“I did not do anything. Why did she cry? It’s as if I have bullied her.” She felt so aggrieved.

  Zhai Sheng shot a sharp look at Zhai Hua’s itchy hands. “You are aware that San Bao’s temper is not good, yet you still want to provoke her? If you really like to tease a child, I advise you to find a man and get married. That’s the most practical thing to do. At that time, be it your man or your child, you can bully them as you wish. It’s up to you.”

  However, if Zhai Hua were to bully his children, she should not blame him for not treating her like a sister.

  “Nan Nan, your man is threatening me. He has forgotten who sent you to the hospital and accompanied you when you gave birth one year ago. Tell me. Isn’t your man heartless? You don’t hit a person in his face, and neither do you expose a person’s shortcomings. He did it on purpose.” Her twenty-eighth birthday had passed. As she approached her thirties, Zhai Hua’s face got blacker and blacker.

  Fortunately, in the army, everyone was used to exerting one’s position and authority. They were also more respectful of and convinced by capable people.

  Despite this, Zhai Hua was still a famous unmarried ‘old’ lady and ‘old’ deputy battalion commander in Ping Cheng’s army. Now, the people in the capital’s army enjoyed referring her as the new female officer who was left on the shelves.

  No matter where she went, Zhai Hua was a famous figure in the limelight. Everyone knew who she was.

  As a normal woman who kept hearing others calling her an old woman, no matter how big-hearted Zhai Hua was, she would feel angry. She could not help but find an excuse to deal with the few junior soldiers who had the excessive energy to gossip about others. They were behaving like women. As such, she taught them a hard lesson.

  In the army, she would hear these gossips from the people that she did not know. Now that she was at home, her biological brother also had to poke fun at her.

  The hot-tempered Zhai Hua could not help doubting if she was in the early stage of menopause. Otherwise, why was her temper growing bigger and worse by the day?

  \r \r \r

  Qiao Nan was carrying San Bao and sitting beside Zhai Sheng. The agile Er Bao stood with his short little legs, wanting to sit beside his mother. Qiao Nan reached out and carried him. Er Bao was now sitting on the sofa and holding his sister’s hands. He looked so obedient.

  Making use of this opportunity, Qiao Nan leaned closer to Zhai Sheng and asked quietly, “What’s the situation with Tian Dong recently?” When she was pregnant with the triplets, Tian Dong found various excuses to come to the Zhai family’s residence for meals and ask Sister Zhai Hua out.

  It was also because of this that Tian Dong had helped do everything that Brother Zhai should have done then—on the account of Sister Zhai Hua.

  Strangely, Tian Dong had been coming to the Zhai family’s residence less since she had given birth to the triplets. She could not even remember clearly when she last saw Tian Dong.

  Tian Dong had returned to the capital for almost two years?

  If the Tian family did not have the intention, Sister Zhai Hua had to grab hold of time and attend matchmaking sessions soon. If they were to come clean about the matter, it would be akin to giving each other freedom. No one would delay each other’s time. Wasn’t that a good thing?

  Squeezing Er Bao’s chubby hand, Zhai Sheng said openly, “Nothing is happening at Tian Dong’s side. That’s why someone is so angry that she is having hormonal imbalances.”

  Qiao Nan had thought that she was talking very softly. This was quite amusing to Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua. As a special forces soldier, how could she survive in the army if she did not even have some listening skills? Since he knew that Zhai Hua could definitely hear it, Zhai Sheng could not be bothered to lower his voice or suppress himself. He would be acting foolishly like an ostrich if he did.

  After saying this, Zhai Sheng even specially turned to look at Zhai Hua to observe her reaction.

  Zhai Hua’s face reddened. It was uncertain if she was feeling angry or embarrassed. “Don’t mention that person’s name in front of me again. All of them are scums.” At the mention of Tian Dong, Zhai Hua’s heart was confused.

  It was with much difficulty that she found Wei De previously. Who would have known that Wei De, who looked honest on the outside, was actually such a jerk?

  She had already moved to the capital for two years. Zhai Hua had heard about Wei De’s news from time to time.

  It was all thanks to her childhood friends who had continued to stay in Ping Cheng to develop their businesses. After leaving Zhai Hua, Wei De was like a pile of feces. After being beaten up for no reason, Wei De could not survive in the capital anymore. He could only bring a small sum of money with him back to Ping Cheng and start his life anew.

  Zhai Hua’s childhood friends would pay attention to Wei De from time to time. They took it that they were watching a clown’s show. They would then report to Zhai Hua about Wei De’s miserable situation, as if they were telling a joke. As a result, Zhai Hua couldn’t possibly not know about Wei De’s situation.

  After Wei De returned to Ping Cheng, he had not gotten married. He also did not have any complicated woman by his side.

  However, Wei De had fetched his family from his hometown to Ping Cheng.

  During the last time that they met, Wei Wei should have attended kindergarten. However, three years had passed. Given Wei Wei’s age, he should be attending primary school. Wei De was still unwilling to give up on Wei Wei, this son. Hence, he found ways to move Wei Wei’s residence to Ping Cheng and finally found him a primary school there.

  As for what Wei De initially planned for—letting Wei Wei study in a good primary school and receive elite education—it was no longer in the consideration.

  First, Wei De did not have the interpersonal network.

  Second, Wei De did not have the money.

  It was worth mentioning that Wei Wei’s mother and ‘younger sister’ also came to Ping Cheng. To outsiders, everyone knew that this sister was Wei Wei’s biological instead of adopted sister. Wei Wei was the illegitimate son born out of wedlock by Wei De’s sister. He was thus Wei De’s nephew.

  The Wei family had concealed and lied to Zhai Hua about Wei Wei’s identity in the past. Now, they were still going down the same dead end and continuing to weave the same lie. They strongly hoped to turn the make-believe into reality.

  What made Zhai Hua felt most helpless was that Wei De had been telling others that Zhai Hua was still the love of his life, that he would only love Zhai Hua in this lifetime. As long as Zhai Hua was willing to go back to him, he would definitely openly welcome Zhai Hua to his home to be his wife unconditionally, anytime and forever.

  Zhai Hua had mentioned this matter to Qiao Nan before.

  Wei De had disguised himself to be someone deeply in love and with no regrets. He had lied so well that many young ladies had been taken in. Some foolish people really believed that the Zhai family did not look up to and shun Wei De because of his family background, that Zhai Hua was blind to have abandoned such a good man like Wei De because of money.

  Qiao Nan was afraid that Zhai Hua’s heart would waver and commit the same foolish act again. She told Zhai Hua in a frank and direct manner. “Do you know why Wei De is still holding on to you and not getting married until now? If he marries another woman, will that woman be able to provide him with so many benefits like you did? Also, nowadays, how many people truly marry out of love?”


  1260 Punish Ourselves for Other People’s Mistakes

  “You will understand this just by looking at your own situation. If not for the sake of having a child, you can’t even be bothered about men anymore.”

  “Regarding having a child, Wei De already has a son: Wei Wei. His parents already have a grandchild. Wei De already has someone to pass down the family line. Will the Wei family feel anxious for Wei De to find a woman to marry? Let’s talk about a disgusting situation. Didn’t that sister of Wei De also come to Ping Cheng? Wei De is lacking neither son nor woman. Wei De’s sister can also help Wei De in something that an ordinary woman and wife can do for him. Why would he marry at this point unless the woman is someone like you who can help Wei De? Otherwise, he would have ruined his own path to wealth then, no?”

  Wei De did not lack a son or a woman. He only lacked the opportunity to rise in the ranks and become wealthy.

  He was not capable. Hence, the only way to fulfill this wish was to marry a wife with a good birth status and family background. He would rely on the in-law family’s help then.

  As Zhai Hua had been unhappy with Tian Dong’s performance, she had slight thoughts of softening her heart in order to be at odds with herself or Tian Dong. Nevertheless, she had abolished this intent totally after listening to Qiao Nan’s wise and earnest advice.

  At that time, Zhai Hua only asked Qiao Nan one question. “If I don’t get married and don’t have a child forever, will you let the triplets support me when I grow old?”

  Chinese are so traditional in their thinking.

  Qiao Nan replied to Zhai Hua, “It’s never a problem to support you when you grow old. I am most concerned that you don’t have someone by your side then.”

  Qiao Nan’s words made Zhai Hua feel sour. She also calmed down at the same time.

  Yes, she had three niece and nephews. She was not worried that no one would support her when she was old. She was only worried that no one would accompany her.

  However, there were so many man-made or natural calamities nowadays. Some illnesses could not be cured and some were terminal cancers. Despite being married and having children, most people did not have anyone by their side when they were old. Were they going to live on then?

  \r \r \r

  She was the daughter of the Zhai family. Since these people could continue with their lives, why couldn’t she?

  By the time she was old, the triplets would definitely have gotten married and they would have their own children.

  At that time, she did not need anyone to keep her company. She would ‘kidnap’ the children of one of the triplets and raise them. It was similar to what the old master did in the past. That seemed fine too.

  Her grandmother had passed away early and the old master had been alone. Earlier on, when she and Zhai Sheng were still in Ping Cheng, the old master insisted on staying in the countryside and refused to stay in the city. He wanted to mix around with his former war comrades. The old master did not seem to be having a difficult life either.

  If she could be like the old master and live her life such that she was as healthy and energetic as the youngsters, she would be very happy.

  Since she had resolved her last concern, Zhai Hua did not give up on herself. Instead, she was freed. She might as well not trouble herself over marriage anymore. As such, she cast Tian Dong and Wei De aside.

  If she had not heard a few wicked soldiers scolding her for being inhuman and being an old woman left on the shelves, Zhai Hua would not be in such a bad mood.

  However, Zhai Hua would let whoever made her unhappy experience unbearable suffering.

  Come on! Let’s harm each other and see who would bow first!

  At the mention of Tian Dong, the initiator of all these, Zhai Hua found it hard to calm down. She immediately flared up. In addition, a sinister and murderous aura surrounded her. Her face was as black as a female Rakkhasa[1].

  Upon realizing that she seemed to have overreacted, Zhai Hua took a deep breath and held her forehead. She lowered her voice. “Alright, I know my mood is not especially good. Don’t agitate me with these words. The Tian family did not handle this very well…… Fine. Perhaps they have already expressed themselves and I am the one who doesn’t understand it thoroughly. After all, when Nan Nan gave birth, Tian Dong had helped a lot. In the future, if anything happens to the Tian family, we return the favor by helping them too. As for other matters, don’t think too much about or mention it. He’s like a lady since he was a child. How could I fancy him?”

  Zhai Hua did not speak the last sentence from her heart.

  She had taken a liking to him but Tian Dong had been so cold to her thereafter. He neither contacted nor expressed anything to her.

  Regardless of the intent of Tian Dong and the Tian family, sorry, she was not playing with them anymore. They could scram!

  This was Zhai Hua’s private affair. As much as the people around her could give her some advice, it would be meaningless to go overboard. After all, Zhai Hua was responsible for her own life.

  You are not a fish. How would you know whether the fish is happy? One should not judge a person by their own thoughts.

  Other people might not feel positive about this kind of life. However, Zhai Hua felt happy and carefree leading it. It was not important how others viewed it at all.

  Qiao Nan was a woman. Of course, she sided with Zhai Hua. She could tell that Zhai Hua’s temper had been provoked by Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan secretly nudged Zhai Sheng to hint at him to know when to draw the line.

  Anyway, in her view, this matter’s responsibility indeed lay with Tian Dong and not Zhai Hua.

  As a man, he should take practical steps and adopt an enthusiastic attitude. If he felt that they were not suitable, it was fine not to give any clear explanation, but why did he always have to say something ambiguous and suggestive to stop the Zhai family from making matchmaking arrangements for Zhai Hua?

  As such, Qiao Nan was also not pleased to bring up Tian Dong, let alone Zhai Hua.

  Besides Wei De, Tian Dong was the next person whom Zhai Hua was together with for the longest time. In addition, she and Tian Dong got along quite well and he had spent a lot of thoughts and effort on Zhai Hua. Given Qiao Nan’s malicious eloquence, it was just a matter of seconds for her to nip Tian Dong in the bud, just like what she did to Wei De when she made the strong-headed Zhai Hua turn her back and give up on Wei De in the past.

  However, Qiao Nan was not the kind of person who liked to exaggerate matters. Unless there was really a major concern, she was not willing to intervene in other people’s lives in this way.

  The topic of marriage with Tian Dong ended along with Zhai Hua’s fury.

  Miao Jing, who was sitting by the side and peeling fruits for her three grandchildren, heard the conversation clearly. In the end, she could only sigh helplessly without a word. Sometimes, Miao Jing could not figure out why. The Zhai family was so honest and responsible. She could not vouch for other families, but she dared to pat her chest and express that the Zhai family had a clear conscience. They had never let the organization, country, and people down.

  Most importantly, they passed down a few generations of soldiers who protected the country. Even if they were not considered heroes, they contributed to the safety and stability of the country.

  They did not do any misdeeds. They did not do lesser good deeds either. Why was it that good fortune did not come to her daughter, that her affinity in love had to come so late?

  Other people did not understand Zhai Hua’s trouble, but as the mother, Miao Jing did.

  Zhai Hua was already of this age. Each time someone brought up the topic of marriage, they could not help using Zhai Hua as an example and make a few unpleasant remarks. It seemed that Zhai Hua, who was still single, became the classic example that many parents used to chase their children into marriage. They did not hold back their tongues.

  [1] A demon in Buddhism that eats human flesh

  1261 Can Be Eliminated

  If not for these people’s gossip, Zhai Hua would not……

  Qiao Nan’s heart wrenched at Miao Jing’s troubled look.

  Qiao Nan lowered her head and gave Er Bao a kiss on the face. She then asked Er Bao to look at Miao Jing.

  After kissing Qiao Nan back, Er Bao blinked his black and dewy eyes. Qiao Nan carried him down the sofa. He ran loudly to Miao Jing. He rolled, whined, and acted cute as he took the fruits that Miao Jing had peeled and fed them to Miao Jing, making a gift for people with something that was given to him.

  Miao Jing felt so sweet. She held on to Er Bao’s chubby hands. “Er Bao, be good. Grandma can eat by myself. If Er Bao likes to eat them, you can eat more.”

  Er Bao raised his short and chubby hands highly and insisted to feed Miao Jing personally. It was only when Miao Jing ate the fruit that Er Bao asked smilingly, “Sweet?”

  “Sweet!” Miao Jing nodded furiously. “Grandma’s heart feels so sweet.” This was not a fruit. This was the sweetest candy in the world!

  Er Bao twisted his body proudly. He looked like he was dancing. His chubby body twisted and swayed to both sides like he was a chubby real-life tumbler. It was so funny.

  Indeed, Er Bao was the little actor amongst the triplets. Acting was a piece of cake for him. Miao Jing was so amused that she was red and laughing in tears.

  After coaxing Miao Jing, the atmosphere in the Zhai family eased much. However, henceforth, Tian Dong’s reputation in the Zhai family had been slightly dented.

  The Zhai family had organized a one-year-old party for the triplets. It was lively and bustling on that day.

  Almost all who attended the triplets’ full month celebration also came today.

  \r \r \r

  These people saw that the triplets had grown to be so bright and extremely good-looking. Da Bao and Er Bao were slower in their speech development, but they could already walk in a steady manner. San Bao, the little girl, could not walk as well as her two elder brothers but she was better at speaking.

  One year had passed. Until now, these three children of the Zhai family had not grown astray. All of them seemed fine.

  The elders often say that they could predict a person’s future when the latter was three years old.

  Actually, one could foresee some situations when the child learned how to walk and talk.

  These three children of the Zhai family could get along extremely well. Da Bao and Er Bao protected and doted on San Bao, their younger sister, very much. The triplets’ standing position was always San Bao in the middle and the two elder brothers by each of her sides.

  San Bao, this little girl, was very doted upon. Whenever she received any good things, she would never stuff it into her mouth anxiously. She would feed her two elder brothers first before eating it herself.

  Facing such a lively occasion, the triplets, including San Bao, did not show any feelings of fear. They were swirling their eyeballs and also opening their little mouths from time to time, smiling sweetly at others.

  Judging by the triplets’ performance, the guests who came felt increasingly envious of the Zhai family’s good fortune for having such fine three children.

  When accepting these people’s blessings, Qiao Nan noticed a situation. Similar to the day that she was married, the Tian family did not appear. Their gift came instead.

  After confirming that Tian Dong and none of the Tian family members had appeared, Qiao Nan’s expression changed. She had eliminated the hope of Tian Dong becoming her brother-in-law. It was better not to have a man like Tian Dong.

  Sister Zhai Hua was right. If she really did not have any children in the future, the triplets would definitely be willing to take care of her. Instead of forcing Sister Zhai Hua to look for a lousy man to have children, she would rather Sister Zhai Hua follow her heart and not find any man to marry. She would be carefree and happy then.

  “Mine. It’s mine. It’s mine.” After the bustling day ended, the triplets, especially San Bao, were extremely excited. Upon the end of the entire day, she was smiling with a pink face as she carried the presents from the adults. Like a dragon, she was either carrying all the presents in her arms or sitting on them.

  She was touching this, looking at that, and continuously counting which present was hers.

  At the sight of her chubby little girl looking like a wealthy landlord, Qiao Nan was elated. She pinched her daughter’s little nose. “Little girl, there are so many presents. What do you intend to do? Are you going to open them?”

  San Bao was sitting on all the presents but did not open any of them. She looked as carefree and happy as a deity just by sitting on them. Qiao Nan could not quite figure out what her fair and chubby daughter was thinking about.

  Could it be that San Bao had a hobby of collecting items?

  “Open?” San Bao blinked her eyes. Her little head was nodding like a chicken pecking on rice. “Open! Mom, help!”

  San Bao knew that she was small and did not have enough strength. Hence, she wanted her mother to lend a helping hand.

  It felt good to touch the soft small ponytail that she tied for San Bao. Qiao Nan carried her daughter into her arms from the small pile of presents. “Mom will help you to open them?”

  San Bao was only one year old and her hair was not extremely long. However, she was a girl. Qiao Nan liked to tie small ponytails for San Bao.

  Although San Bao’s hair was quite short and she did not have a lot of hair, she looked extremely adorable with high ponytails. Especially those two little tails, many people endured the urge to touch her tiny face at the sight of that. They rubbed the ponytail on her head instead.

  Perhaps she was aware that the little ponytails shared much burden with her. She was extremely satisfied with them. When others were not touching them, she would lift her hands to touch that novelty on her head.

  “B- beautiful.” After opening the presents, San Bao was constantly clapping her hands in a delighted manner.

  Everyone understood. Under such circumstances, no one would be foolish enough to give something too expensive for the triplets. Instead of gaining the Zhai family’s favor, they might attract trouble for themselves.

  As such, the gifts to the triplets today were not only common but also practical.

  Just take San Bao for example. She had received many beautiful princess dresses, tiaras, and shiny small accessories. Many gifts opened by Qiao Nan were such items.

  San Bao had received such presents. Of course, Da Bao’s and Er Bao’s presents were not any different.

  Da Bao and Er Bao collaborated to open the presents one by one. At the sight of the presents, Da Bao and Er Bao looked very delighted.

  Da Bao and Er Bao were still children. Although the brothers collaborated, the speed of opening the presents could not win that of Qiao Nan, the biological mother.

  As a model auntie, Zhai Hua patiently helped Da Bao and Er Bao open their presents. When the two children shunned her for being clumsy, Zhai Hua was not angry. She only rubbed on Da Bao’s and Er Bao’s heads and continued to help.

  The triplets were one year old. No one from the Tian family came. They only sent a gift. The Zhai family had already noticed this matter and specially went to check on this.

  1262 Huge Difference between Day and Nigh

  Since Zhai Hua had been thinking of breaking up with Tian Dong, what happened only served to affirm her decision. She would stop thinking about him as time passed.

  She had spent a longer time with Wei De than Tian Dong. Since she could forget Wei De, it was not difficult to let go of Tian Dong.

  After spending more than one week with their grandpa, father, and auntie during the National Day holiday, the triplets were getting used to having them in the house. Er Bao and San Bao were very attached to Zhai Sheng. They would play coquette and hug his leg. Although Da Bao did not behave like them, he no longer rejected Zhai Sheng when he carried him.

  Although the triplets liked to be in Zhai Sheng’s embrace, there was still a habit of theirs that they were unable to change.

  Unless Qiao Nan laid on one side and blocked Zhai Sheng from their views, the triplets could not accept that Zhai Sheng laid on the same bed with their mother and them.

  The triplets knew that they were not Zhai Sheng’s match. Therefore, when they realized that Zhai Sheng lay on the same bed as them, they would try to push him away from the bed or to resort to crying, finding ways to send him away.

  Unless the triplets were asleep, Zhai Sheng could not share the same bed as his wife.

  Zhai Sheng never expected that this would happen after he had children.

  On the day Zhai Sheng left his house for the army camp, the triplets had a death grip on his calf, stopping Zhai Sheng from leaving. They looked heartbroken. Miao Jing and Zhai Hua felt saddened at such a sight. They were, after all, father and children. The same blood flowed in their veins. The triplets were very sensible and they could not bear to part with Zhai Sheng.

  Unlike Miao Jing and Zhai Hua who were moved to tears by the children, Zhai Sheng had different feelings when his children hugged his legs, refusing to let him leave. He was glad that his children loved him, but he felt gloomy at the same time.

  He could not understand why the triplets would behave differently in the daytime and the nighttime.

  \r \r \r

  During the daytime, they would pester him to play with them and hug them. When it was nighttime, they forbade him from sharing a bed with Nan Nan. They seemed like three little devils who insisted on kicking him out of his wife’s bed.

  It would be good if they could behave in the same way during the nighttime. Zhai Sheng would be happier to acknowledge the fact that he was the father of three children.

  Since his family was around, he would not embarrass Qiao Nan by saying what he really felt. But he was making a silent promise with the triplets in his mind. If they really liked their father, when he was back next time, they must sleep in another room, while he shared a bed with his wife.

  “Papa.” San Bao, who was the fastest in learning how to speak, was able to pronounce ‘papa’ accurately. The young lady had tears in her eyes. She pursed her lips and turned teary-eyed. She kept brushing her cheeks against Zhai Sheng’s calf and calling him ‘papa’.

  As the eldest brother, although Da Bao could not bear for Zhai Sheng to leave, he seemed more angry than sad, puffing his cheeks.

  Da Bao grabbed Zhai Sheng’s trouser leg. He felt perplexed. If his mama could stay with them every day, why couldn’t his papa do that? Why did he have to leave after such a short time? Could it be that his papa did not love them as much as his mama did?

  As the cheeky child among the three children, Er Bao openly displayed his anger. He seemed like a horse that was fuming through the nose. He was terribly upset that Zhai Sheng had been home for such a short while and he was leaving again. It took them a long time before they finally accepted Zhai Sheng as their father.

  His mama had to go to school and work every day. Why was it that could she return home to them every day while his papa could not do that?

  Miao Jing’s heart ached for them. She finally realized that when parents left their children, no matter how young the children were, it would be heartbreaking for them.

  Miao Jing reflected on herself once again because of the triplets.

  The triplets were awake when Zhai Sheng left for the army. They were aware that he was leaving.

  Back then, she and Old Zhai were unable to do that. When they returned home, their two children were already asleep.

  Furthermore, it was uncommon to take flights and it was very expensive.

  At times, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had to leave early in the morning or late at night in order to catch the train.

  The children would wake up to find that their parents had left quietly. To their parents, home was like a hotel, they would have a short stay before they left. They did not feel attached to the family.

  It was merely for convenience’s sake.

  Miao Jing could not remember if Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua were upset and had tears back then. Even if they did, she had no idea at all. All these years, and even now that they had grown up, they had never spoken about it or had any complaints or unhappiness about what happened back then.

  Zhai Hua walked to stand next to Miao Jing. She reached out toward Miao Jing and hugged her. “Mom, don’t think too much. It is all in the past. The past was not important. What is important is the present and the future. Zhai Sheng and I are doing well. Zhai Sheng is already married with kids. Don’t you feel that he has never been this happy before?”

  Zhai Hua had sorted out her thoughts and was able to let go of her unhappiness in the past.

  Back then, her parents neglected her and Zhai Sheng. They did not really take care of them. But now, they were sincere in making compensations.

  Unlike the triplets, she would not bear grudges about what happened in the past and stay angry with her parents.

  She was once rebellious and aggrieved, but she had put everything behind her. More importantly, they led a happy and blessed life now.

  Miao Jing turned her head to a side, feeling embarrassed. She sniffed. “Zhai Sheng is going back to the army, but you have not changed to your military uniform. Aren’t you going back to the army?” She thought that since her son and daughter returned home together, they would leave for the army together as well.

  Zhai Hua shook her head. “Mom, I forgot to tell you that I have transferred to another position.”

  “Transferred to another position? Why would you agree to it? Could it be that something has happened and you are suffering in silence? We will not stir up troubles, but we are not afraid of fighting for what’s right either. Tell me. What is it? You have your old master, your dad, and Zhai Sheng to support you. Nobody can dream of bullying the Zhai family!” Miao Jing was uptight and angry.

  It was true that the Zhai family had just moved to the capital for slightly more than a year and they did not have many connections here.

  But the Zhai family would not be easily bullied!

  “Mom, don’t get so anxious. Listen to me. I applied for the transfer. Nobody is making things difficult for me. I did it willingly.”


  1263 Internship

  Zhai Hua gave Miao Jing a side hug. She had never hugged her mother when she was at a young age. She could do so even when she was an adult. “I am no longer young. Although I am still in good condition, what’s done cannot be undone. Old master and Dad had lectured me on this previously. I have a lot of weaknesses. Actually, I am not suited to be on the front line. I cannot possibly be protected by Zhai Sheng forever and create troubles for him.”

  What happened in Ping Cheng was not very complicated. Although she committed a mistake because of Wei De, the soldiers in Ping Cheng still stood very united and were not displeased with her.

  Back then in Ping Cheng, Zhai Sheng was the regiment commander and was considered as having the highest position in the army. Even if some of them were unconvinced, they would not dare to go against Zhai Sheng.

  Things were totally different now that they were at the capital.

  There were very few regiment commanders in Ping Cheng. However, in the capital, it was the opposite.

  In the past, Zhai Sheng could look out for her. But now that they were in the capital, and he had many formidable opponents in the capital, Zhai Hua felt that she should not be so selfish and insist on staying at the front line just because she wanted to prove that girls were equally strong as boys.

  She was nearly thirty years old. She was once willful and reckless. It was time for her to be sensible.

  Otherwise, in a few more years, the triplets would look down on her, chiding her for fooling around.

  At the thought of that, Zhai Hua blushed in embarrassment and could feel fumes coming from her head. She must never become such a miserable auntie.

  After Zhai Hua transferred to another position, there was no need for her to fight in the front line and strive for military achievements. She would work at the back end and focus on recruiting talents and training them.

  In that case, Zhai Hua would have a much easier job than before. She would not be exposed to dangers and risks in her work. Moreover, she would be able to work in the army that she loved and contribute in her own way for the rest of her life.

  To Zhai Hua, she was content to lead such a life forever.

  \r \r \r

  Miao Jing used to persuade Zhai Hua to make the transfer, but no matter how she persuaded her, Zhai Hua refused to listen to her.

  Now that Miao Jing had given up on making Zhai Hua change her mind, she went to do something that Miao Jing had always hoped for. Miao Jing felt saddened. “Hua Hua, is it because of me? You don’t have to do that. As long as Zhai Sheng and you are doing well and happy, I will not stop you from choosing the kind of life that you want to have in the future.”

  Now that her daughter had given in, Miao Jing wanted her to reconsider instead.

  The mother and daughter had many quarrels and arguments because of this. They bickered and argued with each other as if they were enemies.

  Right now, one was willing to give in, and the other party yielded as well. They were able to talk nicely over it. They behaved like the model example of mother and daughter. They used to disagree over this issue, but now, they were very considerate of each other’s feelings.

  The mother and daughter gazed at each other with tears in their eyes. Qiao Nan, who was carrying her daughter, smiled. “Sister Zhai Hua, are you saying that you will go back to the army a few days later?”

  “Yes.” Zhai Hua sniffed, feeling embarrassed. She almost cried in front of the triplets. Thankfully, they were still very young. She believed they would forget today’s incident in no time. Otherwise, when Da Bao and Er Bao joined the army, she was worried that they would refuse to listen to her orders and instructions. If so, it would be too embarrassing.

  Qiao Nan changed into her suit, getting ready for work after getting an affirmative answer. She handed the triplets to her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. “This is great. My dear triplets, you can play with grandma and auntie. I am going off to work. I will have dinner with you when I am back from work.”

  “Okay,” Da Bao replied.

  Er Bao pursed his lips. He wanted his mama to bring him to work.

  San Bao hugged her auntie’s neck. “Want mama, early, early.” She wanted her mama to come back as early as possible to accompany her.

  Qiao Nan gave each child a kiss before she left for work with the slightest worry.

  “Little junior, you are here.” The man who was dressed in a suit and looked refined and scholarly smiled at Qiao Nan. His eyes lit up at the sight of her.

  Qiao Nan calmed herself down before she took out the documents from her bag and passed it to him. “Here are the documents that you wanted me to prepare. There isn’t enough time. Will you be able to make it in time?” The man in front of her was Lin Yuankang’s disciple. He was ranked seventh among his disciples. He had an important position in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the central government.

  Qiao Nan would be doing her internship with him.

  When one worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one might not be able to have ample time to prepare the documents and materials. At times, there would be unexpected circumstances. This was one of those instances.

  Her senior needed the information and he told Qiao Nan at the last minute to do research.

  As a result, even though Zhai Sheng had to leave today, she made Zhai Sheng look after the children after she coaxed them to sleep, while she worked through the night to prepare the documents that her senior wanted.

  Since Qiao Nan had to work through the night to prepare the information, it went to show that the information was not readily available and she had to do research.

  However, compared to Qiao Nan who spent the night compiling the information, her senior had to memorize everything within an hour and be ready when he welcomed the foreign guests.

  Her senior read through the information that Qiao Nan prepared while he worked his brains, walking toward his destination. “As long as your information is comprehensive, there will be no problem on my side.” He must be capable to be able to land this position. Otherwise, he would have been replaced by someone else. Moreover, he was Lin Yuankang’s seventh disciple.

  He Yi was relieved that his master was experienced and he did not falter or make a mistake in choosing his last disciple. He had good judgment and his last disciple was indeed a talent.

  In his department, many people wanted to seek his advice and would want more than anything for him to guide them and mentor them.

  But this was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the central government!

  As China progressed and developed, the workload in the department had increased and its work had a more significant influence on the country.

  It was not a place that everyone could do their internship in.

  People who had that misconception must be kidding!

  If they really wanted to do their internship at the department, they could only watch and observe.

  Unless it was in the past where the veterans would give personal guidance and coach the interns, and they were experienced and had developed their own work style, it was impossible to join the department and do an internship.

  To err is human. However, this department had zero tolerance for mistakes and if one committed a mistake there was no way to correct them.

  He Yi was willing to look after his little junior, which was the last disciple of his master on account of his respect for his master. But there were certain instances where he was unable to look out for her.

  1264 Soybean Milk in the Morning

  He Yi could reject other people except for his master whom he owed a great debt of gratitude. His master had given him a new lease of life.

  When He Yi first heard that Qiao Nan was still in her third year in college, his intention was to let her watch by the side. He did not intend to assign any tasks to her.

  If Qiao Nan committed any mistakes during her internship, he would not allow her to stay by his side even though she was his little junior. It was better for her to learn from her master and wait until she had graduated before she made any plans of joining the department.

  He Yi had already thought of the worst-case scenario. To his surprise, the little junior might seem to be shy and young, but she was quite reliable and trustworthy.

  After all, she was groomed by his master. She must be quite capable.

  He needed the information at the last minute. Everyone had their tasks and nobody had time to take up the job.

  Apart from Qiao Nan, there was another intern in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was quite close to He Yi. There was once when Qiao Nan heard the man addressed He Yi as his master.

  However, from what Qiao Nan knew, He Yi never acknowledged the man as his disciple.

  Although He Yi handed the task to Qiao Nan, now that there was finally a chance to improve and learn, the man volunteered to take up the task and assured him that he would do a good job.

  In the end, it was Qiao Nan, instead of the man, who was assigned the task.

  Qiao Nan looked very serious as He Yi spoke to her. She was on tenterhooks.

  She had tried her best to prepare the documents. Although she felt that she had done a good job, she was not very sure of herself.

  \r \r \r

  Qiao Nan was glad that she was finally assigned a task to do. She placed great importance on it and hoped that she would not fail in her first try.

  He Yi read the documents seriously. He read through every word rapidly with a solemn look on his face. Qiao Nan dared not interrupt He Yi or ask him if there was any problem with the documents.

  “Master.” Deng Wenchang had a gloomy look on his square face when He Yi and Qiao Nan walked toward him. He recovered himself and smiled brightly at his master when they neared him. “Master, I just bought soybean milk. It is still very hot. Would you like to have it?”

  Many people knew that He Yi had the habit of drinking soybean milk in the morning.

  Since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had an urgent task, Qiao Nan worked through the night to prepare the documents while He Yi spent the night at the office after informing his family.

  His wife brought with her a change of clothes for him in the morning.

  Since He Yi did not have the time to go back home to change his clothes, he also would not have time to buy soybean milk.

  He had more important tasks, so it was alright to skip the soybean milk this morning.

  Everyone was busy with work. Deng Wenchang, who was not assigned any tasks, had a lot of time on his hands. He grabbed hold of the opportunity to bring the piping hot soybean milk to He Yi.

  He Yi smelled the scent of the soybean milk and raised his eyebrows slightly. He did not reject his kindness. “It just happened that I am thirsty.”

  Deng Wenchang beamed when He Yi took the soybean milk from him. He had to stop himself from looking smugly at Qiao Nan, showing her that he had the upper hand.

  The Deng family had spent a lot of time building a close relationship with He Yi. He Yi watched Deng Wenchang grow up. In the past, Deng Wenchang would address He Yi as his uncle. Now, he wanted to be his disciple.

  He Yi was Deng Wenchang’s role model. He had decided that he wanted to be like He Yi since a young age and hoped that he would take him in as his disciple. When he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the future, He Yi would be able to help and support him.

  He would be the best master. There was no other alternative.

  Everything had happened according to Deng Wenchang’s plan. He graduated from a renowned university’s foreign language faculty and studied in America for two years before he returned to the country about a year ago.

  Deng Wenchang had put in a lot of effort into the goal that he had since a young age. Now that he had returned from his overseas study, he could join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He knew He Yi since he was at a tender age, and He Yi had a lot of experience in the department. With him around to look after him, he would be able to make his mark in the department in the shortest time if he put in the effort.

  Deng Wenchang was full of confidence. All he wanted was for He Yi to give him a chance to perform.

  However, Deng Wenchang lost his smile after a few days with the appearance of Qiao Nan. She had disrupted his plans.

  There was a young and pretty young lady beside the man that he wanted to acknowledge as his master!

  Deng Wenchang could not help but be prejudiced against Qiao Nan. After all, she was just a third-year student. She had no right to join the department, let alone to work with He Yi, the minister.

  Deng Wenchang was very certain that Qiao Nan had come in through the back door.

  He spent a lot of time and effort, yet he was worse than the young lady who got in through the back door based on her looks. Deng Wenchang felt unconvinced.

  Deng Wenchang felt slightly better that Qiao Nan was in a similar situation as him. He Yi did not take extra care of Qiao Nan. Even if Qiao Nan came in due to her looks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the central government would not allow someone who got in through the back door based on her looks to have her way.

  As long as he performed much better than Qiao Nan, and with the Deng family’s help, he had no need to fear Qiao Nan.

  But he was once again dealt with a harsh blow. He waited for a long time for the chance to perform and prove that he was capable, but He Yi decided to give the chance to Qiao Nan.

  Although Deng Wenchang was not assigned any task, he stayed up through the night, boiling in anger. He had bloodshot eyes when he went to work this morning.

  Very few people knew that Qiao Nan was He Yi’s little junior.

  He Yi had worked through the night and he was particularly happy when he saw Qiao Nan at the office this morning with the documents ready. He could not help but address her as his little junior.

  It happened that Deng Wenchang was not around. He still had the notion that people like Qiao Nan, who was young and pretty, must have engaged in indecent offers in order to have such a chance, while he, who joined the department based on his abilities, was robbed of the opportunity.

  Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang stayed by He Yi’s side until he went into his office.