Jiang Qiuyue didn’t want a complicated life. In Taohua Village, the worst that could happen was some quarrels among villagers—if she didn’t like someone, she could just confront them directly. The Wang Chunhua family next door had already been thoroughly subdued by her, so there was nothing to worry about.  

But living in the military compound would be different. Lin Zhengrong had colleagues, right? And those colleagues’ wives would probably expect socializing. Whether she worked or not, Lin Zhengrong’s career would inevitably drag her into some level of social obligation.  

Sure, Jiang Qiuyue was attracted to Lin Zhengrong’s looks, but she wasn’t some hopeless romantic. She knew exactly what kind of life she wanted.  

In this lifetime, she just wanted to stay far, far away from workplace politics.  

Of course, if Lin Zhengrong wanted some… marital interaction, she might consider it. After all, she’d never experienced intimacy with a man before—who knows, she might even enjoy it.  

Just then, Lin Zhengrong reached the doorway and overheard Chen Meiru discussing the military spouse arrangement with Jiang Qiuyue, so he paused.  

He hadn’t told his family about his promotion to regimental rank. Initially, it was because he feared Wang Chunhua and Lin Fugui would demand more money if they found out, so he deliberately kept it quiet. After cutting ties, he never found the right opportunity to bring it up with Jiang Qiuyue.  

“Can’t you join him unless he’s at regimental rank?” Chen Meiru was unaware of the specifics.  

“Not necessarily, but regimental rank makes housing applications easier. Otherwise, you’d have to wait in line,” Jiang Qiuyue explained.  

Chen Meiru sighed sympathetically. “What a shame. If only you could go. You should encourage Dazhu to work harder so he can bring you and the kids over sooner.”  

“No rush. Life in the village isn’t bad—I have a wonderful neighbor like you, and Auntie Niu often helps me too. Even if Dazhu were at regimental rank, I’d still prefer staying here.” Jiang Qiuyue’s real thoughts were: Lin Zhengrong could strive for advancement all he wanted, but that didn’t mean she had to adjust her life to his changes. Even as a homemaker, she was still an independent individual. Taking care of the household and raising the children were her contributions to the family. As for spending a little more—well, it was within Lin Zhengrong’s salary. If she didn’t treat herself well, should she starve herself like some tragic drama heroine sacrificing everything for her kids?  

Chen Meiru laughed heartily at the compliment. “That’s true! We’re all villagers here—just shout if you need help. Oh dear, I lost track of time chatting. I should head home. Next time something comes up, I’ll call you to join me.”  

After offending Zhou Cuicui today, she probably wouldn’t be inviting her along anymore.  

Having finished trimming the snails, Jiang Qiuyue remembered something as Chen Meiru prepared to leave. “Sister-in-law, could I borrow your sewing machine? I bought some fabric and want to make a new dress.”  

The best-equipped household in the village was Hu Haizhi’s—the sewing machine was Chen Meiru’s dowry, the only one in the entire village.  

“Of course! Come over anytime you need it. Oh, Dazhu, you’re back! We were just talking about you.” Chen Meiru chuckled and said her goodbyes.  

Lin Zhengrong looked at Jiang Qiuyue. She said she’d rather stay in the village than follow him to the base—why?  

“Is there something on my face?” Jiang Qiuyue asked curiously when she noticed his lingering gaze.  

“No.” Lin Zhengrong felt a pang of frustration. He hadn’t considered bringing Jiang Qiuyue to the military base either—he was often busy with missions, and only these past few months had things settled down.

He thought that rather than letting Jiang Qiuyue and the children adapt to a new environment, it would be better for them to stay in the village, where at least there were familiar people to look after them. When he went on leave, he could still return home to visit.  

So when Political Commissar Wang and Chen Guowei made their suggestions, he wasn’t swayed.  

“Why are you staring at me?” Jiang Qiuyue was starting to feel a little embarrassed under his gaze. “I need to start cooking. The beans in the yard have sprouted—go water them.”  

She turned and went into the kitchen, while Lin Beibei, ever perceptive, followed to tend the fire.  

The sweet potato noodles had been soaked in water ahead of time. The salted pork was sliced into thin shreds. Once the oil in the pan was hot, she added the pork, red chili peppers, and minced garlic. When the aroma burst forth, she tossed in the noodles and seasonings.  

Stir-fried noodles required lard. Glancing at the last bit of lard left, Jiang Qiuyue gritted her teeth and used it all—otherwise, the noodles wouldn’t taste as good.  

Just before serving, she sprinkled in a handful of scallion segments to enhance the fragrance. The glossy, translucent noodles were now perfectly cooked.  

The final dish was stir-fried river snails. These also required a lot of ingredients. Earlier, while explaining to Jiang Youcai how to make braised fish, Jiang Qiuyue had realized her own seasonings were running low.  

But cooking had to be done properly—she couldn’t let down the effort put into every meal. Today, they’d feast first; they could worry about the future later.  

After stir-frying the garlic and chili peppers until fragrant, she added bay leaves and the snails. She drizzled soy sauce and rice wine along the edge of the pan, and with a sizzling sound, the blended aromas of all the ingredients rose enticingly.  

Before plating, she tossed in another handful of scallions. It was a shame she didn’t have oyster sauce or MSG—that would have made it even more flavorful.  

“Dinner’s ready!”  

As soon as Jiang Qiuyue called out, Lin Beibei and Lin Nannan had already set the table.  

Lin Zhengrong, having finished watering the vegetable patch, was drenched in sweat, his T-shirt clinging to his chest. Jiang Qiuyue, sitting across from him, silently mused—this must be what they meant by “feast for the eyes.”