Chapter 37: An Interruption

“Alright, we’ve seen the house. Now, I’ll take you home.”

“Next door to our right is Aunt Lan’s house, the one you saw earlier. She’s my company commander’s wife. When I’m away on missions, I’ll ask her to help look after you. If I’m not home and you need anything, feel free to go to them for help. I’ll visit them personally to express my gratitude when I return. You don’t need to be afraid of bothering them.”

Leng Mohan explained to her. Luo Jiaojiao also noticed that the yard on the left was overgrown with weeds, clearly unoccupied for a long time.

“The back is open land, directly connected to the mountains.” Luo Jiaojiao observed that the house had a small backyard, and through the yard, her sight extended to the distant mountains.

She only discovered this later, but the lighting wasn’t very good, not suitable for growing flowers.

Leng Mohan followed Luo Jiaojiao’s gaze. There was a wide-open space, only the high back wall of the yard standing out.

He softly comforted her, “You don’t need to worry. Ten meters beyond the back wall is another sturdy stone wall, enough to keep out wild animals from the mountains. Before winter comes, we’ll organize a drive to ensure the mountain beasts don’t dare approach.”

“As for wolf packs, they won’t come down to bother us.” Leng Mohan mistakenly thought Luo Jiaojiao was afraid of wild animals in the mountains.

Luo Jiaojiao’s curiosity was piqued. She asked, “Then can we go exploring in the back mountains? I heard there are lush wild grasses, delicious mushrooms, and maybe even pheasants and rabbits. My grandparents told me stories, but I’ve never experienced it myself.”

She looked at Leng Mohan expectantly, hoping for an affirmative answer.

Leng Mohan keenly caught the curiosity and longing in Luo Jiaojiao’s eyes. He softly asked, “Do you really want to go take a look?”

He continued to explain, “Wild grasses can be found at the foot of the mountain, but if you want to hunt, like pheasants and rabbits, you have to go deep into the mountains. But it’s more dangerous there; wild boars live there.”

“In two days, I’ll organize a mountain trip. Since we’ve moved here, we should treat everyone to a meal. We can hunt some game then. I’ll also introduce you to everyone, let them get to know you.”

Leng Mohan said to Luo Jiaojiao, “If you’re interested, I can take you, but you must stay close to me for safety.”

“You’ll go with me?” Leng Mohan looked at her, his tone revealing a subtle concern. He knew that as long as he was there, she would be fine. Even if he encountered trouble himself, he would do his best to protect her.

“Can I go with you?” Luo Jiaojiao’s heart was full of anticipation, but she was afraid she would become a burden. She wanted to be by his side, but she was afraid of causing unnecessary trouble.

“You really won’t cause any trouble.” Leng Mohan gently shook his head, trying to ease her worries. His eyes were full of determination and trust. “You just need to follow me, and I’ll take care of you.”

“Then… I want to go.” Luo Jiaojiao’s voice was hesitant but full of anticipation.

“I can help dig wild vegetables, but… you might need to teach me how to identify them first. I’m not sure which ones are edible.” Her words were full of apology and unease.

“Okay, I’ll teach you to recognize various wild vegetables and many types of mushrooms. I’ll tell you when I see them.” Leng Mohan observed her inner joy and understood that although the Luo family outwardly treated her well, they actually controlled her very strictly, greatly restricting her life.

Now, she was curious about everything around her, which was normal. Leng Mohan was willing to do his best to let her experience and feel the beauty of this world.

“Let’s go back. Hold your head up, don’t keep your head down, okay?” Leng Mohan gently rubbed her hair, speaking softly.

Luo Jiaojiao nodded. She tried to change, but years of habit couldn’t be changed overnight.

On their way back, Leng Mohan gently held Luo Jiaojiao’s hand as they walked.

Whenever Luo Jiaojiao lowered her head, he would gently squeeze her small hand, as if comforting her. Luo Jiaojiao looked up at him, a hint of grievance in her eyes.

Leng Mohan noticed and began to wonder if he was too hasty, if he should give her more time and space.

“Okay, Luo Jiaojiao, I won’t force you.” Leng Mohan’s tone was full of gentleness and tolerance. “Let’s take it slow. I’ll use my methods to help you become confident.”

Hearing this, Luo Jiaojiao seemed relieved, a trace of gratitude flashing in her eyes. She looked firmly at Leng Mohan and said, “I’ll try my best to change, I won’t keep you waiting too long.”

“Mm, I believe in you.” Leng Mohan looked at her. He originally wanted to say it was okay if she didn’t change, but seeing her mustered courage, he couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“Let’s go back. I’ll help you get hot water for a bath.” Leng Mohan said softly, pulling her back.

Luo Jiaojiao had been looking up at Leng Mohan, but when they reached the front, she habitually lowered her head.

Leng Mohan noticed the people ahead of them sooner than she did. They were men from the second company, and the relationship between them was quite tense.

Leng Mohan merely glanced at them indifferently, then pulled Luo Jiaojiao forward, trying to avoid unnecessary conflict.

He just wanted to quietly take her away, avoiding unnecessary disputes.

“Leng Mohan, I used to think you were just arrogant, but I didn’t expect you to be so blind. You ignore someone as outstanding as Ru Wenwen, yet you choose a village girl. Do you really think a few fine clothes can hide her village girl essence?” Zhang Long looked at Leng Mohan askance, his face full of sarcasm.

“That’s right, Commander Leng, your eyesight is truly unique. You ignore our company commander’s daughter and marry a village girl who’s of no help to you. This is truly incomprehensible.” Zhou Bing also looked at Leng Mohan with a mocking gaze, his voice full of disdain.

Leng Mohan’s mind suddenly flashed with the words “village girl,” reminding him that he had changed Luo Jiaojiao’s household registration to rural and submitted the relevant documents.

They clearly didn’t understand Luo Jiaojiao’s true background, such as her having lived in Luo Jia Hui’s home, being the daughter of a certain company commander. Let alone the secret that Luo Lie was actually her biological father.

Luo Jiaojiao frowned slightly, looking up at them questioningly, understanding that the “village girl” they referred to was her.