Chapter 20

Zeng Yaohong felt as if she had been struck by lightning.

Zeng Qianqian was so frightened that she jolted upright from her mother’s arms like a startled fish. She didn’t even care about crying anymore and shouted at her parents, “Dad! Mom! What nonsense are you talking about? What do you mean he deceived me? What do you mean he played me? Do you want me to completely lose face?!”

Mr. Zeng’s face darkened even more. He growled angrily, “Lose face? He played with your feelings and didn’t care about losing face, so what are you afraid of?”

Zeng Yaohong could no longer hold back. Though her voice was low, she gritted her teeth as she said, “Vice Commander Han never had any intentions toward Qianqian—it was all just her wishful thinking. And now you want to stir things up with Commander Gu? Are you trying to make it so I can’t even stay in the Gu family anymore?”

As she spoke, she shot her niece a vicious glare and scolded, “What exactly did you tell your parents? You better explain everything clearly when we get back. Just let this matter blow over, and don’t let even a trace of it show in the future. Otherwise, forget about finding anyone to marry in this military district!”

With that, she ignored the flushed faces and the expressions of disbelief and emotional devastation from the others and walked straight ahead.

While the Zeng family was being struck by thunder over there, over here, Su Ruo glanced at Han Zecheng, who was still busy handling the housing arrangements. Suppressing her curiosity, she looked down and began gently educating her son.

Su Ruo said softly, “Guoguo, just now you should’ve called that… ‘Grandma Zeng’ by her title—Director Zeng. Don’t call her Grandma Zeng, understand?”

Han Guo blinked. “Why? Dad calls her Aunt. Based on seniority, shouldn’t I call her Grandma? Didn’t you always tell me to be polite?”

Su Ruo: …

She cleared her throat lightly and explained, “Calling someone ‘Grandma’ is polite, but look at this Grandma Zeng—she’s still quite young. Women don’t like being called old, so calling her Director Zeng is both respectful and doesn’t make her feel old. Isn’t that a win-win?”

Han Guo: “What does ‘win-win’ mean?”

Su Ruo: “It means… it means you’re happy, she’s happy, everyone’s happy.”

Han Guo: “But that person doesn’t like me. If she’s happy, then I’m probably the unlucky one. If I’m unlucky, why should I be happy?”

Su Ruo: …

What kind of logic is this?

Han Zecheng had just finished with the registration process and happened to hear his son’s last sentence. A slight smile broke through his normally stern expression.

He quickly composed himself and said, “Alright, listen to your mom. Just call her Director Zeng. Let’s go—we’re staying on the third floor.”

He didn’t bother to question why his son had said “that person doesn’t like me.” After speaking, he didn’t wait for them and walked up the stairs with the suitcase.

Han Guo took his mom’s hand, sighed, and said, “Okay, whatever you say, Mama. Let’s go.”

His tone was filled with reluctant compromise, and oddly enough, it even carried a trace of indulgence.

Su Ruo, feeling doted on by her four-year-old son: …?

The military district guesthouse wasn’t particularly luxurious, but it had that distinct military style—simple and clean.

Han Zecheng escorted Su Ruo to the room and said, “You just recovered, and didn’t sleep much last night. Want to rest for a bit? I can go to the canteen and bring food back for you and Guoguo.”

After sitting on the bus for seven or eight hours, Su Ruo was indeed a bit tired.

But she still wanted to walk around a bit. Besides, he would start work tomorrow, and she needed to familiarize herself with the place quickly. So she smiled and said, “No need. Let’s go to the canteen together.”

Then she asked her son, “Guoguo, are you tired? Want to nap or go with us to the canteen?”

Han Guo had napped plenty during the trip and was full of energy now. Of course, he chose to go to the canteen.

However, Su Ruo recalled those people she had seen earlier—especially that young girl who had blushed furiously at the sight of Han Zecheng. She blinked.

She really was a little curious about what was going on with that girl. Why did her parents look at Han Zecheng like they were seeing their future son-in-law? …But her relationship with Han Zecheng didn’t seem close enough yet to ask such things. And with Guoguo here, no matter how curious she was, she had to suppress it.

In the end, she hesitated before asking, “Will it be inconvenient or anything? Also… have I ever been here before?”

Han Zecheng: “No.”

He found Su Ruo’s gaze a little strange, leaving him somewhat puzzled. Still, he replied seriously and methodically, “You’ve never been here. And no, there’s nothing inconvenient.”

Su Ruo couldn’t help laughing when she heard him say that so solemnly—as he always did—and recalled the expressions of those people earlier.

Then she even nodded seriously in return.

She was in a really good mood right now.

This place was completely new to her. No one knew her here, and she didn’t have to worry about being exposed. She could fully be herself without any concerns. It gave her a real sense of relaxation.

Meanwhile, Han Zecheng was momentarily stunned by the sudden brilliance of her smile.

Bright and beautiful, with a touch of playful mischief—like the warmth of spring sunlight.

He awkwardly looked away and said stiffly, “Alright. You and Guoguo get ready, and we’ll head out.”

By the time they got to the canteen, it was already past mealtime. There weren’t many people, just a few scattered here and there.

When these people saw Vice Commander Han bringing a beautiful young woman and a child to the canteen, they were all stunned.

Some of them had heard that Vice Commander Han had gotten married in the countryside. But Han Zecheng was tight-lipped and had never once mentioned his wife or child to anyone, nor had they ever come to visit. So no one connected Su Ruo and Han Guo to that story.

Mainly because Su Ruo was just too pretty and looked so young—like a girl barely out of her teens. No one could imagine her as the mother of a four- or five-year-old child.

Some even secretly wondered if they had a chance to get to know her…

But when they saw Han Zecheng, they only saluted from where they stood. No matter how curious they were, no one dared to approach and gossip.

That is, until an older officer walked over. When he saw Han Zecheng, he came right up, first smiling and nodding at Su Ruo and Han Guo before asking, “Zecheng, didn’t I hear you went home because of family matters? You’re back already? And these two are?”

Han Zecheng introduced them. “Political Commissar, this is my wife Su Ruo, and my son Han Guo.”

Then he turned to Su Ruo and said, “Ah Ruo, this is our corps’ political commissar, Comrade Liang Zhenxing.”

Su Ruo quickly smiled and greeted him. “Hello, Commissar Liang.”

Then she pulled Han Guo to call him Uncle Liang.

Liang Zhenxing was clearly surprised. He let out an “Oh my” as he looked at Han Guo and bumped fists with him, laughing. “So this is your son. What a clever little guy.”

Then he looked back at Han Zecheng. “Hey, you rascal. Hiding your wife and kid this well, huh?”

Such a pretty wife, and not a word about her in the entire unit. Not even a photo shown around.

Because of that, quite a few people had been asking about his marital status. Even after hearing that he’d married in his hometown, many still secretly held onto hope.

Han Zecheng glanced at Su Ruo.

Liang Zhenxing chuckled and continued, “So how long are you staying?”

Han Zecheng replied, “We’re not leaving. I’ll be submitting the application for military family relocation this afternoon.”

Liang Zhenxing was momentarily stunned, then laughed and scolded, “You really are something—staying quiet until you make a big splash. Now you’ve got everyone jealous. But that’s how it should be. A proper husband and wife should live together. You didn’t have the conditions back in the northwest, but now you do, so it’s right to bring them here.”

He chatted a little more and teased Han Guo a bit. Though the boy, like his father, was hard to amuse, it still left him in high spirits as he walked away.

Their voices weren’t loud, but enough that a few nearby people overheard.

When people heard that the girl who looked as beautiful as a little fairy was actually the wife of Deputy Regiment Commander Han from the countryside, they were all so shocked their eyes almost popped out.

But after the shock passed, they thought it made sense—such a beautiful girl could only be worthy of someone like their Deputy Commander Han…

Later, some soldiers from Han Zecheng’s regiment came over to salute their commander.

They greeted Su Ruo very cautiously but respectfully.

Su Ruo found the people in the army really cute.

Each one was extremely solemn while saluting, but when they spoke, they were all shy and bashful… She glanced at Han Zecheng and thought to herself, why isn’t he like that? She wondered if he had also been like that when he was a new recruit.

But imagining him being clumsy and blushing from shyness… Su Ruo couldn’t help but laugh while eating.

Han Zecheng: “…”

He didn’t know what she was laughing about, looked at her for a moment, then casually picked up a piece of sweet and sour fish and placed it in her bowl.

He could tell she was in a good mood after arriving here, so the worry he had been holding onto finally relaxed.

The soldiers who had been secretly watching the whole time: “…”

Their cold-as-ice, demon-like Deputy Commander picked food for his wife?

But then again… with such a beautiful wife, if it were them, they’d do even more—not just pick food, they’d do anything for her!!

……..

In the afternoon, Han Zecheng went to the military office to submit Su Ruo and Han Guo’s application to accompany the army and applied for a married couple’s dorm. After completing the procedures, he took them around the base so they could familiarize themselves with the environment. That way, when he was at work or training, they could go out on their own too.

He had only taken three days off, and on the second day back, he returned to work.

Early in the morning, just after he sat down in his office, he heard a knock on the door. He said, “Come in,” and the door opened.

The one who came in was a young officer with attractive single eyelids and handsome features.

It was Gu Yilin, the eldest son of Commander Gu.

Gu Yilin came in, leaned on the cabinet opposite Han Zecheng, and sat down with a grin, asking, “Zecheng, I heard you brought your wife and son here?”

The two of them had shared a dorm in military school. Although their personalities were completely different, they became close friends.

They later found out that their fathers had actually been old comrades.

He was half a year older than Han Zecheng, so he naturally called Su Ruo “sister-in-law.”

Han Zecheng glanced up at him but didn’t comment on his sloppy posture. He simply responded with an “Mm,” and looked back down at the documents in his hands.

He had taken three days off, and there was a backlog of work to get through.

He wanted to finish quickly so he could leave on time and go home to accompany Su Ruo and their son.

Gu Yilin didn’t mind his indifference and continued talking to himself, “That woman said she’s inviting your whole family over for dinner tonight. My dad already agreed, and he especially sent me to invite you… But Zecheng, that woman might be up to no good.”

The “woman” he was referring to was Zeng Yaohong, whom Han Zecheng and Su Ruo had seen at the guest house entrance earlier.

She was Gu Yilin’s stepmother.

“Up to no good?”

Han Zecheng looked up again.

He didn’t think Zeng Yaohong could do anything to Su Ruo or their son.

Gu Yilin sneered, “Don’t tell me you don’t know what she originally planned.”

“Her niece might also be there tonight. She’s probably trying to stir up some drama and make your wife feel embarrassed. But it’s no big deal. With my dad there, she won’t dare pull anything serious. Still, since your wife just got here, if you don’t want to take her, I can tell my dad.”

Han Zecheng tugged the corners of his mouth into a half-smile.

Zeng Yaohong had already seen Su Ruo and Guoguo this afternoon. From the way she behaved, it didn’t seem like that was her intention—but that was all speculation, and not worth explaining to Gu Yilin.

Regardless, in his eyes, even if Su Ruo had lost her memory, she was still a hundred times better than that Zeng Qianqian.

No, there was no comparison at all.

So why wouldn’t he dare take her?

He said, “It’s fine. I’ll bring her.”

Gu Yilin couldn’t read his expression.

He had never seen Su Ruo, but at this moment, he suddenly felt a bit sorry for her.

He and Han Zecheng had been classmates and were close brothers.

But all these years, Han Zecheng had never once mentioned his wife or son back in the countryside.

Thinking of the reason Han had married so suddenly back then, Gu Yilin believed this cold attitude now meant he didn’t care about his wife anymore.

He looked at Han Zecheng, sighed, and said, “I heard you’re applying for your wife to follow the army? Why did you suddenly decide that—was it for your son?”

He knew a bit about Han’s mother’s situation too. Leaving the child in the countryside would only ruin him. That couldn’t go on.

Han Zecheng thought he talked too much.

Wasn’t it normal for his wife to follow him?

He pressed his pen down on the desk, just about to say something to dismiss him, when Gu Yilin suddenly added, “Did you know? I heard Zhou Nianxue got divorced.”

Han Zecheng’s finger paused on the pen.

He glanced at him, furrowed his brow slightly as if trying to recall something, and said, “Oh. What’s that got to do with us?”

Gu Yilin: “…”

Although they were close friends, sometimes Gu Yilin really didn’t know what was going on in Han Zecheng’s head.

He himself was emotional and expressive, which made his father constantly disappointed in him, thinking he wasn’t fit to be a soldier… And truth be told, Gu Yilin agreed. He didn’t think he was suited for the military life and figured he’d transfer out eventually.

But his father admired Han Zecheng—the stoic rock.

Even though Gu Yilin admitted Han Zecheng was an outstanding officer and his best buddy, he still thought he was too dull and uninteresting.

He spread his hands and said, “What could it have to do with you? Ah Wan told me. You know, she and Zhou Nianxue are friends and kept in touch all these years.”

Awan was his wife, Yu Wan.

The two of them grew up in the same military compound, childhood sweethearts who naturally got married when they grew up. They now had two children.

As he spoke, he paused for a moment and said, “She was asking Awan about how you’ve been lately.”

Han Zecheng frowned and said, “There’s nothing between me and her anymore. Tell your wife not to get involved in unnecessary matters. My wife is still young—don’t trouble her with messy things.”

Gu Yilin was so shocked his jaw nearly dropped.

What did he just hear?