XLIX. Velvet Glove, Iron Fist

“Why, feeling timid now?” Jun Lengche noticed Tong Zhenzhen’s serious expression and stepped beside her.

“Not at all,” Tong Zhenzhen said, surprising him by linking her arm through his and leaning close in an affectionate manner.

This little girl—what was she up to? He raised an eyebrow. On the car, she had been as cold as ice; this change was too sudden. But he quickly understood her intention.

Because he saw Qin Zhixue standing at the door, gazing at him with infatuated eyes.

Qin Zhixue, standing by the doorway like a wife waiting for her lover to return home, her face full of deep affection.

Tong Zhenzhen was deliberately putting on a show for Qin Zhixue. Fortunately, it worked. The smile on Qin Zhixue’s face became somewhat awkward, but she still greeted warmly, “A Che, you’re back.”

“Oh, Cheche, your sister is so enthusiastic, standing out in the wind waiting for us to come home,” Tong Zhenzhen said with feigned surprise, deliberately stressing “your sister.”

Tch, what’s she pretending for? They’re no longer connected, yet she greeted him so intimately—it was clearly provocation. After facing many challenges from same-sex rivals, Tong Zhenzhen had mastered the art of hiding a dagger behind a smile.

Sure enough, this counterstrike made the smile on Qin Zhixue’s face freeze completely.

“Let’s go, Cheche, don’t keep the family waiting,” Tong Zhenzhen coquettishly tugged Jun Lengche.

This mischievous little girl made Jun Lengche smile inwardly as he played along. He had to admit, he enjoyed the feeling of her leaning on him, acting spoiled.

Crossing the threshold, Tong Zhenzhen turned back and gave Qin Zhixue a sweet smile. “Zhixue, from now on, just call my Cheche ‘brother.’ What do you think? Otherwise, if others misunderstand, it won’t be good for you to find a new husband.”

A gentle killing stroke—who didn’t know that?

Qin Zhixue’s face darkened.

“Cheche, let’s hurry inside. We shouldn’t keep Grandpa and Grandma waiting,” Tong Zhenzhen pretended not to notice Qin Zhixue’s sullen expression and pulled Jun Lengche inside, leaving Qin Zhixue alone at the door.

Unrequited love—Tong Zhenzhen realized that when they met at the door, Qin Zhixue’s gaze clung to Jun Lengche like lotus threads, while he only returned a polite smile and then ignored her.

That discovery made Tong Zhenzhen feel somewhat relieved. At least she had won this opening round.

In the living room, only immediate family members were seated.

Commander Jun sat in the central sofa.

Tong Zhenzhen followed Jun Lengche, politely greeting Commander Jun, Grandmother Jun, the second uncle and aunt, as well as the aunt and uncle, with courtesy and tact.

“Xiao Tong, sit down,” Commander Jun broke the ice with a warm invitation and inquired kindly about her health.

Second Uncle Jun Shizhang also chatted warmly with her.

The second aunt, who taught Chinese literature at a distant university, had returned and looked at her kindly, giving timely advice on prenatal care.

Although Tong Zhenzhen had only seen the second aunt once at the wedding banquet, she had a good impression of the calm and gentle woman.

After Tong Zhenzhen finished greeting, Grandmother Jun summoned the stern-faced aunt and Qin Zhixue to the kitchen.

Without those three, the atmosphere in the room felt harmonious.

Tong Zhenzhen was about to relax when she suddenly heard, “Sister-in-law, you really manage a frugal household.”

It was Wen Xin, who had just entered. Her gaze lingered critically on Tong Zhenzhen’s outfit.

Tch, so she was mocking her for wearing the same clothes as last time? Looking down on her? She didn’t even know the background of Wen Xin’s family. Tong Zhenzhen pretended not to catch the sarcasm. “I’m just responding to the country’s call.”

Jun Lengche spoke coldly, “Little girl, you’re pregnant; there’s no need to buy new clothes.”

At those words, Wen Xin’s face immediately turned pale. She stiffly said, “I’ll go bring Wenwen down,” and turned to leave.

Strange—why such a strong reaction from Wen Xin? Tong Zhenzhen noticed a glance exchanged between Second Uncle and Second Aunt, their expressions unreadable.

There had to be something going on. Tong Zhenzhen made a mental note to investigate later, then wisely shifted the topic to the scenery of Second Aunt’s city.

After a while, four-year-old Qin Yiwen, lagging a step behind Wen Xin, waddled in with chubby legs.

The moment Qin Yiwen saw Tong Zhenzhen, his round eyes lit up as if illuminated. He waved excitedly.

Tong Zhenzhen’s heart melted instantly—this little nephew was the one who liked her most in the Jun family. She stood to greet him, reaching out to hold him.

Unexpectedly, Wen Xin spread her arms to block her. “Sister-in-law, you’re carrying a child,” she emphasized the last two words, sending a chill down the spine.

Murderous intent—thick and palpable. Tong Zhenzhen froze awkwardly, watching Wen Xin pick up Qin Yiwen and circle around her.

“Xiao Tong, you really shouldn’t lift heavy things now, so try to avoid holding the child too much,” Second Aunt gently diffused the sudden chill.

Just then, Aunt Qin came out to invite everyone to the dining room.

Following Grandfather Jun, they headed toward the dining room.

Tong Zhenzhen, feeling a little down, brightened when she saw Qin Yiwen on Wen Xin’s back blowing her a flying kiss. She puckered her lips and sent a big flying kiss back, smiling with eyes twinkling.

Tong Zhenzhen’s radiant, lively smile caught Jun Lengche’s eye like a spark landing on smoldering wood, rekindling the flame. This was the familiar her—simple and full of life.

Though he wanted to keep her close, why did she seem to drift further away? Jun Lengche frowned.

“Xiao Che, troubled by something? Second Uncle’s here to be your emotional analyst,” Jun Shizhang patted his shoulder and whispered.

Jun Lengche glanced at him. Among the Jun family, he and Second Aunt had the best relationship. Moved, he nodded.

Jun Shizhang knew his nephew was poor at handling feelings—he liked, yet acted stubborn, refusing to speak or compromise. He felt a wake-up call was necessary.

In love, there’s no winning or losing, only having or losing.

This family dinner was held in a Chinese restaurant at a round table.

Tong Zhenzhen noticed two places were unoccupied. She guessed they belonged to Qin Xiangyang and Aunt’s daughter, Zuo Moli.

“Xiaoyang and Moli, why aren’t you back yet?” Grandmother Jun sounded a bit displeased.

“Grandma, Xiaoyang said he’s on his way.”

“Mom, Moli will be back soon too.”

Commander Jun checked the clock on the wall and said sternly, “We won’t wait for them. Let’s start.”

Tonight’s dinner was quiet, unlike last time when distant relatives kept causing trouble. Tong Zhenzhen thought the saying “Don’t talk while eating” was truly wise.

After a while, Zuo Moli came back first, acting coquettishly and making the two elders laugh heartily. She sweetly called out, “Sister-in-law,” then sat down obediently to eat.

Halfway through the meal, a loud voice came from outside the door, “Ah, smells so good! Save me some crispy pork knuckle!”

It was Qin Xiangyang returning. For some reason, Tong Zhenzhen felt uneasy. But when she saw who came in with him, she was shocked.

That warm smile, those bright eyes—wasn’t that Yang Yang, the man she met only yesterday?

Qin Xiangyang first greeted Commander Jun and Grandmother Jun, then introduced Yang Yang. “Yang Yang is an old friend of mine. He was a special forces battalion commander and has received multiple military medals. Now he’s retired and will join our narcotics squad in the criminal police department next month. Uncle, our bureau has gained a formidable new member.”

Uncle Zuo Weimin, director of the city’s public security bureau, was in his prime, with sharp features and dark skin, eyes like an eagle’s, feared by the underworld as “Left King Yan.” He smiled kindly, “Little Yang, work hard. Achieve more honors in your new post.”

Yang Yang snapped to a military salute.

Zuo Weimin nodded appreciatively.

“At home, don’t be too formal. Please sit,” Commander Jun, fond of those with military experience, immediately asked Aunt Qin to add a seat next to Tong Zhenzhen.

Yang Yang saluted again to everyone, “Thank you for the hospitality,” then sat down opposite Tong Zhenzhen.

Tong Zhenzhen smiled at Yang Yang. When their eyes met Qin Xiangyang’s bright gaze, she nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Yang Yang returned the smile.

“Cousin-in-law, you know Brother Yang?” Zuo Moli asked loudly, eyes burning with interest.

Since Yang Yang arrived, Tong Zhenzhen’s smile pierced Jun Lengche’s eyes like a painful needle. He turned his head, “You know each other?”

“Old friends, you could say,” Yang Yang answered frankly.

Tong Zhenzhen nodded in agreement.

“Life is full of unexpected encounters. Who would have thought Yangzi would know Sister-in-law? We should toast with tea,” Zuo Moli said enviously, then added,

“Xiaoyang, you’re late coming back, I haven’t scolded you yet. Now eat your crispy pork knuckle,” Second Uncle Jun Shizhang pretended to scold, noticing Jun Lengche’s tense gaze.

Qin Zhixue, sitting to Grandmother Jun’s right, trembled and dropped her chopsticks upon hearing Yang Yang was with the narcotics squad.

“Xiaoxue, what’s wrong?” Grandmother Jun asked with concern.

Suddenly, all eyes turned to Qin Zhixue.

She paused, then a resigned, bitter expression spread across her face. “Nothing. I just feel fate is cruel. Some people, once missed, are lost for life. Others, destined, meet across thousands of miles.”

What did that mean? Was Qin Zhixue lamenting losing Jun Lengche due to amnesia, or was she implying a bond between Yang Yang and herself? Tong Zhenzhen frowned in displeasure.

From Zuo Moli’s loud question to Qin Zhixue’s sigh, it all seemed like laying traps. Tong Zhenzhen’s appetite was spoiled. What was this—palace intrigue? Couldn’t they just enjoy the meal?

“We only met once ten years ago,” Yang Yang sensed the delicate situation and explained.

Jun Lengche’s cold gaze gradually softened.

“Love at first sight? Recognizing each other after ten years—how romantic,” Zuo Moli said with admiration, then added another remark.

[End of excerpt.]