Chapter 32: Viewing the Property

Jiang Yan placed his hand on Shen Qingyao’s back, listening to her quiet weeping.

Shen Qingyao didn’t actually want to be like this, but she couldn’t control her tears. This was a depth of affection she had never experienced before, even if it was technically bestowed upon her because of the identity of the original owner of this body.

After a while, Shen Qingyao stopped crying. Jiang Yan gripped a handkerchief and carefully wiped the tear stains from her face.

"I feel like I’m being quite willful. I’ve never felt this way from childhood until now; this is the first time."

Hearing this, Jiang Yan nodded. "Shen Qingye told me you have always been willful, because your mother believed that a girl needed a bit of a temper so she wouldn't be bullied."

That day, after Shen Qingye and Jiang Yan had shared two or three drinks, he had gradually opened up. Shen Qingye mentioned Du Tang, and Jiang Yan had simply followed his lead. Perhaps due to the numbing effect of the alcohol, Shen Qingye had become quite emotional as he spoke.

Shen Qingyao spoke slowly, "She was a very, very gentle person."

That was exactly what Shen Qingye had said that day as well. Jiang Yan had never met Du Tang, but he believed that anyone who could be described that way by both Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingye must have been a wonderful person.

The two remained silent, with Shen Qingyao fiddling with her fingers. She looked at the road ahead and realized they were heading toward the military district.

"Are you going back to the barracks?" she asked. "If you are, just drop me off. I need to get to Aunt Xie’s shop."

As she spoke, she began to straighten her clothes, preparing to get out of the car. Jiang Yan gently pressed his hand on hers, speaking softly. "I am returning to the barracks, but it is to take care of some matters, and I need you there."

"Need me there?" What could possibly happen at the military district that required her presence? Shen Qingyao couldn’t fathom it. But she figured Jiang Yan wouldn't harm her, so she decided to go along with it. With that thought, she settled back comfortably as the car drove into the military district.

Xu Kaifeng was conducting training with a squad and whistled as he saw Jiang Yan’s car. After giving an order, he trotted over, and Chen Zheng parked the vehicle nearby.

"Here to handle the paperwork today?"

Jiang Yan nodded. "Yes, if we don't do it now, it’ll be too late."

Xu Kaifeng grinned. "Perfect. I’ll go grab the keys; take your time looking around."

Shen Qingyao was thoroughly confused, but she nodded along, mimicking Jiang Yan’s demeanor.

When he turned back, Jiang Yan saw Shen Qingyao trying to imitate his actions. For a moment, he found it amusing. However, that smile was quickly suppressed because Jiang Feng had arrived with the Chief of Staff.

Jiang Yan stood at attention and saluted, and Shen Qingyao instinctively stiffened. As they approached, the Chief of Staff pointed a finger at Jiang Yan, looking quite impressed.

"Jiang Yan, I’ve heard about your situation. Apply for whichever unit you like, and I’ll take care of the rest."

"That depends on my wife’s thoughts. What she likes is what matters most."

The Chief of Staff paused. "This must be your wife, then?"

"Yes. She is a bit timid, so please don't tease her with your authority."

The Chief of Staff didn't intend to let her off the hook so easily. He looked at Shen Qingyao, who decided to greet him gracefully. "Hello, Chief of Staff. I am Shen Qingyao, Jiang Yan’s wife."

Hearing her, the Chief of Staff beamed. "That’s more like it. Much better."

Jiang Feng spoke up, "Old Long, that’s enough."

"Fine, fine. Go ahead and take care of your business. Your father and I are heading out." After saying this, Long Yu left, with Jiang Feng following closely behind.

Watching Long Yu depart, Shen Qingyao was curious. "Isn't your father the highest-ranking officer here? Why does it feel like this Chief of Staff carries himself with more authority?"

"Uncle Long is just that kind of person." Jiang Yan didn't elaborate, as Xu Kaifeng had arrived with the keys.

Xu Kaifeng gestured for Shen Qingyao to get back in the car. Though she didn't understand why, she complied. The car drove out of the military district again, heading in a direction she had never been before. Shen Qingyao felt nervous, her eyes darting left and right.

After a turn, two tall buildings appeared in her line of sight. She was stunned; how could there be space in Qintan Village to build such structures? In the village, most houses were at most two stories high, and even those were often just for storage rather than living. But these buildings were six stories high, looking more like modern residential apartments.

"The land behind there is for new housing for military personnel," Xu Kaifeng explained. "You two are the first to choose. Whatever is left after you pick will be allocated to others."

"What new housing?"

Xu Kaifeng puffed on a cigarette. "Jiang Yan didn't tell you? He brought you here today to pick a home. This is a benefit provided by the military."

Shen Qingyao was stunned for a moment, then her eyes lit up. "Really!?"

Was she actually going to have a home of her own in this world? She almost laughed out loud, but Jiang Yan laughed before she could.

Xu Kaifeng was amused by her reaction. "Would I lie to you? There are many heroes and children of martyrs in Qintan Village, and the higher-ups allocate housing based on criteria. Not to mention anyone else, even your neighbors, Jiang Yan, will be getting a decent unit."

Shen Qingyao thought of someone. "Mianmian’s family?"

"You know her? Yes, her parents both sacrificed their lives. She won’t have to suffer anymore; she has a lifetime of blessings waiting for her." Xu Kaifeng smiled as he said this.

Thinking back to how she had felt pity for that little girl, Shen Qingyao suddenly felt her efforts were misplaced. She was the one who should be pitied. Others had bright futures, but what about her? She didn't even have a stable job, yet she was feeling sorry for someone else? A wave of discomfort washed over her, a tight pressure in her chest.

Jiang Yan pointed ahead. "Let’s stop here."

"Are we just looking at this building? Why not see the one inside? The units there are a bit larger," Xu Kaifeng suggested.

Jiang Yan shook his head. "We’ll take this one. Yao Yao likes the sunlight."

"That other building is newer, built two years after this one. You really don't want to check it out?" Though Xu Kaifeng urged them, he still parked the car.

These words meant little to Jiang Yan, but Shen Qingyao took them to heart. "Let’s look at both. Are you in a rush?"

Jiang Yan answered immediately, "No rush at all."

Shen Qingyao nodded and followed Jiang Yan inside. Although Xu Kaifeng had no romantic experience, it didn't stop him from being sharp-tongued. "He wouldn't dare be in a rush. He’d love to stay with you twenty-four hours a day."

"Xu Kaifeng." Jiang Yan gave a low, warning tone, and Xu Kaifeng instantly quieted down.

"Take a look at this unit. It’s probably the best one here. The size is decent, and it has three rooms, though there’s a bit of an issue with the bathroom." Xu Kaifeng unlocked the door.

The interior was quite different from what Shen Qingyao had imagined. Perhaps influenced by her memories of modern house-hunting, she began poking and touching everything as soon as she entered. It was a mistake; she ended up with a hand full of dust.