Chapter 16

Could it really be what she thought? So ruthless?

Death was the ultimate “clean slate” after all. If someone suddenly died, especially after a recent argument with her, she’d become the prime suspect.

Seeing her worried look, Xie Yang could guess what she was thinking. “What are you imagining? The commander won’t harm an innocent person. He just meant taking care of it so he won’t bother you anymore.”

After a pause, he added, “Do you know our commander well?”

Xu Niannian felt a bit guilty. Not only did she know him; they had a childhood betrothal.

Xie Yang pushed the braised pork toward her. “Does your sister not treat you well? Eat more meat—you look too thin.”

Niannian didn’t want to discuss her family. No matter how bad things were at home, she didn’t want to bring them up in front of a man, so she just shook her head.

When you’re in love, a man might sympathize with you and feel sorry for your troubles. But if you ever argue, he might just use it against you like a sword.

Seeing she didn’t want to talk, Xie Yang let it drop.

A while later, Lu Huaijin came back from outside and sat down beside Xie Yang. Xie Yang got up to get a bowl of rice from the counter.

Lu Huaijin looked across at Niannian.

She stared down at her food, feeling his gaze and feeling uneasy.

Finally, he spoke, “Are you here with Xie Yang for a date?”

Niannian stiffened, nodding, and quickly shifted the topic, asking about their own meeting time, “Wasn’t our date tomorrow afternoon?”

Lu Huaijin chuckled slightly, “Not bad; you haven’t forgotten. But it’s at noon, not in the afternoon.”

After taking a sip of tea, he added, “However, I don’t think it’s necessary anymore.”

Niannian finally looked up at him. Had he changed his mind? Seen her as fickle and lost interest?

His handsome, chiseled face left her momentarily speechless. Hadn’t she just come out to meet someone? Why did it feel like she’d been caught cheating?

She had read stories about blind dating and dating around until finding the right match. If this man had such a thin skin, she wouldn’t be interested either.

Lu Huaijin looked at her delicate features, her fair and soft skin, her rounded, cute nose, and especially her clear, bright eyes. She stared at him directly, though in her heart, she was questioning if a high nose meant… that?

Surprised by her thoughts, she felt a bit unclean.

After what seemed like an eternity, though it was only a few seconds, he spoke again, his voice low and slightly magnetic: “Why don’t we get this over with today instead of waiting until tomorrow?”

She hesitated, looking at the table. “But this meal was Xie Yang’s treat. Wouldn’t it be rude to just…”

“Leave it to me; don’t worry. I’m 26, a battalion commander. I currently earn 108 yuan a month and earn additional allowances on missions. I’m single, but I’ll need to support two kids in the future, a four-year-old and a three-year-old, both boys. They’re my brother’s children. I’ll explain more later.”

At this, his expression turned a bit serious.

Niannian paused, recalling the story. She remembered a line that this great man, after devoting his life to his country, died alone and childless. It never mentioned nephews or an older brother’s sacrifice.

Could it just be an overlooked detail?

She, though never married, had read plenty about in-laws on forums and asked, “If we marry, will we live with your parents?”

He hadn’t expected her to think so far ahead. “We can bring the boys and live on base. My rank allows me to apply for family quarters.”

Finally back with his bowl of rice, Xie Yang placed it in front of his superior. “Commander Lu, here’s your rice.”

Commander Lu glanced at the dishes, pulled two large bills from his pocket, and handed them to Xie Yang. “No need for the food. Eat more—it’s on me today.”

Xie Yang was moved, feeling like he might cry. The commander usually reserved his words and carried an air of authority that left one feeling small. Who would have thought he was this caring in private?

But before Xie Yang could tear up, he saw his commander look across the table and tell his date, “Come find me over there when you’re done, and I’ll take you home.”

Niannian nodded.

Xie Yang froze, realizing the situation wasn’t simple.

As they got up to leave, Xie Yang couldn’t help but ask, “Will I see you again?”

Niannian replied, “You’re a great guy, but I think we’re better off as friends.”

Lu Huaijin, seeing them stand up from a distance, noticed the many relatives nearby and figured that if Niannian walked over, she’d surely blush. So, after saying a quick goodbye to his mother, he headed outside.

Seeing him go, Niannian followed him toward the door.

The three met up outside.

Xie Yang scratched his head, sensing the strangeness of it all. “Commander Lu, I’ll be heading off. Take your time.”

He walked away with a heavy step.

…

As soon as they stepped outside, a warm breeze hit them. Summer was not the best time for an evening stroll. Spotting a nearby department store, Lu Huaijin suggested, “Want to check out the mall for a bit?”

She hadn’t expected him to be the “treating” type right from the start.

Inside, it was much cooler. He continued, “I have an older brother and a sister. I’m the third child, with a younger sister below me. My brother was also in the military. After he died in action, my sister-in-law passed away shortly after giving birth, heartbroken. My sister got married, and although my parents have been looking after the kids, they won’t be able to continue doing so for long.”