Chapter 18 – The Original Female Lead, Cheng Weiwei

After finally adjusting her emotions, the girl smiled, “I was just so happy to see Brother Wei that I forgot myself. Don’t blame me, sister-in-law. I’m Cheng Weiwei. My brother, Cheng Xu, is Brother Wei’s good friend. We live just upstairs from you.”

Cheng Weiwei… Lian Yuqing narrowed her eyes. Wasn’t this the original female lead of the novel? When Wei Dong was seriously injured, the original host had decisively left him, and Cheng Weiwei had taken the opportunity to slip in, caring for him attentively, ultimately melting his cold exterior.

A tug on Wei Dong’s sleeve interrupted her thoughts.
“Let’s go home, I’m exhausted~”

Lian Yuqing’s tone wasn’t sweet or gentle, but it carried a hint of coquettishness. After all, she’d been sitting on a train for two days — managing to hold off a meltdown was already quite an achievement.

Wei Dong took the lead and walked past Cheng Weiwei without a word.

Qian Liang followed after, and Lian Yuqing trailed behind slowly. As she passed Cheng Weiwei, her voice was lazy and casual:
“I’m Lian Yuqing. I’m your Brother Wei’s… wife.”

“Looking forward to your guidance.” She gave Cheng Weiwei, who was clearly unhappy, a pleasant smile before vanishing from sight.

Cheng Weiwei’s fists clenched tightly at her sides, her nails snapping without her even feeling the pain. Her eyes darkened as she stared in the direction they’d gone.

Qian Liang used the key to open the door. The apartment was spacious and well-lit. Wei Dong had arranged for it to be cleaned in advance.

Knowing his wife was arriving, Wei Dong’s subordinates had taken extra care — the tables and chairs gleamed, and the floor was so shiny you could see your reflection in it.

Qian Liang set down their things. “Commander, sister-in-law, I’ll take my leave now. Call me if you need anything.”

Wei Dong nodded. Lian Yuqing smiled, “Thanks. We don’t have much at home today, but next time, I’ll treat you to a meal.”

“Sister-in-law, you’re too polite.”

Now that they were finally alone, Lian Yuqing dropped all pretenses and flopped into a chair. “You clean up first. I can’t move right now.”

Wei Dong hadn’t expected her to help anyway. He went to the bedroom, started unpacking, and put everything in its place.

Then he nudged the woman in the chair. Lian Yuqing slowly opened her eyes—she had fallen asleep.

“Go sleep on the bed,” Wei Dong said.

She rolled her sore neck and looked up. “I want a shower.”

Wei Dong glanced at the food box in his hand. “Eat first.”

“I can’t eat until I shower,” she insisted.

Their eyes met — her gaze was fierce, like she’d rather starve than not wash.

Sighing, Wei Dong set the food aside and went outside to fetch a bucket of hot water.

Lian Yuqing happily went off to shower. When her shampoo ran out halfway through, she shamelessly called Wei Dong to fetch another bucket.

When the bathroom door opened, steam rolled out. Lian Yuqing had changed into clean clothes, her damp hair wrapped in a towel. She looked relaxed, like a lazy cat.

Wei Dong said, “I helped you get hot water today, but from now on, if you want to shower, go to the communal bathhouse.”

She tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Can I not go?”

“Can you go without showering?”

Annoyed, she threw the towel at him. The damp cloth hit his chest, soaking his shirt, and Wei Dong had no idea why she was suddenly mad again.

Just then, someone knocked on the door. Wei Dong glanced at her.

Lian Yuqing mouthed silently: What?

Wei Dong’s eyes swept over her — the damp clothes clung to her figure, every curve visible.

“So what if they stare?” she huffed, though she still turned and went back to the bedroom.

Wei Dong opened the door. A tall, handsome man stood outside — his good brother, Cheng Xu.

Cheng Xu thumped Wei Dong’s shoulder, “You’ve been gone so long, I thought you got too comfortable to come back.”

Seeing his friend, Wei Dong relaxed and smiled, “Old Meng approved a few extra days off.”

“Brother Wei,” Cheng Weiwei poked her head out from behind Cheng Xu.

Wei Dong nodded, his smile disappearing.

“Weiwei told me you’re too polite to come on your own, so I made dinner. I came personally to invite you. You must eat at our place tonight,” Cheng Xu said. He peeked inside, “Where’s your wife? Bring her too.”

Cheng Weiwei added sweetly, “You and sister-in-law must be tired. Come eat with us — everything’s ready.”

Wei Dong didn’t respond. Knowing Lian Yuqing’s temper, if she didn’t want to go, no one could force her. But Cheng Xu misunderstood.

“What? You need me to beg three more times?”

“I’ll ask my wife if she’s willing,” Wei Dong said as he walked back inside.

Cheng Xu was intrigued. The so-called ‘devil commander’ of the army, a man whose word was law, actually needed his wife’s permission just to have dinner?

Hand on the doorknob, Wei Dong remembered her earlier outfit and knocked first. Only after hearing her voice did he go in.

Lian Yuqing was already dressed and sitting by the bed, drying her hair.

“Cheng Xu, the captain of the fifth battalion, invited us for dinner,” Wei Dong said plainly.

Her hand paused. “Cheng Weiwei’s brother?”

“Yeah.”

There was a moment of silence. Wei Dong assumed she was upset. “If you don’t want to, I’ll bring the food ba—”

“Why wouldn’t I go?”

Wei Dong looked down at her. She smiled. “You think I’m unwilling? I get 10 yuan a month in living expenses from you. Don’t worry, I won’t ruin your reputation in the family compound. That’s generous enough, right?”

So it was for the money. Wei Dong coughed awkwardly, “Let’s go, then.”

“Wait. My hair’s not dry yet.”

She moved slowly, clearly in no rush. Outside, Cheng Xu was still waiting. Wei Dong went out to calm him.

Cheng Xu glared, “Where is she?”

“You two go back first. I’ll bring her up later.”

Cheng Xu didn’t get it, but Cheng Weiwei pulled him away, “You don’t understand girls. They need time to freshen up, okay?”

He really didn’t understand. He was a year older than Wei Dong and still single, clueless about women. “Alright, just don’t be late!”

Lian Yuqing didn’t pick up her pace just because someone was waiting. She slowly dried her hair, humming while braiding it into a fluffy fishtail. Wei Dong came in several times, watching silently before leaving again.

On his last trip inside, she was just finishing up and complained, “This room doesn’t even have a vanity. Not even a mirror!”

“I’ll give you money tonight. Go buy one tomorrow,” Wei Dong replied.

Lian Yuqing seized the opportunity. “Also need a comb, soap, slippers, a water cup…”

“Alright,” he said simply.

Finally done, she followed Wei Dong upstairs. Coincidentally, Cheng Xu’s apartment was right above theirs.

Cheng Weiwei opened the door — she had changed from earlier and was now wearing a floral dress. She greeted them warmly, “Come in!”

Unlike Wei Dong’s bare and simple home, Cheng Xu’s apartment was clearly luxurious — leather sofa, TV playing in the background, carefully chosen furniture.

Lian Yuqing didn’t hide her curiosity, boldly looking around. Cheng Weiwei caught it all and assumed she was jealous. After all, with Wei Dong’s salary, there was no way they could afford this lifestyle.