The cafeteria buzzed with noise, packed with soldiers lining up for food during the peak lunch hour. The moment Pei Zhengnian walked in with Shen Nanchu, the clamor abruptly died down.
Shen Nanchu wore a pale blue dress today, her skin as fair as snow, her face more delicate than a flower. Amidst a sea of sun-tanned men in military-green camouflage, she stood out like a celestial maiden descending to earth.
The soldiers immediately recognized her identity when they saw her beside Pei Zhengnian. Standing ramrod straight, they greeted her one after another,
"Hello, sister-in-law!"
Shen Nanchu didn’t blush—she nodded gracefully with a smile. "Hello, everyone."
Her gaze swept across the room, leaving countless young soldiers red-faced.
Pei Zhengnian pulled Shen Nanchu to a corner table.
"Keep a low profile," he muttered under his breath.
Shen Nanchu blinked. "I only said three words. Isn’t that low-key enough?"
"Besides, I was born looking like this."
"I can’t exactly change my face!"
Pei Zhengnian had no retort. Helpless against her mischievous grin, he could only sigh and go fetch their meals.
Even seated in the corner, Shen Nanchu remained the center of attention.
At the cafeteria entrance, a group of girls from the cultural troupe filed in. Normally, their arrival would stir up a commotion.
Today, however, not even a ripple of excitement followed them.
When Tang Lina spotted Shen Nanchu in the corner, she understood why.
Honestly, Tang Lina was stunned by Shen Nanchu’s beauty at first glance—her flawless porcelain skin, exquisite features, and perfect figure, exuding elegance even in casual repose.
Even Tang Lina, the prized flower of the cultural troupe, paled in comparison.
A surge of jealousy rose in Tang Lina’s heart.
[Dislike Value +5]
Who’s come looking for trouble now?
Shen Nanchu scanned the room and locked eyes with Tang Lina’s envious glare.
Oh?
Jealous of her looks?
Green with envy, huh?
Shen Nanchu flashed Tang Lina a radiant smile.
[Dislike Value +10]
Tang Lina found that smile unbearably dazzling, especially with everyone around them staring.
"Who is that woman?"
Pan Yue thought for a moment.
"I just heard from my husband that Company Commander Pei’s wife is visiting."
"Could she be…?"
"Impossible."
Before Pan Yue could finish, Tang Lina cut her off.
"Pei Zhengnian’s marriage was arranged by his family."
"That one over there is probably his wife."
Pan Yue followed Tang Lina’s gaze to a plainly dressed, sun-darkened woman wolfing down her food.
After a moment’s thought, Pan Yue figured Tang Lina might be right.
The next second—
Pei Zhengnian returned with their food and sat beside the stunning woman in the pale blue dress.
Slap! Slap!
(￣ε(#￣)
(￣ε(#￣)
Talk about a quick face-smacking.
[Dislike Value +15]
Pan Yue hesitated. "Don’t worry, Lina. I heard Pei’s wife is an educated youth sent to the countryside—life must’ve been hard for her."
"Really?"
Tang Lina regained a shred of confidence.
She was the cultural troupe’s star, a full-time employee with parents in the military.
What use was a woman with just looks?
Compared to her, that woman was nothing.
Adjusting her uniform collar, Tang Lina strode proudly toward Pei Zhengnian and Shen Nanchu.
Pan Yue hurried after her.
"Company Commander Pei, long time no see." Tang Lina’s voice dripped sweetness, but her eyes stayed fixed on Shen Nanchu. "And this is…?"
Before Pei Zhengnian could speak, Shen Nanchu cheerfully cut in.
"Hello, I’m Pei Zhengnian’s wife, Shen Nanchu."
She emphasized the word wife deliberately.
This Tang Lina was eyeing Pei Zhengnian like a starving wolf spotting fresh meat.
Might as well infuriate her.
[Dislike Value+15]
Tang Lina’s smile stiffened.
She scrutinized Shen Nanchu, searching for flaws, but found none—her beauty and poise were impeccable.
No matter. Just some rural-educated youth.
How could she compare?
"Comrade Shen, I’m Tang Lina from the cultural troupe."
"What do you do for work?" Tang Lina feigned warmth. "Marrying a hero like Company Commander Pei, you must be exceptional, right?"
Shen Nanchu sipped her soup leisurely. "Nothing serious—just lazing around at home."
Tang Lina’s eyes flickered with disdain. "Then Company Commander Pei must work very hard to support the family?"
"Hard?"
Shen Nanchu turned to Pei Zhengnian in mock confusion.
"Husband, do you find it hard?"
"Not at all."
Pei Zhengnian didn’t dare say otherwise—Shen Nanchu’s hand was already resting threateningly on his waist.
"Exactly. Raising a delicate flower like me must be pure bliss for him!"
Shen Nanchu leaned against Pei Zhengnian’s shoulder, radiating happiness.
Toolman Pei Zhengnian: "…"
[Dislike Value+18]
Shen Nanchu was stunned.
A realization dawned on her.
"System, do I earn higher dislike values if the target is someone connected to the male lead?"
The system checked. "Correct, Host."
Shen Nanchu’s excitement soared.
Come on, girl.
She couldn’t wait.
Unaware of Shen Nanchu’s sharpened fangs, Tang Lina seethed, determined to teach her a lesson tonight.
"Comrade Shen, you must get bored at home. Why not join us for the cultural troupe’s performance tonight?"
"Sure." Shen Nanchu smiled innocently. "But I might be busy—keeping my husband company."
"After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder."
She wrapped her arm around Pei Zhengnian’s. "Right, husband?"
Pei Zhengnian nearly choked on his food.
He shot her a warning glare, only to receive a playful wink in return.
Tang Lina’s face darkened further.
[Dislike Value+20]
"Still, since Comrade Tang is so enthusiastic, I’ll make time to grace the show tonight!"
Shen Nanchu sounded utterly reluctant.
"Husband, let’s endure the performance together!"
"I’m afraid the show might flop without an audience."
"Better lend some support!"
…
