Hearing this, Zhang Cuimei was momentarily stunned.
When had she ever asked someone else for help?
The bureau chief personally handling the paperwork for Si Nian and Zhou Yueshen?
No way...
Just as she was puzzling over it, her sister added with a sour tone, "I remember the bureau chief is quite close with the Fu Family. Rumor has it he and Old Master Fu were once comrades-in-arms. Sis, you’re really something—your daughter’s marrying into that family and soaring high. Don’t forget us ordinary sisters when you’re living the good life."
At these words, Zhang Cuimei immediately felt flattered.
Right, how could she have forgotten? The Fu Family was incredibly influential!
Old Master Fu was the most prominent military leader in the region. Since the bureau chief was his former comrade, he must have known about the marriage arrangement between their families—that’s why he stepped in to help.
For a moment, she had actually doubted whether Zhou Yueshen had connections!
How ridiculous. That Zhou Yueshen was just some pig farmer from the countryside, someone completely unrelated. How could he possibly have the clout to get the bureau chief’s assistance?
With this realization, Zhang Cuimei’s pride swelled.
Getting engaged to the Fu Family was absolutely the right decision.
"What? Xiao Zhou, you’re getting married?" After processing their household registration transfer, the Old Bureau Chief gaped in shock when Zhou Yueshen mentioned his upcoming marriage, losing all traces of his usual stern demeanor.
Zhou Yueshen glanced toward the door where Si Nian and the Lin family were chatting and laughing, his eyes softening briefly.
"Yes."
"But didn’t you just get married a few years ago?" The Old Bureau Chief nearly dropped the cigarette from his lips.
Zhou Yueshen pushed the offered cigarette back. He never smoked around children.
Leaning back, he gave the Old Bureau Chief a sidelong look. "We divorced a long time ago."
"You dog, already on your second spring?" The Old Bureau Chief was even more astonished.
Back in the day, Zhou Yueshen had been infamous for his indifference toward women. Someone even filed a complaint, questioning if he preferred men, saying his intense stare made people’s skin crawl...
That was how he ended up with a private dorm.
This prodigy of a soldier, the one Old Master Fu had repeatedly tried to recruit, had stunned everyone by choosing to retire after a mission, disregarding all objections.
Everyone assumed he’d stay single forever.
Who’d have thought he’d have two kids in three years?
The Old Bureau Chief shot Zhou Yueshen a look that said, I never took you for such a playboy.
Zhou Yueshen rubbed his temples.
He hated gossipy people.
Especially old men who were this nosy.
After a few seconds of silence, he met the Old Bureau Chief’s gaze and asked in a low voice, "Got a problem with that?"
The Old Bureau Chief’s mouth twitched, and he hastily waved his hands. "Wouldn’t dare!"
If Zhou Yueshen hadn’t retired, he might’ve been the one giving orders here!
Damn, this brat was still as arrogant as ever.
Pushing thirty and still acting like he owned the place.
Was a little gossip too much to ask? The Old Bureau Chief: feeling wronged.jpg.
Zhou Yueshen stood, straightening his posture before looking down. "Enough talk. I’m leaving. Thanks for handling this."
The Old Bureau Chief smirked. "Never thought I’d see the day you’d need my help."
He could brag about this for months.
Zhou Yueshen shot him a mocking glance. "If your people were competent, I wouldn’t have needed to bother you."
He was referring to Zhang Xiaoyun from earlier.
The Old Bureau Chief’s smug grin froze. "..." Damn, hitting him right where it hurt.
Zhou Yueshen walked out of the office.
"How’d it go, Xiao Zhou? Everything settled? What did the bureau chief say?" Lin's father and mother asked anxiously.
Zhou Yueshen gave a slight nod. "No need to worry. It’s done. Let’s head back."
"Just like that? So fast? No other steps? Do we need to come back later?" Lin's mother fired off three rapid questions, bewildered.
Zhou Yueshen shook his head. "Don’t worry. No further visits needed."
Si Nian studied Zhou Yueshen for a moment.
Had she heard right? The Old Bureau Chief had called him "Xiao Zhou."
No wonder he’d confidently told Zhang Cuimei to wait for assistance earlier.
She’d assumed he just knew someone at the bureau.
But that someone turned out to be... the bureau chief?
No wonder his business in the village thrived. Without solid connections and resources, success like his wasn’t easy.
This man’s wealth wasn’t built on luck alone...
Si Nian pondered silently.
Zhou Yueshen, sharp as ever, noticed her scrutiny.
He stood still, lifting his gaze slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbing as his fingers loosely held the household register. A flicker of emotion crossed his brow.
In the past, he’d never liked asking favors.
This time, he’d acted impulsively...
The group had just parted ways with the Lin family and returned to Xingfu Village when they were intercepted.
"Boss, heard you and the missus are getting hitched soon! We came to celebrate!"
Yu Dong and his crew arrived with liquor, insisting on throwing a party for the couple.
Zhou Yueshen cast them a cool glance. "Don’t mess around. I need to pick the kids up from school."
"Wow, since when did you become such a family man? On a day like this, forget the kids—we’ll get ’em for you!"
"Come on, everyone’s already cooked. We’re just waiting for you two!" They herded the couple toward the farm.
The farm was spacious and well-ventilated, often serving as a spot for communal meals.
Still feeling guilty over the incident with Li Mingjun—since they’d inadvertently helped the troublemaker—Yu Dong had organized this gathering upon hearing about the upcoming marriage.
Si Nian, holding the child, stumbled slightly as the group hurried her along. Instinctively, she grabbed the hand of the person in front of her.
Zhou Yueshen stopped and turned.
Thinking she didn’t want to go, he asked, "What’s wrong? Need to head back?"
Si Nian caught her breath. "We’re walking too fast. Let me carry the child."
Zhou Yueshen paused, then chuckled. "Alright, enough pushing."
With that, he scooped up the child in one arm and pulled Si Nian forward, letting her walk ahead of him.
The onlookers whistled teasingly.
Si Nian’s face warmed under their suggestive gazes.
At the farm, when they poured her a drink, she didn’t refuse.
Back in her corporate days, she’d been unmatched in drinking—always the one handling client dinners.
It had been a while since she’d had alcohol, and she missed it.
Zhou Yueshen watched her, noting her pleased expression, but said nothing.
Instead, he quietly fed Yaoyao, mixing a little soup into her rice.
He didn’t turn down toasts either—these were his brothers, after all, and they didn’t often have reason to celebrate.
Yu Dong hopped on his motorcycle, declaring he’d fetch the kids. Zhou Yueshen didn’t object.
With Si Nian drinking with the other wives, he couldn’t very well leave the child with her.
Once Yaoyao was full, the little one curled up in Zhou Yueshen’s arms and dozed off, tiny fingers clutching his sleeve.
His gaze softened with paternal warmth as he carefully carried her to the office.
Putting the child down, Zhou Yueshen walked to the back door, lit a cigarette between his fingers, and took a deep drag.
Suddenly, a noise came from behind.
Frowning, Zhou Yueshen turned his head to look.
Next chapter: things are about to get steamy—no joke.
