Chapter 33

At 26 years old, Shao Zheng suddenly fell in love at first sight with a stranger’s smile.

Before he had the chance to understand what was happening, he discovered that the girl who made his heart uncontrollably race was the little sister of his close friend.

Moreover, he had spent several years competing with others, trying to be the one to act as her older brother.

As he thought about this, Shao Zheng felt his palms growing hot, his face flushing.

He wanted… he really wanted… to find a hole to crawl into…

“What’s going on?” Chen Jun looked at Shao Zheng, who was standing outside the door, suddenly covering his face and blushing. Confused, he subtly gave his sister a questioning look.

Chen Nongmo shook her head, just as confused, and then gave a look back, suggesting, “Should we call someone in first?”

Chen Jun suddenly understood and immediately reached out to pull Shao Zheng inside. “Shao Zheng, why are you here? Did you come back to visit your family?”

Suddenly being pulled into the room, Shao Zheng instinctively pressed his empty hand against the door.

“Shao Zheng…?” Chen Jun asked, seeing the bewildered look on his face. “What’s wrong with you?”

Seeing him look like an innocent man about to be bullied, even Chen Jun, who was usually carefree, could tell something was off.

Shao Zheng…

Shao Zheng almost couldn’t bring himself to look at the girl’s face. He barely managed to steady himself and stopped acting foolishly. He cleared his throat a few times before replying, “It’s nothing, I probably just ran too fast earlier.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Jun didn’t think too much about it and casually asked, “Ran? Ran from what?”

As he said this, he was about to close the door.

However, he was stopped when he felt resistance. He turned his head and then noticed a hand on the door. Chen Jun was confused, “Shao Zheng?”

Shao Zheng smiled and said, “There’s a girl inside. It’s better to leave the door open.”

Chen Jun was even more confused, “I know that, I’m careful. No one with bad intentions could possibly enter this room.”

Although there were many thoughts running through his mind, for some inexplicable reason, Shao Zheng felt as though those words had struck him straight in the chest.

Although the handsome man they encountered on the road was a bit beyond Chen Nongmo’s expectations for Shao Zheng, it did not affect her good impression of him.

So, even though Shao Zheng seemed a bit awkward at that moment, Chen Nongmo didn’t think much of it.

While her Fourth Brother was chatting with someone, she took the opportunity to prepare a tea mug with hot water and handed it to Shao Zheng. “Shao Zheng, when did you come back to J City? I didn’t hear anything about it before.”

As an adult who was skilled at managing his emotions, Shao Zheng’s face no longer showed much of anything. He reached out to take the mug, thanked her, and then shared the purpose of his visit.

Chen Nongmo was surprised that her parents had already been exonerated, even though her trip was only just beginning.

Besides shock, she felt more joy.

Ah… and confusion.

Why had they suddenly been exonerated?

Wasn’t it still 1973?

Would something bad happen again?

“What? No need to go to the border?” Before Chen Nongmo could sort out her complicated thoughts, Chen Jun, now back to his senses, was completely stunned, his voice carrying a distinct tone of disappointment.

Hearing this, Shao Zheng quickly withdrew his gaze from the girl, and with a smile, he asked, “Isn’t it good to stay in J City? There are plenty of places worth visiting.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Jun, who had treated this trip as a vacation, instantly perked up. His eyes gleamed with excitement. “We don’t have to go home immediately?”

Chen Nongmo also turned her attention to him.

Shao Zheng felt his chest tighten uncontrollably under the girl’s gaze. He felt awkward and embarrassed, but didn’t show it. “Hmm, Old Chen’s idea is for you to stay in J City for a few days and wait until they can contact Colonel Chen before making any plans.”

Chen Jun asked, “Does that mean we have to wait ten days?”

Shao Zheng explained, “The organization will send a car to pick you up. It shouldn’t take that long, but it will probably be at least seven or eight days.”

After saying this, Shao Zheng immediately added, “It might even take longer, so… Old Chen suggested you both stay at my place for the time being.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Jun didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he looked toward his sister.

Compared to staying in a crowded and noisy guesthouse, he naturally preferred to stay at Shao Zheng’s house. Not only would it be safer, but it would also save money on tickets.

However, the girl had a sense of modesty, so he decided to leave the decision to her.

In reality, Chen Nongmo wasn’t shy at all. With a face that seemed to belong to someone untouched by the mundane world, she was very adept at understanding the situation. After thinking for a few seconds, she agreed in her heart.

It was just that her relationship with Shao Zheng was close, and she didn’t mind being a bit thick-skinned about it. But Shao Zheng had his family, too.

Thinking this, Chen Nongmo voiced her concern.

Shao Zheng smiled, looking every bit the gentleman. “You don’t need to worry about that. Old Chen has stayed at my place twice. If you feel uncomfortable, we can go to Grandpa’s place. Master Zi is living alone right now.”

Chen Jun looked at the man who was sitting upright with an unusually gentle attitude, and several questions sprang up in his mind.

For example, did “you” specifically refer to the sixth brother? What about him?

And did the “we” include him? Whose Grandpa was he talking about?

Also… Was this really Shao Zheng’s personality? Why did it seem so different from what he remembered?

Who was this gentle gentleman in front of him?

Chen Nongmo had no idea about the many questions swirling in her Fourth Brother’s mind. After hearing the man’s explanation, she didn’t jump to conclusions but instead asked, “How about I give Big Brother a call first?”

She still wanted to ask Big Brother which place would be better for them to stay, just in case Shao Zheng was just making an excuse to avoid a favor. That would be awkward.

Shao Zheng glanced at his watch and replied, “Go ahead, the guesthouse has a phone. Old Chen is probably waiting as well.”

After speaking with Big Brother, Chen Nongmo learned more about her parents’ situation.

She also confirmed that her father had been reinstated to his previous position, meaning the hard days were truly over.

At the same time, she also found out that Shao Zheng had suddenly returned to J City to attend his cousin’s wedding.

“…Sixth Sister, you should go directly to Old Shao’s place. Otherwise, when Shao Qiong gets married, you’ll still need to head over from Master Zi’s place. I’m like a brother to Old Shao, and he treats you like a sister, so staying for a few days isn’t a problem. If you’re uncomfortable, just pick a nice gift for the wedding as a congratulatory present…”

Having successfully reached his sister-in-law, and with the old man’s exoneration, and his brother now having someone he liked, Chu Wuwen felt in high spirits. A series of good things happening made his mood even better, and his voice became louder.

Standing nearby, Shao Zheng could clearly hear the contents of the conversation.

It was the first time he felt that the term ‘little sister’ was so awkward.

What was going on with Old Chen?

What happened to his previous stance?

“…Shao Zheng, do you want to say a few words to Big Brother?”

“Sure.” Shao Zheng took the phone from the girl, but instead of speaking to Old Chen right away, he addressed the siblings. “Go up and pack your things.”

Chen Nongmo asked, “We’re leaving now?”

“Yeah, my cousin is waiting for us outside.”

Totally unaware of this, Chen Nongmo peeked outside but saw nothing. She quickly said, “I’ll be quick,” and pulled her Fourth Brother up the stairs.

Once the siblings were inside their room, Shao Zheng finally took his gaze away, bringing the receiver to his ear. “Hello?”

Chu Wuwen expressed his thanks again. “Brother, I really appreciate this.”

“You’re too polite,” Shao Zheng replied. “We’re family. It’s no big deal.”

Chu Wuwen laughed loudly. “Right, right, you treat Old Fourth and Yuyu like real brothers and sisters-in-law. We’re like fruit on the same tree, or melons on the same vine. If I keep thanking you, it’ll feel distant.”

“Actually…” Shao Zheng hesitated, but the words didn’t fully come out. He sighed, muttering, “Never mind, I’ll just take everyone back to my parents’ place later. If anything comes up, just call my house.”

“Alright, when I have some free time in a few days, take the two little ones around J City for me. I’ll also cover their travel expenses for you, and pay you back later.”

“Wait… I remember Yuyu and Old Fourth turned 18, right?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Then you can’t call them ‘little ones’ anymore.”

“Why not? I’m 13 years older than them, they’re still little ones to me.”

Shao Zheng felt like something was off. He was oddly concerned about strange little details.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, lowering his voice. “Old Chen, I want to ask you something.”

“Ask away!”

“Well… you mentioned something to me the other day about the reactions people have when they like someone. Are you sure that’s really what liking someone is? Is it possible that it’s a misunderstanding?”

“Wait, what? You found someone?” Chu Wuwen immediately sat up straighter, his tone playful and inquisitive.

Hearing this, Shao Zheng tightened his grip on the receiver and instinctively glanced in the direction of Yuyu’s room.

Then, as if burned by something, he quickly pulled his gaze away and muttered, “I found her. I just saw her again, but something feels off. Do you think… you might have been wrong?”

Chu Wuwen became even more excited, not even hearing the rest of what Shao Zheng had said. He raised his voice and shouted, “What a coincidence? Brother, that sounds like fate!”

Fate? Shao Zheng felt his ears flush slightly. Uncomfortable, he cleared his throat. “Is… is that so?”

“Hey! It’s definitely true. Let me ask you, now that you’re mentioning her, aren’t you feeling really happy inside?” 

Shao Zheng didn’t respond to this question. Instead, he retorted, “What else?” 

“Tsk… there’s more, right? Did you smile?” 

The corners of Shao Zheng’s mouth froze. 

Before he could answer, Chu Wuwen, still not understanding, immediately laughed out loud and even summed up the situation, “You’re done for. Mentioning her and smiling—if that’s not love, then what is? Brother, congratulations to you.” 

In fact, Shao Zheng wasn’t entirely unaware of what his current state represented. 

He had never been in a relationship, but that didn’t mean he was clueless about everything. 

The main issue was that things had happened so suddenly, and the person in question was Yuyu, whom he had always regarded as a sister. Naturally, this left him with some reservations and uncertainties. 

On the other end of the line, Chu Wuwen was still chattering on about his secrets to pursuing women, genuinely happy for his friend, but also showing off the affection he had with his wife. 

On Shao Zheng’s side of the line, the uncertainty still weighed on his heart, but his mood had lightened a little. He, for once, didn’t mind his friend’s chatter. 

He patiently listened to all the boasting and rambling. 

At the end, just before hanging up, Shao Zheng seriously thanked him, “No matter what, thanks, brother!” 

This time, it was Chu Wuwen who felt a little embarrassed by Shao Zheng’s earnest thanks. “Ahem… well, anyway, just be sincere in chasing the girl, Comrade, and I’ll be waiting for your good news.” 

Shao Zheng didn’t know how to reply and simply mumbled, “Okay! If it works out, I’ll treat you to a drink!” 

“Of course! If it really works out, don’t forget the betrothal gift. After all, I’ve played the role of a matchmaker, right?” 

Shao Zheng shook his head and joked, “At least two elbows.” 

“Heh! Generous!”

“What elbows?” Chen Jun, who was carrying a bundle down the stairs, asked curiously upon hearing the question. 

“I was joking with your brother.” As he spoke, Shao Zheng had already hung up the phone, paid for the call, and then reached out to take the bag from the girl’s hand. “Just this one?” 

Chen Nongmo didn’t hesitate and smiled, “Just one, thank you, Brother Shao Zheng.” 

Another smile like that… 

Shao Zheng clearly felt his breath catch for a moment. He slightly narrowed his long eyes, watching the girl, and casually said, “Just call me… ‘Brother’ directly. It feels distant when you say my full name.” 

Chen Jun loudly called out, “Brother!” 

Shao Zheng… 

Chen Nongmo had once heard Big Brother mention that Shao Zheng had only one cousin, no sister, which is why he had been trying to steal his sister. 

She had also heard earlier that Shao Zheng’s cousin was getting married the day after tomorrow. 

But… she never knew that this so-called Shao Qiong, the Big Sister, looked like this… 

She was so handsome! 

Although she was only a few centimeters taller than Chen Nongmo, her entire presence was overwhelming. 

She seemed like a sword, always ready to be drawn and head into battle. 

How could there be such a cool Little Big Sister…? 

So cool! So stylish! 

And she was an officer!

With looks like that, what would a man even have to do with her? 

“Why are you staring at me?” Feeling the increasingly intense gaze from the girl in the back seat, Shao Qiong, who was turning the steering wheel, couldn’t help but glance back. 

Chen Nongmo’s ears turned a little red, and feeling a bit embarrassed, she shifted her gaze but honestly said, “Shao Qiong Jie is pretty.” 

As soon as she said that, both Shao Qiong and her younger brother Shao Zheng froze for a moment. 

Especially Shao Qiong. She silently repeated the words “pretty” in her mouth several times and then touched her short, spiky hair before laughing out loud, “Well, you have quite a unique taste.” 

Since she was young, so many people had called her fierce, not like a woman, said she’d never get married, that no one would want her… except for that one guy who insisted on marrying her, it was the first time she had ever heard someone praise her looks. 

At 29, Shao Qiong had risen to the position of team leader in the special forces, so her judgment was naturally sharp. She could tell that the girl genuinely thought she was pretty. 

But it was precisely because she realized the girl was sincere that she found it amusing. 

Her cousin had fallen in love at first sight with a girl… She looked so soft and delicate, yet it turned out she had quite a bold personality. 

Yes, with Shao Qiong’s sharp eye, even though her cousin hadn’t said anything, and was still trying to maintain his usual demeanor, she had still noticed something unusual. 

The girl mentioned in the conversation between her cousin and Chu Wuwen, that must be the girl in front of her—Chen Nongmo. 

What she hadn’t expected was that the girl her cousin had fallen for was actually Chu Wuwen’s real sister. 

How should she put it? Suddenly, she was looking forward to the day when the girl would find out her cousin’s feelings. 

And Chu Wuwen… considering how much he treasured his little sister, he’d probably go crazy! 

With this thought, Shao Qiong flashed a friendly smile, curving her lips at the girl.

Chen Nongmo’s eyes brightened. She thought to herself, as expected, every type of girl has her own unique beauty.

Actually, she had noticed earlier that when she praised Shao Qiong, the older woman seemed more surprised than pleased. 

But the beauty of girls was, after all, diverse. 

She had intended to give a little lecture about this, but since they had only just met, she didn’t want to get too deep too quickly, so she changed the subject instead. 

Shao Qiong had a very eye-catching presence, one that seemed hard to approach. 

But once they started talking, it became clear that although she didn’t speak much, she always responded with great seriousness. 

Being treated so kindly by the cool, stylish Big Sister made Chen Nongmo, who wasn’t usually very talkative, speak up several times during the ride. 

So, by the time they reached the gate of the Military Unit to register, Chen Nongmo’s cheeks were flushed. 

She was excited. 

Shao Zheng, who had been wanting to speak a few times, felt a mix of emotions as he watched her. 

In the end, he wasn’t sure if it was just a random impulse, but by the time he realized it, he had already tried to mimic his cousin’s expression in the rearview mirror. 

Shao Qiong… was this really her little brother? 

“What’s up?” When he came to his senses, Shao Zheng felt awkward inside, but on the outside, he remained composed. He cast a casual glance, as if his cousin had swallowed a fly. 

Shao Qiong paused for a moment, then, looking at the brother and sister walking toward the gate, she opened the car door, decided to give her foolish little cousin a little treat, and quietly left a remark: “Isn’t this like preemptively introducing her to the family?” 

After saying this, without waiting for her cousin’s reaction, she shut the car door and walked briskly toward the siblings. 

In the car, Shao Zheng, who was also about to get out and accompany them, felt his face turn completely red with a “whoosh!” 

Well… he really wasn’t a fool.