The man has broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and is 1.9 meters tall.

With a clean and neat buzz cut, his eyes were piercing, like those of a hawk.

His facial features are well-defined, with a strong jawline.

Wearing a clean white shirt paired with military green cargo pants, his smooth, undulating muscle lines exude a vibrant sense of power.

Hearing Chu Xin'er say this, Chu Yan frowned imperceptibly: "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"I'm not making this up. Ye Nian'an and you were childhood sweethearts and were engaged a long time ago. Ever since the engagement was broken off, you've been constantly distracted. If it weren't for..."

Chu Xin'er sighed softly, thinking that her family would soon be affected by the same trend of being sent to the countryside.

"Forget it, I don't want to mention her. She ran away at the last minute. It's a good thing she didn't become my sister-in-law, otherwise I would feel unlucky."

"Don't say that about her. Life in the countryside is far more difficult than you can imagine. Uncle Ye must have made a great decision."

"Don't you think I know how hard it is? I'm a girl too, but I can't abandon my family and marry a man I don't love just to protect myself! I'll never have peace of mind in this life!"

Chu Yan patted Chu Xin'er's head: "Let's go eat."

This is probably the last time they've eaten at a state-run restaurant in several years.

Upon hearing Chu Xin'er's words, Chu Yan couldn't help but recall that beautiful figure.

Chu's mother and Ye's mother grew up together and were like best friends.

Even after they each married, their feelings for each other remained unchanged, and the two families often kept in touch. They even arranged a marriage between Chu Yan and Ye Nian when they were children.

When Chu Yan was very young, his mother pointed to Ye Nian'an and said to him, "That is Chu Yan's future wife."

As a man, you must protect your wife and not let her be bullied by others.

At that time, Chu Yan looked at Ye Nian'an, who was still a chubby little girl with a runny nose, hugging a rag doll. Although she didn't understand matters of love between men and women, in Chu Yan's heart...

She is the woman I want to protect for the rest of my life.

Later, Chu Yan joined the army, where he performed exceptionally well and became the youngest battalion commander, with a promising future ahead of him.

Many years later, when I saw Ye Nian'an again, the chubby little girl had transformed into a graceful and beautiful young woman.

Chu Yan could still remember that one glance; it was breathtaking.

Now, there's no point in thinking about it anymore; she's about to get married...

"Hey bro, why does that person look so much like Ye Nian'an?"

Chu Xin'er's voice suddenly interrupted Chu Yan's thoughts.

"Don't talk nonsense, what's she doing here?"

Despite Chu Yan's words, he couldn't help but look in the direction Chu Xin'er was pointing.

When Chu Yan saw Ye Nian'an, he thought he was seeing things.

Ye Nian'an also noticed the movements of Chu Yan and the others, and subconsciously turned her head.

Upon seeing Chu Yan and Chu Xin'er again, Ye Nian'an's heart was filled with countless ripples.

Back then, the Chu family was framed and dismissed by their political enemies, who went to great lengths to force them to be demoted and leave Haicheng.

Fortunately, Chu's father was a generous and righteous man who smoothed things over with many connections. Their family's move to the countryside was not a forced relocation, but rather they were treated as educated youth.

Life in the countryside was tough, and with the Ye family in trouble, Chu's mother became depressed and withdrawn after learning the bad news.

Not long after, he fell seriously ill and passed away, becoming a lifelong regret for the Chu family.

Overwhelmed with grief, Chu's father had an accident while working.

Although he survived, due to the poor medical conditions in the countryside, he ended up with a limp and blind in one eye.

A few years later, the Chu family was exonerated, and they returned to Haicheng. Chu's father even personally sought out Ye Nian'an.

They didn't hold it against her for abandoning her family and breaking off her engagement to avoid being demoted, and even said that she could ask the Chu family for help if she had any difficulties.

Ye Nian'an was filled with shame and never saw the Chu family again.

Later, Chu Yan made many outstanding contributions in the army, became a special forces king, and even entered the Great Hall of the People to receive a medal.

With her exceptional business acumen and courage, Chu Xin'er became a business queen, wielding immense power and influence.

Countless people secretly mocked Ye Nian'an, saying that his pursuit of momentary pleasure had led to the death of his entire family.

Now she's barely surviving and looks haggard, while the Chu family, who broke off the engagement, have been exonerated and are now soaring to great heights.

Ye Nian'an did not regret it. It was her choice back then, and she had no one to blame but herself for ending up in that situation.

She only hoped that the Chu family members could live healthy and happy lives for the rest of their lives, and not end up like her.

However, before Ye Nian'an set the Zhang family on fire and perished together, Chu Yan remained unmarried...

Chu Yan pursed his lips: "It really is her."

"It seems she's doing quite well since marrying into the Zhang family. While her family is still suffering in the countryside, she's able to eat at a state-run restaurant."

Chu Xin'er couldn't hide the sarcasm in her tone.

The Chu family's incident occurred half a month later than the Ye family's.

However, the Ye family was transferred to a lower-level position much faster than theirs.

The Chu family was established because of Chu Zhenyuan's high prestige and status in the army. He had earned his official position by fighting against the Japanese and fighting against the Americans, and he was a meritorious founding hero.

The implications are quite profound and of great importance.

There were also numerous guarantees from capable associates, which is why the investigation took so long.

It was precisely because of Chu Zhenyuan's uprightness and integrity that he was highly trusted in the army, so those bad guys tried every means to frame him and get rid of him so that they could better seize power.

Thinking of this, Chu Xin'er felt uncomfortable again.

The Chu family has made numerous military achievements for the country and its people, all of which were earned at the cost of their lives.

How can I not feel terrible about being reduced to this state?

"Eat ours."

Since things had come to this point, even saying hello would only add to the awkwardness. Chu Yan and Chu Xin'er went to a table in the corner, ordered some food, and waited quietly.

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