"I’ve never tried making the dough, but I think I could manage to make dumplings!" He Zhilan was a bit embarrassed, "Sister-in-law, it’s so extravagant of you to cook all of this for my arrival! When I come to your place, I never bring any gifts. I’m afraid I won’t dare to come if you keep doing this."
"Bring what gifts? My mother is very direct and doesn’t like others be roundabout. If Sister Zhilan brings gifts every time, my mom won’t be able to interact with you. She believes those who are too polite have many faces." Chen Ya’nan, fresh from washing her face, entered the living room and smoothly continued the conversation, "However, if Sister Zhilan brings gifts for me every time, I’ll like Sister Zhilan even more. I, for one, enjoy a little bit of politeness from others. It benefits me more."
The two adults were genuinely amused by Chen Ya’nan’s words. The political commissar’s wife just shook her head, signaling that she had given up on lecturing this cheeky daughter of hers.
He Zhilan, however, rubbed her forehead and said, "Actually, I did bring something for you this time. I just left it in the guest house. You can pick it up from my place this afternoon!"
The gift He Zhilan brought for Chen Ya’nan was a hair accessory. Even though Chen Ya’nan had short hair, as a student, she always had to keep her hair from falling into her face when doing homework. He Zhilan noticed that Chen Ya’nan had to brush away her hair every few minutes, so she specially left two pairs of simple yet cute hairpins that were very suitable for Chen Ya’nan’s age.
"Mom, see? I was just joking about the gift and it turned out to be true! If I hadn’t mentioned it, Sister Zhilan might have forgotten and taken it back to the capital!" Chen Ya’nan, grinning from ear to ear, darted forward and hugged He Zhilan. "Sister Zhilan, just for remembering to bring me a gift, I’ll definitely hold onto our homeroom teacher for you! If he dares to date someone without my permission, you’ll see how I deal with him!"
After messing around for a bit, Chen Ya’nan left to have her meal. He Zhilan followed the political commissar’s wife into the kitchen. Inside, the dough had been prepared in advance. It appeared the political commissar’s wife had gotten up early to prepare for this dumpling feast.
"Sister-in-law, is it true that everyone in the troop is saying that I cheated on my brother, which is why we divorced?" He Zhilan could not understand why people would think she was that kind of person.
"Ah!" The political commissar’s wife sighed first, then said, "Don’t think that just because this is a military camp, there’s no gossip. Once there’s a large gathering of people, all sorts of rumors will circulate. Those who’re saying this are likely jealous because you’re so young but already a student at Capital University. They are probably pissed off because they heard that among the young folks in our camp, you’re the most promising. So, once a rumor started, they took the opportunity to tarnish your reputation."
This was the most regrettable fact. Even in military camps, there were some petty folks. Especially since He Teng had now become a captain with a promising future, the people who were previously envious couldn’t bear it anymore.
"Anyway, all kinds of people say all sorts of things, but they merely whisper behind your back. Don’t pay them any mind. As long as we know the truth, it doesn’t matter what others say. Besides, you came to the camp last night, and today, you and He Teng are getting along just fine without any arguments. Despite people’s speculations, they won’t figure out why the two of you got divorced."