Wang Zhizhi's eyes darted frantically through the crowd. She wished someone would stand up for her and say something, so she wouldn't have to work.
But all around was silent.
Nobody was looking at her.
Some people were shuffling snow under their feet with their heads down, while others pulled their collars tighter and looked up at the sky. Even the military wives who had spoken to her earlier seemed not to have seen her at all.
Regardless of how much truth or falsehood Wang Zhizhi spoke, it was wrong of her to publicly provoke trouble at this time and target the meritorious official who had delivered grain to the military.
If you have grievances or feel wronged, you can go to Political Commissar Wang or other military officers to reason with them. How can you just gossip here based on a few unfounded rumors?
Jiang Linchuan didn't even give her another second glance, and simply disappeared around the corner.
The crowd dispersed instantly.
"Let's hurry home, it's getting colder and colder."
"That's right. I hope the snow will stop soon so we can have a peaceful New Year."
The murmurs faded into the distance, leaving Wang Zhizhi standing frozen in place.
The cold wind blew straight into her collar, but she seemed oblivious. Her thin figure swayed, looking like a homeless stray dog.
When Xu Xinghe returned to the military headquarters, no one was discussing the matter anymore.
She stepped into the courtyard, her steps pausing slightly.
The lights were on, and warm yellow light poured out from the window, adding a touch of warmth to the cold night.
Xu Xinghe walked briskly and pushed open the door with a smile.
Jiang Linchuan was busy at the stove.
He was tall and dressed in casual clothes. His broad-shouldered and wide-backed shadow was cast on the wall, making him look exceptionally safe.
Hearing the noise, he turned around, and the little bit of ash that accidentally got on his face added a touch of earthiness to his appearance.
"I'm back."
Xu Xinghe took a deep breath, "It smells so good, it's cabbage stew with glass noodles!"
Jiang Linchuan took the freshly heated food out of the pot. "Wash your hands and eat."
"Okay!" Xu Xinghe took off her hat, untied her scarf, revealing her rosy cheeks from the cold, with a fresh pink tinge on her nose.
She smiled and moved closer to Jiang Linchuan, "How did you know I was starving?"
Jiang Linchuan didn't know, but his heart made him do it subconsciously.
This meal was brought back half an hour ago, and this is the second time it has been reheated.
"Go wash your hands quickly."
"Yes, sir!"
Xu Xinghe skipped and hopped to the bathroom, washed up with the prepared warm water, and then came to the dining table.
Jiang Linchuan pushed the hot soup towards her, then picked up the military coat next to him and draped it over her shoulders. "Don't take off your coat too quickly, or you'll catch a cold."
After saying that, he began serving the rice.
A bowl full of rice, glistening and translucent.
Then, he brought out chopsticks and a spoon and thoughtfully placed them next to Xu Xinghe's right hand, which she usually used.
Watching him bustling around, Xu Xinghe felt a warm glow in her heart, as if something had been soothing it.
She picked up her chopsticks, smiling brightly, "Don't bother, I'm not a three-year-old, you eat too."
The two sat down facing each other.
Xu Xinghe first placed a piece of meat on Jiang Linchuan's plate with her chopsticks, and then slowly began to eat.
"Oh, right, I have something to tell you." She swallowed the food in her mouth and started talking about her and Li Xingzhou, even recounting her elaborate scheme. "He has now completely fallen into my trap. It won't be long before we tear off his hypocritical mask and let everyone see his true colors!"
Jiang Linchuan paused, his chopsticks still holding the food. He looked up at her, his eyes filled with a barely perceptible pity. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? There were some things I could have helped with."
For tasks like tracking, you can completely entrust them to him, and you're guaranteed not to be exposed.
He added, "I'm not just a brute who only knows how to fight."
Xu Xinghe couldn't help but chuckle at his serious expression. "Alright, I know you're very capable, but you have more important things to do right now. I can only assist with the disaster relief efforts, but you're in charge. Without you, efficiency will be lower, the people will suffer more, and the soldiers will have to do more work."
She picked up another piece of meat and put it into Jiang Linchuan's bowl. "Besides, you've helped so many people and done so much for the country during your years in the army. I also want to try my best to catch up with you so that we can both become better and there won't be a situation where one of us is holding the other back."
Jiang Linchuan didn't say anything more, but silently added some food to her bowl.
After finishing her meal, Xu Xinghe took the initiative to clear the dishes and went back to her room to change into a light yellow nightgown with small sunflowers embroidered on the neckline, which made her skin appear even whiter.
She carried the enamel basin into the bathroom, and amidst the rushing water, carefully brushed her teeth and washed her face.
Jiang Linchuan put on a military overcoat and stood at the door.
Xu Xinghe wiped the water droplets from her face, looked up and saw that he hadn't left yet. She waved her fair little hand and said in a voice as sweet as if it had been soaked in honey, "Bye-bye, see you tomorrow."
Jiang Linchuan, who had already grasped the doorknob, suddenly turned around and strode over.
Before Xu Xinghe could react, he had already pulled her into a tight embrace.
His military overcoat carried his unique, cool scent, which instantly enveloped her.
“You are already very good.” His voice was deep but powerful, reaching her ears from above her head. “If we really have to say who is not good enough for whom, then it must be me who is not good enough for you.”
Xu Xinghe is such a good person. He made frostbite ointment to help the people and delivered food to the military to relieve their urgent needs. Every single one of these things is a major event that benefits the country and the people. It is no exaggeration to call him a great hero.
Not to mention, in Jiang Linchuan's heart, she will always be the spoiled and adorable young lady of the Xu family from many years ago.
She is that dazzling woman, as radiant as the bright moon in the sky, and she has never changed!
"So... don't belittle yourself, okay? And don't say things like that again."
Xu Xinghe stiffened, immediately realizing that he had misunderstood.
What she said before wasn't self-deprecation at all; it was clearly meant to comfort him and tell him not to overthink things.
Xu Xinghe raised her hand and gently wrapped it around his waist, burying her face in his broad chest, feeling the reassuring warmth and heartbeat.
"Hmm, I won't, that's why I'm so nice, do you want to kiss me?"
She raised her head, her clear eyes reflecting the warm yellow light, her eyelashes fluttering, her cheeks glowing with a radiant sheen, so beautiful that it was impossible to look away.
She gazed at him and gently kissed him.
Jiang Linchuan was startled. Instead of dodging as before, he deepened the kiss.
His kiss carried the composure and restraint unique to soldiers, but at the moment of contact, he forgot everything else, as if a storm was raging over him.
Xu Xinghe's lips were soft and warm, with a faint minty scent.
Jiang Linchuan lingered, his tongue prying open her lips and slipping inside.
Xu Xinghe closed her eyes, her body trembled slightly, and her hands involuntarily climbed onto his neck.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
