Chapter 71: Agreeing to Move

Early the next morning, Zuo Lan guessed that Zhong Xiao should already be awake, so she brought breakfast to Zhong Xiao’s dormitory.

Inside, only Zhong Xiao was present. As Zuo Lan knocked, Zhong Xiao opened the door while brushing her teeth. Seeing Zuo Lan, she was pleasantly surprised, covering her mouth to keep the foam from spilling out, and mumbled through the toothpaste, “Aunt Zuo, what brings you here so early?”

“Xiao Xiao, finish brushing your teeth first. I brought you breakfast. Eat when you’re done.”

After tidying up on the balcony, Zhong Xiao returned and saw the breakfast Zuo Lan had brought her.

Two large steamed buns, a cup of soybean milk, two fried dough sticks, and a glutinous rice cake.

Having lived again, Zhong Xiao found her greatest joy in eating.

Without hesitation, she grabbed a bun and stuffed it into her mouth.

“Aunt Zuo, are you looking for Jun Yao and the others? They’re on duty at the hospital and haven’t returned yet.”

Zuo Lan smiled, “No, I’m here for you.”

“For me?” Zhong Xiao asked, “What’s the matter?”

Zuo Lan replied, “I heard someone reported that it’s inappropriate for you to stay in the staff dormitory at the military hospital.”

Zhong Xiao was stunned.

She had thought that what Hou Manling said yesterday was merely to provoke her.

She hadn’t expected someone would actually report it.

She quickly said, “Ah… Sorry, Aunt Zuo, I’ve caused you trouble. I can move to the military guesthouse and pay for myself…”

“No, no,” Zuo Lan waved her hand quickly, “I’m not trying to make you leave. But, under the current circumstances, it’s really against the rules for you to live here. Not only is there a crackdown outside, but the military district is a key area for protection, so we must follow regulations.”

“Xiao Xiao, you can’t stay in the staff dormitory. I’ve just discussed it with your Uncle Song. Originally, you could have moved into our home—our place is spacious, and there are two empty rooms, which could be ready for you. But…”

“Xiao Xiao, you’re a young woman, unmarried. Living at our house might cause misunderstandings, or inconvenience you. I also worry you might not be comfortable staying with our family. So I thought it over, and I happen to have a housing allocation quota. You can use it to choose a small apartment for yourself. From now on, that will be your own home. What do you think?”

Zhong Xiao was silent for a long time before she asked, “Aunt Zuo, do you mean… you’re giving your housing quota to me?”

Zuo Lan nodded.

Zhong Xiao immediately waved her hand, “That’s out of the question!”

With righteous resolve, she continued, “That quota is yours—how could I take it? Even if you’re willing, I don’t have the face to accept.”

Zuo Lan wanted to say more, but Zhong Xiao firmly refused, “No matter what, Aunt Zuo, I absolutely can’t take your quota. If push comes to shove, I’ll just live in the city!”

“That won’t do!” Zuo Lan’s authority surged, overwhelming Zhong Xiao. “The city is too far, and with the current situation, you never know when trouble will reach us. You’re safest in the military district.”

As the two reached a stalemate, Zuo Lan remembered what Song Ting Shen had said.

Resolute, she followed Song Ting Shen’s advice and told Zhong Xiao, “Since you don’t want the quota, you have only two choices now.”

“Either you move into the military guesthouse, which is infested with rats. Every room has rats, and if you stay there, you’ll be surrounded by them!”

Zhong Xiao: “…”

“Or,” Zuo Lan continued, “you come live with us.”

Zhong Xiao: “...?”

Why did it feel as though Aunt Zuo was threatening her?

—

The two stood in silent opposition for a while, until Zhong Xiao finally ventured, timidly, “Aunt Zuo, would it… be convenient if I moved into your home?”

“It’s convenient!” Zuo Lan answered without hesitation. “Why wouldn’t it be? Your Uncle Song practically lives in his office, only coming home once or twice a week. I have at least two night shifts per week, so most of the time, it’s just Shen’s elder brother and my daughter-in-law at home.”

“No need to worry about Shen’s elder brother—it’s rare for him to leave his bed, though sometimes the guards wheel him out for some sun. He won’t disturb you.”

“My daughter-in-law is warm-hearted, kind, and good-natured. I’m sure you’ll get along well.”

After listening, Zhong Xiao asked only one question, “What about Commander Song? Does he mind?”

“He doesn’t!” Zuo Lan thought, her own son practically threatened her, how could he object? “Xiao Xiao, don’t let Shen’s cold demeanor fool you. He’s not a bad person—you don’t have to be afraid of him.”

Zhong Xiao smiled inwardly.

She truly wasn’t afraid of Song Ting Shen.

After a moment’s silence, Zhong Xiao made up her mind. “Then, Aunt Zuo, if I really won’t be a bother… shall I move tomorrow?”

Zuo Lan laughed in delight, “No need to wait for tomorrow. I’ll call two guards right now to help you move your things. Xiao Xiao, tidy up your dorm, and when you’re ready, come find me at the hospital—I’ll arrange everything!”

Zhong Xiao nodded, obediently, “Thank you, Aunt Zuo.”

Zuo Lan looked at Zhong Xiao’s lovely face and gentle demeanor, her heart overflowing with affection.

Satisfied, she left the staff dormitory. Just as she stepped out the main entrance, a sudden, indifferent voice called out, “Is she moving or not?”

The sound startled Zuo Lan, and she walked forward a couple of steps before turning to see Song Ting Shen standing in the shadow of the corner.

She scolded, “Are you trying to scare me? What are you doing lurking here? You nearly gave me a heart attack!”

Song Ting Shen lifted his eyelids, his tone as calm and indifferent as ever, “Is she moving?”

Zuo Lan rolled her eyes.

So, he’d been waiting here since early morning, just to find out whether Zhong Xiao would move into the Song household?

Zuo Lan narrowed her eyes and stepped closer.

“Song Ting Shen, you’re acting strange. Why are you so eager? It’s almost as if you can’t wait for Xiao Xiao to come live with us. Do you have some ulterior motive?”