Chapter 80: From now on, no matter what, he would always help and protect his “big sister”!

“She’s probably celebrating the New Year at the military district. With her husband there, he’ll take good care of Ningning,” Yang Manman said reassuringly, her hands never stopping as she knitted.

She couldn’t help but think—now that her sister-in-law was married, everyone in the family, no matter who it was, just couldn’t get used to it.

Her own husband was the same. Whatever he got, he always thought to set aside a share for his little sister.

But Yang Manman didn’t feel jealous, because her husband treated her very well too. And ever since her sister-in-law woke up after that time she fell in the water, she’d changed for the better and better.

Especially since she’d given her acupuncture to treat her uterine cold—Yang Manman was more grateful to her sister-in-law than anything.

Yang Manman had a strong feeling, a premonition, that she would be having a child soon.

“Do you think we should send something to Ningning and that Ze Xi boy?” Yao Chunhua asked.

As a mother, she always felt she could never give her daughter enough.

“Mom, Ningning said over and over again in her letter not to send anything. I think if you eat a little more yourself, Ningning will be even happier.”

Yang Manman wasn’t being stingy with Gu Jianing, she just understood her sister-in-law. If she said she didn’t need anything, then she really didn’t.

Yao Chunhua sighed. Deep down, she knew this too. After her daughter-in-law’s gentle persuasion, she gave up the idea.

“Ningning’s used to my cooking. I wonder if she’ll get used to the food over there, if she’ll have enough to eat…”

“And I wonder when we’ll get her next letter.”

After receiving the first letter, the Gu family thought it over—there wasn’t much to say for now, and the journey was long, so they decided to wait for Gu Jianing’s second letter and reply to both at once.

So Yao Chunhua kept waiting.

Meanwhile, in the Northwest Military District, Gu Jianing had no idea her mother was anxiously awaiting her second letter.

At that moment, she had just finished writing two letters and packed up parcels for her family and for Grandpa and Grandma Sang. She was about to head out to mail them.

She didn’t need to go to town or anywhere far—the military district had its own communications office that could help her send mail.

The only thing was…

The parcels were a bit heavy.

“Sister-in-law, let me help you with those.”

Just as Gu Jianing stepped outside, still worrying about the weight, Xie Ze came running over and grabbed both parcels for her in one go.

What felt heavy to Gu Jianing was nothing to Xie Ze.

“Oh, it’s you, Comrade Xie Ze. Thank you.”

Gu Jianing was naturally happy to have help, even though Xie Ze looked about her age.

But because he called her “sister-in-law,” and since he was one of Sheng Zexi’s soldiers, she always saw Xie Ze as a junior.

Besides, she’d heard his story from Sheng Zexi, so she felt a bit more protective toward this warm-hearted young soldier.

“No need to thank me, sister-in-law. It’s nothing.”

“If anyone should be thanking someone, it’s me. Last time, you had Captain Sheng bring me a big bowl of food, with lots of meat and veggies.” Xie Ze’s eyes lit up at the memory, his tanned face full of joy.

He hesitated a little, then added, “Actually… actually, that day was my birthday.”

“That was the first birthday present I’ve ever received. Sister-in-law, thank you so much, and thank Captain Sheng too.”

Seeing Xie Ze’s pure, genuine smile, Gu Jianing was stunned for a moment, her heart softening.

So it was his birthday that day. If she’d known, she would have invited him to the housewarming party. She could just imagine how he must have spent his birthday alone, with no one knowing.

Just a bowl of food she’d sent on a whim, and he’d treasured it as a birthday gift…

This Xie Ze really was…

For a moment, Gu Jianing felt complicated and didn’t know what to say.

Soon, they arrived at the communications office. Gu Jianing handed over her letters and parcels, and that was that.

On the way back, Gu Jianing asked and learned that Xie Ze had performed well, so Sheng Zexi had rewarded him with a day off from training.

Xie Ze had come to the family compound on purpose, hoping to run into Gu Jianing and help her out, all because of that bowl of food and his growing fondness for his “sister-in-law.”

He hadn’t expected to actually run into her. Even if it was just carrying parcels, he was happy to help however he could.

What’s more, Xie Ze really enjoyed being around Gu Jianing and chatting with her. She gave him a warm, comfortable feeling, like he’d gained a big sister—he couldn’t help but want to get closer to her.

“Sister-in-law, I’ll head back now.” Though he was reluctant to leave, he’d already walked Gu Jianing to her door. Still, he reminded her, “If you ever need anything, just call me. As long as I’m not training or on a mission, I’ll come right away.”

His face was full of sincerity and innocence, making it impossible to refuse. Gu Jianing agreed, “Alright, but wait a moment.”

Before Xie Ze could react, she hurried back inside.

Huh?

Xie Ze stood at the door, a little confused, but he didn’t leave.

Soon, Gu Jianing came back out and handed him a small, triangular fruit cake. “Here, this is for you.”

Xie Ze took the little cake in both hands, staring at the delicate treat in a daze. “Sis—sister-in-law, this is…?”

“It’s a little cake!”

“Birthdays are for eating cake. I didn’t know it was your birthday the other day, so here’s a belated birthday cake for you.”

Gu Jianing had just exchanged some points in her system’s store for the cake—it only cost 0.1 points.

She’d gotten five, planning to save the rest for herself and Sheng Zexi over the next couple of days.

So birthdays are for eating cake?

Xie Ze had heard of egg cakes, but never of “cake” itself. He’d never even tried an egg cake, just heard they were delicious and expensive.

This cake was even prettier and more delicate than an egg cake, and it had fruit on top—fruit was expensive these days, too.

“No, sister-in-law, I can’t accept this.”

He hadn’t really helped her much—how could he accept it? He felt unworthy.

“Take it. I’m giving it to you,” Gu Jianing insisted. Once she decided to give something, she never took it back.

In the end, Xie Ze accepted the little cake.

Back in his “secret base,” Xie Ze held the cake carefully, cherishing every bite. His eyes grew red.

So sweet, so fragrant, so delicious!

It was the best thing he’d ever tasted in his life!

Before, Xie Ze had helped Gu Jianing mostly because he admired Sheng Zexi and wanted to support his wife. But now, his fondness for Gu Jianing had surpassed even his admiration for Sheng Zexi.

He silently vowed: From now on, he would treat his sister-in-law as his own big sister. No matter what, he would always help and protect her!

—

Not long after Gu Jianing saw Xie Ze off, Sister Yu came by with gifts to thank her for performing surgery on Cui Bin."