CHAPTER 309: CHAPTER 176: THE WARMTH OF FAMILY

Luo Ye came out after the shower and saw Wen Ke comfortably leaning against the headboard, watching TV. She asked in confusion, "Sister Keke, did you need me for something?"

"Not much, just wanted to have a chat with Ye’er." Wen Ke smiled, sizing up Luo Ye, "Our Ye’er is really pretty, looking good with both long and short hair, and... Ye’er with short hair has even more charm."

Luo Ye joked, "I just took a shower, so I smell like shampoo and shower gel."

"You little girl, always liking to tease others." Wen Ke brought out a small bag from behind her, "This is a full set of sun protection products. Remember to arm yourself during military training, otherwise if you turn into an African ghost after training, Grandma will be heartbroken."

"Sister, I have sunscreen, it’s enough." Luo Ye quickly tried to push the big bag back.

"No way, this includes everything for the face, body lotions, and creams. How could your single bottle of sunscreen be enough?" Wen Ke glared at Luo Ye discontentedly, "Or is it you don’t like the things I’ve given?"

Luo Ye quickly pleaded, "No, no, I’ll take it. How could Sister know I was coming back today and prepare such a big set?" She looked at the brand and was puzzled, "This isn’t cheap, hasn’t Grandpa set a limit on the pocket money for the brothers and sisters? Sister, you didn’t starve for a few months, did you?"

"You ungrateful little thing, I bought this set of cosmetics a long time ago. As for the money, well, I extorted a portion from Wen Yan, Wen Su, and Little Pumpkin. I thought you would stay for a few days anyway, but... hmpf... I originally thought to let you sunburn, but seeing you arrived, I couldn’t help but excitedly bring it over. To sum up, I just like to be stupid!"

"Alright, alright, Sister Keke is the best to Ye’er, don’t be angry with Ye’er." Luo Ye flattered Wen Ke by massaging her shoulders, "Beautiful, cute, gentle, the number one beauty in the world, Sister Keke, does it feel good?"

"Your sweet talk could charm the dead!" Wen Ke turned around and gave Luo Ye a slap, dragging her over, "Ye’er, everyone in the Wen Family really likes and cares about you, and it’s not because you saved Wen Yan, you have to believe that!"

Luo Ye nodded seriously, "I know, I believe!"

"That’s good, I consider you as my own sister." Wen Ke affectionately patted Luo Ye, "You have to get up early tomorrow, I won’t delay your sleep. Remember to come home quickly after military training."

"I know!"

"Don’t just know it verbally, you have to know it in your heart. If it happens again that you don’t come home during the holidays, see how the few of us will deal with you!"

Luo Ye quickly sought mercy, "Sister, this summer vacation was an exception. I also did it to spend more time with mom and grandpa. Understanding is everlasting, right?"

"Alright then, I forgive you, going back to my room to sleep." Wen Ke waved her hand and walked out.

Looking at the big bag of sun care products, Luo Ye felt both touched and helpless. In fact, she really wanted to tell Wen Ke that she was the kind of person who doesn’t tan easily.

In her previous life, she trained under the scorching sun every day and only ended up with a light wheat complexion, which faded after being covered for a while. But seeing Wen Ke’s kindness, she didn’t have the heart to say it. Oh well, worst comes to worst, she would just be laughed at for being a delicate lady.

...

Luo Ye got up early, not even five o’clock, planning to sneak away after washing up. But when she went downstairs, she found that Grandpa, Grandma, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, and Little Pumpkin, none was missing, all waiting for her.

When Luo Ye came downstairs, Little Pumpkin was yawning with a wide-open mouth. Wen Ke covered it with a laugh, "Are you gaping at your Sister Ye’er because you think she’s pretty and want to eat her up?"

Little Pumpkin disgustedly brushed off Wen Ke’s small hand, "Sister, you’re really not gentle. Smells like hand soap, so unpleasant."

"Grandpa, Grandma, uncles, and aunts..." Luo Ye had a troubled face, "It’s not like I’m going to war, why all this fuss?"

Old Master Wen chuckled and glanced at his wife, "This was organized by your Grandma. When Old Buddha speaks, who dares not to listen?"

"Grandma..." Luo Ye walked forward and hugged the old lady, not knowing what to say. Grandpa told her last night that just a few days after the New Year’s, Grandma had a minor stroke. Luckily, the Wen family doctor took timely action, and after hospital treatment for more than two months, she fully recovered. It was also since then that Grandpa became more indulgent towards Grandma and less strict with the family.

But since that time, there had been slight changes in Grandma’s personality, a fear of separation, and she became overly doting on the children. Luo Ye had wanted to sneak away so as not to upset Grandma but didn’t expect the old lady to gather everyone so early.

"Ye’er, take good care of yourself. Who knows what this little hand will turn into when you come back next time." Grandma rubbed her granddaughter’s soft little hand, her face full of distress.

Little Pumpkin chuckled, "Grandma, are you checking if Sister Ye’er washed her hands clean this morning? Be gentle though, don’t rub her skin off, that would be a pity."

"This kid!" The eldest uncle smacked Little Pumpkin, knowing he was trying to lighten the mood, but his "rubbing off" comment was bound to worry the old lady.

Seeing everyone staring at him, Little Pumpkin realized he had spoken amiss and worriedly looked at his grandma, who indeed had red eyes, "How can such delicate girl endure it?" She begged the old man, "Old man, can you talk to the leaders or instructors to go easy on our Ye’er a bit?"

Mr. Wen hurriedly nodded: "Xingxing, I’ll make a call in a bit, and have Wen Tong hurry to send Ye’er to school. If she’s late, the leaders will scold her."

"Xiao Tong, then you better hurry and send Ye’er to school, otherwise..."

Luo Ye quickly interrupted the old lady: "Grandma, don’t worry. I promise you, three months from now, I will stand here healthier than I am now for your inspection, okay?"

"I don’t believe it," the old lady grimaced.

Everyone was trying hard to hold back their laughter. The old lady’s recent illness had made her a bit child-like in character, but of course, her intelligence was not affected in the slightest.

On the way back to school, Luo Ye was deep in thought, so Wen Tong did not disturb her. When they arrived at the school, he patted Luo Ye on the head: "Ye’er, although grandma has become a bit childishly temperamental after being ill, it’s not too obvious to others. It’s just that she’s acting a bit clingy because you’re leaving.

You have to understand the old lady’s feelings. She only reunited with your mother after twenty years of separation, so subconsciously, she is compensating your mother through you. Don’t find her annoying."

"Little uncle, how could I find Grandma annoying? On the way here, I was thinking, now that my brothers, sisters, and Little Pumpkin have started school, and the uncles and Aunt are off to work, only grandma and grandpa are left at home. Even if grandpa’s personality has changed somewhat, he’s always been a man of few words. We should have my mom come over regularly to keep grandma company."

"Ye’er, you’re so thoughtful. There are usually two or three housemaids at home to chat with the old lady, don’t worry, she’ll be fine.

Your dad is too busy with work, he can’t manage without someone taking care of him, so better not to tell your mom about this. It’s enough if she comes back for visits during holidays."

"Little uncle, I’m heading back to school. If there’s anything, call our captain or the instructor’s office phone. Mine’s been confiscated!"

"Got it, go ahead."

...

When Luo Ye returned to the dormitory, everyone had already finished washing up. Seeing her come in, Xing Nong and Yaoguang hurried over to bring her out: "Luoluo, did you go back to your grandpa’s house last night?"

Luo Ye nodded: "Yes, my little uncle came to pick me up. The captain said to go back, so I left. Why, has everyone been talking?"

"Not ’everyone’, just Yao Juanjuan. She kept making snarky remarks non-stop, saying you went on a date with your boyfriend, and that she would tell on you. Yaoguang almost got into a fight with her. That woman is definitely asking for it."

Yaoguang nodded angrily: "If Xing Nong hadn’t stopped me, I would have swollen her mouth first before anything else. She’s so malicious."

"Thanks to you both, but remember not to confront people like her directly in the future. Military academy discipline is strict, and it’s not worth getting punished over such people." Luo Ye patted the backpack behind her: "Let’s go put on some sunscreen. My sister bought me this huge bag, enough for us to use until next year."

"Roger that, just a while ago Yao Juanjuan was showing off her few bottles of sunscreen, haha, this will kill her with envy!"

Luo Ye lowered her voice: "Remember, a biting dog doesn’t bark. People like Yao Juanjuan are just like that, there’s no need to stoop to their level. I’ll explain the situation about going home later, and that’s the end of it, understand?"

"Understood!"

When Luo Ye entered the dormitory, she could feel that the gazes from others were different from yesterday, probably assuming she was a ’relative’ and feeling uncomfortable about it.

She had expected this reaction. If she had to do it over, she’d still aspire to be a good soldier. But that did not mean she would become a heartless, passionless robot. Family was always most important.

In other words, she wanted to be a qualified soldier to protect her family and repay Jiang Zheng’s kindness. If it meant achieving her dream by pleasing others at the cost of her integrity, she’d rather not realize that dream.

If she were to win others over, it would be through sheer strength, absolute strength!

"Wow, Luoluo, your cousin is so rich, isn’t she? This brand’s skincare set must cost tens of thousands!"

"If you want to use it, use it; if not, then forget it!" Luo Ye slapped Xing Nong, as this girl’s loud voice was obviously meant to make Yao Juanjuan jealous. But hadn’t she just advised against competing with such petty things?

"Luo Ye, did your cousin marry into a military family?" Yao Juanjuan looked at the array of bottles and jars, enviously itching to snatch them away—she’d dreamt of buying this set.

Today’s first update for Nuajin, another one to come before 7 pm.

Special thanks to ’Eternal Post-rainy Season,’ ’Little Yu,’ for their two He Shi Bi and one God of Wealth jar, and thanks to ’Ah Xing,’ ’Dark Night Bamboo Shadow’ for their rewards, and thanks to readers who subscribed to the genuine ’Pink for Nuan.’ (To be continued, if you want to know what happens next, please visit www.qidian.com. There’s more to the story, support the author, and support genuine reading!)