Many people heard Zheng Hongjuan's exclamation, but no one spoke up for her.
The previously cheerful soldier immediately stopped smiling and quickly walked away, carrying the luggage belonging to Political Commissar Wu's family.
Although Tang Qiyue had only arrived on the island yesterday, everyone already knew one thing clearly:
Battalion Commander Zhan had given strict orders—anyone who dared to look down on his wife would be dragged out for an entire day of extra drills.
Tang Qiyue's background might not be good, but she had Zhan Zeyi protecting her.
Political Commissar Wu's wife rolled her eyes at her spoiled younger sister.
"How could you say something like that?"
Realizing she had spoken too loudly, Zheng Hongjuan awkwardly stamped her foot.
"Sister, I was just surprised! You remember how ridiculous Tang Chunlan was back then. She ran away the moment she heard Brother Zhan was injured. If the older sister is like that, how good can the younger sister be?"
What she didn't say out loud was that she looked down on Tang Qiyue.
A capitalist family's spoiled daughter—just a parasite who relied on men to survive.
Did the Tang family really think others couldn't see through their scheme?
The older sister ran away, so they pushed the younger sister over to take her place. Clearly she was just clinging to Zhan Zeyi.
"That's none of your business," her sister said coldly. "You know exactly why you're here. If you cause trouble, I'll send you back before your brother-in-law even throws you out!"
Zheng Hongjuan was scolded and immediately fell silent, though resentment still burned in her heart. She obediently followed behind her sister.
Tang Qiyue had no idea what had happened at the dock.
When she returned to the courtyard, she discovered that Zhan Zeyi and the others had worked incredibly fast.
A bamboo shed had already been built.
Because space was limited, they had simply constructed small bamboo structures—just enough to block the wind, rain, and the view from outside.
The bamboo forest behind the house was large and full of mature bamboo. With so many men working—and guidance from the island residents—the construction had gone very quickly.
However, the kitchen still couldn't be used immediately.
Tang Qiyue had no choice but to carry the pot into the yard to process the oysters.
"It's too messy today. Just go to the canteen and ask them to cook it for you," Zhan Zeyi said, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
When he noticed Tang Qiyue busy in the yard—and saw his soldiers unconsciously glancing at her—he suddenly felt uncomfortable.
He trusted his men not to think improperly.
But any man had a possessive instinct—especially when his wife was so beautiful.
Before Tang Qiyue realized what was happening, Zhan Zeyi had already dragged her toward the canteen.
"Slow down!"
She felt slightly dizzy while trying to keep up.
It wasn't that she couldn't walk quickly, but the road was uneven and full of rocks. If she fell, she would definitely get hurt.
"Are you angry?" Tang Qiyue asked uncertainly, poking his back.
Zhan Zeyi, carrying the wooden bucket, grabbed her mischievous hand.
Now that they were out of sight of others, he didn't care about gossip.
"No."
His short tone clearly suggested the opposite.
Tang Qiyue thought for a moment.
"Are you upset because I wanted to cook outside? Or because people were looking at me?"
She wasn't stupid. She had noticed the glances directed toward her.
Zhan Zeyi stopped and turned around, staring directly into her eyes.
"What? Do you think you're that charming?"
Tang Qiyue shook her head seriously.
"I'm very low-key. I don't try to attract attention. But if people insist on looking at me, what can I do?"
Zhan Zeyi pinched her cheek.
"You're quite good at making excuses. Don't forget—you're my wife."
Tang Qiyue wanted to argue more, but someone suddenly approached them.
"Commander Zhan! How is your injury?"
A female soldier wearing a Red Cross armband hurried toward them excitedly, carrying a medical kit.
"I've been ordered to keep an eye on your recovery and ensure your treatment continues!"
Zhan Zeyi instinctively stepped forward, shielding Tang Qiyue behind him.
"Nurse Zheng. My injury has already healed."
Zheng Hongjuan looked shocked.
"How could that be? Doctor Qin said your injury was very serious. If you hadn't insisted on going home to visit your family, you'd still be in the hospital receiving treatment!"
The familiarity in their conversation made Tang Qiyue quietly suspicious.
Perhaps their relationship wasn't just casual acquaintances.
She spoke softly.
"Why don't you two talk? I'll go to the canteen first."
She didn't want to delay Zhan Zeyi's business.
But Zheng Hongjuan still heard her and immediately looked Tang Qiyue up and down with obvious disdain.
Although Tang Qiyue felt uncomfortable, she didn't want to be rude during their first meeting.
"Commander Zhan," Zheng Hongjuan asked, gripping her medical kit tightly, "who is this?"
Zhan Zeyi grabbed Tang Qiyue's wrist firmly.
"She's my wife."
"I'll explain my condition to Qin Feng myself. Nurse Zheng, you just arrived on the island. You should go rest."
Without giving her another chance to speak, Zhan Zeyi pulled Tang Qiyue away.
Zheng Hongjuan watched his large hand tightly gripping Tang Qiyue's wrist and stamped her foot angrily.
She refused to believe it.
What right did a capitalist's daughter—forced into marriage—have to compete with her?
Was Zhan Zeyi blind?
Didn't he realize Tang Qiyue's background could drag him down?
Her cheerful mood disappeared completely.
She decided to investigate Tang Qiyue thoroughly.
Because of Zheng Hongjuan's presence, Tang Qiyue didn't pull her hand away from Zhan Zeyi.
Instead she spoke softly.
"It's better not to let others know about your health condition. It would be difficult to explain."
She wasn't stupid.
Helping Zhan Zeyi had been necessary because she needed his protection. Revealing some secrets was a sign of trust.
But if outsiders discovered the truth…
"I don't want to be captured and dissected like a monster," she muttered.
Zhan Zeyi stopped walking and looked at her.
"So now you realize how terrifying the medicine you used is?"
Tang Qiyue fell silent.
"Don't worry," he said firmly. "As long as you're my wife, no one will capture you."
That was exactly the promise Tang Qiyue wanted.
She immediately smiled sweetly at him.
"As long as you don't get tired of me, I'll remain your wife for as long as you want."
After all, taking advantage of a situation was perfectly reasonable.
Zhan Zeyi clicked his tongue, about to reply, when someone called out to him.
Looking up, he saw Political Commissar Wu waving.
He had no choice but to walk over with Tang Qiyue.
"This must be your wife?" Political Commissar Wu said with a smile, extending his hand toward Tang Qiyue.
Tang Qiyue naturally prepared to shake it.
But before their hands touched, Zhan Zeyi suddenly pulled her back.
"You want a handshake? Shake mine."
He placed the wooden bucket down and grabbed Political Commissar Wu's hand with his own.
With a slight squeeze, the commissar's expression instantly twisted.
"You little brat!" Political Commissar Wu gritted his teeth. "I'm just being polite. Don't try anything funny, you rascal!"