They were dressed simply, even in somewhat worn-out clothes.
But they were all full of energy, with undisguised curiosity and enthusiastic smiles on their faces.
"Oh my! Sister Li, ladies, all of you, so early?"
Pei Jiwang stepped aside, his tone still polite, but his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
He was clearly no stranger to this kind of scene, but he didn't exactly like it either.
"It's getting late! The sun's already high in the sky!"
The woman, known as Sister Li, had a loud voice. As she spoke, her gaze swept over Pei Jiwang like a searchlight, landing directly behind him.
Zi Xi timidly peeked half her head out from the bedroom door.
"Oh! This must be the new bride? My goodness! She's so beautiful! She looks like she stepped out of a painting!"
Sister Li's eyes lit up, and she strode in like a gust of wind before the host could even invite her.
The other military dependents also followed with smiles into the already cramped living room.
In an instant, the once empty house was filled with this group of enthusiastic women.
Zi Xi shrank back in fright at the sight, completely exposed to the scrutinizing gazes of everyone.
She was wearing a light-colored dress, her hair was a little messy, her face was pale from lack of sleep, and her eyes were filled with the panic of a fawn, making her look even more pitiful.
"Don't be afraid, young lady. I'm from the family of the political commissar here. You can just call me Sister Li!"
Sister Li stepped forward and, in a very familiar manner, took Zi Xi's hand.
"Hello, Sister Li... Sister Li."
Zi Xi forced a smile, her voice weak, and tried to pull her hand away, but Sister Li gripped it even tighter.
[Oh my god, that was incredibly strong! And... why are all these people staring at me? Like they're looking at a monkey in a zoo!]
"Hey girl, what's your name? How old are you? Where are you from? Wow, your skin is so fair and smooth, no wonder you're a city girl!"
Sister Li fired off a barrage of questions, her gaze sweeping over Zi Xi's face and body.
“I…I am Shen Zixi…I’m twenty…from Shanghai.”
Zi Xi lowered her head and answered softly, feeling as if she were being interrogated.
"Shen Zixi? What a beautiful name! It sounds cultured!"
A slightly plump woman standing next to him smiled and chimed in.
"Shanghai! That's a big city! I heard the girls there are all very delicate, and it's true! Look at their fair skin and tender flesh, they'll have to adapt well to life here!"
Another tall, thin sister-in-law chimed in, her tone ambiguous, whether it was envy or something else entirely.
[So what if I'm delicate! Did I eat your rice?! Is it illegal to have delicate skin?!]
Zi Xi was internally ranting, but maintained a shy and bashful smile on her face, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes.
Pei Jiwang stood aside, looking uneasy. He could hear Zi Xi's inner monologue and the women's chatter outside. He felt that it was even more mentally taxing than leading a team on a field training exercise.
"Ladies, have some water first."
He poured several glasses of water and placed them on the table.
However, no one paid any attention to those few glasses of water.
Their attention was entirely on Zi Xi.
"Girl, you must have had a tough journey. Conditions are tough on this island, so please don't complain!"
"Exactly, it will definitely be difficult at first. If you encounter any difficulties, just let us know!"
"Can you cook? If not, that's okay, we can teach you! A wood-burning stove is a bit difficult to set up at first!"
"Company Commander Pei is a well-known model soldier in our division. He is capable and upright. You married the right person!"
"Yes, yes, yes! Hurry up and give Commander Pei a big, healthy son! A family is only lively when there's a child!"
The topics became increasingly private, and the conversation got straight to the point.
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