The house was empty, and Shen Hongxing had cleaned everything up. There was nothing left to tidy.
She had slept in the car for a few days, and wasn't tired at all.
Thinking that Pei Jing would come over soon, she didn't go into her room. Instead, she stood at the door taking in her small yard.
The kitchen and main room were separate, built on the left. This perfectly blocked the view on that side.
The neighbor's house on the right had the same style, which ensured complete privacy in their daily lives. This way, they wouldn't see everything their neighbor cooked.
However, walking past the kitchen, there was nothing blocking the view on either side or in the front.
The kitchen had a simple stove. The mud on it seemed new, probably just plastered. Other than that, there was nothing else.
Just as Zhi Xia was looking over her home, Shen Hongxing next door had already gone out.
Not far from her front door by the roadside, several women were gathered, with children running around. They started gossiping about Zhi Xia who had just moved in.
Shen Hongxing spat out a melon seed shell, gesturing dramatically as she described Zhi Xia to everyone. "You wouldn't have guessed it, but Deputy Pei Jing actually has this kind of taste. You didn't see his young wife - she looks gentle and weak, clearly useless. She's skin and bones without an ounce of meat. Who knows if she can even have kids? She looks so young, like a little girl, but she does have nice skin. When she smiles, her eyes curve charmingly. She even tempted me, a woman..."
In this era, this was not a flattering description at all.
A fashionable woman in a wool coat and leather shoes happened to walk by. Hearing these words, she asked Shen Hongxing, "Sister Hongxing, who doesn't know your sister was chasing after Deputy Pei just a couple months ago? He ignored you, so why would he owe you an explanation?"
Shen Hongxing was left speechless. She angrily put away her melon seeds, wanting to go over but was held back and appeased by the woman next to her.
Yang Li raised her eyebrows with a smile and continued on her way.
Seeing the woman was gone, Shen Hongxing threw up her hands and complained, "That Yang Li is so arrogant just because she's from the city. You see how she dresses, so showy. What's so great about her? Yet she dares speak to us country folk like that..."
An Zhiqing happened to walk by just then, carrying large bags. He had witnessed quite a show today.
He strode over with a mocking smile and said, "Sister Hongxing, seems you didn't get criticized enough last time. You're still gossiping away so happily?"
These people weren't too bad, but they often had nothing to do and would gossip when together.
And of course, no one liked to lose face. Last time, Hongxing had picked a fight and got criticized. The other woman who acted first also got in trouble. Neither came out looking good.
Seeing An Zhiqing, although Shen Hongxing felt she did nothing wrong, being caught by a man still made her look a bit unpleasant.
"Commander An, I didn't say anything about you!" she said.
An Zhiqing smiled. "Zhi Xia, Pei Jing's wife. Me, An Zhiqing!" he stated, then pointed at himself.
His smile instantly turned cold as he continued, "Sister Hongxing, I won't bully a woman, but I will be having a nice chat with your husband about this."
He picked up his things and strode past them. Shen Hongxing's expression changed.
Just then, Zhi Xia came out from the kitchen and saw An Zhiqing coming over with things. She smiled brightly, "Brother, you're here."
An Zhiqing nodded and went inside to put down the items. He asked her, "Conditions here are harsh, but there's no helping it. We're all in the same boat. Pei Jing was in a hurry so I could only tidy up a bit. Furniture and such hasn't been taken care of yet. When I have time, Pei Jing and I will go into town to get supplies."
"Mm, that's what he said too." Zhi Xia nodded. Playfully she added, "Since there's nothing in the house right now, we'll have to wait until you get it sorted before I can serve you a hot cup of water."
An Zhiqing's loud laughter filled the room. He asked about things around the house.
He was considerate, having already heard from his sister-in-law about Zhi Xia's experiences returning home and argument with her parents. His heart ached for this younger sister of his.
The conversation revolved around their grandfather, grandmother, and Wenqing. No one else was mentioned.
An Zhiqing was witty and humorous, and very accommodating of Zhi Xia's feelings. The siblings quickly grew closer as they chatted happily.
By the time Pei Jing returned, the two who just met clearly felt much closer.
An Zhiqing walked over and lightly punched Pei Jing's chest, joking, "You've taken away the best treasure of our family. Treat my sister well from now on, or this new uncle of yours isn't one to mess with."
"As if you need to tell me," Pei Jing brushed his hand away in annoyance. "Thanks for the house."
"No need to thank me. I did it for my sister, not you." An Zhiqing was the same age as Pei Jing. They grew up together and joined the army together. Now stationed in the same place, they had always been on good terms. At this point, there was no need to stand on ceremony. He joked, "But our Zhi Xia is impressive. She single-handedly raised all our seniority with one move."
He raised his eyebrows at Pei Jing. Since they were the same age, An Zhiqing had always called him by name, never able to call him Uncle.
Now that had changed. If they were being formal, Pei Jing would have to call him Brother.
Pei Jing had always felt their relationship was awkward. Hearing An Zhiqing's joke made his ears turn red. He hinted for An Zhiqing to stop. "Don't say things like that from now on. It's not good for me or Zhi Xia."
At that moment, he was quite glad An Zhiqing never called him Uncle. No one at the base knew of their relations, otherwise the situation for him and Zhi Xia would be uncomfortable.
Even if he didn't mind, others would still talk.
Recalling the gossipy people he just ran into, An Zhiqing's expression instantly darkened. "Right, Zhi Xia. Be cautious around that Shen Hongxing next door. I just passed by her and some others badmouthing you. Avoid deep ties with these kinds of people. Watch out for yourself, and tell Brother if anyone bullies you. I won't start trouble but I don't fear it either."
