The matter with the deer wasn’t something that could be hidden, and Song Wei had no intention of concealing it either—after all, it was such a large animal. Instead of sneaking around, she thought it better to address the situation sooner rather than later.
After the elderly women left, Song Wei finally explained the deer situation to Lin Zhen.
“Sorry, I had to say the deer was yours to avoid unnecessary trouble. I hope you don’t mind.”
Lin Zhen shook his head. “No problem.”
The tall, strapping man looked a little nervous.
“Um, about what I said earlier… I know it was in the heat of the moment, but I meant every word. Song Zhiqing, I think you’re a great person, and I’d like to pursue you. What do you think? If you don’t feel the same, then… I’ll, uh… I’ll…”
Not bother you anymore?
He couldn’t quite bring himself to finish that sentence.
Since he’d already spoken his mind, Lin Zhen decided not to back down. He wasn’t the type to chicken out.
“I know my leg is a bit of a setback right now, but I’m still quite capable. Even though I’m retired from the army, I’ve got a disability pension, my old wages, and the job offers the military lined up for me. I can choose between working as a police officer locally or a truck driver for the transport department. Worst-case scenario, I’ll work the fields—I’ve got the strength for it. I’ll take good care of you.”
Despite rubbing his hands nervously, Lin Zhen exuded sincerity.
Song Wei couldn’t help but laugh at his earnestness.
When she laughed, Lin Zhen grinned along, his rugged face lighting up in a silly but charming way. For someone who usually looked intimidating and rugged, he had a disarming smile that made him quite endearing.
“Alright, I accept. Let’s give it a try and see where it goes.”
Song Wei wasn’t one to beat around the bush. She had already considered Lin Zhen as a potential partner, so it felt natural to agree.
Boom!
Lin Zhen’s brain felt like it had exploded into a thousand joyful sparks. He stared at the woman before him, utterly elated and overwhelmed.
All he could think was: She said yes. She said yes!
From this moment on, Song Zhiqing was his girlfriend!
Lin Zhen had never felt this happy in his entire life—not even during missions when he narrowly escaped death.
His excitement got the better of him, and he blurted out, “Really? Are you sure? Maybe you should think about it some more.”
Song Wei blinked at him. “Alright, I’ll think about it then.”
Wait. Lin Zhen’s excitement fizzled as his brain rebooted.
“No, no! Forget I said that. You already agreed—I’m just too happy and said something stupid.”
Heidan, standing nearby, was utterly dumbfounded. In the span of just a few minutes, his big brother had stolen away his most beloved Sister Song?
“Sister Song, you should really think this through,” Heidan said solemnly. “There’s no rush.”
His words sent Lin Zhen into a panic, and he landed a light kick to Heidan’s backside.
“You little rascal! Why are you stirring up trouble? I’m your real brother!”
Heidan covered his bottom and pouted defiantly. “Even so, you’re not allowed to take my Sister Song. I’m her most important person. Even if you’re dating her, you’re still only second place!”
Turning to Song Wei, Heidan’s big, teary eyes brimmed with hope. “Sister Song, I’m still your most important person, right?”
Without hesitation, Song Wei nodded and patted his head.
“Of course. You’re my most important person.”
Heidan beamed triumphantly and even shot Lin Zhen a smug look.
Lin Zhen’s face darkened.
If it weren’t for the situation, he’d have given the kid a good scolding.
Watching the brothers bicker amused Song Wei, but as dinner approached, she stood up, carrying the two wolf pups.
“I should head back now.”
Lin Zhen looked reluctant. “Why don’t you stay and eat first?”
Though tempted by Lin Zhen’s cooking, Song Wei shook her head.
“I’ve got some pig intestines back home. If I don’t cook them soon, they’ll go bad, and that’d be such a waste.”
“Then I’ll walk you back,” Lin Zhen said immediately.
“This snowstorm isn’t easy to walk in. What if your foot gets frostbitten?”
“I’ll be fine!”
Lin Zhen pulled on his military overcoat, a deep green garment that Heidan eyed enviously.
“Brother, my dear Brother, when can you get me one of those coats? It looks so cool.”
Lin Zhen smirked. “Oh, now you’re calling me ‘dear Brother,’ huh?”
Heidan shamelessly sidled up to him. “You’ll always be my dearest brother—my one and only. Isn’t that how brothers should be?”
Lin Zhen ruffled his hair. “True enough, but this brother of yours has a good memory and holds grudges. Maybe I’ll think about it when I’m not mad anymore.”
Heidan sighed dramatically. How could someone so tall have such a petty heart?
Lin Zhen had initially thought about lending Song Wei his overcoat, but it was far too large for her. The hem would drag along the ground, and besides, Song Wei was already bundled up in a thick winter coat. She didn’t need it.
Still, Song Wei couldn’t help but admire how Lin Zhen looked in the coat. With his tall, broad frame, he wore it with an imposing yet dashing air.
As they walked through the village, Lin Zhen’s military coat drew plenty of attention.
Children stared wide-eyed, and the men in the village cast envious glances his way. A military coat was not only practical but also a status symbol—its deep green color and quality fabric marked it as something special.
Such coats were difficult to come by, and even owning one without authorization was illegal. Only military personnel or their families were likely to have one.
Lin Zhen, despite his somewhat boisterous demeanor, was sharp. He greeted familiar faces warmly and struck up conversations with older villagers, quickly remembering who was who.
Song Wei, meanwhile, greeted passersby with her usual friendliness, ignoring the curious looks directed their way.
Once they were out of sight, the villagers began to chatter.
“Did you see that? Lin Zhen and Song Zhiqing are definitely a thing now.”
“Walking together so openly—it’s obvious. Didn’t Lin Zhen say something this morning about wanting to marry her?”
“They’re a good match, but I bet the Lin family won’t approve.”
“What can they do about it? You think Lin Zhen listens to them?”
“Not a chance!”
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