Chapter 259

Just as she had suspected.

After years of eating various things that Zhi Xia had sent him, he didn't notice anything at first. He could attribute it to coincidence and his own carelessness. But after such a long time without discovering anything, he could only say that he was too clueless.

It was evident that An ZhiAng wasn't that clueless.

He had thought about asking Zhi Xia directly, but then he thought that since she hadn't mentioned it herself, asking would only burden her psychologically. It was better not to ask.

Recalling their few interactions, it wasn't difficult to guess that there were things Zhi Xia didn't want him to know, and she simply hoped that he would silently accept them.

Since it was what she wished for, An ZhiAng naturally wouldn't make things difficult for her.

As soon as he received the package, he rushed back to his dormitory. As he entered, he warned his comrades first, "My sister sent me this package, don't even think about it."

Others would usually receive things sent from home, and there were some food and drinks that everyone would share.

An ZhiAng wasn't stingy, but after spending these few years together, everyone knew about his peculiarities.

When others sent things, whether it was for consumption or use, he wouldn't hesitate to share, even if he gave it all away. Only when his sister sent something, no one could even have a taste. He would keep it all for himself, like a devoted brother.

Although everyone would jokingly call him stingy, deep down they understood and envied the bond between him and his sister.

They themselves had siblings, but to have a relationship that reached this level, with continuous shipments over the years, from small things like food and drinks to larger items, and not being stingy at all, it was truly rare.

Upon opening the package, he, as usual, first looked at the letter.

After reading it, he started searching through the contents of the package.

When he found the item mentioned in the letter, he secretly clenched it in his hand, then stuffed everything else back into the cupboard before entering the restroom alone.

Without any hesitation, he drank the item down.

He smacked his lips but didn't notice anything different.

However, the next day during training, he realized a significant change.

Both his speed and endurance had greatly improved, and as he continued training, within just half a month, his physical abilities had doubled compared to before. And this improvement didn't stop; instead, it kept increasing. Later on, An ZhiAng became afraid of attracting too much attention, so he had to quietly hide a portion of his strength and only show that he was slightly stronger than others.

The military had issued a notice last month that within two months, they would conduct a selection process, and those selected would join the Special Forces. This was the best affirmation of their abilities and the fastest path to promotion.

Because every ordinary member of the Special Forces held a rank equivalent to an officer outside.

Therefore, one could imagine how challenging this selection would be.

The previous An ZhiAng was also among the top in the military, and it was not only a matter of necessity for him to participate in this selection but he also had great confidence.

But now he could be sure that even their current commanding officer wouldn't be his match if he so desired.

A soldier who didn't aspire to be a general wasn't a good soldier. Who would be willing to remain stagnant for their whole life?

Let's split the story into two parts.

Pei Sheng even took special leave to attend Grandfather's 70th birthday celebration, bringing along his wife and daughters.

Wang Yue and Pei Shuangshuang couldn't make it, but Pei Jianguo did.

Both families gathered here, and the twins followed Wenqing outside to play. The triplets were so rare and cherished that Xia didn't need to intervene at all.

The two grandfathers were chatting in the living room, their laughter filling the entire courtyard.

Liu Ling and Zheng Suchun were in the backyard picking cucumbers. Unlike the Pei family, Grandfather and Grandmother didn't know how to farm. The backyard was taken care of by Zhou Sao, who planted cucumbers, tomatoes, and green beans. This way, they didn't have to buy vegetables all the time, sometimes even having to queue up. With their own space, they could grow fresh produce to eat.

Zhi Xia approached them and asked, "Sisters-in-law, what are you whispering about? You look so happy."

Liu Ling glanced at Zheng Suchun and saw no objection before speaking, "We were saying that your second sister-in-law might be pregnant. She's not sure herself, so I was asking for some advice."

Liu Ling finished speaking and teasingly looked at Zhi Xia, saying to Zheng Suchun, "Actually, if you want to ask about this matter, Zhi Xia probably has the most experience, right?"

Zhi Xia blushed at the question. She didn't have any experience; she only used a test strip whenever the timing was off.

But they didn't have that kind of thing yet. With so many people around and everyone being so shrewd, she didn't dare to give it to Zheng Suchun.

Zheng Suchun's face also turned red. "Little sister, it's still uncertain, so please don't spread it around. Let's wait until we can be sure before saying anything. In case I'm not pregnant, it will save everyone from disappointment."

She was actually quite glad about her choice. Just as she had thought, An Zhiren, despite being divorced once, had never been together with his ex-wife for some reason.

Thinking back to their first time together and how awkward he was, although it was painful for her, it felt sweet in her heart, like eating honey.

Moreover, he was gentle and courteous, and the in-laws weren't meddlesome. The siblings in the family also got along well. Their life after marriage was even better than when she was at her parents' house, making her feel like she had fallen into a honey jar.

If they had another child, he could focus on his work, and she could take care of the family. The two of them working together, the future days would be even more beautiful.

"I actually think it's better to have your second brother take you to the hospital for a check-up. If you are indeed pregnant, it's better to know early and be prepared," Zhi Xia said, comparing An Jing's ferocity. The old man couldn't handle it, and it wouldn't be good if he got hurt.

Although he was gentle and reserved when she was pregnant, once he let loose, he was like a fierce beast. Many times, she felt overwhelmed. Seeing their genuine concern, Zheng Suchun felt happy about her decision. "Hmm, I'll talk to him about it when I go back tonight."

In theory, it should make him even happier on Grandfather's 70th birthday to hear the news.

But she wasn't certain yet, and she was afraid it would disappoint the elderly.

After all, An Zhiren was indeed not young. Before getting married, her mother had told her that if she married him, she might face pressure to have children and she was worried that she wouldn't be able to handle it.

Fortunately, her mother-in-law treated her well and never mentioned the matter of having children in front of her.

Of course, it could also be because she had just recently gotten married, so she hadn't been pressured to conceive.

During the meal, both tables were filled to the brim.

The old master took out the wine brought by Zhi Xia and filled Mr. Pei's cup, saying, "Zhi Xia brought this. Let's taste it today and have a good drink."

Mr. Pei wanted to say something, but the bottle cap had already been opened, and the fragrant aroma of the wine instantly wafted over. He immediately closed his mouth and looked expectantly at the wine.

After Mr. Pei poured himself a cup, he couldn't wait to pick it up and take a sip, his eyes instantly brightening.

The two old men exchanged glances, neither of them saying a word. After pouring themselves drinks, the old master calmly covered the bottle and placed it aside.

No one thought much of it when one table had two types of wine.

It wasn't until Mr. Pei's wine bottle was empty and they saw the two old masters chatting away without finishing their cups that he quietly took the wine bottle in front of the old master and secretly poured himself a cup.

After tasting it, his eyes widened. "Uncle An, this isn't fair. We've been treating guests to good food and wine for a long time, and you're secretly keeping this good wine and food for yourself and my dad, without letting us taste it?"

The old master only realized that his wine had been stolen, but he didn't blush and said, "Your dad and I are getting old. We can't handle the strong taste of this liquor. We can only have a little of this mild one to satisfy our craving. Besides, what kind of guest are you in my house?"

It would have been fine if he had secretly drunk it, but now he was making a fuss about it.

There were only these two bottles of wine, and they weren't enough for him to drink.

Sure enough, after being provoked by Pei Sheng's words, An JingZhi also noticed that the wine the old master was drinking was out of the ordinary. He immediately asked for a taste, and the others also clamored to try it. Even Pei JianGuo, the younger generation, became less polite.

One bottle of wine was finished with just a little for each person, and they all complained that the old master was being unfair, making the old master fume with anger.

This lively scene at the table was not just about fighting over the wine, but also a joyous scene of children and grandchildren surrounding their elders.

Zhi Xia and Liu Ling listened to the conversation on the side and giggled. They also asked Zhi Xia what kind of wine she had brought for the old master. It seemed so precious.

She said it was osmanthus wine sent by a friend from the north to Pei Jing. Since he wasn't there, she took the opportunity to share it.

Without Gao Meiyun this time, the old master's 70th birthday was unusually cheerful, without a hint of disturbance.

It was just that when half of the wine had been consumed, Pei Jing finally arrived, slowly and leisurely.