First Night with the Army: The Stoic Big Shot Is Done Pretending

What do you mean, it wouldn’t have *really* threatened my life?

Wen Ci was so angry her eyes narrowed to slits. She gritted her teeth. "Huo Jingyuan, are you an idiot? Next time you’re in a situation like that, I’m begging you, just grab them and take them down."

Listening to Wen Ci’s scolding tone, Huo Jingyuan nodded. Before, he had been all alone. He could afford to be reckless, to trade his life for another.

Not anymore.

He had Wen Ci now.

They hadn’t even finished their meal when Wen Ci heard the chirping voices of children outside. Looking at the food growing cold on the table, she sighed. "Go heat this up in the kitchen. I’ll open the door for the kids."

"Alright."

Wen Ci promptly got up from her chair and went to open the courtyard gate. Xiang Qin was there with several children. Seeing Wen Ci, she smiled and said, "Sorry to trouble you with the kids."

Wen Ci’s gaze fell upon the children. It was only natural for boys who attended school to get a bit rowdy and end up filthy after a long day.

But Xiao Pihou and the others had clearly bathed and deliberately changed into clean clothes before coming over. Ah Hua’s hair was even still a little damp.

"Sister Qin, why go to all this trouble?"

Water was scarce in the Northwest Military Region, which made bathing a hassle. She herself only bathed every two or three days; a simple sponge bath was sufficient on the other days.

Xiang Qin gave an embarrassed smile.

Wen Ci continued, "You can’t have the kids bathe every single time they visit, right? Will you adults not use any water then?"

"You’re right, you’re right."

Wen Ci’s eyes curved into a smile. "Then why don’t you come in and sit for a while, Sister Qin?"

"No, it’s alright." Xiang Qin quickly refused, gesturing toward the family residence building. "A lot of new families are moving in, so we’re going to help out. We’ll be back to pick up the children later."

As the old saying goes.

A neighbor nearby is better than a relative far away.

It’s a wonderful thing to have good neighbors.

"Do you need me to help?"

"No, we’re good."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xiang Qin left, feeling at ease.

Wen Ci took Xiao Shitou’s hand in her left and Ah Hua’s in her right, while Ah Wang trailed behind Xiao Pihou. Xiao Shitou asked in his sweet, childish voice:

"Brother Yuan said the pretty big sister has a weird uncle at her house."

Xiao Pihou’s real name was Li Tianyuan.

Wen Ci’s lips curled into a smile.

So she was the "pretty big sister," and Huo Jingyuan was the "weird uncle."

Her gaze swept toward the man reheating their food in the living room. Wen Ci made a shushing gesture and whispered, "Let’s not let the weird uncle hear us talking about him."

The children all nodded with solemn expressions.

The sight made Wen Ci burst out laughing.

Just then, the tall man, who was leaning against the doorway to the inner room, fixed his gaze on Wen Ci as she shook with laughter. He raised an eyebrow and mouthed silently:

"What’s so funny?"

Wen Ci shook her head and mouthed back, imitating him, "None of your business!"

-

Wen Ci switched the channel to "Seven-colored Deer" for the children. The show was rebroadcast every day, and they had arrived just in time for the start.

"Have you all eaten dinner?" Wen Ci asked.

She’d had Huo Jingyuan reheat their meal; if the children hadn’t eaten, they could all join them at the table.

"We ate already~"

Wen Ci nodded. "Alright then, be good and watch TV."

With that, she returned to the dining table. Her previous seat faced away from the living room television, so she sat down next to Huo Jingyuan instead and whispered:

"How many kids do you think we should have?"

"One."

Huo Jingyuan’s gaze lowered slightly.

’He wasn’t fond of boys. A daughter would be perfect.’

"You prefer sons over daughters?!"

Huo Jingyuan wrapped his arm around Wen Ci’s slender waist, leaned in close to her ear, and whispered, "What do you mean, prefer sons over daughters? I only want a daughter."