Chapter 133: A Childish Man

Carrying his wife made cycling impossible, so Zhou Yubai left his bicycle at the Shen house and carried Shen Chuning home.

He carefully placed her on the bed.  Shen Chuning, too tired to even lift her eyelids, rolled into the covers.  Zhou Yubai used warm towels to wash her face and feet.

Seeing her curled up in the covers, he gently kissed her forehead and hugged her.  With her so exhausted, intimacy was out of the question.

The next morning, Zhou Yubai woke Shen Chuning after preparing breakfast.  She felt slightly better after a full night’s sleep but still tired.

After breakfast, Zhou Yubai said he’d fetch his bicycle and take her to work.

Shen Chuning suddenly remembered the shoes she’d made for her brother and hadn’t given him yet.  She grabbed them and caught up with Zhou Yubai, “Brother Yubai, I’ll come with you.”

“Brother should still be here, right?” she asked anxiously.  She’d been so sleepy these past few days that she’d forgotten to give him the shoes.

Zhou Yubai’s gaze fell on the shoes.  Were they for him or Shen Zhengrong?

“Mm, they leave for the city at 8 am to catch the train. They’ve probably already left.  Don’t bother taking the shoes,” Zhou Yubai said seriously.

“Little sister!”  Shen Zhengrong’s voice called out.

Shen Chuning’s eyes lit up; ignoring Zhou Yubai, she waved, “Brother.”

When Shen Zhengrong dismounted, she said excitedly, “Brother, you’re still here! That’s great. I made you shoes. I was too tired last night to give them to you.”

Shen Zhengrong was surprised, “Little sister, you’re amazing! You can knit scarves and make shoes!”

He examined the shoes.  The stitches were uneven, but they looked thick and warm.  She’d put effort into them.

He removed his old shoes to put on the new ones.  But he felt a cold gaze upon him.

He looked up to meet Zhou Yubai’s intimidating stare, flinching instinctively.

He quickly recovered, reminding himself he wasn’t just Zhou Yubai’s soldier; he was his brother-in-law.  Brother-in-laws don’t fear brothers-in-law.

He even enjoyed seeing Zhou Yubai’s helpless annoyance.

After putting on the shoes, he walked past Zhou Yubai, “Yubai, what do you think of the shoes Ningning made me?”

Zhou Yubai: “Childish!”

Shen Chuning: …

Her brother was being childish.

“Ouch~~”

Shen Zhengrong cried out.

Shen Chuning was startled, “Brother, what’s wrong?”

Shen Zhengrong stood on one foot, removing a shoe and reaching inside. He pulled out a needle, “Little sister, your shoes have hidden weapons!”

Shen Chuning touched her nose sheepishly, apologizing, “Brother, I’m sorry. It’s my first time making shoes. I forgot to remove the needle.”

Shen Zhengrong waved his hand, “Little sister, next time you learn a new skill, make something for Yubai first!”

Shen Chuning smiled awkwardly.

“Comrade Shen Zhengrong, aren’t you going back? Or are you staying?” Zhou Yubai asked.

Shen Zhengrong remembered his duty, giving his bicycle to Zhou Yubai and pulling out a small package, “Little sister, here.  Hair clips and hair ties I bought in the city. I forgot to give them to you.”

He punched Zhou Yubai’s chest, “Yubai, take good care of my sister. I’ll return to the army.  I’ll wait for your triumphant return.”

Zhou Yubai nodded coldly, “Rest assured.”

“Little sister, I’m going. Take care. Write or call if you need anything,” Shen Zhengrong said, about to leave.

Lu Qiaoqing ran towards them, breathless, “Comrade Shen Zhengrong, I’m glad you’re still here.”

She shoved a cloth bag into his arms, “This is a gift. I wish you all the best and victory in every mission.”

“This…” Shen Zhengrong hesitated.

Lu Qiaoqing said forcefully, “This represents support and blessings between revolutionary comrades, and the unity of the army and the people. You can’t refuse!”

Shen Zhengrong returned the gift, saluting seriously, “Comrade Lu Qiaoqing, I appreciate your support. But our army has rules against accepting gifts from civilians. I’m sorry, I can’t accept this. Goodbye.”

He left without giving Lu Qiaoqing a chance to argue.

Lu Qiaoqing glared at the cloth bag in her hands.

Shen Chuning felt awkward.  Lu Qiaoqing was her friend, and her brother repeatedly rejected her.

She patted Lu Qiaoqing’s shoulder to comfort her.

Lu Qiaoqing smiled brightly, “Ningning, don’t worry. I’m fine.  It’s just a rejection. I won’t give up. I’ll write to him when he returns to the army. I won’t give up!”

Shen Chuning smiled awkwardly.  She didn’t understand Lu Qiaoqing.  After being hurt by Chen Ziyun, why pursue a man who didn’t reciprocate?  Did she like challenges?