When they arrived at Wangshan Village, the Nan family was out working in the fields and not home. Nan Sheng had a key, so she simply unlocked the door and went inside.
Lin Han, eager to make a good impression, decided to head to the fields to relieve his mother-in-law of her work and take over the labor himself. Nan Sheng paid him no mind, but soon enough, Zhong Yanyan returned—only to march straight toward the chicken coop with a cleaver in hand.
Nan Sheng called after her, "Mom, we only have one egg-laying hen left. If you kill it now, what will we eat for the New Year?"
Zhong Yanyan brushed her daughter off. "My son-in-law is back—what’s wrong with killing a chicken for him? And you, why did you let him buy so many things? Did you want him to propose all over again?"
Scolded like this, Nan Sheng didn’t dare interfere further.
They say a mother-in-law grows fonder of her son-in-law the more she sees him, and today, Nan Sheng finally witnessed it firsthand.
By noon, Nan Jingyu and the others returned, all in high spirits, clearly having gotten along well.
Mingli, spotting the stewed hen on the table, praised Zhong Yanyan for her generosity, while Lin Han looked a little embarrassed by the fuss.
Six dishes were laid out, including chicken, fish, and pork—proof of how highly the Nan family regarded their new son-in-law.
Zhong Yanyan picked out a large drumstick for Lin Han, then split the other one between her two grandchildren. Mingli and Nan Sheng exchanged a glance and couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.
So, from now on, neither of them would get a drumstick?
Well, it was Mingli who truly missed out, because Lin Han immediately placed his drumstick into Nan Sheng’s bowl. "Mom, I’ll eat anything. Nan Sheng works hard taking care of the kids at home—she should have more."
He spoke exactly what was on his mind, and the sincerity of his words left Nan Sheng’s parents thoroughly pleased.
Especially since he addressed them as "Dad" and "Mom"—so much more heartwarming than the usual "Uncle" and "Aunt" used by most sons-in-law in the village. The way the villagers looked at the couple today was full of envy.
In the afternoon, the Nan family had to return to work, so everyone kept the drinking light. Nan Jingyu patted his son-in-law’s shoulder in approval.
"Work hard. I’m entrusting my daughter to you. But if you ever treat her poorly, no matter how high-ranking you become, I’ll bring her back the same way she was sent to you!"
Lin Han gave his parents-in-law a solemn promise.
"Dad, Mom, as a divorced man, marrying Nan Sheng is a blessing for me. You have my word—I’ll never let her suffer, nor will I allow anyone to mistreat her. I swear this on my honor as a soldier!"
After spending half a day together, Nan Jingyu could tell his son-in-law wasn’t one for empty words. He had already proven himself through actions—hardworking, humble, and trustworthy.
After the meal, the family of four prepared to leave.
Nan Sheng suggested, "Should we buy something for your parents in town?"
Lin Han declined. He had already treated them to a meal yesterday, and besides, he sent them monthly support.
Back home, everyone was thirsty, so Nan Sheng washed four apples and handed one to each.
Lin Han tried to refuse, wanting to save his for his wife and children, but Nan Sheng shoved it into his hand. "You need to break this habit. Our family is doing fine—stop depriving yourself."
Lin Han listened quietly, not arguing, savoring the sweetness of the apple.
That evening, Siqi suddenly grabbed her little pillow, ready to leave. Nan Sheng tried to stop her. "Sweetheart, your dad’s leaving tomorrow—won’t you stay and spend time with him?"
Yes, the leave was painfully short, most of it wasted on travel. Yet Lin Han had still come home.
Siqi glanced between her parents, then remembered her brother’s warning look, and scampered off without hesitation, her departure downright merciless.
Lin Han cleared his throat and asked softly, "Wife, I think one blanket will be enough for us tonight, right?"
A blatant hint!
Nan Sheng had principles—since she had taken another woman’s place as his wife, it wouldn’t be right to skip the "proper duties."
Five million vs. a handsome husband + son + daughter + parents and brother.
The choice was obvious—she’d rather stay.
But there was one condition she had to make clear.
"Lin Han, I don’t want to have children in the future. Can you accept that?"
Lin Han was taken aback. In situations like theirs, most second wives would rush to have a child to secure their position—why didn’t she want one?
"Wife, is it because you’re worried the kids won’t accept it?" He couldn’t think of another reason.
"No. I’m just afraid of childbirth. I don’t dare."
Raising someone else’s children only required doing her best, but with her own, she feared she couldn’t shoulder a lifetime of responsibility.
Nan Sheng knew her mindset wasn’t normal—shaped by her past—and she couldn’t change it.
Lin Han could tell she was speaking from the heart, so he shared his own thoughts honestly.
"I already have a son and daughter—whether we have more doesn’t matter. But you’re different. What if the kids grow distant later? You might regret it."
Nan Sheng smiled faintly. "I know. But biological children aren’t guaranteed to be filial either. This is my only condition. If you agree, we’ll make this marriage work."
Lin Han agreed without hesitation—not just out of duty.
Seeing her again, he had already begun developing feelings for Nan Sheng. If his wife wanted this, he’d respect it. They could always reconsider later if she changed her mind.
And if they never had another child, he’d make sure she never felt slighted.
"I agree!"
Both harbored affection for each other—she wasn’t coy, and he was even bolder. The last traces of shyness melted away under the cover of night, replaced by passion.
Had it not been Nan Sheng’s first time, Lin Han might not have stopped all night. Their long-overdue wedding night was finally fulfilled.
When Nan Sheng woke, breakfast was already prepared. Lin Han not only brought her porridge but also made her a bowl of brown sugar water to replenish her energy.
Her lips twitched at the sight—Lin Han was playing the perfect gentleman in daylight.
Now that they’d been intimate, their interactions carried a new warmth. After eating, Nan Sheng lazily ordered Lin Han to wash the dishes while she lounged.
Lin Han had brought a small military-green backpack with him. After cleaning up, he opened it to reveal nearly two hundred yuan inside.
With a hint of pride, he said, "Wife, I did well on my last mission, so the army gave me a bonus. Combined with my military academy stipend, this is all of it."
Nan Sheng left him fifty yuan. "Earning money is important, but so is your health. I’ve prepared ginseng wine for you—you can drink it when you come home for the New Year."
Lin Han spent the entire morning with a smile on his face.
Before leaving, he hugged the children first, then told Nan Sheng, "Wife, I’ll definitely be home for the New Year. If anything happens, call me immediately!"
Nan Sheng nodded with a smile. Still sore, she couldn’t prepare travel rations for him, so she packed all the pastries at home along with a jar of preserves.
Over the years, Lin Han had traveled frequently between the army and home, but this was the first time he carried such fine treats.
Now, more than ever, he longed to graduate from the military academy soon—so he could see his wife and children every day!
