Chapter 101

When Shi Tingyu looked at the numbers she had calculated, she felt a bit uneasy.

She thought maybe she had been releasing her comic books too frequently. Perhaps it would be better to wait a couple of years and resume when the overall environment improved.

She believed that with the current two comic books, the reprint costs would be enough to support her for a long time.

Once this major movement passed, she could continue her paused painting career.

By then, she would definitely earn more than she did from comic books.

When Lu Weiguo returned, Shi Tingyu handed him the remittance slip and told him about her plans.

Lu Weiguo’s mood visibly improved. “This is good. You’ve been too exhausted lately.”

Shi Tingyu didn’t actually feel tired; she felt quite fulfilled.

When they had some free time, Lu Weiguo took Shi Tingyu to the town post office to deposit the money from the remittance slip into their savings account.

The people at the post office were already quite familiar with them.

Such large remittance slips were rare, especially since this was the second time in just a few months that Shi Tingyu had come to make a deposit.

The process was smooth and quick due to their familiarity.

They also bought some fruits in town to take back home because the newly arrived Captain Han was hosting a dinner tonight.

A few days ago, Captain Han’s family had moved in and had likely settled down by now, so they were starting to host guests.

This time, Shi Tingyu didn’t go.

It was generally understood that such gatherings didn’t include family members, unlike the last time at Captain Zhao’s house.

Captain Zhao had invited her due to a lecture, and since he had invited her, it would have been awkward not to invite the other family members as well.

Since they had all known each other for several years and were about to transfer, it was a good time to say farewell.

Captain Han’s family also opted for a small courtyard.

Captain Han and his wife, being city folks, had had enough of living in cramped apartments. Even at their previous military district, they lived in apartments. This time, with the opportunity to move to a new camp, they chose a courtyard house.

Their courtyard was not far from Lu Weiguo’s house, just two rows behind.

The layout was similar to theirs but with a larger area.

When Captain Han saw Lu Weiguo, he walked over with a smile, grabbing his arm and pressing it. “Good boy, you haven’t lost your build. How long has it been since we last saw each other?”

Lu Weiguo rarely smiled. “We haven’t met since we left the battlefield, more than two years ago.”

He had come off the battlefield in August 1973.

Captain Han sighed deeply. “Time has flown by; it’s been over two years. Seeing you reminds me of our days on the battlefield.”

Lu Weiguo also felt a sense of nostalgia.

Captain Han, now in his forties, was a burly man, resembling a bear, with hands as large as fans, and had a temper that matched well with Lu Weiguo’s.

Captain Han then called over his son to introduce him to Lu Weiguo. “This is my good-for-nothing son, Han Wei.”

He said to his son, “Wei, this is your Uncle Lu. Call him Uncle.”

Han Wei, who looked much like his father, was already 1.8 meters tall at fifteen or sixteen, with a sturdy build and glasses, surprisingly nearsighted.

Han Wei adjusted his glasses and greeted, “Hello, Uncle Lu.”

Lu Weiguo nodded, noting Han Wei’s calm demeanor. He was slightly surprised as most people meeting him for the first time were a bit intimidated. This kid, despite his young age, had some guts.

Seeing the mud on Han Wei’s hands, Captain Han’s face darkened. “Go wash your hands properly. We have guests, stop playing with that clay.”

Without a word, Han Wei turned and went back inside.

Captain Han, not treating Lu Weiguo as an outsider, couldn’t help but complain a bit. “You see, a perfectly good kid, strong too, but refuses to join the military. Ever since he graduated high school this year, he’s been staying home playing with clay, not even looking for a job. His mother and I are so worried, we’ve broken belts disciplining him, but it’s no use.”

Lu Weiguo hadn’t expected Captain Han’s son to be in such a situation, but he still offered some advice. “Teenagers are rebellious at this age. If hitting doesn’t work, try communicating with him. See what he really wants. I think Wei seems determined, not the type to have no plans.”

Captain Han, accustomed to his fiery temper, had always hoped his son would join the military. As the boy grew stronger, his hope solidified. But as the boy got older, he refused outright.

Years of expectations dashed in an instant left Captain Han deeply frustrated.

Father and son quarreled frequently, with minor spats every three days and major ones every five.

But Captain Han valued Lu Weiguo’s opinion and took his words to heart.

However, it wasn’t the time to discipline his son now. “Alright, let’s not talk about kids. Come inside, let’s catch up. It’s been a long time.”

Lu Weiguo followed Captain Han into the house.

Captain Han, looking puzzled, finally asked the question that had been on his mind for a long time: “You were already a battalion commander two years ago. With your qualifications and military achievements, you should have been up for promotion this time. Why hasn’t there been any news?”

Lu Weiguo didn’t hide anything and told him about his marriage.

Captain Han was momentarily unsure whether to congratulate his brother on getting married or to express regret that he didn’t get promoted because of it.

Seeing Captain Han’s dilemma, Lu Weiguo smiled and said, “I don’t care about promotions. As long as I’m still at the camp, I’m happy. Besides, my wife is a wonderful person. Meeting her feels like my family’s ancestral grave has blessed us.”

Captain Han laughed heartily at his description.

“You rascal, it seems you’re very satisfied with your wife.” Saying this, Captain Han continued, “I didn’t know you got married. Since you didn’t bring her along this time, how about you go back and get her now? Don’t let her work on dinner alone. Bring her over so we can meet her.”

Lu Weiguo knew his wife well. She had a bit of social anxiety and didn’t like socializing much. Being the only female guest here would probably make her uncomfortable.

He politely declined Captain Han’s kind offer.

“My wife is probably already cooking by now, and we have a dog at home too. Let’s leave it for next time. When we have time, I’ll bring her over to meet you.”

Captain Han, knowing Lu Weiguo’s straightforward nature, didn’t insist but kept reiterating, “Alright then, but next time, make sure you bring your wife over.”

While they were talking, the others gradually arrived.

Seeing how Lu Weiguo and Captain Han interacted, they all felt relieved.

It seemed the two knew each other, which was a good sign. The saying goes that new officials burn three fires, but having someone familiar with the new leader meant they wouldn’t be caught off guard.

Even though Captain Zhao had already briefed them about Captain Han, they still felt uncertain without firsthand experience.

Now, they felt reassured.

They weren’t afraid of their leader, just wary of potential trouble.

Their camp had a relatively good atmosphere, and they didn’t want it to be ruined by a new leader.