Today is the 28th of the lunar month. After Lin Wan returned home, she cleaned the chicken and duck and hung them in the kitchen.
At noon, Lin Wan steamed some rice. She stir-fried bean sprouts with meat, as well as pork and vermicelli.
Han Yi brought home a serving of braised pork from the cafeteria. "There was a leader visiting today, so they made extra. I secretly got the kitchen to keep some for me; Chef Liu’s skill is great, it’s not greasy at all. Try a bit," he said while helping Lin Wan put a piece near her mouth.
"Mm, it’s quite tasty."
"Is the little market far?"
"Not far, it’s right at... I bought a lot of things, enough for us to eat for half a month. I wanted to buy a thermos, but there weren’t any for sale."
"Thermos?... Tonight I’ll bring my kettle for you to use temporarily; it keeps warm too. I’ll ask the logistics department another day to see if they have a thermos for us."
"Mm, no hurry. It’s just a bit inconvenient when guests come over."
In the afternoon, with nothing to do at home, Lin Wan got out the yarn she had brought and planned to knit a vest for Han Yi.
Around four or five o’clock, Lin Wan welcomed someone—one of the soldiers she had seen in Huai Town, presumably Han Yi’s biological father.
"Are you Xiao Yi’s lover?" He seemed even more imposing than a couple of years ago.
"Yes, is the officer looking for Han Yi? He should be at the military now."
"I’m here specifically to see you today."
"To see me?" Lin Wan slightly furrowed her brow.
"Aren’t you going to invite me in?"
"It’s just me at home, it’s inconvenient... Hey," Lin Wan hadn’t even finished speaking when Mei Shuping directly bypassed her and entered their yard. He glanced around casually and then turned to Lin Wan, saying, "My surname is Mei; I’m Xiao Yi’s biological father. I’m here to talk to you about your situation with Xiao Yi. I heard from Xiao Yi that your family is from the countryside?"
"...Yes," Lin Wan was unsure what he wanted to discuss but was certain it wouldn’t be anything good.
"Our Mei family is quite accomplished in the Capital City; we absolutely do not allow our children to marry women who are not from respectable families. Recently, Xiao Yi and I have had some disagreements, and in a fit of anger, he hastily married a woman just to annoy me. So... I hope Mr. Lin realizes this and leaves Xiao Yi as soon as possible."
"I don’t quite understand Mr. Mei’s meaning. It seems like it’s going to snow; our house is small, not suitable for Mr. Mei, please return home."
"I personally came to tell you this because I don’t want to hurt you; do you understand what I’m saying?"
"Not want to hurt me? Is it mental or physical?"
"Mr. Lin is a smart person; you should understand my meaning. Xiao Yi’s life is long; he needs a woman who can support him in his future, not just any woman from the countryside."
"What kind I am, Mr. Officer shouldn’t be concerned. I only know my husband’s surname is Han, not Mei. Please go home and take care of your own son; you don’t need to worry about our Han Yi."
"I made myself clear. Think carefully. Here’s two thousand yuan, enough for you to live off for a few years. If you remain stubborn, don’t blame me..."
"What do you intend to do?" Mei Shuping’s words were abruptly interrupted by Han Yi at the door.
"Han Yi," Lin Wan didn’t expect Han Yi to return so timely.
"He hasn’t done anything to you, has he?" Han Yi, holding a military water kettle, walked to Lin Wan’s side and asked worriedly, grasping her hand.