Chapter 28.3

A cool breeze blew in from the window. She sat on the edge of the bed, facing the window.

The wind tousled her hair and helped clear her mind.

The man was supposed to come pick her up for dinner later, so she needed to prepare and dress up.

This was her first appearance in the unit.

Whether the man was happy or not didn’t matter. She was determined to impress everyone tonight and be a stunning beauty!

With her goal set, Ruan Mingfu felt energized.

She put on a small V-neck long dress that highlighted her beautiful, delicate collarbone and made her neck appear even more slender.

Ruan Mingfu styled her hair in a fishtail braid, letting the loose strands frame her pretty face, adding a touch of softness. She wore the small high heels the original owner had bought and gracefully walked out of her room.

Since the man would be coming to pick her up anyway, she decided to wait downstairs.

The evening sunlight wasn’t too harsh. Perhaps due to the rain earlier in the afternoon, the flowers and grass by the roadside were fresh with raindrops, and the breeze felt cool.

Ruan Mingfu stood under the nearby tree shade as soon as she came downstairs.

Her appearance did not go unnoticed by the two people upstairs.

“Hmph!”

Lu Yan scoffed, his eyes showing disdain.

Just as he was about to close the window, the chubby guy walked over. “Hey, isn’t that Ruan Mingfu?”

Lu Yan didn’t give him a pleasant look.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Li Zheng quickly said, “I didn’t know her reaction would be so strong and that she would hit people…”

Meeting a familiar person from a thousand miles away, wasn’t it normal to greet them?

Who knew Lu Yan had a grudge against her?

Having been slapped and scolded, Young Master Lu couldn’t stand it. With his anger directed at the chubby guy, it was only natural for him to vent his frustration.

Fortunately, the chubby guy had a good temper and was quite easygoing. If it had been someone else, they might not have put up with his annoying behavior.

“This woman must have found out where I’m staying and came specifically to block me,” Lu Yan said irritably, patting the window frame. “So annoying!”

The chubby guy glanced at Ruan Mingfu, who was standing under the tree, looking around. “Really? To me, it looks like she’s waiting for someone.”

“What? She wants to block my brother? Has she lost her mind?”

As soon as Lu Yan heard this, he immediately stood up, more convinced of his thoughts. He paced back and forth in the room, agitated.

“Is this woman not going to get married?” Lu Yan wondered, growing more troubled. “If my brother were to marry her, it would just be a joke. She can’t really be taking it seriously, can she?”

Thinking about Ruan Mingfu’s persistence, Lu Yan became increasingly uneasy.

His elder brother had a bright future ahead; he absolutely could not marry a woman like Ruan Mingfu!

The chubby guy opened his mouth to advise but wasn’t sure how to put it into words. Besides, Lu Yan probably wouldn’t listen to him anyway.

“I can’t let her succeed in marrying into the Lu family!”

He certainly couldn’t let her ruin his brother’s future.

He needed to warn her and make sure Ruan Mingfu got the hint and left.

With this thought, Lu Yan couldn’t stay put. He opened the door and quickly walked downstairs.

The speed was so fast that the chubby guy didn’t even have time to stop him.

Meanwhile, Ruan Mingfu, standing under the tree, saw Xie Yanzhao approaching from a distance. Her eyes lit up as she walked straight toward him.

Xie Yanzhao was dressed in military uniform, looking even more impressive than before.

“You’re here,” Ruan Mingfu said with bright eyes, grabbing his arm and leading him back. “You don’t need to make another trip, I came down by myself.”

Xie Yanzhao’s gaze fell on Ruan Mingfu’s small hand clinging to his arm.

Her hand resting on his uniform looked even whiter and softer. Her fingers were delicate, with neatly trimmed nails and a faint pinkish tint, looking extremely cute.

Xie Yanzhao suddenly felt an urge to squeeze her hand and turned to meet Ruan Mingfu’s clear eyes.

He swallowed hard before responding lightly.

“Let’s go then.”

Even though Ruan Mingfu was wearing heeled shoes, she only reached Xie Yanzhao’s shoulder.

It was clear just how tall he was.

Ruan Mingfu, still holding onto his arm, didn’t let go. She looked very happy, with a constant smile on her face, making her seem even more radiant.

Xie Yanzhao’s throat felt itchy.

He clenched his left fist, desperately suppressing the thoughts in his mind.

As their figures grew further away, Lu Yan, rushing over, looked completely bewildered.

He reached the spot where Ruan Mingfu had been standing under the tree and scratched his head. “Where did she go? Where did she disappear to?”

She had been there just a moment ago.

Had she left because she knew he was coming to warn her?

Lu Yan looked up and saw the chubby guy waving at him from the window, which only confirmed his suspicions.

She must have seen him and left in a hurry to avoid his retaliation.

Lu Yan snorted coldly.

At least she knew when to be sensible!

……

At the entrance, the soldier on duty couldn’t help but sneak glances at Ruan Mingfu.

Wow!

He had heard from Goudan and Zhuzi that Commander Xie’s partner looked like a fairy. Now that he saw her, it was indeed true.

If the Commander, who was so fierce, could find a partner like this……

He was daydreaming when he suddenly met Xie Yanzhao’s fierce gaze and was startled, quickly lowering his head and not daring to look around anymore.

Wow, Commander Xie is still so fierce.

With this thought, he looked at Ruan Mingfu with some sympathy.

Ruan Mingfu put down the pen. “Is this okay?”

“That’s fine.”

The soldier glanced at it and then let them in.

Xie Yanzhao took Ruan Mingfu to the family compound.

The buildings were single-story brick houses, with a few four or five-story buildings nearby.

Ruan Mingfu looked curiously at the different buildings on either side. “Is there any special significance to living here?”

“Not really,” Xie Yanzhao replied. “It’s a matter of personal preference.”

The senior leaders didn’t live here, so they had to walk a bit further.

Ruan Mingfu nodded.

They continued walking until they reached the entrance of a single-story house.

The house had a courtyard, and beside it, there were two small vegetable plots with onions, cabbage, cucumbers, and other common vegetables.

The yard was very clean, and there was a well near the gate where things were washed.

Xie Yanzhao didn’t bother with whether the yard gate was open or closed, leading Ruan Mingfu straight inside.

A dog suddenly rushed out from the side, looking very familiar with Xie Yanzhao, wagging its tail furiously.

“Goudan, go away.”

Ruan Mingfu loved such furry animals.

Goudan looked beautiful, with smooth fur, clearly well taken care of.

“Goudan?” Ruan Mingfu smiled and wanted to reach out to pet it but hesitated. She turned to Xie Yanzhao for help. “Can I pet it?”

Her beautiful eyes were full of curiosity.

Goudan seemed to notice Ruan Mingfu and walked over to her, sniffing at the edge of her skirt before wagging its tail excitedly.

“Xie Yanzhao, it’s so cute,” Ruan Mingfu said, looking at Goudan with delight. “Does this mean it remembers my scent?”

A soft, cute puppy like this couldn’t be dangerous~

Just as Ruan Mingfu was about to reach out to pat the dog’s head, the man beside her grabbed her hand. “Goudan has a bad temper and might bite. Don’t touch it!”

“Really? Is that true?”

Ruan Mingfu was somewhat skeptical. How could such a cute little dog have any bad intentions?

Xie Yanzhao looked at the dog’s pleading face and nodded seriously.

“That’s right.”

The dog seemed to understand, feeling deeply insulted. It made a couple of whimpering sounds, as if ready to show this insufferable human a lesson. However, just then, the door to the room opened, and Xu Zhu walked out.

“I knew it was you guys! Come on in!”

Xu Zhu called to the dog, “Goudan, come here~”

Goudan immediately perked up, running over to Xu Zhu’s side, wagging its tail excitedly and circling around him.

Ruan Mingfu watched the scene and remarked, “So cute.”

Xie Yanzhao narrowed his eyes.

Seeing the dog’s obsequious face, he scoffed inwardly.

Foolish dog!

Xu Zhu’s home had a layout of one living room and three bedrooms. It wasn’t very large for Ruan Mingfu, but for others who had to squeeze into a smaller house, it was more than enough.

The living room had a sofa that looked very soft, though the material was unclear.

Ruan Mingfu thought she’d like to buy a similar sofa someday.

Just lying on such a sofa and doing nothing seemed quite delightful.

“Come on, sister-in-law,” Xu Zhu said, setting out the food, “Make yourself at home. Don’t be shy.”

Xie Yanzhao looked at him, “You’re really addicted to taking advantage, calling anyone ‘sister-in-law’.”

“Petty,” Xu Zhu gave him a sidelong glance and then explained to Ruan Mingfu, “Old Xie is a bit older than me, so I should call you ‘sister-in-law’.”

They had known each other since childhood, playing together even when they were wearing diapers.

Ruan Mingfu handed over her contribution, “This is a little token of my appreciation.”

It wasn’t anything valuable, just two boxes of malted milk.

Xu Zhu accepted it without hesitation.

For friends like them, refusing would be impolite.

“Dad~”

A chubby little boy, about three or four years old, came out from the room, rubbing his eyes with his chubby little hands.

“Ah! My good son.”

Xu Zhu picked up his son and gave Xie Yanzhao a provocative look.

Immature!

Xie Yanzhao shot him a disapproving glance, “Where is sister-in-law, is she cooking?”

“I had Wanwan prepare two hearty dishes today; we must have a good drink tonight!”

Ruan Mingfu stood up, “I’ll go help my sister-in-law.”

When visiting someone’s home, it’s okay not to help, but you must offer.

“That’s not necessary,” Xu Zhu quickly stopped her, “The kitchen is full of oil smoke, and sister-in-law is dressed so nicely. What if she gets dirty?”

Ruan Mingfu smiled, “But I can’t just sit here waiting to eat.”

Xu Zhu’s smile deepened.

“Alright, let’s go help sister-in-law.”

As he said this, Xie Yanzhao gave Xu Zhu another disapproving look.

When Ruan Mingfu went to the back, she discovered that there was a small yard behind the house. Xu Zhu had set up a kitchen and there was a large open space.

It was still a single-story house.

Ruan Mingfu liked houses with courtyards in the front and back.

When they arrived, Xu Zhu’s wife, Hu Wanning, was busy cooking in the kitchen. Upon hearing footsteps, she looked up and was visibly impressed.

Ruan Mingfu looked like a blooming begonia in spring, strikingly beautiful.

Her presence made the kitchen, which was filled with the smell of cooking oil, seem fresh.

Hu Wanning gazed at her with admiration and said, “So this is Comrade Ruan, whom my husband has been praising.”

“Old Xu always talks about how beautiful Comrade Ruan is, saying she’s like afairy. Seeing her in person, I can tell it’s true.”

Ruan Mingfu appreciated the compliment from Hu Wanning.

“Sister-in-law, you’re too kind.”

“It’s nothing,” Hu Wanning waved her hand, then quickly scooped out another dish from the pot, “I learned it all from my husband. Comrade Ruan, it’s very smoky here. Please step outside.”

Hu Wanning’s cooking indeed smelled great.

Ruan Mingfu’s stomach began to rumble just from the aroma.

“Sister-in-law, I’m here to help. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

Although the kitchen wasn’t large, it was very clean.

On the other side of the wall was a tall pile of firewood, neatly stacked. The pot lids were polished to a shine, and various seasonings were neatly arranged.

It was clear that Hu Wanning was a very efficient person.

“I can handle this kitchen work myself,” Hu Wanning said, skillfully adding another dish to the pot, “There’s no need for you to help.”

Suddenly, the flames shot up high, startling Ruan Mingfu.

She quickly hid behind Xie Yanzhao, “Sister-in-law, are you alright?”

The high flames were quite frightening.

“You didn’t know that, did you?” Xu Zhu came in with the child, “Wanwan’s specialty is to make the flames shoot up high. According to her, it’s an essential skill for every chef, meant to impress those of you who are amateurs.”

Hu Wanning shot him a glance, “Go away, stop showing off.”

“Comrade Ruan, you weren’t scared, were you?”

Ruan Mingfu shook her head, “It… it was alright.”

“Old Xu, take Comrade Ruan to the living room,” Hu Wanning waved her hand and directed Xie Yanzhao, “Old Xie, take care of the fish in the bucket.”

Xie Yanzhao nodded in agreement.

He took a knife and went outside to deal with the fish.

Ruan Mingfu, curious, followed him outside.

Hu Wanning looked at the two departing figures and then gestured at Xu Zhu, “Where did you find this fairy?”

It seemed like their relationship was quite good.

Xu Zhu gave a mysterious smile, “She came right to our door.”

“Spill it!” Hu Wanning raised an eyebrow and grabbed Xu Zhu’s ear, “Are you going to tell me or not?”

“Ow—I’m telling, I’m telling, my wife, ease up a bit…”

Hu Wanning gave him a sharp look.

“Their story is a long one,” Xu Zhu rubbed his ear and smiled, “I’ll tell you all about it tonight.”

Alright then.

If she was curious, she’d just have to wait.

The main characters were still at her house, and it would be too awkward if they overheard.

Meanwhile, Xie Yanzhao skillfully retrieved the fish. Ruan Mingfu crouched beside him, her eyes wide as she watched him clean the fish.

Xie Yanzhao: “…”

“Stay back,” perhaps fearing his tone might have been too harsh, Xie Yanzhao added, “The fish can be messy and might splatter on your clothes.”

Ruan Mingfu nodded and stepped a little farther away.

Only then did Xie Yanzhao swiftly finish cleaning the fish.

His speed was so impressive that Ruan Mingfu barely saw how he did it. He tossed the fish’s entrails to the waiting Goudan and was about to head back inside with the fish.

Ruan Mingfu asked, “Aren’t you going to scale the fish?”

Xie Yanzhao: “…”

He placed the fish back down and scraped off the scales.

“… Is there anything else?”

Ruan Mingfu shook her head.

Xie Yanzhao then carried the fish into the kitchen, where Hu Wanning’s surprised voice could be heard.

“Old Xie, you’re so meticulous, you even scaled the fish…”

Xu Zhu had prepared a lavish spread for dinner.

There was fish, meat, and even half a chicken. While this might not be anything special fifty years later, in this era, it was like a feast.

Just as Xu Zhu was about to say something, a knock came at the door.

“Old Xu, we’re here!”