Chapter 89 Are You Blind

When they returned, Wang Baoguo was already addressing Xia Yan as "sister-in-law." After a few drinks, the three men became increasingly talkative. Xia Yan sat quietly to the side, holding Lin Nuannuan, listening to their conversation, and gradually pieced together Wang Baoguo's story.

Though Wang Baoguo’s military rank was not as high as Lin You’s, he was younger and already a deputy battalion commander. With his education, he might one day surpass Lin You’s achievements. Wang Baoguo once had a sweetheart named Chen Tingting. She was an educated youth sent to the countryside, and for her sake, Wang Baoguo had requested a transfer to the south to become a company commander. This decision angered Zhou Shimao so much that he nearly severed ties with Wang Baoguo altogether.

“I told you back then, that girl just isn’t cut out for a life like this. Did you listen?” Zhou Shimao slapped the table, his face flushed—whether from drink or anger was hard to tell.

Wang Baoguo grinned and poured more wine into Zhou Shimao’s empty cup. “Godfather, I know I was wrong. But isn’t that why I’ve come back now? As the saying goes, a prodigal son who mends his ways is worth his weight in gold. I turned back just in time.”

His face was all smiles, but Xia Yan could hear the bitterness woven into his words.

“All right, old Zhou, the boy’s come home. Let’s not dwell on the past,” Lü Hongxia interjected, standing up for Wang Baoguo, her eyes full of affection.

“You’ve always spoiled him. Just look at what kind of person he’s become. When Old Wang entrusted this child to me, I promised I’d raise him right!” Zhou Shimao retorted, but Lü Hongxia wouldn’t have it. She mimicked Zhou Shimao, slapping the table, “What, you think Baoguo has turned out to be a disappointment?”

Seeing his wife’s temper flare, Zhou Shimao immediately softened. “That’s not what I meant…”

“Then what did you mean, Zhou Shimao? I’m telling you, if you don’t make yourself clear right now, don’t even think about sharing a bed with me tonight.”

“The children are all here…” Zhou Shimao had no fight left in him after that.

Lü Hongxia had always defended him, and Wang Baoguo was genuinely moved. He didn’t want the old couple to quarrel over his affairs, so he quickly changed the subject. “Godmother, after all these years, your cooking has even surpassed the state restaurant chefs.”

“Don’t give me the credit. It was Xia who cooked tonight,” Lü Hongxia explained.

Wang Baoguo finally understood what Lin You had meant at the door earlier. Xia Yan and Chen Tingting were worlds apart. Chen Tingting was the type who never lifted a finger in the kitchen, barely managing to do her own laundry, let alone cook a meal.

He shot Lin You a look of envy. “Big brother, you’re really blessed.”

Lin You replied with his usual deadpan wit, “That goes without saying. You should see whose wife she is.”

Xia Yan felt there was something oddly off about that remark, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

After dinner, Xia Yan helped Lü Hongxia clean up the kitchen while the three men sat in the living room, continuing their conversation.

“Baoguo, now that you’re back, where did the organization assign you?” Zhou Shimao lit a cigarette, took a drag, and coughed twice. “Damn, the southern cigarettes are even harsher than ours.”

“I’ll be stationed at the mountain post, serving as the instructor for the First Battalion, in the same unit as my big brother.”

Lin You looked up. “I haven’t received any notice about that. What about Zhao Ming?”

“Zhao Ming requested a transfer,” Zhou Shimao interjected.

“I just saw Old Zhao yesterday—he didn’t mention a thing. That’s a surprise,” Lin You said, suspecting it had to do with Liu Xiuying.

“He has his reasons. His wife’s antics have become the talk of the whole military district. Zhao Ming is proud—his transfer was inevitable,” Zhou Shimao said, pulling out his own pack of cigarettes and lighting one. “These are what I’m used to. Baoguo, it’s a good thing you’re back as First Battalion instructor. You two get along so well; I’m sure you’ll work seamlessly together.”

“But, Baoguo, though you’ve served in the district before, the mountain post is different from the base. Make sure to communicate often with Lin You.”

Both Wang Baoguo and Lin You nodded in agreement.

Just then, Xia Yan brought in a platter of sliced fruit. “Here’s some fruit—help yourselves.”

Zhou Shimao looked at Xia Yan with great satisfaction. “Thank you, Xia. You’ve worked hard.”

“Thank you, sister-in-law,” Wang Baoguo echoed.

Xia Yan quietly took a seat beside Lin You. “All three children have fallen asleep.”

“Good, thank you. If you’re tired, go rest a while. We’ll visit Commander Peng later this evening,” Lin You said.

Wang Baoguo popped a slice of apple into his mouth. “Brother, why are you and sister-in-law going to see the commander?”

“Our marriage application was rejected. That’s why we’re seeing the political commissar today,” Lin You explained.

“What?” Wang Baoguo looked at Zhou Shimao. “Godfather, brother finally found someone suitable, and you…”

“Why are you looking at me? I’ve already agreed to it,” Zhou Shimao replied with a sidelong glance.

After spending most of the day with Xia Yan, he had come to understand her well enough. In every respect—appearance, conversation, even culinary skill—she was beyond reproach. Everyone has a past, after all. Whatever had happened before, as long as Xia Yan could settle down and build a life with Lin You now, that was enough.

“Don’t worry, sister-in-law. I’ll go with you and brother to Commander Peng later. I’m sure…” Wang Baoguo was about to boast, but Lin You cut him off, “You’d better not come and stir things up. With that mouth of yours, who knows if you’ll offend the commander and ruin things for us.”

Before three in the afternoon, the three children woke up one after another. Lin Hongzhuo clung to Xia Yan, pleading to go into town to play.

Seeing the three men still deep in official business, Xia Yan agreed. On the way, she carried Lin Nuannuan in her arms, Lin Hongzhe walked by her side, while Lin Hongzhuo ran ahead, full of energy.

“Slow down, Zhuo!” she called out.

No sooner had she spoken than she saw a woman riding a bicycle heading straight for Lin Hongzhuo. The bicycle was brand new—still a rare sight, drawing glances from passersby. The woman seemed to revel in the envious stares, not watching where she was going.

“Zhuo, watch out!” Xia Yan shouted, but it was too late. There was a cry as Lin Hongzhuo was knocked to the ground, followed by the woman’s angry voice: “Are you blind, you little brat?”