Today is the 28th of the lunar month. After Lin Wan returned home, she cleaned the chicken and duck and hung them in the kitchen.
At noon, Lin Wan steamed some rice. She stir-fried bean sprouts with meat, as well as pork and vermicelli.
Han Yi brought home a serving of braised pork from the cafeteria. "There was a leader visiting today, so they made extra. I secretly got the kitchen to keep some for me; Chef Liuās skill is great, itās not greasy at all. Try a bit," he said while helping Lin Wan put a piece near her mouth.
"Mm, itās quite tasty."
"Is the little market far?"
"Not far, itās right at... I bought a lot of things, enough for us to eat for half a month. I wanted to buy a thermos, but there werenāt any for sale."
"Thermos?... Tonight Iāll bring my kettle for you to use temporarily; it keeps warm too. Iāll ask the logistics department another day to see if they have a thermos for us."
"Mm, no hurry. Itās just a bit inconvenient when guests come over."
In the afternoon, with nothing to do at home, Lin Wan got out the yarn she had brought and planned to knit a vest for Han Yi.
Around four or five oāclock, Lin Wan welcomed someoneāone of the soldiers she had seen in Huai Town, presumably Han Yiās biological father.
"Are you Xiao Yiās lover?" He seemed even more imposing than a couple of years ago.
"Yes, is the officer looking for Han Yi? He should be at the military now."
"Iām here specifically to see you today."
"To see me?" Lin Wan slightly furrowed her brow.
"Arenāt you going to invite me in?"
"Itās just me at home, itās inconvenient... Hey," Lin Wan hadnāt even finished speaking when Mei Shuping directly bypassed her and entered their yard. He glanced around casually and then turned to Lin Wan, saying, "My surname is Mei; Iām Xiao Yiās biological father. Iām here to talk to you about your situation with Xiao Yi. I heard from Xiao Yi that your family is from the countryside?"
"...Yes," Lin Wan was unsure what he wanted to discuss but was certain it wouldnāt be anything good.
"Our Mei family is quite accomplished in the Capital City; we absolutely do not allow our children to marry women who are not from respectable families. Recently, Xiao Yi and I have had some disagreements, and in a fit of anger, he hastily married a woman just to annoy me. So... I hope Mr. Lin realizes this and leaves Xiao Yi as soon as possible."
"I donāt quite understand Mr. Meiās meaning. It seems like itās going to snow; our house is small, not suitable for Mr. Mei, please return home."
"I personally came to tell you this because I donāt want to hurt you; do you understand what Iām saying?"
"Not want to hurt me? Is it mental or physical?"
"Mr. Lin is a smart person; you should understand my meaning. Xiao Yiās life is long; he needs a woman who can support him in his future, not just any woman from the countryside."
"What kind I am, Mr. Officer shouldnāt be concerned. I only know my husbandās surname is Han, not Mei. Please go home and take care of your own son; you donāt need to worry about our Han Yi."
"I made myself clear. Think carefully. Hereās two thousand yuan, enough for you to live off for a few years. If you remain stubborn, donāt blame me..."
"What do you intend to do?" Mei Shupingās words were abruptly interrupted by Han Yi at the door.
"Han Yi," Lin Wan didnāt expect Han Yi to return so timely.
"He hasnāt done anything to you, has he?" Han Yi, holding a military water kettle, walked to Lin Wanās side and asked worriedly, grasping her hand.