Yuan Shuo reached out to slap Su Li, but Gu Huanian blocked his hand the instant it landed.

Then she flung him away, saying, "You were the ones who spoke ill of me first, so don't blame my Ah Li for fighting back."

Su Jiaojiao was disappointed. She thought that Yuan Shuo, that idiot, would put in some effort, but she didn't expect him to be so useless.

She glanced at Gu Huanian, her face showing grievance; "Su Li, I was just expressing my concern for you, how could you humiliate me like this?"

Su Li; what a beautiful, pure white lotus flower in this prosperous age.

Looking at Su Jiaojiao's aggrieved little face, Yuan Shuo thought of the times when he and his sister depended on each other for survival, and the grievances his sister had suffered for him.

He was even angrier. He pointed at Gu Huanian and said, "You're a soldier! You're dating such a disgusting and vicious woman? I think she's only with you because she's after your family background and money. I advise you to come to your senses and break up with her as soon as possible, or you'll ruin your future."

Gu Huanian was truly angry now. He had finally managed to win her over; she was a wonderful person, no one needed to tell him how great she was.

But these people, one by one, slandered the person he cherished most in front of him, and he looked at them coldly.

Yuan Shuo and his companions felt the air around them instantly drop several degrees, and the man's cold gaze was even more frightening.

Seeing Gu Huanian's tightly clenched hand, Su Li quickly stepped forward and pressed it down. After all, he was a soldier, wearing a uniform; it was better for her to handle some things herself.

Gu Huanian's mood improved slightly after being held by a soft, delicate little hand.

"Me, vicious? Me, disgusting? That's laughable. Your niece has been our adopted daughter for over a decade, stealing my job and forcing me to take her place..."

"Su Li!" Su Jiaojiao suddenly shouted, interrupting her.

Su Jiaojiao looked flustered. She pinched her palms, forcing herself to calm down. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

Before Su Li could reply, she turned to Yuan Shuo and said in a coquettish tone, "Uncle, I'm hungry, let's go eat first!"

"But what did she mean by 'adopted daughter'?"

Su Jiaojiao stepped forward and took Yuan Shuo's arm; "Uncle, I'm really hungry. Let's go inside and eat first, and I'll tell you about this slowly."

As Su Li watched the group walk into the state-run restaurant, she said to Yuan Shuo from behind, "I'll be waiting for the day you all get swindled out of everything by her."

Although Yuan Shuo's face was grim, it was obvious that something was wrong with his niece.

He ignored Su Li's words and went straight into the state-run restaurant to order food.

After they left, Gu Huanian said, "What did you mean by 'adopted daughter' and 'stealing your job'?"

Su Li briefly explained the original owner's past to Gu Huanian, who was surprised to learn how difficult her life had been.

An unreliable father, a heartless younger brother, and an adopted daughter who is always targeting her.

I can't even imagine how she got through it.

I must treat her even better from now on and never let her suffer the slightest grievance.

Let's go visit the supply and marketing cooperative again.

"But I've already bought what I wanted to buy," Su Li said, unsure of what else to look for.

"Let's go! Just consider it keeping me company."

Su Li nodded, and the two returned to the supply and marketing cooperative.

"Ah Li, wait here for me for a moment. I'll go buy the things and then we'll go back."

"good"

Gu Huanian walked to the counter and said to the clerk, "Give me two boxes of your face cream, and also weigh out two jin of the pastries and candies. Also, take down that cotton coat hanging up there and wrap it up with the other items."

The waiter looked at the soldier in front of him and said with a smile, "Did you buy this for your girlfriend?"

Gu Huanian nodded; "Also, get me a few trendy hair ties, and a pair of leather shoes from there, and a pair of size 37 shoes too."

The salesperson was genuinely envious of his partner; these days, it's hard to find many men who are so willing to spend money.

"Comrade, those shoes are very expensive. They're brand new and cost 20.8 yuan a pair. And that big red coat you just saw is also a good one from the city. It costs 35 yuan."

Actually, these two items have only been here for a few days, and while many people ask about them, not a single person is willing to buy them.

That's why she mentioned the price again, just in case she packed it up and the person didn't want it.

Then her efforts were wasted.

Gu Huanian didn't even frown when he heard the price; "Wrap it up for me!"

The saleswoman smiled and said, "Okay, okay, you're so lucky to have someone like this as your partner."

Gu Huanian smiled slightly, feeling even happier than when he was rewarded by his superiors for spending money on his partner.

Su Li waited outside the supply and marketing cooperative for a while, and then saw Gu Huanian come out with bags and packages of things.

"Buying so much?"

"Not much, these are all for you."

"mine?"

Gu Huanian patted her head and said, "Mmm."

Su Li's heart trembled slightly. Although she was not short of money or things, Gu Huanian's actions still moved her deeply.

"Don't waste money buying these things next time, I don't need anything."

Gu Huanian laughed and said, "It's only natural for me to buy things for my partner. It doesn't matter if you're not lacking either. I'm happy to do it."

Su Li's cheeks flushed slightly. Gu Huanian was really good at this; he was nothing like the icy persona she had imagined.

Su Li moved a few steps closer to him and reached out to grasp his large hand.

Gu Huanian's ears turned red instantly; "It's not good to be seen in public, in front of so many people."

Although reluctant, Gu Huanian gently released her hand.

In this day and age, even married couples can't mess around in the street.

Besides, he's a soldier, so he definitely can't....

Su Li just wanted to tease him, but she didn't expect this man to be so easily amused. "Okay, I'll hold your hand again when I get back."

After the two got on the oxcart, Aunt Hua saw that Gu Huanian had bought so many things.

Her face was full of envy; "When it comes to finding a partner, Su Zhiqing knows how to do it. Look at Battalion Commander Gu, he's not only generous, but also so handsome."

The other aunties chimed in, "Who says otherwise? Look at Sun Yingzi, she married the wrong person and ruined her life. And Lin Zhiqing, although she married into the Party Secretary's family, Niu Tieguang is a good-for-nothing. What good can come of living with someone like that? I think Su Zhiqing had better judgment."

Along the way, several middle-aged women praised Gu Huanian to the skies, making Gu Huanian feel quite uncomfortable.

Upon arriving in town, he quickly grabbed his things and went with Su Li to her house.

As soon as the two entered the house, Gu Huanian grabbed Su Li's hand and pulled her into his arms before he could even put his things away.

"Ah Li"

Su Li felt her heart pounding as he pulled her into his arms.

"Um"

The air around Gu Huanian's nose was filled with the woman's delicate fragrance, which smelled wonderful. Gu Huanian's face drew closer and closer to hers, and even his breathing became a little more rapid.

Su Li's palms were sweaty with nervousness; this was the first time in her past and present lives that she had been so close to a man.

Gu Huanian put one arm around her waist and leaned down to kiss her.