80 village women marry military officers; it was supposed to be a fake marriage.

Huo Qingxia wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. Wang Yiming was already...

He might discover his true feelings sometime later, and then he'll start demanding a divorce.

What will Huo Qingxia become then? How will she deal with herself then?

She shook her head, letting go of her reluctance. She was determined to make a clean break; she couldn't let Wang Yiming lead her by the nose.

Some things, once done once, will happen again, and she didn't want to argue or make a scene about them later.

Huo's mother had heard Wang Yiming's voice long ago, but she hadn't come out because she wanted Huo Qingxia to handle it herself.

The older generation shouldn't interfere in young people's romantic relationships, as it might influence their own judgment.

"Qingxia, if he continues to pester you shamelessly, have your brother deal with him."

Huo Qingxia smiled and said, "It's okay, Mom. Don't worry about him. He'll lose patience after a few visits."

What followed was fine. Wang Yiming still came every day without fail, and Huo Qingxia didn't waste any words with him, letting him stand guard at the door.

At first, the neighbors tried to persuade Huo's mother to let Huo Qingxia forgive Wang Yiming, but when they saw that the Huo family was unmoved, they lost interest in meddling in their affairs.

At most, there would be a few comments, but Huo Qingxia didn't care and just went about her daily routine.

Chang Jingxiang's punishment came down; he was not only demoted, but also transferred to a remote mountainous border post to guard the frontier.

The place we went to this time was even more harsh than Lin Yue's hometown, where it snows for half the year.

The weather is cold and resources are scarce; it's practically a desolate place.

Considering that Chang Jingxiang had elderly parents and young children to support, and that he was also a decorated war hero, he was given half a month to prepare.

Chang's father, on the other hand, took early retirement, which was supposed to be a normal retirement, but in reality, it was a disguised dismissal.

Retirement pensions will be paid at the normal level, but individuals are prohibited from participating in any matters related to the military.

Chang's father didn't have any objections. He was already at this age, and saving face wasn't that important to him anymore.

He just wants a pension; he also wants to buy milk powder and toys for his precious grandchildren.

When Chang's mother learned of this, she felt sorry for him, but she didn't say anything.

Mr. Chang is already of retirement age, so retiring a few days early would be good, as he can help her take care of the children.

However, he had some reservations about Chang Jingxiang being sent to guard the border, saying, "Xiaoyue is about to give birth, and sending Jingxiang to such a remote place must be very distressing for her."

How could Jingxiang just agree like that? He should argue his case, even if not for his own sake, he should at least consider the child's.

Her father comforted her, "The situation is tense right now. Even if Jingxiang doesn't agree, there's nothing he can do. I believe Xiaoyue will understand."

That's what she said, but Chang's mother still felt uneasy.

"I understand, I understand. Why should we women understand? Giving birth is like walking through the gates of hell. Is it acceptable for a man not to be by your side?"

When Xiaoyue gave birth to Xiaobao, she was all alone and helpless in another city. Should she go through the same thing again this time?

We already owe her so much; we absolutely cannot do this again.

Chang's father himself had not fulfilled his responsibilities, so he was too embarrassed to say anything more at this point.

They felt they should explain things directly to Lin Yue to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

They called Lin Yue downstairs and told her about the current situation. Chang Jingxiang only said that his superiors were investigating him, but did not mention that he was to be sent to guard the border.

When Lin Yue learned about this, she remained calm, while Chang's mother was still grumbling, "It's really too much. I don't know what the leaders in the army were thinking. Jingxiang works so hard for his job, and they still want him to go to the border to guard it."

"You're about to give birth, and he can't be by your side again. Maybe he should just quit his job."

Lin Yue smiled and comforted her, "Mom, it's okay. As long as he's safe and sound, it's good for him to go to the border to guard the frontier. He can stay away from the strife here."

She had made up her mind to stand with Chang Jingxiang through thick and thin and go to defend the border together.

No matter how harsh the conditions are, as long as the family is together, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome.

“Mom and Dad, I’m worried about Jingxiang going there alone. I want to go with him.”

Chang's mother was very touched, but now Lin Yue was about to give birth, and the conditions for guarding the border were so harsh.

"Xiaoyue, Mom knows you're a good child, but the conditions there aren't very good. Let Jingxiang go alone."

Just stay home and have the baby. You can consider going to see him again when the child is a little older.

At this moment, Chang's father also spoke up, "Xiaoyue, your mother is right. You should stay at home with us. Jingxiang is a man, and it's good for him to go out and gain some experience."

Lin Yue knew they cared about her, but she didn't want to be separated from Chang Jingxiang. No matter where they went, they had to be together.

"Mom and Dad, I know you mean well, but I don't want to be separated from Jingxiang."

No matter how harsh the conditions there are, I'm not afraid. As long as I can be with Jingxiang, there's nothing we can't overcome.

Chang's mother knew Lin Yue's temperament; once she made up her mind, she wouldn't change it easily.

She thought for a moment and then her eyes lit up. “Go! Not only will you come with us, but your dad and I will go too. Our whole family will go together.”

Xiaoyue is right. As long as the family is together, there is nothing that cannot be overcome.

"We endured such harsh conditions when we were sent down to the countryside, so what else is there to be afraid of?"

Father Chang nodded in agreement, “Yes, we should all go together. We’ve never been to the north before, so it’s a good opportunity to experience the local customs and culture.”

The aftermath of the Black Wind incident hasn't been resolved yet, and it's not safe for Lin Yue to stay in Shangjing. It's better for them to leave together, since Liang and the others can't reach that far.

Lin Yue wanted to say no, but looking at the sincere eyes of Mr. and Mrs. Chang, she couldn't bring herself to object.

"Dad, Mom, why don't we go take a look first, and then you can go if everything is fine?"

Chang's mother couldn't wait to start preparing things. "No need, no need, we'll go together. I'll go prepare things now and have the army vehicle deliver everything we need."

Oh, and I need to prepare more formula and diapers. I heard it's very cold there, and clothes don't dry easily after washing, so I need to bring more.

Also, buy plenty of things to nourish your body; you'll need them wherever you go.

As she was about to go shopping, she nudged her father, saying, "Come with me and help me carry these things. Also, help me think of anything else I need."

Father Chang smiled and followed her out, leaving Lin Yue sitting helplessly in the living room.

When Chang Jingxiang came downstairs, he saw Lin Yue looking at him with a conflicted expression. "Jingxiang, I think I did something wrong. I said I wanted to go to the border with you, and Mom and Dad said they wanted to go too."

Chang Jingxiang had anticipated this outcome and had made two preparations.

"It would be great to go together. The air there is fresh, and Mom and Dad will like it too."

Mr. and Mrs. Chang had been busy for several days. Mr. Chang was so tired that he could hardly straighten his back and couldn't help but complain to Chang Jingxiang.

"Those who know will think your mom is going to join the army, but those who don't will think she's going to open a shop to sell goods."

My back is aching from carrying so much stuff, and you get upset if I say anything to your mom.

Chang Jingxiang jokingly teased him, "Dad, you've been busy with military matters, so you should be happy that Mom is asking you for help now."

I'll find a car to deliver the things first. There are many people in my family, so bringing extra things won't be a problem.

Father Chang chuckled, “You’re right. If your mother ignores me, there’s really nothing I can do.”

After discussing personal matters, Chang's father inquired about the military situation, asking, "Did they say how long they'd be gone? How will that person's matter be resolved?"

Chang Jingxiang shook his head, "They didn't say anything specific, but we've handed over the items, so it's up to them how they handle it."

"Dad, don't worry about it. Just focus on taking care of Mom from now on. Someone once told me, 'If you don't do your job, someone else will, but if you don't cherish your wife, no one else will.'"

Mr. Chang's face flushed slightly. "When did you learn to be so glib? What's with all this talk about feeling sorry for someone? We're an old married couple."

At this moment, Chang's mother came over with a woolen overcoat and handed it to Chang Jingxiang, saying, "Take this and let Xiaoyue try it on. She's heavily pregnant now, so she needs to wear something loose. If it doesn't fit, Mom will take it to exchange for another one."

Chang Jingxiang sighed and turned to go upstairs to find his wife.

Mr. Chang tugged at Mrs. Chang's arm, "Buy one for yourself too, it's cold over there, you need to wear something warm."

Chang's mother glanced at him sideways, "What's wrong with you, old man? Why are you suddenly so caring? Tell me, do you have work to do again?"

Every time her father spoke like this before, it meant he couldn't keep a promise he had made to her.

Father Chang hurriedly explained, "That's not true. I've retired now and don't have to do anything."

"Didn't my son tell me to take better care of you? You're my wife, so I should take good care of you from now on."

Chang's mother's face flushed red. "You old lecher! How old are you? What do you mean by 'feeling sorry for me'? You're wrong to even try to help me with something."

Mr. Chang glanced upstairs, and seeing that no one was coming down, he hugged Mrs. Chang and kissed her, saying, "Even when you're old, you'll still be my daughter-in-law. I'll take good care of you from now on."

Chang's mother blushed with embarrassment and quickly pushed him away, saying, "What are you doing? It's not good if the child sees this."

Father Chang pulled her back to his room, saying, "Then let's go back inside and kiss, no one will see us."

Knowing that Lin Yue and the others were going to guard the border, Huo Qingxia offered to go with them, which would be a good way to avoid Wang Yiming's harassment.

That man is so annoying, so shameless. She felt like she was blind before, how could she have fallen for such a thing.

The Huo family did not object. They all wanted Huo Qingxia to be happy. Going to a remote area was fine. Even if the conditions were tough, they could bring her more things.

Every day, Huo's mother would go to the department store and buy everything she thought Huo Qingxia might need, piling it up so much that there was almost no room to walk in the house.

Mr. Huo's brow furrowed as he looked at her. "How is Qingxia going to bring all this stuff? Are we going to have to send a whole convoy?"

Mrs. Huo was also worried; she had been so focused on buying things that she hadn't realized she had bought so many.

Hearing what Mr. Huo said, she slapped her thigh with joy, "Oh my, how come I didn't think of that? I'll hire a car to deliver it to her, that way I can buy some more."

Qingxia has suffered so much because of that Wang Yiming, and she even has to hide in such a remote place. I can't let her go hungry."

Mr. Huo stood there stunned. He had wanted Mrs. Huo to buy less, but his words had backfired.

Based on his understanding of the Chang family, going to the border was just a formality; they wouldn't stay for long, and they wouldn't be able to use all the things they bought before they had to come back.

But Mrs. Huo was so focused on not letting her poor daughter suffer any more injustice that she wouldn't listen to any advice.

Mr. Huo gave up. Anyway, his family wasn't short of money. They had already bought the items, and the Chang family could use them too. It was a small contribution on their part.

Huo Qingyan was so annoyed by Wang Yiming that she simply stopped going to the garment factory and stayed home with Wang Xuemei.

Wang Xuemei is about to give birth; her belly is so big that she can barely walk and has to stop and rest every few steps.

Ever since she found out she was pregnant, Huo's mother has been trying all sorts of ways to make her delicious and nourishing food.

Huo's mother doted on her like her own daughter, which touched Wang Xuemei deeply. She ate whatever was given to her. By the time she came to her senses, her waist was thick and her belly was so big that she was unbearable to look at.

She looked down and couldn't see her feet, her eyes red as she asked Huo Qingyan, "Am I very ugly?"

Huo Qingyan wanted to hug her, but was afraid of bumping into her stomach, so he could only hold her hand to comfort her.

"It's okay, you're not ugly at all. Your belly is so big because the baby is getting enough nutrition. You'll lose weight after you give birth."

Wang Xuemei doesn't even have the courage to look in the mirror. She now weighs twice as much as before, and the flesh on her face is almost squeezed together.

"The doctor said I can't get any fatter, otherwise it will be dangerous when I give birth."

I was afraid my mom would overthink it, so I didn't dare tell her, but I couldn't refuse the meal she had worked so hard to prepare.

Seeing her conflicted expression, Huo Qingyan felt a warm feeling in his heart.

If it were any other woman, she would have been complaining and giving him the cold shoulder long ago.

Wang Xuemei may seem energetic and impulsive, but she is actually very thoughtful and kind to her family, often buying them things.

The Huo family has no shortage of money or material possessions; what they value is this attitude and sincerity.

Mr. and Mrs. Huo genuinely liked Wang Xuemei and had prepared everything she would need for childbirth well in advance.

Huo's mother even prepared a room for the children, complete with clothes, shoes, and toys for both boys and girls.

Wang Xuemei was so moved that she cried for several days. She felt that she was so lucky to have met such wonderful in-laws.

Huo Qingyan was also gentle and considerate towards her, unlike other men who didn't care about their wives and thought that having children was something women should do.

If his wife complains even slightly, he'll say things like, "What woman doesn't have children? Why are you making such a fuss?"

"You think you're a princess in the palace, expecting to be served?"

Wang Xuemei didn't mention anything herself, but Huo Qingyan had already prepared everything needed in advance.

She even joked that Huo Qingyan was experienced; people who didn't know better would think he'd been a father.

Huo Qingyan had seen Lin Yue when she gave birth in Ningcheng; she was so thin that you couldn't tell she was pregnant from behind.

After giving birth, Wang Dongmei was completely exhausted and her face was deathly pale. The doctor said she was malnourished, so Huo's mother didn't stop her from giving Wang Dongmei some supplements.

“I will talk to my mom and I will cook all the meals from now on. Anyway, I have nothing to do at home since I'm unemployed.”

Mom's been busy preparing things for Qingxia lately, she hasn't had time for us.