Returning from Lushan, the journey was exhausting, and they had brought back many belongings.
Tian Sangsang took the opportunity to visit the military district’s family quarters with ng Shuyan, bringing along their luggage to avoid empty-handed appearances.
She had been away for more than half a month, and her prolonged absence was bound to invite gossip. It was necessary to return and stay for a few days.
The room hadn’t been lived in for a long ti, and a thin layer of dust had settled.
So Jiang Jinghuai still hadn’t returned yet.
While feeling relieved, she also couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.
"Yanyan, Mommy’s going to clean the room. If you feel bored, take Little Milk Tea downstairs and play with the other kids," Tian Sangsang said, holding a feather duster in one hand and a white mask in the other.
"Then I’ll go find Nini," ng Shuyan replied with a grin.
"Go ahead, but watch your step on the stairs." It was a Saturday, so Nini probably hadn’t gone to kindergarten. "Oh, and grab a few fruits from the room to give to Nini."
"I know, Mommy." Bouncing and hopping with excitent.
Tian Sangsang put on her mask, looking like a sanitation worker, and started dusting everything with the feather duster.
After dusting, she swept the floor, mopped it, and took the quilts out to the balcony to air them.
She then grabbed a cloth to wipe down the cabinets, furniture, and other items. From her storage, she brought out a pot of daffodils, two pots of succulents, and a pot of roses, placing them on the living room table, in the corners, and on the room’s windowsill. Instantly, the entire house looked vibrant and refreshed.
Once she finished tidying up, Tian Sangsang took a shower and changed into a clean cotton dress.
"Ah, my waist... Nearly a month without working out, and here I am, living like a pampered lady." Doing housework after a long break left her utterly exhausted.
Sitting on the sofa, Tian Sangsang took a sip of water. When she used to be overweight, running was a daily routine for her. Now that she had slimd down, she found herself increasingly lazy and resistant to moving.
She reached out and touched her flat belly—it was still toned, thankfully she hadn’t gained weight—but her abs weren’t as defined as before.
This won’t do.
Motivated, Tian Sangsang imdiately went to pick out an outfit, changing into loose black long pants and a cropped tank top that revealed her waist. She tied her hair into a ponytail and ran on the treadmill in her storage for half an hour before erging.
Afterward, she threw on a thin jacket, zipped it up, grabbed a hoe, and went out the door.
She thought her vegetable garden would be withering by now, but surprisingly, everything was still growing.
"Sangsang, you’re back!"
The voice belonged to You Huixixi.
"Yes," Tian Sangsang turned to look and said with confusion, "How is it that my garden seems to have been visited by a magical snail maid? It’s been over twenty days, yet everything’s still..."
"There’s no magical snail maid; we’ve been taking care of it for you," You Huixixi said with a helpless smile.
"Ah, thank you so much, Sister Hui!"
"It’s no trouble, I just got Old Lin to handle it." You Huixixi sized her up briefly before saying amicably, "It’s good you’re back. If you have errands during the day, you should still co ho at night, so people don’t spread rumors. Finally, you’ve returned. Any longer and the gossip flying around would have been outrageous. You can’t imagine—normally rumors die down after a while, but these seem to intensify instead. Especially since tomorrow, Captain Jiang is returning to the unit."
When people constantly stir up nonsense, even the best relationships can be eroded and unsettled.
Tian Sangsang’s face darkened. So, they had been slandering her during her absence? When would these people ever stop!
"I’ll take your advice, Sister Hui. I’m not too busy for now, so I’m planning to stay ho," she replied.
"That’s good~"
Only then did Tian Sangsang notice You Huixixi’s glowing complexion—her face seed fuller, radiating happiness, hinting at an excellent life.
Her subtle expression didn’t escape You Huixixi’s notice, who remarked, "Are you thinking I’ve gotten fatter?"
"Not at all. I just feel Sister Hui looks very spirited. Could you be celebrating so good news?"
"You’re spot on," You Huixixi said with a lowered smile, "I’m expecting."
Tian Sangsang let out a startled sound, her face breaking into an ecstatic grin. "Congratulations, Sister Hui! How far along are you?"
You Huixixi was in her thirties and had struggled with infertility for years. She even thought she might never conceive, resulting in her adopting Nini. Who would have thought she would suddenly beco pregnant? This news greatly delighted Political Commissioner Lin, who even invited his elderly mother to co help care for You Huixixi. As such, You Huixixi continued working, without needing to do any household chores. How could she not be in good spirits?
Moreover, though she was considered a high-risk pregnant woman, she was a doctor herself and knew how to manage her health, so she hadn’t experienced any discomfort.
"One month and twenty-two days," You Huixixi said, gently caressing her belly with a blissful expression.
"Now Nini gets to have a little brother," Tian Sangsang said sincerely.
You Huixixi also hoped for a boy, and hearing Tian Sangsang’s words, she felt even happier. "Indeed. And speaking of which, Captain Jiang is coming back tomorrow, isn’t he? You two should try for a daughter to keep Yanyan company."
"You guys have such a good relationship. You could have a few more," she teased.
Cough! Tian Sangsang was startled by the suggestion and couldn’t help but cover her mouth as she coughed twice. "We’re far from that... Wait, Jinghuai is coming back tomorrow? Sister Hui, where did you hear that?"
"My husband Old Lin told . Most people know already. What’s wrong, little sister? Are you overwheld with joy?"
Tian Sangsang paused for a mont before awkwardly laughing. "He did tell ... I just assud he only told and no one else. Turns out he spread the news."
"I said you two have such a good relationship, you’re even jealous over this. Wasn’t he the first to tell you anyway?"
The problem was, Tian Sangsang hadn’t received any letter or call from Jiang Jinghuai! What was going on? If he was coming back, why would everyone know except for her and Yanyan?
Even after parting ways with You Huixixi, Tian Sangsang couldn’t suppress the fury brewing inside her.
Although their marriage was only nominal, Jiang Jinghuai was too dismissive of her and their son! It was infuriating!
Tian Sangsang’s expression remained calm, but her heart was churning with emotion as she stood beside the vegetable garden, motionless.
"Sangsang." Holding sothing in her hands, Shui Lian approached her with a smile.
"Ms. Shui," Tian Sangsang greeted tersely, her tone sharp from her simring anger.
"Jinghuai said yesterday that he’d be back tomorrow. I forgot to ask whether it’d be in the morning or afternoon, so I ca to ask you specifically..." Her voice was soft and laced with a warm smile.
"How do you know again, Ms. Shui?" Tian Sangsang suppressed her anger and cast a faint glance at her.
"What do you an by ’how do I know again’? It’s sothing everyone knows." Shui Lian’s gentle gaze t hers with a hint of surprise. "Don’t you know...? That shouldn’t be the case; you’re Jinghuai’s wife, he ought to have told you."
"He certainly ought to have told , and he did." Tian Sangsang smiled faintly, her tone icy. "But I don’t understand—what capacity gave him the authority to tell you?"
"Don’t misunderstand ..." Shui Lian lowered her eyes and said softly, "We’re good friends, that’s all. We’ve known each other for a long ti."
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