Chapter 43.1

The cafeteria erupted into a commotion, with everyone looking towards Lu Yu. They sensed an aura of stern authority from this man, who suddenly appeared and they all speculated that his identity was not simple.

Jiang Nian hadn’t expected Lu Yu to show up.

He had said he would arrive in the afternoon on the phone. She had thought it would be around three or four o’clock.

The danger just moments ago dissolved instantly when Lu Yu arrived. He turned to look at Jiang Nian, his gaze sweeping up and down her body. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, his icy voice softened slightly. “Are you hurt?”

Jiang Nian shook her head. “I’m fine.”

She was just startled.

She dared not think what would have happened if Lu Yu hadn’t come, how Feng Ren would have treated her.

Lu Yu said to Zhang Xiao, “Go find Sister Ge at the state-run embroidery shop and have her come to the cotton mill.”

Seeing Yang Jun trying to flee, Lu Yu kicked the bench towards him. The bench slid out, tripping Yang Jun to the ground. Lu Yu grabbed Feng Ren by the back of his collar and dragged him along, then grabbed Yang Jun’s collar with one hand and pulled him up, saying to the people in the cafeteria, “Which comrade can take me to see the leader of your mill?”

Both Feng Ren and Yang Jun were notorious troublemakers in the mill. People from the Second Team had long been fed up with them, so someone stepped forward, “I’ll take you. The leaders are having lunch right now.”

Feng Ren and Yang Jun began to feel afraid. This matter wouldn’t be easy to handle if it reached the leaders.

With Lu Yu gripping their collars, they looked at each other and struggled to break free. But Lu Yu’s grip was strong, pressing against the back of their necks, causing them to wince in pain.

Jiang Nian snapped out of her shock, feeling that Lu Yu at this moment was indescribably handsome.

She secretly marveled in her heart. Truly deserving of being a military man, his strength and power were full of explosive force. Feng Ren and Yang Jun didn’t even have the strength to resist.

Lu Yu looked at Jiang Nian, “Let’s go.”

Jiang Nian nodded, “Okay.”

She trotted along behind Lu Yu, feeling a sense of false bravado.

The leader of the cotton mill was a middle-aged man in his forties. The first thing Jiang Nian noticed was his balding head. The office of the mill consisted of three brick rooms, with a brick path outside and two old-fashioned ping-pong tables further ahead.

Several people from the Second Team roughly explained the situation. Just as they finished, Ge Mei and Zhang Xiao arrived. Zhang Xiao had already briefed Ge Mei on the way. Ge Mei’s face turned ashen with anger. As soon as she rushed into the office, she started demanding justice from the leader of the Cotton Mill.

Feng Ren and Yang Jun stood with their heads down by the door. Lu Yu said, “The actual situation has been explained by your mill’s people. Jiang Nian only fought back because Feng Ren had laid hands on her. When faced with such a situation, if she didn’t resist, should she just wait to be bullied?!”

His gaze turned cold as he looked at Feng Ren, a hint of anger in his eyes.

If he had been even a step later, Lu Yu dared not think how badly she might have been treated!

Already anxious about leaving his sister-in-law alone in the city, Lu Yu was now even more concerned.

Standing next to Ge Mei with Zhang Xiao, both women’s eyes were red, looking genuinely aggrieved. This sight only fueled the leader’s pent-up anger even more. He slammed his hand on the table, pointing at Feng Ren and Yang Jun, and reprimanded, “How can our mill have two rotten apples like you! Your bad behavior has caused the entire mill to be accused of bullying female comrades!”

Lu Yu said, “Today, this matter must be given a proper resolution. It can’t just be brushed off with a few criticisms.”

The leader already had a dislike for Hu Zhongming, Yang Jun, and Feng Ren. While Yang Jun and Feng Ren had been troublesome before, they had maintained a certain limit. However, since Hu Zhongming joined, the three of them had become increasingly audacious. Despite this, they hadn’t committed any outrageous offenses, so the leader couldn’t find a legitimate reason to dismiss them.

Now was a perfect opportunity.

With a stern face, the leader continued, “The two of you publicly bullied the female comrades from the state-run embroidery shop in the cafeteria, obstructing their path and even physically assaulting them. Your conduct is severely improper and has brought a bad influence upon the mill. Your ideological issues are also significant. As employees of the mill, with such twisted thoughts and improper conduct, our mill cannot keep you!”

With these words, many in the Second Team were delighted.

Yang Jun and Feng Ren usually flaunted their relationship with Hu Zhongming, their team leader, and acted arrogantly in front of others. The people of the Second Team had long been displeased with them.

Yang Jun and Feng Ren hadn’t expected to be fired from the mill because of what happened just now.

Although their family lived in the city, they crowded together in the same apartment building. They relied on the mill’s wages every month. If they lost their jobs, they would be idle at home, and being dismissed from a state-run mill would make it difficult for them to find new employment elsewhere.

No matter how much Feng Ren and Yang Jun apologized, Jiang Nian and Zhang Xiao remained firm.

The leader had no intention of giving them another chance. He slammed his hand on the table and continued, “If only I had known earlier, what happened today could have been avoided!”

After leaving the Cotton Mill, Ge Mei asked Jiang Nian, “Are you hurt?”

Jiang Nian shook her head, “I’m fine.”

Ge Mei sighed with frustration, “This is all because of Lu Xiaoqing. If she hadn’t been involved with Hu Zhongming, none of this would have happened.” Then she turned to Jiang Nian and Zhang Xiao, “They’ve been dismissed from the mill now. From now on, they won’t bother you anymore.”

Due to the incident occurring during lunchtime, Ge Mei also felt guilty about neglecting her responsibilities as the head of the department. She took Jiang Nian and the others to a state-run restaurant for lunch, and Lu Yu accompanied them.

The restaurant was quite crowded at this hour. They found a corner, where a waitress first brought them hot water and then handed them menus. The dishes served at the restaurant varied daily. Ge Mei ordered two dishes and asked Lu Yu to order as well.

Lu Yu took the menu without hesitation. He turned to Jiang Nian and asked quietly, “What would you like to eat?”

Glancing at the menu, Jiang Nian had been eating plain meals in the cafeteria for over a month. She was genuinely craving meat, but since Ge Mei was treating them, she didn’t want to impose. So she whispered, “Anything is fine.”

There was a hint of amusement in Lu Yu’s eyes as he ordered three meat dishes: braised rabbit, chicken stewed with potatoes, and steamed fish.

Jiang Nian: …

Wow.

He really wasn’t holding back.

Zhang Xiao also blinked in amazement. When she looked at Jiang Nian, she was too nervous to speak.

In all her life, Zhang Xiao had never eaten such a lavish meal. Even during Chinese New Year celebrations at home, having a few pieces of meat in the dishes was already a cause for happiness.

Ge Mei didn’t say anything but glanced back and forth between Lu Yu and Jiang Nian, her eyes showing a certain understanding.

As Zhang Xiao stood up to pour water for everyone, Lu Yu said, “I’ll go wash my hands.”

Ge Mei almost anticipated what Lu Yu was going to do. By the time she caught up, Lu Yu had already paid the bill. She smiled helplessly, “Deputy Commander Lu, you really shouldn’t have.”

Lu Yu chuckled, “It doesn’t matter who pays.”

He just wanted his sister-in-law to enjoy her meal without any worries.

After the meal, the four of them parted ways at the entrance of the state-run restaurant.

Ge Mei looked meaningfully at Jiang Nian, “Have fun, and it’s okay to come back a little bit later.”

Jiang Nian smiled, “Okay.”

Lu Yu glanced down at Jiang Nian, who was smiling and walked with her down the path. There was a moment of silence between them, and finally, Jiang Nian broke it, “Why did you come so early?”

Lu Yu replied, “I finished my task early.”

“Oh.”

Jiang Nian pursed her lips and asked, “What were you doing in the city?”

Lu Yu cleared his throat, “I came to visit a retired comrade.”

The movie was scheduled to start at four o’clock in the afternoon. They arrived at the theater just in time. Jiang Nian saw a small blackboard hanging at the entrance listing the movies playing that day, evoking a nostalgic feeling of a bygone era.

Lu Yu bought two movie tickets and some snacks for Jiang Nian. They entered the theater and sat in the fourth row. In the first two minutes before the movie began, more and more people streamed in, filling up the previously empty theater.

The movie was set in the 1950s, and Jiang Nian watched as the nostalgic scenes on screen gradually overlapped with the present. Her thoughts became somewhat muddled, and the images on the screen were reflected in her pupils.

In the midst of this, a deep, slightly husky voice asked, “Is it good?”

Jiang Nian looked up at Lu Yu. The theater was dimly lit, with the light from the screen casting alternating shadows on the sharply defined features of his face. He tilted his head slightly down, his brow like majestic mountains, and the deep black of his eyes reflected her image.

Jiang Nian couldn’t help but stare blankly until Lu Yu’s finger lightly touched her lips, bringing her back to reality. She jerked suddenly, subconsciously licking the spot where his finger had brushed.

Realizing what she had done, Jiang Nian’s face flushed crimson all the way to her neck.

“I didn’t mean to!”

She quickly turned her head to look at the screen, her heart pounding rapidly. She cursed herself inwardly for being so scatterbrained.

Lu Yu’s Adam’s apple rolled a few times. In the dim light of the theater, the dark depths of his eyes concealed a hint of tenderness, as he watched Jiang Nian’s blushing profile. He ran his index finger over his thumb as if savoring that fleeting touch of warmth.

He turned his head towards the screen. His thin lips pursed slightly before he spoke after a while, “You have sugar crumbs at the corner of your mouth, let me help you wipe them off.”

Jiang Nian took a moment to process Lu Yu’s words.

Out of Lu Yu’s sight, she used her tongue to lick the corner of her lower lip, trying to remove the crumbs. Lu Yu’s voice came over, seemingly with a hint of amusement, “It’s gone now.”

Jiang Nian: …

Jiang Nian: !!!

How did he see that?

Was he secretly observing her, specifically looking to catch her off guard?!

Jiang Nian blinked in bewilderment, unconsciously tightening her grip on the paper bag in her hands, causing it to rustle slightly. The person next to her frowned and reminded her in a low voice, “Comrade, please don’t make noise.”

Jiang Nian: …

As they exited the movie theater, dusk was approaching.

Lu Yu asked, “What do you want to eat tonight?”

Jiang Nian shook her head, “I’m still full.”

It was only six o’clock, not too late. Lu Yu noticed the river across the street, “Shall we walk by the riverbank? It’ll help with digestion.”

Jiang Nian nodded slightly, “Sure.”

She still held the paper bag with snacks inside, not yet finished. The wind blew on her hands, making them cold. Jiang Nian was about to tuck her hands into her sleeves when Lu Yu took the paper bag from her.

With Lu Yu carrying the paper bag, they walked along the riverbank path surrounded by budding willow trees. Retirees strolled back and forth, young people were out, and couples were chatting about potential relationships.

After walking for a while, Jiang Nian felt tired, but Lu Yu seemed unaffected.

She shifted her weight, “Let’s rest for a bit.”

Lu Yu turned to look at Jiang Nian, his gaze lingering on her feet for a few seconds, “Okay.”

Night fell completely, and the moon reflected on the water, shimmering with the ripples. The wind by the river was strong, chilling their faces. Jiang Nian patted her frozen cheeks and breathed hot air into her hands.

“It won’t be cold if you wear this.”

Lu Yu took off his scarf and wrapped it around Jiang Nian’s neck.

“Sister-in-law.”

Jiang Nian also looked towards the river, responding, “What’s wrong?”

Lu Yu kept his gaze on the river surface and asked, “Are you still thinking about brother?”

Jiang Nian didn’t expect Lu Yu to ask that.

She looked at the river, pulling the scarf over her mouth and nose, which carried Lu Yu’s fresh and pleasant scent, “Yes.”

Afraid Lu Yu wouldn’t believe her, she added, “Sometimes I even dream at night, thinking how nice it would be if he hadn’t left.”

Lu Yu said, “What if brother wants you to move on?”

Jiang Nian paused, “I can’t. We were married for four years, living under the same roof for four years. He’s my husband, my man. I can’t let go of him for the rest of my life.”

After saying this, she couldn’t help but mock herself inwardly.

This passionate persona really got you playing your part.

Lu Yu remained silent for a long time. They stood by the river for half an hour. Jiang Nian endured the cold wind for half an hour. On the way back, her feet started to ache, causing her to walk slower.

Lu Yu tucked the paper bag into his pocket and squatted in front of her. Jiang Nian was startled and stopped, “What are you doing?”

“I’ll carry you back.”

“No need, I can walk by myself.”

Lu Yu looked at the two shadows overlapping on the ground, his expression deepening. “Come up, I’ll carry you.”

His tone was more assertive.

Jiang Nian couldn’t refuse further. She took a step forward, reaching over Lu Yu’s shoulder and leaning against his back. As he stood up, Jiang Nian’s gaze suddenly rose a few heights from the ground.

She wrapped her arms around Lu Yu’s neck, hiding her face against his back.

Lu Yu’s hands supported Jiang Nian’s knees. She was light, nothing like the heavy rocks he carried during his daily runs.

“Sister-in-law.”

Jiang Nian: “Hmm.”

“You’re not fat. Try to eat more at each meal.”

Jiang Nian: …

Eating more at each meal would eventually lead to gaining weight.

She usually ate until about eighty percent full. Any more than that she’d feel bloated. What if she developed a little belly over time?

Jiang Nian pursed her lips and replied, “Okay.”

It was quite a distance back to the state-run embroidery shop from here. Halfway there, she felt a bit embarrassed, “I’m fine now, I can walk by myself.”

Lu Yu showed no intention of letting her down, “We’re almost there.”

Jiang Nian’s head retreated back against the man’s back, her hand wrapped around Lu Yu’s neck growing cold and numb. Lu Yu seemed to notice this, lowering his head to glance at her intertwined hands beneath his collar. His cheeks reddened from the cold.

He bent down, loosening one hand to grasp Jiang Nian’s hand and tuck it inside his windbreaker, wrapping her hand in the fabric. Then he resumed holding her knee and continued walking back. Jiang Nian snapped out of her daze, glancing at the man’s reddened ears, feeling the chill of the wind.

Her hand was hidden inside Lu Yu’s clothing. He wore a vest and a white shirt underneath. Jiang Nian’s fingers unconsciously brushed against something, and she cautiously tightened her lips, concealing her curiosity.

His physique was really solid. How many abs did he have?

She had glimpsed them a few times before but hadn’t really examined them. Jiang Nian suddenly realized she was ogling Lu Yu’s abs and immediately felt embarrassed, burying her face against his back, and feeling like a shameful female pervert.

As they neared the dormitory, Jiang Nian spoke up, “I want to ask you something.”

Lu Yu replied, “Go ahead.”

Jiang Nian thought for a moment, “Do you know if Zhu Jun has a girlfriend?”

Lu Yu’s steps abruptly paused, “I don’t know.”

Jiang Nian smiled, “Could you find out for me? If Zhu Jun doesn’t have a girlfriend, give me a call.”

“Why does sister-in-law want to know about this?”

“I just want to inquire. If Zhu Jun is single, I think I could introduce him to Zhang Xiao. If they both like each other, it could lead to a good match. If not, it’s fine. At least they’ll make more friends.”

The man’s lips curled slightly with a smile. “I’ll go back and ask for you.”

Walking to the dormitory entrance, Lu Yu finally released Jiang Nian. She took off her scarf and handed it to Lu Yu. Seeing his calm expression, as if he hadn’t been tired at all carrying her all the way, she couldn’t help but ask with concern, “Are you tired?”

Lu Yu looked at her. “Not tired.”

Thinking about how Lu Yu restrained Feng Ren and Yang Jun today with both hands, she felt that Lu Yu must be very strong. “Are you staying at that guesthouse tonight?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s getting late. You go back first, I’ll head to the dorm.”

“Alright.”

Lu Yu handed her the remaining snacks. “I’ll watch you go in.”

Jiang Nian smiled and turned to run into the dorm. Only after that figure disappeared behind the door did Lu Yu withdraw his gaze. He turned around and wrapped the scarf around his neck, covering his mouth and nose with it, a smile reflecting in his dark eyes.