Chapter 23

The family spent the morning busily making many dumplings. Lunch was simple. In the afternoon, Chu Mingshan brought Jiang Ying to paste window decorations and couplets. Chu Ci took care of the children, while Lin Tian and Aunt Wang prepared the New Year’s Eve dinner. Everyone was busy with their tasks, yet no one grew impatient.
When New Year’s Eve dinner arrived, the table was full of carefully prepared dishes, fragrant and visually appealing. Jiang Ying discovered for the first time that her cousin-in-law had such culinary skill. After all, she had recently been living in a courtyard home where she always saw only the housekeeper cooking.
Their uncle Jiang Hu wasn’t home for dinner; he was still at work.
“Tiantian, your cooking skills are amazing. Xiao Ci told me that after the New Year you’re planning to open your own restaurant. I’ll definitely come and support you when the time comes,” Chu Mingshan said, taking a bite of the meatball she had made, praising it enthusiastically.
“Then I’ll thank you in advance, Auntie,” Lin Tian replied, each holding one of the babies and feeding them, while Chu Ci nodded in agreement.
Although the family wasn’t complete, everyone was in good spirits. Even Jiang Ying didn’t misbehave at all this time.
After finishing the New Year’s Eve dinner, the sound of firecrackers could be heard all around.
Manman wasn’t scared at all; she was actually excited. Ling Ling, however, frowned as if about to cry, so Chu Ci quickly covered their daughter’s ears.
Chu Mingshan was calling her parents to wish them a Happy New Year. When connected, she found that Grandpa Chu and Second Uncle Chu weren’t home. Only Grandma Chu, Second Aunt Chu, and Chu Ci’s cousin Chu Shen, who had just started middle school, were at home.
After chatting briefly, Chu Mingshan called Lin Tian and Chu Ci over to greet the elders.
Grandma Chu spoke to Chu Ci first and, after just a few words, asked for Lin Tian. Lin Tian smiled and took the phone to offer New Year greetings.
“Grandma, Happy New Year! I wish you and Grandpa good health and all the best in the coming year,” she said, exchanging a few auspicious words.
Grandma Chu was very pleased, praising her repeatedly. Finally, she said, “Tiantian, Grandpa and I have prepared New Year red envelopes for you, Manman, and Ling Ling. Remember to collect them at the post office in a few days, we can’t come in person. This is a token from us for you all.”
Hearing this, Lin Tian felt the gravity of the moment. She had never thought anything was wrong with Grandpa and Grandma Chu; they were both highly respected elders.
She reflected and said, “Grandma, you make me feel ashamed. As the younger generation, Chu Ci and I should have gone to see you and Grandpa in person, but Ling Ling and Manman are still very young, so we couldn’t. Still, Chu Ci and I know we are family.”
After Lin Tian spoke, Grandma Chu smiled warmly and said, “You’re such a good child.”
Lin Tian felt a rare moment of shyness. She added, “Grandma, would you like to hear Manman and Ling Ling’s voices?”
Grandma Chu naturally agreed. Chu Ci and Lin Tian each held a child and played with them using toys. Manman cooperated, making cooing sounds continuously. Ling Ling, however, grew sleepy and eventually yawned.
Grandma Chu heard the yawn, her heart softened and ached. She wanted to see her great-grandchildren immediately. Concerned, she said, “The child is sleepy, let her go to bed.”
After a few more words, they finally hung up.
After the New Year’s Eve dinner, everyone gathered to chat.
Soon, both babies fell asleep, and Chu Ci and Lin Tian took them back to the room.
Lin Tian, having been busy all day, finally relaxed a little now that the children were asleep.
She looked at Chu Ci and suddenly said, “I want to have a little drink. Will you join me?”
Chu Ci was momentarily surprised but quickly replied, “Here, or downstairs?”
“Right here. Isn’t it fine if it’s just the two of us?” Lin Tian’s tone carried a subtle charm. Everyone had been drinking juice earlier, and with the kids awake, they hadn’t had a chance to drink. Now, with the children asleep, Lin Tian wanted to have a little wine to welcome the New Year.
“Then I’ll go downstairs and ask Auntie for a bottle. Don’t drink too much,” Chu Ci cleared his throat and said.
Lin Tian smiled brightly. “Sure, and also bring up some of the beef jerky I saved earlier as a snack to go with it.”
Chu Ci nodded and went downstairs.
The living room downstairs was empty except for Aunt Chu; Jiang Ying and Aunt Wang had already gone to bed.
Seeing her nephew, Chu Mingshan was puzzled. “Why are you downstairs?”
Chu Ci felt a little embarrassed but asked, “Auntie, where’s the wine? The children are asleep, and I’d like Lin Tian to have a few drinks with me.”
He took responsibility, so if Auntie was unhappy, it wouldn’t be Lin Tian’s fault.
Chu Mingshan was surprised but said nothing. Instead, she asked, “What kind of wine do you want? Someone sent a few bottles of foreign red wine to your uncle, you want that?”
“Sure, red wine then,” Chu Ci said.
Chu Mingshan got him the wine and glasses, while Chu Ci fetched some beef jerky from the kitchen.
With everything ready, he informed Auntie and returned to the room.
There was no table for drinking inside, but thankfully the floor was wooden. Lin Tian used a pillow as a backrest and sat by the bed.
Chu Ci naturally sat across from her.
“I’ll drink a little; I still need to take care of Ling Ling and Manman tonight,” he said, pouring her a glass.
“Okay, but I have a good tolerance, I won’t get drunk,” Lin Tian said, shaking her glass with a charming smile.
Occasionally, Lin Tian nibbled on beef jerky, mostly sipping her wine quietly. Her expression was hard for Chu Ci to read. Soon, her cheeks flushed, and her beautiful eyes grew hazy.
She took another sip and said, “I kind of miss the past, but not too much. I’ve actually gotten married and become a mom, something I never imagined. Chu Ci, if one day you found out I wasn’t really me, what would you do?”
Chu Ci had only taken a small sip. Hearing this, he looked at Lin Tian, puzzled and slightly astonished.
He thought, half-amused, half-exasperated: claiming to have a high tolerance and already drunk?
In fact, Lin Tian was telling the truth, this was the first time this body had drunk alcohol.
Chu Ci took the wine glass from her hand, put it aside, and gently cupped her face, looking at her seriously and saying to a drunk person, “Nonsense. You are you. From the first day I met you, you have been exactly like this. I know perfectly well who I spend each day with.”
Lin Tian, not too drunk, smiled upon hearing this. “Yes, you’re right,” she said.
Chu Ci wouldn’t let her drink any more and urged, “Go wash up and get some sleep, okay? We have to get up early tomorrow.”
Lin Tian obediently nodded. Worried she might fall, Chu Ci supported her to the bathroom.
Still groggy, Lin Tian instinctively finished her shower.
When she opened the door and stepped out, she found Chu Ci standing outside, waiting.
Seeing her confused look, he awkwardly explained, “I was worried you might slip in there. If I called someone, you might not hear me.”
The bathroom was a bit far from their room, they weren’t right next to it.
Back in the room, Lin Tian quickly lay down on the bed, her long black hair spread across her back, and closed her eyes.
Chu Ci watched her for a while, then was roused by Manman’s crying. He hurried over and realized their son had wet himself. He changed him, soothed him to sleep, and glanced at Lin Tian in the process, seeing that she was sleeping soundly.
Satisfied, Chu Ci quickly went to shower and prepare for bed.
But after showering, he was even more awake. Lying beside Lin Tian, he couldn’t feel sleepy at all.
Suddenly, Lin Tian turned over, lying flat on her back. Chu Ci didn’t dare move, feeling unusually self-conscious.
They had slept together like this before, but always on separate sides of the bed. Tonight, at Auntie’s house, they shared the same blanket. Yet, they still kept the usual distance, an arm’s length apart.
After a while, Chu Ci turned to lie on his side facing her, noticing her long eyelashes resting on her cheeks. Her gentle, quivering breaths struck him as unexpectedly adorable.
Watching for a while, Chu Ci finally felt sleepy and soon fell asleep.
The next morning, Lin Tian was woken by the sound of firecrackers. She also recalled her drunken ramblings from the night before, but fortunately, nothing had been over the line.
Lin Tian didn’t know why she had asked those questions, was it subconscious guilt for the original owner of this body? But coming here wasn’t her choice either. All she could do was change the fate of herself and the children. After all, wasn’t that what the original owner had hoped for?
The one thing she hadn’t expected, however, was developing feelings for Chu Ci.
She glanced at him. His brows were handsome, his face pleasant to behold. Soon, he frowned slightly, stirring awake.
Lin Tian quickly turned her head, pretending to sleep, and indeed heard him sit up.
Fortunately, after a short while, Chu Ci left the room. Lin Tian exhaled in relief and quickly got up, descending the stairs as if nothing had happened.
Seeing Chu Ci, she still felt a tinge of awkwardness. “I didn’t say anything inappropriate yesterday, did I?”
“No, do you have anything you can’t let me know?” Chu Ci asked with a teasing smile. But Lin Tian, unusually, didn’t reply.
Chu Ci felt something was off, but before he could dwell on it, the sound of children crying came from upstairs.
He and Lin Tian rushed up together, leaving no time to think about anything else.
After feeding the children, the whole family had breakfast together. Today, their uncle Jiang Hu was also home, and he and Chu Mingshan first gave Lin Tian two red envelopes, saying they were for Ling Ling and Manman.
Lin Tian accepted them with a smile, thanking them on behalf of the children.
Soon after, more and more people came to the house to offer New Year greetings to Uncle Jiang.
Chu Ci thought for a moment and told his aunt about taking Lin Tian out for a bit. Then the two of them left the twins with their aunt and uncle and went out.
“Shall we take a photo first, then go see a movie?” Chu Ci asked for Lin Tian’s opinion.
Lin Tian, curious about current movies, naturally agreed.
They took several photos together, and Lin Tian even took two solo shots.
As they left, Chu Ci said, “When Ling Ling and Manman turn one, we’ll take another family photo.”
Lin Tian smiled. “Once I start earning money, I’ll buy a camera so we can take pictures whenever we want.”
Chu Ci encouraged her, “I believe in you, you’ll definitely make it.”
“You’re giving me good luck, then,” Lin Tian said with a smile.
The movie wasn’t particularly good, but Lin Tian watched attentively, it was her first time seeing this type of film.
For lunch, they went to a state-run restaurant.
The scene felt familiar to Lin Tian, reminding her of the first meal they had together.
There was no suspicion or testing; Chu Ci simply trusted her.
Lin Tian felt a pang of frustration. She had imagined their relationship as a quiet life, raising the children together. But she hadn’t expected Chu Ci to treat her so well.
What could she do? She sighed internally, unable to think of a good solution.
They finished lunch without much appetite and returned to Auntie’s house.
At home, only family members were present. Aunt Chu and Aunt Wang were feeding the twins some apple puree.
Just as Chu Ci and Lin Tian washed their hands and sat down, a male voice called from upstairs.
“Brother, I’m back.” Chu Ci looked up and saw Jiang Nan, whom he hadn’t seen in years.
The last time they met was when Chu Ci went to the countryside, several years ago. But for amnesiac Chu Ci, it didn’t feel that long.
Compared to the enthusiastic Jiang Nan, Chu Ci remained calm.
He stood and walked over. The two brothers hugged briefly, then separated.
After they caught up, Lin Tian stepped forward. “Hello, Jiang Nan. I’m Chu Ci’s wife, Lin Tian.”
“Hello, cousin-in-law,” Jiang Nan said politely. He had already heard about Chu Ci’s marriage from family and had been surprised earlier seeing the twins.
It was shocking: his usually distant cousin had gone to the countryside, and now he had a wife and children.
When his mother had suggested he go to a matchmaking event earlier, he surprisingly hadn’t refused. And seeing the adorable twins had even made him consider marriage.
Chu Ci and Jiang Nan hadn’t seen each other for a long time, and they had plenty to catch up on.
Lin Tian took the initiative. “You go keep Jiang Nan company. I’ll watch Ling Ling and Manman with Auntie.”
Chu Ci smiled at her, and the two brothers went to Jiang Nan’s room to talk.
Jiang Nan glanced at his cousin, now looking so happy, and teased, “Brother, you’re moving way too fast. But do you still remember what you said when you were young? You said you never planned to marry, that marriage had no meaning at all.”
Chu Ci remembered clearly. Jiang Nan had said that to him after their mother remarried.
At the time, he had truly thought that way, who could have expected things would turn out like this?
Even now, he didn’t know how he and Lin Tian had actually gotten married. Lin Tian had said her mother had arranged it, and they had married out of necessity. But he knew how much he cared for Lin Tian now, could he really have been completely indifferent back then?
He didn’t know, and he couldn’t ask her.
“I’m fine as long as I’m happy now. Why dwell on the past?” He said this to Jiang Nan, but it was also a reminder to himself.
“Alright, I won’t ask anymore,” Jiang Nan said with a smile, and the brothers switched topics.
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Zheng Yunlan and her family came to the Jiang residence. Everyone knew the purpose: today was a matchmaking visit for Jiang Nan and Zheng Yunlan. The elders intended to let the two reacquaint themselves; they had known each other as children but hadn’t seen each other in nearly ten years.
Jiang Nan wasn’t unattractive, inheriting his looks from his mother. He remembered Zheng Yunlan and immediately noticed her straight posture and the disciplined aura she exuded.
Zheng Yunlan remembered him too, but childhood playmates and potential spouses were entirely different concepts. She was nervous, tense all over.
Jiang Nan had a straightforward personality and preferred girls to be independent, like his mother. That was why he had agreed to the matchmaking visit. From his memory, Zheng Yunlan had been the only girl in the compound who wasn’t soft and delicate, which made her interesting to him as a child.
The elders chatted, mentioning how Lin Tian and Chu Ci had once rescued Zheng Yunlan. Zhu Xiuxiu kept praising Lin Tian, and Lin Tian, feeling shy, replied politely, “It was nothing.”
Chu Mingshan admired her cleverness even more, having heard from Chu Ci that Lin Tian had actively helped him, so daring!
Jiang Nan also gained a new perspective on his cousin-in-law: beautiful, yet clever and resourceful.
The uncle and Zheng’s father praised her as well, noting she was more than capable.
After a few more words, they finally addressed the main matter of the day.
The families knew each other well; the focus now was on the children’s attitudes.
At this point, Jiang Nan took the initiative: “Comrade Zheng, shall we step outside and talk for a bit?”
“Sure, but can I have Sister Lin Tian accompany me?” Zheng Yunlan asked.
Jiang Nan froze, and even Lin Tian was a bit surprised. Chu Mingshan smiled: “Alright, let Xiao Ci come along too. The four of you young people should get along fine.”
Somehow, Lin Tian and Chu Ci ended up going with them.
Initially, Chu Ci held Lin Tian’s hand, walking a little behind the two, keeping some distance. Zheng Yunlan couldn’t pull Lin Tian into the conversation, so she could only exchange small talk with Jiang Nan.
Lin Tian and Chu Ci, meanwhile, watched over them. Chu Ci asked, “Do you think they’ll work out?”
Judging from Zheng Yunlan’s attitude, Lin Tian couldn’t be sure. “Not necessarily. It depends on Jiang Nan’s thoughts. Yunlan might be embarrassed or really have no feelings for him.”
Jiang Nan looked at Zheng Yunlan now and recalled the girl she had been. In terms of appearance, they didn’t even look like the same person. As the saying goes, ‘girls change a lot as they grow,’ but her transformation was extreme.
“My mom told me you’re in college, studying foreign languages,” Jiang Nan finally said, breaking the silence.
But Zheng Yunlan gave no response beyond a nod.
Jiang Nan felt awkward. She had been so talkative as a child! Realizing this was a formal matchmaking visit, he introduced himself: “I’m currently a battalion commander, studying at the military academy for the next two years. You already know about my family situation. Do you have any questions?”
Zheng Yunlan glanced at him, lowering her head. “No. But do you have questions for me?”
Jiang Nan was frustrated by her attitude, she clearly wasn’t interested. So he said, “I’m done then. How about I call my cousin-in-law over to talk with you for a bit?”
It seemed a better way to ease her tension.
Seeing her keep glancing back, it was obvious she wanted to speak with his cousin-in-law.
So they stopped, waiting for Lin Tian and Chu Ci to catch up.
Soon, Lin Tian and Chu Ci arrived.
Chu Ci was about to ask something when Jiang Nan interrupted: “Brother, let your wife talk with Comrade Zheng for a bit.”
Lin Tian looked puzzled. Weren’t they at a matchmaking meeting? It had only been a few minutes.
But no one said anything more. Lin Tian walked ahead with Zheng Yunlan.
Chu Ci glanced at his slightly sulking cousin and teased, “What’s wrong with you?”
“Can’t you tell? She’s not interested in me,” Jiang Nan said.
Hearing this, Chu Ci realized something else: “So… you like her?”
Jiang Nan thought for a moment and admitted that he did. Although Zheng Yunlan wasn’t the girl he remembered from childhood, he found her appealing today. They could potentially develop a relationship, but she wasn’t giving him a chance.
He sighed. “She’s a college student. Why should she be with a soldier like me? We all know how tough it is to be in a military family.”
Mentioning this, both of them fell silent.
Walking with Lin Tian, Zheng Yunlan finally relaxed. She knew her earlier behavior might have seemed off, but she couldn’t help it. Ever since nearly being kidnapped, she stiffened and couldn’t speak around any man other than her father, even if she knew he wouldn’t hurt her.
She didn’t dare tell her mother, fearing she’d worry. But now, she genuinely felt troubled, not knowing who to confide in.
Seeing her distressed, Lin Tian, recalling how well her aunt treated her, cautiously asked, “Do you think Jiang Nan isn’t good? You two were practically childhood friends.”
Zheng Yunlan shook her head, trusting Lin Tian. After thinking, she said, “Sister Tian, I’ve always remembered Jiang Nan. If I hadn’t known it was him today, I wouldn’t have come to the matchmaking meeting.”
“So your attitude…” Lin Tian hesitated, but Zheng Yunlan understood.
After much thought, Zheng Yunlan finally spoke, revealing her issue.
Lin Tian froze, this was exactly what people later called post-traumatic stress.
But she wasn’t a psychologist; she couldn’t fix it. In this era, there didn’t even seem to be anyone treating mental health properly, there was only the concept of mental illness.
What could she do? It wasn’t a lack of mutual liking, it was an external issue causing regret. Lin Tian felt that Zheng Yunlan and Jiang Nan were actually a good match.
After thinking, Lin Tian suggested, “Why don’t you try writing letters to Jiang Nan for a while? Once you’re familiar with each other, maybe you won’t feel this way.”
Lin Tian didn’t know if her advice would help, but she tried to make a positive change.
Zheng Yunlan didn’t want to give up, but she worried Jiang Nan might dislike her based on her earlier behavior. Feeling down, she looked down and said, “He probably wouldn’t want to.”
Lin Tian sighed. “I think you should tell him about your problem. Jiang Nan will understand. If he can’t, then you don’t need to pursue him further.”
Zheng Yunlan found this sensible. Yet when facing Jiang Nan, she couldn’t speak.
Lin Tian asked, “Can I be there? I’ll stay by your side while you try to explain.”
Brave at heart, Zheng Yunlan nodded. Lin Tian then helped call Jiang Nan over. He looked puzzled: “Comrade Lin, what’s going on?”
“Yunlan has something to tell you. Listen to her,” Lin Tian said.
Jiang Nan looked at Zheng Yunlan again. She kept her head down, silent for a long while.
Nervously sweating, she finally lifted her head, encouraged by Lin Tian’s gaze. Thinking of the time Lin Tian had saved her, she built courage in her heart.
After a long pause, she said, “Jiang Nan, I have a kind of illness.”
Jiang Nan froze, unsure what she meant.
Seeing only surprise on his face, she continued: “Ever since I was nearly kidnapped, I get nervous and can’t speak around strange men. I’m not unhappy with you…” She paused, then added, “I really want to continue seeing you, but for a long time we may only be able to write letters. I don’t know when I’ll get better. Maybe you won’t even be able to hold my hand. If that’s the case, would you still want to continue?”
Zheng Yunlan’s forehead was covered in sweat as she finally finished saying what she wanted to. She tried hard to control the irrational fear within her, looking at Jiang Nan, hoping he would give her an answer, whether yes or no. Just as Lin Tian had said, at least she had tried, so she wouldn’t have regrets later.