"Old Master, Uncle, hurry and get in the car. Let me handle the luggage."
It was finally He Ping's voice that broke the death stare between Third Granduncle and Uncle Zhong.
When the two turned around, they saw He Ping descending from the second floor with dark circles under his eyes. He let out several yawns in a row.
Third Granduncle asked, puzzled, "He Ping, didn’t you sleep last night?"
He Ping sighed. "There were rats in the room—scurrying around all night. I was so annoyed I barely slept, spending the whole time trying to catch them."
Third Granduncle had been exhausted the day before and slept soundly, so he hadn’t heard a thing.
"Did you catch any?" he asked casually.
"Yeah, got two."
He Ping’s expression carried a hint of pride as he spoke.
"The rats at the guesthouse are ridiculously fat—each must weigh half a pound!"
Just then, someone cleared their throat. "Our room had them too. Your sister-in-law was so scared she barely slept."
Jiang Si didn’t bother questioning why he was lying through his teeth.
Third Granduncle’s glare at him earlier had been too obvious to miss.
But this wasn’t something she could easily explain.
Fortunately, He Ping’s random excuse helped clear Huo Tingzhou’s name.
As they spoke, the luggage was loaded into the car.
Given He Ping’s condition, Huo Tingzhou didn’t dare let him drive.
After helping Third Granduncle and the others into the car, he took the driver’s seat himself.
It wasn’t until they neared the military base that He Ping took over.
They had set off early in the morning, arriving at the residential compound gates before ten.
After hours in the car, Third Granduncle’s backside felt thoroughly jostled.
Since school was on winter break, the compound was filled with children, so He Ping drove slowly.
Noticing this, Jiang Si rolled down the window halfway.
"Third Granduncle, Uncle Zhong, that building ahead is the military service center. It’s where we usually shop. Next to it is the military hospital."
"Take a left at the intersection up ahead for the nursery, elementary, and middle schools. The auditorium, sports field, and cinema are on the right."
Though she suspected Third Granduncle would likely stay elsewhere, Jiang Si made sure to point out every landmark they passed.
Third Granduncle listened attentively, memorizing the route. "Very good, very good."
He had initially worried about Jiang Si feeling constrained here, but now he realized he’d overthought it—the compound had all the necessary amenities, making life quite convenient.
Soon, the car pulled up in front of their small house.
As she stepped out, Jiang Si froze.
When the wall was first built, the engineering team had planned to embed broken glass shards along the top for security.
But Jiang Si had disagreed, asking Huo Tingzhou instead to plant wild cacti along the edge.
Now, after months away, the cacti had bloomed—pink, yellow, red, and white flowers dotted the wall, a surprisingly lovely sight.
Before she could dwell on it further, Huo Tingzhou opened the gate.
Entering the yard, Jiang Si almost wondered if she’d stepped into the wrong place.
When she’d left, the vegetable garden had barely sprouted—now, the plants were flowering and fruiting.
Even the cucumbers and beans had sturdy bamboo trellises.
"He Ping, thank you."
She had assumed He Ping would at most pull weeds and water the plants.
She hadn’t expected him to tend the garden so meticulously.
He Ping waved her off. "Sis, no need to stand on ceremony."
Then he sighed dramatically. "You have no idea how much produce went to waste these past two months."
"The cucumbers and beans kept coming—if you didn’t pick them in time, they’d turn tough. And the water spinach? Grew half a meter tall!"
"Thank goodness for Sister Hu."
"Thank goodness for me what?" Hu Meili’s voice rang out as she approached, catching the tail end of the conversation.
Jiang Si looked up, her gaze landing on Hu Meili—or more precisely, on her slightly rounded belly.
Realizing, she quickly stepped forward. "Sister Hu, please come in."
Hu Meili patted her hand affectionately. "Haven’t seen you in months—missed you more than I expected."
Jiang Si smiled. "Me too."
Then, taking Hu Meili’s hand, she introduced her to the others.
Hu Meili had a straightforward personality. Given Third Granduncle’s age, calling him "uncle" felt odd, so she followed Jiang Si’s lead.
"Third Granduncle, I’m Hu Meili. I live next to Colonel Huo’s family."
Third Granduncle chuckled warmly. "Hello, hello. Jiang Si mentioned you—there’s also a Mingjuan, right?"
"Right, right! Mingjuan and her husband will be over soon too."
Third Granduncle nodded gratefully. "When Jiang Si first arrived here, she didn’t know anyone. We’re thankful you looked out for her."
"Oh, Old Master, don’t say that—you’re making me blush!"
Hu Meili touched her cheeks and turned to Jiang Si. "Quick, tell me—is my face red?"
It was.
But probably from the sun.
Jiang Si laughed, guiding everyone inside. "It’s hot out here—let’s continue inside."
The house was spotless, clearly cleaned by He Ping a few days prior.
Huo Tingzhou didn’t interrupt their conversation, quietly carrying the luggage back to the room first.
"Make yourselves at home," Jiang Si said.
She had initially intended to pour everyone some water, but upon entering the kitchen, she realized all the stoves were unlit.
Then, her eyes landed on a row of items neatly arranged on the kitchen table.
"Sister-in-law, did you make all these?" Jiang Si picked up a bottle of preserved tomatoes and examined it.
Hu Meili nodded. "It’s a method from my hometown. We always turn extra summer tomatoes into sauce."
"I saw the ones in your garden were going to waste, so I made some for you."
"There’s no salt added—just adjust the seasoning when you use it. It’s perfect for noodles or stir-fries."
"Oh, and I also pickled some sour string beans and pickled cucumbers for you. They’re great for appetizers."
At the mention of appetizers, Hu Meili unconsciously swallowed.
The next second—
Oh no, oh no, oh no.
Wasn’t she practically rolling in spicy food not long ago?
Why was she craving sour flavors now?
Could it be… another boy?
Hu Meili’s thoughts spiraled in that direction until Jiang Si’s voice snapped her back to reality.
"Thank you—"
"Enough with the thanks, or I’ll get upset," Hu Meili pretended to scold.
Knowing they had just returned and had plenty to unpack, Hu Meili didn’t linger.
After a brief chat, she said, "I’ll head back now. Once you’re settled, just come over."
She then glanced at He Ping. "Little Ding will be joining us for lunch. I left you two movie tickets for the Grand Theater this afternoon—don’t forget to walk her home afterward."
He Ping nearly bowed in gratitude. "Understood. Thank you, Sister-in-law."
Hu Meili smiled, exchanged a quick farewell with Uncle Zhong, and took her leave.
