Chapter Three: How Will We Have Children from Now On?

Qin Yanzhou was a tough man, unaccustomed to such forwardness from a woman. A faint, almost imperceptible flush tinged his ears, yet Qiao Luo caught it immediately.

Though he appeared aloof and unapproachable, no one expected him to be such an innocent at heart! So irresistibly charming.

Qiao Luo’s heart danced with delight, her dark eyes fixed unwaveringly on Qin Yanzhou, a subtle hint of hope shimmering within them.

“All right, I agree,” Qin Yanzhou met her eager gaze, his words falling decisively, as if he had made a great resolution.

This was a deal that could never be a loss. Whether his leg injury would heal remained uncertain, but gaining a wife—especially one encountered serendipitously during a mission, someone he truly admired—was a blessing.

If he allowed Qiao Luo to marry Chen Liao, he simply could not stand by; he might even intervene to spoil it.

So, this was the best possible outcome.

“Then let’s arrange it quickly and get our marriage certificate as soon as possible,” Qiao Luo said gleefully, envisioning the bright road ahead, her smile dazzling.

Qin Yanzhou saw the joy on her face, and a flicker of happiness seeped into his usually deep, icy gaze, melting away his frozen expression.

He lifted the corner of his mouth and consented.

As they left the office, the guard at the door looked on with curiosity.

“We arrested the wrong person in the rush yesterday. She is my fiancée,” Qin Yanzhou’s calm voice accompanied him out, offering a simple explanation.

The news exploded like a bomb among the crowd: the “spy” had transformed into the commander's fiancée!

What shocked everyone more was that the commander, known for his cold demeanor that could chill to the bone, had a fiancée? People were even afraid to meet him, let alone imagine him with a partner.

Qin Yanzhou’s authority was unquestionable; no one doubted his words.

“Hello, sister-in-law!” a young soldier stood at attention, saluting vigorously.

Qiao Luo was startled, blinking, and returned the greeting with a gentle smile, “Hello, everyone.”

The soldiers’ gazes lingered awkwardly.

Last night was unclear, but now, with the dirt washed away, Qiao Luo’s beauty was striking—delicate features framed by jet-black hair falling by her neck.

Though her face still bore some signs of malnutrition, she was several times more beautiful than the troupe leader!

Qin Yanzhou noticed their lingering looks, which, though not malicious, stirred a flicker of jealousy within him. Clearing his throat, he interrupted.

The soldiers quickly lowered their heads, too nervous to meet his gaze.

Qiao Luo pushed Qin Yanzhou’s wheelchair, bidding everyone farewell.

The Military Research Institute and the Army Training Zone both belonged to the armed forces, with the family housing situated between them.

“You can live with me in the family quarters or stay in the female soldiers’ dormitory for now,” Qin Yanzhou’s voice softened involuntarily.

They had yet to register their marriage; transferring Qiao Luo’s household registration would take a few days, and he wanted to shield her from unwarranted gossip.

Besides, there was his disability to consider...

“Then I’ll live in the family quarters! Since we’re getting married, what’s a day or two’s difference?” Qiao Luo replied casually.

Suddenly recalling the original owner’s family situation, she asked, “Commander, could you help me transfer my household registration to follow the army?”

She no longer wished to have anything to do with that peculiar family.

“Of course,” Qin Yanzhou said, his tense jaw relaxing. Then, somewhat evasively, “But don’t call me ‘Commander’ anymore.”

Seeing his reaction, Qiao Luo knew he was embarrassed again. “Alright, Yanzhou.”

“Luoluo…” When he called that name, even his breathing faltered.

Qiao Luo smiled brightly in response, pushing him toward the family quarters.

The family quarters were nothing special, except for the abundance of women. The army wives all lived there, their days filled with raising children and cooking.

Before long, the news that Commander Qin was getting married spread throughout the military district, accompanied by whispers praising his beautiful fiancée.

The house Qin Yanzhou was assigned was the largest in the military, conveniently located on the first floor to accommodate his injured leg. A large courtyard in front was planted with vegetables.

Such comfortable living conditions were rare in these times.

While Qin Yanzhou handled paperwork, Qiao Luo tidied the house. When she stepped outside to take out the trash, a small crowd had gathered by the door.

“Oh, comrade, you must be Commander Qin’s new bride,” a middle-aged woman spoke first, her voice low with burning curiosity. “How did you two meet? The commander’s not exactly easy to get along with!”

“Just call me Qiao Luo from now on,” Qiao Luo greeted them openly, weaving a small fib. “I’ve known Yanzhou for a long time; I liked him first.”

The group exchanged knowing glances, silently agreeing that the rumors were credible. Indeed, the commander’s bride was beautiful, kind-hearted, and didn’t mind Qin Yanzhou’s disability.

“Comrade Qiao, you’re so pretty and young—are you sure you’ve thought this through?”

“Commander Qin is handsome, but he’s in a wheelchair... how will you have children?”

“What are you saying? The commander may be cold, but he clearly dotes on his wife. Sister Qiao will surely live well after marrying him.”

One younger army wife, Zhou Mengni, spoke up indignantly.

Everyone knew Qin Yanzhou’s leg injury was incurable. With such weakness, even marital intimacy might be limited.

Though the men at home forbade such gossip, the army wives had whispered many times behind their backs. Who would marry Qin Yanzhou but live like a widow in waiting?

Qiao Luo felt a surge of displeasure. How could outsiders begin discouraging the new bride before she’d even entered the home? These women were either jealous or bitter, except for the supportive Zhou Mengni.

Scanning the crowd, Qiao Luo declared firmly, “Sisters, Yanzhou and I have a strong relationship. I like him, and I accept him just as he is!”

Before anyone could reply, Zhou Mengni caught sight of a figure in the distance. “Commander…”

Everyone turned to see Qin Yanzhou sitting silently in his wheelchair, having listened for some time.

The army wives flushed red, especially the woman who had led the gossip; their carefree chatter vanished instantly.

Under Qin Yanzhou’s icy, deep gaze, two of them trembled, breaking out in cold sweat.

“The commander’s back. We won’t disturb anymore.”

“Yes, yes, still need to cook dinner.”

The crowd dispersed hastily, leaving only hurried goodbyes.

Qin Yanzhou glanced sideways but said nothing. He cared little for their opinions, only hearing Qiao Luo’s resolute words.

She said she liked him.

His heart stirred, the sharpness in his eyes softened to a bewildered vulnerability.

After all, hearts were made of flesh. Who wouldn’t hurt hearing such talk?

Qiao Luo covered her face and sighed. A young maiden like herself, living two lifetimes without a boyfriend, had just confessed so straightforwardly to Qin Yanzhou?