Reborn as a Tough Army Wife

Chapter 584 - 579: Critically Ill

Fang Pingying glanced at her, did not take the item from her hand, but suddenly stood up, retrieved a passbook from the cabinet, and handed it to her, "Hong Lan, the money you’ve earned working for me these past two years, I’ve been depositing into this passbook every month. Check if the amount is correct."

Luo Honglan, being frugal, did not spend any money on food and lodging while staying at Fang Pingying’s place every month. Apart from taking out five yuan for pocket money from her salary, she saved the rest. Over these two years, including bonuses and extra amounts given by Fang Pingying during festivals, it had accumulated to over 1,000 yuan.

Luo Honglan took the passbook, surprised to see she had saved so much money. At the same time, she felt that entrusting Fang Pingying with her savings was the best option. She glanced at it and immediately, with a chuckle, handed the passbook back to Fang Pingying, "What’s there to check, sister-in-law? I trust your handling completely."

Fang Pingying shot her a look, playfully slapped her hand, pushed the passbook and the box back into her hands, and said, "Also deposit the money given by the Chen Family. From now on, you keep the passbook safe, and take good care of these gold items too."

When Luo Honglan heard this, she hurriedly grabbed Fang Pingying’s arm, pouting, "Sister-in-law, what’s wrong? Are you angry with me?"

Fang Pingying didn’t respond, just looked at her indifferently.

Luo Honglan quickly explained, "Sister-in-law, I truly didn’t mean anything else. I just feel it’s a pity for you and brother to part ways when there’s love between you. It’s not easy for two people to fall in love, be together, and get married. You and my brother haven’t actually said it’s impossible to stay together."

Pausing, she saw Fang Pingying remain silent, and Luo Honglan shook Fang Pingying’s hand, continuing, "Big sister, look, my brother is already handling our family’s issues. He will surely sort them out soon. Please give him a chance."

Fang Pingying knew what this girl was thinking, and wasn’t really blaming her. Sighing, she stroked Luo Honglan’s head and said, "Hong Lan, from now on, don’t interfere in the matters between your brother and me. We are adults; we know what to do. I won’t change my mind based on outsiders’ matchmaking or objections, understand?"

Seeing Luo Honglan nod, Fang Pingying didn’t bring up last night’s matters again. After all, events like yesterday were unlikely to recur anytime soon, and Fang Pingying didn’t believe that love affairs could be manipulated as Luo Honglan imagined.

However, regarding the passbook issue, she clarified a few points, "The reason I’m not managing your passbook anymore isn’t because I’m angry. It’s because you are now with Chen Jie, engaged, and it shows you’re grown up, about to start your own family. You must learn to handle things on your own, without relying on me."

Fang Pingying, who had always treated Luo Honglan like a younger sister and tended to her needs, found it inconvenient now that Luo Honglan was about to start a family.

Moreover, she felt if Luo Honglan couldn’t protect her belongings at this stage, she would inevitably be cheated in the future, and no amount of help from her would suffice.

Fang Pingying paused, then continued, "Previously, I was willing to look after them for you because I was worried you’re too soft-hearted. But after so much time, you should know what you should and shouldn’t do. In short, I can’t be with you forever; you must rely on yourself to discern good from bad, good situations from bad ones."

"Sister-in-law, I...," Luo Honglan was still reluctant; she had never managed so much money by herself and felt anxious about it.

Seeing this, Fang Pingying gave a resigned smile and made arrangements for her, "How about this, I’ll accompany you this afternoon to deposit the money. Keep the passbook with you, and just hold onto the money yourself. According to Chen Jie, after your marriage, you two will manage independently, and there will be many expenses."

Luo Honglan thought it over and felt it was a good idea, adding, "Okay, I’ll just keep the passbook and these items in my room. If needed, I’ll come to ask you."

"Alright."

As Fang Pingying was tidying up, Luo Honglan went to play with Ruirui and Yaoyao by the bed.

After playing for a while, Luo Honglan suddenly looked at Fang Pingying again, and said with some concern, "Big sister, when brother left just now, he told me he might have to leave for a while soon."

Fang Pingying glanced at her, nodding her head, "I know, it’s a military mission. It’s happened before; don’t worry."

"But this time he’ll be gone for a long time, I’m worried..." Luo Honglan didn’t know why, but knowing that Luo Zhiyong was going on a mission made her immensely anxious.

In fact, Fang Pingying also had a bad feeling about Luo Zhiyong’s mission but couldn’t pinpoint why, so she comforted Luo Honglan, "Don’t worry, your brother is grown-up and a father; he knows what he’s doing. There’s no need to worry."

Luo Honglan nodded and didn’t ask further.

After returning to the military from home, Luo Zhiyong conveyed the matter at the military base.

Three days later, the punishment was set—no contact with the outside world for at least a year.

During these three days, Luo Zhiyong didn’t need to return to the military and could rest.

In other words, Luo Zhiyong had to settle all matters at home and with Fang Pingying in these few days.

The first thing Luo Zhiyong thought of was what Fang Pingying mentioned about Dashan not attending Luo Honglan’s engagement, which also worried him. He immediately called home.

As soon as the Village Branch Secretary heard it was Luo Zhiyong’s voice on the phone, he urgently shouted, "Zhiyong, what in the world is going on with your family? Your father is so ill he might not make it, and there’s no one at home."

Luo Zhiyong was startled and immediately asked, "What happened to my father?"

"Day before yesterday he collapsed at home and was taken to the hospital. The doctors have issued a critical condition notice. How come no one informed you?" The Branch Secretary continued, clearly puzzled, "Also, your mom and Zhiming’s wife are oddly absent, neglecting a sick family member for a trip to the city."

Remembering Fang Pingying’s words, Luo Zhiyong instinctively suspected that his father’s illness might be related to Zhou Yunmei and Xu He.

However, now wasn’t the time to delve into that; he urgently continued, "How is my dad now?"

Sighing over the phone, the Branch Secretary responded, "Your uncle has moved him to a hospital in town, and it doesn’t look good. Zhiyong, listen to your uncle: no matter what, he’s still your father. See if you can take leave from the military and quickly come back with your family. I’m not sure if your dad can pull through this."

Hearing this, Luo Zhiyong didn’t ask further and immediately agreed, "Okay, I’ll rush back today."