Reborn in the 1980s: Recapture My Devoted Husband-Chapter 616 - 597: A World for 2

The architecture here in Z City is somewhat inferior compared to S City. However, there are still quite a few people.

There is a large shopping mall in the city center and a new clothing wholesale market. But this area hasn’t fully developed yet. In later years, this place will become a major clothing wholesale market.

If they come here in a few years, she definitely wants to buy a piece of land to build her own factory.

The two of them walked under the scorching sun for an entire afternoon, carrying many big bags when they returned. There were gifts for the whole family.

Grandma, seeing their faces flushed like tomatoes from the heat, quickly ushered them to cool off under the fan.

Han Yi prepared a bowl of iced mung bean water for Lin Wan to help her cool down. "What’s so interesting about Z City that got you two so hot? Didn’t you say you’d go to Shanghai in a few days?"

"Yeah, I was just getting familiar with the place. We didn’t really buy much; I’m saving the money for Shanghai," Lin Wan said, leaning closer to Han Yi’s ear.

Lin Yuan rolled her eyes enviously, watching the two whispering sweetly to each other. She left the fan for them and resignedly went to drink the iced mung bean water her mom brought her.

Auntie watched the two of them and teased Liang Hongmei and Grandma Lin, "Look at them, with a child and all, still behaving like newlyweds. So lovey-dovey."

"They’re often like this. I’m used to it." Liang Hongmei was already accustomed to it. It was a good thing that the children loved each other, and she was happy for her daughter.

"That’s how it should be. Over the past couple of days, I’ve noticed how much Han Yi treasures my granddaughter. A grown man took care of the child all day yesterday and now spends the whole afternoon with him. Just look at how distressed he is when Xiao Wan returns. None of the men in the Lin Family can compare."

Auntie followed Grandma’s words, laughing. "Mom, you’re wrong there. I see Uncle is the same way; the son-in-law takes after the father-in-law. It’s like the saying, ’birds of a feather flock together.’"

After saying this, ignoring Liang Hongmei’s blush, she and her mother-in-law laughed heartily.

Lin Wan blushed too, glanced at them, then looked at Han Yi. He seemed unaffected, calmly serving Lin Wan the iced mung bean water.

"Oh, I saw Gao Ran in the yard today. He said he was looking for you."

"He came, and we had a chat."

"What a coincidence. I didn’t expect him to be here. When was he transferred? I was wondering why I hadn’t seen him at the base."

"It was shortly after we got married. He left while I was on a mission, so we didn’t get to talk. We did see each other briefly last year; back then, he was still full of vigor. It’s surprising to see him looking so unhappy now."

"What happened?"

Han Yi chuckled, "He came here and vented about family issues for over an hour."

"I heard from Xiao Yuan that his wife is quite aggressive."

Han Yi nodded. It’s difficult to comment much about others’ family matters. It’s best to simply enjoy one’s own life.

Gao Ran seems quite regretful now. Previously, he thought marrying someone of equal social standing was good, but now he realizes it doesn’t necessarily bring happiness. What matters most is the kind of wife one marries.

Gao Ran mentioned that he really envied him.

It’s understandable to envy him. A lot of people at the base admired him for marrying a wife who wasn’t lacking in wealth, was a great cook, genuinely cared for her husband, and wasn’t pretentious—plus, she was beautiful.

But these are just a few of his wife’s virtues. Men usually keep such things to themselves; no one would be foolish enough to boast about how great their wife is.

That evening, when they got home, Lin Wan told her parents about their plan to go to Shanghai.

"We’ll leave Little Star here for now. Your brother is going back the day after tomorrow. Let him take Little Star along," suggested Liang Hongmei, not knowing what they were going for there, assuming it was related to Han Yi’s injury.

"Xiao Wan, Xiao Wan, I heard Shanghai products are great, especially that cold cream. Get a couple of boxes for your Saozi when you’re there," as women are all interested in such things.

"I heard the clothes there are nice too. I’ll buy some for you and Mom to bring back. In case I can’t return in time, I’ll mail them to you," Lin Wan said. This trip, she wanted to broaden her horizons and also look into those machines and fabrics for making clothes.

Running a clothing factory isn’t just about using sewing machines.

"Don’t buy anything for me; you two just buy for yourselves. I don’t lack clothes," Liang Hongmei was reluctant to spend money.

"Got it, Mom," Lin Wan replied with a smile.

The next morning, after her dad went to the base, Lin Wan packed her clothes, said goodbye to her mom and brother, and the couple took the train to Shanghai.

Watching the trees and buildings recede, she held onto Han Yi’s arm, her heart filled with anticipation.

She had never been to Shanghai in the 80s. She only had a quick glance last time. This time, she was determined to have a good look around.

"Are you hungry? Want some food?" On the train, Han Yi offered the stuffed egg pancake their mom had packed.

"I’m not hungry. You eat; I don’t feel like eating on the train," Lin Wan adjusted her position and glanced around.

"You can’t skip meals. How about some fruit?" He said, taking out a box of washed large strawberries from his bag.

"Have some to fill your stomach, or you might feel sick later."

"Okay. Where did the strawberries come from?"

"You forgetful thing—Grandma prepared them yesterday. They were gifts from those well-wishing veterans."

"Oh, I didn’t pay attention to what people brought." Looking at the large, plump strawberries, Lin Wan happily began eating.

"You should try some; they’re really good," Lin Wan handed a large strawberry to Han Yi, smiling at him. This was like a couple’s getaway, no tasks, no kids—just eating, drinking, and having fun.

Although Han Yi wasn’t a big fan of strawberries due to their sourness, he found these quite sweet.

"How long till we arrive?" Lin Wan asked, nibbling on a strawberry.

"We should get there by tomorrow afternoon."

Lin Wan nodded, and after eating a few strawberries, she rested her head on Han Yi’s arm, ignoring the stares of others, and dozed off.

When Han Yi wasn’t in uniform, he didn’t attract attention. This time, he wore the set of white Dacron shirt and black pants Lin Wan prepared for him, looking neat and appropriate. Thus, people around didn’t realize he was a soldier, allowing them to pay little heed to others’ opinions...

The time on the train passed quickly. At noon, they ate the egg pancakes and drank some hot water. In the evening, it was similar. With the mixed crowd, they didn’t bring too many good things, not least because the hot weather wouldn’t allow them to keep, so they didn’t let their mom prepare much. Still, eggs-filled pancakes weren’t something everyone could afford. As they ate, some parents nearby with children watched, and the kids would cry and fuss.

By the next day around seven in the evening, they arrived in Shanghai.

"Wow, Shanghai is just something else!" After exiting the station and seeing the bright lights of Shanghai, it felt different from the last arrival, where her mind was occupied with thoughts of Han Yi. This time, she made a point to look around properly. Despite being in a backward era, she felt the vibe of modernization; Shanghai was undoubtedly more developed than other places.

"It’s not bad. Guangzhou is nice too. When I get some time, I’ll take you there," Han Yi didn’t think it was extraordinary; having been to Guangzhou and abroad, he felt there wasn’t much difference. Truthfully, everything was new and advanced there compared to here.

"Okay, take me when you have time," Lin Wan replied. "Are you hungry? Let’s find something to eat first, then look for a place to stay." Throughout the journey, Lin Wan hadn’t had much appetite and barely ate. She didn’t dare eat much fruit either; although she didn’t mention it, he knew she disliked the train toilets.

Understandably so, given the unpleasant smell...

"I want to try some Shanghai snacks."

Han Yi smiled, found a rickshaw, and had them taken to where there were food stalls. Being a bit familiar with the area due to his tasks, he knew where to go.

With its coastal proximity, Shanghai’s air felt more humid compared to the Capital City. The rickshaw pedaled them to the Bund.

There were many night market stalls there, offering various snacks. Lin Wan looked around and settled at a stall selling pan-fried buns.