CHAPTER 202: CHAPTER 202: RESENTMENT

"Two pieces are really too few."

Wen Shi picked up a bowl and chopsticks, giving Lin Qiu Ping a bit of everything. Lin Qiu Ping hurriedly refused, "That’s enough, that’s enough, you need to eat too."

Yi Chichi laughed, "Next time your wife makes something good, just send some my way."

"Right, my wife doesn’t cook, I’ve got to think of something tasty."

With Wen Shi’s words, Lin Qiu Ping couldn’t refuse any longer. He nodded with a smile, "Then it’s settled."

Then he left with the bowl.

After about ten minutes, Ji Jian came over with a bowl to return. Yi Chichi hadn’t even had the chance to greet her when she said, "Xiao Yi, come to our house for dinner tomorrow."

Yi Chichi, ...That was really quick.

"No need. Tomorrow, let Old Wen do it."

She politely declined Ji Jian’s invitation with a smile. In a time when everything is rationed, it’s really embarrassing to go eat at someone else’s house.

Easily taking away people’s rations, this can’t be done.

"Next time, let’s do it next time."

"Why next time?"

Ji Jian wasn’t very satisfied with this answer. Yi Chichi glanced at the kitchen, then gestured for her to come closer. Once she leaned in, Yi Chichi whispered with a laugh, "I need to turn Old Wen into a man who can handle both the living room and kitchen before I go back."

"...Is he willing?"

"Willing."

Ji Jian got interested, "How do you teach him? I want to train my Old Lin too."

This is where Yi Chichi didn’t dare to give hasty advice.

She could only tell her, "Watch how Wen Shi performs tomorrow, and then hold your Old Lin to the same standard. With someone leading the way, he shouldn’t have too much of an aversion."

Indeed, there wasn’t, but it was tough going.

Not only did Lin Qiu Ping have an unspeakable bitterness, but Old Qi and the others weren’t much better off.

There’s no secret in the residential area. Ever since Wen Shi started learning to cook, he transformed into a diligent little helper.

Previously, Yi Chichi’s clothes were washed by him, but it was done at the backyard, away from prying eyes.

Now, it’s no longer hidden. He washes openly in the front yard.

Then, he was spotted by the neighbors.

Once they saw him tidying up the vegetable garden, sweeping the house, and brushing Yi Chichi’s shoes, the female homeowners couldn’t sit still.

One after another, they demanded similar standards from their husbands.

Refusal was not unheard of.

But refusal was futile.

The wives would become unhappy—not making a scene, but silently shedding tears while murmuring about marrying the wrong man, wondering why other men understand how to care for their wives.

The pitiful sight was enough to break the heart of anyone who witnessed it.

Who could withstand that?

Anyway, Lin Qiu Ping and the rest couldn’t hold out. What else could they do?

Just do it.

But the resentment accumulated. Not towards their wives, but towards Wen Shi.

Then, Wen Shi was complained about.

That day as they returned home together from work, Qi Zhiyuan sighed, "Old Wen, could you just be a decent person?"

Wen Shi was holding a fish in his hand, pondering whether to make steamed fish or braised fish for his wife.

Caught off guard by this comment, he paused, "How am I not being a decent person?"

He’s been living well.

Loyal to his country, respectful to his leaders, caring for the soldiers, friendly with colleagues.

Filial to his mother, and as for his wife, on non-principle issues, if she says east, he will not go west.

Puffing out his chest, he wore a face of pride, "I’m a good man."

"Yes, quite good indeed."

Regimental Commander Nie Changfeng sneered, "Just too good. It’s making it impossible for us to even relax when we get home."

Wen Shi instantly understood why they were saying this and burst into laughter.

"You have the nerve to say that."

He taunted, "If you know you want to relax at home, don’t your wives also want some relaxation?"

"...Of course they do."

"That’s it then. You all barely stay at home for three months in total throughout the year. Even if you work every day during those three months, so what? The ladies spend all year without a break; don’t take your blessings for granted."

His words plunged everyone into silence.

Does it make sense?

Damn right it does.

They’ve been loyal to the nation and the organization, but they haven’t been fair to their parents and spouses.

They have spent more time away from home than at home, and the time with their comrades exceeds that with their parents and spouses.

Their sole contribution to the family was their monthly salary.

But their wives didn’t have it easy either—before joining the army, they managed the fields at home, cared for parents, and raised children.

After joining, they handled work, and managed both inside and outside the home.

In terms of hardship, they weren’t any less than the men.

"You’re truly a good man."

Nie Changfeng patted his shoulder and sighed, "Despite being older than you, we’re not as considerate as you are."

Wen Shi snickered, "It’s not that you’re not as good. You’re beneficiaries, choosing to ignore it."

Let’s not kid ourselves—everyone in this team came from all over the place. They’ve clawed their way to their current positions through hardships.

They’ve faced life and death many times. To say they don’t see it is nonsense.

It’s nothing but willful neglect.

His words were sharp, causing Nie Changfeng and the others to flush with a bit of embarrassment.

"We’re all colleagues, couldn’t you give us a little face?"

"Whether I give you face isn’t important. What matters is, if you don’t behave well, the wives will really stop keeping things running."

He gently warned, "You need to understand, in life, nothing is more feared than comparison. Before I came, it didn’t matter how you lived. Now that I’ve shown better, it’s highlighted your shortcomings, causing unease, understand?"

Oh, they understood all too well.

That’s why Wen Shi was their nemesis.

How did they end up with such a neighbor? It’s a real killer.

But matters had come to this, they could only perform well.

After all, having the back garden catch fire is no fun at all.

"Alright, we’ll behave ourselves when we get back."

They pledged with sincerity. Wen Shi nodded in satisfaction, "That’s right, when the family is harmonious, all prospers. Listen to your wife, and have a good life."

Those were wise words.

Everyone was... beyond words.

And so, they all went their separate ways.

Feeling he’s educated his brothers well, Wen Shi entered the house with his head held high. Yi Chichi was engrossed in her work and hadn’t heard anything.

He walked quietly over to her, and upon peering at the embroidery frame, he saw the plum blossom half-concealed by the snow was already complete, so realistic you could almost smell it.

The detail was top-notch. The snow covering the plum branches and blossoms—he didn’t know how she had embroidered it—it looked real.

She was now working on the bird.

Her fingers flew as she deftly maneuvered the hair-fine silk thread through the silk fabric, painting with every stitch.

Seeing her focus, he decided not to disturb her, and instead went to the kitchen with the fish, washing rice, preparing the dishes, and lighting the stove to start cooking.

Last night’s rain had dampened the wood, causing a faint smoke to drift into the living room.

Sniffing the fragrance of smoke, Yi Chichi snapped back from her work, put away her needlework, and after tidying up, headed to the kitchen while rubbing her neck.