Lin Yiqiao only realized after going downstairs that she had come down from the opposite direction of where she had gone up. She was a bit disoriented and had to feel her way out of the building.
“Attention! Eyes right!” The faint voices from earlier were now growing clearer.
Behind the building was a large training ground, where rows of tall, well-built soldiers were still drilling. Each of them was drenched in sweat, their olive-green short-sleeved shirts soaked and clinging to their bodies, revealing distinct muscle lines. Their faces carried a fierce, martial air.
This was Lin Yiqiao’s first time seeing so many men since arriving in the capital. She observed them carefully from a corner.
Tsk.
Aside from the leader, who had a bit of a wild look, the rest were too green.
Regiment Commander Qi is still the best.
Thinking this, she couldn’t help but glance up at the building.
Thwack! A new recruit got a smack on the head. “Eyes right! What are you looking at?” said Battalion Commander Xiao Guohua.
The others struggled to hold back their laughter, their faces turning red. Xiao Guohua glanced in the direction they were sneaking peeks.
There stood a stunning beauty—slender waist, long legs, full and graceful figure, her hair shimmering with a faint golden hue under the sunlight.
But when she turned her head, it was the complete opposite. Her eyes were pure yet carried a hint of seduction. Noticing everyone staring at her, she smiled awkwardly, like an innocent, harmless calico cat.
Lin Yiqiao felt nothing inside. This was just a minor scene.
After smiling, she headed toward the back gate.
Back home, Qian Ru was clearing the dishes. She insisted on taking Lin Yiqiao out for a stroll.
Most of the families living on the outer edges of the compound were from the countryside and enjoyed gathering to chat. Qian Ru was an exception.
She was quiet by nature and didn’t like socializing much. After her daughter Zhang Xiao got married, she became even more reclusive, staying cooped up at home all day. That’s why she agreed when Lin Yiqiao wrote asking to come.
“Sister Qian, what brings you out today?” Gong Chunhua from across the way said, seeing Qian Ru and Lin Yiqiao walking arm in arm. “Is this girl your niece? She’s really pretty.”
“She just arrived. I’m taking her out for a walk.”
“Auntie Gong, hello.” Lin Yiqiao smiled, her eyes curving into crescents. Before coming out, she had specifically asked her aunt and quickly matched the enthusiastic Auntie Gong to her name.
“Ah.” Gong Chunhua responded, taking Lin Yiqiao’s hand. “This girl is beautiful and dignified. Her hands are so fair and plump—she’ll surely be doted on by men in the future.”
Lin Yiqiao lowered her head with a faint smile. She was indeed pretty, but “dignified” didn’t quite fit her.
Her figure was full and curvaceous, her face fair and flawless, with skin like fine jade.
Delicate and charming, she knew how to captivate hearts.
Anyone who saw her couldn’t look away.
“Do you have a boyfriend yet?” Gong Chunhua asked.
“Not yet.” Lin Yiqiao lowered her eyes, her cheeks flushing.
Auntie, try to hold back your laughter. You’re the only one here who knows my true nature.
“I’ll introduce you to someone later then.” Gong Chunhua grinned, her eyes nearly disappearing into her smile. “So fresh and pretty—I wonder which lucky young man will get you.”
Lin Yiqiao continued to blush demurely. Playing the innocent, simple girl wasn’t easy.
After making the rounds, Lin Yiqiao had already grown familiar with the families and even got Qian Ru chatting happily.
She didn’t have many strengths, but she did have a silver tongue—good at pleasing people and making them feel close to her.
The aunties and sisters all competed to introduce her to potential partners. Lin Yiqiao accepted their offers for now, saying there was no rush.
This was her chance to turn things around, and she had to choose carefully.
On the way back, Qian Ru patted her hand. “Child, you’ve had it tough before. Stay in Beidu from now on, find a good partner, live simply and honestly.”
She didn’t want to live honestly at all.
“Auntie, thank you,” Lin Yiqiao lowered her head, her eyes glistening with tears.
Qian Ru patted her back. “Good child, I used to listen to them too, thinking you had a bad nature. Now I know better.”
“I always said, how could that lovely jade doll from childhood turn into a bad child?”
Yes, how could a jade doll be bad? But a burden who couldn’t get enough to eat wouldn’t grow up without turning bad.
“Auntie, you’re so kind,” she hugged Qian Ru.
They all think I’ve turned over a new leaf, but I’ve never changed at all.
The sky darkened, and the small building at the center of the compound was already brightly lit.
From Lin Yiqiao’s corner, she could only see a porcelain vase with even glaze on the antique shelf.
She could hardly imagine, in these times when most people couldn’t get enough to eat, what kind of person could live such a life.