Some of the elder women who had received precious return gifts from Qiao Ci began to speak up in her defense.
"When did you all become such gossips? Are you jealous that Zhou Ye married a sent-down youth? Can't you wish them well?"
"Exactly, you speak without thinking. The fact that Qiao Ci had the courage to marry Zhou Ye shows she's a good girl who doesn't discriminate between rich and poor. Anyone who speaks ill of her behind her back from now on, I'll tear their mouths apart!"
After about a month, even the elder women who had spoken up for Qiao Ci began to doubt if she would ever return.
One morning, the rumble of a car was heard in the village.
The villagers swarmed out to see what was happening. Several large trucks carrying bricks and cement stopped in front of Zhou Ye's yard.
A group of people with measuring tapes began to measure and assess the area, and soon, Zhou Ye's house was demolished.
A curious elder woman approached the person who seemed to be in charge and asked, "What are you doing?"
The man, who was plump and amiable, replied, "Miss Qiao asked us to demolish the house and rebuild it. If any villagers wish to help, they can register with me. It's five yuan a day, and meals are provided. Of course, those who slack off will not be considered."
Miss Qiao had instructed that if the villagers were willing, they could be paid to help, but the quality of work must be strictly supervised.
"So much? My husband is honest and reliable, he'll definitely work hard for you." The elder woman's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and she hurried home to inform her husband to sign up.
Others also began to stir with interest.
They had heard before that Qiao Ci was a young lady from a wealthy family in the city, and now they saw it was indeed true.
Those who had able-bodied workers in their families rushed home to call them over to register.
As for those who had made sarcastic remarks about Qiao Ci, they all shut their mouths, filled with remorse. It turned out that Qiao Ci hadn't left and had no intention of returning; she was busy arranging for the house to be built.
The house was being built with great enthusiasm.
...
"Brother Ye, your place is so remote?"
A stout, energetic young man walked beside Zhou Ye, who was in camouflage uniform, looking at the endless fields stretching before them. He was panting slightly. Another man with a somewhat indifferent expression walked on Zhou Ye's other side. The energetic one, named Chen Hu, was one of Zhou Ye's comrades.
"Mm," Zhou Ye replied perfunctorily, having become much more taciturn. His mind, however, was on Qiao Ci.
He had originally thought he could return to celebrate the New Year with Qiao Ci in their first year, but he was instead pulled into special forces training, which lasted for over three years. During that time, he had written to Qiao Ci. She had replied only to his first letter, telling him to train well in the army and not to worry about her.
Now, returning…
Zhou Ye glanced at the two men behind him.
Now that he was back, he had brought two burdens with him.
Chen Hu and Leng Feng were both people he had met in the special forces. They were orphans from childhood, even more pitiful than him. Having gone through life and death together these past few years, they had become like family. Upon learning that neither of them had ever had a proper New Year, a drunken Zhou Ye had grandly invited them to his home for the holiday.
He wondered if his wife would be displeased when she saw them…
Chen Hu was a chatterbox. Seeing Zhou Ye frowning, and thinking that his sister-in-law hadn't sent any news for more than two years, Chen Hu's heart skipped a beat. He worried that if an awkward and desolate scene were to unfold, it would be unbearable for Brother Ye, so he decided to prepare him first.
"Brother Ye, are you sure you joined the army not long after you and Sister-in-law got married?"
"Mm, one month and twenty days."
"Brother Ye, in these three years, Sister-in-law only wrote back to you once?"
"Mm, perhaps she's been very busy."
"Brother Ye, is Sister-in-law really as beautiful as you say?"
Zhou Ye narrowed his eyes and reached out to pat Chen Hu's head, "Speak properly, damn it!"
Chen Hu's head snapped back with a crack. Unfazed, he said sheepishly, "Brother Ye, based on my experience, you might need to prepare yourself mentally when we get there."
"Prepare myself for what?" Zhou Ye looked at Chen Hu, not understanding.
Chen Hu hesitated to speak, but for Brother Ye's sake, he decided to go all out. "Sister-in-law is so beautiful, and she's the daughter of a wealthy family. She's so nonchalant about your letters, and on top of that, you've been separated for over a month after getting married… Brother Ye, Sister-in-law might have run off with someone else. You might have been cuckolded…"
Zhou Ye, already feeling uneasy, became flustered by Chen Hu's analysis. He stopped hitting Chen Hu and started overthinking.
Could it be that his wife couldn't wait for him and had left him?
His heart filled with anxiety and restlessness, he walked to his doorstep. He raised his head, his eyes full of confusion.
Is this his house?
Before him stood a three-story Western-style building. The exterior of the villa was beautiful. The entrance was enclosed by an iron fence. Inside the fence, lush green plants climbed the railings, obscuring the view of what lay within. Only a glimpse of a fresh and elegant villa could be seen.
Zhou Ye looked ahead. His house was located at the entrance of the village, and this was indeed his house.
"Holy cow, Brother Ye, didn't you say your house only had a dilapidated yard, three small rooms, and one was a kitchen? I was ready to squeeze into a room with Leng Feng, but it turns out you live in a mansion!" He had heard before that Brother Ye lived at the village entrance and had a yard, but he never expected it to be like this!
Zhou Ye's mind was in turmoil. Seeing that the villa's gate was slightly ajar, he walked forward and gently pushed it open. When he saw the scene inside, his pupils involuntarily widened, filled with disbelief.
The courtyard was vast, with flowers and plants lining both sides. A toddler, two or three years old, dressed in a cute raccoon-themed onesie, was clumsily watering flowers with a small watering can. The flowers were taller than the little one, making the task quite strenuous for the child.
Surprise instantly filled his eyes. Could this child be the one Qiao Ci was pregnant with when he left?
Counting the time, the child would be over two years old. This little one, dressed in thick clothes, must be his and Qiao Ci's child.
The surprise came too suddenly, and Zhou Ye was momentarily stunned.
In the next moment, his entire body stiffened.
If they had a child, why didn't Qiao Ci tell him? How had she managed all these years?
She must be angry that he hadn't returned on time…
Zhou Ye stood at the entrance, his face filled with shock. Chen Hu and Leng Feng dared not speak. Chen Hu peered through the gap and jumped up in surprise, "No way? Brother Ye, Sister-in-law even had a child, and it's yours?"
Zhou Ye finally snapped out of his self-reproach and kicked Chen Hu, laughing as he scolded, "It's definitely my kid!"
Then, he strode forward. To avoid startling the child, he lightened his steps. He walked behind the little one, suddenly scooped the toddler into his arms, and laughed heartily, "Baby, Daddy's home~"
Then, upon seeing the child's appearance, the smile on his lips gradually froze, looking quite comical—