Chapter 286 Decisive and Clean

She grabbed his arm, her voice urgent, "Tell me!"

Her heart skipped a beat, fearing that he would change his mind again and push her away once more.

"You'd better think things through in the future, and don't cause trouble for your little sister."

His tone became more serious, and he looked directly at her, as if warning her, or perhaps pleading.

He knew that Li Hongmei was not a bad person, but sometimes she spoke too impulsively and acted too hastily, which easily offended people.

He was especially wary of Qiao Wanyin, as the two of them would argue the moment they met. He feared that if things continued like this, something bad would happen sooner or later.

Li Hongmei rolled her eyes inwardly.

Her lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and she cursed inwardly: This man, he has never cared so much for his own wife and children, but he listens to his sister-in-law's every word as if she were an ancestor.

She gave birth to his Qiao family's child and was concerned about the family's livelihood, but he dared not say a harsh word to her, yet he repeatedly gave her orders and was always on guard against her.

How ridiculous!

"Don't worry, I'm not stupid."

She gave a perfunctory reply, forcing a smile, but the smile was cold and devoid of warmth.

Her words, however, were barbed, like fine needles pricking people: "Our whole family is counting on my little sister to support us in the future, how could I possibly jump into a fire pit myself?"

She deliberately emphasized the words "whole family" and "little sister," her tone full of sarcasm.

Anyway, everyone can see now that the Qiao family is counting on Qiao Wanyin to climb the social ladder.

If she were truly smart, she would climb up this vine instead of foolishly hiding away.

Before she could finish speaking, Liu Piaopiao's face suddenly flashed through her mind.

That gentle yet shrewd face looked at her with a smile and handed her the transfer order for kindergarten caregiver.

Oh.

So, it was she who helped me?

It seems this woman had already set up a trap, just waiting for her to give in.

Li Hongmei's lips curled into a cold smile, and her eyes darkened.

It seems I need to find some time to properly thank her.

It's not gratitude, it's reckoning.

Who knows, we might need her in the future—you reap what you sow; sometimes, enemies are more reliable than family.

As night deepened, the lights in the military compound went out one by one.

The wind outside the window gently rustled through the treetops, making the leaves whisper as if they were talking.

A few occasional barks from dogs broke the silence of the night.

The entire residential compound was bathed in the dim light of the streetlights, like a faded old photograph.

All the houses had fallen silent, except for the light in Qiao Wanyin's room, which was still on.

Qiao Wanyin leaned against the headboard, staring blankly at the moon outside the window.

She was wrapped in a thin blanket, her arms wrapped around her knees, and a hint of worry was hidden between her brows.

The moonlight shone on her face, highlighting her delicate features and the lingering weariness in her eyes.

She gazed at the bright moon, but her thoughts drifted far away.

The events of the past two days have been replaying in my mind like a movie—Li Hongmei suddenly became proactive, taking the initiative to undertake the preparatory work for the kindergarten, buying toys and stationery out of her own pocket, and even the political commissar's wife praised her for being "sensible."

But has she really changed?

Or is there another purpose?

What are you thinking about?

Fu Li'an came out, drying his wet hair, and sat down on the edge of the bed.

He was wearing a light gray loungewear set, his hair was still dripping wet, and a white towel was draped over his shoulder.

He carried the warmth of the bathroom and the faint scent of shower gel, making him appear refreshed and gentle.

Seeing her slightly lost in thought, he couldn't help but reach out and pinch her cheek. "Thinking nonsense again?"

She took the towel and gently wiped him, her movements tender, as if handling a fragile treasure.

"Li An, you said..."

She spoke slowly, her voice very soft, as if afraid of disturbing the quiet night, "Has my second sister-in-law really changed?"

She dried his hair while observing his expression, as if searching for an answer.

Fu Lian stopped what he was doing, looked up at her, his gaze serious and focused.

He sensed her unease and understood the probing in her words.

Why are you suddenly asking this?

He countered with a gentle question, but didn't rush to conclusions.

“Look at her,” Qiao Wanyin said as she wiped the table, her pace quickening, “These past few days she’s been running herself ragged for the kindergarten, contacting manufacturers, coordinating venues, even Political Commissar Li’s family praised her. She’s been buying toys and stationery with her own money, and she doesn’t even want to leave work. Tell me, has she ever had this kind of drive before?”

Her tone was tinged with doubt and wariness.

She didn't doubt Li Hongmei's abilities, but rather what was hidden behind this sudden enthusiasm.

He held her hand; his palm was warm and thick, as if giving her strength.

"So, you want to..."

He asked softly, his eyes deep, as if he could see into her heart.

"I'm thinking," she bit her lip, her voice lower, tinged with hesitation and struggle, "should I let my second brother and the others stay?"

It's not that she doesn't value family ties, but she understands even better that peace within the family is more important than anything else.

If staying would bring hidden dangers, she would rather be ruthless this time.

Fu Li'an remained silent for a few seconds, and the only sound in the room was the ticking of the wall clock.

Then, he gently put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him, answering her question with his actions.

"If you think it's okay, I'll do it."

His voice was deep and firm, like a promise being made.

No matter what she chooses, he will stand by her side.

"But I haven't made up my mind yet."

She spoke softly, her tone tinged with hesitation and doubt.

She slowly rested her head on his broad shoulder, as if seeking a sense of security.

Sunlight streamed in obliquely from the window, falling on the tips of her hair and creating a soft halo.

"I want to think about it some more. If things have really changed, I won't be in such a hurry to stay."

She continued, her voice soft but her words clear, "Those who truly want to turn back won't just talk the talk; actions speak louder than words."

"If they keep urging you to leave and are eager to stay, they're probably just faking it."

He took over the conversation, his tone calm and steady, his eyes revealing a sharp insight into people's hearts.

"Some people just want to gain sympathy by pretending to repent, but they haven't changed at all. The more eager they are to show their sincerity, the more likely they are to be hypocritical."

He couldn't help but laugh out loud, his eyes full of doting affection.

He raised his hand and gently pinched her small nose, his movements as tender as if he were teasing a spoiled kitten.

"My wife is getting more and more thoughtful."

He sighed softly, "You used to be so straightforward, decisive in everything you said and did, but now you can see through all these intricacies."

"Hate!"

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly slapped his hand away, but couldn't hide the subtle smile that crept onto her lips.

She sat up straight, her expression becoming serious, her eyes no longer unfocused. "I'm serious. If she genuinely wants to help, I'd be more than happy to. But if she has ulterior motives..."

She paused, lowering her voice slightly, as if afraid of being overheard, "Then I can't let her have her way. The children in the garden are all young, and we can't afford to be careless."

"I know."

He looked into her eyes, his gaze deep and unwavering.