Chapter 288: Chapter 288: Big Sister Has No Time

"Your sister doesn’t have time. Why don’t you find someone else? Besides, you’re about to take the college entrance exams, aren’t you? Your sister probably can’t handle English at that level. We’re leaving." Without waiting for Su Zhaozhao’s answer, Xie Huaizheng flatly refused on her behalf.

His large hand wrapped around Su Zhaozhao’s waist, stroking her fluffy coat and finding, at last, a small measure of satisfaction.

Su Zhaozhao looked at Xie Huaizheng, surprised. ’He’s been silent this whole time, and now he’s rejecting him on my behalf?’

But since Xie Huaizheng had already spoken up, there was no need for her to say anything else.

In truth, she already felt overwhelmed with work. She had to sell her skincare products and also do a good job teaching the students at the military district’s elementary school.

Occasionally, the hospital would also ask for her help.

She was already busy enough; someone like Li Weichuan could have just asked his high school teachers for help.

So, Su Zhaozhao smiled at Li Weichuan and said, "That’s right, your brother-in-law is correct. I probably don’t have what it takes to tutor you. My mediocre English is good enough for elementary school, but when it comes to high school, I’m really not capable."

The moment she finished speaking, Xie Huaizheng was already pulling her away.

As they left the compound, Su Zhaozhao could still feel the disappointment in Li Weichuan’s gaze.

She couldn’t help but look at Xie Huaizheng. "You’re not actually jealous of a kid, are you?"

"He’s not a kid. He’s only two years younger than you."

’How can someone who’s only two years younger than her be considered a kid?’

Besides, Li Weichuan’s dependence on Su Zhaozhao seemed completely abnormal to him.

"You’re unbelievable. As far as I’m concerned, Li Weichuan is just a kid. Why are you getting so worked up over a child?"

Because her actual age was much greater than Li Weichuan’s, she saw him as nothing more than a child.

Plus, when she first met Li Weichuan, his behavior was no different from that of a small child.

First impressions tend to stick.

That was why Su Zhaozhao simply thought of Li Weichuan as a little brother.

"You might see him as a kid, but the way he looks at you is anything but," Xie Huaizheng said, gently tapping her on the head.

’It gave him a headache. His wife was beautiful and had a great personality—what was he supposed to do when she attracted all those damn men?’

’Thank goodness he married Su Zhaozhao when he did, avoiding so many future troubles.’

’Otherwise, who knew what these little wolf cubs would try to do to Su Zhaozhao.’

"Actually, I know Li Weichuan seems to rely on me a lot, but I don’t think it’s a crush."

’A guy who likes a girl wouldn’t keep calling her ’Big Sis’ over and over.’

’But Li Weichuan has probably confused his feelings. There’s a difference between attachment and dependence.’

"I don’t care about any of that. Anyway, when I see that kid, it just rubs me the wrong way. And when you talk to him, it’s even worse."

After speaking, Xie Huaizheng reached out and snatched the book from Su Zhaozhao’s hands. "This can’t be anything good. Let me see."

"Xie Huaizheng, you’re so childish!" Su Zhaozhao was so exasperated she couldn’t help but laugh.

’Who would have thought that the Cold-faced Yama from the barracks was such a jealous man in private?’

’How can one man be so incredibly jealous!’

Su Zhaozhao didn’t get it, but she soothed him anyway.

The two held hands and took a stroll outside before slowly heading home.

The weather had turned cold. In West State, the nights were even colder, with especially strong winds.

The cold wind cut at their faces like knives, stinging their skin.

Su Zhaozhao had no choice but to keep her scarf wrapped around her neck.

While walking, she could use it to shield her face.

Back home, it wasn’t as cold.

And in bed, it wasn’t cold at all.

Because Xie Huaizheng always showered first, then lay in bed to warm it up for Su Zhaozhao.

’So this is the point of having a man,’ Su Zhaozhao suddenly realized. ’Unlike before, when I had to warm the bed myself.’

Now, all she had to do was lift the covers to be pulled into a warm, furnace-like embrace.

Her hands and feet used to get ice-cold when she slept, but that was no longer an issue.

But the good times didn’t last.

Soon, Xie Huaizheng received his orders for a mission.

When he told Su Zhaozhao the news, she was a bit surprised. "So suddenly?"

"Yes. Generally, mission orders are urgent."

The orders required Xie Huaizheng to depart tomorrow.

Su Zhaozhao hadn’t expected it to be so soon. This meant he would have to pack through the night.

"About how long will you be gone this time?"

"Hard to say. Could be half a month, could be two."

’That long!?’

Su Zhaozhao was taken aback and couldn’t help but start counting the days in her head.

’As she did the math, she realized... by the time Xie Huaizheng gets back, it might almost be the New Year.’

Xie Huaizheng could see she was unhappy. To be honest, he wasn’t in a good mood either.

’Parting always hurts. Besides, this mission was quite dangerous, and he had no idea how badly he might get hurt.’

’But Xie Huaizheng had no intention of telling Su Zhaozhao. He would bear the uncertain risks himself; there was no need for her to worry.’

"Look on the bright side, Zhaozhao. When I get back from this mission, there’s a good chance I can take my leave immediately. We might even be able to go home early."

Su Zhaozhao forced a smile for Xie Huaizheng, trying her best to seem happy.

She didn’t want to make him worry.

But her acting skills were terrible at that moment, and Xie Huaizheng could still see her unhappiness.

He sighed and pulled Su Zhaozhao tightly into his embrace.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling the light, elegant scent of jasmine that clung to her.

"Zhaozhao, I don’t want to leave you either. So I’ll finish this mission as quickly as I can."

"Okay. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of myself. You shouldn’t worry about me. Just... come back safely."

’Su Zhaozhao never thought she would become so clingy.’

’Is this really what it’s like to fall in love? You just want to be stuck to their side every second of the day.’

’Her heart ached at the thought of being apart.’

’The main thing was, this wasn’t some ordinary business trip for Xie Huaizheng. He was going on a mission. A mission! Didn’t that mean he was very likely to encounter all sorts of danger?’

Su Zhaozhao’s heart tightened at the thought.

"Xie Huaizheng, you must stay safe."

Su Zhaozhao gently pushed him back, tilting her face up to stare seriously at him.

It was as if she were demanding a promise from him.

"Zhaozhao, I promise I’ll come back safe. Really. Please don’t worry, okay?" Xie Huaizheng assured her.

Su Zhaozhao nodded.

Xie Huaizheng was leaving the next afternoon, so Su Zhaozhao got up early in the morning to prepare all sorts of food.

Fortunately, her classes weren’t until the afternoon.

As always, she prepared medicine and other necessities.

To her surprise, Xie Huaizheng came back from outside with several hot water bottles.

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