Chapter 28: I'm Glad You Came Back Again

“Father, Mother, in half a month, you and Little Sister will head to the Northwest… When I took part in the military district competition, I won first place. The unit considered that I’d likely be transferred to the district in the future, so they reserved a house for me in the compound. You’ll go live there—it’ll make it easier for me and Little Sister to take care of you,” Lin You explained.

Lin Ling’s eyes lit up with joy. “Brother, are you serious?” But then she glanced at Xia Yan. This wasn’t just Lin You’s decision; it depended on Xia Yan’s opinion as well. Although Xia Yan had seemed welcoming when they first met, their acquaintance was recent, and Lin Ling didn’t truly know what kind of person she was.

Xia Yan, sitting quietly, was surprised—she hadn’t expected this man to be so secretive, quietly owning a house in the military compound.

Sensing Lin Ling’s gaze, Xia Yan smiled and nodded. “Uncle, Auntie, I think Lin You’s idea is a good one. When you move, it’ll be lively and convenient for all of us—especially when we hold the wedding.”

“But if we go, will your parents have any objections?” Lin’s mother hesitantly voiced her concern.

“My eldest brother and his wife live with my parents, along with their two children. They won’t mind at all, so you can go without worry,” Xia Yan assured them. She knew that even if she invited her own parents, they’d probably refuse to come.

With the matter settled, the meal finally continued in peace.

As evening approached, Lin You and Xia Yan made their way to a guesthouse near the train station. Their train left just after five in the morning; if they stayed at home, they wouldn’t make it in time. Besides, Lin You’s parents would be moving to the Northwest in half a month, so this parting didn’t feel so bittersweet.

On the way back to the city, as Xia Yan leaned against his shoulder, Lin You asked, “Aren’t you curious about anything?”

“Like what? The house? Or that I agreed to your parents moving to the Northwest?” Xia Yan teased.

“You’re not upset?”

“Do you think I was pretending in front of your family? Of course I’m not upset. I can’t be in two places at once—one home is enough.” Xia Yan pouted, lifting her head. Did this man really think she was so petty?

Seeing her pout, Lin You felt a little guilty. “I was overthinking. I’m sorry.”

“That’s more like it.” Xia Yan snuggled back into his shoulder, closed her eyes, and soon drifted off, rocked by the motion of the bus. It wasn’t that she wanted to sleep, but the smell of gasoline on the bus made her dizzy—if she didn’t lean on something, she’d probably get sick.

That night, perhaps because she’d slept too much on the bus, Xia Yan tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. Her mind was filled with thoughts of An Xin.

On the adjacent bed, Lin You, hearing her restless movements, switched on the bedside lamp. “Can’t sleep?”

“Probably napped too much on the bus. Am I keeping you up?” Xia Yan sat up, apologetic.

“Not at all. I was just thinking too,” he replied.

“Oh?” Xia Yan looked at him curiously. “About Xiao Zhe and Xiao Zhuo?”

Lin You shook his head. “No, I was thinking about An Xin. Even though she’s no longer connected to us, I have a feeling something’s off about her. Especially the way she looked at you and me—there was clear hostility.”

“You felt it too?” Xia Yan mentally praised Lin You. Of course—a soldier's observation skills were sharp.

“You noticed it as well?” Lin You asked.

“Yes. She tried to hide it, but I could still sense it—especially towards you. Lin You, you didn’t do anything to hurt An Xin, did you?”

Lin You’s expression darkened. This girl’s imagination was running wild—just a few words, and she’d already tied him to An Xin. “Don’t talk nonsense. I told you, I’ve only met her once or twice.”

“I was just saying! Look how flustered you are,” Xia Yan giggled.

“I’m not flustered,” Lin You retorted, turning off the light and burrowing under the covers. He knew if he kept talking, he’d be too annoyed to sleep.

After a few exchanges, Xia Yan’s thoughts had been successfully diverted. Why worry about An Xin? Soon she’d be far away in the Northwest, only returning once or twice a year—what was there to fear?

The next morning, Xia Yan was dragged out of bed by Lin You, dark circles under her eyes.

When the train finally pulled into the Northwest, Xia Yan felt as if every bone in her body had come apart. Still, she didn’t forget to buy gifts for the two children in town.

“You’re really spoiling them,” Lin You remarked.

“They’re just kids—what’s wrong with a little spoiling? Besides, I’m hoping these gifts will bring us closer,” she replied.

Lin You gazed at her, a sense of happiness welling up inside him. Perhaps this girl truly was heaven-sent.

When they got home, the children hadn’t returned from school yet. Xia Yan carried a bag of specialty treats to their neighbor, Auntie Wang Guilan, to express her gratitude. It took some effort to leave the gifts behind.

Afterward, she returned and immediately started preparing dinner. She couldn’t help but smile—she, once a grand CEO, had been transformed by fate into a housewife.

But she rather liked this life. No need to manage a company, no need to strategize against competitors. Now, all she had to do was cook and look after the children.

In this era, as Captain Lin You’s wife, supporting a family was no problem at all.

That evening, when the two children returned and saw the house brightly lit, they shouted warmly and ran inside.

Lin Hongzhuo burst in and saw the table full of delicacies—tins of biscuits, milk candies, peach cookies…

“Brother, are we opening a supply store now? There’s so much good stuff!” He reached for the peach cookies. “I’m so tired of Grandma Wang’s food—nothing tastes as good as Auntie An’s.”

“You’re easily swayed. Weren’t you the one who wanted to drive her out before?” Lin Hongzhe shook his head helplessly at his brother’s “disloyalty.” Still, he couldn’t help but glance longingly at the treats on the table. After all, these things were rare and precious in the Northwest.

“Brother, you’re back! Look at my new toy!” Lin Nuannuan ran out, hugging her new doll.

Lin Hongzhe scooped her up. “Nuannuan, has that woman been mean to you these days?”

“Who’s that woman, brother?”

“The one who cooks in the kitchen,” he replied, eyeing the busy figure.

Nuannuan shook her head. “Sister has been wonderful. On the train, when I felt sick, she sang to me until I fell asleep. She bought me so many things too.”

Hearing this, Lin Hongzhe’s impression of Xia Yan improved even more. She was nothing like the bad woman from before.

“You two are back! Go wash your hands—Auntie made pork bone soup tonight,” Xia Yan called from the kitchen, having not overheard their conversation amidst the clatter of pots.

“It smells amazing!” Lin Hongzhuo ran to peek into the pot. “Brother, it’s pork bones—with lots of meat!”

Lin Hongzhe tried to maintain his cool composure. “I’m glad you came back.”