I Bacame the Mother of His Child-Chapter 18 - 17: Looking for a Store in the City

"That's right, who else would his wife be!" Song Yuanhuan heard this and smugly curled his lips in admission. His expression lacked his usual modest demeanor, yet in his heart, he genuinely felt proud.

In fact, originally he thought that as long as Xu Xiuxiu didn't embarrass him or cause any trouble during her visit to the military base, he would be satisfied. However, Xu Xiuxiu exceeded his expectations. She was gentle yet opinionated, and her serene appearance did not detract from her generosity. He admitted to himself that he had established numerous military achievements and had ventured through dangerous front lines and the Golden Triangle, being considered a top soldier in the army. Yet he had never felt that there was something particularly proud about it. However, with Xu Xiuxiu, who was just performing some simple, womanly duties to perfection, he felt so proud that he wanted to tell the whole world that she was his wife!

This thought was delightfully strange and had never appeared in Song Yuanhuan's worldview before, but far from being repelled by it, he was actually quite pleased!

Song Yuanhuan's proud expression struck Zheng Guohui like a bullet, making him feel as if he couldn't catch his breath, clutching his chest in pain and frowning, he said, "Alright, you really are something. I admit defeat!" After all, who was he to judge as a single man! Zheng Guohui resignedly decided not to compete with Song Yuanhuan.

Satisfied with his victory, Song Yuanhuan nodded and turned to walk back into the kitchen to continue helping serve the dishes.

Soon, all the exquisite dishes were on the table, and even Chief Han and the others, who were usually absorbed in their chess game, abandoned the board and conscientiously took their seats at the table.

Upon seeing this, Cai Qiufen felt a tinge of sourness in her heart.

Who were these people really? Usually, when she cooked, she had to call and beckon multiple times once the food was ready. But with Xu Xiuxiu's cooking skills, the crowd of gluttonous men voluntarily showed up, which was somewhat amusing and frustrating for her. However, Xu Xiuxiu's dishes were indeed tempting; she even wanted to award her with a certificate in praise. She couldn't blame these men who were used to eating rough military canteen food daily.

It wasn't that she wanted to criticize the military canteen food, but the difference was too grand, like comparing a royal feast to pig feed, and it was just too evident.

"Chief Han, you and your wife give my dishes a try. They are a bit spicy, and I am not sure if they suit everyone's palate," said Xu Xiuxiu, seeing everyone sitting up straight without moving to eat, so she took the initiative to speak to Chief Han.

"Alright, let's give it a try, everyone, dig in to Yuanhuan's wife's cooking!" Chief Han, being rather decisive, immediately encouraged everyone to start eating.

At once, no one at the table held back, and their chopsticks flew in a spectacular display. Xu Xiuxiu was feeding Song Chengguang rice soaked in corn and rib soup, and just after a few spoonfuls, half of the dishes on the table were devoured.

As the chef, Xu Xiuxiu had confidence in her cooking, but to be genuinely liked by others still uncontrollably thrilled her. Since everyone enjoyed her food, it meant her chances of opening her own small restaurant in the city were even greater. Maybe now Song Yuanhuan would support her!

Song Yuanhuan, frankly, was also quite amazed by Xu Xiuxiu's culinary skills, but while he busily ate, he did not forget Xu Xiuxiu, who was feeding their son. Watching the food on the table quickly disappearing, he quickly placed a small bowl of dishes aside for her, his protective nature was profoundly evident.

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Seeing Song Yuanhuan's thoughtful action, Xu Xiuxiu looked back at him with a grateful smile.

"You see, Yuanhuan is really good at pampering," Cai Qiufen, as an elder, commented whilst observing Song Yuanhuan's caring behavior towards Xu Xiuxiu, her tone filled with admiration and a bit of teasing.

Song Yuanhuan, unfazed by Cai Qiufen's teasing, continued vigorously waving his chopsticks and competing for food, while Xu Xiuxiu felt somewhat embarrassed and awkwardly paused before regaining composure.

In any case, the meal had been thoroughly enjoyed by all, with Zheng Guohui and Fu Guanglei laughingly suggesting they should come again for another meal.

After lunch, Song Yuanhuan took Xu Xiuxiu and their son back to the barracks. "Tomorrow, I'll take you to the city to look around. I heard the botanical garden and zoo there are quite new!" Usually busy with training, Xu Xiuxiu's rare visit to the military base gave him a chance for some time off, naturally not wanting her to spend all her visiting days in the monotonous environment of the military.

"I want to look around the city for a storefront. If I find a suitable one, can we rent it?" Xu Xiuxiu wasn't interested in the zoo or botanical garden, her focus was set on starting her own small restaurant.

Song Yuanhuan paused in his tea-making, "Do you really want to open a restaurant?" Starting a restaurant could be exhausting, and she might not be up for the task, but clearly he couldn't dissuade her then.

"Give me three months to try it out." Xu Xiuxiu lacked confidence in herself but knew she had to try anyway. She didn't want to chicken out due to a lack of confidence and resign herself to returning to the dull village life; that would drive her insane.

"Alright, let's give it a try, then!" Song Yuanhuan nodded, turned, and walked over to his desk to open a military book, "This is my savings over time. There's a total of 800 yuan in this passbook. Take it for now, and if it's not enough, I'll figure something out."

Xu Xiuxiu stared at the red passbook handed to her, stunned for a moment before accepting it, "Thank you." The passbook felt as heavy as gold, and she gritted her teeth to accept it.

The next day, Xu Xiuxiu left Song Chengguang in the care of Cai Qiufen's sister-in-law and took the military commissary's delivery truck to the city. Song Yuanhuan had intended to accompany her, but a sudden military training exercise meant he had to stay behind.

In the city, Xu Xiuxiu agreed to meet Xiao Wang, who was also making purchases for the commissary, at five in the evening at the drop-off point. She then began her search around the city, looking for information about storefronts for lease or sale, as at that time, most storefronts were privately owned without the aid of real estate agencies.

After searching the entire day and tiring her legs out without finding anything promising, and having eaten only a red bean bun for lunch, she was famished. Looking at the time, it was already 4 PM, Xu Xiuxiu gave up on searching for a storefront and returned to meet Xiao Wang.

Xiao Wang had already finished his shopping, and the truck was parked waiting for her.

"Xiao Wang, I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting!" Despite not being late for their agreed time, Xu Xiuxiu spoke courteously, aware that she was imposing upon him.

"No worries, sister-in-law, it's not even time yet, and I just parked a little while ago," Xiao Wang said with a shy smile, then started the truck to head back to the base.

The city was a bit far from the military base, and it took over an hour of shaky driving for them to arrive. It was already dark outside, and Xu Xiuxiu, dragging her weary feet, returned to Song Yuanhuan's quarters.

The lights in the room were on, and as Xu Xiuxiu approached the door, she could hear Song Chengguang's baby voice calling out for 'mommy.' Her heart clenched, and feeling deeply apologetic, she pushed open the door and entered.