CHAPTER 153: CHAPTER 153: LOOKING FOR SOLDIERS

"Then why don’t we take Mom and Dad to People’s Park tomorrow? They’ve been stuck at home these past two days, and you won’t have time later."

Gu Yi thought this weekend was a perfect opportunity for a family outing.

Also, it would be good for Ye Qian to get some fresh air.

"Sure, I don’t mind. The weather’s getting warmer, so it’s a great time to go out."

Ye Hao didn’t have any objections, as long as Gu Yi was happy.

Gu Yi looked up into Ye Hao’s eyes, and her mood instantly brightened.

During dinner, Ye’s mother handed Gu Yi a bowl of soup.

Gu Yi thanked her and passed it to Ye Hao.

"Mom’s soup is really delicious, have some more."

"You drink it; I already had a whole pot of both soup and meat this afternoon."

Ye Hao placed the soup back in front of Gu Yi.

"Yiyi, you drink it. There’s more here. If Hao Hao wants more, he can just get another serving."

Ye’s mother quickly chimed in when she saw this.

She wanted Gu Yi to nourish herself, hoping for a big grandchild someday.

"Mom, I’m good. You and Dad should have more, and Qianqian too."

Though Ye’s mother’s chicken soup was tasty, he had already drunk a lot that afternoon, and really couldn’t have any more now.

Besides, he didn’t want to drink it all by himself.

"Mom and Dad, tomorrow we’re planning to spend the whole day at People’s Park. We can go boating; I heard it’s really fun."

Gu Yi, sipping her soup, shared their plans with Ye Family’s parents.

"Why don’t we just wander around the building downstairs? If we get tired, we can come back quickly."

Upon hearing that the outing involved spending money and boat rides, Ye Fu felt reluctant to part with the money.

As the three of them—Ye Fu, Ye’s mother, and Ye Qian—weren’t working currently, they were practically living off their savings and needed to be more frugal.

If Ye Qian decided to stay in B City to open her shop, it would require a significant amount of money.

"Dad, let’s all go out together for a bit. It’s rare for my brother to have time off. Next week, I’ll look around the area for potential shop locations. We can rent one and reopen the store."

Ye Qian understood what her father was thinking. They were currently staying and eating with her brother and sister-in-law.

Spending their money was something her father didn’t want to do.

If she reopened the store and her dad worked there, they’d have some income, and it would be better.

"His dad, let’s go. It’s the kids’ heartfelt plan, and I also want to go to the park, go boating, and see how people here live."

Ye’s mother spoke cheerfully.

She was also hesitant but knew the kids had planned everything.

Refusing to go would hurt their feelings.

"Alright, let’s go as a family."

Ye Fu saw everyone was excited about going.

He didn’t want to dampen their spirits.

Eventually, when the cake shop reopens, he’ll work hard.

After dinner, Ye Hao drove Gu Yi to school.

Since Ye Hao was the instructor during Gu Yi’s military training, many classmates knew him.

Gu Yi didn’t want him to walk her to the classroom to avoid becoming the center of attention.

Initially, Ye Hao was a bit upset.

But with Gu Yi’s sweet talk and explanations, he let it slide.

"Sister Yi Yi, why are you here alone?"

Gu Yi encountered Wang Yuan at the classroom door.

Wang Yuan glanced behind Gu Yi and smiled.

"Don’t look. I didn’t let him come. Our classmates all know him, and it would make things awkward."

Gu Yi smiled and patted Wang Yuan on the back.

"You told the officer not to come, and he really didn’t? You’re really good at managing your husband."

Wang Yuan covered her mouth and laughed.

"You little rascal, you know a lot. Do you need sister’s guidance to prepare for the future?"

Gu Yi knew Wang Yuan’s personality, so she joked with her.

"No need, no need. I’m still a budding flower, alright? Don’t taint me too early."

Wang Yuan, still a student, turned a bit red at Gu Yi’s words.

But she still replied with a smile.

"Alright, enough joking. Let’s go inside; class is about to start."

Gu Yi swiftly ended her teasing.

"You go ahead; I need to visit the restroom. Dinner was a bit salty, and I drank a lot of water."

Wang Yuan said and ran off.

Gu Yi watched her leave, smiling as she shook her head.

"Sister Yi Yi, I think the officer is really good to you. When he looks at you, there’s a special spark in his eyes."

After study hall, Wang Yuan didn’t chat with other classmates.

Instead, she sat beside Gu Yi for some girl talk.

Wang Yuan often imagined what kind of person she’d want to be with.

She thought of many types but never considered a soldier.

In conversations, people often said soldiers have tough lives and can’t take care of their families.

But seeing Gu Yi and Ye Hao together,

She suddenly thought maybe being with a soldier wouldn’t be so bad.

"Really? I hadn’t noticed."

Gu Yi, upon hearing Wang Yuan’s words, thought back. She always felt Ye Hao was especially gentle when looking at her, but saying his eyes sparkled seemed exaggerated.

"Yes, take a good look when you get home. He looks at you differently than at others."

"I’ll make sure to pay attention and see if it’s like you say."

"Sister Yi Yi, are there any handsome, well-tempered soldiers in the officer’s unit?"

Wang Yuan impulsively asked.

"Are you interested in a soldier too? Although they’re nice people, honestly, living together can be hard because of their duties, and they can’t always be around for the family."

Gu Yi had no regrets marrying Ye Hao, but for someone like Wang Yuan, who was pampered and well-raised,

this lifestyle would be more challenging.

This was why, despite talking about finding a soldier for Ye Qian, she hadn’t acted on it.

"Sister Yi Yi, do you feel tired sometimes?"

Wang Yuan was curious about Gu Yi’s perspective.

"At times, yes. Especially when you want him around, but he can’t be there. But coming from a village, where life was tough, we now strive to provide a better life for each other and our families, so we might not rely on each other as much."

Gu Yi shared her feelings with Wang Yuan.

"Sister Yi Yi, I feel like you guys are amazing."

Wang Yuan grew up in a well-off family, always pampered by her parents.

She had never truly experienced the pressures of life.

Hearing Gu Yi’s words, she felt it was a completely different world.

But during their interactions, she never sensed any burden from Gu Yi.

Gu Yi was always optimistic and positive.

No wonder her mom often told her to learn from Gu Yi.

"Nothing amazing. Once you’re out in the real world and have your own family, you’ll understand. Sometimes you’ll willingly do things without considering how hard or worthwhile it is."

Gu Yi said with a smile.

Although Wang Yuan couldn’t understand now, a few years later, when she met her special someone, she finally understood the depth of Gu Yi’s words today.