It is now late autumn, and the night is deep.
Shen Huaichuan had just returned from the army and was about to eat the food Zhou Qiqi had left for him when there was a knock on the courtyard gate.
Upon opening the door, one sees Political Commissar Lei, looking travel-worn, his brow furrowed with deep weariness and worry.
"Huaichuan, I'm sorry to disturb your meal."
Commissar Lei's voice was a little hoarse.
"Master, please come in!"
Shen Huaichuan quickly ushered the person into the house.
Hearing the commotion, Zhou Qiqi came out from the inner room. Seeing Political Commissar Lei, she didn't mention the previous unpleasantness and greeted him naturally:
"Political Commissar Lei is here? Haven't eaten yet? Huaichuan just got back, shall we grab something to eat together?"
He then reached for the bowls and chopsticks.
Political Commissar Lei instinctively waved his hand to refuse: "No need, no need, I've already eaten, you guys eat yours..."
Before he could finish speaking, a clear "gurgling" sound came from his stomach, which seemed particularly abrupt in the quiet room.
Commissar Lei immediately felt a little embarrassed.
After receiving a call from Lei Yuhua at noon, he rushed to Huabaolou, then looked for Jin Daya and comforted his emotionally distraught wife, Zhou Shuhua.
Zhou Shuhua hadn't eaten a single grain of rice, and he, too, had no appetite. After running around for most of the day, his body was already exhausted.
Upon seeing this, Shen Huaichuan understood seven or eight parts of the situation. Without saying a word, he directly pressed Political Commissar Lei to sit down at the dining table.
"Master, why are you being so polite with me? Sit down and eat with me!"
This meal was reserved for Shen Huaichuan alone; it certainly wouldn't be enough for two grown men.
Zhou Qiqi didn't say much, turned around and went back into the kitchen. A little while later, she brought out two large bowls of steaming hot, red and yellow dumpling soup, with bright green scallions floating on the surface, and the aroma was irresistible.
"It's cold, let's have a hot drink to tide us over."
Zhou Qiqi placed one of the bowls in front of Political Commissar Lei.
Golden egg flowers and snow-white dough balls are soaked in a bright red and thick tomato soup base, which looks extremely tempting.
Political Commissar Lei picked up the bowl, feeling the warmth spread from his palms to his heart. He took a big gulp; the sweet and sour flavor was delicious, and the noodles were chewy. He felt much more comfortable and couldn't help but sigh:
"In this weather, how can tomatoes still smell so fresh? Even a cellar couldn't keep them this long, could it?"
Zhou Qiqi smiled, and while putting food into Shen Huaichuan's bowl, she said:
"These aren't fresh tomatoes. They're tomato sauce that I made with Sister Cuixiang and the others. We've stored several large glass jars of it. It's convenient for frying eggs or making noodles. If you like it, I'll bring you a couple of jars back later."
As Political Commissar Lei listened, looking at the bowl of warm soup in front of him, then at the home-cooked yet carefully prepared meal on the table, and then at Zhou Qiqi's calm and composed demeanor, an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart again.
This girl is exceptionally talented, meticulous in her work, and courteous in her interactions with others. She even prepared winter food perfectly.
She is truly an exceptional military wife, one in a hundred.
The way Shuhua treated her before...
Commissar Lei sighed inwardly, feeling more and more that his wife's unresolved issues had truly blinded her, and that he had genuinely wronged her.
As he was drinking his soup with mixed feelings, Zhou Qiqi had already deftly cleared away the tray and said to Shen Huaichuan:
"There's water boiling in the pot. I'll go check on it. You guys take your time eating and chatting."
After saying that, he carried the tray into the kitchen, gently closing the door behind him.
The kitchen was filled with the soft sounds of pot lids clattering and steam rising.
In the living room, only Shen Huaichuan, Political Commissar Lei, and the bowl of warm dumpling soup on the table remained.
Seeing the weariness and hesitation on Political Commissar Lei's face, Shen Huaichuan put down his chopsticks and asked in a deep voice:
"Master, is something wrong at home that you came so late? If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask."
Political Commissar Lei looked at the closed kitchen door, then at his capable assistant, his throat tightened, but he still slowly opened his mouth.
This topic has been discussed for a long time.
After Zhou Qiqi helped Zhouzhou wash up, the little guy crawled into bed and fell asleep.
The lights in the family compound were turned off, and the night became completely quiet.
After seeing Political Commissar Lei off, Shen Huaichuan went out for a while before returning to take a shower.
When he returned to the bedroom, still damp with sweat, Zhou Qiqi was already lying down with her back to the door, the blankets pulled up tightly, her breathing even, as if she were fast asleep.
He turned to the side, his strong arm gently encircling her waist, his chin brushing against the top of her soft hair, and with a hint of probing, he softly called out, "Qiqi?"
The person inside the blanket remained completely still.
A knowing smile appeared on Shen Huaichuan's lips. He leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her sensitive earlobe. His voice became even softer and gentler, like a feather gently tickling her: "Wife?"
The person in his arms remained motionless, but their long, steady breathing seemed to pause slightly.
Shen Huaichuan's smile deepened, his voice trailing off slowly and gently, almost touching her small earlobe, with a slightly sticky tone: "Baby...?"
The last address was even more excessive, his warm breath drilling into her ear as he called out in a sticky, cloying voice, "Your Majesty..."
"Pfft—"
In the darkness, Zhou Qiqi finally couldn't hold back her laughter. Her shoulders shrugged slightly, and she turned around abruptly. She raised her hand to cover his mouth in annoyance, and then kicked his shin lightly.
"Shen Huaichuan! Aren't you annoying?! Can't a person get a good night's sleep?!"
She lowered her voice and scolded playfully, her eyes sparkling in the darkness, showing no sign of sleepiness, only a smile.
Shen Huaichuan chuckled softly, then with a swift movement, he pulled the fragrant, soft body into his arms, holding it tightly against his chest.
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