The jeep jolted along the road, bumping and swaying, until it finally entered the very heart of the provincial capital.
Through the window, the once-noisy streets gradually quieted.
In their place stood two rows of tall, straight poplar trees and stretches of solemn red-brick walls.
“Sister-in-law, we’re coming up on the military compound,” said Xiao Li, the guard driving the vehicle. He glanced at Jiang Mian through the rearview mirror, sympathy flickering in his eyes.
This girl from the Jiang family looked no more than eighteen or nineteen—fresh and tender like a green onion.
Her eyes were red and swollen, clearly from crying not long ago.
Marrying the temperamental and unpredictable Commander Huo… she was really suffering.
The jeep stopped at the entrance to the compound. Armed sentries stepped forward to check their papers.
The dark gun barrels and the soldiers’ stern expressions made Jiang Mian shrink back instinctively.
Startled, she retreated into the corner, fingers twisting tightly around the hem of her clothes until her knuckles turned white.
“D‑don’t… don’t kill me…” she murmured softly, her voice trembling.
Xiao Li sighed and quickly tried to comfort her. “Don’t be afraid, Sister-in-law. This is just a routine check. The Huo family lives deep inside—no one would dare touch you.”
Jiang Mian nodded timidly and lowered her head even further.
Yet behind her downcast lashes, her eyes were darting around, taking in everything at lightning speed, a sharp glint flashing deep within.
【Tsk tsk, so this is the legendary military compound? The security level here is top-tier!】
【Living here is great. Not even a fly could get in. Later, I’ll just stash my little savings under the bed—what thief would dare sneak into Huo the Living Yama’s house to steal money? This is basically a free, top-grade safe!】
The jeep slowly drove deeper into the compound and stopped in front of a standalone two-story blue-brick house.
The location was excellent—quiet surroundings, with its own small courtyard.
But at this moment, the yard was overgrown with weeds. Withered vines crawled over the walls, giving off an indescribable sense of desolation and gloom in the winter dusk.
“Sister-in-law, we’re here.”
Xiao Li got out and opened the door for Jiang Mian. His tone turned hesitant, even nervous. “Um… after the commander was injured, his temper hasn’t been very good. Sometimes it’s not aimed at you. You… you’ll have to bear with it.”
Carrying a bundle that held only a few worn-out clothes, Jiang Mian took a deep breath, as if making up her mind. She lifted her head, revealing a pale yet resolute face.
“Comrade Li, I’m not afraid. Since I’ve married into this family, I’ve already… already prepared myself to endure hardship. As long as Commander Huo doesn’t drive me away, I’ll take care of him for the rest of my life.”
Xiao Li was so moved he nearly cried. What a good girl!
The two had just reached the red-lacquered wooden door when Xiao Li raised his hand to knock—
Bang—!!!
A deafening crash exploded from inside the house, as if something heavy had been slammed violently against the door. Even the ground seemed to tremble.
Immediately after, a furious roar thundered out:
“Get out!!!”
“I already said I don’t need a nanny! And I don’t need a woman either! Tell the political commissar to take her back! Get her back to her hometown!”
The voice was hoarse and rough, filled with intense hostility and long-suppressed despair. In the quiet evening, it sounded especially terrifying.
Xiao Li’s hand jerked in fright, freezing midair. His face went pale as he turned to look at Jiang Mian. “S‑Sister-in-law…”
Jiang Mian was clearly “terrified” by the sudden outburst.
Her entire body shuddered violently. The bundle in her hands dropped to the ground with a thud. Her slender figure trembled like a leaf in the wind. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes, her face deathly pale, as if she might faint at any moment.
“Is… is he going to hit someone…” she said in a trembling, tearful voice, instinctively stepping back half a step, as though she wanted to flee this terrifying place.
Xiao Li’s heart nearly shattered. He was just about to think of a way to comfort her—
But no one knew that while Jiang Mian looked like she was about to wet herself on the surface, inside she was calmly analyzing that roar like a seasoned traditional Chinese doctor.
【Whoa! That shout was full of power!】
【Listen to that timbre—deep, strong, incredible penetration. That ‘get out’ just now must’ve made the windows shake.】
Jiang Mian lowered her head, appearing to wipe away tears, while inwardly sighing in regret.
【Such a loud voice. Looks like this Huo Yama’s lung capacity is pretty impressive—at least 4000+. His qi and blood may be somewhat blocked, but the foundation is still solid.】
【Damn it. Seems the village rumors about him being on his deathbed were fake. With this physical condition, he definitely won’t die anytime soon. Sigh… what a shame.】
【My compensation money is getting delayed again. Looks like I’ll have to execute Plan B: long-term infiltration—outlive him!】
Inside the house, the sound of heavy breathing continued, accompanied by noises of things being swept to the floor.
Jiang Mian quickly adjusted her emotions. Taking a deep breath, she bent down to pick up her bundle. When she lifted her head again, the fear in her eyes had turned into a resolve that looked like she was ready to face death.
【If he’s not dying, then I’ll just have to keep him as a long-term meal ticket. For that monthly stipend of over a hundred yuan—charge ahead, Jiang Mian! Go conquer that breathing ATM!】
She wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and forced a smile at Xiao Li—one uglier than crying.
“Comrade Li, you should go back first. I’m his wife. If I don’t go in… who will take care of him?”
With that, she reached out her trembling hand and gently pushed open the door that seemed to lead straight into hell.