novelraw Chapter 212
Chapter 212
Upon hearing of Pei Zhengnian's return, the Pei household was filled with joy from top to bottom.
Pei's Mother in the kitchen was the first to hear the commotion; she was in the middle of stir-frying.
Forgetting the meat in the wok, she hurriedly lifted the door curtain with her spatula in hand to look outside. When she caught sight of that tall, straight figure in army green, laugh lines immediately blossomed at the corners of her eyes.
"Zhengnian, you're back!"
Pei's Mother called out towards the house, her voice brimming with unconcealed delight.
"Mom."
A rare smile touched Pei Zhengnian's face, usually so stern and cold.
"Ah, it's good you're back."
Waving her spatula happily, Pei's Mother was overjoyed.
Pei Yunxi was inside the house organizing New Year's goods. Hearing the noise, she bounced out like a cheerful sparrow.
"Second Brother!"
"Third Sister."
The lines of Pei Zhengnian's face softened even further.
Grandma Pei slowly walked out from the main hall, squinting her eyes to carefully examine her travel-worn grandson.
The sunlight shone on her graying hair, giving it a silvery sheen.
"You've lost weight!"
Grandma Pei's voice was tinged with heartache,
"Second Boy, have you not been eating properly in the army again?"
Pei Zhengnian dared not tell the truth,
"Grandma, nothing of the sort."
"As soon as the mess call sounds, I'm always the first one in the canteen."
He deliberately straightened his posture, letting the old woman see his energetic appearance.
Grandma Pei gave her grandson a mock glare, the smile on her face deepening.
"You always know just what to say to sweet-talk this old woman."
"If Grandma likes hearing it, I'll say more."
...
With Pei Zhengnian's return, the main hall instantly became lively, everyone chattering and asking about his life in the army.
Only Shen Nanchu sat quietly to the side, her sharp gaze sweeping over Pei Zhengnian from head to toe.
She noticed that Pei Zhengnian had returned this time without any luggage.
Pei Zhengnian had come back empty-handed.
This discovery made Shen Nanchu's heart sink slightly.
She remembered that every time Pei Zhengnian came home before, he always brought large and small bags, not just gifts for the family but also changes of clothes.
This time, however, he traveled light, clearly having returned on short notice.
So, did that mean he would be leaving again soon?
Soon after, Pei Zhengnian followed Shen Nanchu back to their room to see Little Anchen.
The little one seemed to sense his father's return, waking up just in time. He opened his mouth, revealing soft gums, and gave Pei Zhengnian a big, toothless grin.
Pei Zhengnian was utterly charmed. He picked up Little Anchen to play with him.
The baby gurgled with laughter, chubby little hands grabbing at the air.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting dappled shadows on his resolute profile, softening his sharply defined features.
Shen Nanchu watched this scene, complex emotions welling up in her heart.
When would he be back next time?
Would the little one still remember his own father?
Shen Nanchu finally couldn't hold back,
"How long can you stay this time?"
Pei Zhengnian was visibly taken aback, looking up at her.
The moment their eyes met, a faint smile suddenly rippled in the depths of his.
He felt that Shen Nanchu cared deeply about him, and this realization sent a warm current through his heart, warmer even than the winter sunlight.
"I have to leave again soon."
Pei Zhengnian answered honestly. Seeing the flicker of disappointment in Shen Nanchu's eyes, he hurriedly added,
"But I'll be able to come back for good once this mission is over."
His voice was very soft, as if afraid of disturbing something.
Shen Nanchu felt a twinge of speechlessness inside.
Him looking at her so tenderly was rather awkward.
Forget it!
As long as the male lead is happy, let him be.
Shen Nanchu lowered her head, pretending to be captivated by Little Anchen.
Pei Zhengnian moved closer to Shen Nanchu.
He lowered his voice, explaining in a volume only the two of them could hear,
"I have to go on a mission. Once it's done, I can come back to take you all to the capital."
His gaze swept over the busy family members in the courtyard,
"Don't let Grandma and the others know about this for now, to avoid worrying them."
Shen Nanchu keenly sensed that Pei Zhengnian might be planning to deal with Pei Zhengwei and the people behind him.
She didn't ask further, simply nodding gently,
"Go with peace of mind. I'll take good care of the family."
"Mm."
Pei Zhengnian looked at Shen Nanchu's beautiful face, his heart softening completely.
Her cheeks were fair and delicate, the fine down almost visible.
He couldn't help leaning closer towards her, his nose filled with the faint, fresh scent of her.
Shen Nanchu blinked, her long lashes casting dense shadows beneath her eyes like the trembling wings of a butterfly.
It seemed like it had been a long time since they were this close; having a little taste of intimacy now wouldn't be so bad.
She tilted her face up slightly, able to clearly see the fine stitching on the collar of his military uniform and the slight movement of his Adam's apple.
As their lips drew closer and closer, their breaths mingled, the air filled with a subtle, ambiguous tension.
Little Pei Anchen, lying in Pei Zhengnian's arms, suddenly let out a loud wail, his little arms and legs flailing, successfully interrupting this tender moment.
Well, there went the perfect atmosphere.
Pei Zhengnian froze in place, his expression a mix of amusement, exasperation, and a touch of annoyance at the interruption.
Shen Nanchu burst out laughing, a sly glint flashing in her eyes as they sparkled,
"Your son is hungry. Go make his bottle."
She deliberately emphasized the words "your son," the corners of her lips curling into a playful arc.
The formula Little Anchen drank was specially blended by the system, and Shen Nanchu had transferred it into a milk powder can he bought from the department store.
The little one had a hearty appetite, needing a full large bottle every time, and would cry incessantly if even a sip was missing.
Somewhat awkwardly, Pei Zhengnian scooped the powder, added warm water, and shook the bottle.
Looking down at his son, who was whimpering with hunger in his arms, his tone held a note of fondness,
"You little troublemaker, you must learn better timing when you grow up."
The baby eagerly latched onto the nipple, gulping down the milk with gusto, completely unaware of what he had just disrupted.
Watching the exceptionally heartwarming scene of father and son, a gentle curve unconsciously lifted the corners of Shen Nanchu's mouth.
Just then, Pei's Mother's voice came from the kitchen,
"Zhengnian, come give me a hand! There's so much to prepare for the New Year's Eve dinner!"
"And make a few dishes Nanchu likes."
"Alright."
Pei Zhengnian responded, gently placing his son, who had finished his milk, back into the cradle.
The little one smacked his lips contentedly, his eyelids growing heavy, and soon drifted into a sweet slumber.
"I'll go help Mom prepare the New Year's Eve dinner. What would you like to eat? Just name it."
Pei Zhengnian said to Shen Nanchu, his gaze tender.
"I like anything you make."
Shen Nanchu wasn't just saying this.
Pei Zhengnian knew Shen Nanchu's tastes well; basically, every dish he made was tailored to her preferences, so of course she would like them.
"Alright, I'll decide what to make."
"Mm."
Shen Nanchu nodded, watching Pei Zhengnian's back as he strode towards the kitchen, a smile tugging irresistibly at her lips.
...