Lin Ruo teased lightly, "What, are you trying to sneak me in through the back door?"
Han Yao chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course not. You'll still have to pass the assessment on your own merit. The army values strength and ability above all else. As long as you're good enough, I believe you'll succeed."
The car pulled up to the courtyard gate, instantly drawing attention. With so many supplies packed inside, it was hard not to notice. As soon as Han Yao got out and began unloading things, idle aunts and sisters-in-law living nearby swarmed over, curious to watch.
One woman, round-faced and thin, barely in her twenties, squeezed forward with a sharp voice. "Captain Han, you bought so many things? That must have cost a fortune, right?" Her words dripped with jealousy and sourness.
The speaker was Ding Meilian, wife of Zhou Ziqiang, the deputy commander of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Regiment.
When she saw Lin Ruo carrying several large bags of clothes, Ding Meilian's eyes filled with envy and barely disguised anger.
"Captain Han's wife," she sneered, "you just arrived and already bought so many clothes? I'm not criticizing, but as a military wife you shouldn't be spending money like this. These clothes must've cost more than a hundred yuan, right? Tsk… with that much money, I could buy enough fabric to make clothes for years. I would never waste so much. Women need to be frugal."
She went on relentlessly, "You can't live like this. Every woman can sew her own clothes. Buying fabric and stitching them together doesn't cost much. Men work hard to earn money; we have to count every penny. If you keep spending like this, your family will fall into chaos sooner or later."
Lin Ruo clenched her jaw, holding back the urge to throw the bags in Ding Meilian's face. Unlucky day! Why did trouble always come looking for her?
Why did some stranger think she had the right to control her purchases?
Coldly, Lin Ruo snapped back, "Sister, I don't even know you, do I? Do you eat my salt every day? Do you live off my rice? Or do you live by the sea that you're so free to meddle in my affairs? If you have so much time, go home, drink more water, and wash that bad taste out of your mouth. Otherwise, I'm afraid all this idleness will give you a sore throat."
The nearby women burst into laughter, and Ding Meilian's face flushed crimson. For a moment, she hadn't even realized Lin Ruo was mocking her. Then she pouted, pretending to look pitiful.
"Captain Han's wife, how can you be so ungrateful? I was only trying to teach you how to be frugal. I meant well…"
Lin Ruo's lips curved in a sneer. "I appreciate your kindness, but it's unnecessary. How your family lives is your business. Please don't dictate what I do with mine. I didn't spend a single cent of your money or your ration tickets, so why are you complaining? Do you just want to show off that you're a thrifty, skillful wife who manages the household well—while painting me as some reckless spendthrift?
My husband hasn't said a word, so why are you lecturing me? I don't like listening to nonsense, so please—shut up."
Lin Ruo had never been someone who swallowed her grievances. Since Ding Meilian insisted on nitpicking and making things difficult, Lin Ruo saw no reason to give her face.
If I don't get angry, she thought grimly, everyone will think I'm easy to bully. Then they'll all try to step on me whenever they feel like it.
Her blood boiled. Ahh! I really want to hit someone!
Ding Meilian stiffened, embarrassed. She had wanted to stir up trouble, but she never expected Lin Ruo to cut her down so bluntly in front of everyone.
Han Yao cast an indifferent glance at Ding Meilin. If he remembered correctly, she was the wife of Captain Zhou from the First Battalion.
"A real man spends money on his wife because he loves her," Han Yao said flatly. "I don't mind buying ready-made clothes for Lin Ruo. But you? You have to sew clothes yourself because your man doesn't care enough to buy them for you."
He continued without mercy, "All the money I earn, I hand to my wife, and she spends it however she pleases. Captain Zhou's wife, hasn't Captain Zhou given you the authority to manage your family's money?"
The words hit like a double strike. Ding Meilin's face turned crimson as if she'd been dealt ten thousand blows. Every sentence cut deeper than the last.
Lin Ruo arched an eyebrow at Han Yao. How could such a serious man say things like this in front of so many people? Still, she couldn't deny that hearing it pleased her.
Raising her voice so everyone could hear, Lin Ruo said, "Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Lin Ruo. I just moved here, and I had nothing at home, so I bought many necessities. Pots, pans, rice, oil, salt—these are things we all need for daily life. If anything breaks or runs out later, I won't waste money buying more. After all, I know the aunties and sisters-in-law in this compound are kind-hearted. When the time comes, I'll simply borrow from you. What do you all think?"
The crowd instantly shuffled backward. Borrow? What a joke! Everyone was barely scraping by—who would want to lend their precious supplies?
Lin Ruo's gaze landed back on Ding Meilin. "It just so happens I'm out of firewood and briquettes today. Big Sister, you're so generous. Could you lend me some?" Her smile was polite, her tone perfectly courteous, but her eyes gleamed with challenge.
Flustered, Ding Meilin stammered, "I—I don't have enough firewood at home. I still need to wash clothes. I can't lend you anything extra." She turned to leave, terrified Lin Ruo might actually drag her back to her house.
The others laughed, trying to diffuse the tension. "She just moved in. Of course she had to buy many things. Captain Han's wife really knows how to run a household—kitchen supplies, bedding, everything ready. How could anyone live without them?"
Someone chuckled, "Look how affectionate they are. Captain Han truly spoils his wife. Captain Han, better hurry home and get your place in order too!"
The atmosphere shifted, turning in Lin Ruo's favor.
Just then, a stir rippled through the crowd. Commander Huang, along with Political Commissar Lu and their wives, approached. These high-ranking leaders rarely showed themselves in the family compound, but curiosity had drawn them out.
Before anyone could react, Commander Huang's youngest daughter, Huang Meilin, ran up to Lin Ruo with a bright smile. "Sister Ruo, are you done settling into your new house? I'll bring my parents over to give you gifts and thank you."
The onlookers were stunned. What? Commander Huang's own daughter thanking Lin Ruo?
Whispers spread like wildfire. What exactly did she do to earn the gratitude of both Commander Huang and Political Commissar Lu?