Chapter 67 Framed (1/4)

As the dishes, each with its own unique color, aroma, and flavor, were served, both Brigade Commander Zheng and Zheng Juan were filled with anticipation.

Bright red steamed hairy crabs, golden garlic scallops, glistening braised sea cucumbers, and a large bowl of steaming, fragrant pickled fish—the table was laden with food.

"This is too lavish! It's absolutely too lavish!" Commander Zheng exclaimed sincerely.

"Try it, your sister's cooking is delicious." Zheng Juan couldn't help but swallow.

"Eat up, everyone, start eating!" Su Wantang greeted with a smile.

Brigadier General Zheng almost impatiently picked up a piece of crab meat, carefully removed the shell, and placed it in Zheng Juan's bowl. His movements were somewhat clumsy, but filled with the preciousness of something lost and then found again.

"Dad, you should eat too." Zheng Juan blushed and picked up a piece of fish for Commander Zheng.

The word "Dad" brought tears to Brigade Commander Zheng's eyes again. He nodded repeatedly, the smile lines at the corners of his eyes never disappearing, and kept saying, "Okay."

Lu Linchuan silently peeled shrimp for Su Wantang, placing the whole shrimp meat into her bowl. Su Wantang looked up at him, and the two smiled at each other, everything understood without words.

The meal was exceptionally delicious. There were few formalities at the table, only the most genuine care and heartfelt laughter among family members. Outside, night deepened, but the warmth of the light inside was enough to melt away all barriers. For Commander Zheng and Zheng Juan, this was a family reunion; for Lu Linchuan and Su Wantang, it was yet another shining day in their happy life, a day to be forever remembered.

After the meal, Zheng Feng and Zheng Juan should head back.

Lu Linchuan and Su Wantang had already prepared to rest.

The next morning, a startling piece of news spread like wildfire throughout the entire residential compound.

"Have you heard? Commander Zheng, you've found your long-lost daughter!"

"Really? Where did this girl come from?"

"That's the one who came with Commander Lu's wife! Her name is Zheng Juan! Oh my, you don't know, that girl looks exactly like Old Zheng's deceased fiancée, they're practically identical!"

"No wonder Old Zheng was buying meat and canned goods yesterday, it turns out there's a new addition to the family!"

"I heard that Old Zheng changed that girl's name today; from now on, she'll be called Zheng Juan!"

"That girl is really promising! I heard Old Zheng bragging about it; she got into Nan Province University with the highest score in Shanghai!"

"Wow, that's amazing! That kid is quite outstanding!"

As soon as Zheng Nana stepped out of her house, these whispers pierced her ears like needles.

She stopped in her tracks, her face instantly turning extremely pale.

When the aunties and older women around her saw her, they stopped talking and exchanged meaningful glances.

Those eyes held sympathy, amusement, and an indescribable pity.

Zheng Nana felt all the blood rush to her head, and her face burned.

She was no longer Zheng Feng's only beloved daughter.

Starting yesterday, everything she has will be taken away in half by that woman named Zheng Juan! Or even more!

Zheng Nana clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her flesh.

She had to do something.

...

After Zheng Feng brought Zheng Juan back with her changed name, it was time for him to go back to work.

“If you’re home alone, just go and buy whatever you want to eat.” With that, Zheng Feng took out five hundred yuan and handed it to Zheng Juan. “This is your allowance from Dad.”