Chapter 42: Isn’t the Captain a Bit Too Fierce?!

“Really?” Ye Muqi was delighted.

She knew Rong Jingchen wouldn’t lie to her—if he said there was a car, then there definitely was one!

But after the initial surprise faded, Ye Muqi suddenly started to feel a bit worried. Even though Rong Jingchen was a captain, casually using a military vehicle like that… wouldn’t it have some negative consequences?

“Is… that okay?” she hesitated.

“He’ll be here soon. Just be ready to head downstairs when he arrives,” Rong Jingchen said.

The determination in Rong Jingchen’s eyes gave her a strong sense of security.

“Thank you!” Ye Muqi smiled. “You’re so good to me.”

Beep— You’ve been awarded a Good Guy card.

Rong Jingchen graciously accepted his Good Guy card, put the empty bowl in the kitchen, washed it, reminded Ye Muqi again before leaving for the base.

“No wonder he’s been handed over to the country—so reliable!” Ye Muqi said with admiration as she watched him go.

Thinking about having a personal ride today, Ye Muqi hummed a little tune and limped into the kitchen to get started.

She was making the same things as yesterday. After doing it for three days straight, she’d already become as efficient as a production line. In no time, everything was ready and neatly packed.

She stepped out with the goods, and from upstairs, she could already see the vehicle parked in the family courtyard—it was the same one that had picked her and Rong Jingchen up the night she arrived.

Ye Muqi made her way downstairs slowly. Her sprained ankle didn’t make walking impossible, but going down the stairs was a different story!

Her descent was awkward, but not wanting to keep the driver waiting, she tried her best to speed up.

“Four floors—nearly killed me,” Ye Muqi muttered with a deep sigh as she made her way toward the car.

Lin Zihua was already downstairs, surprised when he received the task to pick up Ye Muqi. That stingy Captain Rong was finally not hiding his beautiful wife?

Regardless of Rong Jingchen’s reasons, Lin Zihua didn’t even hesitate before accepting. He came early and didn’t wait in the car either—he stood outside, eyes constantly darting toward the stairs, wondering when the little fairy would show up.

Then he saw Ye Muqi coming down awkwardly, carrying a bunch of things.

That walking posture… as a man, Lin Zihua couldn’t help but imagine things. For a moment, he was too stunned to react.

Wait… Did their captain go a little too hard last night?

Seeing how hard it was for the sister-in-law to walk, no wonder he was sent to pick her up.

Damn! The captain is savage!

“Ahem, sis-in-law—let me!” After snapping out of his daze, Lin Zihua rushed forward to take the things from her hands. “I’ve got it all—let me carry everything!”

He nearly snatched the bags from her.

Since it was Lin Zihua who drove last time too, and he was being so enthusiastic, Ye Muqi didn’t argue. She handed over the goods.

“Thanks a lot, big bro.” She smiled. “Sorry to trouble you today.”

“Not a bother at all!” Lin Zihua grinned, walking with her to the car.

Watching Ye Muqi limp, Lin Zihua couldn’t help recalling how awkward her stair descent was earlier.

Heh heh… Another juicy bit of gossip. He couldn’t wait to tell the boys back at the base.

“Our captain, seriously… doesn’t know how to cherish a delicate wife.” Then again, with such a sweet and dainty girl, what man could resist?

“?” Ye Muqi didn’t catch on at first. But once her brain processed what he said, she realized what Lin Zihua was implying.

Wait—

Why would he think that?

She might not have had that kind of experience in her past life, but surely it wouldn’t leave her like this, right? How rough would that have to be…?

Ye Muqi blushed—a rare sight.

“Y-You’re thinking too much! It’s not Rong Jingchen’s fault—I slipped and twisted my ankle. That’s why I’m walking like this,” she quickly explained, afraid he wouldn’t believe her. She even lifted her pant leg to show the slightly swollen ankle.

“Huh?” Lin Zihua scratched his head awkwardly. “Cough cough… I just thought—well, I mean, I knew the captain wouldn’t be that ruthless!”

Ye Muqi: “……”

You literally just said he was.

Realizing his thoughts had gone a bit off the rails, Lin Zihua scrambled to recover.

He helped her and the goods into the car.

The smell that had already been teasing his nose outside was now overwhelming in the confined space of the car. Lin Zihua even heard his own stomach grumble.

“It smells amazing! The commissar’s driver always raves about your cooking. We’ve all been dying to try your breakfast place.” Lin Zihua chatted as he drove, trying to move past the earlier awkwardness.

Everyone at the base was talking: their captain’s wife was not only beautiful, but a fantastic cook. After getting a whiff of the aroma, Lin Zihua believed every word.

He hadn’t even tasted it yet, but just based on the smell—this was leagues above the mess hall food. Even better than most restaurants they occasionally visited.

“Well, once we get to the shop, I’ll treat you to breakfast before you head back?” Ye Muqi offered.

“Oh—I’m not sure I have time. I need to rush back for training,” Lin Zihua looked tempted but hesitant.

“Breakfast won’t take long. I’m quick—it’ll be fine.” She felt a bit guilty, seeing as he’d come all this way before even having breakfast.

Really, it wouldn’t take much time at all.

“…Alright then!” Lin Zihua floored the gas pedal a bit—clearly motivated now. Soon, they arrived at the alley where Xiao Sun’s Breakfast Shop was located.

Ye Muqi got out, and Lin Zihua helped carry everything inside. Cai Dongmei, noticing yet another young man in uniform, gave both of them a curious once-over.

When she saw Ye Muqi limping, she was startled and rushed over to support her.

“Oh dear, Muqi, what happened? If you’re hurt, just rest at home. It’s not like the shop can’t survive without you for a day or two. Your health comes first!” Cai Dongmei frowned, clearly concerned.

“I’m fine, Granny,” Ye Muqi said, heading to the kitchen. Seeing the prepped dough, she began kneading while saying, “Just a little twist, that’s all.”

“You child…” Since she was already there, Cai Dongmei didn’t press further. Instead, she turned to entertain Lin Zihua, leaving Ye Muqi to her breakfast prep.

Ye Muqi worked quickly and served up a huge bowl of hand-pulled noodles. She even added all four side dishes and a braised egg—it looked hearty and delicious.

“Wow!” Lin Zihua couldn’t hold back. He picked up his chopsticks and started slurping down the noodles. He added several spoonfuls of chili oil until the whole bowl turned red, savoring every bite.

Despite sweating bullets from the heat, he added even more chili.

“Sis-in-law, this is amazing! The chili oil’s incredible—so fragrant!” he praised non-stop between bites, clearly in heaven.

“Alright, eat quickly already. Even eating can’t shut your mouth,” Ye Muqi said, amused.

Lin Zihua chuckled sheepishly. After finishing not just the noodles but even drinking the broth, he put down the bowl and quickly said goodbye—he still had to get back for training.

Yup, after that bowl, he was definitely fired up for the morning drills!