CHAPTER 196: CHAPTER 196: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

After tossing and turning, a night of good sleep.

Yi Chichi was woken up by Wen Shi. She opened her eyes, and the man dressed in a vest and long pants stretched out his fit arm to scoop her up.

"I made breakfast for you; eat well and then continue sleeping."

"What time is it now?"

"Not even eight."

"??? What time did you get up?"

"Six o’clock for morning training, what’s up?!"

"Great stamina."

Yi Chichi gave him a thumbs up. This guy must be a bull, tiring her out for hours and still having energy for morning training.

This physique is truly amazing!

But she’s a bit worn out.

"Satisfied?"

After being frank, Wen Shi was completely shameless.

Yi Chichi was even more shameless, "Keep it up; my happiness for the second half of my life depends on you."

"Absolutely."

While speaking, they arrived at the bathroom.

Wen Shi placed her on the ground, attentively helped her wash up, and then led her back to have breakfast like she was a little child learning to walk.

Pork buns, coarse porridge, two boiled eggs, a portion of dried fish, and a portion of pickles made up her breakfast.

Looking at the pork buns bigger than her face, she took one and handed it over, "This is yours."

"I already ate; you go ahead."

"Can’t finish it."

Wen Shi said "oh" and took the bun, finishing it in a few bites.

"Honey, I’m going to take a shower, change clothes, and return to the team. Can you manage on your own?"

"I can, go do your important work."

Yi Chichi wasn’t someone who clung on, not feeling any disappointment at Wen Shi’s departure back to the team.

He’s coming back in the evening; it’s great to do her own thing during the day.

Wen Shi also understood her temperament, accepting her reaction well.

Five minutes later, he came before her, fresh and crisp in military attire. He leaned down to kiss her cheek, "Honey, I’m leaving. If there’s any special situation, you can come to the camp to find me."

"I won’t be back at noon, so eat at the canteen yourself. I’ve paid for everything and left tickets; wait for me to come back in the evening for dinner together."

"Also..."

He reminded her like a nagging mother, worried she wouldn’t survive once he left.

Yi Chichi felt amused yet acknowledged with nods.

Finally, he finished saying everything.

"Then I’m off."

"Alright."

This time, he truly left, and Yi Chichi escorted him to the door. Once he was out of sight, she returned inside to continue her breakfast.

After eating to her satisfaction and tidying the dishes, she left the door open and brought out her embroidery equipment, setting it up and then entering her formal work mode.

Among the Four Gentlemen, she chose Red Plum. She had embroidered orchids before and had no interest in doing so again soon.

Chrysanthemums have large flowers with many petals, very friendly to detail enthusiasts.

In a sense, Yi Chichi is a detail enthusiast, but the delivery time is a bit tight.

So, chrysanthemums are put on hold.

As for bamboo, it can also wait until next time.

After constructing a three-dimensional image of Snow Red Plum in her mind, she began stitching.

Slim fingers manipulated the golden-tipped needle on the silk, gradually forming a red plum blossom.

She became so absorbed in work that she didn’t notice someone passing by the door, then retreating and standing at the yard entrance like a gatekeeper unable to move.

Inside and out, it was all tranquility.

With a creak, the gate across opened, and Du Family’s Sister-in-law Zheng Lihong came out holding water, preparing to pour it. She looked dumbfounded seeing someone standing there, wondering aloud, "Yu Lanfang, why are you standing at Vice Commander Wen’s door?"

Seeming to have been standing for quite a while.

The sudden voice startled Yu Lanfang, and also brought Yi Chichi back from her immersive work state.

She looked up at the door, making eye contact with Yu Lanfang.

Then, this person grinned a smile as bright as the sun at her.

Yu Lanfang’s features weren’t outstanding, but her smile was highly infectious.

Her gaze was clear and bright.

Yi Chichi curved her lips, about to greet her, when she said, "Big sister, you’re really pretty, just like a painting earlier."

"Where, let me take a look."

Zheng Lihong’s eyes lit up, opened the yard gate, and came over for a look.

Then, she gave her verdict.

"Indeed, very pretty."

Yi Chichi felt a bit embarrassed, feeling like a monkey in a zoo for people to admire.

"Ladies, either come in and sit or carry on with your tasks; standing at the door isn’t suitable."

These two spoke openly, their personalities were straightforward.

Therefore, there was no need to be subtle with them; a straightforward exchange worked best.

"I really have nothing to do now."

Zheng Lihong stepped into the yard, and also pulled Yu Lanfang in.

"Let’s have a chat and bond with Ms. Yi; it’s nice to connect emotionally."

"Come sit."

Yi Chichi brought out chairs, inviting them to sit, and poured tea to pass around, starting to chat leisurely.

Both had jobs; one worked at the Women’s Federation, the other in the canteen doing logistics.

Zheng Lihong had a permanent position, while Yu Lanfang, because she came later, was still a temporary worker.

Despite being temporary, she didn’t mind and was, instead, immensely proud of having a job.

Except for this one thing—

"Tired!"

"I’m tired too."

Zheng Lihong sighed, "People envy us at the Women’s Federation for this and that, not knowing there’s a ton of crappy stuff to deal with."

Yi Chichi just laughed, "The Women’s Federation does work to protect women’s and children’s rights, but many women haven’t shifted their mindset yet, making it pretty exhausting."

"Sister, your words speak right to my heart."

Hearing this, Zheng Lihong excitedly slapped her thigh, "Just yesterday, a girl from Xialan Village ran to us covered in blood, asking for help because her mother was about to be beaten to death by her father. We rushed over, and guess what happened?"

"I hate it when people start speaking and leave it half-said. Would it hurt to just say it, or what?"

Yu Lanfang straightforwardly rebuked, very impolitely, while Yi Chichi laughed, "Sister, hurry and tell us. Otherwise, I worry Yu might start a fight with you."

"That won’t happen; I’m a reasonable person."

Yu Lanfang quickly defended herself, then urged Zheng Lihong to speak.

She chuckled, "The girl got beaten by her mother."

"Huh?"

This outcome was truly unthinkable.

Yi Chichi was puzzled, "Wasn’t the girl’s mother beaten by her father?"

"Yes, her face was bruised and swollen beyond recognition, with injuries all over her body. We mediated and warned them after realizing the situation, and the process was extremely daunting."

She sighed, "This work is really tough."

Especially when dealing with grassroots and interacting with parties involved, it can really drive you mad.

"Even after being beaten so badly, she still speaks for the man, blaming her daughter for making a fuss and airing family dirty laundry in public."

Yi Chichi fell silent; domestic violence was actually common in this era.

Even in a technologically and economically advanced future, domestic violence remains frequent.

All that can be said is that protecting the rights of women and children is a task that requires long-term commitment.

"Take it easy."

She could only comfort with such words.

Zheng Lihong responded with a "hmm," "What would you do if you were beaten by your own man?"