"Li Wen, why aren't you eating this?"
Professor Wen had bought each child a bread roll. After a long day, the children were all hungry.
"I'll save it for Little Baby."
As soon as Li Wen spoke, an extra piece of bread appeared before him.
"I'll share mine. I almost forgot about Little Baby. Next time, let’s bring him along."
Li Wu broke off a piece of his own bread, and upon hearing this, Wang Xing and Hu Zhenghao also tore off portions from theirs.
"Yes, next time we’ll bring Little Baby so we won’t forget him."
"Eat yours, children. Grandma already bought one for Little Baby—it’s just tucked in my pocket. You’re all such good kids."
Professor Wen even showed them the bread to reassure them.
Truth be told, compared to the lively and energetic children she was used to, Little Baby was exceptionally quiet. Professor Wen had never encountered such a serene child before.
According to Zhou Ang, Little Baby took after his grandfather—preferring to accompany Zhou Ang to the hospital rather than staying at the nursery.
Still, the bond between the children was incredibly strong. Whenever there was food or fun to be had, they always remembered to save a share for Little Baby.
Today, Zhou Ang had mentioned attending an event and, worried that Professor Wen might be too exhausted taking the children to the youth center, decided to bring Little Baby along.
Gui Xiang boarded the last bus of the day, gazing at the wide road ahead. Unconsciously, time had slipped by so quickly.
She adjusted the clothes she was wearing—made by her eldest daughter-in-law—specifically chosen for this homecoming.
In the distance, she spotted a familiar figure waiting. Hoisting the sack of belongings she carried, Gui Xiang stepped off the bus after a day and night of travel, her steps slightly unsteady.
"Mother, let me help. Take it slow."
Changshun stepped forward, supporting Gui Xiang’s arm with one hand while taking the sack with the other.
"Xiu is cooking at home. We’ll have a meal ready as soon as we get back."
"Mmm."
The mother and son walked in silence until they reached the house. Gui Xiang saw her two grandsons doing homework by the door, though they were more focused on poking and teasing each other, their books long forgotten on the ground.
Changshun noticed too, his temper flaring. He set the sack down, grabbed a switch, and stormed over.
At the social gathering, Liao Yuanjie approached Fan Juan, holding a fountain pen.
"Comrade Fan Juan, my name is Liao Yuanjie. I’m 1.8 meters tall, don’t smoke or gamble, and have no bad habits. After marriage, my entire allowance can be handed over to you. I—I know about your work. Even after marriage, you can continue doing what you love. If you agree, please accept this."
Liao Yuanjie’s ears burned as he finished speaking. He’d rehearsed this for so long—why did he still stumble over his words?
Fan Juan was momentarily stunned. The event had just begun, with everyone mingling and introducing themselves to those they fancied. She had been mentally preparing for the next part of the program when she was suddenly confronted with a confession.
"Xiao Fan, come here—my oversight, my oversight. Leave the rest to me."
Fan Juan’s superior stepped in with a smile, taking the microphone from her hands.
"I remember you," Fan Juan said.
With her task now handed off, she let it go.
"You were the one who saw me off when I returned to the country."
"Yes."
Liao Yuanjie nodded.
"My work keeps me very busy, and I may have to travel frequently. If we marry, I likely won’t be able to follow you to your post. Also, I don’t plan on having children for at least three years. My career has just begun."
Fan Juan didn’t outright reject him.
"Being a military spouse is tough. You have your own career—it’d be a shame for you to give that up just to follow me. As for children, there’s no rush. We’re still young. My family only has my father left—no one will pressure you. My sisters are all married, so you’d be in charge at home."
Liao Yuanjie responded without hesitation.
Fan Juan nearly laughed. She had been trying to tactfully dissuade him, yet here he was, not only undeterred but even offering her authority in the household.
"Are you sure? As the only son in your family, they might not agree. The women here today are all wonderful. Maybe you should reconsider?"
She decided to be more direct.
"So if my family agrees, Comrade Fan Juan, would you be willing to become my revolutionary partner?"
Liao Yuanjie’s eyes lit up, his gaze intense as he looked at her.
Fan Juan hesitated under his stare, finding it harder to refuse again.
"What do you see in me?"
She couldn’t help but ask. Liao Yuanjie held a respectable rank, was tall and well-built, and though his skin was weathered, it didn’t detract from his strong, handsome features.
Liao Yuanjie scratched his head.
"You’re different—driven, persistent. Being a military wife isn’t easy, but if… if something ever happened to me, I know you’d carry on. Like Sister Qin, you’re someone who shines."
Fan Juan had never been called "someone who shines" before.
"Then let’s wait until your family agrees. Marriage isn’t just about us—children matter. I don’t want a life full of petty conflicts. Since you say you support my career, I trust you understand that."
Fan Juan chose to remain diplomatic. After all, he was a soldier deserving of respect, and even if things didn’t work out between them, he deserved someone good.
"Will you at least accept this pen?"
Liao Yuanjie held it out.
"I didn’t bring a gift for you."
Fan Juan eyed the pen—it was engraved.
"You can give me something next time."
Insistent, Liao Yuanjie pushed it into her hand. Fan Juan relented, figuring she could return it later.
She was clear-headed. While her words had been a gentle refusal, they were also the truth—she wouldn’t sacrifice her career for marriage.
"May I have this dance?"
Liao Yuanjie seized the opportunity.
To avoid stepping on her feet, he had even practiced—though his movements were stiff and mechanical, he didn’t make a single misstep.
Fan Juan found herself softening slightly toward him.
"Nian, do you think Old Liao has a chance?"
Shen Xianjun had returned just in time to witness Liao Yuanjie’s awkward but determined efforts. The man had even dragged him into practicing—only to end up this rigid when it counted.
"Who knows? That’s up to them. It’s best not to meddle in matters of the heart."
Qin Nian observed the pair. The atmosphere wasn’t bad, but it was clear Liao Yuanjie was the one driving things forward.
"I wasn’t planning to interfere. It’s just… the Old Chief worries about him the most, so I’m keeping an eye out."
"Mom’s helping at the noodle shop. Once this is over, let’s go lend her a hand."
Qin Nian changed the subject.
"Sure, whatever you say."
Shen Xianjun didn’t object.
"Oh—my allowance. Almost forgot."
He dug into his pockets.
"Got it. Do you still have spending money?"
Qin Nian accepted the bills.
"That’s everything."
Shen Xianjun might as well have raised his hand and sworn an oath.
