Cannon Fodder in an Era Drama — I Survive with Acting-Chapter 84: Comparisons Are Infuriating

As she spoke, she feigned a sigh and gently shook her head.

"I don’t even know how I’d manage to live on my own anymore. You can’t find a second man like Ajin these days. He takes such good care of me, spoils me so much it’s almost ridiculous. I can barely even look after myself now."

Her words were heartwarming to hear, a mix of showing off and sweet coquettishness.

Fei Jin smiled as he listened, his hands never stopping their task of tidying up.

He knew she was intentionally saying this for him to hear in front of others.

She was saying it for him, but also for the Luo couple to hear.

It was her own clever little ploy, a sign of her gentle consideration.

She managed to avoid making outsiders think she was difficult while also cleverly protecting his image.

Naturally, he wouldn’t expose her and just let her say her piece.

In their marriage, she had always been someone who understood boundaries and knew how to act appropriately.

Even when dealing with outsiders, she could always say just the right thing at the right time.

In public, Song Qingya always gave Fei Jin plenty of face. She was sweet-tongued, good-natured, and magnanimous.

In the eyes of others, they were a perfectly matched young couple.

And to the friends and family who knew them well, it seemed Song Qingya was the woman who understood him best.

Even if she felt ten points of affection, she would make sure Fei Jin felt a hundred.

Now that was the true art of getting along.

She quietly supported him from behind the scenes.

In front of others, she would hide his flaws well, while exaggerating every little good thing about him tenfold.

Such thoughtfulness and skill were proof enough that she was truly devoted to him.

Watching all of this, Luo Fuman felt a pang of envy.

His gaze couldn’t help but sweep over to his own wife as he grumbled to himself.

’Why is every other young couple so sweet?’

No matter where they were, this Song Qingya was always willing to give Xiao Fei an out, speaking to him gently and considerately.

Even a simple, everyday conversation was filled with care and patience.

’And what about the one at my house?’

’In my eyes, she’s the type to flip out at the drop of a hat.’

’The woman who was just chatting and smiling a moment ago might drag me out for a good thrashing if I talk back even a little.’

’Comparing people to people is just infuriating.’

The Luo family of three had arrived after ten. They chatted for a while, had some snacks, and drank tea.

Time passed quickly, and it was already approaching eleven.

By now, Song Qingya had finished washing her hands. After drying them, she even took a moment to check her reflection in the mirror-like stainless steel faucet.

Once she confirmed that she looked fine, she turned and walked back.

She casually took an apron from the wall, gently patted down her clothes, and got ready to start cooking.

She smiled as she tied the apron, saying, "I’ll go get lunch ready. You can all have a taste of my cooking."

Strangely enough, just as she was about to step into the kitchen, she saw Fei Jin walking over from outside.

His steps were light and he had a hint of a smile on his face. In his hand, he carried a clean apron.

The apron had clearly been prepared specially; it even had the small pouch-like pocket that Song Qingya had sewn onto the corner.

"Qingya, it’s very hot outside. Let me handle the cooking today."

Fei Jin gave the apron in his hand a gentle shake in the air.

"You know it’s the dog days of summer right now. I’m worried you’ll get heatstroke if you stay in the kitchen too long. Why don’t you sit here and rest with Old Luo and Sister-in-law for a bit? I’ll go get the apricots we’ve been chilling in the well, and we can all have something cool to eat."

"No!"

Song Qingya’s brow furrowed immediately.

"I’ve already decided what to make, and I’ve even kneaded the dough. You promised you’d let me cook a meal for everyone myself. Don’t you trust me?"

Since his wife had proposed the idea herself, and was so resolute about it, Fei Jin could only nod in agreement.

But when his gaze inadvertently swept over her slightly bulging belly, his expression immediately softened.

"Alright, then I’ll help you."

After saying this, he turned around.

"Old Luo, Sister-in-law, why don’t you two go rest inside for a bit? The sun is too strong today. I don’t think it’s right for Qingya to be cooking alone, so I’ll feel better if I stay with her."

Yang Yingzi just gave a faint smile after hearing this.

Then, she watched their figures recede into the distance with a meaningful gaze.

Her gaze held a hint of jealousy and resentment, but she quickly concealed the flicker of emotion on her face.

"Alright, no problem! We’ll just sit here and wait for you."

She took the initiative to reply, not forgetting to add, her eyes showing a hint of eagerness.

"You two go on. I want to help, too! What are we having for lunch? Is it noodles? I’m an expert at rolling dough for noodles, you know. My Old Luo loves them."

"How could we let a guest do any work? Sister-in-law, you just sit back and relax."

Song Qingya interrupted her with a smile.

After speaking, she deliberately took Fei Jin’s arm and took a step toward the kitchen, cleverly changing the subject.

Not long after the two left, Luo Fuman and Yang Yingzi couldn’t help but feel a little envious.

They both couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh.

"Sigh... Xiao Fei is so attentive to his wife. He takes care of every little detail."

Luo Fuman murmured, staring at the now-empty path in front of the door.

"Hmph, you never took care of me like that when I was pregnant."

She said from her chair, her tone laced with complaint and bitterness.

"Aren’t you and Fei Village Chief from the same platoon? How can you be so different?"

"Oh, come on, you’re bringing that up again."

He scratched his head, an awkward yet polite smile on his face.

"And why can’t I bring it up?"

She turned her face away, but her eyes remained fixed on her husband’s expression as she continued, "You’re old comrades. What’s wrong with me comparing the two of you? It’s your own fault for not being as perceptive as he is."

Seeing that his parents were about to start bickering again, Luo Weiwei pursed his lips and silently turned to leave the house.

He walked over to a bluestone slab just outside the courtyard, wrapped his arms around his knees, and squatted down listlessly.

Sunlight slanted into the small courtyard, and a gentle breeze rustled the branches, making a soft, rustling sound.

A few crickets hopped near his feet, their clear chirps occasionally breaking the silence.

Time slipped by quietly. At some point, a thin wisp of smoke began to rise from the kitchen.

The aroma of cooking food slowly drifted out from the gaps.

It mingled with the air and wafted into the courtyard, capturing his attention.

"Huh? That smells amazing!"

He snapped his head up, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air.

Then he quietly crept closer to the kitchen, crouched by the window, and peeked inside.

He saw the tall Brother Fei standing before the stove, holding a cattail fan and gently fanning Song Qingya.

As he fanned her, he asked with concern:

"Qingya, let me do it. You should go rest for a bit. The cooking fumes out here are heavy, and they’re not good for your skin."

Song Qingya’s cheeks were slightly flushed, and a few beads of sweat had appeared on her forehead.

If anything, it made her skin look even fairer, more delicate, translucent, and soft.

Fei Jin watched her with a pained expression, afraid she would overexert herself. He immediately stepped forward and took the spatula from her, starting to cook as he said, "I’ll handle this. Don’t work too hard."

However, Song Qingya just shook her head.