Married but Untouched! Her Soldier Husband Came Home Dumbfounded! - Chapter 30

After finishing breakfast, Ye Fangfei headed into the city.

Aside from the minor verbal wrangling during yesterday’s house rental, everything afterward had gone surprisingly smoothly.

Ye Xihu had set up a simple canopy in the yard, fitted with two baking ovens and a long preparation table.

Following Fangfei’s specifications, he also custom-made twenty assorted pastry molds, hand-cranked mixers, and other baking tools.

The siblings even went to the local Bureau of Industry and Commerce to apply for a business license. To their surprise, a senior official personally handled the application.

That official praised them for their foresight and keen understanding of the times.

It was also that day that Fangfei took Shen Zhanxun out for his first stroll around town.

When speaking to the official, she said confidently:

“Sir, I am a soldier’s wife, and like many women, I can hold up half the sky. While my husband is defending our nation, I, as his family, must not fall behind.”

“With the state actively promoting economic development and encouraging individual entrepreneurship, I have decided to respond to this call and lead my family to contribute to our country’s growth.”

The old official clasped her hand repeatedly, exclaiming how admirable she was, and promised to visit her bakery once it opened.

Fangfei, equally adept at charm, squeezed his hand and flattered him further, promising to send the very first batch of pastries for his tasting and feedback.

Her quick wit and smooth talk had the bureaucrats laughing, eagerly awaiting her egg cakes.

After leaving the bureau, Ye Xihu couldn’t hide his admiration. “Little sister, where did you learn all that? Why didn’t I know you could talk like this before?”

Fangfei arched with a playful brow. “Xihu, it’s all from books and newspapers. You should read more too—keep pace with the times.”

“People learn manners from books,” she explained with enthusiasm. “It means that reading makes a person wiser, more discerning. Books broaden our horizons, enrich our knowledge, and help us constantly improve ourselves.”

Her words weren’t just for show—they were laying the groundwork for her future growth.

“I’m also planning to study English. I heard on the radio that many foreigners are investing in our country, and I want to be able to do business with them someday.”

Ye Xihu stared, stunned. “Little sister, that’s… ambitious! Our bakery hasn’t even opened yet, and you’re already thinking about foreign business. Isn’t that a bit… far-fetched?”

Fangfei tugged his sleeve, her voice teasing. “Brother, I’m just thinking. Am I not allowed to dream? What if I actually achieve it?”

Ye Xihu could only shake his head with a smile, dismissing it as one of her playful ideas.

Years later, at a government-hosted business banquet in the provincial capital, Fangfei would converse effortlessly in English with foreign investors and secure a multi-million-dollar contract.

Looking back, Ye Xihu realized the phrase she had said that day stayed with him the most: “People learn manners from books.” That was the moment he truly understood the value of reading and learning.

Today was the day the second branch of the Shen family moved house. Fangfei stayed home to help pack.

Though there didn’t seem to be much, they made several trips with a handcart.

Most of it was Fangfei’s bridal dowry—the thirty-six-legged furniture alone required multiple hauls.

The Shen family’s old house had a front and back yard, split between Shen Chunsheng and his brother. The brother had chosen the back yard; the front yard’s three mud-brick rooms went to Shen Chunhua’s family.

A yard wall separated the two halves: Shen Jianhua’s family used the front gate, the other family the back, giving each a private, peaceful space.

The only downside was the small yard and just three rooms.

The middle room served as dining and living space, with Shen Jianhua and Sun Xiujun in the east room, Fangfei and Shen Cuijuan in the west room. Shen Zhanqiang temporarily stayed in a makeshift straw hut next to the kitchen.

Once everything was moved, cleaned, and organized, Sun Xiujun and Shen Cuijuan went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Fangfei moved to help but was stopped by Shen Jianhua.

“Fangfei, come sit. I need to talk to you.”

“Dad, what’s up?” Fangfei asked with a smile, walking over.

Shen Jianhua handed her a stool, smiling gently. “Fangfei, the family split happened suddenly, and there wasn’t time to build new rooms. For now, you and Cuijuan will have to make do with a bit of crowding. Your mother and I have discussed it—we’ll build two more rooms later for Cuijuan and Zhanqiang.”

Fangfei looked around the small yard and thought for a moment. “Dad, why build now? My bakery will open soon, and the whole family will need to help. We’ll be in the city, so no one will live here even if you build.”

“Better to wait a couple of years until the new plot is approved, then we can build a proper house,” he replied.

“You want to help at the bakery too?” Shen Jianhua was surprised. He hadn’t expected his daughter-in-law to take the whole family into the city.

“It’s our family business. What’s wrong with helping? Xihu has already cleaned and prepared everything; he’s just waiting for all of us to move in,” Fangfei explained cheerfully.

Seeing her father’s surprised expression, she sweetened her words even further. “Dad, Mom, you’ve always treated me well. I want to bring you, Cuijuan, and Zhanqiang with me. Once we start earning, we’ll live well together. As long as I get my share, you’ll never lack anything.”

After all, when hiring help, no one is as trustworthy as family. Especially with food, you must be careful—only people you know well are reliable.

And Fangfei truly meant every word. Shen Jianhua and Sun Xiujun had treated her with nothing but kindness. Cuijuan was hardworking, tidy, and straightforward—Fangfei adored her. Zhanqiang, though only fifteen, was reliable; his only flaw was disliking school, but under her supervision, his studies had improved.

Her words weren’t just heard by Shen Jianhua—they reached the kitchen. Sun Xiujun’s eyes glistened; all her efforts over the years felt worth it.

Most excited of all was Shen Cuijuan, who ran out of the kitchen, grabbing Fangfei’s arm. “Sister-in-law! Really? I get to go to the city too?”

“Of course! The whole family’s going,” Fangfei declared, waving her hand. “Let’s finish packing this afternoon and move first thing tomorrow.”

“What should I bring?” Cuijuan asked.

“Bedding and a few changes of clothes. It’s close; anything else, we can fetch later.”

As the two discussed, Shen Jianhua hesitated before interrupting. “Fangfei, maybe let your mother and Cuijuan come with you. I’ll stay and work the land, take care of the chickens and ducks, so when you come back, there’s food waiting.”

He was thinking long-term. Business always carries risk; if they failed, at least they’d have a fallback.