CHAPTER 233: 223 BECOMES A LITTLE DEMON

"It’s so hot today. Even if my Jinghuai ran off with another woman, I wouldn’t bother chasing them. If Jinghuai and his mom fell into the water at the same time, and only one could be saved, don’t save me; save his mom first. I’d like to stay in the water for a while longer," Tian Sangsang said.

You Huixixi and the others burst out laughing, doubling over in fits of giggles.

"Sister-in-law!"

"Sangsang, you’re truly..."

"Agreed!" You Huixixi clapped her hands. "Sangsang, you win. Your bond with Captain Jiang is so deep, yet you can say you’d be too lazy to chase him. That shows just how unbearably hot it is."

Some military wives here initially didn’t like Tian Sangsang very much, but after spending a bit of time with her, they realized she was quite easy-going.

You Huixixi suddenly winked and teased, "Speak of the devil—look who’s here. We’ll leave you now, Sangsang."

Tian Sangsang followed her gaze and saw Jiang Jinghuai standing at the stairway. His dark eyes were staring at her intently.

She coughed into her fan and walked over. "Why aren’t you eating? Standing here like a sentry?"

She tried to walk past him but realized he blocked the way. Her height only reached his chest.

She coughed into her fan again.

"Came downstairs to see if you’d fainted from the heat in the garden," Jiang Jinghuai said coldly.

"Look at my tan. I’m clearly someone who’s been seasoned by battles. Would such a little heat knock me out?"

"You seemed to be having a great time talking just now," Jiang Jinghuai said lightly, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"It was just a little joke." Unable to withstand his gaze, Tian Sangsang recounted the story.

Jiang Jinghuai listened, paused for a few seconds, and then raised an eyebrow, "Does your conscience not hurt?"

Of course not. I don’t even have a conscience! Tian Sangsang coughed and replied, "Not only does it not hurt, but I’m actually feeling pretty great~"

After all, she wasn’t the one who started this rumor. Of course she’s feeling great~

Jiang Jinghuai turned to walk upstairs, his voice deep as he said, "My mom is a serious person; she doesn’t like jokes."

Huh? So? Was he telling her about his mom’s personality?

Tian Sangsang froze for a moment, then let out a bitter laugh. And what does that have to do with her? This was just a fake marriage, no more and no less.

**

Surprisingly, the weather on Mid-Autumn Day was much gentler.

Tian Sangsang hadn’t received a rehearsal notice in the past few days. The higher-ups seemed to prefer authenticity. Even if something unexpected happened, they wanted natural improvisation—no rehearsals needed. Those performing had to gather early, so after lunch and washing the dishes, Tian Sangsang went back to her room to change into the new outfit she had prepared, a set of women’s military attire.

She pulled on the military trousers and buttoned up the military jacket. Looking down.

Her waist! Her little waist, long missed, had returned!

All this time she had been losing weight, and today she was finally shocked by the results! She finally looked like a woman!

Judging by appearances, she was now around 110 pounds. Her height, the same as before, hadn’t changed. But slimming down hadn’t made her taller. Still, this felt surreal. Tian Sangsang pinched her now-toned waist where there was no extra fat and strangely began to miss her old barrel-shaped waist—it had a sense of security.

All she needed to do now was lose another ten pounds, and she’d have the perfect golden ratio for her height. One pound more would be too much; one pound less, too little.

She examined herself closely in the mirror. Her skin was still a bit dark—about 20% dark—but her features had sharpened remarkably. Her brows, reshaped into delicate willow-leaf arches, framed her face. Her eyes, black and white with alluring peach blossom upturns, fluttered under the shadow of thick, curled lashes. A tiny, straight nose and naturally flushed lips completed the face...

Things had spiraled completely out of her control. This was no longer the soft, cute look of a simple girl, nor the classical elegance of a Qingxiu beauty. Nor did this resemble the virtuous, wholesome image of her past self. Instead, she looked just like one of those flamboyant vixens out in the world.

She suddenly resembled Tian Sijin, Guan Kunling’s lord—a woman with stunningly bold features, striking like blossoming peach flowers in full bloom. This was also Tian Sangsang’s least favorite type of face. In truth, she gravitated toward girls with almond-shaped eyes. She had even secretly harbored a crush on countless almond-eyed girls back in school. Most almond-eyed girls had softer, gentler features that were irresistibly endearing—perfect for dating and being cared for.

Almond-eyed girls—they were her goddesses!

Tian Sangsang sighed, shaking her head wistfully. Adjusting her mood, she took a deep breath and left her face bare of makeup—blackness, after all, was her version of the strongest cosmetics.

She pushed the door open and stepped out.

"I’m heading out first," Tian Sangsang said to the two people on the sofa.

A larger and a smaller face both looked up.

Jiang Jinghuai froze for a moment. His image of Tian Sangsang had remained stuck on five years ago. Back then... never mind, nostalgia was useless. Her skin had been soft and smooth, as he had discovered one accidental day in the kitchen when he brushed against her slightly. Now her figure had grown into full curves, her fitted military uniform outlining her shapely silhouette to perfection. Her delicate features—if not for that faint tan—almost made him believe the woman standing before him was a dazzling jewel.

This was his first time scrutinizing her so carefully, and as he stared, he couldn’t help but be stunned.

But soon he regained his composure, hiding his awkwardness by lowering his gaze to the newspaper. Even while pretending to read, the text blurred, and all he saw were rows of "Tian Sangsang" floating aimlessly across the page... What a little demon she was!

"Mom, you look so pretty today," Meng Shuyan said, blinking in amazement. He almost didn’t recognize her. Was this really his mom?

"Do I look strong and brave in this uniform, like a true soldier?" Tian Sangsang pinched her son’s soft little cheek. "Mom’s heading out now; you’ll see me on stage soon."

"Go, Mom, go!" Meng Shuyan cheered her on with hearts practically floating in his eyes, raising a tiny fist in a show of support.

"Not even a word of encouragement from you?" Tian Sangsang cast a glance at Jiang Jinghuai, who sat stoically in stark contrast to her sweet son.

So calm, Captain Jiang. Aren’t you worried I’ll embarrass you on stage?

"It’s better if you don’t speak." Jiang Jinghuai glanced at her, one eyebrow arching slightly.

Whenever you speak, it ruins the whole aesthetic.

Tian Sangsang huffed inwardly, puffing her cheeks in frustration as she stomped angrily out the door.

"Most of the audience will be iron-willed soldiers. Just be your usual self and don’t get nervous on stage," Jiang Jinghuai’s languid reminder followed after her.

Who’s nervous? Tian Sangsang released the hem of her jacket that she subconsciously had been clutching, and stormed away like the wind.

On her way downstairs, she ran into You Huixixi and the others. After greeting them briefly, she went off to join her group.

"Don’t you think Tian Sangsang’s changed so much?"

"Completely different from when she first arrived."

"She’s gorgeous now. How did we not notice her good looks before?"

"She’s even slimmed down. Really slimmed down."

"..."

Compared to someone else who also came from the countryside, Tian Sangsang now seemed worlds apart from Qin Lan.

A crowd of people were all talking about Tian Sangsang. Qin Lan couldn’t help but sound bitter. "It’s just that she’s learned how to dress up. Who knows how she has so much time for it? She stays at home like us every day. She’s lucky Captain Jiang pampers her and gives her money to spend."

"Oh, come on," You Huixixi said. "That’s not the same at all. Sangsang not only grows flowers but also experiments with food, and she runs every morning and evening. She’s not just sitting idly at home like us."