The island was only the size of a palm.
By the next day, the story of Lu Yancheng picking dandelions to coax his wife had spread all over the island.
Everyone he met teased him about it.
“Old Lu, how did it go? The method I taught you worked, right?” Wu Weiguo said with a smug look. “Your wife didn’t make you sleep in the barracks last night, did she?”
Lu Yancheng’s lips twitched. “I’m so grateful to you.”
If it weren’t for Wu Weiguo, he wouldn’t have lost so much face in front of that woman.
Unaware of the sarcasm, Wu Weiguo grinned triumphantly. “No need to thank me. Just treat me to a couple of drinks.”
“How about I treat you to the northwest wind?” Lu Yancheng retorted irritably.
Wu Weiguo froze. “What? Your wife didn’t forgive you? Then it must be because those flowers weren’t planted well.”
“Exactly! A gust of sea wind blew all the dandelion fluff right onto your wife’s head and clothes. It’s a miracle she didn’t get angry.” Song Hao, who had been there at the scene, was in possession of firsthand information.
Lu Yancheng’s ears turned red as he stared straight ahead at the soldiers training.
“All of you, stay focused!”
“You, what’s wrong with your arm? Lift it higher!”
“And you, straighten your legs!”
Wu Weiguo and Song Hao exchanged a glance.
When it came to playing dumb, no one could beat Lu Yancheng!
…
For two days in a row, Fang Muyu didn’t see Lu Yancheng.
Meals were delivered to Fang Muyu by a young soldier from the guesthouse.
Even when Fang Muyu went to the family quarters, she didn’t run into Lu Yancheng.
By the third day, when the house in the family quarters had been repaired, Fang Muyu still hadn’t caught a glimpse of Lu Yancheng.
“Sister-in-law, let us know if there’s anything else that needs fixing.”
Song Hao followed behind Fang Muyu.
Fang Muyu walked through the house once. “Everything looks great. No need for any more repairs.”
“As long as you’re satisfied, Sister-in-law.”
Song Hao finally felt relieved.
Their company commander had left the island for a meeting without a word, leaving him in charge of settling Sister-in-law on the island.
Song Hao was terrified that one careless mistake would leave Lu Yancheng locked out when he returned.
“You’ve all been a huge help this time. Thank you for your hard work. I’ll have Lu Yancheng treat you all to a meal later.”
Fang Muyu genuinely appreciated these lovely soldiers. Without them, she wouldn’t have been able to live so comfortably in the future.
“Sister-in-law, we couldn’t possibly trouble you like that!” Song Hao scratched his head sheepishly.
“It’s no trouble at all.”
Fang Muyu wasn’t just being polite. She truly didn’t think it was any trouble.
Because the trouble wasn’t hers—it was Lu Yancheng’s. After all, she didn’t know how to cook.
Talking big didn’t give her a backache.
“Speaking of which, your Company Commander Lu is certainly a busy man! On such a small island, it’s surprisingly hard to run into him.”
As soon as Fang Muyu finished speaking, Song Hao’s heart sank.
Did the company commander not tell Sister-in-law about his business trip?
Oh no!
“Sister-in-law, um, Company Commander Lu received a last-minute notice to return to Yun City for a very urgent meeting.”
“Oh? Back to Yun City.” Fang Muyu’s smile held a hint of mockery. “That meeting must be really important.”
What a joke!
Even if she hadn’t experienced it herself, she’d heard enough to know better.
If the meeting was truly urgent and important, wouldn’t it be confidential? How could it be openly shared with her?
It seemed someone’s return to Yun City had ulterior motives!
A mocking smile curled at the corner of Fang Muyu’s lips.
Her dear younger sister Gu Shiyi was right here in Yun City!
…
Back in Yun City, Lu Yancheng had no idea that Fang Muyu had already jumped to the wrong conclusion.
As soon as the meeting ended, he rushed to the new home he shared with Fang Muyu.
It was a brand-new two-bedroom apartment, with red double-happiness characters still pasted on the windows.
A faint, sweet fragrance lingered in the room, as if the lady of the house had never left.
Lu Yancheng rolled up his sleeves and began tidying up.
That woman Fang Muyu hadn’t used her head before going to the island. She hadn’t brought anything with her, and what she bought at the supply and marketing cooperative wasn’t complete.
When she needed something and didn’t have it, wouldn’t she just turn the world upside down?
Although they had gotten their marriage certificate after only meeting twice following their blind date, through more than a month of living together, Lu Yancheng had pretty much figured out Fang Muyu’s habits.
Fang Muyu was a spoiled, delicate, and domineering young lady.
Once she set foot on that island, not even nine oxen could drag her back.
This was her favorite set of tableware—he had to bring it for her.
This was her most commonly used snowflake cream—they didn’t sell it over there.
Lu Yancheng’s hand paused.
This tiny jar probably wouldn’t even last her a month. He’d have to go to the department store this afternoon to buy some more.
This vase…
Lu Yancheng hesitated for a moment.
Bring it! It could be used to collect water.
Yes, to collect water for Fang Muyu.
Freshwater was scarce on the island—it would be perfect for catching rainwater.
Just as Lu Yancheng was busy packing, a voice tinged with delight came from the doorway.
“Brother Lu.”
Gu Shiyi looked at the handsome, upright man before her with joy.
Even though Lu Yancheng was already married to Fang Muyu, and by all rights Gu Shiyi should call him brother-in-law, she stubbornly continued to address him as Brother Lu.
Gu Shiyi hoped that one day, he would become her Brother Lu alone.
“Xiao Yi, what brings you here?”
Lu Yancheng was somewhat surprised.
“I… I just came to see if my sister is here.”
Gu Shiyi made no mention of having bribed the child downstairs to notify her as soon as Lu Yancheng returned.
“Speaking of which, Brother Lu, do you know where my sister went? I’ve come looking for her several times but haven’t seen her.”
Gu Shiyi pretended to be worried.
“I heard she used to go out with Ji Mingyuan all the time. Could something have happened to her?”
After saying this, Gu Shiyi glanced at Lu Yancheng’s expression.
Lu Yancheng’s expression didn’t change at all.
Gu Shiyi’s heart skipped a beat.
Usually, whenever she mentioned that bitch Fang Muyu being with some man, Brother Lu would get very angry.
Why wasn’t it working this time?
“Xiao Yi, don’t worry. Your sister has gone to the island.”
Lu Yancheng hadn’t expected Fang Muyu to leave for the island without telling anyone, just packing up and going all on her own.
What?
Fang Muyu had actually gone to join the army?
Gu Shiyi was so shocked she nearly dropped the bag in her hand.
“Xiao Yi, I still have things to do here. You should head back first.”
Lu Yancheng issued a clear dismissal.
A man and a woman alone together in a room could easily lead to gossip.
“O-okay.”
Gu Shiyi forced a smile that looked worse than crying.
“If my sister is fine, then I’m relieved. Brother Lu, please carry on. I’ll be going now.”
“Alright.”
As soon as Gu Shiyi stepped out the door, the smile vanished from her face, replaced by a dark expression.
She never imagined that Fang Muyu would quietly run off to join the army without a word.
How could this be allowed?
No, she had to think of a way.
That bitch Fang Muyu wasn’t worthy of Brother Lu.
She must help Brother Lu escape his suffering as soon as possible.
A sharp glint flashed in Gu Shiyi’s eyes as she quickened her pace, rushing swiftly in one direction.
…