Jiang Sirui felt a bit baffled by the way Wei Nan was looking at him.
“What’s going on?” he asked with a smile.
“They’ve been deported!” Wei Nan said loudly, referring to Wang Sanhua and her family.
Sitting on the bed, her eyes and expression were full of joy, a radiance Jiang Sirui had never seen before.
“Really?” he asked softly.
“Yes!” Wei Nan nodded firmly.
As she spoke, she reached out and grabbed the hem of Jiang Sirui’s shirt, tilting her head up to look at him seriously. “Thank you.”
Her eyes were bright, almost like scattered little stars, and the gaze she directed at him was filled with gratitude and admiration.
Although this kind of look wasn’t what Jiang Sirui had sought, being looked at this way instantly softened his heart.
He couldn’t help but think that even her bruised little face looked even more beautiful in that moment.
“Happy?” he couldn’t help but soften his voice.
“Happy,” Wei Nan said, smiling once again.
Jiang Sirui reached out and touched her hair.
This time, Wei Nan didn’t pull away.
Whether it was because she was in such a good mood that her tolerance was higher, or because she was too excited to notice, this was the first time Wei Nan didn’t show any resistance when Jiang Sirui touched her.
It gave Jiang Sirui an indescribable sense of comfort.
Just this smile, this closeness, made him feel that all the running around these past two days and the drinks he had were worth it.
After eating, Wei Nan discussed going home with him.
Jiang Sirui nodded. “I’ll check in a bit; it should be about time. If Xiao Pei’s side is okay too, we’ll pick both of you up this afternoon.”
The plan seemed perfect, but things didn’t go as hoped.
When Wei Pei was examined, it was discovered that her injuries were more serious than just the fractured rib.
There was a small bone under the rib that had also been broken by that kick from Wei Dabao.
Because the equipment at the textile factory’s hospital wasn’t adequate, this issue hadn’t been detected earlier.
Although the problem wasn’t too serious, that area couldn’t even be cast, and for caution, the doctor still recommended that she stay a few more days in the hospital for observation.
So leaving today was impossible.
Meanwhile, Wei Nan’s fever had subsided, and the symptoms of her concussion had disappeared.
Most importantly, the legal matter with the Wei family had also been resolved.
So when Jiang Sirui went to inquire, Ling Bailan immediately agreed to her discharge request.
She even said that they could go back now, and the discharge procedures could be completed whenever they had time.
Although it was Wei Nan who had requested to be discharged, when Jiang Sirui came back and told her the situation, she felt completely unsettled!
Her original plan had been to go home together with her sister.
Wei Nan’s plan had been very well thought out.
Although Jiang Sirui had helped them a great deal, it still wasn’t appropriate for them to have too much contact with him.
This wasn’t about turning their backs on him or using him and then kicking him out.
It was just that, they were going to divorce eventually, and constant contact wasn’t good for either side.
She thought about how at home there was only one bed, a bunk bed at that, so once she and her sister went back, there wouldn’t be a place for Jiang Sirui to stay.
Even if she didn’t bring it up, he would probably take the initiative to return to school.
After all, they were discharged and fully capable of taking care of themselves; there was no need for him to stay behind just to look after them.
But now, with Xiao Pei unable to go back and Jiang Sirui’s leave still ongoing…
That meant that for the next few days, the house would be just the two of them.
The more Wei Nan thought about it, the more she regretted her earlier suggestion, wishing she could stay a few more days in the hospital.
Jiang Sirui noticed everything on her face.
On one hand, he marveled internally at how she didn’t hide a thing, how every thought was plainly visible.
On the other hand, he pretended not to understand anything at all.
Silently packing their things and thanking the doctors and nurses, the two of them headed straight home.
Wei Nan felt her steps unusually heavy, her mind constantly occupied with how to convince Jiang Sirui to return to school first.
She felt a little dazed, and when they reached the building entrance, she nearly tripped.
“Careful!” Jiang Sirui reached out and steadied her by the arm.
Seeing her like this, he felt both amused and exasperated.
He let out a mischievous sigh and said, “Sigh, look at you. You can even trip while just walking, you’re still too weak.
At this rate, how am I supposed to feel safe leaving you alone at home? I think I’d better extend my leave from school a few more days, or maybe just apply for a day-student arrangement.
Anyway, given our special situation at home, the school should agree.”
“No need!” Wei Nan was shocked at his suggestion.
She immediately withdrew from his support and straightened her back. “I’m fine. I can manage.”
Then, as if afraid he wouldn’t believe her, she quickly stepped forward two paces. “I’m really okay, there’s nothing wrong at all.”
Jiang Sirui snorted, walked past her, and opened the door first.
Then he glanced at her and teased, “So this is how you want to kick me out? Over the river and destroy the bridge, you’ve got speed for that!”
Wei Nan rubbed her nose, feeling a little embarrassed that her little thoughts had been exposed, and didn’t dare to say another word.
Once she stepped inside, she noticed the changes in the house.
First, the place was much cleaner than before.
She had always liked things tidy, and on the first day after moving in, she had cleaned the entire room.
But her strength was limited, the weather was cold, and she had overlooked some of the corners and edges.
Now, the glass windows, the ceiling, even the cement floor shone like mirrors; every table, chair, and piece of furniture gleamed.
At that moment, Wei Nan suddenly remembered seeing photos online back in modern times of soldiers tidying their quarters and cleaning the barracks.
Curious, she asked, “Did you use a toothbrush to clean the floor too? How else could it be this clean?”
Jiang Sirui didn’t understand the basis for her question. Why on earth would he need to use a toothbrush to sweep the floor?
But after a few days of being around her, he had already noticed that his little wife had some thoughts that were different from ordinary people.
Always some strange, quirky ideas.
Yet, in his eyes, that was a good thing.
At least like this, she looked full of life, much more vibrant than the Wei Nan he had known back in the countryside.
He felt that these past few days of being together had given him a better understanding of her than the several years before.
He didn’t respond to her comment but instead took the initiative to open the bedroom door.
He said to her, “When I came back that day, Xu Qiaoqiao and her brother had already set up the bed. The bedding was also taken home by her, washed and sent back.
When we have time, we should invite her and her brother out for a meal.”
Wei Nan stepped inside and saw that the wooden bunk bed had indeed been placed neatly against the wall.
Although a little worn, it was thoroughly cleaned and looked presentable.
Both the top and bottom bunks had fresh bedding, and even the two pillows had been replaced with new ones, each covered with brand-new pillowcases.
She reached out to touch them, then nodded and said, “Good. After we get December’s supplies, we’ll invite them. And the money for these pillowcases and sheets should also be returned to Qiaoqiao.”
“That’s unnecessary. I asked her to buy them; the money and coupons have already been given,” Jiang Sirui replied.
After saying this, he didn’t look at the surprise on her face but added, “Wait a moment.”
Then he set aside what he was holding and turned to the back of the bunk bed.
It was only then that Wei Nan noticed a clothes rack standing in the corner.
This was something that hadn’t been in the room before.
Jiang Sirui took a military-style backpack down from the rack.
As he started pulling things out of it, he said, “Besides this rack, I also had someone make a five-drawer cabinet and a desk. Once they’re ready in a few days, they’ll be delivered. As for anything else that’s missing, we’ll add it piece by piece.”
After speaking, he handed Wei Nan a bulging envelope.
“This is my previous allowance, along with some backdated coupons. Except for what I spent over the past few days, everything else is in here. You can check if anything’s missing, and I’ll have someone get more if needed.”
Wei Nan didn’t expect that after all the things he took out, this was what he would hand her.
Startled, she stepped back two paces, quickly clasped her hands behind her back, and shook her head vigorously: “No, no, I have it.”
Then, as if afraid he wouldn’t believe her, she turned and took a small handkerchief pouch from the inner pocket of her padded jacket and placed it in front of him.
She opened the pouch and explained, slightly embarrassed: “I really do have money. Not that I don’t trust you, but I’m afraid Wang Sanhua and the others might come back causing trouble. This money is enough to cover mine and Xiao Pei’s living expenses.”
When she had washed the bedding that day, Wei Nan had been extra cautious and sewn an inner pocket into her padded jacket.
She had then placed the passbook she had gone out to get, along with the household cash and coupons, inside, keeping them safely close to her.
This house, aside from the furniture and items needed to run the small inn, was practically empty.
Wei Nan had already learned what kind of people Wang Sanhua and the others were, so she had to be careful.
Fortunately, she had thought of this in advance. So when Wang Sanhua and Wei Dabao later came to the house trying to grab things, they found nothing except the bedding.
Seeing the young girl hold the envelope out to him, Jiang Sirui felt a pang of pain in his heart.
He couldn’t help but recall the first time he had seen Wei Nan after coming back this time—
All this trouble, all this risk, almost cost his wife her life, just for a few belongings!
Feeling even more determined, he pressed the envelope firmly into Wei Nan’s hands and said, “Keep this safe. Tomorrow we’ll deposit it together. Don’t store too much at once; take out what you need for daily expenses.”
He smiled and added, “My salary is high enough to support you and Xiao Pei. You don’t need to save money for me.”
Wei Nan didn’t expect that, even after showing him her money, he would still insist like this.
Flustered, she grabbed Jiang Sirui’s arm and forcefully shoved the money into his hand.
She kept saying over and over, “Really, no need. This money is earned with your sweat and effort, I truly can’t take it. Please just put it away. With you acting like this, I don’t even know what to do. Anyway, I definitely won’t take this money.”
Jiang Sirui looked down at her from above, his expression growing increasingly serious.
He realized that Wei Nan wasn’t being polite, and she wasn’t being stubborn or upset, she was sincerely trying to distance herself from him.
His brows knit tightly.
“What are you doing? We’re husband and wife. Isn’t it normal for me to give my salary to you? Even if it’s hard-earned money, shouldn’t it go to you? You keep pushing it away, do you want me to give it to someone else?”
Wei Nan’s hands holding the envelope froze.
She bit her lip, not sure how to respond to what he said next.
Seeing her like this, Jiang Sirui’s face darkened even further.
Rarely did he look so stern.
“Wei Nan, do you know what my current status is?” he suddenly asked.
Wei Nan lifted her head, momentarily confused, not understanding what he meant.
Jiang Sirui didn’t wait for her to answer. He patted his military satchel and snorted coldly. “Have you forgotten I’m a soldier? We’re in a military marriage, you know?”
Wei Nan’s eyes widened in shock.
Seeing her reaction, Jiang Sirui grew even angrier.
Before, he had only suspected, but now her expression confirmed it completely, he had been right all along.
This girl had made up her mind, she wanted a divorce.
If he had known this before coming, he actually wouldn’t have minded. After all, their marriage had been arranged in the first place.
If Wei Nan found someone more suitable and wanted a better life, he had no reason to stop her.
But now…
Looking at the girl in front of him, her black-and-white eyes blinking like a child’s, showing everything she felt with no attempt to hide it, Jiang Sirui clenched his fists in anger.
Finally, he couldn’t hold back. He jabbed her forehead hard and growled, “Forget about it! I won’t agree!”
After saying this, he ignored her completely and turned, leaving the small room.
Wei Nan rubbed her forehead, standing dazed by the bed, unable to collect her thoughts for a long while.
Without Jiang Sirui’s reminder, she had completely forgotten that their marriage was a military one.
Her impression of him wasn’t bad, but after all, she was a soul from the future.
Years of upbringing had made it impossible for her to accept a blind, forced marriage.
Yes, in Wei Nan’s eyes, her marriage to Jiang Sirui was exactly that, a blind and arranged union.
The two of them were complete strangers; they had no prior feelings for each other, and before this, they might as well have been total strangers.
Wei Nan was only twenty and had never even been in a relationship.
Naturally, she had her own dreams and expectations for love and the future.
Being forced to accept a marriage with no emotional foundation left her with an indescribable sense of sorrow and grievance.
Jiang Sirui was busy outside, not coming back in.
Wei Nan didn’t know what to say to him and had no desire to go out.
So she lingered inside, fidgeting and keeping herself busy with small tasks.
One inside, one outside, neither spoke; each was occupied with their own work.
She didn’t know how much time had passed when suddenly the sharp ring of a bicycle bell sounded outside, followed by a voice shouting loudly: “Jiang Sirui! Jiang Sirui!”
The person was standing by the balcony, right at the entrance of the small restaurant.
The window of Wei Nan’s little room allowed her to see the scene outside clearly.
She instinctively walked over and peered out.
But unexpectedly, that man’s eyes were sharp, he spotted her immediately.
Not only did he see her, he grinned and waved at her like they were old friends, loudly calling out, “Sister-in-law! You’re out of the hospital, all better?”
Hearing that title, Wei Nan’s face immediately flushed bright red. She stood there, flustered and not sure how to respond.
Jiang Sirui, who had just reached the door, heard this and turned back, calling to Wei Nan through the window, “Come out.”
In front of an outsider, Wei Nan couldn’t possibly embarrass herself or him. She gritted her teeth and followed him outside.
Seeing her come out, Jiang Sirui’s expression softened considerably.
He took her hand and introduced her: “This is Pei Xinyu, my comrade and also a classmate at the military academy.”
Then he looked at the man across from them, lifted his chin, and said with some pride, “And this is my wife.”
The man’s eyes twitched slightly, giving Jiang Sirui a look that clearly said he didn’t feel like responding.
He then turned to Wei Nan and reintroduced himself: “Hello, sister-in-law. My name is Pei Xinyu. Jiang Sirui and I are brothers who crawled out of the same trench.
In the future, just call me Brother Pei. It’s our first meeting today, and I didn’t have time to bring a gift. Next time I come, I’ll make it up to you!”
“No, no, you don’t have to, don’t go to any trouble,” Wei Nan said, feeling her scalp tingle from Jiang Sirui’s earlier words.
She tried several times to pull her hand free, but the man held on even tighter.
Finally, seeing her struggle so much, that rascal interlaced his fingers with hers, holding them intimately.
Wei Nan felt so embarrassed she wished she could disappear into a hole in the ground.
“Alright, alright, so you’re showing off here because you couldn’t get your brother’s wife before?” he teased.
Pei Xinyu couldn’t help but roll his eyes, showing a look of sheer disbelief.
Wei Nan felt even more embarrassed and forcefully shook the man’s hand off.
This time, Jiang Sirui finally didn’t stop her; he let out a muffled laugh and released his grip.
In a softer tone, he said, “You go inside first. I need to talk to Brother Pei for a moment.”
Wei Nan, feeling awkward, gave Pei Xinyu a quick, perfunctory nod and turned to walk away, not even giving him a glance.
She walked quite a distance, but could still hear Pei Xinyu’s teasing laughter behind her.
Back in the room, she clenched her teeth in frustration, yet couldn’t think of any way to resist.
All she could do was repeat in her mind: “Jiang Sirui, you’re finished! This time, you’re really finished!”
As for exactly how he was finished, Wei Nan hadn’t figured that out yet.
Jiang Sirui didn’t stay out long; within a few minutes, he returned.
Ignoring the anger on Wei Nan’s face, he quickly crossed past her to the clothes rack.
While taking off his civilian jacket and putting his military uniform back on, he explained, “I’ve got a mission. I need to head back to the academy now.”
Then he reached into his jacket pocket, took out a stack of meal coupons, and placed them on the bench beside the bed.
He gave Wei Nan instructions: “Remember to take Xiao Pei his meal tonight. I’ve already prepared it in the pot; you just need to heat it up.