"Auntie, I can manage the shop by myself. Why don’t you head back first?" Xianglian quickly spoke up.
"No rush. Cooking at home will take a while anyway. I can’t just leave you here alone. You’ve been here for so long, and I still haven’t invited you over for a meal. Let’s go together later—you should meet everyone properly."
Yang Yufen’s hands never stopped moving, the knife chopping rhythmically against the cutting board.
"I—I really shouldn’t impose. It’s too much trouble for you." Xianglian flushed with embarrassment.
"What trouble? We live so close. You ought to know where the house is, at least."
"Exactly! In case anything comes up in the future, you’ll know where to find us." Aunt Wang chimed in.
Once Shen Xianjun returned with groceries and took the children away, the noodle shop grew busy again.
Meanwhile, Liao Yuanjie pedaled his bicycle as fast as he could to the military family compound.
"Dad, I’m here to see you!"
Army Commander Liao was leading a group of children through military-style exercises when the sudden shout nearly startled him.
"What’s gotten into you today?"
He let the kids continue practicing on their own and led Liao Yuanjie to a stone table nearby, where they both sat down.
"You didn’t mess up somehow, did you? You’re acting strange."
No sooner had they taken their seats than Army Commander Liao spoke up, already mentally calculating whether his old bones could handle cleaning up after his son’s latest blunder.
"Do you really think that little of me? I came to tell you—I’ve found someone I like. Weren’t you always nagging me to settle down?"
"You, of all people? Finally sprouting feelings? And she actually likes you back? What does she do? No, never mind that—as long as she’s decent. What are her conditions?"
Army Commander Liao’s excitement was palpable.
"Her character is beyond reproach. Not only is she beautiful, but she’s also incredibly accomplished—so talented that both the Foreign Ministry and the Economic Ministry are fighting over her. It’s just that…"
Before Liao Yuanjie could finish, his father cut him off.
"Quit spinning tales. A girl like that would never settle for you. Are you just here to mess with your old man? Get out of here. If you’re not giving me a grandchild, don’t waste my time."
Army Commander Liao waved him off dismissively.
Liao Yuanjie blinked. The old man wasn’t easy to fool. No—he couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. Strike while the iron’s hot, or it’s all for nothing.
"It’s not that I don’t want to marry. There really is such a woman—you might even know her. Her name is Fan Juan. She studied abroad with Comrade Qin Nian. I was smitten the moment I saw her. Today, at the social event, she was the host."
Liao Yuanjie hurried to get to the point.
"Fan Juan? You’re serious?"
Army Commander Liao’s hand, mid-shove, froze.
"You really have feelings for her?"
His brows furrowed.
"Yes. But she turned me down—politely, of course. Said she wants to focus on her career and contribute to society. She mentioned that military marriages are tough, with both parties too busy for family life. Honestly, I get it. Being a military spouse is honorable, but it’s also hard. I shouldn’t drag her into that."
"Now you’re thinking about consequences? Weren’t you always so carefree before? But she’s right—she’s too good for you. A woman like her, having come this far… it’s no surprise she’d hesitate. But I can tell you’re head over heels."
Army Commander Liao did feel a pang of guilt toward his youngest son. Seeing the determination in his eyes, he couldn’t help but hope things would work out.
"Exactly. Fan Juan even set a condition to make me back off—said she doesn’t plan on having kids for at least three years.
Three years? With my job, it’s not like kids just appear on demand. It’s not like chickens laying eggs. I don’t want my child growing up like I did. At least I had my sisters looking out for me. But my own kid…"
"Enough, enough. Stop hinting at me. Just tell me what you want your old man to do. We’ve got some savings. I’m fine living here—the house is already in your name anyway. As for kids, that’s your business. You think I’d hold a knife to your throat?"
Army Commander Liao could read between the lines.
"Really? You’d agree to anything? What if I don’t want kids at all?"
"Are you out of your mind?"
Army Commander Liao’s eyes bulged.
"Five years. At least let me die in peace. If it comes to it, you can hire a nanny—I’ll cover the cost."
He gritted his teeth, mentally tallying his savings and salary.
"Six. I’m still young. If I don’t get promoted by then, I can step back and focus on family. I don’t want my kid growing up without parents like I did."
"Six? You think climbing the ranks is as easy as it was in my day? Fine, fine. At least if you get married, I can face your mother’s spirit with a clear conscience."
Despite his words, Army Commander Liao kept his gaze fixed on his son, seeing the hope flickering in his eyes.
"One thing I’ll say—I do hope you have children someday. Not because of legacy or anything. But as soldiers, we never know when our time’s up. Hell, your old man was even a live-in son-in-law—took your grandpa’s surname."
Liao Yuanjie was stunned. This was the first he’d heard of it.
"Dad, how come I never knew?"
"Times were chaotic back then. I saved your grandpa from the Japs, and he said his family needed a son-in-law. If I was willing to marry in, it was a done deal. Back then, survival was hard enough. Only a fool would pass up a wife falling from the sky."
Army Commander Liao’s voice softened as he remembered his late father-in-law—how the man had not only given him his daughter’s hand but also donated everything he had to buy medicine and supplies for the troops.
And his wife… gentle yet unyielding. While he was off fighting, she bore him three daughters and a son. Even when captured by the enemy and used as leverage, she never uttered a word. He had failed her, and her father.
Maybe he’d spoiled his son too much. But back then, his duty to the people always came first. Family had to wait.
Liao Yuanjie stayed silent, thinking of his three sisters. Their family had never favored sons over daughters—his father treated them all the same.
"Dad, let’s not dwell on the past. I brought a roast duck. It’s been ages since we visited Aunt Yang. How about we drop by for dinner tonight? Fan Juan will be there too."
Liao Yuanjie hadn’t forgotten his real agenda.
"So that’s why you suddenly turned over a new leaf—bringing gifts and all. You had an ulterior motive."
Army Commander Liao had smelled the roast duck the moment his son arrived. He’d thought it was for him.
