Gu Shuangshuang was thoroughly enjoying her steamed bun when she heard that Tian Niu had returned. She nearly choked on her food.
She hurriedly took a sip of soup to clear her throat, put down the bowl, and rushed toward the front door.
Seeing the man standing at the door, looming like a black iron tower, Gu Shuangshuang felt a mix of emotions, caught between the urge to laugh and cry.
"What’s the matter, you don’t recognize me anymore? Why that look on your face?" Tian Niu flashed a bright smile, showing off two rows of white teeth, making his skin look even darker.
Gu Shuangshuang struggled to get her emotions under control before she choked out, "Old Niu, you’re a man of your word. You said you’d come back for the National Day holiday to visit, and what happened?"
"I got called out for a mission at the last minute, didn’t I?" Tian Niu stepped forward, his rough hands wiped away Gu Shuangshuang’s tears before he hugged her tightly.
Tian Niu’s sudden display of affection took Gu Shuangshuang by surprise, and she quickly pushed him away: "Can you be a little more aware of your surroundings? An Hao is watching right beside us."
"So what!" Tian Niu’s face turned red, and he blurted out, "Our Staff Officer showed us by example that if you want to get married, you’ve got to have thick skin!"
An Hao couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
"Which Staff Officer told you that?" Qin Jian’s voice came over, and Tian Niu looked up to see Qin Jian standing right in front of him.
He quickly let go of Gu Shuangshuang’s hand and saluted him, "Staff Officer, sir!"
Qin Jian nodded, "Haven’t eaten yet, right? Come on, let’s have a meal together!"
After washing his hands, Tian Niu saw Ning Yibin and immediately stood at attention and saluted.
"Alright, alright, sit down! At home, I’m just an elder to you all; don’t treat me as your leader!" Ning Yibin’s attitude was warm and approachable.
The tension Tian Niu had felt moments before vanished, and he reached for a large steamed bun, saying, "Thank you, Chief! I, Tian Niu, never imagined I’d have the chance to share a meal with the Chief."
"We’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future," Ning Yibin said meaningfully.
After breakfast, An Hao made tea for everyone.
Ning Yibin had to go to the military base, and Zhang Yun found an excuse to leave, giving the four young people some space at home.
A telegram arrived from the gatekeeper, which Qin Jian opened and read—it was from his family.
The telegram mentioned Qin Fen’s upcoming marriage, with the date already set, reminding them to remember to come home for the wedding.
"Qin Fen is getting married," Qin Jian stated with a frown, "He’s still set on marrying Song Yueqin! I warned him that Yueqin might not be a suitable match, but he wouldn’t listen."
"You did what you could. It’s their life to live. Whether it turns out well or not isn’t for us to decide. Let’s just hope Song Yueqin truly likes Qin Fen and can lead a stable life with him."
Qin Jian nodded and put away the telegram.
Seeing the lively conversation between the pair in the living room, the Qin family smiled, and he took An Hao’s hand, suggesting, "Let’s go for a walk. Since Qin Fen is getting married, we should prepare some gifts. At the same time, let’s give these two some privacy to talk."
Qin Jian and his wife went out shopping, leaving only Tian Niu and Gu Shuangshuang at home.
The previously reserved Tian Niu finally let loose. He stood up, stretched his arms and legs, then sat down close to Gu Shuangshuang.
His burning gaze landed on Gu Shuangshuang’s face. Before he even spoke, he could feel his cheeks heating up.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Gu Shuangshuang’s cheeks were slightly warm as she tilted her head to look at Tian Niu and spoke in a soft voice, "With that look in your eyes, I’m sure you’re not thinking anything decent."