Lin Zhen coughed lightly, then snapped to attention and saluted Song Jing.
“Hello, comrade. My name is Lin Zhen. I previously served in the XXX unit as a battalion commander, but due to an injury, I’ve now retired from the military…”
Lin Zhen rattled off his credentials like he was reporting to a superior officer. Funny enough, he hadn’t been this nervous even in front of his commanding officers.
Song Jing, who was currently only a deputy platoon commander: …
Was this a challenge?
He returned the salute, but his expression was sour.
“Comrade Lin, how old are you?”
Lin Zhen glanced at Song Wei before answering hesitantly, “Twenty-one.”
Song Jing, still expressionless: “My sister is only eighteen.”
His gaze screamed: Shameless!
Lin Zhen pretended not to notice. Sure, he was a little older than Song Wei, but he didn’t look old. On the contrary, he looked vibrant!
Didn’t everyone say he and Song Wei were a perfect match, a couple destined to be together?
Song Wei chimed in, “I’ll be nineteen soon.”
Just a few more days.
Song Jing looked at her with a heart full of sorrow. “Sister, you’re still so young and inexperienced. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Older men are the most deceitful!”
Lin Zhen couldn’t let this slide. His nervousness disappeared as he felt the need to defend himself.
“I’m not a sweet-talker. Before meeting Song Wei, I was single. She’s my first and only girlfriend, and she’ll be my only wife!”
Song Jing scoffed. “Oh, now you’re eloquent. And you’re twenty-one and still single? What’s wrong with you? Some kind of health issue?”
Lin Zhen: … “Why is this turning into a personal attack? I’m perfectly healthy!”
Song Jing shot back, “Who knows? It’s all talk. No one here knows your past, so why should anyone trust you?”
The tension was palpable, with Lin Zhen clearly at a disadvantage.
After all, this was his future brother-in-law. He couldn’t argue too harshly, couldn’t fight back, and definitely couldn’t curse. Meanwhile, Song Jing’s sharp tongue left him completely outmatched.
Lin Zhen: Never have I felt so stifled in my life.
Around them, the crowd abandoned their radishes to eavesdrop on this family drama, their ears pricked and eyes alight with excitement.
“Why are you all slacking off? Don’t you want your work points?”
The brigade leader arrived, glaring at the gawkers.
The crowd picked up their pace but still kept their ears tuned to the unfolding spectacle.
Song Wei decided to let it go. The two men weren’t going to come to blows, so she let them spar verbally. But she did make one thing clear:
“Brother, you can say whatever you want, but breaking us up is impossible.”
Lin Zhen, who had been feeling cornered, suddenly perked up.
If that was settled, then let the brother-in-law vent! Say whatever you want—I’ve got thick skin!
Song Jing, on the other hand, was far from pleased.
“What’s so great about him? If you like soldiers, I can introduce you to plenty of young and handsome ones from my unit.”
Lin Zhen’s cheerful expression instantly fell. “Now that’s just uncalled for!”
“I’m only twenty-one! I’m not old. I’m strong and in my prime!”
Song Wei smiled. “Lin Zhen is great!”
“How so?” Song Jing challenged.
“Well, he’s good-looking, in great shape, and most importantly, he’s a fantastic cook!”
Lin Zhen puffed out his chest with pride.
Song Jing: … “He looks so fierce.” Sure, his face wasn’t bad, but it had a certain intimidating quality.
Song Wei countered, “Isn’t that a good thing? It means he won’t attract unnecessary attention.”
Lin Zhen chimed in smugly, “Back in the military, some people tried to set me up, but I just gave them a cold look, and they ran off on their own.
Anyway, I’m not the one who looks like a ‘lady-killer.’ That’s clearly you, future brother-in-law.”
Lin Zhen didn’t miss the chance to take a jab at Song Jing.
Song Jing clenched his fists. “Who’s your brother-in-law?!”
Lin Zhen, thick-skinned and shameless, replied confidently, “Sooner or later, you will be. Song Wei and I aren’t breaking up, no matter what.”
Song Wei pinched him lightly, signaling him to tone it down. Lin Zhen immediately fell quiet, looking obedient.
Song Jing was fuming, but his sister clearly had her mind set.
“Excuse me, comrade. You’re Song Wei’s brother, right?”
The brigade leader approached, throwing Lin Zhen a subtle look that said, You’re really stirring the pot, huh?
Song Jing took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. His composed demeanor left a good impression on the brigade leader.
“Look at him,” the brigade leader thought. “Good-looking, well-mannered, and dignified. Not someone from an average family.”
Meanwhile, Song Wei rolled up her sleeves and went back to pulling radishes.
If this drama weren’t her own, she’d be right there with the onlookers, enjoying every second.
Song Jing, seeing his sister busy, momentarily forgot about Lin Zhen and started helping her.
Lin Zhen wanted to help too but was quickly shot down by a glare from Song Wei.
Song Jing remarked sarcastically, “If my sister’s doing all the work, what’s your purpose here?”
Lin Zhen pointed to his younger brother. “My little brother is helping too!”
The boy, sensing the tension, worked extra hard. When Song Jing glanced his way, the boy gave him a nervous smile.
Song Wei beamed. “Brother, his name is Heidan. I’ve been taking care of him. When I first found him, he was so small and scrawny.”
Song Jing nearly spat blood when he heard her proud tone.
Sister, you’re even raising his brother now?!
Taking a deep breath, he turned back and glared at Lin Zhen.
Lin Zhen shrugged. “I wanted to help, but my girlfriend wouldn’t let me. Besides, I cook. She loves my food.”
Song Jing was livid.
Lin Zhen added, “You’re staying for a few days, right? I’ll cook dinner tonight. You can try it.”
“I’m not interested!” Song Jing snapped.
Song Wei interjected weakly, “Brother, let’s not be stubborn. I don’t know how to cook.”
Song Jing: …
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