The next day Jiang Chiyue left with the main contingent for rural development work. As her elder brother and sister in law Xu Yaoyao went to the train platform to see her off.
Jiang Chiyue must have cried too much the day before for her eyes were still swollen and red and she looked at Xu Yaoyao with obvious resentment. Did you come just to laugh at me? Xu Yaoyao you have won. Are you happy now?
Xu Yaoyao was quite confused she could not understand why there was so much hostility directed at her. She lifted her beautiful eyes and replied deliberately. I am truly happy. You are finally leaving and no one will be upsetting me anymore. If circumstances permitted I would have arranged firecrackers to send you off in style. See how loyal I am to you? No need to thank me after all we did grow up together.
You Jiang Chiyue turned green with anger and looked toward her older brother for support. Brother why do you not stop her? You are just letting her bully your own sister.
Jiang Chiye glanced up. I have not settled the score with you for picking on my wife yet and now you expect me to side with you over her? She runs this household now.
Brother you were never like this before. Disbelief showed clearly on Jiang Chiyue’s face. She remembered how every time they fought her brother would punish her physically while Xu Yaoyao stood by unharmed and watched. It had filled her with fury and resentment. She had assumed life as her brother’s wife would be just as difficult for Xu Yaoyao but reality was proving quite different.
Xu Yaoyao covered her mouth to hide a smile. She held the upper hand now of course things were different.
Jiang Chiye rested his arm around his wife’s waist his thumb brushing gently over her lower back as he spoke coolly without looking up. You cannot be compared with my wife. A wife is meant to be cherished while a sister can stand a little discipline.
Jiang Chiyue was stung by his heartless words. She picked up her bag and walked away without looking back. It was simply too unfair.
Xu Yaoyao looked up at him and winked playfully. Are we being too hard on her?
She will be fine Jiang Chiye said as he took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. They walked slowly away from the platform together.
You are terrible. If I had a brother like that I might have been furious enough to spit blood.
Listen to me my dear we are the ones who share this closest bond Jiang Chiye said. We are meant to spend our whole life together everyone else is only passing through.
I cannot agree with that Xu Yaoyao spoke up immediately.
Jiang Chiye stiffened. Why ever not?
Xu Yaoyao spoke earnestly counting off on her fingers. I have my parents and one day I will have children too. They are also an essential part of my life.
What about me? He knew his place in her heart was not yet what he wanted it to be but he still longed to hear her say it.
You of course are very important to me husband Xu Yaoyao said with a smile.
Jiang Chiye’s expression softened and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He squeezed her hand again feeling deeply satisfied. He knew she was teasing but her words made him feel truly cherished. You mean everything to me as well my dear.
I know I know Xu Yaoyao said paying it little mind as she turned to look at him. Where shall we go now? Jiang Chiye was due back at the military base tomorrow so they had only this day together. Her mother had gone out early to prepare things for them.
We will take photographs and do some shopping.
Xu Yaoyao looked at him with amusement. Are you hoping to have wedding photos taken together? He seemed such a rough and imposing man but he was surprisingly thoughtful.
Jiang Chiye nodded without speaking but his expression gradually grew more serious and he tightened his hold on her hand.
Ouch why are you holding my hand so tightly? Xu Yaoyao pulled her hand away and rubbed her wrist. When he stayed silent she looked up and saw Gu Lin standing opposite them holding a simple bag. There was a faint polite smile on his face yet the way he looked at her felt strangely uneasy.
Xu Yaoyao did not think much of it and greeted him warmly. Senior Gu what a pleasant surprise. Are you being sent to the countryside too?
Gu Lin nodded. Yaoyao what brings you here? He had thought he might never see her again but fate had granted him this meeting.
I came to see Jiang Chiyue off Xu Yaoyao explained. I never expected to run into you here. By the way where are you being posted?
Guangzhou.
How wonderful it turns out I will also be going to Guangzhou tomorrow. Xu Yaoyao’s eyes lit up.
Jiang Chiye gave a quiet cough and pulled her firmly against his waist in a clear gesture of possession. My dear we should be going now we still have our wedding photographs to take.
Gu Lin froze his fingers tightening around the strap of his bag. He looked downcast and managed only a faint smile. Yaoyao congratulations on your marriage.
Thank you Senior Gu we must be on our way Xu Yaoyao began to walk forward but realized Jiang Chiye had not moved an inch. She gave him a questioning look.
Jiang Chiye met Gu Lin’s gaze a faint smile playing on his lips. Senior Gu is it? You were unable to attend our wedding yesterday so please accept these wedding sweets as a token of our joy. I hope you will work diligently in Guangzhou contribute fully to the nation’s development and learn the value of honest labour from the people there. It is best not to dwell on things that were never meant to be yours.
Gu Lin could tell from the tone that the final sentence was the true message. He accepted the bag of sweets turning it over in his hands. Thank you he said quietly looking directly at Jiang Chiye. Take good care of her.
That is entirely my responsibility Jiang Chiye replied with satisfaction. I will always take good care of my wife.
With that Jiang Chiye led Xu Yaoyao away.
Xu Yaoyao sat behind him wrapping her arms around his waist and resting against his strong back. She spoke softly. Why do you dislike Senior Gu so much?
Are you not aware of something?
Aware of what exactly? Xu Yaoyao sat up straight and folded her arms across her chest feeling distinctly annoyed. Surely you do not believe Senior Gu has romantic feelings for me?
Jiang Chiye remained silent unable to say the words aloud for fear of seeming unreasonable.
Xu Yaoyao found his silence frustrating and poked his back gently. If you are jealous just say so openly instead of sulking like this. You are being so petty. I do not have feelings for him and I am your wife you should be delighted not resentful. This is actually the first time I have ever tried to comfort anyone you know she added. If you are going to be difficult about it then I will stop trying.
She was beginning to lose patience and hoped he would meet her halfway.
Xu Yaoyao had no idea that as soon as she spoke those words Jiang Chiye was grinning from ear to ear where she could not see him. Then hold on to me properly he said immediately resting your hands on my abdominal muscles. It feels far too quiet without your arms around me.
Xu Yaoyao rolled her eyes. Where on earth did you get such a strange habit from?
Even as she complained she placed her hands exactly where he had asked and gave one firm appreciating squeeze. It would have been foolish not to enjoy such privileges after all. They felt just as firm and wonderful as she remembered.