Chapter 310: Chapter 310

Wan Chu’er was startled, not understanding why Jiang Kechu would say those two words.

What about Country K?

Jiang Kechu lowered his voice and said, "Just like the mission in Country K you’ve participated in, there were no more than ten people who knew about this mission, and all ten signed a confidentiality agreement. You know how strict the confidentiality was.

If I were to die in Country K like the last time, my parents wouldn’t know a thing.

The incident regarding your father’s death is similar, involving top-level secrecy. Ordinary people couldn’t possibly know about it, let alone leak any information.

So, whoever told you this is talking nonsense with ulterior motives."

Hearing Jiang Kechu’s words, Wan Chu’er, who was already uncertain, felt even more conflicted. She had participated in the operation in Country K, and the secrecy surrounding the whole process was maddening.

Just now, Jiang Kechu mentioning ’Country K’ was technically a breach of discipline; if someone with intentions heard it, it could cause quite some trouble.

She thought of Zhuo Yao, who was always scheming. In her past life, almost all her tragedies were connected to Zhuo Yao, and Zhuo Yao claimed her father told her, but her father was no longer around to confirm it.

Thinking that Zhuo Yao might have ulterior motives seemed very possible, making Wan Chu’er more skeptical.

Seeing her reaction, Jiang Kechu seized the opportunity and said, "Don’t overthink it. Wan Lian’s heroics are widely known in our army, and he has become an honor within our ranks. Everyone respects Wan Lian greatly, so we provide special care to his family members."

Wan Chu’er’s mind was in turmoil. She said, "Let me think about it."

Jiang Kechu helplessly ruffled her hair.

Seeing every word from Jiang Kechu left no trace, Wan Chu’er’s heart was inclined to believe him — was she perhaps overthinking?

Maybe Zhuo Yao really was spouting nonsense, intentionally causing trouble.

In the time that followed, Jiang Kechu took her around, bought lots of things, and after watching a movie, he took her back.

Back at the old house, in the yard, she saw Li Shan using pebbles to hit sparrows on dry branches. Wan Chu’er pulled out a gift from a shopping bag and handed it to Li Shan.

"Brother Li Shan, Happy New Year."

Li Shan took it with some surprise.

"You don’t have to thank me too much, Wan Chu’er joked.

Li Shan replied gruffly, "Just don’t argue with the old man like you did a few days ago. It’s fine even without gifts."

Wan Chu’er: "...When did I argue with the old man?"

Li Shan: "These past few days, you’ve been ignoring the old man, just fiercely concentrating on your studies, and the old man has been sulking and ignoring you too. If that’s not arguing, then what is?"

Wan Chu’er sighed speechlessly, "That’s because of my grandma and my mom, you big dummy."

Li Shan turned his eyes blankly, then went back to shooting sparrows.

Wan Chu’er thought for a moment, then turned and entered Grandpa Jiang’s room.

"Grandpa, can I come in?"

Wan Chu’er opened the door and saw Grandpa Jiang putting something into the drawer next to him.

"Are you reminiscing about someone again?" Wan Chu’er asked. In truth, she couldn’t quite grasp the old man’s enduring affection. It was a romance from over forty years ago, and he still held onto it. Such perseverance was both admirable and baffling; perhaps her own level of understanding wasn’t there yet.

The old man huffed and didn’t answer her, but instead asked, "How was the outing?"

Wan Chu’er smiled, "Just as you wanted, my dead end was resolved by Jiang Kechu."

"You’d better get over it. If you’re so easily driven into a corner by someone else’s few words, it’s better not to go to the Special Action Department. If you go, you’ll just be cannon fodder," Old Sir Zhong said mercilessly.

His sharp tongue was indeed fierce.

Jiang Kechu had already paid a New Year’s visit to the old man. Logically, Wan Chu’er should also visit the Jiang Family to greet Father Jiang and Mrs. Jiang, so she gave Jiang Kechu a call and went to the Jiang Family the next day with a bunch of gifts.

The Jiang Family was bustling with activity. Second Uncle Jiang, Third Uncle Jiang, and their families were all gathered at the Jiang Family’s house. Grandpa Jiang and Grandma Jiang were freshly dressed and seated in the middle of the living room, receiving compliments from their grandchildren.

Upon seeing Wan Chu’er, everyone was very enthusiastic, more so than even Mrs. Jiang, who was pushed aside.

Wan Chu’er knew why, but she didn’t show it on her face. She simply exchanged New Year greetings lightly and was then pulled over by Jiang Kechu to Grandpa Jiang and Grandma Jiang.

"Grandpa, Grandma, happy New Year," Wan Chu’er greeted the two elders with a smile.

Grandpa Jiang managed a rare smile, albeit a stiff one, and kindly said, "Good, good, here’s your red envelope," and handed Wan Chu’er a red packet.

Grandma Jiang sneakily took out a handful of candies from her pocket and gestured covertly to Wan Chu’er, "Come here, girl, I’ve hidden a lot of candies for you. I won’t give them to anyone else, only you."

She then looked around vigilantly to prevent others from snatching them. Seeing Jiang Lingling looking over, she shouted, "Not for you, you little troublemaker!" which annoyed Jiang Lingling so much that she turned her head away.

Grandma Jiang, suffering from dementia, hardly remembered things clearly but for some reason, Wan Chu’er caught her eye.

Among this crowd of Jiang relatives, Grandma Jiang was the most pure-hearted; she treated those she liked well, and those she didn’t, not so well.

Wan Chu’er smiled and accepted Grandma Jiang’s candies, sincerely saying, "Thank you."

Grandma Jiang patted Wan Chu’er’s hand happily, looked at Jiang Kechu warily, then leaned in and whispered, "There’s a big villain behind you, don’t let him steal your candies."

Wan Chu’er didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Because of the last incident, Third Uncle Jiang and Second Uncle Jiang were somewhat embarrassed, merely nodding to her and then moving on.

Second Aunt Jiang and Third Aunt Jiang, following their husbands’ instructions, almost constantly stuck by Wan Chu’er’s side, making small talk non-stop and complimenting her from head to toe.

Seeing Wan Chu’er feeling uncomfortable, Jiang Kechu took her hand and led her outside.

"I’ll show you around the courtyard, there are some nice New Year’s festivities," he suggested. Naturally, no one dared object, having seen this nephew’s capabilities last time.

But they had barely taken a few steps before reaching the door when it was pushed open from the outside.

Lin Jiayi, dressed in a crimson windbreaker with her straight black hair styled into large waves, walked in, coming face to face with Wan Chu’er and Jiang Kechu.

Lin Jiayi visibly shrank back upon seeing Jiang Kechu, but upon noticing Wan Chu’er, she again became confident and greeted her with a smile.

"Chuchu, you’re here! Happy New Year!"

It sounded as if they were on very good terms. Wan Chu’er arched an eyebrow slightly, smiled faintly, but didn’t speak.

Seeing that Wan Chu’er and Jiang Kechu seemed to be heading out, Lin Jiayi thought they were leaving and hurriedly took out an invitation from her bag, smiling, "Chuchu, here’s my wedding invitation. Please make sure to honor us with your presence."