CHAPTER 339: 325 FEMALE CADRES FROM BEIJING

"A woman cadre?" A military wife was surprised and asked, "Is it something like the women’s director here?"

"How could it be! The rank is much higher."

"No matter what, she must be a strict old lady."

"..."

When everyone heard the leader was a female cadre, they instinctively thought of their own mother-in-law. A female cadre capable of leading? She must be older, right?

Tian Sangsang listened quietly, pursing her lips without saying a word.

"No matter what kind she is, just focus on being yourself." You Huixixi sighed.

"Yeah." Qin Lan looked deeply at Tian Sangsang, noticing her somewhat fatigued expression. This was unusual—normally she was so full of energy, but today she seemed drained. Even though her face was slightly pale, it couldn’t hide her natural beauty. With a hint of meaning, Qin Lan remarked, "We should focus on being ourselves. Sangsang, you might want to stop wearing this outfit for the next few days. Otherwise, you’ll attract attention."

Tian Sangsang chuckled lightly.

Qin Lan grew irritated at her carefree attitude and deliberately averted her gaze, deciding that out of sight was out of mind!

"Oh, wow!" Suddenly, a military wife exclaimed enviously, "Sangsang, your scarf is so fashionable! I saw some people on the street wearing scarves like this—white, wrapped in multiple layers, long and cozy."

"Yes, yes, I’ve seen it too!" Someone chimed in. "They say people in Hong Kong love wearing scarves like this."

As she spoke, she reached out to touch Sangsang’s scarf.

This scarf wasn’t something Tian Sangsang had taken out from her stash. She had bought it at a department store—it was expensive. But since she loved beauty, she was willing to spend money.

While her hand continued to stroke the scarf, the other military wives also turned their attention to Tian Sangsang, fascinated.

"I mainly wear it because I’m afraid of the cold." Feeling uncomfortable as her scarf was being touched, Tian Sangsang removed it and held it in her hand, showing it to them.

They took turns examining it, touching it one by one.

The moment her scarf was removed, revealing that her sweater wasn’t a turtleneck, Tian Sangsang shivered, pulling her collar up with her hand and then stuffing her hands in her pockets.

"I don’t think it’s really because of the cold~~" You Huixixi’s voice sounded mischievous, laced with teasing. The word "cold" was drawn out dramatically.

Tian Sangsang froze for a moment, unable to understand her odd tone.

The other military wives stared at her, their gazes becoming increasingly playful.

Tian Sangsang blinked her clear, peach-blossom eyes, dark pupils showing a trace of confusion. Why were they looking at her like that? Suddenly, no one spoke, and their silence made her uneasy.

"Sister Huihui, why is everyone suddenly so quiet?" She pursed her dry red lips. Her usual cleverness was useless in this moment of human mystery. QAQ

"Alright, stop staring." You Huixixi continued smiling, raising her hand. "Quick, return the scarf to Sangsang so she can put it back on."

She paused briefly, instinctively placing her hand near her neck as an image flashed through her mind: teeth biting down, causing a faint pain.

Tian Sangsang: ...........Oh, my god.

It was incredibly awkward.

Hastily wrapping the scarf haphazardly, Tian Sangsang used her hands to cover her face, but she couldn’t hide her flushed cheeks. Unable to lift her head, she murmured, "Sisters, I just remembered something urgent at home. I’ll head off first." Her voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz. Although she sometimes spoke boldly, deep down, she truly was a kind-hearted girl.

The image she worked so hard to build had crumbled. She wanted to disappear into the earth.

"Sangsang is so lucky."

Qin Lan retorted with a teasing, "Oh, didn’t your man keep you satisfied last night? Listen to your sour tone."

"My man can’t compare to Captain Jiang, but once a night is a given."

"What’s there to brag about? I get twice per night!" Qin Lan countered.

"Twice and you still have such a temper? I don’t believe it!"

You Huixixi shouted, "Will you all stop arguing!"

The room fell silent. You Huixixi’s pregnant belly was already visible; she hardly lived a blissful life.

With that thought, the sting that lingered from Tian Sangsang’s earlier situation faded away.

**

Since the release of "Lushan Love," Tian Sangsang’s skincare business had boomed.

She had made plans with Chen Ying and the others today to visit a nearby village.

A car approached from a distance. Chen Ming hopped out, waving and laughing enthusiastically. "Sang——"

Good heavens.

Chen Ming gave her a steady look, his eyes flashing with admiration. The kind of admiration one would have for an ordinary, elegant woman—absolutely no inappropriate undertones.

"Even though Yingzi already told me, seeing you now, I still..."

Tian Sangsang smiled in helpless resignation.

After the two got into the car and it started moving, Chen Ming suddenly seemed to remember something, grinning widely. "No wonder you look familiar. You look a lot like how you did when you were young." Back then, she was really adorable.

Tian Sangsang pursed her lips. "Don’t laugh, your crown might fall."

Chen Ming scratched his head awkwardly. "Haha, Sangsang, you’re still the same as always—quick with the jokes." He didn’t quite understand her remark, but he was certain it carried her usual playful tone.

"Chen Ming, I heard you’ve become a dad." Tian Sangsang smiled faintly. "I couldn’t congratulate you properly when you got married. Once the baby hits one month, I’ll send double as my gift."

"Your thoughtfulness is what counts." Chen Ming wasn’t one to fuss over material things. He laughed foolishly for a couple of seconds. "But that phrasing—’becoming a dad’—is quite amusing."

Tian Sangsang observed him and thought something seemed off. He had all the demeanor of a proud father; she even wondered if he’d married Yao Fangfang.

However, when Yao Fangfang appeared, her doubt vanished.

Upon seeing Tian Sangsang, Yao Fangfang—despite having been forewarned by Chen Ying—was still visibly shocked. After processing it, she realized that this ... this was just Tian Sangsang in all her glory—unchanged. Those eyes, that posture, that aura—a perfect picture.

As the saying goes, "A smile can resolve bygone enmity." No words were exchanged; everything was understood without speaking.

Finally, Yao Fangfang said, "I was so naive before; I wronged you so many times. I’m sorry. I hope we can become friends from now on." And even if they couldn’t, she’d at least hope they could get along well. Now pregnant, Yao Fangfang viewed everything positively.

Tian Sangsang smiled gently. "I understand. I don’t blame you."

Yao Fangfang finally smiled, almond eyes curving. "I also want to apologize on Shui Lian’s behalf."

When Shui Lian was mentioned, her smile dimmed. "I heard someone say last time she’s at the city’s military district. Since you’re at the military district too, do you know anything about her—"

Despite their history as friends.

Tian Sangsang didn’t want to talk about Shui Lian, who was trouble incarnate, harming others and herself. But seeing that Yao Fangfang was pregnant, she couldn’t bring up unpleasant topics. Better not risk upsetting her.

She calmly lowered her gaze. "Shui Lian is living peacefully now; you can rest assured. The past is long gone; you owe her nothing."

Yao Fangfang nodded lightly, as if she understood something.

**

Tian Sangsang walked the military district compound’s path feeling exhausted. She had just gotten out of Chen Ming’s car, having spent the day planting flowers in the fields herself. The physical work left her breathless. But after this workout, her body felt warm, with a slight sheen of sweat on her flushed cheeks.