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

Wen Ci let out a soft sigh.

’She was utterly speechless when it came to men like Jiang Chen.’

’She was his *real* sister. She could understand him favoring the ’fake’ one since they’d grown up together, but he didn’t need to treat his own flesh and blood like an enemy.’

"And who is this?" a man familiar with Jiang Chen asked.

Wen Ci’s lips curved. "His sister."

Hearing this, a man in a military uniform standing next to Jiang Chen widened his eyes. "Jiang Chen, you rascal! No wonder you wouldn’t introduce us to your sister. She’s as beautiful as a fairy!"

Jiang Chen’s expression soured. He couldn’t deny the truth in public, so he forced a smile. "Yes, she’s my sister."

The man walked up to Wen Ci, smiling teasingly. "I’ve long heard that Jiang Ye is as beautiful as a fairy, and seeing you today, it’s certainly true. I’m your brother’s comrade-in-arms, Xu Jinge."

Jiang Chen was also a soldier, currently holding the position of squad leader.

"My name isn’t Jiang Ye."

"Huh?" Xu Jinge blinked. He’d often heard Jiang Chen talk about his little sister, Ye Zi, and had assumed her full name was Jiang Ye.

A genuine smile reached Wen Ci’s eyes as she tossed the problem to Jiang Chen. "Brother, is my name Jiang Ye? Or do you have another sister?"

"Our cousin is named Jiang Ye, have you forgotten?" Jiang Chen was sweating bullets. After racking his brain, he changed the subject. "When are you and Huo Jingyuan planning to join the regiment?"

Few people in the military compound knew that Wen Ci and Huo Jingyuan were married. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

As soon as he said it, his words instantly drew the attention of many people.

Many people in the military district compound had been Old Commander Huo’s subordinates.

Wen Ci saw all eyes turn to her. Just then, it was her turn. The auntie at the window asked, "Young lady, what would you like?"

"I’ll have this, this, and this."

The cafeteria auntie took Wen Ci’s enamel bowl and stared at her in shock, her eyes welling with tears. Her voice choked up as she asked, "Chief Huo... he’s your...?"

Each enamel bowl was engraved with the name of the person it was awarded to.

Before he passed, Old Commander Huo only ever ate food from the cafeteria.

Everyone who served food in the cafeteria knew this enamel bowl belonged to him.

Seeing this bowl again now, they couldn’t help but tear up.

Seeing this, Jiang Chen decided to stir the pot. "My sister is already married to Old Commander Huo’s grandson. In a few days, they’re joining his post in the Northwest."

"Really?"

Wen Ci nodded. "Yes."

She had no intention of explaining the complicated details; she was starving. "Ma’am, could you serve my food first? I’m waiting to go back and eat."

Hearing this, the serving auntie let out a sob, then took a large ladle and piled the enamel bowl full of food.

Wen Ci asked, "How much is it?"

"No need to pay!"

Wen Ci quickly shook her head. "No, no, I can’t do that."

"There’s nothing to refuse. My husband used to be a soldier under Old Commander Huo. After my husband died in battle, the Old Commander took care of me all these years."

Wen Ci’s gaze was firm. "Let’s keep things separate. You still have to charge me for the food."

"I’ll pay," Jiang Chen offered.

Jiang Chen had been standing behind Wen Ci the whole time and heard the faint growl of her stomach. He knew full well that if they kept talking in the cafeteria...

...his dear "sister" might never get to leave!

Wen Ci turned her head and glanced at Jiang Chen. "Thanks, brother."

Then, Wen Ci took the enamel bowl from the auntie’s hands and quickly left the cafeteria.

-

Meanwhile, Huo Jingyuan had finished kneading the dough and set it aside to proof for half an hour. After washing his hands, he walked over to the landline phone in the living room.

They had never gotten rid of the landline, so it could still make calls.