Chapter 44: No Room for Those with Ulterior Motives

“Has the preparation already started?”

Peeking through the kitchen doorway with her head tilted, Shen Yiqian still wore a smile on her face.

When she spotted the unfamiliar face inside, she unconsciously straightened her previously slouched posture. “Little sister, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Hearing the voice, Shen Yi’an put down the leeks in her hand and turned around. “Second sister, that’s enough from you!”

“I don’t believe she didn’t tell you anything when you and mom returned.”

At this, Shen Yiqian entered the kitchen and poked her sister’s head playfully.

“Mom is mom, and you are you.”

“This second sister needs to hear it directly from you.”

With no other choice, Shen Yi’an reluctantly conceded. “Alright then, let me introduce you.”

“The person beside me is…”

“An’an’s fiancé!Li Beichen was the first to introduce himself.

“Hello, second sister. I’m Li Beichen.”

Seeing this, Shen Yiqian was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter.

“Hello, hello!”

“You’re quite proactive, as if worried my little sister wouldn’t introduce you properly.”

After joking for a moment, she continued, “Calling me second sister is only right.”

“In our family, this girl is the youngest.”

“Don’t think you’re at a disadvantage by calling me second sister.”

Hearing this, Li Beichen shook his head slightly. “I heard from aunt earlier that we’re about the same age.”

“Though it’s only a few months’ difference, it’s only proper to address you as second sister.”

Shen Yiqian’s satisfaction couldn’t have been more obvious.

After the brief conversation, she returned to Shen Yi’an’s side.

“Good taste. At least he’s more perceptive than your second brother-in-law.”

“Approved. Second sister consents to your relationship.”

Shen Yi’an found this both amusing and exasperating. “Good thing dad already agreed, otherwise you’d be in for a scolding, second sister.”

“Do you think I don’t know that?” Shen Yiqian raised her chin proudly.

“If mom hadn’t told me in advance, did you think I’d come straight to the kitchen?”

While the two sisters huddled together whispering, Li Beichen worked quietly nearby.

Only his occasionally twitching ears proved his exceptional hearing.

By around seven o’clock, all expected guests had arrived.

Now, Li Beichen no longer needed to help in the kitchen and was called by Xing Wenqi to chat in the living room.

Dinner was served just after eight.

Before the meal began, Shen Guozhong set the tone for the evening.

“Today marks another reunion of our family.”

“The biggest change from before is that my youngest daughter, your youngest sister, has officially graduated and won’t need to return to school anymore.”

“Come, let’s toast to our reunion!”

At these words, the male comrades raised their glasses while the female comrades lifted their orange sodas.

With the initial awkwardness gone, the atmosphere around the table quickly became lively.

There was no need for formal introductions.

Because earlier, during the bustling kitchen preparations, Li Beichen had been introduced to every family member by Xing Wenqi.

From the oldest to the youngest.

Since everyone was already acquainted, the meal proceeded without restraint.

Halfway through dinner, Li Beichen found an opportunity to mention his return to the military. “…I hope uncle and aunt won’t be upset.”

“When I get a longer leave next time, I’ll definitely stay home longer.”

Noticing his unease, Shen Guozhong waved his hand casually.

“You’re a soldier, we understand your commitment to duty and responsibility.”

“Bringing An’an back this time, your uncle has seen your sincerity.”

“No need for more words, just hope you’ll visit often.”

After another round of toasts, the men’s conversation broadened.

They talked about their respective posts, their plans for future life, and their expectations for the next generation.

As for the female comrades, they gathered around Shen Yi’an to comfort her.

Having known earlier that Li Beichen would return to the military, Shen Yi’an appeared calmer than the others. “Mom, eldest sister, second sister, Third Sister-in-law, fourth sister-in-law, you really don’t need to comfort me.”

“Although I only learned this news two hours earlier than you, I’ve already adjusted my emotions.”

After a brief pause, she continued, “Besides, who knows how many more such separations we’ll experience in the future?”

“If I need your comfort every single time, how will I ever learn to grow up?”

“Would I still run home to complain to you after getting married?”

Hearing this, Deng Yaxin and the others laughed together.

After the meal, the family moved to the living room to chat, dispersing around eleven o’clock.

Early the next morning, Shen Yi’an saw Li Beichen off at the train station. “…Since my parents have approved of our relationship, I will learn to become a suitable partner.”

“There might be areas where I fall short, but people always need to improve gradually.”

“I hope we can encourage each other and progress together in the future.”

Receiving this expression of feelings for the first time, Li Beichen’s eyes overflowed with laughter. “Though I feel An’an’s expression is still quite reserved, these are words I’m happy to hear.”

“Good, I promise you, we’ll progress together from now on!”

With their relationship now openly acknowledged, they began discussing future arrangements.

“Regarding the private doctor matter, I’ll call the Old Master immediately upon returning to the military.”

“Physical weakness isn’t a major issue – it’s nothing difficult for a capable doctor.”

“During my absence, please stay obediently in Lancheng and don’t go anywhere else.”

“Wait for me to come take you to Jingshi during my next leave.”

Hearing this, Shen Yi’an nodded obediently without saying more.

Though her health had already been restored through the nourishment of the Spirit Spring Water, even surpassing ordinary people’s physical condition,

This was something only she knew.

To let everyone know she had recovered, there needed to be a legitimate reason.

Going to Jingshi for treatment with a private doctor might be the perfect opportunity.

Seeing her obedient nod, Li Beichen offered his final advice. “Lancheng has been experiencing continuous high temperatures recently – try to avoid going out unless necessary.”

“You can go out in the mornings and evenings, but take Third Sister-in-law, Xiaoyi and Xiaohong with you.”

“I wouldn’t feel comfortable with you going out alone.”

Though expressed indirectly, the underlying meaning was quite clear.

He was simply worried she might encounter another troublesome person like Aunt Tian.

If nothing happened, that would be fine, but if anything unexpected occurred, the consequences would be unacceptable to anyone.

Understanding his meaning, Shen Yi’an nodded seriously in agreement. “I understand, don’t worry!”

“Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, my parents would certainly have reminded me.”

“Alright!” Having received a response, Li Beichen felt somewhat reassured.

Though there were still many, many things he wanted to say, time waits for no one.

Before they had even exchanged words for half an hour, the train’s whistle sounded—”Woo-woo-woo.”

Having restrained himself for a long while, Li Beichen finally gave in just before boarding the train.

Under Shen Yi’an’s puzzled gaze, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into an embrace. “I’m leaving. An An, you must take good care of yourself.”

“And also, that Wang Guoqing or whatever his name is—don’t give him any chance to get close to you.”

“You are my fiancée, Li Beichen’s. I won’t allow anyone with ulterior motives to approach you.”

“Understood?”

Hearing the whisper by her ear, Shen Yi’an initially shrank her neck uncomfortably and even pushed him away a few times symbolically.

But after listening to what he had to say, the corners of her mouth unconsciously lifted. “Alright, I understand!”

“Don’t worry. Since I’m with you now, I definitely won’t get involved with anyone else.”

“You should have faith in your own charm!”

The last sentence successfully pleased Li Beichen.

As the train slowly chugged along with a “clack-clack” sound, he leaned against the window, waving incessantly at the figure on the platform.

Only when he could no longer see that silhouette did he reluctantly retreat to his seat.

In an instant, he reined in his emotions, returning to his usual sharp and imposing demeanor.

But Shen Yi’an, who had already left the train station, was unaware of all this.

Remembering that she had informed her family before leaving, saying she might return home later, she thought to herself that since it was still early, she might as well head to the Seed Market for some shopping.

The Black Soil Land in her Space was empty, and apart from the Pasture Grass, the Breeding Area was also vacant.

Only by getting the Space up and running sooner would she have enough confidence to become a merchant.

As for becoming an entrepreneur—that was a long and arduous journey!

Through the rearview mirror, the taxi driver once again noticed the person whose gaze remained fixed on the car window, lost in thought, and couldn’t help but feel a bit curious.