Chapter 18: A Heart-to-Heart Between Husband and Wife, Resentment Finally Melted

“Ye Qing, about what happened before… did you do it willingly, or did your mother force you?”

Ye Qing was stunned. Was this really the right time to be asking this? And how was she supposed to answer?

If she said her own mother had forced her, wouldn’t that mean she never had any real feelings for him? Wouldn’t that be too much of a blow to his pride?

But if she said she did it willingly… given how scheming the original Ye Qing had been, how could he not harbor doubts? That wouldn’t help their future together either.

Seeing Ye Qing remain silent, Qin Ye continued: “I know you’ve suffered a lot these past years. It’s just… she was your biological mother! How could she treat you like that?”

“I won’t hold the past against you, but I want you to be honest with me—what were you truly thinking in your heart?”

Ye Qing looked up at him, and in her eyes was only his reflection. “I’ll tell the truth, but you have to promise not to get angry.”

Qin Ye nodded. “Go on. I promise I won’t be angry.”

Ye Qing searched through the original body’s memories and immersed herself in the painful life she had lived.

She said: “You probably don’t know this, but aside from that good-for-nothing older brother, I also had an older sister. Neither of them studied much. My sister got married early and, aside from my father, she was the kindest to me.”

“I don’t know why, but my mother treated my brother and sister well—she just didn’t like me. No matter what I did, she always thought I was wrong.”

“Especially after my father passed away, she treated me even worse. She stopped me from going to school, said it was a waste of money, and she’d beat and insult me over the smallest things—like I wasn’t even her daughter. In that house, I never dared to raise my voice, not even look her in the eye.”

“Back then, my biggest wish was to find a man I loved, who also loved me, and marry far, far away—best if I never had to return to that house for the rest of my life.”

“Then that day came—she suddenly gave me a bowl of egg tea and said I’d been too stressed lately, even my breath smelled foul. It was the first time I’d ever eaten an egg. I didn’t think much and just drank it.”

Her eyes welled up with tears as she softly said: “Only after drinking it did I realize something was wrong. After that, I don’t remember anything. All I could think was—I’d found the hero who came to save me. I was willing to follow him for the rest of my life, even if it meant eating bitter meals and living a hard life…”

Qin Ye held her hand tightly, his eyes reddening. “Say no more! I understand! I’ve wronged you all these years. But… since Nannan was born, why didn’t you write to tell me? If I had known…”

Ye Qing interrupted him, shaking her head. “I couldn’t write!”

“They pressured me so many times, telling me to write and inform you about Nannan, so you’d send more money for the child. But your money was earned with your life on the line. You’d already given me so much—how could I ask for more?”

“You don’t know—after you left, my mother used the money you sent to arrange a marriage for my brother. The woman’s name is Ding Lanhua. She’s just like my mother—a bloodsucker. No matter how much you give, it’ll never be enough for them.”

“When you stopped sending money for half a year, they said you’d died and tried to force me to remarry. I had no choice but to sneak away and come look for you. I’m so thankful my father had insisted on sending me to high school despite pressure from the whole family. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even have had the ability to come find you.”

Strong arms pulled her into a firm embrace. “I’m sorry… for making you relive all those painful memories.”

“Actually, I always hoped you could come and live with me here, follow the army life. But the conditions here are tough, and I was afraid you wouldn’t be willing. And… and at that time, I felt like you were a bit scared of me?”

Ye Qing froze. A bit scared? She had been absolutely terrified of him! The original Ye Qing would tremble all over whenever she saw him.

But Ye Qing wasn’t afraid of him at all! That was why she had come.

Of course, the fact that she now had a new soul in her body couldn’t be told. She still had to come up with a suitable explanation.

Ye Qing glanced at him. “You’re always walking around with that stiff face. Ask around—how many people around you aren’t scared of you?”

Qin Ye was taken aback. He reached up and touched his own face. “Am I… scary?”

“Ahem!”

Gao Hao suddenly appeared at the door. Ye Qing quickly wriggled out of Qin Ye’s arms and stood up. “Comrade Gao is here. Please, have a seat!”

Gao Hao was carrying a bag of fruit. He put it down, looked at Qin Ye, then at Ye Qing, and leaned forward to whisper: “Regiment Commander Qin, to be honest, I also think you’re kind of scary!”

“You little brat! Eavesdropping outside my door!” Qin Ye grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. Gao Hao caught it easily.

“Say it—what did you hear?”

Gao Hao immediately pleaded: “Nothing! Nothing! I really didn’t hear anything. Just heard Sister-in-law say your face is kind of scary. Hehe…”

“If you ask me, you should smile more. You actually look pretty nice when you smile! Why always wear that stone face? We’re not the enemy, are we, Sister-in-law?”

Ye Qing smiled with her lips pressed together. “See? It’s not just me saying it. Even a grown man like Comrade Gao is scared of you!”

Qin Ye didn’t say anything. Am I really that scary? He thought about it. Actually… I think I look pretty good!

“Wait a second! Then why isn’t Nannan afraid of me?” He finally found something to push back with.

Just as he said that, Gao Hao had taken a sip of the water Ye Qing handed him, and the moment he heard the question, he nearly choked.

“Cough! Cough cough! Regiment Commander Qin, you really don’t see it, do you? Cough cough! Have you ever even once put on a cold face when looking at Nannan? You smile sweeter than a blooming flower, seriously!”

Qin Ye glared at him hard. “Keep it down! You’ll wake Nannan!”

And as soon as those words left his mouth, he realized something was off. Since when have I gotten this attentive?

Actually, that brat really had a point. Every time he saw Nannan, no matter how many troubles he had, they all seemed to vanish in an instant. His heart always felt warm.

Hmm! I’ll definitely pay more attention next time!

“Regiment Commander, I want to explain something. About Sister-in-law—it wasn’t me who said anything.” Gao Hao was worried Qin Ye would use this to hold a grudge against him. He had come specifically to explain.

Qin Ye nodded. “I know. Your sister-in-law already told me. It’s fine. Now get lost! And don’t forget to come tonight and take over for her.”

Hearing this was like receiving a royal pardon. Gao Hao quickly nodded. “Alright! Sister-in-law, thank you for your hard work. I’m leaving now, I’m leaving. You two carry on, carry on…”

Carry on? That was no longer possible, but Qin Ye had made his position clear—he would be more mindful in the future, and the two of them should live their life well together.

That afternoon, Li Lan didn’t come again. A different young nurse came to give Qin Ye his injection.

Qin Ye was very satisfied. Ye Qing was also satisfied.

Before it even got dark, Gao Hao returned with dinner in hand and suggested Ye Qing eat with him before heading back.

Ye Qing declined—she needed to go home and warm the kang bed.

Nannan obediently said “Goodbye” to Qin Ye, and once again, a grin spread from ear to ear on his face.

Remembering the cabbage Sun Fang gave her and the remaining pork she’d bought, Ye Qing decided to steam some stuffed buns that night so she could bring them to Qin Ye for breakfast the next morning.

Just as she stepped out of the hospital gate, she saw Li Lan standing outside, as if waiting for someone. When she spotted Ye Qing, she walked toward her.