Chapter 13: The Train Heads South

Just as Ye Zhi could no longer resist the urge to nap, a voice called out from outside the room, “The groom is here!”

“Oh my, the groom is so handsome!”

Ye Zhi’s drowsiness vanished instantly. She straightened her back and sat upright.

The next moment, the door swung open. Surrounded by the crowd, Lu Wei’s tall figure stepped inside, and his gaze immediately landed on Ye Zhi, who was sitting at the edge of the bed.

The room had been carefully decorated, with many items adorned in red paper.

Then, someone suggested, “Let’s all step out and give the bride and groom some time to talk.”

With that, the door was shut again.

Lu Wei quietly studied Ye Zhi.

She was dressed in a new red floral outfit, paired with a plain red long skirt that made her fair skin appear even more radiant.

Her two braids were tied with festive red ribbons, and her delicate face had a light touch of rouge. Her lips were rosy, and her teeth gleamed white—she looked stunning.

Lu Wei took a slight, sharp breath and, with a seriousness akin to a military salute, said, “Comrade Ye Zhi, I’m here.”

Ye Zhi lifted her gaze and suddenly burst into laughter.

She looked at the large red flower pinned to Lu Wei’s chest, smiled sweetly, and teased, “Comrade Lu, who prepared this big red flower for you?”

Why was it… so huge?

Ye Zhi couldn’t hold back her laughter.

Lu Wei’s face grew warm. He quickly tore off the oversized red flower that had been forcefully pinned on him in the chaos earlier and turned his head away. “It was a prank.”

Ye Zhi took out a more appropriately sized red flower she had prepared earlier and, with a soft breath, said, “Come here, I’ll pin this one for you.”

Lu Wei let out a slow breath before stepping toward Ye Zhi.

It was just a few short steps, but to him, it felt like an eternity.

When he finally stood before Ye Zhi, she also rose to her feet. There was a slight height difference—Ye Zhi barely reached past his shoulders.

Lu Wei glanced down at her, his eyes carrying a trace of amusement.

Ye Xiaoding wasn’t lying—Ye Zhi really did look beautiful today.

With her slender, fair fingers, she opened the clasp of the smaller red flower and lightly pinned it to the left side of his uniform.

At that moment, a faint yet sweet fragrance drifted into Lu Wei’s nose—Ye Zhi’s unique scent.

His heartbeat quickened, and he averted his gaze to a piece of red fabric hanging from the bed canopy.

If it were in the past, Lu Wei would have found this scene too abrupt, but at this moment, an unconscious smile appeared on his lips. “Thank you.”

Ye Zhi let go of the flower, smiled, and said, “There’s no need for thanks between us.”

Although the flower didn’t quite match his military uniform, it was just for today.

He’d have to endure it for now.

Hearing the underlying meaning in Ye Zhi’s words, Lu Wei felt a warmth spread through his heart.

She meant that they were already husband and wife—formality was unnecessary.

The two didn’t stay in the room for long before stepping out into the main hall.

As soon as Ye Xiaoding saw them, he turned to Lu Wei’s comrades and said, “Look! Isn’t my little aunt especially beautiful today?”

The soldiers winced—this kid was making their teeth ache! But they had to admit, Ye Zhi truly was beautiful.

Standing beside Lu Wei, she looked even more like a perfect match.

This childhood betrothal had turned out to be a stroke of luck.

Even though Ye Zhi initially didn’t want a banquet, the Ye family had over a dozen members, making the day lively nonetheless.

Ye Zhi introduced everyone in the family to Lu Wei, not even leaving out the chattering little children.

Lu Wei had a good memory. Even with so many names to remember, he didn’t mix anyone up—not even the kids.

But in the end, Ye Zhi noticed that Ye Xiaoding was nowhere to be found. She glanced around, but there was no sign of him.

Just as she was about to ask, he popped out on his own. “Little Aunt, were you looking for me?”

Ye Zhi smiled at him. “Your sisters said you ran off early this morning. Where did you go?”

Ye Xiaoding grinned mischievously and recounted how he had kicked Li Ermei’s shoes and water bottle into the stream earlier.

Ye Zhi gave him an approving look. “Well done!”

As an adult and a junior in the family, she couldn’t retaliate against Li Ermei, no matter how angry she was. Otherwise, the townspeople would gossip.

Ye Xiaoding had unknowingly avenged her, and she felt her affection for the boy deepen.

Ye Xiaoding’s eyes lit up. “Little Aunt, Grandma found out and gave me a beating! My butt still hurts! But you and Uncle praised me!”

Ye Zhi chuckled. “Uncle saw it too? And he even praised you?”

That was hard to imagine.

Ye Xiaoding lifted his chin proudly. “Yes! He even said I was brave for protecting you.”

Ye Zhi looked at the little boy’s bright and playful expression, feeling a twinge of reluctance.

This child was truly close to her. Every time he picked wild fruits, he’d bring them home for her first.

Even when preparing bathwater, it was often Ye Xiaoding who heated it for her.

She knew how much the boy cared for her. Once, when she received a bonus at work, she bought him candy and picture books.

But Ye Xiaoding wasn’t a selfish child—he shared the candy with his siblings and let them read the books together.

Now, as she was preparing to leave for the island, she couldn’t help but wonder—what would happen to Ye Xiaoding?

Ye Zhi thought about it and realized she couldn’t bear to leave him behind.

His mother had already abandoned him.

In a way, Ye Zhi was his second mother. If she left too, it might leave a scar on him. Who knew if it would lead to the tragic fate described in the book—where he was kidnapped?

Since she hadn’t left yet, there was still time to change things.

If Lu Wei agreed, she would take Ye Xiaoding with them to Qiongzhou Island.

If he didn’t agree, then Lu Wei could decide where to place them.

With that in mind, Ye Zhi went to talk to her parents about it.

She spent the entire afternoon persuading them—from lunch until after dinner, even while packing her bags.

Eventually, the two elders relented.

Father Ye and Zhang Xiaomei both agreed, “If Lu Wei is okay with it, take Xiaoding with you. The boy has been close to you since he was little.”

Ye Zhi was so happy that she immediately went to find Ye Xiaoding and told him to pack his luggage quickly.

But who would have thought that as soon as she asked, Ye Xiaoding refused outright, “I’m not going!” Then he ran outside.

However, it wasn’t long before a few men drinking outside caught him and brought him back.

Big Brother Ye pointed at Ye Xiaoding and scolded, “Didn’t I tell you kids not to run around after dark? There are streams everywhere outside—what if you fall in?”

Ye Xiaoding lowered his head, his eyes red, but he said nothing. He bit his lip hard.

Ye Zhi walked over, pulling the thin boy into her arms without scolding him. “Why don’t you want to go?”

“Fool!”

“Why am I a fool?”

“My mother got married and didn’t want me anymore. You’re my aunt, but you’re taking me along even though you’re getting married. That makes you a fool!” After saying that, Ye Xiaoding suddenly burst into tears.

No one knew how long it had been since they’d last seen him cry.

Even beatings and scoldings didn’t make him cry—he was tough.

Over the years, everyone deliberately avoided mentioning his heartless mother, afraid that it would make him sad.

But who would have thought the boy was well aware?

His mother had taken half of the pension money and remarried long ago. She later had several more children, leaving no room in her life for Ye Xiaoding.

His crying set off a chain reaction—the women in the family couldn’t hold back their tears either. They didn’t dare cry out loud, so they quietly wiped their eyes against their husbands’ shoulders.

Ye Zhi felt sorry for the child growing up without parents and wanted to take him to the island with her.

But how could the child not feel sorry for her?

He knew that if she got married and brought along a child, others would look down on her.

At that moment, a shadow loomed over Ye Zhi. She felt a familiar yet unfamiliar presence beside her and turned her head to see Lu Wei standing there.

He gave her a look, silently reassuring her.

Lu Wei’s cold gaze fell on Ye Xiaoding. He reached out and pulled him from Ye Zhi’s arms, making them stand face to face.

Lu Wei’s tall figure created an invisible pressure, especially standing in front of the small, thin Ye Xiaoding. It was like a towering mountain in front of him.

In a steady voice, Lu Wei asked, “Ye Xiaoding, do you know what it’s like when a typhoon passes through?”

Ye Xiaoding looked at him blankly, not answering.

Lu Wei continued, “Have you ever heard the wind howl like ghosts crying and wolves howling?”

Ye Xiaoding didn’t understand but nodded, indicating he had heard it before.

Lu Wei met his clear, innocent eyes and asked, “The wind and waves on the island are even more terrifying than that. If you were left alone in a pitch-dark house, would you be scared?”

Ye Xiaoding’s thin body trembled slightly, but he clenched his teeth and shook his head. “Not scared!”

Lu Wei: “You’re not scared. But do you think your aunt would be?”

The room fell silent.

Was the island really that terrifying?

If it was, then she really needed someone to keep her company. Otherwise, how would Ye Zhi manage?

Lu Wei was a soldier. If he had to go on missions for ten days or more at a time, how could Ye Zhi handle everything alone?

While everyone else was anxious, only Ye Zhi remained calm, looking at Lu Wei without any expression. But in her eyes, there was an unspoken warmth.

Ye Xiaoding froze, his tears already dried, leaving streaks on his face.

Of course, his aunt would be scared. She was even afraid of thunderstorms.

Whenever there was thunder, she had to sleep next to someone.

Lu Wei let out a light scoff. “Do you think we’re taking you to Qiongzhou Island to take care of you? You’re already a man. You should be like today—brave enough to stand up for your aunt when people insult her. You should protect her, not rely on us to take care of you. Do you understand?”

Lu Wei’s words shook Ye Xiaoding to his core. His small body trembled, but his gaze did not waver.

“For the last time—are you coming or not?”

Ye Xiaoding clenched his teeth and nodded. “I’m going! I want to protect my aunt!”

Hearing his answer, Ye Zhi finally sighed in relief and patted his head. “Comrade Ye Xiaoding, hurry up and pack your things. Don’t delay our trip.”

Some people responded better to gentleness, but Ye Xiaoding needed a firm hand!

He immediately saluted, shouted “Yes!” and dashed off to his room.

Ye Zhi let out a deep breath and unconsciously leaned closer to Lu Wei, as if he were a safe harbor. She lifted her hand slightly and brushed her fingers against the back of his hand.

The next second, Lu Wei quietly held her hand.

Their eyes met.

Ye Zhi lowered her voice and said, “Lu Wei, thank you.”

Not just for convincing Ye Xiaoding—but for agreeing to take him along to Qiongzhou Island.

Lu Wei gently squeezed her soft fingers and replied, “Didn’t you say it yourself today?”

“Between us, there’s no need for thanks.”

That night, Ye Zhi stayed up talking with her mother, sister-in-law, and second sister-in-law.

At dawn the next day, while her sisters-in-law were in the kitchen, her mother secretly handed her a bankbook. “This is the other half of Lao San’s pension. The first half went to Xiaoding’s mother. Take this—you must not refuse.”

Last night, Zhang Xiaomei had already given her a thick stack of money, saying it was for her dowry.

It wasn’t a huge amount, but over the years, they had been saving it for her.

She was already deeply grateful for her parents’ kindness.

Zhang Xiaomei wiped away Ye Zhi’s tears and said, “Remember what I told you—when you leave for the station, don’t look back. Understand?”

Ye Zhi nodded.

Looking at the brightening sky outside, she knew she was really leaving.

“Mom, I’ll write you letters.”

“Good.”

The Ye family stood at the crossroads, bidding them farewell. The rising sun cast long shadows across the land.

The jeep carried Ye Zhi, Lu Wei, and the little one, Ye Xiaoding, as they set off for the county’s train station.

When they arrived, Lu Wei went to the ticket window to purchase an additional child’s ticket.

While waiting for the train, Lu Wei suddenly said, “We need to take a train to Yangcheng first, then board a ship from there to return to Qiongzhou Island.”

Ye Zhi nodded. “Mm, I got it.”

After a brief hesitation, Lu Wei added, “My mother is at the military hospital in Yangcheng. I’ll take you to meet her when we get there?”

Noticing the slightly uneasy expression on Lu Wei’s face, Ye Zhi chuckled and teased, “A bride must eventually meet her in-laws. Since we’re already going, why not?”

Lu Wei replied seriously, “You’re not ugly.”

The waiting room was bustling with people, and Ye Zhi didn’t quite catch what he said. “What?”

Lu Wei simply smiled, shook his head, and said, “It’s time for ticket inspection. Let’s go.”

Behind them, Ye Xiaoding tugged his luggage excitedly and cheered, “Alright! I’m finally going on a train!”