The 60s Island: The Daily Life of a Capitalist Young Lady with the Army - Chapter 16: The Bedroom Door Was Ajar

Chapter 16: The Bedroom Door Was Ajar

Everyone responded in unison, their faces unable to suppress expressions of sheer delight as they filed out of the battalion commander’s office, thoroughly satisfied.

However, these tall, sturdy men had barely stepped out of the office and taken a few steps before they couldn’t resist huddling together, whispering conspiratorially with lowered voices.

“Hey, brothers, you all heard it clearly, right? The battalion commander himself said he’ll personally cook for us in three days!” A company commander nudged the person beside him with his elbow, his tone filled with disbelief.

The political instructor next to him thoughtfully adjusted his black-framed glasses, his eyes behind the lenses sparkling with gossipy curiosity: “Yeah, heard it loud and clear. Tsk tsk, this just goes to show… our esteemed Battalion Commander Long’s future domestic status… leaves much to be concerned about!”

“No kidding! Who would’ve believed it! The battalion commander used to just get by with three meals a day in the cafeteria, but now that he’s married, he has to cook for himself!” Another platoon leader chimed in, his tone exaggerated.

“Tsk tsk tsk, it’s truly unimaginable! Our ‘Dragon King of Hell’ who’s so decisive on the training ground, commanding with authority, and can chew out new recruits until they’re thoroughly shamed—he actually… actually has come to this!”

“Honestly, my mind is still a bit fuzzy, I can’t believe this is real. Our battalion commander just… just got married all of a sudden?”

“I’m so curious! My heart feels like it’s being scratched by a cat’s paw! What do you think, brothers? Who exactly is this new sister-in-law? How does she have such remarkable ability to completely melt our battalion commander’s perpetually frozen heart, and even make him willingly enter the kitchen to prepare meals!”

“Exactly! Remember? All those pretty female soldiers from the Arts Troupe who actively pursued him, and those fresh-faced nurses from the military hospital—weren’t they all scared off crying by our battalion commander’s icy expression?”

“Our battalion commander has always maintained that ‘keep away, strangers’ icy demeanor toward any female comrade who tried to get close to him!”

“I can’t wait! In three days, I’m going to keep my eyes wide open and get a good look at this legendary sister-in-law. Let’s see if she has three heads and six arms, or some extraordinary capability to have tamed our ‘Dragon King of Hell’ so thoroughly!”

The group of burly officers continued excitedly murmuring among themselves, exchanging speculations and astonishment as they headed toward their respective company offices. Each face bore expressions of intense curiosity, anticipation, and the excitement of soon witnessing a miracle.

Meanwhile, at this moment, Xu Xiangsi was in her new home, busy organizing her personal space with meticulous care.

She first opened her suitcase, hanging up each piece of clothing and putting all her belongings in their proper places.

Then, with a thought, she quietly retrieved numerous nice items from her personal Dimension that others couldn’t detect.

Several sets of soft, comfortable pure cotton bedding, and an exquisitely embroidered Suzhou-style pillow with an adorable kitten pattern.

There were also a few leisure books she usually enjoyed reading, along with some delicate yet unobtrusive small ornaments.

Before long, the previously somewhat monotonous bedroom in the military family quarters had been arranged by her into an exceptionally warm and elegant space, filled with the distinctive atmosphere of her own life.

Xu Xiangsi patted her hands together in satisfaction, gazing at the refreshed room as an unconscious faint smile curved the corners of her lips.

She walked to the window and opened it wide, allowing the breeze carrying the unique salty dampness of the island to blow in freely.

To air out the room, disperse any lingering odors, and also to shake off the weariness and oppression she had brought with her from Shanghai.

After all the busy work and the fatigue from the journey, drowsiness surged over her like a tide.

She let out a small yawn and lay directly on the bed with its soft sheets.

Covering herself with only a light air-conditioning blanket, she fell into a deep sleep.

…

By the time Long Peiye returned to the family quarters and pushed open his door, the sky had already begun to darken.

The house was quiet.

He tiptoed inside and immediately noticed that the door to Xu Xiangsi’s bedroom was slightly ajar.

Thinking she was awake, he was about to speak when he caught a glimpse of the scene inside through the crack and abruptly halted his steps.

He saw Xu Xiangsi lying on the bed, sprawled out in her sleep, completely defenseless.

The weather in the south was still rather hot and stifling; even in the evening, the room felt somewhat stuffy.

The thin blanket that had been neatly covering her had, at some point, been kicked aside restlessly and was now crumpled beneath her waist.

What was worse, the lightweight nightgown she was wearing had, likely from tossing and turning in her sleep, ridden up at the hem, revealing a small patch of her flat, pale stomach.

That delicate skin, visible in the dim light, was somewhat dizzying to behold.

Long Peiye froze as if struck by a paralysis spell, his entire body stiffening.

A strange heat rushed from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head. His face, which had been weathered dark by the sea breeze over the years, uncontrollably flushed a deep red, and even his ears burned hot.

This… this…

He practically fled in panic, quickly reaching out to gently yet flusteredly close Xu Xiangsi’s door firmly shut.

Then, holding his breath, he silently retreated.

Standing in the living room, Long Peiye uncomfortably touched his burning cheeks, his heartbeat still racing uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Xu Xiangsi was abruptly awakened by the sudden stuffiness.

She groggily opened her eyes, feeling sticky and uncomfortable.

Reaching out instinctively, she wondered, huh? Where’s the blanket?

Looking up, she saw that the door, which had been left open for ventilation, was now tightly shut.

She instantly became much more alert.

Outside the window, the sky had completely darkened, with only the distant lighthouse beacon flickering through.

Her heart sank as she immediately understood—Long Peiye had returned.

Rubbing her still sleepy eyes, Xu Xiangsi slowly climbed out of bed.

She slipped on her slippers, opened the door, and walked out.

The living room was lit.

Sure enough, Long Peiye had returned.

He was sitting at the dining table, his back to her, seemingly writing something with his head bowed.

On the table, several army-green enamel lunch boxes were neatly arranged, emitting the fragrant aroma of food.