Su Jin was lying on the bed, stroking the cat, completely unaware that someone thought she was “troublesome.”
She thought about everything that had happened today—it felt incredibly dramatic. She hadn’t realized how remarkable the cat in her arms was; its nose was almost like a dog’s.
If this were her own home, she would definitely keep a clever and loyal dog.
She wondered if feeding it Lingquan water would make it even smarter, more alert, and able to understand her commands like Tuan Tuan—doing whatever she asked.
Once the thought formed, it took root in her heart, though it was far too early to act on it.
Downstairs, Grandpa Pei and Grandma Pei were in their bedroom.
Neither had rested; both sat on the bed, analyzing who might hold a grudge against their family and do such a thing.
After thinking it through, they still had no clue.
Grandma Pei sighed again. “Thankfully, it was that girl Xiao Jin. She happened to be there at the right moment.
Old man, I don’t know why, but I feel like today’s incident was premeditated.”
“Hm, I thought the same.
Right now, we have no leads, so we can only observe those few female comrades slowly.
We can’t alert the culprit, nor falsely accuse anyone. Everyone’s in the same courtyard; it would look bad.
We really owe this to Xiao Jin!
That girl seems quiet and obedient, but she’s so composed and calm—many boys can’t compare. Truly remarkable!
Honestly, I think our third son should marry her.
Her character, appearance, courage… any of these alone would suit him perfectly.”
“Yes, she’s perfect for the third son.
The second son already has someone he likes. Forcing him to marry would be unfair to both children and cause resentment.
Old man, honestly, I feel Xiao Jin and the third son are a perfect match—one is calm and intelligent, the other responsible and capable.
They’re made for each other.
If it were up to me, and nothing else works, just give the order. Orders are law—he’ll have no choice but to obey.” Grandma Pei said, half-joking, half-serious.
Grandpa Pei took her words seriously, chuckling. “No one knows me better than you, Ah Lan!
I do have such plans.
First, we secure the official status. Didn’t we also marry first and let love grow over time?
We’ve spent most of our lives together, and we’re still happy.”
Grandma Pei’s lips curled into a smile. “Indeed.”
They exchanged a glance, grinning, while upstairs, Pei Yucheng sneezed while drying his hair. He rubbed his nose and closed the window in his room…
The next morning, Su Jin finished washing up and carried Tuan Tuan downstairs. After stepping down just two stairs, she heard the sound of children laughing and adults chatting lightly from the living room.
Su Jin realized the children had returned to normal, and the tension in her heart finally eased.
Descending the stairs with a gentle smile, she greeted the elders and then began interacting with the two children.
Yesterday, the children had been too scared to notice her, but today they saw such a beautiful older sister and blushed shyly as they greeted her. “Hello, sister~”
Grandma Pei quickly corrected them. “Oh, you shouldn’t call her ‘sister.’ Call her ‘auntie.’
Xiao Jin is your parents’ generation; you can’t skip a generation.”
Pei Wenci scratched his head, looking innocent. “Great-Grandma, Mom says that if a female comrade is pretty, we can call her sister.
This sister is so beautiful—she’s a pretty sister~”
Grandma Pei was momentarily speechless and didn’t know how to respond.
Su Jin squatted down and patted their heads. “It’s fine. Let them call me whatever they want. Calling me ‘sister’ even makes me seem younger.
By the way, I brought some beautiful pastries for you when I came. I’ll go get them so you can try.”
She turned and went upstairs, soon returning with two boxes of pastries.
Opening them on the table, the pastries were neatly arranged, each one intricate and lovely.
The children couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow!”
Pei Wenrui said excitedly, “Pretty sister, these are so beautiful! They have patterns too—this one’s a flower, a lotus. So pretty!”
Pei Wenci licked his lips, agreeing with his brother. “Yeah, yeah, pretty sister, so beautiful~”
Su Jin divided the pastries for each child. “Eat slowly, don’t choke.”
“Thank you, pretty sister~”
The children ate, their eyes wide and sparkling, making “Wow! Wow!” sounds with every bite.
Even Grandma Pei couldn’t resist and tried one. “Mmm, indeed very good. There’s a subtle fragrance as you eat. I haven’t had these in at least ten years.”
“If you like them, Grandma, that’s what matters. I have two more boxes upstairs; I’ll bring them down later so you can enjoy them slowly.”
Grandma Pei’s eyes softened with affection. “Good child, I won’t be polite with you then.”
Just then, Grandpa Pei returned. Grandma Pei remarked, “You came back after all! Everyone’s waiting for you to eat.”
He smiled, greeted Su Jin, and asked if she had rested well. Then everyone began eating.
After finishing, Sun Limei cleaned up and went to wash in the kitchen.
Su Jin held the cat, and the two children sat on either side of her, calling her “sister” with every bite and asking if they could pet the cat.
They even asked why the cat’s eyes were blue…
Su Jin patiently explained everything to them.
At that moment, a few ladies from the courtyard came visiting.
Leading them was the wife of Head Sergeant Hao, her voice loud. “Auntie Pei, we came to check. We heard there was some trouble yesterday. Are the children alright?”
She glanced at the children and then at Su Jin.
Grandpa Pei, seeing the women, strolled in the courtyard with his hands behind his back.
One of the accompanying ladies spoke, “Yes, yes, yesterday’s scene scared us. We thought… Thankfully, nothing happened to the children.”
Grandma Pei smiled. “Yes, luckily nothing happened. Thank you all for your concern.”
“Good, good,” said the Head Sergeant’s wife, then turned to Su Jin. “This female comrade… I haven’t seen her before. She’s really beautiful and fair-skinned.”
Everyone was eager; they had wanted to ask yesterday but didn’t dare because of the incident.
Grandma Pei smiled and introduced her. “This is Xiao Jin, Su Jin. She’s the granddaughter of the man who saved our lives, Old Pei. She’s here to visit.”
Su Jin gracefully greeted the ladies.
Curious, Mrs. Sun, wife of Captain Sun, asked, “Comrade Su’s family… what do they do? That accent doesn’t seem local.”
Su Jin smiled. “They’re from the south. Just an ordinary family.”
Mrs. Sun wasn’t satisfied and pressed further. “Then, does Comrade Su have a boyfriend?”