A soft mwah sound.
Clear and distinct in the living room.
Everyone was stunned.
Zhou Cong’s face turned ashen, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.
His eyes blazing with anger, Zhou Cong glared at Fu Juechuan, his gaze immediately drawn to the man’s shoulder insignia.
Although he disliked Ye Qiaoqiao’s willfulness, he was unwilling to be looked down upon, especially since he had long regarded Ye Qiaoqiao as his possession.
“You chose him?” Zhou Cong sneered, his eyes filled with arrogant disdain as he looked at Fu Juechuan. “He’s just a platoon leader, a mere soldier. In your eyes, is he really better than me, Zhou Cong?”
“A mere soldier?” Ye Qiaoqiao scoffed. Not only was Fu Juechuan exceptionally capable, but after graduating from military academy, he had chosen to enlist and start from the bottom. In just one year, he had risen to the Second Lieutenant rank. Moreover, Fu Juechuan’s identity was far from being just a small platoon leader.
Fu Juechuan had concealed his identity since entering military academy. His biological father was none other than that high-ranking official in the capital. He never relied on his father’s connections, starting instead as an ordinary soldier.
In the military, he was the undisputed Soldier King.
“How can you compare yourself to Fu Juechuan? His character is better than yours, his abilities surpass yours.”
“Are you comparing your fickleness to him? Your shamelessness? Or the speed at which you keep mistresses?”
“Don’t humiliate yourself,” Ye Qiaoqiao retorted without hesitation.
With every word she spoke, Fu Juechuan’s deep gaze lingered on her, and even his usually calm and steady demeanor showed a flicker of emotion.
Zhou Cong’s fists clenched even tighter.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. Qiaoqiao must be speaking out of anger; he wouldn’t fall for her provocation.
“Qiaoqiao, how can you say such things about Brother Zhou? No matter what, Brother Zhou has always been good to you, often bringing you gifts,” Jiang Yao accused, her eyes reddening.
Ye Qiaoqiao shot back, “You, a thief who used my name to write letters and flirt with others, would naturally be dazzled by petty favors. Did you think you could just walk away? Just wait for the scouts to come.”
Jiang Yao’s face instantly paled.
She hadn’t expected Ye Qiaoqiao, who had always been kind to her, to actually take the matter seriously.
She didn’t want to be arrested and sent to prison.
“Qiaoqiao, we’re friends. I didn’t mean it. I just thought Brother Zhou was wonderful and wanted to bring you two together…” Jiang Yao defended herself.
“Weren’t you just claiming you didn’t know it was Zhou Cong you were exchanging letters with?” Ye Qiaoqiao sneered. “Not pretending anymore?”
Jiang Yao’s face turned pale, and she instinctively glanced at Zhou Cong.
But Zhou Cong didn’t care about the truth. He had been captivated by Jiang Yao’s letters, so what? His replies had all been addressed to Ye Qiaoqiao.
If Ye Qiaoqiao had received his letters, perhaps she wouldn’t be so angry now.
“This is the first time I’ve heard of matchmaking by using someone else’s identity to court another person.”
“If soldiers in the military district who can’t find partners start using their superiors’ names to court female comrades, wouldn’t those superiors accidentally end up with seven or eight extra wives?”
Seeing Ye Qiaoqiao’s flushed, angry profile, Fu Juechuan parted his thin lips and spoke with clear logic, pinpointing Jiang Yao’s crime.
Ye Qiaoqiao glanced at him in surprise. She hadn’t expected Brother Fu not only to be unbothered by her impulsive kiss but also to speak up for her. She nodded in agreement. “Exactly. If everyone acted like this, everything would be in chaos.”
Jiang Yao immediately went limp, collapsing toward Zhou Cong. She shook her head in panic, "I, I didn't, I… Brother Zhou…"
She turned her head to seek help from Zhou Cong, grabbing his hand with tears welling in her eyes, "Brother Zhou, I would never act recklessly. I truly only wanted to help you and Qiaoqiao… I… I… I was too foolish. I might as well just die."
Jiang Yao covered her face and rushed toward the nearby wall to crash into it.
Zhou Cong's eyes were tangled with anger, heartache, and dissatisfaction. Quick as lightning, he caught and held her, "Yaoyao, don't be afraid, it's alright. I'm here."
"Brother Zhou… sob, sob, you're all I have." Jiang Yao buried her face in his chest, weeping.
Zhou Cong's gaze grew resolute.
He looked up at Fu Juechuan and sneered coldly, "I've long heard that Platoon Leader Fu has a sharp tongue, using a single sentence to wave a big flag. Are you trying to drive a female comrade to her death? With such skill, why not go to the battlefield to fight the enemy?"
"When Brother Fu was on the battlefield, you were still drowning in wine and dreams! Brother Fu is a hero who protects our home and country. If you have the guts, go to the battlefield too."
"I know you're afraid of death, you don't dare. You only want to make money and live a good life. If there were no soldiers defending the country, do you think you could still make money? I think you're just dreaming."
Ye Qiaoqiao retorted sharply.
Not to mention that the reason Fu Juechuan currently holds a low rank is because he has served for a short time and attended four years of military academy to qualify as an officer. At just twenty-two this year, he already has two first-class merits and six second-class military medals.
Moreover, in the future, Fu Juechuan would become the youngest senior officer, even more capable than her father, rising entirely on his own merits.
He was far better in character than Zhou Cong, a scumbag who betrayed his country for money!
Zhou Cong's face darkened with anger, "Qiaoqiao, I know you're still upset. I won't argue with you."
"Let go of Comrade Jiang Yao's waist before you speak. Clearly, it's the two of you who secretly got involved behind Comrade Ye's back. You should be too ashamed to talk about arguing."
Fu Juechuan's voice was deep, "Since you have an affair, there's no reason for Comrade Ye to marry you anymore."
"If you understand reason, you should apologize to Commander Ye and Comrade Ye now, take the initiative to break off the engagement, and admit your mistake without dragging Comrade Ye into it."
"What right do you have to interfere in my private matters with Qiaoqiao?" Zhou Cong could no longer contain his rage. He abruptly stood up and threw a punch at Fu Juechuan.
"Brother Fu, be careful!" Ye Qiaoqiao exclaimed in alarm, instinctively moving to help him.
Fu Juechuan glanced at her a few more times, subtly stepping forward to shield Ye Qiaoqiao. With one swift motion, he easily caught Zhou Cong's fist, twisted his arm behind his back, and kicked Zhou Cong's knee.
Zhou Cong retreated, trying to pull his hand back, but was still restrained by Fu Juechuan.
With a thud.
Zhou Cong was subdued, half-kneeling on the ground, his face flushed with shame and anger.
"Let me go!" Realizing what had happened, Zhou Cong's face turned ashen.
Jiang Yao rushed toward him, pulling at Fu Juechuan.
Ye Qiaoqiao, meanwhile, watched with wide, astonished eyes, clearly focused on Fu Juechuan.
Seeing this, Zhou Cong felt even more hatred. He deliberately said, "Qiaoqiao, you're angry and saying things in the heat of the moment, but even if you want to marry Fu Juechuan, he might not be willing to take you. Once today's incident spreads, what do you think people will say about you?"
"Qiaoqiao, you're not even engaged yet, and you're kissing another man in public. Isn't that a bit too wanton? How can a girl be so lacking in self-respect?" Jiang Yao knelt beside Zhou Cong, sobbing as she dug a pit for her.
Ye Qiaoqiao's face flushed with anger, and Commander Ye slammed the table in fury.
But she didn't care about her own reputation.
As long as she could leave that scumbag Zhou Cong, would it be hard to find another man with two legs?
"I…" Ye Qiaoqiao was about to respond immediately.
"Who says I'm unwilling? I'm willing to marry Comrade Ye."
Fu Juechuan's sudden statement made everyone in the room turn to him in surprise.