“You… you… you’re trying to drive me crazy!”
Zou Liyie was itching to pry open his unlucky grandson’s skull and see what kind of straw was packed inside! He really thought the kid lacked a playmate? He just wanted the two youngsters to spend some time together and develop their relationship.
“Anyway, I don’t care what you’re busy with. From now on, every day in the capital, you must spend two hours with her. If you dare refuse, don’t call me your grandfather anymore.”
Zou Liyie spoke firmly, all the while watching Zou Zhanyang’s reaction closely.
Zou Zhanyang’s brows were tightly furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line, his whole body radiating displeasure. Yet, for some reason, his feet seemed rooted to the ground. Zou Liyie quietly exhaled in relief—he really didn’t want to push this kid too far and have him storm off back to the southern province.
A stalemate wasn’t going to work. Zou Liyie decided to switch tactics and take a softer approach.
“You’re already grown, yet there’s no one by your side. I’m old, and I don’t have many days left. I just want to hold my grandson before I close my eyes for good. You could pity your old granddad a little, couldn’t you?”
He coughed twice and clutched his chest dramatically, as if he might collapse at any moment.
Zou Zhanyang twitched at the corner of his mouth. His grandfather could do a full set of morning exercises without breaking a sweat—healthier than most of the men under Zou Zhanyang’s command—and yet here he was, pretending to be weak. His face was flushed and his spirit looked strong, not a trace of weakness.
Zou Liyie didn’t realize he was seen through and continued his performance. “Cough… cough… if you really don’t want to go, fine. When you find a girlfriend, I won’t force you.”
Zou Zhanyang finally understood his grandfather’s plan.
No wonder he wanted him to “play” with the girl—it was really matchmaking under the guise of casual visits. That made it even less likely he would agree.
“You said it yourself,” Zou Zhanyang raised an eyebrow and pulled the marriage certificate from his pocket, flashing it proudly. “Grandpa, I not only have a girlfriend—I’m already married.”
“Bullshit! You even lie without thinking! I’m not senile yet, you know. Don’t just make stuff up!”
Zou Liyie didn’t even glance at him at first, instinctively clutching his chest and moaning “ouch… ouch,” all while sneaking glances at Zou Zhanyang.
Wait… that object in his hand looked so familiar. And it was red…
When he saw the three bold characters on it, his eyes went wide. Suddenly, the pain in his chest vanished, his legs regained their strength, and he snatched the marriage certificate, scanning every corner meticulously.
It really was a marriage certificate!
“Hey, grandpa, careful! Don’t tear my marriage certificate!” Zou Zhanyang said anxiously, afraid that his grandfather would crease it.
Seeing his grandson’s worried face, Zou Liyie laughed, “Look at you, still so concerned! Here, take it back!”
Though he spoke as if disdainful, he handled it gently.
Zou Zhanyang quickly took it, smoothing it out and tucking it close to his chest like a treasure.
Zou Liyie shook his head. He had suspected Zou Zhanyang was being set up before, but seeing this, he’d even believe that his grandson could take something by force—though, of course, his grandson would never break the law.
“When are you bringing your wife home for me to see? And when’s the wedding? Have you set the date?” Zou Liyie’s attitude did a complete 180, smiling broadly.
“Aren’t you supposed to be accompanying Commander Xu’s granddaughter?” Zou Zhanyang glanced at him.
Zou Liyie looked a bit embarrassed, recalling his earlier blunder. “Ah, I’ll tell old Xu not to come. You never said anything about having a girlfriend. What a mix-up!”
Zou Zhanyang coughed lightly. He had only known Shen Qingjun for a day anyway.
“The wedding’s set for a week from now. I’ll find time to bring Qingjun for you to see,” he said, then briefly updated his grandfather on Shen Qingjun and her family situation.
Zou Liyie waved it off. “As long as you know what you’re doing. Can the Zou family not take care of a young lady?”
“Just make sure to treat your wife well—don’t throw yourself into missions like before. And when are you visiting your father’s side?”
Zou Zhanyang smiled faintly. “When I have time.”
“Fathers and sons have no overnight grudges. After all these years, he’s still thinking of you.”
Zou Zhanyang snorted without replying.
…
Night fell. Shen Hanyang and Bai Yue hadn’t returned yet. Shen Hao wandered around crying for his parents. Shen Qingjun handed Shen Xinwei the sent-down youth approval notice and went to her room. The door closed behind her, and the house became quiet.
Probably Shen Xinwei took Shen Hao with her before leaving. Shen Qingjun slept, and when she woke, it was completely dark outside. Wind howled, rattling the windows, sending eerie whistling sounds.
Amid the wind came faint knocking. Her skin prickled with goosebumps.
Getting out of bed, she approached as the knocking grew louder, only to find a tall figure pushing through the door.
“What are you doing here?”
Shen Qingjun followed Zou Zhanyang, watching the man put something on the table.
“Shen Hanyang and Bai Yue are under investigation and won’t be back tonight. I was worried you might be hungry, so I brought some food.”
As he spoke, he opened the lunchbox. The aroma hit her. She rubbed her stomach—she was indeed hungry, having slept all afternoon without eating.
Zou Zhanyang handed her the chopsticks and pushed the lunchbox forward. “Eat. It’s freshly made and still hot.”
One box had stir-fried loofah with egg, topped with a large chicken leg. Another plate held two fist-sized steamed buns. Shen Qingjun ate half a bun, the chicken leg, and a third of the vegetables and was full.
“Full?”
She nodded. Zou Zhanyang picked up the remaining bun and finished it with the leftover loofah and egg in a few bites.
Shen Qingjun was stunned. “There’s more food at home—why don’t you make some?”
Zou Zhanyang wiped his mouth. “I already ate on the way here.”
Her mind silently questioned that—he clearly hadn’t eaten beforehand.
Zou Zhanyang washed the lunchbox, boiled water, and called Shen Qingjun over to wash up and prepare for bed.
“Okay,” she said.
After showering, she emerged from the bathroom and saw Zou Zhanyang still there. Holding her clothes, she smiled and leaned close. “Why aren’t you leaving? Are you staying to sleep with me?”
Fresh from her bath, she smelled good. Zou Zhanyang’s mind went blank. He muttered, “You’re alone. I’m worried you’ll be scared. I’ll leave after you’re asleep.”
Shen Qingjun, still not sleepy, sat cross-legged on the bed and patted the blanket beside her. “Come sit and chat with me.”
Zou Zhanyang sat on the bed. Her scent filled his nose. His muscles stiffened uncontrollably, like rusted machinery—but his heart thudded strongly in his chest.
Shen Qingjun didn’t notice. She asked about Shen Hanyang and Bai Yue’s situation. Zou Zhanyang answered everything truthfully.
When she mentioned Zhao Chengping, she smiled, her eyes curved in delight.
Watching the serious man beside her, she mischievously curled her finger, beckoning him closer. “Do you want to know how Zhao Chengping found out about Bai Yue and Jia Peng?”
Zou Zhanyang shook his head.
She raised an eyebrow, smirking. “I wrote the letter to tell him. Didn’t expect Zhao to act so fast.”
Seeing his expression unchanged, she nudged him. “Why aren’t you reacting at all?”
Zou Zhanyang sighed—he had guessed it beforehand. In fact, Zhao’s quick action was partly thanks to him.
“Next time, leave the warnings to me. If you get caught, it won’t be good for you,” he said.
Shen Qingjun pouted, poking his chest. “You’re just a low-ranking captain. What can you do for me?”
She remembered Zou Zhanyang’s background: three generations of poor farmers, no connections. What help could he really provide?
Hearing the disdain, Zou Zhanyang hesitated. Should he reveal what he knew? But what if his wife ran off?
While he was conflicted, Shen Qingjun suddenly leaned into him, her fingers hooked onto his buttons. She looked like a beguiling enchantress.
Her eyes were sultry, her little face mischievous. “Captain Zou, do you think we’re having an affair right now?”
Zou Zhanyang’s chest heaved violently. Breathing rough, his eyes darkened instantly. Shen Qingjun sensed danger and forced a nervous laugh. “Hehe, just joking…”
Before she could finish, he leaned over, cutting off her words with his lips.
Shen Qingjun felt like a small boat tossed in a storm, helplessly swept away.