Zhou Yunting’s gaze was as cold as ice.
He never expected that Shen Hao would actually make a move against his girl.
Did he not know his own capabilities?
As for the figure beside him who had remained silent the entire time, but was clearly feeling uneasy now—
Zhou Yunting simply chose to ignore her.
Tian Yunyun’s heart sank.
The man who had never ignored her before was now treating her with such indifference.
Had she made a mistake?
But she had only been curious. She wanted to see what kind of woman could marry him.
Was this a marriage he was forced into because of circumstances, or did he truly like this girl?
Otherwise, how could someone as rational and clear-headed as her have been deceived by Shen Hao’s words?
How could she have come all the way here just to test a young woman?
She was, after all, the battalion commander of the female soldiers’ unit. Pretending to be weak and pitiful like this was already humiliating enough.
Now, seeing the man’s cold attitude, she felt a chill in her heart.
She had chased after Zhou Yunting’s footsteps all these years.
Her current position had been earned through countless battles and hardships.
Why couldn’t he see her?
She had thought she was already good enough to stand beside him.
Why had someone suddenly appeared between them?
Tian Yunyun was unwilling to accept it.
But when she met the other girl’s faintly amused gaze, she hesitated.
The woman in front of her was truly outstanding.
She had a good family background and strong abilities.
Suddenly, Tian Yunyun’s eyes widened.
There was something else even more precious about her.
She had followed Zhou Yunting to the countryside.
That was also why she had not immediately followed after him once he got married.
She was the only daughter in her family.
She simply could not bring herself to do what Liu Zhixia had done…
She did not have Liu Zhixia’s decisiveness and freedom.
From the very beginning, she had already lost.
Liu Zhixia’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Based on the plot from the original book, she remembered this woman named Tian Yunyun.
She was the male lead’s childhood sweetheart, someone who had grown up with him.
It was said that if the Liu family had not interfered, she could have married Zhou Yunting.
In the original story, this woman eventually married someone else due to family pressure.
Unfortunately, that man died in battle only a few years later.
She never remarried.
Instead, she continued staying near Zhou Yunting.
Everyone knew what was in her heart.
Yet, despite guarding those feelings for a lifetime, she never received even a single glance from the man…
Liu Zhixia actually felt that Tian Yunyun was somewhat admirable.
As for Shen Hao, he also seemed to be quite a notable figure in Beijing.
He was highly capable and came from an excellent family background.
Unfortunately, Zhou Yunting’s brilliance was simply too dazzling.
It was almost like the tragedy of “If there is a Yu, why must there also be a Liang?”
(Referring to the famous rivalry between Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang.)
However, in the original novel, although Shen Hao had competed with Zhou Yunting in every aspect,
he had also extended a helping hand whenever Zhou Yunting was in danger.
Of course, Zhou Yunting had saved him as well.
Liu Zhixia felt that the atmosphere at this moment was rather complicated.
Shen Hao snorted.
“Zhou Yunting, do you really have to put on that unpleasant expression?
I only came here to see your newly married wife.
As for Tian Yunyun, she was just curious.
Do you think we wanted to come here and face your cold expression?
To prevent you from being completely isolated and helpless in this huge military district,
the two of us were both transferred here.
Aren’t you happy?”
Zhou Yunting gave Shen Hao a cold glance.
Then he carefully handed the food in his hands to Liu Zhixia.
In a gentle voice, he said,
“Zhixia, are you hungry? Eat some breakfast first.”
Shen Hao and Tian Yunyun both widened their eyes.
One looked filled with envy and jealousy.
The other looked extremely intrigued.
Shen Hao felt that even taking a beating was worth it if it allowed him to see this terrifying side of Zhou Yunting.
He secretly began sizing up Zhou Yunting’s little wife.
Her brows were delicate like willow leaves.
Her pair of expressive eyes seemed to hold a pool of clear water.
Her nose was straight and elegant.
Her small face was naturally beautiful without any makeup, stunning enough to make people unable to look away.
When she was still, she looked both innocent and alluring, carrying a special charm that drew people in.
It seemed like every single feature matched his taste perfectly.
But then he remembered how fierce she had been moments ago.
The pain from his back and hands reminded him to stay rational.
This was not some delicate little girl.
She was a beautiful flower with thorns—a domineering and dangerous one at that!
Zhou Yunting really was someone who never acted unless necessary.
But once he did make a move, he truly was extraordinary.
At this moment, neither Tian Yunyun nor Shen Hao doubted Liu Zhixia’s ability to catch spies.
This woman was practically the perfect support for Zhou Yunting.
Even in such a dangerous situation, she had been able to fight alongside her husband and find a way to survive.
Tian Yunyun was unbearably jealous.
But she had no position to say anything.
There was nothing she could do.
Zhou Yunting pulled the woman who was enjoying the show and headed directly toward the bus station.
They still needed to transfer vehicles.
He did not want to waste time with Shen Hao here.
But Shen Hao had not finished watching the drama yet.
Naturally, he did not want the two of them to leave so quickly.
He stretched out one hand and blocked Zhou Yunting.
“You wouldn’t actually not know why we appeared here, would you?
The two of us were sent by the army to pick you up.
Are you sure you don’t want to return with us and insist on taking the bus yourself?”
Shen Hao’s gaze unconsciously fell on Liu Zhixia.
Perhaps this lady would be willing to take a ride back.
“No need.”
Zhou Yunting was about to continue walking.
But then a soft little hand grabbed him.
“Hey, Comrade Zhou Yunting, since the army sent people to pick us up,
how can we refuse their kindness?”
Zhou Yunting looked at the sly expression in the little woman’s eyes.
For some unknown reason, he answered:
“Alright… I’ll listen to you.”
Shen Hao revealed an expression that said, Exactly as expected.
Tian Yunyun’s eyes were filled with hurt.
The military district was extremely curious about this newly transferred commander.
However, many people knew some inside information.
Most people still kept their distance from Zhou Yunting and his wife.
Compared to him, Shen Hao had much better relationships with others.
He had also been transferred here.
But unlike Zhou Yunting, he had been transferred from the Beijing Military District while keeping the same position.
Even without considering his family background, Shen Hao’s abilities were outstanding.
Naturally, everyone tried their best to build a good relationship with someone like him.
Zhou Yunting, however, did not care.
The medals on his chest had never contained any favors or personal connections.
He looked down on that kind of honor.
Every promotion he received was earned through blood and sweat.
Shen Hao enthusiastically escorted them to the house assigned to Zhou Yunting.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he said:
“Comrade Zhou Yunting, I heard there will be a welcome gathering for the few of us tomorrow.
Bring Comrade Liu Zhixia and attend on time.
It will be held after dinner.”
After Shen Hao left, Liu Zhixia ignored him and carefully examined their new home.
This was the room closest to the corner.
Judging from the layout, it was still a two-bedroom, one-living-room apartment.
However, the arrangement was obviously worse than the other rooms on the same floor.
Zhou Yunting frowned.
“I’ll try to get you a better one as soon as possible.”
Liu Zhixia looked up and smiled faintly.
“Someone who could live in a thatched hut can handle this.
Besides, isn’t this already much better than expected?”
Zhou Yunting’s dark eyes brightened.
His voice carried a gentleness he himself had never noticed.
His entire body seemed to relax.
“Comrade Liu Zhixia, thank you for being willing to face hardships with me.
Thank you for being my companion on my revolutionary journey, for staying by my side through everything and never leaving…”
Liu Zhixia raised her head.
“Facing hardships together, yes.
But never leaving…?”
Zhou Yunting silently tightened his powerful hand.
The veins on his arm became clearly visible.
His heart suddenly tightened.