Chapter 15: Threat

When she saw her aunt pouring honey water for her uncle, Lu Jianwei knew how unpleasant it felt after drinking. She wanted to add a little spring water, but not having tried it herself, she wasn’t sure of its effects and dared not act rashly.

As for the cat and the fish, she was only testing them because they couldn’t speak, making them convenient subjects for her experiment.

Gu Huaizheng had showered and emerged from the bathroom wearing a fresh set of his uncle’s unworn pajamas. Walking through the hallway, he was drying his hair and saw Lu Jianwei about to head upstairs.

Now that the alcohol had worn off a bit, Gu Huaizheng was uneasy. Though Lu Jianwei was his intended, they weren’t married yet. Touching her had been inappropriate, bordering on misconduct.

Lu Jianwei was unaware of his inner turmoil. She had something to ask him, turned back and ran over, pushing him into the guest room.

Gu Huaizheng, tall and imposing, stood before her with a towel in hand. Lu Jianwei leaned against the door, looking up at him.

His hair was damp, making it appear even darker, his brows and eyes deep-set, his voice low and gentle. "What is it?"

"That firearms improvement project team doesn’t really lack translators, does it? If the translation isn’t precise enough, you could always have several people translate and let the technicians compare them, do a comprehensive evaluation, and still get a fairly accurate version."

Gu Huaizheng hadn’t expected her to be so quick-witted, already suspicious. "That would be too troublesome. If there’s already a good one, there’s no need to go through all that."

Lu Jianwei looked straight at his chest. "Gu Huaizheng, my background isn’t good. If we get married, there’s the political screening to pass. You’re worried I won’t pass, so you want me to earn merit to strengthen my case. But what if my translation isn’t that good?"

Gu Huaizheng rested one hand on the door and leaned closer, gazing into her eyes. "You’ll definitely pass! The army isn’t without compassion. Besides, your father and grandfather have contributions, all documented. You studied abroad. The country needs talent now—there’s no reason to bury you for no reason."

"There’s a price to pay, isn’t there? If we marry, my background will hold you back, at least affect your promotion, right?"

And even more difficult times lay ahead!

For a moment, Lu Jianwei realized she’d been too focused on her own survival, oversimplifying the situation. Doubt crept into her heart.

Gu Huaizheng grew anxious, afraid she might back out. He grabbed her wrist. "I’ve said it before—my promotions are earned on the battlefield, through military merit. And at my current age, promotion isn’t likely in the short term."

He sighed. "Weiwei, a gentleman’s word is his bond. Even if you regret it now, it’s too late. I’ve already submitted our marriage application; I can’t go back on my word."

Lu Jianwei had no other choice. She didn’t know if there was another thread to cling to—what if there wasn’t?

For now, she could only take it one step at a time.

"Gu Huaizheng," Lu Jianwei said, "if you praise me once, I won’t regret it."

He didn’t know why she always sought compliments like a child, but he answered sincerely, "Weiwei, you’re very beautiful!"

The words were barely out when Gu Huaizheng wanted to bite his tongue—he felt more and more like a scoundrel.

"Thank you, Gu Huaizheng!" Lu Jianwei didn’t mind; after all, they were already promised to each other.

【Praise value from Gu Huaizheng, +1. Would you like to convert it to life value?】

Without a doubt, she would convert it.

The grid’s green marker ticked upward a little. She now had five thousandths of her life value, enough to live three more months.

She had only been here two days; the future brimmed with hope.

After returning to her room, Lu Jianwei entered her space, soaked in a rose bubble bath, drank a couple of sips of spring water, then lay on her wide four-meter-eight bed and quickly fell asleep.

The next day, she woke feeling refreshed.

In the morning, looking in the mirror, her face—identical to her previous life—showed no flaws. Her skin was as creamy as milk, rosy and radiant; she knew the spring water was working.

Lu Jianwei padded downstairs in pink bunny slippers. Everyone was gathered around the breakfast table, and at the sound of her footsteps, they all looked over.

"Sis, did you take some magical elixir last night? You look like you could wrestle a bull!" Lu Zhizhu was full of hope, his spirits revived.

Her aunt agreed, "Weiwei looks much better. You slept soundly last night, didn’t you?"

"Yes, I fell asleep as soon as I lay down."

Seeing Mama He serve breakfast, Lu Jianwei hurried to help. "Mama He, let me carry the porridge."

Mama He’s hands were already full. "Miss, let me do it—you might burn yourself."

Her aunt was startled, glancing at Gu Huaizheng; seeing his eyes following Lu Jianwei without concern, she relaxed.

Breakfast today included golden pumpkin millet porridge, creamy flower rolls and steamed buns, pan-fried dumplings, eggs, and two plates of vegetables.

Milk had always been a morning staple, but now they were careful not to have it every day.

Her uncle was suffering from his hangover, pressing his temples repeatedly, looking quite uncomfortable.

While serving millet porridge, Lu Jianwei discreetly added a drop of spring water.

She stirred the porridge, preparing to serve everyone a bowl, but Gu Huaizheng took the ladle from her. "Let me, you eat first."

Mama He rushed to object, "Ah, sir, please sit—let me handle it."

Gu Huaizheng insisted on serving everyone, including Mama He, who was pleasantly surprised.

The Lu family didn’t observe the rule of silence at meals; instead, they cherished lively conversation at the table.

Lu Yunqing explained Mama He’s situation to Gu Huaizheng, "After my sister and Zhizhu were born, they were raised on Mama He’s milk. She cared for them all these years—she’s not their birth mother, but she’s even better than one. A few years ago, it wasn’t ideal to keep her at home, but when the family hit troubled times, she couldn’t leave. After so many years together, we simply couldn’t part, so we’ve managed as best we can."

Gu Huaizheng, having seen firsthand what Zhu Xinfang was like, felt deeply grateful to Mama He. "Thank you for all you’ve done. When you’re old, Weiwei and I will look after you."

"And me," Lu Zhizhu chimed in. "Mama He will live with me!"

Mama He had her own son and daughter—her son was two months older than Lu Jianwei, her daughter three months older than Zhizhu. The foster siblings were very close to the Lu children; she always felt she had four children, but with her own two being older, she favored the younger pair.

Mama He’s eyes grew moist. "You’re all good children. I’m happy with any of you. As long as you’re well, I’m at ease."

While everyone chatted, they finished their porridge. Only Lu Jianwei noticed it tasted different today: the millet aroma richer, and it settled comfortably in her stomach.

After a bowl, her uncle leaned back in his chair. "This porridge is excellent—so soothing!"

His spirits improved noticeably. Usually, after drinking, his head would ache half a day, and his stomach would be unsettled. Now, those problems were gone.

By the time everyone wanted to savor the porridge after hearing his praise, it was already finished.

Lu Jianwei breathed a sigh of relief.

After breakfast, Lu Jianwei followed Mama He into the kitchen and whispered, "Mama, have my brother come find me at the factory at noon—I need to talk to him."

She meant Mama He’s own son, Duan Chenxing, her foster brother.

"Alright, I’ll have him find you."

Gu Huaizheng offered to take Lu Jianwei to the district factory. Her bicycle was still there, as she hadn’t ridden it home last night, so she didn’t refuse.

The car stopped at the mechanical factory gate. Under everyone’s gaze, Lu Jianwei got out and walked with the crowd into the factory.

Fu Tingjun, hidden among the people, witnessed this scene, his eyes red.

Yesterday, he’d gone to see Zhu Tingting, asking why she sent an engagement invitation to Lu Jianwei. Zhu Tingting had questioned him in return, asking if he hadn’t gotten over Lu Jianwei, and threatened him with his father’s situation.

"Weiwei, I need to talk to you!" Fu Tingjun chased after her, reaching for her hand, but she avoided him. "If you have something to say, say it here."