Marrying My Bestie's Ferocious Brother - He Calls Me His Baby!-Chapter 65: Instigating My Man Right in Front of Me?

Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Instigating My Man Right in Front of Me?

Afternoon.

The water room in the family compound was unbearably cold.

Li was vigorously scrubbing a large basin of military uniforms, her hands red like carrots from the cold.

"Oh dear, this weather is really a killer."

Sister in law Qian, next to her, wrung out clothes while exhaling white breath.

"Tell me about it, the water’s as icy as shards."

"If you ask me, some people just have luck on their side."

Li smacked the clothes heavily against the washboard, splashing water everywhere.

"We’re out here being workhorses, while inside, some people enjoy a cozy fire and rare delicacies."

Sister in law Qian immediately leaned in closer.

"You mean that lady from the Gu Family?"

"Who else but her!"

Li lowered her voice.

"Did you hear this morning? Sister in law Zhang’s little one was crying out of envy just because he caught a whiff from their place!"

"I heard it was something like... strawberry jam!"

Sister in law Qian gasped.

"Oh my heavens! What kind of luxury is that? Where did they get it in this dead of winter?"

"Who knows!"

Li sneered.

"I mean, given her background, she’s got all sorts of shady connections!"

"Probably snagged it from some black market, this kind of speculative profiteering shouldn’t be brought to our military district!"

"Exactly! Just because she’s pregnant with twins, does she really think she’s some sort of empress dowager?"

Sister in law Qian’s face was filled with resentment.

"And Mr. Gu too, he’s totally bewitched!"

A sweet female voice suddenly interjected.

"Li, Sister in law Qian, what are you two chatting about?"

They turned around to see Zhao Xuerou from the cultural troupe.

She carried an empty kettle, her face adorned with a warm smile.

Li’s tone softened a bit upon seeing her.

"Nothing much, just saying how cold it is."

Zhao Xuerou put the kettle down and naturally rolled up her sleeves.

"Let me help you."

As she spoke, she picked up a piece of clothing to help wash.

"Oh goodness, you shouldn’t!"

Sister in law Qian quickly stopped her.

"With your delicate skin, you can’t do this kind of work."

Zhao Xuerou chuckled softly, her voice gentle.

"Oh, stop it, we are all military families, lending a helping hand is the least we can do."

She sighed.

"You sisters are the ones working hard, not like Sister in law Lin, who’s taken care of by Mr. Gu, without a worry in the world."

At these words, Li’s face darkened again.

"Hmph, comparing people just makes one mad."

Zhao Xuerou seemed to mention offhandedly.

"I just heard from the cultural troupe sisters, Sister in law Lin was eating strawberries again today? I’m really envious of her, always able to get such good things."

She paused, a hint of concern in her voice.

"But, being part of the military family, one should be mindful of appearances."

"Some things with unclear origins are best avoided."

"If by any chance it causes harm or... brings unnecessary trouble, that wouldn’t be good."

Li and Sister in law Qian exchanged glances.

"Unclear origin?"

"Trouble?"

Zhao Xuerou seemed to have misspoken and quickly waved her hand.

"Oh, don’t overthink it, I was just babbling."

"I’m just worried about Sister in law Lin, she’s new here and doesn’t know our ways."

"Forget it, let’s not talk about it."

She picked up the kettle and filled it with water.

"I just learned how to make hawthorn soup from the canteen chef, thought I’d bring a bowl to Sister in law Lin, since she’s pregnant, a bit of sour is good for her."

Li watched her back as she left, nudging Sister in law Qian.

"See, now that’s what a proper military family member looks like."

"Considerate, understanding, and caring."

"A hundred times better than that pampered capitalist princess who only knows how to enjoy herself!"

...

"Knock, knock, knock."

The sound of knocking came.

Lin Wan Yi put down her book, slightly impatient.

"Who is it?"

Outside, a deliberately softened female voice replied.

"Sis, it’s me, Zhao Xuerou."

"I came to see you."

Lin Wan Yi didn’t move.

The person outside waited for a moment, then knocked again.

"Sis? Are you home?"

Zhao Xuerou’s voice sounded closer, as if pressed right against the door.

"I heard you’ve been craving sour and sweet things lately. I just learned to make some hawthorn soup from the canteen chef, brought a bowl over for you to try. Open the door, it’s getting cold."

A voice came from inside.

"Wait a moment."

The door was opened a crack.

Lin Wan Yi stood behind the door, only half of her body visible.

"What’s up?"

Zhao Xuerou’s face was all smiles.

"Sis, it’s me."

"I brought you some hawthorn soup."

Lin Wan Yi said nothing and opened the door fully.

"Come in."

Zhao Xuerou walked in with the bowl of soup, her eyes quickly scanning the room.

The room wasn’t big, but it was tidy and clean, exuding an indescribable warmth.

Her gaze stopped on a small bowl on the table.

The bowl still had a few plump, bright red berries.

Zhao Xuerou gently placed the hawthorn soup on the table.

"Sis, the soup is still hot, drink it while it’s warm."

She pointed to the small bowl, her tone surprised.

"Oh, are these... strawberries?"

Lin Wan Yi glanced at it.

"Mm."

Zhao Xuerou’s smile became even brighter.

"Sister-in-law, you really have a way."

"In this icy world, it’s hard to even get a bite of fresh vegetables, yet you managed to get hold of such precious things."

Lin Wan Yi pulled out a chair to sit down, her hand gently resting on her belly.

"It’s not that I have a way."

She looked up at Zhao Xuerou.

"It’s Yanshen who cares for me."

"He’s noticed my appetite isn’t good lately, and I can’t eat much, so he conjured this up from somewhere."

Zhao Xuerou’s smile paused for a moment.

She picked up the bowl of hawthorn soup, warmly offering it.

"Then try this; I personally boiled it all afternoon."

"As women, we need to know these things to better take care of our families."

Lin Wan Yi waved her hand.

"Thank you, I appreciate your kindness, but I can’t handle this smell right now."

She leaned lazily against the chair back.

"Besides, Yanshen doesn’t let me into the kitchen."

"He says the oily smoke is bad for me and the baby, so he takes care of all the chores at home."

Zhao Xuerou, holding the bowl, stiffened midair.

She forced a smile and placed the bowl back on the table.

"Mr. Gu is really good to you."

She quickly added, her tone full of concern.

"But, Mr. Gu is working too hard."

"During the day, he has to lead the soldiers on the training ground, and at night he has to care for you."

"Men should focus on their careers. They can’t exhaust themselves."

She seemed to think of something and looked wistful.

"All the sisters in our arts troupe are hoping Mr. Gu achieves even more, getting more promotions soon."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wan Yi suddenly sighed softly.

She rubbed her belly, her brow slightly furrowed, looking worried.

"Yes."

"I always tell him that."

"I say he shouldn’t be revolving around me and the baby all the time. The affairs of the unit are the most important."

Zhao Xuerou’s eyes lit up, immediately agreeing.

"Exactly! Sister-in-law, you truly understand the big picture!"

"Unlike some family members, who only focus on their enjoyment and hold back their husbands from progressing."

Lin Wan Yi continued, her voice full of helplessness.

"But he just won’t listen."

"When I tell him, he straightens his face and lectures me."

"He says I and the baby are his new career."

"That it’s the highest honor he must uphold in his life." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

She raised her head to look at Zhao Xuerou, earnestly seeking advice.

"Mr. Zhao, what should I do about this?"

"It’s my first time being a military spouse, I have no experience."

"With him being like this, I’m really worried sick."

Zhao Xuerou’s warm, enthusiastic smile froze completely at the corners of her mouth.

It felt like a breath was stuck in her chest, unable to go up or down.

She opened her mouth, unable to utter a word.

After a long while, she squeezed out a dry smile.

"...Sister-in-law, you really are blessed."

"By the way, sister-in-law, from your accent, you’re not from the north, are you? Where’s your family from? Is everyone at home doing well?"

The worry on Lin Wan Yi’s face faded.

She looked at Zhao Xuerou, her tone very calm.

"Mr. Zhao, when Yanshen married me, the political review report was very clear."

"Where I’m from and my background were all clear to the organization."

She paused, then changed the subject.

"Yanshen also told me that military spouses can help each other, but should not inquire about others’ family affairs."

"That’s the rule."

The air in the room seemed to freeze.

Lin Wan Yi stood up.

She picked up the bowl of hawthorn soup that had gone a bit cold.

"I won’t drink this soup."

"My taste is strange now; I can’t stand anything sour, or I’ll vomit."

She pushed the bowl towards Zhao Xuerou.

"However, I still thank you for your kindness."

"When Yanshen comes home tonight, I’ll make sure to tell him exactly."

"I’ll tell him that Mr. Zhao cares so much for this new military spouse."

Zhao Xuerou’s face flushed red and white.

She felt completely seen through.

The carefully prepared words now seemed like a joke.

She abruptly stood up.

"No... no need."

"Sister-in-law, take good care of yourself, I’ll... I’ll be leaving now!"

After saying that, she almost fled toward the door and quickly ran out.

Lin Wan Yi watched her back, picked up the last strawberry on the table, and put it in her mouth.

So sweet.

...

Zhao Xuerou ran out of the Gu family’s small courtyard in one breath.

The cold winter wind whipped her face, stinging fiercely.

She felt as if everyone in the compound was pointing and laughing at her behind her back.

Like a jumping clown.

She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her flesh.

Lin Wan Yi!

A capitalist’s daughter relying solely on a man, how dare she be so arrogant!

Why!

She turned the corner of the courtyard.

A tall, imposing figure was walking towards her.

It was Gu Yanshen.

He had just come back from the training ground, his military uniform collar still open, carrying the scent of post-training sweat and cold air.

Zhao Xuerou’s steps halted.

Seeing Gu Yanshen, all her pent-up embarrassment and humiliation found an immediate outlet.

She quickly lowered her head.

Her shoulders began to tremble lightly, uncontrollably.

Gu Yanshen walked up to her and stopped.

"Mr. Zhao?"

Zhao Xuerou abruptly looked up.

Her eyes were red, her voice thick with nasal sounds, on the verge of tears.

"Mr... Mr. Gu."