Chapter 20 You Are Not Like That Wicked Woman

“Since I had nothing else to do, I thought I’d clear the land behind the house to plant some vegetables…”

“Take a rest for now. I’ll handle these chores from now on. Once I’m done, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”

Lin You came over carrying Lin Nuannuan, took the hoe from An Yan’s hands, placed the child into her arms, and began working the soil. The weather was particularly fine today, and Lin You was soon drenched in sweat.

He took off his shirt, revealing a perfectly sculpted upper body. An Yan’s cheeks grew hot and she became momentarily dazed, not even noticing when Lin You walked up to her.

“Back to earth.”

“Oh… you’re finished?”

Her flustered expression amused Lin You.

He set the hoe aside and plopped down beside her. An Yan could smell the light scent of sweat on him—yet, probably because he’d bathed the night before, it wasn’t unpleasant, mingling instead with the fragrance of soap.

“Lin You, you mentioned earlier there was something you wanted to talk to me about. What is it?”

“I’m planning to visit my hometown in the next couple of days to tell my parents about us, and we should also visit your parents.”

An Yan frowned. She had no objection to visiting Lin You’s parents, as meeting one’s in-laws before marriage was only proper. But when it came to her birth parents, she felt nothing but the original host’s resentment toward them.

Noticing her change in expression, Lin You seemed to understand. “I don’t know much about what happened between you and Xia Cui-cui, but since they’re your birth parents, you’ll have to meet them at least once.”

“What about the children? Going back home isn’t just a day or two.”

“Nuannuan will come with us. As for Zhe and Zhuo, I’ve already spoken to Aunt Wang and asked her to look after them for a few days.”

“Then do as you see fit. I’ll follow your arrangements.”

“Alright. I’ll go to the regiment headquarters later to request leave, and we’ll set off tomorrow.”

That evening, An Yan went next door to give Wang Guilan some money. At first, Wang Guilan refused to accept it, but only relented when An Yan feigned annoyance.

Back home, Lin You’s face was stern. “Next time, I’ll take you with me. This time, your aunt and I have important matters to attend to, not a pleasure trip. We’ll come back as soon as we’re done.”

“But you’re taking little sister. I want to go too,” Lin Hongzhuo insisted.

Seeing Lin You about to lose his temper, An Yan quickly tugged at his sleeve and gave him a look.

“Zhuo, listen to your aunt. We’re going back for official business this time. I promise, when the weather gets warmer, I’ll take you to the seaside to play.”

“Really?” Lin Hongzhuo asked, half-convinced.

“Of course. I promise.”

“Then pinky swear…”

After coaxing Lin Hongzhuo, An Yan gave Lin You a sidelong glance. “Remember, the children are still young. Don’t ever raise your voice at them.”

Early the next morning, because they had to catch the train, An Yan got up before dawn. She boiled two large pots of hot water, bathed Nuannuan, dressed her in the new clothes bought in town, and took a bath herself—after all, the train ride would be long.

Lin You had risen even earlier to make arrangements at the barracks. An Yan steamed some buns in the kitchen and made a cup of malted milk for Nuannuan. She’d bought this tin from a woman for two extra yuan the other day. Though not terribly nutritious, it was scarce and valuable.

An Yan had only been there a few days, yet Lin Nuannuan had already grown noticeably chubbier. Dressed in the little floral jacket An Yan had bought her, she looked plump and adorable.

Before heading out for school, Lin Hongzhe glanced back at his little sister and An Yan. “You’ll come back, won’t you?”

An Yan paused, surprised by the question. “Do you want me to come back?”

“You’re not like that bad woman before.” With that, the boy threw out the comment coolly and headed off to school with his brother.

When Lin You returned, he saw two packed suitcases and a stuffed army-green bag by the table.

“Papa, hug!” Nuannuan ran to him, beaming. Lin You had noticed all the changes in the child these past days. “Where’s Auntie?”

“She’s in the room changing clothes.”

Lin You was relieved he hadn’t barged in—otherwise, that would have been awkward.

Just then, An Yan emerged, dressed and ready. Lin You was momentarily stunned at the sight of her. She wore a high-necked sweater, a brown coat, and a pair of dark, slim-fitting jeans that elongated her legs. Her hair was swept into a neat little bun on top of her head—a new style that, surprisingly, suited her perfectly.

He thought about the changes since An Yan’s arrival: the house was cleaner, and life itself had become more refined.

Noticing his gaze, An Yan felt a bit shy. “Finished your errands?”

Lin You snapped out of his reverie and nodded. “Yes, just had a few things to settle.”

She smiled gently. “Don’t just stand there—eat the buns. Once we set off, it’ll take us half a day to reach the station. The train won’t wait for us.”

He wolfed down the buns, then bent to pick up the suitcases and the bag. An Yan followed, carrying the child. Lin You deliberately slowed his pace so she could keep up.

Along the way, every soldier they passed would salute Lin You and greet An Yan with a cheerful, “Hello, sister-in-law!”

When they reached the regiment headquarters, a military jeep was already waiting for them.

“That’s the commander’s car. Thanks to you, he specially approved it for us today.”

An Yan grinned. “Then when we have our wedding, I’ll have to toast the commander an extra glass.”

“An Yan…”

“Yes?”

“Are you really sure about this?”

“About what?”

“There’s only half a month left, plus a few days…”

An Yan linked her arm through his. “Are you worried about yourself, or not satisfied with me?”

“I’m afraid you’re not satisfied with me.”

“You’re the top tough guy. Marrying you makes me feel safe. And now, the whole camp knows I’m your fiancée. Do you want me to become a bad woman?”

Lin You quickly shook his head, flustered. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Then what did you mean?” It was the first time she’d seen him so awkward, and An Yan couldn’t resist teasing him.

As she leaned in, he hurriedly pulled away and made a beeline for the car.

Though the army jeep was more comfortable than a truck, the bumpy road still left An Yan looking rather pale.

“Are you alright?” Lin You peeled an orange and held a segment to her lips.

The soldier driving rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Was this really the famously strict Captain Lin? He was being so gentle!

As An Yan ate the orange, her lips brushed his fingers. That soft touch made Lin You’s whole body tense, and he quickly cracked a window to let in the cold air, hoping it would calm his restless thoughts.