Reborn in the 1980s: I became a stepmother in the 1980s Ⅱ

Part 212 Above all

Is this really the time for an explanation?

Si Nian felt helpless as she glanced at the group of men standing nearby, looking stunned. Her face turned bright red with embarrassment. She quickly patted the arm around her waist and said, "You have guests now. We can talk about this later tonight."

Zhou Yue Shen loosened his grip slightly but didn't let go completely. Instead, he moved in front of her and observed her expression. Seeing that she didn't seem angry, he felt a bit relieved.

When he first walked in and saw Si Nian sitting at his desk holding the envelope, he didn't immediately grasp what was happening. But soon he realized and noticed Si Nian about to leave, which made him panic. He thought she might be upset upon seeing the envelope.

With this group of people showing up out of the blue and an unfamiliar envelope on his desk, Zhou Yue Shen could easily guess who might have sent it. The last time he ran into that woman in town, Si Nian had been angry. He had already explained that he had nothing to do with her, but if Si Nian saw that he was still in correspondence with her, she would likely be even more disappointed.

Just thinking about it made Zhou Yue Shen feel like he was in deep trouble.

He cast a cold glance at the group of men nearby, and upon meeting his gaze, they all awkwardly looked down. It was clear that they understood how the letter had ended up here.

Zhou Yue Shen averted his gaze and looked down at Si Nian. He wasn't very experienced with women and often lacked the perceptiveness needed in such situations. The last time Si Nian was upset, he only realized it after she got home. This time, he didn't want her to leave with any unresolved feelings, so he stubbornly said, "We're discussing this now."

Si Nian looked at him, seeing his serious expression, and then glanced at the men standing nearby. To be honest, she didn't really want to discuss their private matters in front of outsiders. But the old man seemed unwilling to let her go without an explanation. She didn't realize he could be so obstinate. Was he afraid she'd be angry?

The men, not lacking in understanding, recognized that they had intruded and disrupted the couple's conversation. They tactfully said, "Brother Zhou, you two go ahead and talk. We'll wait outside."

With that, they awkwardly smiled at Si Nian and filed out of the office.

Si Nian sighed with relief and turned to Zhou Yue Shen, a bit shy. "What are you doing? There are so many people watching."

Zhou Yue Shen's arms were still wrapped around her waist. Hearing her words, he looked down at her.

Zhou Yue Shen had never been this affectionate in front of others before, and Si Nian's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, like peach blossoms in March, making her look quite lovely. She shot him a reproachful look.

He carefully observed Si Nian's expression before speaking, "They are people from my old unit. Do you remember when I mentioned the five-year term?"

Si Nian was momentarily taken aback. She had sensed that these men were different from ordinary people, with an extraordinary bearing, and now she realized they were from the military district. Remembering Zhou Yue Shen's earlier statement about returning due to serious injuries and family reasons, she tensed up. If the country called him back in five years, would she have to face it alone?

"Are they here to urge you to return?" She wondered if this meant she would be left alone right after their marriage.

Zhou Yue Shen hesitated for a moment before answering, "Not exactly. They're here to persuade me."

When he was in the military, times were not as peaceful as they are now. He often undertook dangerous missions. At that time, he was pressured not to leave. Zhou Yue Shen had chosen a compromise to stay because of his children, but if he absolutely had to leave, there was no way to avoid it.

Now that the country is at peace and he's older, with a wife and children, Zhou Yue Shen wants to spend the rest of his life with Si Nian and their family. He had sent a letter to the military district to express this desire.

So now these people had come. This also explained why a letter had appeared in his office. It was obvious that Yang Yujie had sent the letter knowing they would come, despite the fact that Zhou Yue Shen's marriage had already been reported and approved.

Given Yang Yujie's background, she should have known better. But even so, she shamelessly sent him a letter. It was one thing for Zhou Yue Shen to see it himself, as he had never opened it, but this time Si Nian had found it.

Any married man corresponding with an unmarried woman would naturally cause suspicion and misunderstanding. Zhou Yue Shen didn't want Si Nian to misinterpret this, especially for someone so irrelevant.

"Have you agreed to anything?" Si Nian asked, feeling a sudden anxiety. On one hand, she was proud that her husband was a soldier defending the country, but on the other, she selfishly wanted him to stay. Their life was already stable and happy, and honestly, she wasn't ready for him to leave.

Zhou Yue Shen shook his head. "I won't go back for anything less than an important matter. I made it very clear with the higher-ups from the beginning."

Zhou Yue Shen was actually weary of the life he led. Despite having no power or connections, he had managed to reach a high position. This had inevitably touched the interests of some people.

The injury Zhou Yue Shen sustained during his last mission was caused by a leak within his team, leading to deaths and injuries among his comrades. Although the mission was ultimately completed, Zhou Yue Shen lost all trust in the military. He understood that reaching a high position meant facing the corruption and suppression of the political world, where genuine dedication to the country was a rarity. Everyone was fighting ruthlessly for power, and his presence had become an obstacle to these people.

These individuals would never want him to stay. Zhou Yue Shen had no desire to compete for power or engage in such intrigues; his indifference to these matters led him to return to his hometown. He had no intention of getting involved in power struggles again, no matter how favorable the offers might be.

Si Nian breathed a sigh of relief, but then heard Zhou Yue Shen hesitatingly add, "This letter was probably brought by these people as a commission. I was busy outside earlier, so I had them wait here."

"I've received letters from Yang Yujie before, but I've never replied."

He then looked at Si Nian seriously and said, "Nian Nian, I'm not the kind of man who is fickle."

Si Nian blinked and asked, "Is that all? Is this why you won't let me leave?"

Zhou Yue Shen's usually stern face showed a rare hint of awkwardness. He was very busy, and he feared that if he remained so absorbed in his work, Si Nian might be upset and not get the rest she needed. He didn't want her to be unhappy, so he had stopped her from leaving.

The man gave a slight nod, confirming her suspicion.

Si Nian, upon hearing this, smiled. She reached out and gently touched the tense lines of his face. It was strange; this man who usually appeared so composed seemed to have his priorities completely turned around for her. At this moment, it felt like she meant more to him than anything else.