Chapter 58.2

Soon, it was evening, and the performance began at six o’clock.

The comrades from the kitchen team who were performing were preparing backstage early on. Wen Nuan had specifically asked Gu Qinglan to borrow a few sets of military uniforms so they could all wear the same outfit, keeping things orderly and avoiding any messiness in appearance.

However, Gu Qinglan had to work the night shift tonight and couldn’t make it to the performance at the hall. After delivering the uniforms to Wen Nuan, she left reluctantly, heading back to the military hospital with a sorrowful expression.

It was Wen Nuan’s first time wearing a military uniform. As expected, no matter who wore it, the uniform made them look sharp and full of righteous energy. The uniform had a way of elevating a person’s appearance, making them look especially spirited and upright.

Wen Nuan even learned how to salute from Quartermaster Luo. Her eyes were bright and focused, her posture straight and tall, and she looked even younger and more vibrant with the long braid hanging over her shoulder.

At that moment, Gu Qinghan arrived from the regiment with Lele in his arms and witnessed Wen Nuan saluting. He was stunned on the spot.

Wen Nuan was surrounded by comrades from the Kitchen Team, many of whom, though not enlisted, were also learning how to salute Quartermaster Luo.

After Wen Nuan finished her salute, she lowered her head to straighten her uniform, afraid that there might be any creases.

In Gu Qinghan’s arms, Lele saw her mother in a military uniform for the first time. Finding her appearance a bit unfamiliar, she stretched his arms toward her and called, “Mommy.”

Wen Nuan had just finished adjusting her uniform when she saw Gu Qinghan and Lele approaching. She walked over, took the little guy from Gu Qinghan’s arms, and bent down to kiss Lele on the cheek.

She asked, “Lele, does Mommy look good in this?”

Before Lele could respond, Gu Qinghan, who had been staring at Wen Nuan in awe, said, “Very good.”

His voice was a bit hoarse. Wen Nuan looked up and met his intense gaze.

She smiled confidently and warmly, “I think so, too. No wonder everyone wants to be a soldier—wearing this uniform makes you look sharp and energetic.”

Gu Qinghan continued to stare at her, still in a daze. He had never seen this side of Wen Nuan before, and for a moment, it felt like the uniform had become one with her, as if she were glowing, drawing everyone’s attention.

Not just him; many men in the auditorium were also mesmerized by Wen Nua—they even started whispering among themselves.

Gu Qinghan felt that the attention from these men was somewhat piercing, so he stepped closer to Wen Nuan, looking into her clear, bright eyes, and softly murmured, “You look better than everyone else.”

Wen Nuan smiled, “Vice Captain Gu, you’re getting better at flattery.”

“Keep it up; I like hearing it!”

“Okay.” Gu Qinghan reached out and adjusted her military cap.

Wen Nuan silently gazed up at him. It was rare for Gu Qinghan to have any physical contact with her in front of others, especially in the auditorium where, besides family, there were many soldiers from the unit.

This guy!

Before long, the evening performance began. The Kitchen Team’s turn was in the middle, so they watched several performances.

After watching the women’s troupe perform “Grassland Female Militia,” Quartermaster Luo, a big man, sighed and said, “That dance was amazing! If I were a judge, I would give them high scores. It looks like they’ll definitely win first place.”

Old Zhong immediately became displeased and scolded him, “Luo Qingjun, can you keep your mouth shut? You’re just boosting others’ egos while diminishing your own! You’re really something!”

Sister Juxiang had been in the family courtyard for many years, and it was her first time on stage. She was extremely nervous, but hearing Quartermaster Luo say this, she couldn’t help but chime in, “We’re not bad either, Quartermaster Luo! We need to have confidence in ourselves.”

After all, Deng Juxiang had always had a lot of faith in Wen Nuan!

Xiao Zhu also became angry upon hearing this. They had been rehearsing every night for the past two months without interruption, and he felt that their Kitchen Team’s performance was also excellent. So he added, “Quartermaster Luo, ours is not bad either! Especially the last segment—I don’t think there’s any other unit in the entire brigade that has our level of creativity!”

Wen Nuan smiled and replied objectively, “Quartermaster Luo is right; the women’s troupe’s performance was indeed spectacular.”

After all, they were professionals, and their skill level was impressive. Wen Nuan was almost dazzled by the performances.

She never expected to see such stunning dance performances in the 1970s, far surpassing what she had seen on television before. The confidence and spirit they exuded were something others simply couldn’t replicate.

Old Zhong fell silent this time but echoed, “It really was wonderful.”

Quartermaster Luo was not pleased and pinched Old Zhong’s thigh, saying, “Old Zhong, you’re just bullying me! After tonight’s performance, we’re done for good!”

Old Zhong, hands on his hips, replied, “Fine! If we’re done, then we’re done! I don’t care about you!”

The comrades from the Kitchen Team watched Quartermaster Luo’s antics and started laughing.

Perhaps because of this little incident, the tension of going on stage was eased considerably. When it was finally time for them to perform, they all approached it with a carefree attitude.

Even without the little lamb, getting dozens of catty of pork was still great.

Wen Nuan calmed everyone’s spirits and then signaled for the accompaniment team, led by Quartermaster Luo, to take the stage first.

Then, the chorus and recitation group took the stage and formed a “八” shape.

As the accompaniment started, Yang Xiaomei soloed a couple of lines from a revolutionary song, after which they all joined in for a group chorus. In the middle segment, Wen Nuan interjected with a recitation.

In the audience, General Xu spotted Wen Nuan and Quartermaster Luo and smiled as he said, “This year, the Kitchen Team actually put in some effort. It’s not bad.”

The General beside him chuckled, “Every year, the Kitchen Team is at the bottom. This time, it seems they prepared quite a bit.”

General Xu laughed and said, “It’s different with new blood; Xiao Luo is even playing the accordion now. That kid!”

The General understood that General Xu’s mention of “new blood” referred to Wen Nuan. He glanced over, noticing that although they all wore identical military uniforms, Wen Nuan stood out remarkably for some reason.

Even from the moment she stepped onto the stage, she was the first person to catch anyone’s eye.

Sitting next to General Xu was a man several years older than him. They were all in military uniforms, but this man exuded an aura of authority and power.

He gazed seriously at the stage and then asked General Xu, “The first female comrade on the right, is she the one who rescued Xiao Gu from the avalanche?”

General Xu responded to General Lu’s inquiry, “Yes, that’s her.”

General Lu was the commander of their northern district. He had been highly concerned about Gu Qinghan’s plane crash incident, especially since Gu Qinghan was the best pilot in their northern theater. Losing such a combat pilot would be a significant blow to their entire air force.

The country was in a state of reconstruction, and cultivating a pilot required countless resources in terms of money and time. Gu Qinghan was a particularly talented pilot, and if he were lost, it would be hard to find another pilot as exceptional as him.

General Xu looked at Wen Nuan on stage and added, “She’s currently serving as a nutritionist in the Kitchen Team.”

“The Kitchen Team?” General Lu frowned slightly. “Didn’t you say Xiao Gu’s child is still quite young? Why would they assign her to the Kitchen Team?”

They were always willing to commend and reward those who contributed to the military. Although Wen Nuan and Gu Qinghan were a couple, she had made contributions that deserved at least a second-class merit.

General Xu briefly explained the situation of Wen Nuan exchanging jobs for military status. After hearing this, General Lu’s face showed a look of approval. “She’s a comrade with great love.”

“It would be great to have her join our Air Force.”

General Xu smiled and replied, “Do you think I don’t want that? But that kid Gu Qinghan probably wouldn’t want to let her go.”

General Lu followed his gaze and looked at Gu Qinghan, who was sitting a few seats away. The usually composed Gu Qinghan was now staring blankly at the stage, his eyes not blinking.

General Lu couldn’t help but curse, “That little brat!”

Just as he finished speaking, the sound of children reciting began to echo from the stage. A row of children holding red paper airplanes walked out from backstage and formed a line.

At first glance, the oldest among them was no more than ten years old, and the youngest…

It turned out to be a little bun who was not even two years old!

The little bun looked incredibly adorable. She had two little pigtails, and her eyes were watery, big, and full of spirit. Her skin was very fair, and she was chubby. She was wearing a little red dress that made her look even cuter.

She smiled as she looked at her paper airplane. With the guidance of her big sister next to her, she held the plane high above her head and made a gesture as if it was taking off.

The audience watched the few children on stage, stretching their necks. They had seen so many performances, but this was the first time they had seen children go on stage. It truly was a first.

Then, a large wooden fighter jet model suddenly began to rise slowly from the stage toward the ceiling of the auditorium, angled slightly. It looked just like a fighter jet taking off from a runway, and the accompaniment even played sound effects of a sonic boom, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

The people in the audience began to discuss among themselves:

“Such adorable children! How is the smallest one so chubby?”

“But her chubbiness is so cute! Look at her eyes; they’re bigger than both of ours combined.”

“They’re holding paper airplanes; why do they look so much like our fighter jets? I want one, too!”

“I want one as well! Even if I can’t be a pilot, I still want a paper fighter jet!”

General Lu was also captivated by the scene on stage. How could such a cool paper airplane not have anyone fold one for him?

He looked at his assistant next to him, who was holding a camera and staring blankly at the stage. He immediately reminded him, “Xiao Feng, take pictures! Why are you just standing there?”

Xiao Feng scratched his head and smiled, “Sorry, General! I’ll take them right now.”

General Lu reminded him again, “Make sure to take a lot of pictures, especially of that wooden model.”

‘Damn, he wanted it!’

General Xu, watching the lifelike fighter jet model, also felt a longing. He planned to talk to Comrade Wen Nuan after the performance ended. Wouldn’t having that model in the office make those old-timers from other divisions envious?

Just as he was thinking about this, he suddenly heard a sweet, childish voice come through the microphone, saying, “I love you, my country.”

General Lu froze as he looked at Lele’s adorable appearance.

A youthful face suddenly flashed through his mind, and his heart tightened.

However, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, bringing General Lu back to reality, and he began to clap his hands as well.

Sitting next to Gu Qinghan, Zhou Guoan felt a pang of envy. He turned to Gu Qinghan and said, “I say, Old Gu, your wife and daughter have certainly attracted a lot of attention tonight. Are you happy about it?”

Gu Qinghan glanced at him and smiled, “Of course, I’m happy.”

His beaming face made Zhou Guoan even more envious.

Liang Guoan reminded him, “You can’t be biased. Your scoring has to be fair and just!”

“Oh?” Gu Qinghan looked over at him and asked, “Then what score did you give?”

Gu Qinghan slightly lowered his gaze and saw that this guy was covering the score with his hand, but he had already caught a glimpse of the “1” at the beginning.

The total score was ten points; it was impossible for it to be just one point. It seemed that it was a full score of ten.

Gu Qinghan then picked up a pen from the side and boldly wrote down his score on the scoreboard, followed by a slight smile.

Wen Nuan’s cheering squad, composed of her family, almost clapped their hands raw in the audience. They had known that Wen Nuan’s performance would be a great success, and judging by everyone’s reactions, it seemed they truly enjoyed the show.

Seeing that Wen Nuan had finished her performance, she went backstage to prepare to bring Lele out.

At that moment, Gu Qinglan had hurried over from the hospital, having arranged for a colleague to cover for her for half an hour. Just in time, she caught the Kitchen Team’s performance and was thrilled to see how well Lele had done. She rushed backstage and picked her up, showering her with kisses.

“Lele, you were amazing! You must become a performer in the future!”

Lele didn’t understand what a performer was, but she sensed that Gu Qinglan was praising her, and she immediately smiled, saying, “Amazing!”

“Absolutely! Our Lele is truly fantastic!” Gu Qinglan twirled her around twice.

Lele was having so much fun that she patted Gu Qinglan’s hand and urged, “Auntie, do it again! I want to play!”

Gu Qinglan held her and spun her around again. Whenever Lele stopped, she would prompt Gu Qinglan to continue spinning her.

After chatting with her colleagues from the Kitchen Team for a while, Wen Nuan saw Gu Qinglan spinning around several times with Lele. Noticing that he looked a bit pale when he stopped, she walked over and took the giggling Lele from him.

“Qinglan, are you silly? Spinning like that will make an adult dizzy, and you still listened to her!”

As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Qinglan, feeling light-headed, leaned against a nearby pillar and gagged a couple of times, then pleaded, “I can’t take it anymore! Auntie is dizzy and about to throw up.”

Wen Nuan pinched Lele’s cheek, saying, “And you’re still laughing!”

Lele, feeling perfectly fine, found it all very amusing. She laughed and hugged Wen Nuan, wanting her to pick her up and fly her around again.

Wen Nuan unceremoniously refused: “No way! You go with your sisters to watch the show.”

Sister Guihua had been backstage for a while and had already chatted with Wen Nuan and the others. Seeing that they were still busy, she grabbed Lele’s hand and said, “Come, let’s go watch the performance with Auntie.”

Xiao Dong and Xiao Mei also followed Sister Guihua back to the audience seats.

The backstage area was already crowded, and some people noticed Gu Qinglan squatting to the side, wondering if something was wrong with her.

After about a minute, she finally felt a bit better and said, “No way! Next time, don’t play like that with Lele. That was way too dizzy!”

The most frustrating part was that little rascal Lele was completely unaffected!

“Qinglan, are you okay?” Wen Nuan asked, knowing she had rushed over to see her performance. Seeing her in such a state because of Lele made her feel a little guilty.

Wen Nuan then asked, “Can you still go back to the hospital to work?”

Gu Qinglan waved her hand, then stood up from the ground and brushed the dust off her pants. “I’m fine; I just got a bit dizzy from spinning too many times. I’m not dizzy anymore and will head back to work later.”

“Okay, if you still feel dizzy, just sit for a while,” Wen Nuan said, handing her a teapot so she could drink some water.

After Gu Qinglan returned to the hospital, the evening party had not yet ended. Wen Nuan planned to go check out the performance with Sister Guihua and the others. However, she spotted Yang Xiaomei and Ding Guoli talking at the entrance of the auditorium.

But after just a couple of exchanges, Ding Guoli turned and ran away, leaving Yang Xiaomei standing there in a daze for quite a while before she returned to the auditorium.

—o—o—o—

When the evening party concluded, General Xu took the stage to announce the rankings. Their Kitchen Team actually won first place!

First place!

The Lamb!!

Quartermaster Luo laughed heartily, completely losing his composure. “We got the lamb! Hahaha…”

Xiao Zhu exclaimed, “That’s great! We can roast a whole sheep now!”

Sister Juxiang chimed in, “I want to eat lamb skewers—five, no, no, ten of them!!!”

Old Zhong also chuckled a couple of times. “The lamb kidneys are mine; no one can snatch them!”

“Lamb legs! I want to eat lamb legs!”

“What could be better than lamb chops? Although I’ve never had them…”

Everyone looked at the Kitchen Team, who were so happy to have taken first place, and they couldn’t believe it was just for the food!

‘Did they forget that the first place came with a hundred yuan reward?’

‘Had they all forgotten about that hundred yuan?’

‘But as the onlookers listened, why did liquid unexpectedly flow from the corners of their mouths?’

‘Can they also go to the Kitchen team?’

‘Wuwuwu, they also wanted to eat roasted lamb!’

Wen Nuan looked at everyone, laughing without caring about their image. Although she was also happy, she remembered to encourage Quartermaster Luo to go on stage to accept the award.

Quartermaster Luo then said, “Comrade Wen Nuan, you should go up; it’s all your achievement.”

He then asked, “Does anyone have any objections?”

“Of course, no objections!”

Wen Nuan had no choice but to smile and go up on stage, but the one presenting the certificate was not General Xu; it was a military officer who had just been sitting beside General Xu.

She had previously heard Gu Qinghan say that their Air Force General would come to visit the soldiers during the National Day celebration, so this officer was certainly that Army Commander.

Wen Nuan accepted the award certificate he presented and immediately said, “Thank you.”

However, when she looked into the Army Commander’s eyes, she found that he seemed to have something to say, but in the end, he said nothing.

Some were happy, while others were worried.

The female comrades from the art troupe watched as the people from the kitchen team became so excited they began shouting, and the color suddenly drained from their faces.

He Manqing, sitting in a chair, looked at this unbelievable scene and felt a deep sense of astonishment.

How could the kitchen team have come in first?

Their performance had clearly been excellent!

Leader Liao of the art troupe furrowed her brows as she looked at He Manqing, gritting his teeth and saying, “Little He, why didn’t you say anything about having a cold? It’s not like we don’t have anyone else in the troupe. Why did you perform on stage while sick?”

Leader Liao only realized after stepping off the stage that He Manqing had performed while unwell. Initially, she thought it wouldn’t be a problem and that first place would surely belong to them.

But when the General announced that the first place was the kitchen team, she suddenly became furious.

He Manqing gritted her teeth, putting on a pitiful look, and said, “Leader, I’m sorry. I thought my condition hadn’t been affected.”

“Don’t say anything more!” Leader Liao said sharply, “There better not be a next time!”

Looking at He Manqing’s pitiful expression, if it weren’t for the fact that she was the granddaughter of the Army Commander, he would definitely have punished her with a month of confinement.

Manqing nodded and then watched Leader Liao angrily turn around and walk toward the stage.

Clearly, they had agreed beforehand that she would go on stage to accept the award, saying it would give her a chance to say a few words to General Lu.

But it was evident that Leader Liao had already forgotten.

He Manqing gazed distantly at General Lu’s position, but he also seemed to have forgotten about her. Just moments ago, she had clearly signaled him during the performance, but her god-grandfather appeared indifferent as if he had forgotten she existed.

—o—o—o—

On the other side,

After Wen Nuan received the certificate, she saw General Xu approaching her with a beaming smile. He asked, “Comrade Wen Nuan, are you getting used to working in the kitchen team?”

Wen Nuan politely replied, “I’m getting used to it. Thank you, General, for giving me such a great opportunity.”

After the two exchanged pleasantries, General Xu suddenly asked, “That model of the fighter jet you had just now, you don’t need it anymore, right?”

Wen Nuan quickly thought it over and then shook her head, saying, “We don’t need it anymore. If you want it, our Quartermaster Luo can deliver it to you tomorrow.”

“Alright, alright, you can go back now.” After saying this, General Xu hummed a tune and walked away.

Once she had celebrated with her colleagues from the kitchen team, she saw Gu Qinghan over there finishing a meal with the leaders, and it seemed he had also drunk a little wine.

Having lived with Gu Qinghan for nearly a year, this was the first time Wen Nuan had seen him drink. The flight team had rules against drinking, and Gu Qinghan never touched a drop.

However, there were occasions during breaks when Liang Guo’an invited him out for drinks. Although he had gone, he never actually drank.

Was he so happy tonight that he actually had a drink?

Could it be because General Lu had come to visit?

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T/N: I’m gonna link here: The Grassland Female Militia.

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