But Qiu Lian didn’t go immediately; she tidied everything up and went to the nearby market to buy some groceries. Thinking that Fang Pingying and her family had left and probably wouldn’t come back, she decided to cook for everyone and have a lively gathering. They used to gather more frequently at Fang Pingying’s home, but today it was her turn to host. By the time Qiu Lian returned from her grocery shopping, Fang Pingying and others were tidying up some of the larger items at home, and the smaller stuff was almost all packed. Seeing Qiu Lian enter, juzi said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, you’ve been doing laundry for quite a while, everything’s already packed up." Qiu Lian chuckled and gave her a pat, "I’ve bought some vegetables. Everyone, come to my house for dinner tonight, and let’s get together." Newest update provided by novel·fiɾe·net Fang Pingying felt it was too much trouble for Qiu Lian and said, "It’s quite the hassle, especially since we have so many people today." Qiu Lian waved her hand dismissively, "It’s fine. Once you’re done here, come to my place to cook. With so many people, it’ll be quick." A bunch of women together always had plenty to talk about. They were busy, and time flew by, soon it was afternoon, and the sky was darkening. After work, Luo Zhiyong came over to pick up Fang Pingying and her family. Huang Lin had also finished work and came up with Luo Zhiyong. They could handle moving the smaller items themselves, but they definitely couldn’t carry the sofa set back. juzi mentioned that they could get a few trucks from Zeng Weiguo’s factory to move it tomorrow. After everything was packed and tidy, Instructor Su came over to invite them to dinner, and they all headed out with a laugh. At the entrance, they bumped into Luo Chun from next door. It had been a long while since they last met, and Luo Chun still had that easy-going and affable demeanor, although appearances can be deceiving. She lived next to Fang Pingying’s place, and she must have heard them packing earlier. But upon seeing Fang Pingying and Luo Zhiyong, she feigned surprise and exclaimed, "Sister-in-law, how come you’re back? I had no idea; otherwise, I would have definitely come to greet you." "It’s fine, this counts as a greeting, doesn’t it?" Fang Pingying replied with a faint smile, casually asking, "How have you been lately?" "Of course not as good as sister-in-law and Camp Chief Luo. I heard you’re making big money with your business in the city, and Camp Chief Luo was transferred to the military district in the city. I’m so envious it could kill me," Luo Chun said, casting an envious glance at Fang Pingying. Fang Pingying’s family was no longer struggling, so naturally, she wouldn’t skimp on herself, and what woman doesn’t like new clothes? The current Fang Pingying, compared to her days in the compound, naturally dressed with a lot more care. In the September weather, Fang Pingying wore a bright red sweater over a pure white shirt with tight pants and a pair of demi-heels, looking not at all like someone who had just had a baby, but rather brimming with youth. Luo Chun, who was about the same age as Fang Pingying, was green with envy, feeling like she dressed like an old lady in comparison. Fang Pingying heard the similarities with what Sister-in-law Qiulin said earlier, but the tone and intent were worlds apart; Luo Chun’s words were clearly tinged with sourness. In any case, not wanting to prolong an unenjoyable conversation, Fang Pingying just made some perfunctory replies before calling everyone to go to Sister-in-law Qiulin’s house. Watching them leave from behind, Luo Chun smirked disdainfully before turning back into her house. On their way to Qiu Lian’s place, they had to pass by Zhou Guangsheng’s door. Just as they reached his house, Zhou Guangsheng was coming out with a meal box in hand, seemingly planning to go to the army canteen for dinner. Seeing them, an expression of embarrassment flashed across Zhou Guangsheng’s face, but he quickly smiled at them, "Zhiyong and sister-in-law are back." "Yes, we’re here to tidy up the dormitory. I heard they’re planning to allocate it to someone else soon," Luo Zhiyong smiled back. "It’s always tight with army dormitories," Zhou Guangsheng glanced at Luo Zhiyong and Fang Pingying, feeling quite awkward due to Bai Jing’s past actions. But since they had met, he could only face it, and said to Luo Zhiyong with a somewhat dry tone, "Now that you’re moving away, remember to come back and visit us." Luo Zhiyong nodded, promising to visit whenever he could. After a brief chat, Zhou Guangsheng made an excuse to head downstairs but was stopped by Instructor Su, "Chief Zhou, you haven’t had dinner yet, right? Come eat at my place; I was just about to call you." Zhou Guangsheng looked hesitant, "I was just going to grab something at the canteen." Instructor Su insisted, "Since you haven’t gone yet, put your stuff away and come eat with us." "I..." Zhou Guangsheng hesitated. "I’ll be upset if you don’t come," Instructor Su said, aware of some of the issues between them and also noting that Zhou Guangsheng had been avoiding them recently. She wanted to work on Zhou Guangsheng’s mindset and also smooth over their relationship. She added with a smile, "We brothers have been through life and death together; that kind of bond shouldn’t be lost over anything. If there’s an issue, talk it out. We’re all grown men; we can’t be petty." Hearing this, Luo Zhiyong also came over and patted Zhou Guangsheng’s shoulder, "Right, Old Zhou, come with us. Let’s drink a few tonight. It’s the weekend tomorrow anyway, it won’t matter if we get drunk." Although Bai Jing had gone too far, Zhou Guangsheng was Zhou Guangsheng, and Luo Zhiyong and their group had no prejudice against him. Touched by their sincerity, Zhou Guangsheng finally agreed, "Alright, you go ahead, I’ll be there in a moment." Zhou Guangsheng turned to put his bowl away, and the group moved towards Qiu Lian’s house. Walking beside Fang Pingying, juzi whispered, "When should we give that item to Chief Zhou?" Fang Pingying replied softly, "Let’s wait until after dinner. Have Huang Lin give it to him and say he happened to take the photo accidentally; we don’t want him to think we all know about it. It’s better for his pride." Walking beside Fang Pingying, Luo Zhiyong noticed their secretive talk and asked with a frown, "What’s going on?" With so many people around, Fang Pingying naturally wouldn’t elaborate and just laughed, "Nothing, we’re just chatting." "Yeah, just us women gossiping," juzi joined in with a smile. Huang Lin, who was walking behind juzi, heard the conversation, pulled her hand, and whispered, "Don’t always gossip about others when you have nothing else to do; it’s easy to stir up trouble."
