Chapter 5: Innocent Young Man

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Tang Ye hadn’t expected Chen Lan to act like this, and a flush of red quickly spread across his face.

He took a step back and distanced himself from her. “Uh, this, let’s talk about this later. I have to go now,” he said hurriedly, not looking back as he quickly left, as if he were being pursued by something terrifying.

Chen Lan leaned her head out of the door, propped her hand on the door frame, and watched Tang Ye’s rapidly disappearing figure. She couldn’t help but laugh. “He turned out to be such an innocent young man. Jackpot!”

She chuckled and then returned to the house, heading to her bedroom to sort through her belongings.

Her leather bag was neatly placed in the only cabinet in the house. Upon opening it, the first thing that caught her eye was a red cloth bag.

She took the cloth bag out and held it in her hand, trying to recall the memories of the original owner who had given it to her. She couldn’t remember, so she frowned and opened it.

Inside, there was a passbook, a stack of cash, a letter, and a candy bar.

Firstly, she opened the passbook, which showed regular deposits and occasional withdrawals. Two months ago, there had been a one-time withdrawal of 3,000 yuan, leaving a balance of just over 300 yuan.

Then, she counted the cash, which amounted to around 100 yuan. Finally, she picked up the letter and opened it.

On the pristine sheet of paper, a message was written in black ballpoint pen: ‘Perhaps this marriage was not our initial choice with willing hearts, but I am willing to devote my sincerity and wholeheartedly treat you.’ The handwriting was neat and strong.

Chen Lan read the line over and over, then carefully folded the letter and placed it back into the cloth bag.

When she saw the passbook, Chen Lan had already guessed that this was probably left by Tang Ye. The 3,000 yuan was likely his betrothal gift to her.

She had initially thought that Tang Ye must detest her in his heart, but she hadn’t expected that although he was not good at expressing himself in front of her, privately, he had entrusted her with all his savings.

She thought about how the original owner had abandoned such a good husband and chased after someone like Liang Chen. What a sin.

As she thought about it, she reached for the candy, unwrapped it, and placed the orange-shaped candy into her mouth. The sweet and tangy flavor instantly filled her mouth, much like her current mood.

She looked at the candy wrapper in her hand and suddenly remembered that Tang Ye left empty-handed earlier. However, according to tradition, shouldn’t he have brought some wedding candies to share on the second day of their marriage?

Chen Lan frowned and stared at the ceiling for a while, trying to figure it out. Finally, it dawned on her. “It must be this world’s Chen Lan doesn’t want to acknowledge this marriage. After all, this marriage is not a happy occasion for her.”

“But doesn’t this mean that he will once again be subject to gossip and disdain?” Thinking about this, Chen Lan jumped out of bed. “No, no, such an innocent young man cannot be hurt!”

She lowered her head and took out ten yuan from her purse. She stuffed the money into her pocket, grabbed the keys hanging by the door, and left.

Their new home was in the family housing area right next to the military base. The people coming and going were mostly family members of the soldiers, and many of them had seen Chen Lan at the wedding. They still smiled warmly as they greeted her now.

However, after Chen Lan left, they gossipped about the relationship involving her, Liang Chen, and Tang Ye.

She knew very well what they might say, but she didn’t mind. They didn’t seem to have bad intentions. It was probably just human nature to be curious and enjoy gossip.

Along the way, she walked and asked for directions. Eventually, she arrived at the shop in the family housing area.

A woman working in the shop dressed neatly and meticulously groomed, quickly came forward to greet her.

“Oh, you’re Battalion Commander Tang’s newlywed wife, right? Yesterday, I saw you from afar, but I thought you were exceptionally beautiful. Now that I see you up close, you’re even more stunning, like a person in the painting.”

The woman had a cheerful smile on her face and spoke words of flattery.

Chen Lan felt a bit uncomfortable with the excessive praise. “You’re too kind. I’m just an ordinary person. I don’t think I deserve such exaggerated compliments.” She lowered her head shyly and muttered softly.

The woman didn’t stop there, continuing to lavish praise. “I never lie. You and Commander Tang are truly a match made in heaven, a perfect couple.”