CHAPTER 350: 335 READY TO GO TO THE BORDER DEFENSE FORCE

Those words may be correct, but Zhao Chun still felt miserable. He thought, after experiencing this, for the rest of his life, apart from Tian Sangsang, he wouldn’t have feelings for another woman. Besides, he didn’t want to date anyone anymore. Ji Yao’er’s death had dealt him too heavy a blow.

He would never forget the scene of her lying in a pool of blood; part of it was his responsibility. Although he hadn’t truly fallen in love with her, he had been involved with her. No matter what, he had to take responsibility.

Besides, Yao’er had never done anything wrong to him.

"Right now, the most important thing is to figure out who wrote the letter of accusation." Tian Sangsang’s eyes flashed with coldness. "The person who wrote the letter targeted either you or Ji Yao’er. First, find out where the letter came from, then identify who caused her harm. Only then can we seek revenge for Ji Yao’er."

"My grandfather is already investigating," Zhao Chun clenched his fist, finally showing signs of becoming a mature man.

Tian Sangsang sat with him the whole afternoon but didn’t say much else. Occasionally, she would gently run her fingers through his soft hair to comfort him. He was like a helpless little lamb. In her eyes, he was still just a child.

Later in the afternoon, Zhao Chun’s mother came looking for him.

The two women exchanged glances but froze on the spot. They had met before, so they weren’t complete strangers.

"You’re Jinghuai’s wife, right?" Zhao Chun’s mother, a poised and confident woman, looked at Tian Sangsang and said, "Our family’s Chun has caused you trouble. Thank you so much for your help last time. You endured a lot because of it."

Her words were overly polite. Tian Sangsang gave a soft smile, "It’s no trouble at all, Auntie. Zhao Chun and I are friends. When a friend’s in need, I can’t stand by and do nothing. It’s something I ought to do."

"Having him as a friend is your misfortune," Zhao Chun’s mother sighed. "This kid has been a troublemaker since he was little. I’m going to drag him back and discipline him properly." Then she shook her head at Zhao Chun, who was curled up in the corner. Being lucky enough to have a friend like Tian Sangsang was truly a blessing for him. No one else would have dared to stand out in that kind of situation, risking slander and judgement. She didn’t believe there was anything untoward between the two young people, but when it came to rumors, the woman was always the one judged most harshly.

Because she herself was a woman, Zhao Chun’s mother understood all too well the importance of reputation. So she genuinely appreciated that Tian Sangsang had been willing to speak up for her son that day.

Tian Sangsang’s lips twitched slightly in response, "Auntie, you’re joking. Zhao Chun is very well-behaved."

"Only you would say that," Zhao Chun’s mother chuckled. Then, as if recalling something, her expression shifted to one of concern. "How did you manage to get out?" She was still worried about it, yet Tian Sangsang was already out of this mess?

Tian Sangsang herself was still unclear about how she had been released. She smiled lightly, "If someone wants to accuse you without basis, they won’t find evidence when there’s none. They couldn’t pin anything on me, so they let me go."

Zhao Chun’s mother silently furrowed her brow. The people involved upstairs wouldn’t release someone so easily. Something must have happened.

However, she didn’t ask further, only saying, "Our old man keeps mentioning Jinghuai. If you and him have the time, make sure you come visit us. Both of you are friends to Chun, after all."

"I’ll definitely visit one day," Tian Sangsang replied vaguely.

Only then did Zhao Chun’s mother nod in satisfaction. Her face hardened as she walked toward Zhao Chun. Tian Sangsang quickly followed, a little anxious, "Auntie, what are you planning to do with him?"

She added, "Whatever it is, please talk things through calmly... Resorting to physical punishment doesn’t solve anything." After all, Zhao Chun was already sad enough. She used to think her parenting skills were inadequate, but compared to Zhao Chun’s mother, now she seemed far more like a real mother—truly a mother through and through!

"You’re still worried about him, huh?" Zhao Chun’s mother laughed, "I won’t hit him. It’s his grandfather who uses the cane to discipline him." Inwardly, Zhao Chun’s mother’s impression of Tian Sangsang improved even more. This young woman really aligned with her tastes—vivacious, clever, and genuine. She truly treated her son with care and compassion, and this maternal warmth didn’t go unnoticed.

Similarly, Zhao Chun’s mother also gave Tian Sangsang a good impression: approachable and friendly without putting on airs. Tian Sangsang couldn’t help but think, this family wasn’t oppressive or intimidating at all; they were actually quite pleasant to deal with. I wonder what Jiang Jinghuai’s parents are like? Especially his mother—she would be her future mother-in-law, after all. People always said that the awkward daughter-in-law eventually must face the mother-in-law. Secretly, Tian Sangsang felt both nervous about meeting Jinghuai’s mother and hopeful that she wouldn’t be difficult. Comparing her to Zhao Chun’s mother, perhaps she might also be easy to get along with?

**

When Tian Sangsang returned home, the living room was empty. This was normal—her son was at preschool, and her husband was on duty at the base.

She was about to go to the kitchen to rinse something off and prepare dinner but heard noise from the bedroom. The door was ajar.

Tian Sangsang froze in surprise, held her breath, and walked over to see Jiang Jinghuai... packing clothes.

He stood by the bed, his tall frame partially shielding the sunlight streaming through the window. There weren’t too many clothes—just casual wear and military uniforms. But winter clothes are heavy, especially the thick military coats; stuffing one into the bag made it bulge.

Thinking about the events of a few days ago, especially in relation to that bed, Tian Sangsang felt uneasy. She’d woken up in it, but he hadn’t been there, and the matter had been left unspoken ever since.

She bit her lip, clasped her hands behind her back, and watched him quietly pack his clothing. Then she asked, "Why did you come back early today?"

Without looking up, he answered in his deep voice, "To pack my things."

Pack his things? Her heart started to race, "Pack for what reason?"

He paused his movements, lifted his gaze, and replied indifferently, "I’ve been reassigned."

"You’re leaving again?" He had only been back for a few months, and now he was leaving again. Tian Sangsang stood there dazed. "Where are you being reassigned to?"

Jiang Jinghuai lowered his head, speaking lightly, "The Western Military District—border defense units."

The West had always been known as a cold, harsh land. Tian Sangsang asked, "For how long?"

"I don’t know." The reassignment was made by the organization, so he would return whenever he was ordered to. Still, he intended to make achievements and come back as soon as possible.

A long silence followed. Jiang Jinghuai raised his eyes slightly, surprised to see her standing there, frozen like a post, her lips slightly parted and her stare fixed on the floor.

"I’ll be back soon; don’t be upset," he stepped closer, sighing as he half-embraced her into his arms, "I told you before to get used to this."

"Who says I’m upset?"

"Then what’s with your expression?" He reached out to touch her furrowed brows, "Your eyebrows are scrunched into an eight right now."

With wide, indignant eyes, Tian Sangsang retorted, "I’m not upset about that. I’ve already learned to get used to it." With that, she ran off to the kitchen.

Jiang Jinghuai watched her retreating figure. He wanted to follow but ultimately stayed put, massaging his forehead with frustration. With a personality like hers, could he really leave her alone at home to take care of their son and feel at ease?

At dinner that evening, Tian Sangsang was unusually quiet. The conversation was mostly between Jiang Jinghuai and Meng Shuyan—things like advice about daily exercise, studying well, listening to Mom, and staying safe.

In the end, Tian Sangsang and Jiang Jinghuai didn’t exchange a single word.