Qin Jian had drunk too much and, completely inebriated, lay on the bed, snoring loudly in deep sleep.
Ning Yibin and his wife had seen off most of their guests, and the day’s endeavors had also exhausted Gu Shuangshuang. Keeping An Hao company for a full day was no small task.
As everyone finally left, Gu Shuangshuang’s entire body collapsed onto the sofa.
"Tired, aren’t you, young lady?" Zhang Yun brought her a cup of hot tea, placing it on the table beside her, "You really worked hard today. In a while, I’ll make some chicken soup for you to drink. Everyone is worn out after these busy days."
"Thank you, Auntie! I’ll be leaving in a bit and won’t stay to cause any trouble," Gu Shuangshuang hastily declined.
Newly married, An Hao and her husband surely had endless topics to discuss, plus they had the return visit to the bride’s home in three days, which was bound to be busy.
She couldn’t linger and take up An Hao’s time!
As the two were talking, An Hao, having changed into a loose sweater, came downstairs, and seeing Gu Shuangshuang about to leave, she strenuously urged, "Shuangshuang, don’t go! Where would you go after leaving here? It’s just that these few days might be a bit busy, but I’ll have free time afterward."
"No need, An Hao," Gu Shuangshuang said with a grin as she stood up, "As newlyweds, you should spend quality time with the staff officer. Besides, with the New Year approaching, I can’t be celebrating it at your place! If anything, I can just go back home. We can meet up again after the holiday."
Gu Shuangshuang was determined to leave, and An Hao couldn’t stop her.
"How about this, I’ll have my guard arrange a place for you to stay for the time being. Remember to come over for meals during the day," Ning Yibin suggested.
"Yes, that would be great! Thank you so much, Chief!"
An Hao sent Gu Wushuang out the door, and just as the guard was about to open the car door for Gu Shuangshuang to enter, they saw Tian Niu coming back halfway.
"Instructor Tian, why have you come back?"
"Looking for you. I wanted to ask, now that the staff officer’s and sister-in-law’s wedding is over, where are you planning to stay tonight?" Tian Niu asked, looking at Shuangshuang.
"Isn’t this brother guard about to take me to find a place to stay?"
The guard saluted Tian Niu and reassured him, "Captain Tian, rest assured, I will make proper accommodation arrangements for the young lady."
Tian Niu looked at Gu Shuangshuang, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Why don’t you come with me back to the military base? There’s an army guesthouse not far from the base where you can stay. The staff officer and sister-in-law will definitely be busy over the next few days, and it will be convenient for me to take care of you. I’m not going back home for the New Year’s."
Gu Shuangshuang’s eyes twinkled with interest, feeling that staying with Tian Niu would probably be more fun, so she agreed cheerfully.
After seeing off Gu Shuangshuang, An Hao returned home.
Zhang Yun was cooking chicken soup in the kitchen while Ning Yibin was sweeping the floor with a broom.
An Hao hurried over to stop Ning Yibin, "Dad, let me do it! You’ve been tired all day, you should rest!"
"Not tired at all! It’s you who’s been through a lot today. Go upstairs and rest! When your mother’s chicken soup is ready, I’ll call you and Qin Jian down."
Both her in-laws had been active all day; how could she justifiably rest first?
Genuinely unwilling, An Hao was urged by Zhang Yun, coming out of the kitchen, to go upstairs, "Go on, Qin Jian is still intoxicated. You should go take care of him, and remember to give him some water to drink."
Seeing that her in-laws were insistent, An Hao had to obediently go upstairs.
Pushing open the door to the bridal chamber, the room was dimly lit, with only a soft yellow light glowing from a bedside lamp as Qin Jian slept soundly.
An Hao tiptoed over, sitting on the edge of the bed, and just as she was about to cover him with the slipped blanket, Qin Jian suddenly opened his eyes, grabbed An Hao’s wrist with one swift move, and yanked her forcefully, catching An Hao by surprise as she tumbled onto Qin Jian.