Chapter 15 His protection, unexpected
The rumors didn't dissipate despite Su Wanqing's silence and indifference; instead, they intensified. In the relatively closed environment of the compound, any slight disturbance could quickly ferment. Her status as a "substitute bride," her absence from Huo Tingxiao's wedding, and the seemingly intimate yet actually distant interactions at the ball all became fodder for gossipers to exaggerate.
Su Wanqing tried to minimize unnecessary outings, spending most of her time in the deserted house, reading, tidying, or looking out the window at the unchanging scenery outside. She told herself not to care, but the ubiquitous prying eyes and whispers were still like an invisible haze, suppressing her breathing.
That afternoon, she was sorting through the books she had brought with her in her study when her cell phone rang. It was Assistant Chen.
"Madam," Assistant Chen's voice sounded more serious than usual, "The commander will be returning to the compound this afternoon. Please prepare yourself. In half an hour, I will be accompanying him to the retirement home to visit Minister Li."
Su Wanqing's grip on the phone tightened slightly. He was back? And as soon as he came back, he wanted her to accompany him to a formal event? At a time when rumors were spreading like this?
"Okay, I understand." She suppressed her doubts and responded calmly.
Half an hour later, the sound of a car engine could be heard from downstairs. Su Wanqing had already changed into a well-fitting light grey knitted skirt suit, with light makeup and her hair tied up, looking dignified and calm.
When she walked down the stairs, Huo Tingxiao was standing at the entrance. He was still dressed in his neatly tailored uniform, dusty and tired, with a hint of fatigue between his brows. However, his eyes were sharp as usual, even a little colder than usual. He raised his eyes and swept them over her. Without any expression, he simply said, "Let's go."
"Yes." Su Wanqing nodded and followed him out.
The atmosphere in the car was as tense as ever. Huo Tingxiao closed his eyes, as if she didn't exist. Su Wanqing, also enjoying the quiet, cast her gaze out the window, secretly speculating on his intentions. Was he simply in need of a female companion for official business, or... was there something more?
The car pulled into the retirement home. Minister Li's home seemed especially bustling today, with several cars parked in the yard. It looked like quite a few people had come to visit.
As expected, upon entering the living room, Su Wanqing saw several familiar faces—Madam Wang, Madam Zhao, and several wives of leaders she had met at the ball. Lin Weiwei was also there, sitting next to an elderly woman, peeling an apple with a charming smile on her face.
Seeing them come in, the chatter and laughter in the living room suddenly died down. Everyone's eyes focused on them, filled with a variety of complicated emotions.
Minister Li was delighted and greeted them with a smile, "Tingxiao is here! Come sit down! Oh, Wanqing is here too, great!"
Huo Tingxiao stepped forward and respectfully saluted Minister Li, then greeted the elders present with a calm and courteous demeanor. Su Wanqing followed him, bowing slightly and greeting with a humble demeanor.
After the pleasantries, everyone sat down, and the topic quickly turned to young people.
Mrs. Zhao looked at Huo Tingxiao and joked, "Tingxiao is a very busy man. It's rare to see you accompany Wanqing out. The young couple has a really good relationship."
This sounds like praise, but in the context of current rumors, it carries a hint of temptation and ridicule.
Lin Weiwei handed the peeled apple to the old woman and continued softly, her eyes seeming to casually sweep over Su Wanqing: "Yes, Chief Huo has heavy responsibilities and is busy with work. It must be very hard for Sister Su to be alone at home. If you feel bored, you can go out for a walk more often and chat with everyone." Her words seemed considerate, but they implied that Su Wanqing was being neglected and left alone in an empty room.
The expressions of the ladies became a little subtle.
Su Wanqing was about to speak when she heard a cold and low voice coming from beside her.
"She doesn't like too much noise."
It’s Huo Tingxiao.
He sat upright, his posture straight, not looking at anyone, but just calmly looking at the teacup in front of him. His tone was indifferent, but with an unquestionable certainty.
"She's been helping me organize some information lately and needs some quiet time," he added, his voice smooth as if he was just stating a fact.
As soon as these words were spoken, the living room instantly became quiet.
Everyone was stunned, including Su Wanqing. She was helping him organize the information? How could she not know about it?
Mrs. Zhao's smile froze for a moment. Lin Weiwei paused as she peeled the apple, her fingertips turning slightly pale.
Huo Tingxiao seemed unaware of everyone's reactions. He picked up the teacup, took a sip, then put it down. He turned his gaze to Minister Li and naturally changed the subject, chatting about the recent international situation and military developments.
His tone was steady and calm, as if the earth-shattering words he had just said were just a casual remark.
However, the effect is significant.
The words "organizing information" carry a profound meaning. This is definitely not the realm of a neglected, unappreciated wife. It implies a degree of trust and intimacy, even involvement in his work. This completely contradicts the rumors that he neglected his new wife and that his marriage was in name only.
The ladies exchanged glances, and the expressions on their faces changed from inquiry to surprise and re-examination.
Lin Weiwei lowered her head and continued to peel the apple, but the gentle smile on the corner of her mouth had disappeared, and the lines of her profile looked a little tense.
Su Wanqing's heartbeat inexplicably quickened. Her eyelashes drooped, her fingers curling unconsciously. Was he... rescuing her? In such an unexpected way? With a lie that was almost overbearing, unquestionable, and unquestionable?
She secretly glanced sideways at Huo Tingxiao. His profile was hard and cold, and he was concentrating on talking to Minister Li, as if the words of defense he had just spoken had not come from him at all.
But why did he do this? Was it to protect the Huo family's reputation? Or was it because... something else?
For the next few days, no one dared to mention their relationship in that tentative, dismissive tone. Although Huo Tingxiao was a quiet man, his presence was immense. He would occasionally steer the conversation towards Su Wanqing, asking her one or two insignificant opinions on the current discussion. While seemingly casual, he inadvertently included her in the conversation, affirming her presence and status.
This kind of subtle protection is more powerful than any pale excuse.
When they left Minister Li's house, the ladies' attitudes were obviously much warmer and more sincere.
After getting in the car, the atmosphere returned to silence. Huo Tingxiao still had his eyes closed, as if he wasn't the one who had intervened in the living room.
Su Wanqing looked at the scenery outside the window rapidly receding, but her mood could not calm down for a long time.
This unexpected protection was like a faint but persistent light that suddenly shone into the icy field shrouded in rumors.
Although it may still have nothing to do with love, it is just for responsibility and decency.
But at least it proves that this iceberg is not completely cold and ruthless.
He saw her plight and, in his own way, took action.
It was enough to give her a complex, indescribable sense of comfort.
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