Helping her soak her feet was something Huo Tingzhou had often done back in Hu City, so Jiang Si was already accustomed to it.
This time, however, was different. After setting down the basin, Huo Tingzhou knelt in front of her and naturally removed her shoes and socks for her.
"You've had a long day. Soaking your feet will help you sleep better later," he said.
A long day?
Jiang Si thought to herself—what exactly had she done to be tired?
All she’d done was tidy up her clothes. If that counted as exhausting, how did other people even survive?
Still, she didn’t argue with Huo Tingzhou about it.
When a man shows concern for you, and you don’t dislike him, it’s best to accept his kindness. Otherwise, next time, he might not even muster the courage to speak up.
Nodding, Jiang Si dipped her feet into the water.
The warmth enveloped her, and her toes instinctively curled before relaxing again.
Suddenly remembering something, she asked, "By the way, what did Deputy Regiment Commander Lei want with you earlier?"
She hadn’t originally planned to ask about their conversation—after all, everyone was entitled to their own secrets.
But Deputy Regiment Commander Lei had glanced in her direction several times while speaking, and Jiang Si had a vague feeling it might concern her.
Sure enough, Huo Tingzhou’s next words confirmed her suspicion.
"Two deputy battalion-level officers in their radar regiment are currently going through the discharge process."
"Once the formalities are complete, their families will return to their hometowns with them."
"That means two positions will open up in the propaganda unit and communications department."
"He wanted to ask if you had any interest in working but felt awkward bringing it up directly, so he asked me first to gauge your thoughts."
Huo Tingzhou then went on to explain the situation in their military district.
The Fourth Division was rather complex—it encompassed land, sea, and air forces, with a total of seven or eight regiments under its command.
As a result, the number of military dependents stationed here far exceeded that of other units.
But formal positions were limited, and the district couldn’t accommodate all the spouses at once.
Most military wives ended up working as temporary laborers—either in the logistics department’s uniform factory, the canteen, or the bathhouse.
Others were assigned to a self-sufficient farm about twenty kilometers from the base, handling livestock or production work.
Deputy Regiment Commander Lei’s exact words had been:
"I’m not saying our sister-in-law can’t handle hard work, but according to He Ping, she’s skilled in painting and calligraphy."
"Someone like her would be perfect for the propaganda unit. Talk it over with her."
"If she’s interested, I’ll keep an eye out for her."
Jiang Si asked, "And what did you tell him?"
Huo Tingzhou dried her feet with a towel, then handed her the almond milk from the bedside table before answering.
"I told him we’re not considering work for now."
His refusal was firm for two reasons.
First, Jiang Si had already made it clear she had no plans to work before the end of the year.
Second, those positions were highly sought after, and since she wasn’t a dependent of the radar regiment, there was no guarantee she wouldn’t face workplace hostility if she took one.
Hearing this, Jiang Si smiled in satisfaction.
Even if she did want to work, she wouldn’t choose the propaganda unit.
The job might seem easy, but it was a tightrope walk—one misstep or politically sensitive mistake could spell disaster.
Besides, this era hadn’t yet adopted the two-day weekend. Six straight days of work every week!
If she got along with her colleagues, fine. But if she had the misfortune of dealing with troublemakers, going to work would feel worse than visiting a grave.
The mere thought sent a shiver down her spine.
Still, she appreciated Deputy Regiment Commander Lei’s thoughtfulness.
This reminded her of something else. "Why didn’t Sister-in-law Xu bring their kids today?"
Huo Tingzhou fell silent for a moment before replying, "They don’t have children."
No children?
Jiang Si paused mid-motion while applying lotion, her eyes widening in surprise.
It wasn’t an unreasonable reaction. In this era, people married and had children young.
At Deputy Regiment Commander Lei’s age—early thirties—most men had kids old enough to run around, if not fetch groceries.
Noticing Huo Tingzhou’s somber expression, Jiang Si pressed further.
"Is there more to it?"
He nodded, then recounted how Deputy Regiment Commander Lei’s mother had clashed with Sister-in-law Xu, pushing her down the stairs.
"If not for that accident, their child would be five this year."
"Sister-in-law Xu was six months pregnant at the time—with twins."
"The fall caused a life-threatening hemorrhage. She survived, but the doctors said she’d never conceive again."
So that was it.
No wonder Sister-in-law Xu’s eyes held a quiet sorrow whenever she looked at Weidong and Weimin.
Before Jiang Si could sigh over the age-old struggles between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, Huo Tingzhou spoke up.
"Don’t worry. That won’t happen in our family. Mom, Dad, and the grandparents all adore you."
Even without him saying it, Jiang Si already knew.
She’d met the Huo family several times.
Whether it was because the Jiang family had once saved them or simply love extending to her through Huo Tingzhou, their affection was genuine.
As for future conflicts—who could say?
But for now, with her on Qiongzhou Island and them in Capital City, friction seemed unlikely.
If Mother Huo knew Jiang Si’s thoughts, she’d probably hop on the next train over.
Heavens knew how much she longed for a sweet, soft-spoken daughter! But Father Huo hadn’t delivered—four sons later, her wish remained unfulfilled.
So when she first saw Jiang Si, who looked like a porcelain doll, Mother Huo was instantly smitten.
Add in the life debt and Huo Tingzhou’s feelings, and doting on Jiang Si came naturally. Conflict was the last thing on her mind.
Unnoticed, the night had deepened.
Raised in the Jiang household under Old Master Jiang’s influence, Huo Tingzhou had internalized restraint and propriety.
Though there were other rooms, they hadn’t yet officially registered their marriage. Staying here wouldn’t be proper.
Rising, he said, "Rest early. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning."
Jiang Si wasn’t surprised—this was just who Huo Tingzhou was.
But she couldn’t help wondering: On their wedding night, would he still be like this?
If he didn’t make a move, would she have to take matters into her own hands?
