The midday sun streamed through the window, spilling across Xiao Juan’s face and adding a glint of brightness to her eyes.
Once a person gets busy, they figure out a lot of things along the way. She’d come to realize that what she felt for Jiang Yan was more about unwillingness and nostalgia than actual love. Rather than saying she liked Jiang Yan, it was more accurate to say she liked the Jiang Yan from her childhood—the one who always went along with her and gave her everything she asked for.
So when Jiang Yan seemed to have become a completely different person, she’d felt confused and anxious, desperate to awaken his so-called “true nature.” But she’d never once considered that maybe this was who he truly was.
In the end, this was the best outcome—you let go of me, and I let go of you.
Once she stopped clinging to Jiang Yan, Xiao Juan discovered there were so many things she could do and wanted to do. Creating her own value was far better than chasing after a man who didn’t want her.
“Just go take a look, have a few words. If you don’t like him, tell your brother—he won’t force you.” Lin Aiyun stepped forward and placed a hand on Xiao Juan’s shoulder, speaking gently. “Since he’s come all the way here, it’s only right that we, as hosts, receive him properly—especially since he came specifically for you.”
“I heard he only arrived in Beijing a couple of days before the ceremony. Now that he’s finally free, he came right over. You know how busy the military has been lately.” Lin Aiyun wasn’t wrong—the streets had been filled with patrols and soldiers helping the people.
Hearing this, Xiao Juan’s expression softened a little. After hesitating for a moment, she voiced her true feelings. “I understand that. But given our… situation, and the fact that we haven’t seen each other in so many years, we don’t even know each other.”
She paused for a couple of seconds, then threw caution to the wind and closed her eyes. “To be honest, sister-in-law, I’m a little embarrassed.”
“I get it. But it’s a process—don’t be scared. I’ll be right there with you. Just think of it as meeting one of your brother’s friends.” Lin Aiyun cheered her on. “Besides, I don’t know him either.”
“We exchanged greetings and chatted a bit earlier. I think he’s polite and respectful—not the rough type. So don’t worry.”
Xiao Juan felt a little more at ease, but after thinking it over, she scratched her forehead and asked, “Sister-in-law, what does he look like?”
In her mind, soldiers were all burly, rough men. Because of their profession, they got tanned and sun-beaten—in short, not attractive by her standards. She preferred fairer, cleaner-cut good looks.
Besides, she wasn’t ugly herself—why settle for someone homely? How could she develop feelings for a face she’d have to look at for the rest of her life? Better to make things clear early on and not waste anyone’s time.
As if reading her thoughts, Lin Aiyun gave her a mysterious smile and teased, “You’ll find out when you see him. We should go now—can’t keep him waiting.”
With that, she pulled Xiao Juan toward the front hall. The latter couldn’t match her strength and was dragged along, her heart racing, unsettled, with no anchor.
Her free hand instinctively brushed the stray hairs by her cheek.
“Juan was just reading a moment ago. Come, come—let me introduce you. This is Regiment Commander Shen.”
The moment they crossed the threshold, Shen Liang’an rose from his chair. He stood tall in his crisp military uniform, a cap on his head. He appeared to be a little taller and broader than Xiao Cheng—maybe around 1.9 meters. His skin wasn’t pale, nor was it very dark—just a healthy wheat tone.
He had sharp brows and bright eyes, with strong, chiseled features. Under those thick dark brows were big eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin lips pressed tightly together as if nervous. He fidgeted slightly, wanting to speak first but not knowing what to say—looking a bit awkward.
Finally, he managed to blurt out stiffly: “Reporting in. My name is Shen Liang’an.”
Hearing this, Xiao Juan couldn’t help but let out a light laugh behind her hand. Lin Aiyun had to discreetly tug at her sleeve before she snapped out of it, suppressed the laugh, and cleared her throat to compose herself. Her gaze roamed over his face openly, making him lower his head in embarrassment.
If not for his dark skin, she was sure she’d have seen his face turn bright red.
No wonder her sister-in-law had been so secretive—this big, tall goof was actually so handsome. Besides being dark, there wasn’t a single flaw she could find. He was practically everything she liked.
Especially when he got shy—it made her heart itch…
“Reporting in. My name is Xiao Juan.”
The words flew out of her mouth before she could think. Even Xiao Juan herself froze for a moment—let alone everyone else.
“Xiao Juan!” Xiao Cheng, seated in the main chair, frowned in disapproval and scolded her.
Lin Aiyun face-palmed and shook her head at Xiao Juan. Well, now she probably wouldn’t even have to say anything herself—this Regiment Commander Shen would likely call off the match on his own. Who could tolerate being the butt of such a joke the very first time they met?
Xiao Juan wanted to slap her own mouth. What was she doing?!
To everyone’s surprise, Shen Liang’an waved his hand and quickly interrupted Xiao Cheng’s scolding. “It’s fine! Miss Xiao has a loud, clear voice—she’s truly spirited!”
Hearing this, everyone else relaxed. But Xiao Juan secretly pursed her lips. Who praises a woman like that on a first meeting? Loud, clear voice! Truly spirited!
Shen Liang’an, who had been watching Xiao Juan closely, noticed her little gesture. He rubbed his fingertips together in confusion—had he said something wrong? She didn’t seem too happy.
“Alright, have a seat.” Lin Aiyun pulled Xiao Juan to sit across from Shen Liang’an.
“We were just saying that Liang’an will be transferred to Beijing after this?” Xiao Cheng reopened the conversation, raising his hand to pour a cup of tea for Lin Aiyun.
Shen Liang’an instinctively glanced at Xiao Juan before turning to Xiao Cheng, replying in his measured tone, “Yes, but the transfer order hasn’t come through yet. Probably not until the end of this year.”
“That’s good. Beijing will have more room for growth in the future.” Xiao Cheng nodded approvingly, following Shen Liang’an’s gaze to glance at Xiao Juan. Her posture was proper enough, and she wasn’t looking around.
Shen Liang’an didn’t respond immediately. After a moment of thought, he said, “I’m just following the organization’s orders.”
“Mm.” Xiao Cheng didn’t mind. He knew people in the military had to be careful with their words—especially those in high positions. One careless slip could cost them their career.
“Will your parents be moving here with you, or staying in Shanghai?”
“They’ve decided to stay in Shanghai for now. They won’t be coming with me.”
Lin Aiyun, listening on the side, nodded inwardly. There were benefits to not living with the in-laws. Given Xiao Juan’s temperament, it was definitely better for them to live apart.
If Shen Liang’an and Xiao Juan did end up marrying, living alone as a couple would help them build a stronger bond.
After a few more exchanges about recent events, Shen Liang’an suddenly brought up the main topic. “The main reason I came today is to discuss my marriage with Miss Xiao.”
“Oh?”
Everyone present turned to look in Xiao Juan’s direction.
Xiao Juan, who had been quietly listening without being able to chime in, looked up in a daze at the sound of her name.
“Now that the situation has stabilized and we’re both of marriageable age, I’d like to ask—when would be a good time to fulfill our engagement?” As he spoke, his gaze flickered, his peripheral vision locked onto Xiao Juan, not missing a single change in her expression.
First came surprise, then panic, and finally a forced composure…
At least there was no rejection.
Seeing that, Shen Liang’an breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
“We’re in a new era now. As her brother and sister-in-law, we shouldn’t interfere with her marriage—it has to be Juan’s own decision.” Lin Aiyun shot Xiao Juan a look. The latter swallowed, about to speak, when Shen Liang’an cut in.
“That’s only right.” He nodded in agreement, then stood up and asked earnestly, “May I have a word alone with Miss Xiao?”
“Juan?” Lin Aiyun didn’t rush to answer—she looked to Xiao Juan for her opinion.
Xiao Juan nodded, stood up, and gestured with her chin toward the door. “Let’s go to the garden.”
“Alright.” Shen Liang’an followed behind Xiao Juan, and the two figures soon disappeared through the doorway.
Only when they were completely out of sight did Lin Aiyun withdraw her gaze and excitedly patted Xiao Cheng. “Didn’t Shen Liang’an take part in the military parade? He looks so familiar!”
Xiao Cheng frowned and nodded reluctantly.
“Being handsome sure makes a difference—leaves a stronger impression.” Lin Aiyun’s eyes curved, clearly in a good mood.
At that, Xiao Cheng repeated in a mocking tone: “Being handsome sure makes a difference—leaves a stronger impression.”
He managed to twist that short sentence into several different inflections.
“Jealous? Of your future brother-in-law? My eyes are only for you.” Amused, Lin Aiyun leaned over and pinched his cheek, her voice softening into a coaxing tone.
Xiao Cheng’s expression eased slightly, then he let out a cold laugh. “Future brother-in-law? That’s not even set in stone yet.”
“Heh. Who was it that told Juan during their argument that if she didn’t marry Shen Liang’an, who else would she marry? Now you’re singing a different tune?” Lin Aiyun took a sip of tea, mercilessly exposing Xiao Cheng’s past words.
“The engagement was arranged by Mother herself—I had no reason to refuse.” Xiao Cheng’s gaze darkened. “But back then, Juan was just a baby. She knew nothing. So if she’s unwilling, I won’t force her.”
Lin Aiyun fully agreed. Marriage was a major life decision—one had to choose carefully. They had no right to make that choice for someone else.
After finishing her tea, a thought struck her. She poked Xiao Cheng’s arm curiously and lowered her voice. “Honey, do you think Juan will agree to marry Shen Liang’an?”
“No.” Xiao Cheng answered with certainty. He knew Xiao Juan well. Even if she’d let go of Jiang Yan, she wouldn’t accept another man so quickly. Besides, she had the Xiao family’s rebellious streak in her bones—she didn’t like being pushed along by others. There was no way she’d agree to marry a man she’d met only once.
“Huh? But I think she will.” Lin Aiyun’s face scrunched up at his differing opinion.
“Confident, are you? How about a bet?” Seeing her defiant look, Xiao Cheng grew interested and suggested it with a knowing smile.
“A bet it is. What’s the stake?” Lin Aiyun, provoked by his seemingly assured expression, straightened her neck and nodded in agreement.
Xiao Cheng reached out, his fingertips hooking a strand of her hair by her shoulder. His tone softened, carrying a hint of seduction, as he said slowly, “Tonight, you’re on top.”
“?” Lin Aiyun rolled her eyes in exasperation and lectured him seriously, “What goes on in that head of yours?”
“Thinking about my wife,” he answered quickly.
After a moment’s hesitation, Lin Aiyun agreed. Normally she found being on top too tiring, so she usually refused. Xiao Cheng had never managed to coax her into it. He hadn’t shown it at the time, but apparently, he’d been holding onto that wish all along.
“If I win, what do I get as my stake?”
“Me on top?” Xiao Cheng lounged lazily against the chair back. The moment he said it, the strand of hair was snatched back by its owner.
“You wish.” Either way, she’d be the one at a disadvantage.
Lin Aiyun snorted. “You owe me one. I’ll think of something later, and you’ll make it up to me.”
“Fine, whatever you say, honey. I’ll listen to you.” Seeing that she’d agreed to his proposal, Xiao Cheng became very agreeable, going along with whatever she said. Just by looking at his expression, one could tell his mind had already wandered to the evening’s pleasures.
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