The next day,
Shen Nanchu was refreshed and full of energy, while Pei Zhengnian had dark circles under his eyes.
During morning drills, Pei Zhengnian attracted quite a few curious glances.
Xiong Lei and Zhao Qiang, bold as ever, even dared to crack jokes about him right to his face.
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder—look at our company commander, so lovesick he couldn’t sleep all night after seeing his wife," Xiong Lei teased with a cheeky grin.
"Exactly! Our commander’s still young. Youth has its perks—strong back, healthy kidneys, and endless stamina," Zhao Qiang chimed in, laughing.
Only Chen Kai and Sun Xuelin kept their mouths tightly shut, staring straight ahead without a word.
Pei Zhengnian didn’t respond, merely giving Xiong Lei and Zhao Qiang a meaningful look.
Later during training, the two found themselves in a living nightmare, regretting their earlier audacity.
……
Back in the guesthouse room,
Shen Nanchu was still asleep.
The sound of a key turning in the lock came from the door.
Her brow furrowed briefly before smoothing out again.
Pei Zhengnian had brought breakfast from the canteen. Setting it down quietly on the table, he sat and waited for her to wake.
Morning light slipped through the gap in the curtains, casting a glow on Shen Nanchu’s face.
Strands of hair clung messily to her neck, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. A faint smile curved her lips, and her bare shoulder, peeking out from under the blanket, shimmered softly in the dawn light.
Pei Zhengnian’s gaze grew increasingly tender as he watched her, his eyes practically dripping with affection.
This woman—when she was quiet and not talking—was actually quite lovely.
Meanwhile, Shen Nanchu, who was pretending to sleep, did something utterly childish.
"System, time this for me. Let’s see how long the male lead can stay mesmerized by my stunning beauty."
The system replied, "...Understood, Host."
Seconds ticked by.
Less than thirty seconds later—
Smack!
A sharp sound cut through the silence.
Pei Zhengnian clapped his hands together, killing a mosquito mid-flight.
From then on, it was as if he’d discovered a new calling.
He began hunting down every mosquito in the room—not swatting, but catching them.
Shen Nanchu: "..."
The system: "..."
After a thoughtful pause,
the system decided to console its host. "Well... maybe the male lead just really dislikes mosquitoes."
Shen Nanchu’s lips twitched. "Sure. Mosquitoes are clearly the priority here."
With a leisurely stretch, she "woke up" and greeted the new day.
"You’re awake?" Pei Zhengnian noticed her stirring.
"Mhm." Shen Nanchu yawned.
Her dress had been changed—Pei Zhengnian had helped her into a simple cotton nightgown the evening before.
Today, she was returning to Wang Family Village, so she changed into a pink blouse paired with white cotton trousers.
Her long black hair was tied into a high ponytail, slightly tousled for a carefree look.
Youthful and radiant.
The military canteen offered a variety of breakfast options—steamed buns, dumplings, plain congee, eggs, flatbread...
Worried she might not like certain items, Pei Zhengnian had bought a bit of everything.
By the time Shen Nanchu finished washing up, he had already peeled the eggs for her.
Without fuss, she took the chopsticks he handed her and started eating.
"I’ll take you back later, then return to base."
Pei Zhengnian had already planned to ask Tian Chengyi for half a day’s leave.
He just needed to be back by evening.
"No need."
Shen Nanchu refused outright.
"Just drop me off at Liuan Town."
"I’ll take the bus back from there."
This wasn’t out of consideration for Pei Zhengnian—she simply wanted to travel alone to rack up some "dislike points."
A bus ride was perfect for that!
Plenty of people, plenty of opportunities.
After all, she didn’t get out much—no way she’d waste this chance.
Sticking with Pei Zhengnian? Not a single opportunity in sight.
Wang Family Village still needed more rabbit stock, and Shen Nanchu was determined to make progress.
Pei Zhengnian hadn’t expected to be rejected.
His slight disappointment vanished the next moment when her words warmed his heart.
"Focus on your duties at the base. Aim for that promotion."
That way, Shen Nanchu could laze around sooner!
"Got it. Don’t worry."
A surge of warmth filled Pei Zhengnian’s chest.
At least this woman had a conscience, showing some concern for him.
After breakfast, Pei Zhengnian personally drove Shen Nanchu to Liuan Town.
He didn’t leave until her bus had pulled away, only then heading back to the military district.
……
Today’s bus was packed—sardines in a tin had more breathing room.
Shen Nanchu had boarded early and snagged an aisle seat.
Not long after departure,
an older woman beside her suddenly let out an exaggerated "Aiyo!" and plopped down, squeezing into Shen Nanchu’s space.
"Sweetie, mind scooching over? My legs aren’t what they used to be."
The woman smiled kindly, but her hips showed no such courtesy, shoving aggressively.
Well, well. An opportunity already?
Shen Nanchu didn’t budge.
"Auntie, your legs might be weak, but your hips seem plenty lively."
The woman’s face stiffened before she wailed,
"Oh, the youth these days! No sympathy at all!"
"An old lady like me, struggling with bags, and you won’t even spare some seat?"
Passengers began murmuring, some shooting disapproving looks.
[Dislike Points +1]
[Dislike Points +1]
[Dislike Points +1]
……
Unfazed, Shen Nanchu pulled out a handful of sunflower seeds and started cracking them, ignoring the drama.
Undeterred, the woman clutched her lower back with another dramatic groan.
"My poor spine... standing too long kills me... girl, have a heart, spare some seat for your elders..."
The bus erupted in chatter—
"Kids these days, no manners."
"Just give up the seat, what’s the big deal?"
"Pretty face, cold heart..."
[Dislike Points +1]
[Dislike Points +1]
[Dislike Points +1]
……
Shen Nanchu’s lips curled. Suddenly, she gasped, doubling over while clutching her stomach.
"Oh no... I... I’m carsick..."
The woman froze. "W-what are you doing?"
Shen Nanchu lifted her head weakly, eyes glistening.
"Auntie... I’m pregnant... the doctor said it’s a difficult pregnancy, I can’t stand for long..."
The bus exploded.
"Oh heavens! A pregnant woman!"
"Move, move! Give her space!"
"Shame on you, auntie, bullying an expectant mother!"
The woman’s face turned green. "Sh-she’s lying! She was just eating seeds!"
Shen Nanchu "feebly" pressed a hand to her forehead. "Auntie... how could you... I eat seeds to curb nausea..." She fake-gagged twice for effect.
The entire bus glared at the older woman, who trembled with rage.
"You—you’re making this up!"
……
