The System: "Host, why didn't you collect any dislike points earlier when there were so many people around?"
Shen Nanchu: "Dislike points? They're just numbers. System, you’re so shallow."
The shallow System: "..."
Shen Nanchu: "Do you know why everyone likes raising pigs?"
System: "To slaughter and eat them when they grow big!"
Shen Nanchu: "Exactly."
She wouldn’t just attend meetings in this town once—there would be more opportunities.
Scraping a measly one or two points from each person wasn’t worth the effort.
A sly glint flashed in Shen Nanchu’s eyes.
Better to raise piglets.
Wait until they’re fully grown, then harvest a big batch all at once.
Right now, these little piglets were all laughing at Wang Family Village. What could be more satisfying than watching Wang Family Village trample them underfoot?
Just the thought of being buried under a mountain of dislike points sent a thrill through Shen Nanchu.
Hahaha~~~
Back in Wang Family Village, Shen Nanchu was summoned by Pei's Mother and Grandma Pei.
"Xiao Chu, do you know what day it is next Wednesday?"
Pei's Mother smiled warmly.
What day?
Shen Nanchu’s mind went blank.
National Day? A holiday?
Not yet!
"I knew you wouldn’t remember."
Pei's Mother looked smug, as if she’d predicted it.
"Next Wednesday is Zhengnian’s birthday."
The male lead’s birthday? How would she know?
Shen Nanchu didn’t even remember her own birthday.
"Your mother and I were thinking you could represent the family and visit Zhengnian that day."
Grandma Pei was seizing the opportunity to give the young couple more time together.
Though they were already legally married and Shen Nanchu was carrying his child, Grandma Pei felt their relationship still lacked intimacy.
Without overthinking it, Shen Nanchu nodded in agreement.
"Fine, I’ll go ‘comfort’ him on behalf of the family next Wednesday."
A mischievous glint sparkled in Grandma Pei’s eyes.
"Then you’ll also prepare a birthday gift for him on behalf of the family!"
"It’s settled."
Pei's Mother cut off any chance for refusal, sealing the decision.
Cornered, Shen Nanchu sighed. "Alright."
Luckily, she already had the perfect gift in mind.
Something that matched Pei Zhengnian’s tastes perfectly—she was certain he’d love it.
"Oh, I called the military base this morning. Zhengnian will be stationed there for a while. You should go quietly and surprise him."
Grandma Pei had arranged everything flawlessly.
Is that so?
Shen Nanchu had no objections—in fact, she felt a flicker of excitement.
A new location meant fresh opportunities to farm dislike points.
The villagers of Wang Family Village were already used to her antics. Even when she provoked them, she barely scraped any points nowadays.
Time to expand her business elsewhere!
Military bases had plenty of wives—gossipy ones, no less.
Shen Nanchu was determined to make the most of this visit.
Grandma Pei watched Shen Nanchu’s thoughtful expression with satisfaction.
"Xiao Chu, come with me."
Shen Nanchu followed Grandma Pei into her room.
The elderly woman opened her suitcase, lifting out the top layer of clothes before retrieving a piece of patterned cotton fabric from the bottom.
She laid it on the bed and carefully unfolded it.
A dazzling red instantly caught Shen Nanchu’s eye.
Wow—premium silk!
"Take a look. Do you like it?"
Shen Nanchu ran her fingers over the fabric. Smooth, cool, and impossibly luxurious.
"I love it."
"This silk was something I hid away secretly."
This red silk was one of the few remaining heirlooms from Grandma Pei’s dowry.
Originally, she had intended to save it for Pei Yunxi’s wedding.
But then Shen Nanchu and Pei Zhengnian ended up married.
And after witnessing everything Shen Nanchu had done for the Pei family, Grandma Pei’s heart softened.
Some things didn’t need to be said.
Some feelings didn’t need words.
"I wish I could’ve made you a qipao with this."
Grandma Pei sighed wistfully.
"But since that’s not possible, I sewed matching sleepwear for you and Zhengnian. You can wear it at home."
She winked playfully.
"Well? What do you think?"
Shen Nanchu picked up her set.
The red slip dress had delicate spaghetti straps and a slightly plunging neckline. The matching robe was loose and straight-cut, with flared sleeves and a sash tied at the waist.
The fabric was feather-light, impossibly soft against her skin.
Sleeping in this would be heavenly.
Shen Nanchu couldn’t put it down.
As for Pei Zhengnian’s set? She barely spared it a glance.
"Consider this my wedding gift to you and Zhengnian."
Grandma Pei grinned impishly.
"And since I’m shameless, I’ll also count it as Zhengnian’s birthday present."
Shen Nanchu didn’t overthink it.
"Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ll make sure he gets it—and personally watch him put it on."
Red was perfect.
Bright, bold, and full of energy.
---
Dalian Military Base
The sun scorched the training grounds.
Rows of shirtless soldiers stood in formation, their bronzed backs glistening with sweat under the blazing heat.
At the front stood Pei Zhengnian—broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted, his muscles sharply defined like carved steel. Beads of sweat trickled down his chiseled abdomen, splashing onto the sizzling ground.
"One! Two! Three!"
His voice boomed as he led the push-ups, each motion powerful and precise, his body taut as tempered metal.
With their captain pushing himself so hard, how could the soldiers hold back?
"One! Two! Three!"
The training grounds echoed with their synchronized shouts.
A group of female soldiers passed by, their cheeks flushing pink as their eyes darted toward the scene.
They were performers from the city’s cultural troupe, here for a morale-boosting show.
Since when were the soldiers at Dalian Base this impressive?
Especially the one leading them!
Tang Lina’s gaze lingered on Pei Zhengnian.
Not only was his physique outstanding, but his face was unfairly handsome too.
"Lina, want me to ask my husband to find out who that is?"
Pan Yue teased.
"You’re awful!"
Tang Lina’s blush deepened, spreading down her neck.
"But do ask him for me."
Pan Yue rarely saw the usually aloof Tang Lina take an interest in anyone.
"Don’t worry, I’ve got you."
Pan Yue worked fast. Soon, she returned with intel.
"Well? What did you find?" Tang Lina asked eagerly.
Pan Yue hesitated.
"Uh… Lina, Pei Zhengnian is already married. Maybe pick someone else?"
What?
Tang Lina froze as if struck by lightning.
Pan Yue continued carefully.
"From what I heard, his marriage was arranged by his family."
"They had the wedding a while ago and only recently registered it."
Tang Lina’s shock slowly gave way to disdain.
"Another village wife, then."
"What a waste of a good man."
