Gu Chunhua set straight to work. The house was a little larger than hers but the yard was much the same. She worked quickly and had the whole plot turned over in no time.
“Xu Little Sister show me what you want to plant. I will dig the holes and you can drop the seeds in.”
“That is perfect thank you so much Sister” Xu Yaoyao said gratefully. She went inside to get the seeds and placed two in each hole. Gu Chunhua worked steadily and said “Do not mention it. We are all military families. We look out for one another. Our men serve at the front we must not be a burden to them here.”
Xu Yaoyao nodded enthusiastically and gave her a thumbs up “Your outlook is truly wonderful.”
Gu Chunhua laughed “You really are different you know.”
“In what way?”
Gu Chunhua lowered her voice “There is another wife living here. She is very beautiful too but she has a sharp temper and looks down on those of us from the countryside. Her own family background is what brought her here yet she still acts as though we are beneath her.”
“You are different though. You are even lovelier and kinder. You do not look down on anyone and that is what I like about you.”
Her husband served under Commander Jiang and had reminded her to look out for the new wife. At first she had felt reluctant. But rank has its weight and she had decided to help as best she could. From the moment she met Xu Yaoyao she knew she was someone special. She had such striking beauty yet her nature was warm and unpretentious. It was a genuine pleasure to help her.
Xu Yaoyao placed the last seed and her eyes gleamed. So this was the wealthy capital born rival she had heard about. No wonder she had such a temper. “Where does she live Sister?”
Gu Chunhua paused looking at her curiously “Why do you ask?”
“Just curious to see what she looks like.”
“You may not get the chance. The Commander Li’s wife rarely leaves her home. I only saw her the day she arrived.” She remembered going over to introduce herself and offer help only to be coldly dismissed. It had been most awkward.
“I see” Xu Yaoyao said sounding a little disappointed.
“Come wash your hands now” Xu Yaoyao invited warmly “Let me pour you some water.” She brought out the malted milk Jiang’s mother had given her and prepared two cups. It was the nicest thing she had to offer.
“Please Sister. We have only just arrived so I am afraid this is all I have.”
“Do not be silly” Gu Chunhua said “I am not helping you for reward. Times are hard a drink of water is more than enough.” She took a sip and paused. This was not ordinary water. She looked at the cup in shock “This is precious malted milk! You should not waste this on me!” She had only tasted it once when her child was born. It was such a luxury the rich sweet scent had stayed with her.
“It is meant to be enjoyed” Xu Yaoyao said “And you have done so much for me today. I cannot thank you enough.”
“It was hardly anything” Gu Chunhua said modestly “Just a little digging.”
“It was a great deal to me” Xu Yaoyao insisted “Please drink it all.”
Gu Chunhua drank it slowly savoring every mouthful. It tasted wonderful. “I must be going now” she said picking up her hoe “Call if you need anything.”
“Take care Sister” Xu Yaoyao saw her to the gate. As she turned back Jiang Chiye came walking up and pulled her into his arms.
“Were you waiting for me at the gate my dear?” He beamed believing she had been standing there just for him.
Xu Yaoyao pulled away gently “I was just seeing the neighbor off.” Not wanting to disappoint him she added “But I was also waiting for you.”
Jiang Chiye smiled and put his arm around her waist walking into the yard. He noticed the changes and looked at her with concern “Did you do all this yourself? Why did you not wait for me? I have plenty of strength for such work.” He took her hands checking carefully for blisters or soreness. Finding none he relaxed.
“Sister Gu from next door helped me” she explained.
“You have mud on your shoes” Jiang Chiye knelt by the water bucket and carefully scrubbed the mud away. Xu Yaoyao watched him and teased half playfully “You are very good at this. Have you polished shoes for other women comrades?”
Jiang Chiye paused and looked up at her his tone steady “No one else is worthy of having me do this. Only you.”
Xu Yaoyao lifted his chin meeting his gaze “I like that.”
Jiang Chiye’s breath caught. He pulled her close holding her firmly against him his voice thick with feeling “Do not tease me my dear. I can only take so much.”
Xu Yaoyao pulled a face “I am not teasing you. You are the one who cannot control himself.” She smiled to herself knowing how easily he was stirred. She would have to be careful or she really would tire him out. She thought of the clothes her mother had packed and shook her head what was she thinking sending things like that!
Jiang Chiye rested his chin on her shoulder and sighed “It is not a lack of self control. It is simply that you are impossible to resist. If I felt nothing for you then I would not be much of a man.”