After Lu Chengjing left, Aunt Zhang came over with a soft measuring tape. She gently pulled up Lin Shuyao’s arm and began taking her measurements while chatting with a smile.
“Shuyao, you’ve just arrived at the compound. Are you getting used to it? Battalion Commander Lu seems quiet, but he’s thoughtful. He’ll treat you well for sure.”
“I’m getting used to it. Comrade Lu takes good care of me,” Lin Shuyao replied with a smile.
Aunt Zhang paused slightly.
That form of address… something wasn’t right.
Her brows moved faintly as she recalled the recent events in the compound and quickly understood.
“Shuyao, you’re from Kyoto, right? And a university student too? That’s impressive. I used to be a teacher myself and can read a bit. I’ve always liked well-educated young girls like you.”
“You were a teacher, Auntie? Teaching is an even more respectable job.”
Aunt Zhang shook her head with a smile. “That’s all in the past now. Times are different.”
“Knowledge helps people understand reason, broaden their vision, and improve their awareness. It’s valuable in any era.”
“Oh my, you really know how to talk. You’re straightforward and clever.”
After a few exchanges, the two became familiar with each other.
“Our compound has military families from all over the country. It’s a mixed crowd. Don’t take everything to heart—just keep a little caution,” Aunt Zhang said casually.
Something stirred in Lin Shuyao’s mind. “Auntie, could you explain a bit more?”
Aunt Zhang’s expression turned more serious. She glanced toward the door and lowered her voice.
“My husband is a political officer in the Southwest Military District. He once received a favor from Battalion Commander Lu, so I won’t hide this from you.”
“Mm, go ahead.”
“Bai Qiaolan… your sister-in-law. She may look gentle, but her intentions aren’t right.”
That direct?
Lin Shuyao blinked, momentarily unsure how to respond.
Aunt Zhang sighed. “Her husband passed away early. Battalion Commander Lu has always taken care of her and treated her with respect, but she… she always thinks about things she shouldn’t.”
“Before you arrived, she was always around him. Now that you’re here, she’s been targeting you instead. She spreads rumors behind your back, and I’ve heard it myself more than once.”
“This…” Lin Shuyao suddenly understood.
So Bai Qiaolan’s hostility wasn’t just simple dislike.
She actually had that kind of intention toward him?
“That’s how I see people,” Aunt Zhang said as she finished taking the measurements and wrote them down carefully.
“She’s greedy. She can’t stand seeing Battalion Commander Lu treat you well, and she can’t stand you being better than her. You must be careful. Don’t confront her head-on.”
“Thank you, Auntie. I understand. I’ll be careful,” Lin Shuyao said sincerely.
She had just arrived in the Southwest and wasn’t familiar with the people here. Without Aunt Zhang’s explanation, she never would’ve thought of this angle.
It was honestly disgusting.
Aunt Zhang smiled and patted her arm. “No need to be polite. We neighbors should look out for each other. Don’t worry, I’ll make this outfit sturdy and well-fitted so you can wear it to work without problems.”
“Thank you for your trouble, Auntie.”
After a while, they finalized the design—a simple outfit with a small lapel, tight cuffs, neat and practical for work.
Not long after they finished, a knock came at the door.
Lu Chengjing had arrived to pick her up.
“I’ll head back now, Auntie. Thank you,” Lin Shuyao said as she stood up.
“Go on, go on. I’ll start cutting the fabric tomorrow. It’ll be ready in two days,” Aunt Zhang said, walking them to the door. “Remember what I told you. Be careful. If anything happens, come find me.”
“Okay, thank you.”
Lin Shuyao stepped out into the night breeze and subconsciously shrank her neck.
A coat was draped over her shoulders.
“Put it on. It’s cold at night,” Lu Chengjing said.
The coat was oversized on her, making her look like a child wearing adult clothes.
“Thank you.”
“No need to thank me.”
Lu Chengjing had just taken a shower. His hair was still slightly damp. Under the distant streetlight, his features looked even more defined—sharp, tall, and strong.
Handsome.
That was the only word that popped into Lin Shuyao’s mind.
She stared at him for a full three seconds without looking away.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Cough… nothing.”
Her cheeks warmed instantly. She quickly lowered her head, pretending nothing had happened.
Lu Chengjing frowned slightly. “If you think Aunt Zhang’s workmanship isn’t suitable, there are other women in the compound who can sew.”
“No, Aunt Zhang is very nice. Her skills must be good.”
Just as she finished speaking, she accidentally stepped on a small stone.
Her body tilted forward—and she bumped straight into Lu Chengjing’s back.
“Mm…” she let out a muffled sound, her nose stinging slightly.
Her palm pressed against his back instinctively, only to feel a firm, solid warmth—like hitting a steady, heated mountain.
She quickly pulled her hand back, her face turning even redder.
That was embarrassing.
“Sorry, sorry. I didn’t watch my step.”
Lu Chengjing turned immediately, steadying her. “Are you alright? Did you hit yourself? The ground is slippery. Walk slower.”
“I’m fine. I just slipped.”
His fingertips brushed her wrist—cool from the night air. Thinking of how she had been cold earlier, he adjusted her collar and wrapped her coat tighter around her.
His touch was light, his fingers briefly grazing her neck.
A faint electric sensation shot through her.
Her heart skipped.
Her face flushed deeper, even her ears burning.
She didn’t dare look up, only staring at her shoes.
“Got it… thank you,” she murmured.
Lu Chengjing’s gaze fell on her reddened ear tips, a faint smile flashing in his eyes.
The touch on his back still lingered—soft, light, like a feather brushing past, making his heartbeat slow for half a beat.
“Let’s go,” he said.
They walked side by side back toward the courtyard.
The dim streetlight cast their shadows together, swaying gently in the wind, blurring into something quietly intimate.
Neither of them spoke.
Only the sound of footsteps on fallen leaves, and their slightly uneven breathing, filled the autumn night.
Wrapped in his oversized coat, Lin Shuyao could smell the faint scent of soap on him—clean, warm, and strangely comforting.
It left her heart warm… and slightly unsettled.