Chapter 28: Could It Be He Has a Crush on You?

From the crowd, someone shouted, “Xiaolian, who sent you the letter?”

Ma Xiaolian beamed, “From my hometown. It’s a letter from home.”

Everyone perked up with interest.

“Oho, from home? Xiaolian, what does it say?”

“No use asking, Xiaolian doesn’t know how to read.”

“Chahua can read, let her help read it.”

“Xiaolian, let Chahua read the letter for you.”

The women were all being kind.

But Ma Xiaolian wasn’t having it. She stuffed the letter into her pocket, grabbed her little stool, and walked off—ignoring the women calling after her.

She couldn’t read, but her son could.

And this letter was important—it was about a marriage proposal, her first time acting as a matchmaker.

Before things were confirmed, she didn’t want rumors spoiling it.

…

Luo Yaqing sneezed several times in a row. A female coworker next to her kindly asked if she was okay, which warmed her heart.

Life at the soap factory was simple and peaceful. The workers here were genuine and kind.

Although it was a time of material hardship, everyone seemed spiritually fulfilled—optimistic and full of energy.

When the lunch bell rang, workers grabbed their lunchboxes and rushed toward the staff canteen.

The printing workshop was closest to the canteen, so reserving seats naturally fell to Chen Xiaomin.

Today, she’d snagged a great window-side seat, where the sunlight poured in and warmed the spot.

When Luo Yaqing arrived with her lunch, she noticed someone new sitting next to Chen Xiaomin.

The young man was wearing blue overalls, had neatly parted short hair, thick eyebrows, and big eyes—just over twenty years old.

He was chatting with Chen Xiaomin, but when he saw Luo Yaqing and Zhang Guiqin approach, he quickly picked up his lunchbox and made room.

As he left, he snuck a few glances at Luo Yaqing.

“Who’s that guy?” Zhang Guiqin asked as soon as she sat down.

Chen Xiaomin stirred her food while answering, “Ge Chaopeng, a machine repair worker in the factory, apprentice to Master Song.”

She paused, then added, “I don’t even know him well, and he suddenly came over trying to get chummy.”

Zhang Guiqin casually quipped, “Maybe he’s got a crush on you?”

Chen Xiaomin nearly choked on her food. “Auntie, you really let your imagination run wild.”

Zhang Guiqin chuckled sheepishly.

Getting forgetful—she’d forgotten that Chen Xiaomin was a married woman. If her mother-in-law found out, she’d have a fit.

Luo Yaqing reasoned, “Maybe he just saw Xiaomin sitting alone and came over to chat.”

Chen Xiaomin nodded, “We’re all coworkers. Besides, everyone here knows I’m married.”

After lunch, the workers had an hour for a break.

Some went to the factory club, others went back to the dorms to rest.

As temporary workers, Luo Yaqing and Zhang Guiqin sat outside in the sun with their stools.

During the break, Zhang Guiqin pulled out her knitting and began to stitch a sweater, needle by needle.

Her hands were skillful.

Luo Yaqing watched in envy as the yarn transformed into beautiful patterns with ease.

“Why don’t you buy some yarn? I’ll teach you,” Zhang Guiqin offered, seeing her interest.

Luo Yaqing smiled but didn’t answer.

Knitting a whole sweater would take a lot of time—and she wasn’t sure she had the willpower.

Seeing her hesitation, Zhang Guiqin encouraged her, “It’s not hard. You can start with something simple.”

“Like a scarf, gloves, or a collar.”

“Once you learn, you can knit a sweater and pants for Commander Han.”

Luo Yaqing thought for a moment. “Maybe I’ll try knitting a scarf.”

Zhang Guiqin beamed. “Then let’s go buy yarn after work this afternoon.”

“Let’s go tomorrow during lunch break,” Luo Yaqing replied.

After work, she had to rush home to cook—no time to pick yarn at the supply store.

Zhang Guiqin agreed. “Alright, we’ll go tomorrow.”

Outside the factory, the lot was filled with bicycles. After clocking out, workers found their bikes in the sea of two-wheelers and headed for the gate.

Luo Yaqing joined the tide of cyclists.

Just before reaching the gate, she bumped into Ge Chaopeng, who cheerfully greeted her.

“Heading home?”

“Mm.” Luo Yaqing nodded politely.

She was a bit surprised that he approached her to talk.

Ge Chaopeng smiled at her. “Be careful on the way.”

Luo Yaqing nodded again and, under his warm gaze, pushed her bike toward Zhang Guiqin.

On the road, Luo Yaqing pedaled fast as usual.

“You’re always in such a hurry after work. It’s not like there’s a baby at home waiting to be fed,” Chen Xiaomin teased.

“I just want to get home sooner,” Luo Yaqing replied.

Zhang Guiqin laughed, “There’s no baby at home, but there is an adult.”

Luo Yaqing’s mouth twitched.

And Chen Xiaomin chimed in, “Right, right—Commander Han is at home waiting to be nursed.”

“…”

Luo Yaqing was speechless. How did they come up with this kind of crude joke so casually?

Chen Xiaomin honked her bike bell and shot her a teasing look.

“…”

Luo Yaqing didn’t even want to respond. She pedaled even faster to get far away from them.

At home, Han Zhixu had already washed the vegetables. All Luo Yaqing had to do was cook.

A plate of stir-fried cabbage with glass noodles and a bowl of steamed egg custard.

The main course: soft white steamed buns.

The canteen had given the soldiers extra food today, and Han Zhixu had specially brought back some buns.

At the dinner table, Han Zhixu handed her a bun.

Luo Yaqing took it, glanced at him, and inexplicably blushed.

She quickly finished her meal and ran into her room without even washing the dishes.

As the saying goes: a full belly stirs lustful thoughts.

She couldn’t eat too much.

The next morning, she was woken by Han Zhixu knocking on her door.

After getting dressed, she washed up, had breakfast, and headed to work.

Han Zhixu watched her give Zhang Guiqin a ride. He opened his mouth to tell her to ride slowly and be careful, but in the end, said nothing.

He only turned back to the military base after watching them disappear.

On the way, Zhang Guiqin kept talking about buying yarn—from brand names and prices to textures and colors.

Like Dashan yarn, which made warm, thin sweaters and pants.

Or Qun Yang yarn, with vivid colors and lovely finishes.

Or puffy yarn, bright and durable, though not very warm.

Luo Yaqing didn’t understand much and just asked Zhang Guiqin to help her pick something nice.

At the factory gate, the three got off their bikes. Ge Chaopeng and the gatekeeper were smoking.

When he saw them, Ge Chaopeng immediately stubbed out his cigarette and greeted them. “You’re here.”

Chen Xiaomin teased, “Oh, Master Ge smokes, huh?”

Ge Chaopeng laughed, “Just one occasionally.”

Luo Yaqing and Zhang Guiqin didn’t know him well, so they walked past.

Seeing that, Chen Xiaomin didn’t want to chat either. She exchanged a few polite words and pushed her bike to catch up.

Unexpectedly, Ge Chaopeng caught up with her. “Chen Xiaomin, let me push your bike to the parking area.”

She was stunned. “You? Push my bike? Are you serious? You think that’s appropriate?”

Just as Ge Chaopeng was about to respond, she cut him off, frowning. “I’m a married woman. You pushing my bike—what does that look like? I’m a proper person. I’m a soldier’s wife. Show some respect.”

Ge Chaopeng was dumbfounded and quickly explained, “You’ve misunderstood, Chen Xiaomin. I already have someone I like.”

Chen Xiaomin let out a breath of relief.

She only had eyes for Jian Guo’s father and hated being pursued by other men.

“Then why the random act of kindness?” she asked.

Ge Chaopeng scratched his head. “I wanted to ask you for a favor.”

“What kind of favor?”

He looked shy. “I like someone—you know her too—and I was hoping you’d help me play matchmaker.”

Chen Xiaomin perked up. “Tell me, who is it?”

She knew all the single girls in the printing workshop and got along well with some.

Ge Chaopeng pointed toward a figure in the distance and bashfully said, “Her.”

Chen Xiaomin turned to look—and her eyes widened in shock, completely incredulous.

“Are you out of your mind?”

“I’m very clear-headed,” Ge Chaopeng replied seriously.

Chen Xiaomin’s face twisted as if she were watching a madman.

Completely nuts.

And a little creepy, too.

“Matchmake my ass!” she snapped.

Ge Chaopeng flinched. “Chen Xiaomin, why are you cursing?”

She shouted, “My auntie’s husband is still alive. Her son is barely a year younger than you. You like my auntie and you want me to help set you up? Have you no shame? Disgusting!”

Ge Chaopeng was completely confused. “When did I say I liked your auntie?”

Chen Xiaomin fumed, “Didn’t you just point to Aunt Guiqin?”

Ge Chaopeng followed her gaze—and went pale.

Only Zhang Guiqin was still visible in the distance. His crush had already disappeared.

He had definitely pointed at—

Chen Xiaomin must’ve looked in the wrong direction.

Her eyesight was awful—and so was her brain.