Si's Father and Si's Mother smiled ingratiatingly as they looked up at the man dressed in military uniform.
The moment their eyes met his dark, fathomless gaze, their smiles froze on their faces.
"It... it's you?" Zhang Cuimei's voice suddenly rose sharply, her eyes widening like copper bells.
Si's Father was also stunned.
He had seen Zhou Yueshen before—during a previous visit to the countryside, he had witnessed him discussing marriage arrangements with their adopted daughter at the Lin Family.
This man was tall and imposing, with a gaze so piercing it sent chills down one’s spine.
Back then, Si's Father had assumed it was because he had seen too much bloodshed in his line of work.
Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to see him again in such a setting!
Lin Sisi’s mouth fell open in disbelief.
Zhou Yueshen had already been discharged from the military, hadn’t he? So why was he now wearing an officer’s uniform and marrying Si Nian?
This was something even she hadn’t experienced in her past life.
She had always believed that Zhou Yueshen, though once a soldier, was nothing more than an ordinary veteran—just a simple pig farmer.
But the military uniform he wore now, adorned with rows of medals, told her otherwise. The man before her was no longer the unremarkable figure from her memories!
His posture was straight and imposing, his expression cold and unreadable. Though younger than Director Li and the others present, his aura alone overshadowed theirs.
If not for the familiar face and the same indifferent gaze, she might not have recognized him at all.
Lin Sisi’s face paled.
In her past life, she seemed to have missed out on so much.
She had prided herself on understanding the Zhou family’s circumstances, but now she realized she had known nothing at all.
This man had never once opened his heart to her—not even once.
Director Li and the others exchanged puzzled glances at the family’s reaction. "Xiao Zhou, do you know them?"
Zhou Yueshen withdrew his gaze and gave a slight nod, his voice icy. "Not really."
The moment those words left his lips, the Si family’s faces flushed red with humiliation.
Zhang Cuimei, in particular, hadn’t expected Zhou Yueshen to dismiss them so coldly. She felt utterly disgraced.
Even more shocking was the realization that Zhou Yueshen was no ordinary pig farmer—and that he was acquainted with Director Li and the others!
Director Li even addressed him affectionately as "Xiao Zhou."
Zhang Cuimei suddenly recalled Zhou Yueshen’s words during the household registration transfer.
At the time, she had dismissed it as empty boasting, even scoffing at it. When her sister later called, she had assumed Director Li had helped only because of their engagement ties to the Fu Family...
Now she knew it had nothing to do with her at all.
Remembering her previous disdainful attitude toward Zhou Yueshen, her lips trembled.
Si's Father, too, wore an ugly expression, but as a man accustomed to high society, he was the first to regain his composure.
With a forced smile, he said, "Xiao Zhou, we were unaware of the situation before and may have slighted you. But ever since we learned of your marriage to Nian, we’ve been very concerned. That’s why we made the long trip here today—to attend your wedding."
At this moment, Si's Father deeply regretted not bringing Si Nian with them earlier.
Had he known Zhou Yueshen held such status, he would never have left her behind!
That wretched girl—why hadn’t she told them sooner? Now they had made fools of themselves.
Si's Father seethed with resentment.
He was a man driven by self-interest. The only reason he had spent money on Si Nian growing up was because of her beauty—she was an asset that could bring benefits to the Si family.
So in his eyes, it was only natural that she should help them now.
Now that he knew Zhou Yueshen was no ordinary man, his mind was already racing with schemes.
"Nian? Isn’t that your child?" Director Li suddenly asked, realization dawning.
Recently, there had been quite a stir in the military compound—the girl engaged to the Fu Family turned out not to be their biological daughter. The real one had returned.
His wife had mentioned it to him.
Director Li had visited the Fu Family before and had met the Si family’s daughter, though it had been years. All he remembered was that she was exceptionally beautiful.
Who would have thought such a coincidence would occur—instead of marrying into the Fu Family, she was now marrying Zhou Yueshen.
What a surprise.
Si's Father quickly nodded. "Yes, that’s right. Nian is our daughter. We’re here to see her off for her wedding."
Director Li’s expression turned odd. "But didn’t you just say you were bringing your biological daughter to visit her adoptive parents in the countryside?"
As he spoke, he pulled out a cigarette and handed it to Zhou Yueshen.
Si's Father’s smile stiffened. "..."
Zhou Yueshen accepted the cigarette from Director Li, lit it, and listened quietly, his fingers toying with a black lighter. His expression was cold.
His gaze flickered briefly toward the family, detached yet piercing.
The curling smoke made his sharp features appear even more unapproachable.
The Si family felt as if an invisible mountain were pressing down on them, suffocating in its weight.
Yet Zhou Yueshen seemed indifferent to their discomfort. Adjusting his sleeves, he spoke in a low, cool voice, "Let’s eat."
Director Li and the others immediately brightened, paying no mind to the Si family’s expressions as they eagerly pulled out chairs.
"Old Zhang, scoot over. I want to sit next to Xiao Zhou."
"Hey, Old Wang, you’re too fat—don’t squeeze in here. Move aside! Didn’t I hear your employees refused to sell clothes to Xiao Zhou’s son because they thought he looked shabby? Is that true?"
Old Wang’s mouth twitched. Damn this old man—always bringing up the wrong things.
He hastily pulled out a gold ingot from his pocket. "Haha, that was a misunderstanding! Xiao Zhou, my son told me about it. I came here today to personally apologize. Here, take this as a small token of my sincerity..."
Old Zhang looked aggrieved. "I’ve got some men under me..."
Zhou Yueshen glanced at him. "Five-year term."
Old Zhang: "##."
Completely ignored, the Si family stood awkwardly, their faces darkening as no one invited them to sit. Their expressions were as if they had swallowed something foul.
Just as they were about to say something to curry favor with Zhou Yueshen, he stood up with a bowl of rice. "Go ahead and eat. I’ll take this inside first."
Director Li and the others immediately erupted into teasing, the kind only old men could muster.
Zhou Yueshen ignored them, stubbed out his cigarette, and strode steadily toward the house.
The Si family’s words died in their throats, leaving them red-faced and fuming.
All the humiliations of their lives seemed to have converged today.
They were absolutely livid!
Upstairs, Si Nian sat by the window, watching the scene below.
Since Zhou Yueshen had no parents or relatives, there was little for her to do. She simply had to wait.
This being her first wedding, her mind was a blank slate.
She assumed that when the time came, Zhou Yueshen would come to escort her and introduce her to the guests.
Resting her chin on her hand, she suddenly noticed a locked drawer beside the desk.
