Chuxia’s face instantly flushed red!
Knowing her parents’ temperament, if they brought her two buns, then they definitely saved their own share for her. They were not the kind of people to take advantage of others.
As for why both spouses brought them, it was simple, neither wanted the other to go hungry, so they secretly saved some food for their daughter.
Seeing Chuxia’s discomfort, Li Aiyuan laughed and said, "Xia, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Your parents are happy seeing you full."
Zhao Yushan also smiled, "Xia, you can tell how much we care, right? Your eldest maternal aunt and I didn’t save any food for you."
"Big brother, big sister, stop teasing us. We’re just used to it. We always feel like Xia isn’t getting enough to eat."
Zhao Yushan couldn’t help but say, "She’s here to be a soldier, not to serve a sentence. How can she not be well-fed? You’re just worrying over nothing."
The family was chatting and laughing when Zhou Mikang arrived.
After greeting everyone, Zhou Mikang shared the day’s itinerary: a morning tour downtown followed by lunch at the Zhou family home, where both parents would meet.
"Um, wait a moment." Being gazed at by several elders, Chuxia had to step forward, "My dad, my mom, my eldest maternal uncle, and aunt have a question that needs your answer. I’ve explained it already, but they didn’t believe it, so you should speak for yourself."
"What’s the matter?" Zhou Mikang looked at the elders.
Just as Zhao Yulan was about to speak, Lin Baohe waved her off and said, "Regimental Commander Zhou..."
As soon as he began, Zhou Mikang froze, alarmed. Just one night, and the formal title had returned? Moreover, from his experience, such a formal address meant they were doubting him again.
Indeed, the words that followed confirmed his suspicions.
"...We’ve seen your qualifications, and although we don’t know about your family situation, we can guess it must be decent. It’s truly a stretch for our Chuxia to marry into your family.
But, our Chuxia, she’s the treasure of the house. She’s grown up without hardships. If she were to marry into your family and the care isn’t adequate, it might upset your parents.
The key point is, she’s still a child herself. If she has to take care of children, she probably won’t manage very well. Look, Regimental Commander, I’ll speak frankly.
Your excellent qualifications likely mean you’ve been married before, right? We can accept that. However, if there are children involved, that is absolutely unacceptable for us.
Even if we could keep Chuxia from joining the army, we can’t let her play stepmother. This child is truly not capable of that. Regimental Commander, you’re a high-ranking officer, and I trust you won’t deceive us.
The child spoke highly of you yesterday, guaranteeing that you’ve never been married nor had kids. However, the information we received was different from what she said. I believe you, and I’ll take your word for it."
Lin Baohe in his lifetime has probably never spoken such a long speech before, but for his daughter’s sake, he suddenly became very articulate.
Zhou Mikang’s face was indescribable. He had never expected to cause such a mismatch.
Married already, and kids too...
Would his parents even be anxious if that were the case? With grandchildren, would they still be so worried?
His parents’ concern was his lack of children, fearing he might never marry and have kids, which is why they were so attentive to him. If he already had kids, they wouldn’t bother so much. — Commander Tongzi, are you sure?
"Dad, Mom, honestly..., I never expected to create such a misunderstanding. I can assure you, I’ve never been married, nor do I have children. Marrying Chuxia would be my first marriage. Absolutely my first marriage.
But there’s something I need to clarify with you. Previously, I was engaged, but for some reasons, the arrangement was eventually called off. I put my personal honor on the line to guarantee that what I’m saying is the truth."
When he mentioned "but," the elders’ faces changed color. After he finished, they finally relaxed.
"Then I’m relieved, Xiao Zhou, don’t mind our meddling, but..." Zhao Yulan gave a sheepish smile, "mainly because we have just this one daughter, we never thought of gaining any advantage by reaching for the high branches. We just want Chuxia to be cherished and comfortable, hehe..."
"Yes, yes, Xiao Zhou, don’t think we’re too anxious, it really is... it really is..."
I’m just not good enough for him! Seeing her eldest maternal aunt struggle with the word "really," Chuxia couldn’t help but secretly scoff.