Chapter 34.2

“Hey, what do you think? A high-ranking officer’s son, with such good family background—why is he still single?”

“No idea. His standards must be high. My mom told me there was even a staff officer’s daughter who tried, but he wasn’t interested. And she went to Beijing University.”

“So rural girls don’t stand a chance, then?” someone remarked, shooting a glance at Han Xiuli.

“Of course not. You think a family like his would marry someone from the countryside? It’s not like they’re struggling to find city girls. Marrying a rural girl? That’d be humiliating for them.”

Han Xiuli’s face turned pale as she listened.

What was wrong with being born in the countryside? Did that mean she wasn’t allowed to pursue her own happiness? Was background really everything? Hadn’t her sister-in-law married a regiment commander? And her distant cousin—she was from a rural background too!

She refused to believe she couldn’t find someone good. Not only would she marry well—she’d marry the best. She’d make sure everyone saw it.

…

Hang Liping and Yan Zeyang settled the bill and headed for the door. As they walked out, Yan Zeyang spoke in a low voice. Hang Liping nodded and replied, “Don’t worry. Just give me a list, and I’ll make sure you get everything you need for the wedding. I have a few friends who manage department stores in other provinces—I’ll guarantee you’ll have all brand-name goods.”

The two of them had just reached the entrance. Yan Zeyang had driven over, and just as he was about to open the car door—

Han Xiuli suddenly ran out after them.

Her delicate, oval face was flushed, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. Looking at Yan Zeyang, she said eagerly, “Commander Yan, I need to get back to the regiment urgently. Could you give me a ride?”

Yan Zeyang glanced at her, recognizing her as the dancing performer he had briefly seen backstage at the art troupe. Since she said it was urgent, he didn’t overthink it.

“Get in.” It was on the way anyway.

Then he turned to Hang Liping, who was holding his bag. “Hop in too. I’ll drop her off at the regiment first, then take you home.”

Hang Liping noticed how Han Xiuli was staring at Yan Zeyang without blinking. He cleared his throat and turned to get in the back seat—

Only for Yan Zeyang to frown and stop him. “What are you doing? Sit in the front.”

Han Xiuli had rarely seen Commander Yan in the regiment. Now that she had run into him outside, she was determined to seize the opportunity.

But she hadn’t expected his friend to come along too.

Originally, she had hoped for some alone time with him. Now, with an extra person in the car, she was visibly disappointed as she slid into the back seat.

Hang Liping, watching her expression darken, cleared his throat again and shot Yan Zeyang a look. The commander, however, remained perfectly composed as he got into the driver’s seat.

In truth, Hang Liping’s workplace was only a few minutes away. There was no need for Yan Zeyang to drive all the way back to the regiment just to drop him off later.

It was clear—Yan Zeyang had deliberately brought him along as a buffer, to avoid any misunderstandings.

Even if he weren’t already engaged, this girl wouldn’t have had a chance.

The drive wasn’t long. Han Xiuli, growing anxious, knew that opportunities like this were fleeting. She quickly spoke up.

“Commander, thank you! If I had to walk back, it would’ve taken me half an hour.” She flashed a bright smile at Yan Zeyang.

Holding the steering wheel, Yan Zeyang turned onto a shortcut and gave a nonchalant reply. “It’s no problem. It’s on the way.”

At that moment, Hang Liping chuckled and said, “Miss, you’re with the art troupe?”

“Yes! Are you Commander Yan’s friend?” Han Xiuli immediately followed up.

“I’ve known Commander Yan for a long time—we were classmates. Today, he asked me to bring something over for his fiancée,” Hang Liping said.

“W-What?” Han Xiuli’s expression changed instantly. “Commander Yan has a fiancée?”

“He’s already submitted the marriage report,” Hang Liping replied. He then picked up the box Yan Zeyang had placed in the car, opened it, and showed it to her. “This is from a department store in Hanghai. Had someone bring it over. Beautiful, isn’t it? A top-tier ladies’ watch.”

After briefly showing it, Hang Liping closed the lid and put the box back. Yan Zeyang glanced at him, and Hang Liping simply placed the item in front of him.

The golden watch inside gleamed so brightly it almost dazzled Han Xiuli’s eyes. “C-commander Yan, you really have a fiancée?” She forced a smile as she spoke, but there was an unmistakable strain in her voice.

“Mm.”

Han Xiuli felt as if all the strength had drained from her body. She remained silent all the way back to the regiment, unable to utter another word.

On the way to drop off Hang Liping, he chuckled. “The girls from the performing arts troupe sure are bold—chased you all the way into the car. But I’ll admit, she’s quite pretty.”

“She’s average.”

“If that’s average, then your fiancée must be stunning.” Hang Liping probed.

Yan Zeyang smirked slightly. “Far more beautiful. There’s no comparison.”

“Tsk tsk.”

…

When Yan Zeyang returned home, Wen Xin was tidying up the living room. She looked up and saw him entering, keys in hand, dressed in a shirt and trousers with his sleeves rolled up to his forearms. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone.

Wen Xin glanced at him and felt that something about him was different today. But she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

His eyes seemed darker, and she noticed the movement of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed.

She felt a little suspicious but didn’t overthink it. She continued sorting through the bookshelf. As she arranged the books, a sudden thought crossed her mind—maybe she should review her high school textbooks.

This year’s national college entrance exam had already passed, but there was always next year. In the novel’s setting, the female lead had graduated from university before making waves in her career and marriage. That meant that the major societal changes would begin after college graduation, while the current years were just the buildup. Development was slow, so why not take this time to get into university first?

As she was lost in thought, she saw Yan Zeyang walk in, place his keys on the coffee table, and sit down on the couch. He leaned back against the sofa and simply watched her, his gaze following her every move.

Wen Xin remained silent. She continued arranging the books, occasionally bending down to tidy the cabinet. Just as she reached up to grab something from the top shelf, he suddenly got up from the sofa and walked over.

He trapped her against the bookshelf, effortlessly taking down the item she was reaching for.

From behind, she heard his voice, deep and husky, close to her ear. “I’ll help you.”

Wen Xin immediately caught a whiff of alcohol. He’s been drinking? No wonder he seemed a little off today. Wait, he drove home, didn’t he? Isn’t that drunk driving? But then again, there were barely any cars on the road these days. Maybe no one had even been in an accident yet in this era.

She turned around and saw him looking at her, his shirt half unbuttoned, his gaze dark and intense.

Wen Xin didn’t know why, but she suddenly felt uneasy. She was used to the stern, no-nonsense version of him—the one who would say “No!” “You can’t!” “Absolutely not!”

But now, looking at him like this… she felt a little afraid.

She tried to push him away, but Yan Zeyang placed the item down beside her, then caught her wrist and gently pressed her back against the bookshelf.

His body carried the scent of alcohol as he reached out, cupped her chin, and without a word—kissed her.

Wen Xin: “…”

Wasn’t he the one who always said physical intimacy was off-limits, unacceptable, absolutely forbidden?

Then who was this person touching her the moment he saw her?