Translator: Dj2203
Editor: Dj2203
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Ji Xiaozhuo had his own suitcase. He struggled to pull it out of the closet and started throwing things inside.
“I have to bring this outfit, it looks cool on me. I also have to bring this one, Mom says it makes me look cute. And this one… oh, and my little blanket, my little pillow, my Ultraman and my toy cars…” Ji Xiaozhuo muttered to himself as he stuffed things into his suitcase, putting in whatever he saw. But as he packed, he realized the suitcase wasn’t big enough; his toy cars wouldn’t fit.
Ji Xiaozhuo pressed his whole body against the suitcase, trying to compress it to make room for his toy cars, but no matter how much he pressed, he couldn’t fit them in. In the end, he was almost crawling inside the suitcase.
When Tang Tang came in, she saw Ji Xiaozhuo sticking his bottom out as he crawled into the suitcase. Thinking something was wrong, she rushed over and patted him like a radish. “Baby, what are you doing?” Ji Xiaozhuo’s face was flushed, as he gasped, “Mommy, my toy car won’t fit! The suitcase is too small.”
Tang Tang glanced into the suitcase and immediately felt both amused and exasperated. Was this little guy trying to move the whole house over? He was stuffing in little blankets, pillows, and slippers!
As Tang Tang took out the unnecessary items, she said, “Baby, there are some things we don’t need to bring. Daddy said we’ll sometimes come back to stay at this house, so we can’t move everything out. We only need to bring clothes and shoes; we can buy the rest when we get there.”
Ji Xiaozhuo glanced at the small blankets and pillows Tang Tang had taken out, a little reluctant, but still nodded understandingly. “Okay, then I’ll use these when I get back. But Mommy,” Ji Xiaozhuo pointed to his toys, asking with extreme reluctance, “Can’t I bring these either?”
Tang Tang patted his head. “There are too many to take. Let’s just bring one, okay? We can bring the rest next time we come back.”
Ji Xiaozhuo thought for a moment, reluctantly nodded, picked up his toys and put them on the sofa, touching each one as if saying goodbye.
Tang Tang chuckled and started packing the little guy’s luggage again.
Thinking about moving there soon and living with her baby’s dad, Tang Tang couldn’t help but feel excited; they would see each other every day then.
Thinking of this, Tang Tang suddenly remembered something important. She immediately put down what she was doing, ran to her room, grabbed the electronic scale, took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and stood on it with a death-defying resolve. She prayed silently that she would have gained weight before slowly opening her eyes to look at the number.
“Ah! Only 78! Not even 80!” Tang Tang couldn’t help but groan. This number greatly disappointed her.
For so many days, she had been sneaking snacks like a little mouse every night, hiding from Ji Xiaozhuo, eating her fill before going to sleep. She also ate heartily for all three meals during the day, practically like a pig, but how come she had only gained a pound and a half?! Hearing Tang Tang’s wailing, Ji Xiaozhuo rushed in like a whirlwind. “Mommy, what’s wrong?”
Tang Tang pointed at the scale with a tearful face, looking as aggrieved as a baby. “Baby, look, Mommy only gained a little bit of weight, Mommy feels so bad.”
Ji Xiaozhuo blinked his big eyes at the scale, read the number, and counted it with his chubby little fingers. Suddenly, he exclaimed, “Oh, Mommy, it’s true! You only gained a pound!” Ji Xiaozhuo didn’t understand decimals, so he only counted the whole number.
Tang Tang retorted unwillingly, “I gained a pound and a half, there’s still half a pound left to count, baby.”
Ji Xiaozhuo said “Oh,” and tugged at Tang Tang’s hand to comfort her, “Mommy, don’t be sad, gaining a pound and a half is still amazing! I only gained two pounds.”
Tang Tang was on the verge of tears. Ji Xiaozhuo had easily gained two pounds even with strict control over snacks, while she had deliberately tried to gain weight, but the little one hadn’t gained as much. It was really hurtful!
Tang Tang sniffed, trying to comfort herself, “Okay, at least it’s increased, let’s just keep going!”
“Mom, keep going! I support you!”
Gathering her courage again, Tang Tang went to the supermarket to buy meat, not for herself, but to make meat sauce.
She’d heard that quite a few people already lived there, and if she went, they’d become neighbors. When they first met, they’d have to greet each other, so she could bring something as a token of her hospitality, showing her enthusiasm and making things easier in the future, while also giving her baby’s father face.
Hehe, great!
Just as Tang Tang was all ready, Gu Chang’an received a call from Ji Yan, who personally drove over early in the morning to pick up the mother and child.
Tang Tang was surprised and delighted to find Ji Yue in the car as well. “Ji Yue, you’re going too?”
Ji Yue hugged Ji Xiaozhuo and rubbed him, saying, “Of course! It’s such a big thing for you to move, I have to help. I can help you pack.”
Gu Chang’an, in the driver’s seat, laughed upon hearing this. “Honey, can you stop being so hypocritical? When have you ever helped unpack anything? It would be lucky if you don’t cause Tang Tang trouble.”
Ji Yue, exposed by her husband, puffed out her cheeks in anger. “Can you give me some face? Don’t be so direct.”
Tang Tang was amused by their conversation, finding the couple quite amusing, but also quite enviable. Their relationship was so good; when would she and her baby’s father be able to…?
Realizing what she was thinking, Tang Tang’s face quietly flushed. Why had she been thinking such random things lately?
The other three didn’t notice Tang Tang’s blushing face. Ji Yue was hugging Ji Xiaozhuo and rocking her affectionately, “Baby, your Uncle Chang’an is bullying Auntie, you have to stand up for Auntie.”
Ji Xiaozhuo looked at Ji Yue like she was a child who didn’t know any better, patted her head and said earnestly, “Be good, don’t be naughty, Uncle Chang’an still loves you very much.”
Gu Chang’an immediately laughed and gave Ji Xiaozhuo an approving look in the rearview mirror, “Look, even Xiao Zhuo knows I love you.”
Ji Yue pinched Ji Xiaozhuo’s face in a playful manner, “Hmph, where did you see that your Uncle Chang’an loves me?”
Ji Xiaozhuo carefully recalled in his mind and said, “I saw Uncle Chang’an carry you on his back to walk on the sand, and he also carried you onto the big truck. Oh right, I also saw Uncle Chang’an wash your feet, just last time. Daddy does the same to me, which means Uncle Chang’an loves you as much as Daddy loves me.” Ji Xiaozhuo was referring to what happened at the villa not long ago.
Ji Yue was surprised that Ji Xiaozhuo had seen all this, and her face flushed slightly.
But Ji Xiaozhuo had a question and muttered, “But Aunt Ji Yue, you’re an adult, why do you still need Uncle Chang’an to carry you, hold you, and wash your feet? I’m a baby, that’s why I need that.”
Tang Tang couldn’t help but laugh, and Gu Chang’an in front of her also smiled.
Ji Yue glanced awkwardly at the two snickering people, then forced a smile and said, “Oh, Aunt Ji Yue is a beauty, and sometimes beauties and babies are the same— they can both enjoy a little bit of service. You don’t understand now, but you’ll understand when you grow up and find a wife.”
Ji Xiaozhuo blinked, then suddenly scrambled from Ji Yue’s arms to Tang Tang’s at the other end, hugging her neck and whispering in her ear, “Mom, I think when I find a wife, I want someone like you, um, not a beauty.” Mom was so much better.
Unfortunately, the car was only so big, and Ji Xiaozhuo’s whisper was overheard by Ji Yue. So Ji Yue, hands on her hips, said defiantly, “Ji Xiaozhuo, let me tell you, it’s impossible for you to find someone like your mother in the future. Because women as gentle and virtuous as your mother are extinct in the world. The only one has already been taken by your father. You won’t find another one!”
Ji Xiaozhuo’s eyes widened, and he asked Tang Tang with a skeptical look, “Mommy, is it true?”
Tang Tang was both amused and exasperated, quickly advising the little guy, “Don’t look for someone like Mommy. Mommy isn’t pretty, and she can’t work. That kind of wife isn’t good. You should find someone like Aunt Ji Yue, who is both beautiful and capable.” It would be embarrassing to take someone like her out. Someone like Ji Yue was truly elegant and capable, and every man wanted someone like that. The little guy just didn’t understand now.
Ji Xiaozhuo immediately shook his head, “No, Mom is the best. I love Mom just the way she is. If… if I can’t find someone like Mom in the future, then I won’t get married. I’ll stay with Mom forever.”
The three adults present were amused by the little guy’s innocent words. And Ji Yue teased him, “That won’t do. Your mom belongs to your dad. If you keep monopolizing your mom, your dad will be angry.”
Ji Xiaozhuo obviously didn’t believe it and waved his hand, saying, “No way! Mom belongs to both me and Dad. At worst, Dad and I can each have half, then Dad won’t be angry.”
Ji Yue laughed heartily, her mischievousness unstoppable. “But sometimes your dad will definitely think you’re a third wheel.”
Ji Xiaozhuo didn’t quite understand the deeper meaning in Ji Yue’s words, but Tang Tang did, her cheeks burning. So she scolded, “Okay, Ji Yue, stop talking.”
Seeing Tang Tang blush, Ji Yue smiled meaningfully, “Okay, okay, I won’t say anymore.”
Ji Xiaozhuo glanced at Tang Tang, then at Ji Yue, sensing something was off.
He didn’t understand now, but he would understand later when he often woke up the next day to find himself in a different bed.
….
As time passed, the car gradually left the bustling city, driving further and further into the remote region. Eventually, there were no houses left, only a small road leading to an unknown destination.
Tang Tang guessed they were almost there, and her heart began to race. Perhaps sensing the familiar presence, Ji Xiaozhuo, who had been sleeping like a log, woke up in Tang Tang’s arms.
Not long after Ji Xiaozhuo woke up, the car stopped and Gu Chang’an said, “We’ve arrived.”
Tang Tang and Ji Xiaozhuo both perked up, eagerly looking out the window. The first thing they saw was a tall figure in camouflage boots standing not far away— it was Ji Yan! Ji Xiaozhuo immediately stuck his head out the window and shouted, “Daddy! Daddy!”
Influenced by Ji Xiaozhuo, Tang Tang couldn’t help but shout, “Husband!”
Ji Yan’s expression softened. He stepped forward and opened the car door, and Ji Xiaozhuo immediately threw himself into his arms, clinging tightly to his neck.
Ji Yan patted the little one’s back, glanced at Tang Tang, and then said to Gu Chang’an and Ji Yue, “Thank you for your hard work.”
Gu Chang’an waved dismissively.
At this moment, several men in military uniforms walked up from behind Ji Yan and saluted Tang Tang, “Hello, sister-in-law!”
Tang Tang was startled by the loud voice, only then realizing that she had been so focused on Ji Yan that she hadn’t noticed the others behind him. She quickly smiled and nodded, “Hello, hello.”
Ji Yan introduced them to Tang Tang, “These are some of my comrades-in-arms who came with me to pick you up.”
Ji Xiaozhuo greeted Dong Li and the others immediately without Ji Yan saying anything, his voice soft yet loud: “Hello, uncles! I am… Daddy’s son, my name is Ji Zizhuo, you can call me Ji Xiaozhuo.”
Dong Li clapped his hands with a big smile, “Come here, little darling, let Uncle hold you. Uncle held you when you were born, but you don’t even recognize me now, do you?”
Ji Xiaozhuo readily jumped into Dong Li’s arms and said in a childish voice, “It’s okay, I’ll live here from now on, Uncle, you can see me often.”
Dong Li nodded with a smile, “Yes, yes, Uncle will come to your house to see you more often.” He could also get a free meal while he was at it.
Standing to the side, Zhang Cheng, though married, couldn’t bear the thought of having children because his wife was focused on her career. This made him incredibly envious of Ji Xiaozhuo’s handsomeness and cuteness. So he immediately stepped forward and said, “Can I hold Xiao Zhuo too?”
Dong Li quickly moved Ji Xiaozhuo away from him, saying, “Go away, don’t try to take him from me! I’ve only held him for a little while.”
Zhang Cheng retorted angrily, “What’s wrong with me holding him for a little while? He’s not your child.”
Seeing the two about to fight, Ji Yan took Ji Xiaozhuo and led Tang Tang and the others into the apartment building.
Dong Li and Zhang Cheng glared at each other behind them.
Ji Xiaozhuo leaned helplessly on Ji Yan’s shoulder and sighed, “Dad, I think being too cute can sometimes be a bit of a problem.”
Ji Yan’s lips curled into a smile; he was surprised to find his son had a good sense of humor.
The group’s entourage naturally attracted the attention of the other residents in the apartment building. Everyone guessed that a new family member had arrived and enthusiastically gathered around.
A woman in her forties approached Ji Yan and said, “Xiao Ji, have you brought your family to live with you?”
The woman was the regimental commander’s wife, and she was quite familiar with Ji Yan. Ji Yan nodded to her and said, “Sister-in-law, my wife and child will be moving in with us from now on.”
The regimental commander’s wife was delighted. “Oh, that’s wonderful! The whole family will be living together from now on. This must be your son, he’s so cute!”
Ji Xiaozhuo immediately greeted her sweetly, “Hello, Auntie, my name is Ji Xiaozhuo.”
“Oh, so well-behaved.” The regimental commander’s wife tugged at Ji Xiaozhuo’s little hand, then looked at Tang Tang, who was standing behind Ji Yan leaning on a cane. She was a little uncertain, then looked at Ji Yue’s face, unsure who Ji Yan’s wife was. She felt Ji Yue looked more like it, but Tang Tang was closer to Ji Yan. However, judging from her appearance, it seemed unlikely that it was Tang Tang, given Ji Yan’s exceptional qualities.
The uncertainty from the regimental commander’s wife made Tang Tang’s heart clench. How could she not see it even when she was so close to her baby’s father? Waaah, just how ugly was she?! Tang Tang looked down at herself in despair, her gaze lingering on her still skeletal figure for a second before she immediately felt she couldn’t blame her sister-in-law. Fine, she’d better take the initiative and greet her. Just as Tang Tang was about to introduce herself, Ji Yan introduced her to the regimental commander’s wife first, “Sister-in-law, this is my wife, Tang Tang. They just arrived here, so please take good care of them.”
The regimental commander’s wife was taken aback, then smiled and said, “Okay, okay, if you need anything, just come to my house. We’re all family here now, don’t be shy.”
Tang Tang suppressed her heartache and smiled sweetly, “Thank you, sister-in-law. Come visit us when we’ve settled in.”
“Oh, okay, okay, I’ll definitely come. You two go ahead and do your work, don’t delay.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Ji Yan led Tang Tang and the others into the building.
As soon as they entered, several women downstairs huddled together, whispering.
“Was that really Battalion Commander Ji’s wife? She’s so ugly…” They trailed off, too embarrassed to finish their sentence.
“Yeah, Battalion Commander Ji is so handsome and highly educated. I thought his wife must be a celestial being.”
“Don’t just judge a book by its cover. Maybe she’s very capable. Otherwise, Battalion Commander Ji wouldn’t have fallen for her. He didn’t even give the most beautiful girl in the arts troupe a second glance.”
“That’s true…” Seeing the women gossiping about Tang Tang, the battalion commander’s wife frowned and said, “Alright, alright, it’s not nice to talk about these things behind people’s backs. It’s their freedom to choose who they want to be with. As long as they like it, that’s fine.”
The others, realizing their words were inappropriate, smiled awkwardly and dispersed.
However, the rumor that Battalion Commander Ji Yan had married an ugly wife still spread throughout the military family quarters.
The author has something to say:
For the sake of the plot, some details involving the military may not be entirely accurate and may differ from reality. Please don’t take it too seriously; the most important thing is to enjoy the story.
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