The next day, Chuxia woke up around noon.

Seeing the marks on her body, she angrily slapped the bed, realizing that a man who had been holding back for so long was indeed uncontrollable.

However, overall, she did enjoy it.

Chuxia lazily didn’t want to move but felt hungry.

Just then, Cen Zhengnian opened the door, holding a cup of water.

Seeing Chuxia lying on the bed with her eyes open, he smiled and said, “You’re awake.”

Chuxia looked at his face, which was full of satisfaction after their time together.

She felt even more unsettled and glared at him, saying, “It’s all your fault.”

Cen Zhengnian was in a good mood, his smile very tolerant. “Yes, it’s my fault.”

Chuxia pushed him away, took the water, and said, “You go out, I need to get dressed.”

Cen Zhengnian patted her head and said gently, “Call me if you need anything.”

He knew his wife was shy; last night, when he wanted to help her clean up, she wouldn’t let him turn on the light.

He had to help her by moonlight, knowing that if she had any strength left, she wouldn’t have let him help.

When Chuxia came out dressed, she saw Cen Zhengnian standing outside the door, his amber eyes watching the door to the room.

She looked up and their gazes met.

His eyes seemed to have added something, making Chuxia not dare to look more.

Fortunately, Jiang Shengnan and Cen’s father were not at home, and Yu Tian and the others had also gone out.

Otherwise, Chuxia felt she would have been too embarrassed to face anyone today.

Although everyone might know why she slept in, not meeting them made her deceive herself into thinking that everyone was unaware.

“Mom.” Cen Huai’an was sitting on the sofa watching TV.

Seeing Chuxia come down, he immediately stood up and hugged her. “Are you hungry?”

He had wanted to wake her up for breakfast in the morning, but his dad said she was tired yesterday and wanted to sleep a little longer, so he could only wait downstairs.

Chuxia glanced at Cen Zhengnian and said, “I’m hungry.”

Cen Huai’an immediately let go and said, “Then I’ll get breakfast for Mommy.”

Chuxia stopped him, “Let your dad do it.”

Cen Zhengnian patted Cen Huai’an’s head and said, “You watch TV.”

Then he looked at Chuxia with a smile and said, “Go wash up.”

Chuxia went to wash her face and brush her teeth. By the time she came out, breakfast was already set on the table.

Cen Huai’an was still watching TV, and Cen Zhengnian was sitting next to her, watching her eat.

Chuxia felt nervous under his gaze.

Taking a sip of congee, she turned to him and asked, “Do you want some too?”

Cen Zhengnian shook his head. “I’ve already eaten.”

Chuxia huffed, “Then why are you watching me? Stop staring, go keep An’an company.”

Cen Zhengnian was worried that Chuxia might feel lonely eating alone.

Since she didn’t want him to accompany her, he stood up as she wished. “There’s more food in the kitchen. If you want anything, call me.”

Chuxia nodded and waved him off.

After breakfast, Cen Zhengnian cleaned up the dishes and asked Chuxia and An’an if they wanted to go out for a walk.

The weather outside was just right, not too cold.

In the northwest, the temperature difference between day and night is significant; it’s very cold at night but much better during the day.

Today there was no wind, and the army was having many activities during the Spring Festival break.

Besides playing basketball, there were also wrestling matches.

Chuxia didn’t want to go out.

Her waist still ached, and she just wanted to sit and rest.

Cen Zhengnian, seeing her tired, felt guilty for his indulgence last night.

“I’ll help you massage.”

Chuxia, not being polite, lay down on the sofa and directed Cen Zhengnian to massage her lower back.

His strength was great, and his warm hands felt very comfortable on her back, making Chuxia’s fatigue lessen significantly.

Cen Huai’an also wanted to help, but Chuxia waved her hand, saying, “You watch TV. Let your dad do it.”

Her sore back was all Cen Zhengnian’s fault, so he should be the one to help.

Cen Zhengnian looked at Chuxia’s childish appearance with a smile in his eyes and said to Cen Huai’an, “An’an, there are other kids outside setting off firecrackers. Why don’t you go play with them?”

Since An’an couldn’t stay at home all the time while the army was busy, kids should go outside and run around more.

Yesterday, when they had dinner with Hu Lei and the others, their children were also brought along.

An’an knew them, and playing together might make them even more familiar.

Jiang Shengnan bought a lot of firecrackers, and Cen Huai’an was itching to play with them.

He had been very well-behaved since arriving in the northwest.

Since there were no familiar friends here, he relied heavily on Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian.

Chuxia also agreed with Cen Zhengnian that it would be good for him to go out and play.

“An’an,” Chuxia said, “you can also find someone to play chess with.”

Hearing this, Cen Huai’an took his checkers and firecrackers and went outside.

As soon as he left, Chuxia started worrying again. “I heard that children in the military families can be quite domineering. Will someone bully An’an?”

“He won’t be bullied,” Cen Zhengnian replied confidently. “An’an won’t let anyone bully him.”

He understood An’an’s temperament and knew that military children were smart enough to know who was easy to bully and who wasn’t.

Children’s sense of good and evil is quite pure, and their actions may not always be right or wrong, just what they find fun or not.

Without adult guidance, they can easily pick up various influences.

Bullying and fighting among children are not uncommon. Chuxia never underestimates bullying among children.

Still worried, Chuxia asked, “What if someone does bully him?”

Cen Zhengnian reassured her, “I’ll go out and check on him later.”

Chuxia knew An’an well.

Although he was very obedient and often spoiled by her, that was because she was his mother, and he trusted and was close to her.

But in front of others, he could be quite fierce.

Chuxia knew that many children in his preschool were afraid of An’an, except for Chen Chen, who liked to cling to him.

After receiving a massage from Cen Zhengnian, Chuxia felt better and said she wanted to go out to take a look.

The two of them walked through the residential area, but they didn’t see any children playing or An’an.

Cen Zhengnian, more familiar with the area, pointed to the right at a fork in the road and said, “Let’s go this way.”

He then took Chuxia’s hand and led her in that direction. Chuxia tried to pull away but couldn’t.

Cen Zhengnian looked ahead, seemingly unaware of Chuxia’s little struggle, but his smile betrayed his amusement.

Not far along, Chuxia heard the sound of firecrackers and children’s laughter.

As they approached, they saw An’an playing chess with a slightly older boy.

Just as Chuxia was about to call out to An’an, she heard the boy opposite An’an start crying loudly, accusing An’an, “You’re bullying me! You’re bullying me!”

The boy then tried to overturn the checkers, but Cen Huai’an grabbed his hand and said, “You’re a boy; don’t be a sore loser!”

His voice had a childlike innocence but was also cold.

Chuxia could sense he was getting a bit angry.

The boy cried louder, “I’m not a boy, I’m a kid! I don’t want to lose! You can’t win!”

Cen Huai’an looked at him with a frown, “Why can’t I win?” He was not afraid and even thought this boy’s attitude was quite unpleasant.

“My dad is a regiment commander. If you win, I’ll have my dad’s soldiers beat you up!”

The boy struggled, “Let me go! I’ll find my dad. Just wait!”

Cen Huai’an wasn’t afraid and showed disdain, “You’re just relying on your dad. How pathetic!”

He forcefully threw the boy down.

As he picked up his checkers and prepared to leave, he thought that the children in the military families were not as good as those in their own community, who could play properly.

The boy cried even louder, “I’m going to have my dad’s soldiers beat you!”

Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian didn’t approach any further and watched the boy cry.

They frowned, disliking both the boy’s words and behavior.

Other children gathered around, looking at Cen Huai’an with a mix of sympathy and admiration, “Wow! You made Liu Qi cry. You’re in trouble!”

“Do you know how fierce his dad is? He hits people.”

“His dad has many soldiers. I heard he has beaten many disobedient kids to death.”

Cen Huai’an’s frown deepened, “Why would his dad’s soldiers beat kids?”

“Because they’re disobedient,” a child said innocently.

“If being disobedient means getting beat then Liu Qi should be the first to be beat” Cen Huai’an pointed at Liu Qi.

The other children’s eyes widened, feeling that Cen Huai’an had a point but also thought it was wrong.

One child quickly said, “Liu Qi’s dad’s soldiers don’t hit Liu Qi.”

“That’s right. No matter if Liu Qi hits people or steals things, he won’t get beaten.”

“Yes. My dad said he doesn’t have soldiers who beat kids. If I bully people, he’ll hit me,” said another child, looking at Liu Qi with envy.

Liu Qi’s crying grew so loud that it attracted adults.

Liu Qi’s mother arrived and asked, “Qi Qi, who bullied you?”

“Mom, it’s him. He wouldn’t let me win and pushed me.”

Liu Qi pointed at Cen Huai’an.

Cen Huai’an glared at Liu Qi, “You’re lying! It’s clear you couldn’t beat me. I didn’t push you. You tried to overturn my checkers, and when I let go, you fell by yourself.”

“Whose child are you? What does your dad do? What’s his position?” Liu Qi’s mother asked, her face displeased as she pulled up Liu Qi.

She hadn’t seen this child before, but during the New Year, a senior officer’s son brought his grandson to the military base.

Without knowing who this child’s parents were, she wasn’t going to cause trouble unnecessarily.

Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian walked over.

Chuxia took An’an’s hand and smiled at Liu Qi’s mother, “My husband is here. He’s not a regiment commander, and he doesn’t have soldiers who would beat children to death.”

Liu Qi’s mother knew Cen Zhengnian, as Cen’s father was a commanding officer in the army.

Her husband didn’t even rank compared to Cen’s father.

Her face suddenly showed panic as she picked up Liu Qi and smacked his bottom with a “smack-smack” sound.

Through the thick cotton pants, only a noise was heard, and it didn’t hurt.

But since Liu Qi had never been hit by his parents before, especially in front of so many children, he cried especially loudly out of grievance.

“Mama, he bullied me! Why are you hitting me?!” he cried loudly. “I’m going to tell Dad that you hit me!”

Liu Qi’s mother quickly covered his mouth, awkwardly smiling at Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian, “My child is young and doesn’t know better. Please don’t take it seriously. It’s all my mother-in-law’s fault for spoiling him. I’ll educate him properly when we get home. I’m really sorry.”

After saying this, she hurriedly left with Liu Qi, not waiting for Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian to say anything.

She feared that Liu Qi might say something else that could affect her husband’s career.

Cen Zhengnian frowned and said, looking at their retreating figures, “They are the family of Colonel Liu from the Fifth Regiment.”

There aren’t many regimental commanders, and Colonel Liu is only forty years old.

At this age and position, his future is very promising.

However, if he doesn’t discipline his family, Cen Zhengnian is certain that his career will be limited.

There aren’t many regimental commanders, but there are enough. There are only so many positions above, and the competition is fierce.

It doesn’t matter who the regimental commander is or what his family situation is.

Leaders know everything when they’re promoting people; they will find out everything during their inquiries.

Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian brought Cen Huai’an home.

Chuxia asked how he ended up playing chess with Liu Qi.

“He wanted to play with me. I originally planned to find Hu Panden.”

Hu Panden is Hu Lei’s son, older than Cen Huai’an.

Cen Zhengnian explained this to Chuxia.

When Cen Huai’an arrived at the place where Hu Panden and other children liked to play, he hadn’t found him yet.

Liu Qi saw the chess set in his hands and wanted to play with him.

Cen Huai’an was fine playing with anyone.

Although he felt Liu Qi’s attitude was unpleasant, he agreed to play.

Who knew Liu Qi would play dirty, insisting on winning.

There’s no way to play chess like that; Cen Huai’an wasn’t going to let him win.

Cen Huai’an remembered that his grandmother was also a regimental commander, but he wouldn’t casually mention it outside.

People who do that are foolish.

At noon, Liu Qi’s parents came to the Cen household to apologize, saying that Liu Qi had caused some trouble with An’an.

Cen’s father wasn’t home for lunch, and Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian didn’t tell Jiang Shengnan about the incident.

She was puzzled as to why An’an had a conflict with Liu Qi.

Cen Zhengnian, with a cold expression, said, “It’s just children playing around; we didn’t take it seriously. Colonel Liu, there’s no need to apologize. Please take the items back.”

Although Jiang Shengnan didn’t know what happened, she couldn’t accept the items and followed Cen Zhengnian’s lead. “Yes, it’s just a child’s matter. Every child has some squabbles. Colonel Liu, take the things back. Don’t let me and Old Cen make a mistake.”

Colonel Liu’s smile became a bit stiff. “Yes, Colonel Jiang is right. We’ll educate Liu Qi properly at home.”

Cen Zhengnian said, “Colonel Liu, there’s no need for such formality. An’an also made some mistakes.”

Liu Qi had already been scolded at home and stood next to them, his head ducked like a quail, not daring to speak.

Colonel Liu took his family and left.

Jiang Shengnan asked Cen Zhengnian what had happened and why Colonel Liu had come to apologize.

“An’an,” Chuxia called Cen Huai’an, “Tell Grandma what happened.”

Cen Huai’an, with his excellent memory, vividly recounted the events to Jiang Shengnan, including his conversation with Liu Qi and what other children had said.

Jiang Shengnan became angry upon hearing this. “Who taught children to say that soldiers would beat them? Isn’t this tarnishing the image of the military? This matter cannot be left like this!”

In Jiang Shengnan’s view, the image of a soldier is very noble, and children’s minds are pure.

They must be guided from a young age to love and respect the military.

Now, the children of the army saying that soldiers would kill people was simply infuriating.

She frowned, thought for a moment, and said, “I don’t think Liu Mushi would be foolish enough to say this to the children intentionally, nor would his wife. It’s likely that some remarks they made at home were overheard by the children, and Liu Qi exaggerated it outside, thinking his father was very powerful.”

Teaching children that soldiers will beat disobedient children is something no soldier would do unless they didn’t care about their future.

However, overindulging children and letting them understand their parents’ power without proper guidance isn’t good.

Jiang Shengnan, who deals with military appearance and discipline, was unable to eat.

She put down her chopsticks and said to Cen Zhengnian and Chuxia, “I’m going out for a while. You continue eating.”

She went straight to find Cen’s father.

After Jiang Shengnan left, Chuxia looked at Cen Zhengnian and asked, “Is something major going to happen in the army?”

Cen Zhengnian served her some braised beef and said, “It’s nothing serious. It’s just that there will be more meetings and a review of military appearance and discipline. Also, there will probably be discussions on educating children.”

He had seen this kind of thing many times in the army and, seeing Chuxia’s curiosity, elaborated a bit.

In reality, the main issue is educating children.

Some families of military officers indulge their children or let them behave recklessly because of their parents’ positions.

Jiang Shengnan went out to nip these issues in the bud.

Chuxia understood that in a big environment, there are all kinds of people. Just because the army is large doesn’t mean everyone is upright.

Otherwise, there wouldn’t be issues like “my dad is XX.” She understood this very well.

It didn’t concern Chuxia directly as she wasn’t in the army.

What she was mainly concerned about was that Cen Zhengnian would be leaving tomorrow.