Xu Xinghe knew, of course, that Jiang Linchuan hadn't done it on purpose.

The events of their past life are enough to prove his feelings for her.

She looked at Lian Xiao with a sincere expression, "Thank you for your help today."

As she spoke, she took the movie tickets, "Since we both have tickets, let's go see it together."

Lian Xiao felt like he had a ball of fire burning inside him, which made his face even more sour, but he could only watch helplessly as Xu Xinghe took both tickets.

Jiang Linchuan pursed his lips and didn't say anything, but his gaze was fixed on him, carrying a hint of silent competition.

They were both men; how could he not see through the other person's intentions?

Xu Xinghe looked left and right, feeling inexplicably uneasy about the somewhat eerie atmosphere.

I always felt that there was an invisible string between these two, tightly bound together, as if they didn't get along at all.

She coughed lightly, trying to smooth things over, "Lian Xiao, you're my good friend, and Jiang Linchuan, you're my fiancé, you're both on the same side. For my sake, how about you two get along well from now on?"

Upon hearing the words "good friend," Jiang Linchuan tensed up even more, but remained outwardly calm. "I have no problem with it, I'm just afraid Comrade Lian Xiao won't agree."

Xu Xinghe immediately looked at Lian Xiao, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Lian Xiao felt a pang of sadness and indescribable discomfort, but when he met her gaze, he felt awkward. He hadn't done anything wrong, but something just felt off.

He put his hands in his pockets, stepped out with his right foot, and resumed his former arrogant demeanor. "Tch, why would I be unwilling? I'm just afraid that some people say one thing and do another behind people's backs."

After he finished speaking, silence fell again, as if the air itself had frozen.

Xu Xinghe awkwardly tugged at Jiang Linchuan's arm, "Alright, it's cold outside. Let's go to my place and sit down. I'll make you some malted milk powder to warm you up."

As she spoke, she walked towards the courtyard first, a little puzzled in her mind. What's the deal with these two? They don't seem to have any grudge against each other, do they?

However, Lian Xiao seems to have always looked down on Jiang Linchuan, but he seems to look down on everyone... If it weren't for Grandpa Lian asking him to escort him, he probably wouldn't have come at all.

Oh well, there's plenty of time. They'll definitely get along well eventually.

Essentially, they are all equally outstanding individuals, and there will always be a day when they appreciate each other.

Xu Xinghe had only taken two steps when a figure appeared beside her.

Jiang Linchuan followed almost immediately, naturally walking to her right and standing side by side. His tall figure subtly exuded a protective posture, as if he were asserting his dominance.

Lian Xiao clicked his tongue, stomped the snow off his boots in annoyance, and looked at the two people's backs as that uncomfortable feeling welled up in his heart again.

He immediately strode to catch up, and as if possessed, walked to Xu Xinghe's left, side by side.

He didn't know why he did it, but he always wanted to compete with Jiang Linchuan.

But since he can't figure it out, he'll stop thinking about it; he can't afford to lose anyway.

As a son of the Lian family, one must never be outdone in public!

The three returned to the courtyard.

Xu Xinghe took off her cotton-padded coat and prepared to boil water.

Now she has also learned how to start a fire. There's no other way; with frost and snow disasters, Jiang Linchuan is too busy, and the entire military is busy. She can't keep pampering herself like before and have soldiers who have worked all day help her.

She had only taken one step when Jiang Linchuan grabbed her wrist. "You rest, I'll do it."

Without saying a word, he walked toward the stove.

Not wanting to be outdone, Lian Xiao immediately joined in.

Seeing this, Xu Xinghe simply went back to her bedroom.

This gives them a chance to be alone together; maybe they'll manage to have a good chat.

Lian Xiao took out an enamel mug and malted milk powder from the cabinet. "When Xu Xinghe was being bullied earlier, you were nowhere to be seen. What's the use of doing this kind of work?"

He chuckled lightly, his tone smug, "You don't know, do you? I did a huge favor today, not only injuring Li Xingzhou, but also getting him completely kicked out of the military."

Jiang Linchuan paused, stuffed firewood into the stove, stood up and looked at him coldly, his eyes sharp as knives, "Xinghe is my fiancée, Comrade Lian, please know your place."

He spoke slowly and clearly, "I don't object to her making friends, but I absolutely won't allow anyone with impure motives to be around her!"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Lian Xiao immediately exploded, slamming down his enamel cup. "Your own heart is corrupted by everyone you see. How am I impure? My grandfather and the Xu family are close friends. It's only right that I help her!"

“Is that so?” Jiang Linchuan looked directly into his eyes. “That was for the best.”

The flames in the stove crackled and popped.

The smell of gunpowder in the air was almost enough to set it ablaze.

"Hey, what are you doing? Why are you making so much noise?" Xu Xinghe pushed open the bedroom door, poked her fluffy little head out, and looked at the two of them curiously.

The loud bang had startled her.

Jiang Linchuan's expression softened instantly. "It's alright. Comrade Lian almost dropped the enamel cup."

Lian Xiao was so angry that his face turned red. "You're talking nonsense! How could I not hold an enamel cup? It was clearly you..."

"What's wrong with me?" Jiang Linchuan looked at him. "I didn't take an enamel mug."

Seeing that the situation was getting worse, Xu Xinghe quickly said, "It's okay, it's just an enamel cup. It's fine as long as no one is hurt. Never mind, I'll help."

It seems these two won't be able to have a proper conversation for the time being.

She slipped on her slippers and went over to help.

Jiang Linchuan looked at her, his eyes filled with tenderness, "You can just stand aside and watch, I'll take care of it."

The next second, his gaze fell on Lian Xiao, and that warmth vanished quickly, leaving only cold indifference. "Comrade Lian is a guest, so it would be better if you sat down and rested."

After saying that, he took a step closer to Xu Xinghe, "My house is still a bit small. If your friends come over, we won't have enough room to entertain them. After we get married, I'll apply to my superiors to move to a bigger one. What do you think?"

Xu Xinghe opened the can of malted milk powder and casually replied, "Okay, I also want a bigger yard and a dog."

She had dreamed of owning her own dog since she was a child, but unfortunately her mother was allergic to dogs and would get red bumps whenever she touched them, so this dream had to be put on hold.

Lian Xiao, who was listening from the side, felt a throbbing pain in his temples and a feeling of tightness and discomfort in his chest.

He suddenly reached out and grabbed the chair next to him, scraping it across the floor with a screeching sound. Then he sat down heavily, crossed his long legs, and said, "Xu Xinghe, my grandfather asked me to pass on a few words to you, but I forgot to tell you before. Come here, I'll tell you now."