As soon as she said that, quite a few sales clerks turned their attention over. Xiao Ya’s face immediately flushed red.
She had never expected that this seemingly soft and delicate girl could say something like that!
“I—I was just kindly reminding you!”
“Thanks, but matters between my husband and me don’t require your concern…”
“You’re speaking ill of my fiancé. Those who know might think you mean well, but those who don’t might think you’re trying to sow discord between us. Even if you’re a soldier, interfering in someone else’s marriage is still illegal!”
Jiang Li’s firm and righteous words made Xiao Ya’s face turn alternately pale and green.
Her lips trembled, but she couldn’t force out a single rebuttal. She turned and ran off.
Watching her somewhat disheveled retreat, Jiang Li couldn’t help but let out a light laugh, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes.
Couldn’t handle it already?
That didn’t even last a few rounds…
After leaving the supply and marketing cooperative, Jiang Li walked back toward the residential compound with Wang Xuelian.
She heard Wang Xuelian sigh.
“Sis, don’t take it to heart. That girl just now is Xiao Ya from the performance troupe. She’s always had high standards.”
“She used to have feelings for Commander Si, but nothing came of it. Now that you’re here, she’s definitely feeling upset.”
Jiang Li nodded at Wang Xuelian’s words. She had already guessed as much, so she wasn’t too surprised.
As for liking someone, anyone had that right—she couldn’t interfere.
But she was more curious about Si Nanchén’s attitude.
Was Xiao Ya’s behavior something he tolerated, or was it purely her one-sided feelings?
Although she had heard good things about him, she had only just met him. Some qualities could only be seen when tested.
If it was the former, then she would really have to reconsider their marriage arrangement.
After all, she didn’t like betrayal.
A few minutes later, when they reached the entrance of the military compound, Wang Xuelian had something to do and left first. Jiang Li had just stepped through the gate when she saw several neighbors surrounding Si Nanchén, talking all at once.
“Commander Si, it’s not that we’re being nosy, but that woman refused to come before—how come now it’s suddenly someone else showing up?”
“Exactly, I just passed by the supply store and saw her buying quite a lot. She just got here and is already spending so freely—who knows what she’s really after.”
“We can’t be suckers, you know, Commander. You need to keep your guard up.”
“This woman may be here to marry you, but we don’t know her background. We don’t know what kind of life she lived over there either…”
As their chatter reached her ears, Jiang Li slowed her steps and stopped a few meters away.
She had just been thinking about finding an opportunity to test him—wasn’t this the perfect chance?
She didn’t care about their gossip, but she wanted to see how Si Nanchén would respond.
At that moment, surrounded by several people, Si Nanchén frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over the neighbors in front of him.
His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried undeniable authority.
“Uncles, aunties, she came all this way here alone. Now that the house is lacking things, she went to buy what we need. She’s already worked hard enough as my wife—how could I still expect her to pay out of her own pocket? What kind of man would that make me?”
His words were direct, even somewhat impolite.
The chattering neighbors were instantly silenced, their expressions turning awkward.
They quickly found an excuse to back down, mumbling as they turned and hurried away.
Seeing this, Jiang Li curved her lips slightly. Not bad—this man had just defended her quite well.
There was no need to compare him with Song Weiguo. Just from what Si Nanchén said earlier, he was already far superior.
For someone he had only just met, he was even willing to offend neighbors to protect her.
That kind of responsibility was something many people lacked.
She stepped forward. “Comrade Si.”
Si Nanchén turned around and only then noticed that Jiang Li had returned.
A trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, and the cold indifference on his face gradually faded as his expression relaxed.
“You’re back? Finished buying everything?”
Jiang Li nodded and shook the cloth bag in front of him.
At this moment, the last rays of sunlight were fading, casting a soft glow across her face.
Her clear eyes seemed even brighter than usual.
“Thank you… for just now.”
He hadn’t expected that she had witnessed the earlier scene. To him, it wasn’t a big deal, and he spoke calmly.
“You heard it? There’s nothing to thank me for. You don’t need to take their words to heart.”
“They didn’t mean any harm—just some misunderstandings. I’ll explain it to them later.”
He casually took the bag from her, showing no dissatisfaction at how much she had bought, and turned to walk toward the family quarters. Jiang Li smiled and quickly followed.
Once inside, Jiang Li began organizing the things she had purchased, while Si Nanchén helped from the side.
Finally, Jiang Li took out a small notebook and handed it to him.
“Comrade Si, this is the money I spent just now. Your money and ration tickets are all accounted for. Take a look—I’ve recorded everything clearly. If there’s any issue, you can ask me.”
Si Nanchén was rinsing the newly bought thermos with hot water. Hearing this, he glanced at the open notebook.
With just one look, he noticed something off.
The accounts were clearly written, but the total amount was far lower than the money and coupons he had given her.
“This amount isn’t enough to buy all these things. Did you use your own money?”
Jiang Li hadn’t planned to hide it, but she hadn’t expected him to be so perceptive, seeing through it at a glance.
“Yes, I still have some savings. Since this is a partnership, it’s better to keep expenses clearly separated. My personal items should be paid for by me—I can’t take advantage of you.”
Hearing this, Si Nanchén fell silent for a moment. Then he wiped his hands, took the notebook, closed it, and handed it back to her.
Looking at her intently, he spoke with firm seriousness.
“Comrade Jiang Li, you’ve misunderstood something. Since our public identity is that of husband and wife, then in this household, there’s no reason for you to spend your own money.”
“My allowance isn’t very high, but it’s enough for two people to live on.”
“Keep your savings in case you need them. I’ll take care of the household expenses. No matter what you’re buying—even your personal items—that should also be my responsibility.”
As he spoke, he glanced at the remaining money and coupons on the table, as if entrusting them to her.
“From now on, my salary and savings will be handed over to you for management. If the house needs anything, just buy it. If there’s something you want, you can spend directly as well.”
Si Nanchén’s words left Jiang Li completely stunned, unable to process it for a moment.
In her view, a partnership meant clear and precise separation.
But what he was doing had already gone beyond that.
“Th-this… doesn’t seem appropriate…”
Jiang Li took a step back, waving her hands nervously.