Chapter 88 Xia Yan Is Different from Other Girls

Lv Hongxia stood up to take a look and muttered, “Who would be coming at this hour?” She put down her chopsticks and urged Lin You’s family to eat more, then hurried to the door, calling out as she went, “Who is it?”

The person outside didn’t reply, knocking a few more times instead. This made Lv Hongxia frown, wondering what was wrong with this person—not even responding when asked, how rude.

But when she opened the door with a darkened expression and saw who it was, her face first registered surprise, then disbelief, and finally broke into a beaming smile.

Xia Yan heard a crisp voice at the door, “Godmother.”

Lv Hongxia immediately shouted excitedly into the house, “Old Zhou, look who’s here!”

Zhou Shimao had heard the voice at the door as well; a hint of delight appeared on his face, but he turned away with a snort. “My ears are just fine.”

When Lv Hongxia returned, she was accompanied by a man about as tall as Lin You. Unlike Lin You’s rugged handsomeness, this man had a more refined, delicate charm.

“Big brother, you’re here too?”

As Xia Yan was still sizing up the man, he had already set down his luggage and rushed over to give Lin You a bear hug.

The sight of two handsome men hugging was, surprisingly, entirely natural.

Lin You was evidently surprised as well. “What brings you back?”

“I had to pull a lot of strings to get transferred back. What? From your tone, am I not welcome?” The man let go of Lin You and punched him lightly in the chest, grinning.

“I didn’t say that. I’m just surprised you came back after settling so well in the south. You were so determined to leave back then…”

He waved his hand dismissively. “I was young and foolish. Let’s not talk about it.”

Zhou Shimao snorted again. “Young and foolish? If you chose to leave back then, you shouldn’t have come back.”

“Godfather, you’re still upset? Look what I brought you—a special supply wine from the south, something I begged our commander for. You can’t get this anywhere else.” The man smiled as he placed several bottles, netted together, on the table.

Zhou Shimao grunted coldly, “I still prefer our northwest spirits. Southern wine doesn’t suit me.”

Though he spoke thus, his eyes remained fixed on the bottles.

Sensing this, the man quickly opened a bottle, filled Zhou Shimao’s empty glass to the brim, and coaxed, “Godfather, this wine is so mellow. Just a sip and the aroma fills your throat. Such a good wine—aren’t you going to try it?”

“I’m not drinking.” Zhou Shimao kept a stern face, though the scent of the wine made him swallow involuntarily.

“Not drinking? Then I’ll just have to pour it out—what a waste.” The man put on a show of regret, picked up the glass, and turned as if to leave, silently counting under his breath.

Sure enough, before he took three steps, Zhou Shimao’s voice called from behind, “Hey, wait! Don’t pour it out. Do you know how much grain it takes to make every drop of wine?”

The man turned back, a triumphant smile on his face. He knew Zhou Shimao’s character inside out—the old man was all bark and no bite. He might look angry, but he was genuinely delighted to see him return.

After setting down the glass, the man sat and glanced at Xia Yan and the three children. “Big brother, these three are…”

Lin You nodded. “Yes, they’re my younger brother’s kids. Xiao Zhe, Xiao Zhuo, Nuannuan, say hello to Uncle Wang.”

The three called out in unison, “Uncle Wang!”

He acknowledged them, then finally looked at Xia Yan. In truth, he had noticed her the moment he stepped in—her presence and beauty were simply too striking to ignore.

Xia Yan introduced herself graciously, “Hello, my name is Xia Yan.”

“Hello, I’m Wang Baoguo.”

Though curious about Xia Yan’s identity, Wang Baoguo introduced himself and looked at Lv Hongxia, as if seeking clarification.

Lv Hongxia nodded toward Lin You.

“Big brother, is she the girl from your hometown? That can’t be—I remember your hometown girl was called Lin Ling, not Xia Yan.”

“She’s my partner,” Lin You replied calmly.

Wang Baoguo’s jaw dropped in disbelief. He pointed at Xia Yan, then at Lin You. Even with Lin You’s confirmation, he found it hard to accept. “Your partner? Big brother, you must be joking—this girl’s barely an adult! You could be her uncle…”

Before he could finish, Lin You’s face visibly darkened, and Xia Yan covered her mouth, laughing. Only then did Wang Baoguo realize the ‘seriousness’ of his words.

“Godmother, is this true?” Wang Baoguo turned to Lv Hongxia in disbelief.

“Do you think I’d lie about something like this?”

Before Lv Hongxia could answer, Lin You gave Wang Baoguo a none-too-gentle smack.

Wang Baoguo grimaced in pain, finally believing Lin You’s words. He pulled Lin You outside, wanting to get to the bottom of it.

“Big brother, is she really your partner?” Wang Baoguo peered at Xia Yan through the window, asking again.

“How many times do you need me to explain?”

“Big brother, as your brother, I have to say—this girl is way too young. Can she really take care of your three kids?” Wang Baoguo voiced his concern.

As a close friend, he naturally hoped Lin You would find happiness, but his first impression of Xia Yan was that she was both beautiful and too young.

“Marriage is no trifling matter—you need to think this through.”

“Don’t worry, Baoguo. Xia Yan is far more mature and capable than you think.” Lin You patted Wang Baoguo on the shoulder. “But what about you? How are things with that girl?”

Wang Baoguo let out a heavy sigh. “Her parents didn’t approve. Last time, they took her straight home.”

Lin You was taken aback; he’d thought Wang Baoguo’s return meant good news, not this outcome.

“The commissar didn’t think you two would work out, but you wouldn’t listen, insisted on heading south… And now?”

“Big brother, you’re saying this to me now, but aren’t you in the same situation as I was?” Wang Baoguo pulled out two cigarettes, lighting one for himself and offering the other to Lin You.

“I’ll pass. Xia Yan isn’t like that girl of yours. Don’t think I don’t know—she was the one who didn’t want to stay, going south was her idea. And now? She left with her family and abandoned you there!”

Lin You grew more agitated as he spoke.

Wang Baoguo lowered his head, smoking in silent agreement. Lin You was right. He had believed their love could withstand any obstacle, but when her parents came to fetch her, she didn’t put up any fight at all.