Huo Jinyan felt like this was a form of torture—a cruel kind of torture. He didn’t know whether Jiang Mengning was speaking literally or metaphorically, but his mind immediately went to the wrong place. The weather was already hot, and now it felt unbearably stifling. This woman—why did she always have to say such strange things recently?
He ignored her and quickened his pace toward the foot of the mountain. Almost as soon as they reached it, he put her down.
“We’ve reached the foot of the mountain. Walk back yourself!”
Without even looking at her, he released her and strode ahead.
Jiang Mengning shrugged. This guy really had no sense of romance.
“Hey, Huo Jinyan, you seem to get embarrassed easily! Your face is red.”
The man’s pace faltered slightly, but he kept walking.
“You’re pretty fun,” Jiang Mengning said, in a good mood. Bored, she chatted with him along the way, occasionally pulling a wild blade of grass here and there. Somehow, the journey seemed shorter.
When they reached the army gate, they walked in one after the other. The soldiers standing at attention immediately saluted Huo Jinyan.
As for Jiang Mengning, no one dared look her way—especially not the soldiers, for fear of being scolded by the commissar.
Huo Jinyan glanced at one of them instinctively, sensing something slightly off. The thought passed quickly, and he entered the barracks.
There was a few meters between him and Jiang Mengning. With them walking one after another, and Huo Jinyan’s expressionless face, it was easy for people to misinterpret what was happening.
Nearby, army wives were hanging out bedding on the playground. Seeing the two of them, they whispered among themselves.
“Hey, hey, hey, look! Are they arguing again?”“Arguing? How come?”“Seems like Jiang Mengning went out for a bit—maybe to meet some shady guy—and Huo Commander caught her. He must be angry! Men have pride; who would tolerate their woman being unfaithful?”“Oh, Jiang Mengning really doesn’t know any better! Huo Commander is such a good man, and she doesn’t treasure him. Honestly, they might as well get a divorce. Once divorced, Huo Commander can find someone better. Jiang Mengning’s just wasting his life.”“Exactly! There are so many unmarried girls in the compound, all better than Jiang Mengning. Any of them would be a good match for Huo Commander. I think Niu Lili is perfect—pretty, in the arts troupe, dances well, graceful body, beautiful face. Way better than Jiang Mengning.”“Niu Lili? She is nice. I also heard many young men are pursuing her, but she hasn’t accepted anyone. Maybe she’s waiting for Huo Commander to divorce!”
Their gossip gradually subsided as Niu Lili herself walked by, carrying a netted bag of apples.
Her spine straightened immediately. She theatrically adjusted the big braid on her chest. Though her face showed no obvious emotion, she was secretly thrilled—so many people were supporting her marrying Huo Jinyan!
Her eyes darkened as she glanced at Jiang Mengning walking behind Huo Jinyan. From that moment, she despised that flirtatious woman. Jiang Mengning was nothing; someday, Niu Lili would replace her and successfully marry Huo Jinyan. She bit her lip, her gaze full of admiration for the tall, handsome man.
Seeing him, she couldn’t help but walk toward him.
“Huo Ge, I bought some apples. They’re really sweet. Here, try one.” She picked the largest, reddest apple and handed it to Huo Jinyan. Her cheeks matched the apple in redness. That shy, hesitant look could make anyone’s heart flutter.
Huo Jinyan frowned. “No need.”
He rejected her ruthlessly.
“But Huo Ge, it’s really delicious!”
The sting of rejection was sharp. It was just an apple, yet he wouldn’t take it—what did it mean? Maybe he feared gossip and wanted to protect her pride. Huo Ge was too good—always thinking of her. Surely, he had some feelings for her.
But Niu Lili wasn’t afraid of gossip! She shyly twisted her body, feeling warmth and sweetness in her heart.
“Please eat it. It’s really good.” She persisted.
Huo Jinyan had no patience and simply ignored her.
Jiang Mengning crossed her arms and walked up, sneering openly.
This woman, showing off in public like that—either scheming or up to no good!
“Oh, such a big apple! Must have cost quite a bit. Niu Lili, you’re so thoughtful. Giving expensive fruit away so generously… No wonder everyone in the compound praises you as kind and considerate.”
She laughed and shouted to the nearby soldiers: “Come on over! Niu Lili is in a good mood today and wants to share her apples. Hurry up and thank Sister Niu!”
Immediately, seven or eight sun-tanned soldiers came over, grinning from ear to ear. Their white teeth gleamed as they smiled.
“Niu Lili, thank you! And thank you too, Commander’s Wife!”
Niu Lili was stunned, dumbfounded. She hadn’t meant to share the apples; there weren’t many, and they were expensive—meant for Huo Jinyan alone! How could she give them to a few soldiers?
But under the circumstances, refusing was impossible. She forced a fake smile and handed out the apples, one by one, cursing Jiang Mengning in her heart with every single one. Each apple felt like a dagger—money, her life! “Jiang Mengning, I swear I hate you!”
In the end, the entire net of apples was gone. Niu Lili hadn’t tasted a single one. The soldiers laughed heartily with their apples.
“Niu Lili, thanks! And thanks to you too, Commander’s Wife!”