. And the border base where he was stationed was a tough place with harsh weather.

“How long are you staying this time?” Lian Nanshu suddenly asked. Usually, he stayed for two weeks to a month.

Lan Xubai replied honestly, “Just half a month left.”

He had already spent half a month recovering in the hospital. As he spoke, he closely observed her expression. He wanted to bring it up—but was afraid of being rejected.

Suddenly, Lian Nanshu perked up. “When you have time, can I come visit you?”

“I want to understand what life is like for military wives—then I can write about it! Maybe stories about their longing for a better life?”

In this era, people were starting to yearn for better days, for free love. Many were eager to learn about things beyond their reach through stories. Since her work kept her stuck in one place, she couldn’t get fresh inspiration. If she could visit new places, maybe this was her last chance to find that spark.

“Of course! Just call me whenever you want to come,” Lan Xubai replied, seeing the excitement in her eyes.

But what he truly hoped… was that one day, she would be willing to live with him.

Still, he knew very well—Nanshu had her own pace and life. She wasn’t someone who would settle easily.

“I’ve already resigned from my position as department head. Mr. Li is a very good teacher! I plan to take a break for a while!”

She had saved a lot of money—over ten thousand yuan, which, given the current cost of living, was quite substantial. She wanted to live, to truly experience life.

The previous generation had worked themselves to death, their illnesses worsening, dying in pain. She had studied hard, but hard work couldn’t beat talent—nor could it compare to connections. Her parents had hoped she would become successful, but unfortunately, she died young.

Thinking of that, her wish was simply to enjoy life.

“Are you… planning to become a military spouse?” Lan Xubai suddenly asked, as if driven by some inexplicable impulse.

Lian Nanshu hadn’t expected him to suggest taking her away with him. She was curious about the life of a military spouse.

“If you don’t want to, that’s okay too! Whenever I’m on leave, I’ll come back to be with you!” he hurriedly explained, afraid he’d startled her with his question.

But Lian Nanshu replied, “I’m willing.”

“But being a military spouse means sacrificing a lot. The conditions there will be tough—nowhere near as comfortable as life in Beicheng,” he warned. The life there was drastically different. He feared that delicate, sheltered Lian Nanshu might not even last a few months before wanting to return. “But… you can just try living there for a while, and if it suits you, then decide whether to stay?”

“Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be!”

She had lacked a sense of security all these years—until he appeared yesterday. His presence brought a feeling of ease. With him around, she would have fewer troubles. Besides, he was a good man—even if she had to endure hardship with him, she wouldn’t be bullied.

Lan Xubai was overjoyed. He cupped her chin and gave her a kiss. “I’ll report it to the unit tomorrow, then apply for housing. Once we go over, we can move right in.”

Seeing how happy he was, Lian Nanshu couldn’t help but dampen his enthusiasm a bit. “Don’t get too excited just yet. If the school doesn’t approve my departure, I won’t be able to go.”

“It’s okay. If you can go, great. If not, I’ll take leave and come back to see you!”

Lan Xubai knew she was willing—her willingness meant she was ready to spend her life with him. He grinned from ear to ear, already imagining the days they’d share together in the future.

That night, they bathed and went to sleep.

The next day, Lian Nanshu had to return to school for class and declined Lan Xubai’s request to stay, leaving him tossing and turning before finally falling asleep.

Early the next morning, Lian Nanshu got up.

“You’re up?” Lan Xubai had just returned from outside. “I bought breakfast. I’ll take you to school after we eat.”

“Okay~” Lian Nanshu didn’t refuse and quickly sat down for breakfast.

Two eggs and four buns.

Lian Nanshu ate one egg and couldn’t finish the buns.

“You eat the buns. I’m full,” she said.

She never had much appetite in the morning—after one egg, she couldn’t eat anything else.