Volume One, Chapter 4: Kissing Another Man in Public—Isn’t That a Bit Too Wanton?

A sharp pop echoed clearly in the living room.

Everyone was stunned.

Zhou Cong’s face turned deathly pale, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.

His eyes burned with fury as he looked at Fu Juechuan, immediately noticing the insignia on his shoulder.

Though he disliked Ye Qiaoqiao’s arrogance, he would never tolerate being looked down upon.

“You actually choose him?” Zhou Cong sneered coldly, his gaze condescendingly dismissive as he stared at Fu Juechuan. “He’s just a platoon leader, a lowly soldier. And in your eyes, he’s better than me, Zhou Cong?”

“A lowly soldier?” Ye Qiaoqiao scoffed. She didn’t mention Fu Juechuan’s exceptional talents—after graduating from military academy, he enlisted and started from the bottom. In just four short years, he had risen to the rank of first lieutenant. Moreover, Fu Juechuan’s identity was far more complex than that of a mere platoon leader.

Since his school days, he had concealed his true background. His biological father was a high-ranking official in the capital. Yet Fu Juechuan never relied on his father’s influence, rising through the ranks purely on merit.

He was, without a doubt, a true warrior of the army.

“What makes you think you can compare yourself to Fu Juechuan? His character surpasses yours, his abilities outshine yours.”

“You compare your fickleness to his loyalty? You compare your freeloading to his honor? You compare your shamelessness to his integrity? Or maybe the speed at which you support mistresses?”

“Don’t disgrace yourself.” Ye Qiaoqiao countered sharply.

With each word she uttered, Fu Juechuan’s deep eyes fixed on her, a rare flicker of emotion stirring in his usually calm and steady demeanor.

Zhou Cong’s fists clenched even tighter.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. Qiaoqiao must be speaking in anger.

“Qiaoqiao, how can you say that about Brother Zhou? After all, he’s always treated you well, often bringing you gifts,” Jiang Yao accused tearfully.

Ye Qiaoqiao laughed bitterly. “You, the thief who writes love letters in my name, are easily blinded by small favors. Don’t think you can just leave whenever you want. Just wait for the scouts to come.”

Jiang Yao’s face instantly went pale.

She hadn’t expected Ye Qiaoqiao, who was usually kind to her, to be so calculating.

She didn’t want to end up in jail.

“Qiaoqiao, we’re friends. I didn’t mean any harm. I just think Brother Zhou is a good man and wanted to set you two up...” Jiang Yao tried to explain.

“Didn’t you just say you didn’t know it was Zhou Cong corresponding with you?” Ye Qiaoqiao sneered. “Now you’re not pretending anymore?”

Jiang Yao paled and instinctively glanced at Zhou Cong.

But Zhou Cong didn’t care about the truth; he had been captivated by Jiang Yao’s letters. So what if his replies were addressed to Ye Qiaoqiao?

If she received his letters, maybe she wouldn’t be so angry.

“This is the first time I’ve heard of matchmaking by using someone else’s identity to court another.”

“Soon, all the soldiers in the military district who can’t find partners will start courting female comrades under their leaders’ names. Won’t that mean leaders end up with seven or eight wives by accident?”

Fu Juechuan watched Ye Qiaoqiao’s angry profile. His thin lips parted slightly as he methodically exposed Jiang Yao’s guilt.

Ye Qiaoqiao gave him a surprised glance. She hadn’t expected Fu Juechuan not only to forgive her impulsive kiss but also to defend her. She nodded along, “Exactly. If everyone did that, it would be chaos.”

Jiang Yao immediately went weak and collapsed against Zhou Cong. She shook her head frantically. “I—I didn’t... Brother Zhou…”

She turned to Zhou Cong for help, clutching his hand with tears brimming in her eyes. “Brother Zhou, I would never do anything reckless. I was only trying to help you and Qiaoqiao... I... I was foolish, I might as well be dead.”

Jiang Yao covered her face and hit the wall beside her.

Zhou Cong’s emotions tangled in anger, pain, and dissatisfaction. Quick as a flash, he caught her in his arms. “Yao Yao, don’t be afraid. It’s okay. I’m here.”

“Brother Zhou... sob... I only have you,” Jiang Yao cried buried in his embrace.

Zhou Cong felt a deep satisfaction in being needed.

He looked up at Fu Juechuan, secretly resenting him for seducing Ye Qiaoqiao. He sneered, “I’ve heard that Platoon Leader Fu’s sharp tongue can tear down banners in a single sentence. Is he trying to drive our female comrades to death? If he’s so capable, why not fight the enemy on the battlefield?”

“When Fu Juechuan went to battle, you were still living a drunken, dreamlike life! Fu Juechuan is a hero protecting the country. If you have the guts, you should go to the battlefield too.”

“I know you’re afraid of death. You dare not go. You just want to make money and live well. Without soldiers defending the nation, do you still think you can make money? I think you’re dreaming.”

Ye Qiaoqiao retorted sharply.

Not to mention Fu Juechuan’s low rank was due to his short service time; he had spent four years in military academy before qualifying as an officer. At only twenty-two, he had already earned two first-class merits and six second-class military medals.

Moreover, Fu Juechuan was destined to be the youngest high-ranking official, even surpassing her father—a rise achieved purely through true ability.

Far better than Zhou Cong, the man who betrayed his country for money.

Zhou Cong’s face darkened with rage. “Qiaoqiao, I know you’re still angry. I won’t argue with you.”

“Let go of Comrade Jiang Yao’s waist before you speak. You two connived behind Comrade Ye’s back. You have no right to complain,” Fu Juechuan said deeply. “Since you have a private affair, Comrade Ye has no obligation to marry you.”

“If you understand reason, you should apologize now to Commander Ye and Comrade Ye, and voluntarily cancel the engagement. Admit your mistakes and stop dragging Comrade Ye into this.”

“Who asked you to meddle in my private affairs with Qiaoqiao?” Zhou Cong’s anger was uncontainable. He suddenly stood and swung a fist at Fu Juechuan.

“Brother Fu, watch out!” Ye Qiaoqiao cried, instinctively moving to help.

Fu Juechuan glanced at her twice, then stepped forward unobtrusively to shield Ye Qiaoqiao. With a swift motion, he easily caught Zhou Cong’s fist, twisted his arm behind his back, and kicked his knee.

Bang.

Zhou Cong was pinned to the ground.

“Let me go!” Zhou Cong realized what had happened, his face dark as night.

Jiang Yao rushed to him, pulling Fu Juechuan away.

Ye Qiaoqiao stared wide-eyed, clearly watching Fu Juechuan.

Seeing this, Zhou Cong’s hatred deepened. He deliberately said, “Qiaoqiao, you’re just speaking in anger with me, but if you want to marry Fu Juechuan, he might not be willing to marry you. If today’s incident spreads, what do you think people outside will say about you?”

“Qiaoqiao, you’re not even officially engaged yet, but you kissed another man in public. Isn’t that a bit promiscuous? How can a girl be so disrespectful to herself?” Jiang Yao knelt beside Zhou Cong, choking out these words, setting a trap for Ye Qiaoqiao.

Ye Qiaoqiao flushed with rage. Commander Ye slammed the table in anger.

But she didn’t care about her reputation.

As long as she could leave Zhou Cong, that scoundrel, she wasn’t afraid she wouldn’t find another man on two legs.

“I...” Ye Qiaoqiao was about to respond.

“I’m willing to marry Comrade Ye,” Fu Juechuan suddenly declared, causing everyone present to look at him in surprise.