Yang Yufen was coaxing her two grandsons when she noticed her daughter-in-law stealing glances at her, not sparing a single look for Shen Xianjun. She couldn’t help but sigh quietly under her breath.
Some men were just hopeless—even a ready-made "bitter flesh" act couldn’t earn a shred of attention from their own wives.
"Nian, I just remembered there’s something I forgot to buy. I’ll go get it. You stay here with the kids and wait for me. I’ll be back soon."
Yang Yufen stood up. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to take the children with her, but she worried that without them, the atmosphere between the couple would grow even more awkward. So she left the kids behind.
As she stepped out of the hospital room, she made sure to close the door behind her.
She lingered outside for a moment, listening. The only sound from inside was Shen Xianjun slurping his noodles noisily.
"Eat, eat, eat—that’s all he’s good for," Yang Yufen muttered under her breath before walking away.
"It’d be even better with a bit more vinegar," Shen Xianjun remarked after finishing both the noodles and the broth.
Qin Nian looked up at him.
"Your injury means you shouldn’t have vinegar," she couldn’t help saying.
"Oh. You’ve had a hard time, huh? My mom’s temper isn’t the best. You’ve put up with a lot, haven’t you?"
Shen Xianjun had noticed earlier how Qin Nian kept watching his mother’s expression, too afraid to even speak.
"No, Mom’s been very kind."
"I know. You don’t have to defend her. That’s just how she is. About the kids… I didn’t know. I’m sorry."
Shen Xianjun offered what he thought was comfort, followed by an apology.
Qin Nian felt she had been perfectly clear, yet this man seemed utterly clueless.
An apology? What for? Did he think the children weren’t his?
"Here, take this. I owe you an apology—leaving you alone right after we got married. The kids are my responsibility too."
After a moment’s hesitation, Shen Xianjun pulled out the thicker of two envelopes and handed it to Qin Nian. He was a family man now, with children to provide for. Supporting his household came first. He’d skip giving his mother a share this time—his military allowance would cover her later.
Qin Nian stared at the money in her hand, recalling her mother-in-law’s words. She had been about to refuse but decided to take it after all.
"Shouldn’t this money go to Mom?"
At least he acknowledged the children, Qin Nian thought to herself.
"Not this time. Mom already called the political officer to arrange for part of my monthly allowance to go toward her retirement. Don’t be upset about that—she raised me all on her own."
Shen Xianjun spoke without noticing the shadow that crossed Qin Nian’s face.
"Providing for Mom’s retirement is only right," Qin Nian said flatly.
"Yeah. By the way, are Dabao and Erbao their real names?"
Finally, Shen Xianjun remembered the children.
"No, those are nicknames. Mom said they’re still young, so we’ll use those for now. Dabao’s real name is Li Wu, and Erbao’s is Li Wen."
Qin Nian’s expression softened slightly.
"Good names. Don’t take Mom’s old-fashioned ways to heart. Folks in the village say humble names help kids grow up strong."
The moment the words left his mouth, Qin Nian’s face darkened again.
Yang Yufen returned just in time to hear that last remark. She pushed the door open sharply.
"Oh, so you’re saying your grandma’s stubborn insistence on calling you ‘Dog Egg’ was me giving you a ‘humble name’ when I changed it to ‘Iron Egg’? Dabao and Erbao are my precious grandsons! Nian, you have work tomorrow—you need rest. And the kids have school. Let’s go."
Without waiting for a response, Yang Yufen snapped the lunchbox shut, motioned for Qin Nian to take the children, and stormed out.
"Mom, don’t be upset. It’s not good for your health," Qin Nian said gently, hurrying after her with the kids in tow.
Only when they reached the car did Qin Nian speak again.
"Sorry you had to see that. Back then, his grandma insisted on calling him ‘Dog Egg.’ His father was sickly from childhood, and Shen Xianjun was the family’s only hope. I fought to change it to ‘Iron Egg’ and didn’t get him a proper name—Shen Xianjun—until he was ten and starting school."
Yang Yfen didn’t want Qin Nian misunderstanding, so she explained.
"Mom, I know. And I was the one who started calling them Dabao and Erbao anyway. Here, he gave me this earlier."
Qin Nian pressed the envelope into Yang Yufen’s hands, hoping to lift her spirits.
"If he gave it to you, you keep it. I can earn my own money. Come on, let’s go home before it gets dark."
Yang Yufen’s temper flared quickly but faded just as fast.
Back in the hospital room, Shen Xianjun scratched his head. What had he even said to set his mother off again? Ah well. Getting scolded was nothing new.
The fruit Yang Yufen had bought earlier was now gone—she’d taken it with her. No point wasting good food on him.
"Nian, focus on your work. You’ve seen him—he’s not dying. The doctor said he’ll be discharged in a few days. No need to worry."
Yang Yufen was genuinely afraid her useless son would scare off her wonderful daughter-in-law. Average looks were one thing, but why did he have to open his mouth and make it worse?
"Alright, Mom. Thank you for everything."
Qin Nian didn’t dwell on it. She needed time to process the fact that her husband wasn’t dead and was coming home.
The next morning, Shen Xianjun didn’t get a visit from his mother. Instead, Zhang Lingling arrived with Zhang Zhiyuan and a few other comrades.
Zhang Lingling bustled around, pouring water for everyone like the lady of the house.
"Brother Shen, have some fruit. I peeled it for you. It’s good for your recovery. Oh, it’s almost mealtime—I’ll go get your food from the cafeteria."
Though it was her day off, Zhang Lingling had come to the hospital dressed in a yellow sundress, her face lightly powdered.
"Zhang Zhiyuan, your sister’s a gem. Sure you won’t consider me as a brother-in-law?"
Someone teased, sparking laughter. In the army, even a plain woman seemed like a beauty, let alone someone as pretty and capable as Zhang Lingling.
"Back off. Hands off my sister," Zhang Zhiyuan retorted, shrugging off the hand on his shoulder.
"We all thought you were dead for a while there. Mourned you and everything. Then we hear you’re alive—only to find out you’re dying again! You really know how to scare people. Even the King of Hell doesn’t want you."
Their camaraderie meant no topic was off-limits.
"Didn’t plan it that way. Just doing my duty. Any soldier would’ve done the same. Once I’m better, drinks are on me."
"Lingling, isn’t today your day off? That dress looks lovely on you!"
A nurse at the station greeted her.
"Yeah, I came with my brother to visit Brother Shen. They’re comrades."
"Oh, your brother the platoon leader is here?"
The nurse’s eyes lit up.
"Yep. I’d better hurry to the cafeteria before the good food runs out."
Zhang Lingling lifted her chin slightly and walked off with the food container.
"Go ahead."
Yang Yufen arrived at the hospital carrying a lunchbox. Disappointed in her son or not, blood was blood.
As she approached the room, she spotted a crowd of men in military uniforms inside.
