I've been in the Western Theater Command for five years now, and I haven't been home for a full five years.

However, his expression remained indifferent, as if he had not been overwhelmed by the news, and his cold and resolute face showed no emotional fluctuation.

Zhou Yu, his roommate, sighed and said, "Old Pei, your hard times are finally over. When you're finally enjoying a cozy life with your wife and kids, don't forget your old buddy who's still struggling."

When his wife and children were mentioned, a slight ripple seemed to appear on the calm face of the tall man who was packing his luggage.

After a moment, he regained his composure and continued tidying up his things.

Over the course of five years, his demeanor has matured and become increasingly profound and unfathomable.

Zhou Yu was used to his indifference and continued talking to himself.

"It's strange, all these years, why haven't I seen your wife write you a single letter?"

Pei Yuchen frowned slightly, his voice cold and deep: "Are you very free? Do you need me to help you apply to return to headquarters?"

Zhou Yu immediately performed a smile-disappearing act on the spot: "No way, I wouldn't dare. I'd rather suffer here than go back and be pressured to get married."

After saying that, he hurried away.

Pei Yuchen ignored him, zipped up his luggage, and walked out of the dormitory.

...

As soon as Song Yanzhi stepped into the courtyard, she heard someone congratulate her, saying, "Little Song, congratulations! I heard your man is coming back."

"Yes, you've endured so many years alone at home, and it's finally over."

Song Yanzhi smiled faintly and said nothing more.

In her previous life, she was both happy and excited when she heard this news.

As a result, the man's attitude towards her was not enthusiastic at all, but rather indifferent.

It's the same whether there's a man in this house or not.

Song Yanzhi calmly returned home.

The two siblings were sitting quietly on the wooden stools in the living room.

Upon seeing Song Yanzhi return, the two instinctively stood up and looked at her.

They were all quite surprised to see how much she had bought.

The two children's pupils widened, especially when they saw the peanut nougat in her bag.

Pei Jichuan, as the older brother, was relatively restrained.

Pei Tiantian was staring blankly at the bag, her eyes seemingly glued to it, unable to look away.

He unconsciously licked his lips and swallowed.

Song Yanzhi apparently didn't see it.

She put the sugar and milk powder in the cabinet and locked it before saying, "I'm going into the kitchen to cook. You two clean the house."

Pei Tiantian mustered her courage and called out, "Aunt Song, is it okay if my brother stays locked in his room and won't come out?"

Song Yanzhi was slightly taken aback.

Then I remembered that Xiao Bao had locked himself in his room in anger because the two children had moved into our house.

In her past life, when she called him to eat, Xiao Bao completely ignored her.

He didn't look at her once for a whole month after that.

It was as if she were some kind of enemy.

Song Yanzhi was still a little angry at the time.

Now, however, I hate myself for ignoring my child's feelings.

Although Xiao Bao is still young, no matter how little affection he has, he knows that there will be two more children of the same age in the family.

He had inexplicably treated them like his own children; how could he feel comfortable?

Song Yanzhi walked to the door, knocked, and said in a gentle voice, "Xiaobao, Mommy's cooking. Can we come out to eat later?"

Her voice immediately drew envious glances from Pei Jichuan and his sister.

I never expected that Aunt Song, who was so cold to them, would be so gentle to her son.

They grew up without parents and were very envious.

Seeing that her son didn't reply, Song Yanzhi continued, "Mom bought you eggs and milk candy. If you eat well, Mom will reward you with candy."

There was still no movement inside.

In his previous life, Song Yanzhi would definitely have been very disappointed.

The child she raised had no feelings or response towards her whatsoever.

However, after she died, she realized that Xiao Bao did love her; he just hid it too well.

Otherwise, why would she go to such lengths to target the male protagonist's family because of her own death?

Song Yanzhi blinked hard, telling herself not to rush and to take it slow.

He turned and went into the kitchen.

She had just left when the door was opened a crack.

Only Pei Jichuan and his sister saw it.

Pei Jichuan didn't say anything, found a broom and started cleaning.

He had done this kind of work very well at his previous job, so it was natural for him and he didn't feel anything special about it.

Pei Tiantian was still looking at Xiaobao with envy, but seeing his indifferent appearance, she felt that he was so willful.

Aunt Song tried to coax him with candy and even bought him eggs, but he remained unmoved.

They must have been spoiled.

Song Yanzhi went into the kitchen to boil water and cook rice.

Because she was cooking a little late today, she didn't plan to make anything fancy. After steaming the rice, she took out a bowl, cracked an egg, added a little salt and water, stirred it, and put it in the steamer with the rice to steam together. So, when the rice was done, the steamed egg was almost ready too.

Kids love this.

I peeled and shredded the potatoes. To encourage my child to eat more, I wanted them to not only taste good but also look appealing.

Meat is of course essential. Although we can't afford fresh meat, we can't keep cured meat either, because in the end, it will only benefit others.

As soon as Song Yanzhi lit the firewood, the smoky flavor seeped into the meat, and it sizzled and oozed with oil.

The rich, overpowering aroma of meat filled her nostrils, and even she couldn't help but swallow.

Meanwhile, the two people outside the door also smelled the aroma.

They hadn't eaten much that day, so they were already hungry.

The smell made my stomach feel even more cramped.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!