Shen Qingqing stood downstairs by herself.
She was tall and stylishly dressed, and even though half of her face was buried in a scarf, she was still stunningly beautiful.
Someone who didn't know her relationship with Jiang Zhixun came over to chat with Shen Qingqing.
Awkwardly asked, "Comrade, are you here to find someone? Do you need me to pass a message?"
The man speaking was someone Shen Qingqing hadn't seen before.
He was tall and about the same build as Jiang Zhixun, but he looked younger, probably just over twenty.
With a buzz cut, slightly dark skin, and bright, piercing eyes, he seemed somewhat nervous.
Shen Qingqing gave a polite smile, "No need, he should be here soon."
The man touched the top of his head, looking even more tense.
He closed his eyes, mustered up courage, and asked, "Comrade, are you seeing someone? If not, can we get to know each other?"
"Not seeing anyone."
A chilly voice came from behind, footsteps approaching closer.
Jiang Zhixun was carrying a can, "Just married, that's all."
At the sight of Jiang Zhixun, the man realized.
The woman in front of him was the legendary Miss Shen who had come all the way from Beijing to chase her husband!
He instantly felt embarrassed, wishing he could find a hole to hide in.
He awkwardly smiled, "Oh, it's sister-in-law, Captain Jiang. You guys carry on, I'll be off then."
Finished speaking, he slipped away quickly.
Looking down at Shen Qingqing, she buried half of her face back into the scarf.
The previously smiling demeanor was gone.
"Did I or did I not say earlier not to talk to other men?"
Shen Qingqing glanced at him lightly, "You did, and then what?"
The man's lips moved, but he said nothing.
He didn't know why, but seeing someone else talking to Shen Qingqing made him unhappy.
His emotions were stirred, leaving Jiang Zhixun a bit at a loss.
"No wonder Old Jiang rushed off so quickly; he was in a hurry to meet Miss Shen."
Jiang Zhixun's two comrades arrived, carrying things, having also been invited by Lin Zhidong.
"Hello, Miss Shen, I'm Cheng Jingliang."
"I'm Chen Shaojie."
Shen Qingqing's memory had issues, but it wasn't severe yet.
She remembered meeting them previously in the cafeteria.
"Hello, I am Shen Qingqing."
She proactively extended her hand, poised and formal.
The two quickly shook her hand.
Right after, they felt a chill on their backs, almost getting goosebumps.
They glanced at Jiang Zhixun.
He still had that indifferent, nonchalant look, as if nothing mattered to him.
Cheng Jingliang and Chen Shaojie exchanged glances, an amused smile unintentionally crossing their eyes.
Old Jiang surely knew how to pretend!
Receiving their silent mockery, Jiang Zhixun put one hand in his pocket.
"Let's go."
Said, as he walked ahead.
Not waiting for Shen Qingqing.
Chen Shaojie was outgoing, often the one to liven up the atmosphere.
To make Shen Qingqing feel comfortable and not mind Jiang Zhixun's insensitivity, he actively engaged her in conversation.
"Miss Shen, how long will you be staying this time?"
Shen Qingqing was uncertain.
If Jiang Zhixun's application to return to Beijing went smoothly, once there was a proper explanation for Madam Jiang, she might leave early.
Even if things didn't go smoothly, she'd probably wait until the New Year at most.
Then Jiang Zhixun could handle the elders on his own.
"Depends on the circumstances."
Chen Shaojie asked again, "Will you be spending the New Year in the Northwest?"
This time Shen Qingqing gave him an accurate answer, "We will return to Beijing for the New Year."
"Will Old Jiang go back with you?"
"Yes."
Walking alongside Jiang Zhixun, Cheng Jingliang nudged his shoulder, with a teasing look.
Silently asking, "Made up?"
Jiang Zhixun didn't respond.
He didn't know if this counted as making up, but three years was indeed long enough.
Continuing to be at odds seemed pointless.
But asking him to apply to return to Beijing, to completely move past previous matters, he couldn't do that yet.
He could only take it one step at a time.
Since there was no response from Jiang Zhixun, Cheng Jingliang ignored him.
He turned to talk to Shen Qingqing.
"Miss Shen, will you come to the Northwest after the New Year?"
Shen Qingqing and Jiang Zhixun hadn't discussed their divorce yet, and it was inconvenient to reveal anything at that moment.
"I have work, so I probably won't come."
"Then you'll continue living apart?"
Seeing Jiang Zhixun eavesdropping, Chen Shaojie decided to help him out.
Shen Qingqing smiled, "I really like my current job."
The more work she did, the more she earned; her monthly income depended on her skills.
Sometimes, when she was in a good state, she could earn three to four hundred in manuscript fees in a month.
During holidays, there were also subsidies to collect, and Shen Qingqing genuinely liked the job.
Now, she only had one wish: when she fell ill, not to forget how to make a living.
Otherwise, she truly wouldn't know how to cope with the rest of her life.
Just thinking about it made Shen Qingqing's mood inevitably drop.
The previously curved lips slowly flattened.
Her eyes showed unease, even fear.
In the face of life and death, few people can stay calm.
Even if her illness wouldn't cause bleeding or pain, nor would it lead to immediate death.
But Shen Qingqing was still scared.
Noticing her emotions, Cheng Jingliang and Chen Shaojie thought Shen Qingqing didn't want to be separated from Jiang Zhixun, hence her sadness.
They consoled her, "Let Old Jiang put in some effort to get transferred back to Beijing, then you can reunite."
Jiang Zhixun patted Cheng Jingliang's shoulder, "You sure know how to plan."
Cheng Jingliang was serious, "Or you could apply for housing quickly, and let Miss Shen join the military life."
Jiang Zhixun pressed his lips, "She has work."
Although she could work here too, being in Beijing was definitely more convenient.
Joining the military life, let's skip that.
Shen Qingqing was thinking about her illness, not paying attention to what Jiang Zhixun and the others were saying.
She wanted to remain calm, but whenever she recalled what the doctor had said, she just couldn't be unperturbed.
If her parents were still alive, she might have accepted her illness calmly.
Because she knew her parents would unconditionally love her and help her fight the illness.
But the reality was, there was no one by her side.
Shen Qingqing blinked, dispelling the sting in her eyes.
Once she returned to Beijing, she would see a doctor.
Rather than letting the illness progress, taking measures early might have an effect.
Jiang Zhixun could sense Shen Qingqing's disappointment, but he didn't change his mind.
He averted his gaze, no longer looking at her.
The atmosphere suddenly became heavy, and Cheng Jingliang and the others didn't know what to say.
Fortunately, the couple had already reconciled, and maybe in a few days, Old Jiang would take the initiative to apply for housing, letting Miss Shen join the military life.
A married man wouldn't want to be apart from his wife.
Once the knot was untied, Old Jiang would be no exception!
Just as they were about to reach the Lin Family's home, the silence was broken.
Lin Fengmian was waiting downstairs with his nephew, wanting to see if Shen Qingqing would show up.
Seeing her indeed arriving, Lin Fengmian cursed in his heart.
This person really had some nerve.
Couldn't she tell she wasn't welcome?