Chapter 37

The once springy, chewy noodles had been left boiling in the iron pot for too long, turning soft and sticky, clumping together in a mess.

A few minutes later, Lin Xiang finally regained her freedom. Her hair was slightly tousled, and her face glowed with warmth as she leaned against the stove, using chopsticks to scoop out the noodles.

She didn’t dare glance at the man beside her.

With the kitchen light turned back on, the space felt even more cramped and stifling. Even the occasional breeze drifting through the glass window couldn’t dispel the lingering heat. The air was thick with warmth, and Lin Xiang’s face burned. She didn’t need a mirror to know it was flushed red.

“Here.” Her lips, red and slightly swollen, glistened with a hint of moisture as she pushed a bowl of noodles to the edge of the stove. She tried to steady her voice, but it still came out soft and sweet. “Eat this, and leave when you’re done. I’m going back to my room.”

With that, she turned and left without sparing him another glance, her two braids swinging behind her as she dashed out of He Hongyuan’s sight.

The man’s deep, narrow phoenix eyes stayed fixed on her retreating figure until she disappeared completely.

Lowering his gaze, he picked up his chopsticks and started eating. Despite the noodles being overcooked and clumped together, they still tasted like the best thing in the world. A faint smile lingered at the corners of his lips as he swallowed mouthfuls, his eyes glimmering with amusement.

—

Lin Xiang ran up to the second floor, quickly shut her bedroom door, and finally exhaled a long breath in the privacy of her own space—away from He Hongyuan.

Her cheeks were still burning, heat pulsing through her skin. She bit her lip lightly, the lingering sensation of warmth and softness still vivid.

He Hongyuan always seemed so distant and reserved, yet who would have thought…

Memories of their shared breath in the dark kitchen replayed in her mind. She raised a hand and fanned her face, trying to cool the rising heat.

—

The next morning, just as the sky began to brighten, Lin Xiang woke up early. After tossing and turning for hours the previous night, she wasn’t even sure when she had finally drifted off.

But she didn’t feel like staying in bed. Usually, after He Hongyuan finished a deployment at sea, he’d get some leave. He would probably come to pick her up for work today, and right now, she just wanted to avoid him.

Otherwise, things would be way too awkward.

She hadn’t even dared to look at him when she bolted last night.

But as Lin Xiang walked downstairs, ready to wash up and prepare breakfast, she was startled to see a tall figure sitting upright on the sofa in the Zhou family’s living room.

“You’re here so early?” she blurted out.

Her gaze unconsciously flickered to He Hongyuan’s thin lips, and the memories from last night rushed back like a tidal wave. She quickly averted her eyes.

“Didn’t sleep well,” He Hongyuan said calmly, his face betraying no emotion. “I brought breakfast from the cafeteria. Let’s eat together.”

Zhou Shenghuai and Feng Li had also woken up and, hearing this, simply assumed He Hongyuan was struggling to readjust after returning from deployment.

That was normal for navy men. Spending days floating on the sea, staring at endless water, could be stifling. At first, the vast ocean seemed awe-inspiring, but after countless days of seeing nothing but waves and never setting foot on solid ground, it could drive anyone a little restless.

Many sailors found it hard to adapt once they were back on land.

Feng Li asked with concern, “Are you feeling unwell?”

Hearing this, Lin Xiang’s ears burned even more. She could only scream internally: Unwell? Ha! He’s perfectly fine! Strong as an ox, even!

The Zhou family didn’t notice anything unusual between the two. After breakfast, everyone left for work, and Feng Li headed to the grocery store to buy some pork.

As usual, Lin Xiang left with He Hongyuan. But her heart was all over the place, and she kept sneaking glances at him with her big, bright eyes.

Yet, He Hongyuan looked perfectly composed, carrying himself with the same serious and authoritative air as always. The only sign of anything different was his voice, which softened slightly when he spoke to her.

She found it baffling.

Was this really the same man from last night—the one who had held her tightly, nearly stealing all her breath?

How could he switch so easily between two completely different personas?

Had he trained in face-changing techniques?

“I’ll pick you up after work,” He Hongyuan said. With a few days off, he had plenty of free time. “By the way, this Sunday is a rest day. We’re going to the state-owned restaurant for lunch. Zhang Huafeng and Jiang Weijun insisted we treat them.”

Lin Xiang snapped back to reality. Seeing his nonchalant expression, she pursed her lips and played it cool, asking, “Why?”

“They both treated us when they found their partners. Now it’s our turn.”

Realization dawned on her. So it was a tradition. She nodded. “Alright, I’ve saved up some ration coupons. Do you have enou—”

“I’ve got the coupons and money. You don’t need to worry about it.”

Lin Xiang tilted her face up, looking at his confident, take-charge attitude. “Then what should I do?”

He Hongyuan met her gaze, lips curling slightly. “Just show up.”

Lin Xiang: Hmph~

—

At the entrance of the Factory No. 2, Lin Xiang and He Hongyuan parted ways. Thinking about their upcoming meal with his closest friends and their partners, she felt an excited flutter in her heart.

So this is what it feels like—slowly becoming a part of each other’s lives.

Thankfully, the Factory No. 2 had regular hours, no overtime, no unnecessary delays. It really was a dream job.

As she stepped into the office, she suddenly noticed something rare—everyone was actually working!

What a miracle! Is this really the same office where people usually slack off all day?

As soon as Director Zhao saw Lin Xiang arrive, he quickly waved her over. “Xiao Lin, come help us take a look—we need to redefine the production targets.”

Indeed, Factory No. 2’s soda sales had always been sluggish, barely scraping by at the baseline. They only managed to maintain a monthly order volume of about a thousand bottles.

Now, however, orders had surged—nearly quadrupling—all thanks to a single promotional phrase Lin Xiang had added to the packaging. Naturally, production targets had to be redistributed.

This took everyone by surprise.

In her past life, Lin Xiang had been a hardworking employee with solid business skills. After discussing with the other three in the office, she allocated the workload between the two workshops based on the soda production lines and the number of workers.

However, even after the redistribution, Director Zhao still looked worried.

Ma Defa seemed to have noticed his concern. “If we divide up the production tasks like this, everyone will definitely have to work overtime.”

Overtime was a dreaded topic in Factory No. 2, second only to wage cuts. Director Zhao nodded sorrowfully. “This isn’t a good solution.”

Kong Zhenzhen spread her hands. “Can’t we just get a raise in wages and bonuses instead of working overtime?”

Lin Xiang held back a laugh. Seeing the three worried faces before her, she could already imagine the reaction in the workshop once workers heard about the increased production targets and potential overtime—there would surely be a chorus of complaints.

She paused for a moment before speaking crisply, “Actually, there’s a way around this. We either improve production efficiency or hire more workers.”

The second option wasn’t realistic. Zhao Jianjun knew no one wanted to work at Factory No. 2. Even if someone did come, wouldn’t that just mean splitting the profits with more people?

As for the first option, he hesitated before saying, “Just look at our workshop workers—how much more efficient can they get?”

“If people can’t improve, then the equipment can,” Lin Xiang said lightly.

“You’re right!” From the workshop, Qiu Hongxia chimed in while spitting out sunflower seeds. “We’re already giving it our all—what more can we do? It’s obviously the equipment that’s holding us back.”

Other workers nodded in agreement. When Director Zhao announced the production target adjustments and mentioned improving efficiency to avoid overtime, everyone started chattering about it.

But when Lin Xiang mentioned upgrading the equipment, their eyes lit up.

Qiu Hongxia handed Lin Xiang a few sunflower seeds and whispered, “Xiao Lin, you’re capable—make sure the equipment gets a good upgrade for us!”

Lin Xiang certainly didn’t have the skills to modify large machines herself, but Workshop Maintenance Master Feng did.

Given their recent working relationship—Lin Xiang had translated several equipment manuals for him, solving many of his past technical difficulties—she decided to visit Factory No. 1 to ask for his help.

Master Feng had been in a great mood lately. Thanks to Lin Xiang’s translated manuals, he had solved numerous equipment issues that had previously puzzled him. However, when Lin Xiang mentioned that she needed him to go to Factory No. 2 to upgrade their machines, his face darkened.

Just because he thought differently of Lin Xiang didn’t mean he had warmed up to Factory No. 2’s workers.

Master Feng waved his hand. “The equipment at Factory No. 2 is practically scrap metal—what’s the point of upgrading it? One wrong move and it might break down completely.”

Lin Xiang wasn’t blind to the situation—Factory No. 2’s soda production line had changed hands multiple times. Before 119 Food Factory, it had already been used in several other soda factories. Later, it was acquired by Factory No. 1, where it served for years before being transferred to Factory No. 2. The equipment was old, overburdened, and barely holding together.

If possible, Lin Xiang would rather replace it entirely with a brand-new production line. But that was nothing more than a pipe dream.

She smiled and took out half a pack of Da Qianmen cigarettes that she had coaxed out of Director Zhao, casually handing it over. “Master Feng, I know you’re not a fan of Factory No. 2. Honestly, I wouldn’t have come to bother you if we had found someone else. But we searched high and low for other maintenance experts, and none of them could do it.

“They said improving the machines was impossible. I didn’t believe them—I was sure they were just making excuses because their skills weren’t up to par. But then they had the nerve to say that even Master Feng from the food factory couldn’t do it! Now, doesn’t that just make your blood boil?”

Lin Xiang’s tone was full of admiration as she smiled. “I told them, ‘There’s nothing that Master Feng can’t fix! He’s the best maintenance expert out there.’”

The flattery landed perfectly, making Master Feng feel slightly overwhelmed. He had always taken great pride in his skills, valuing technical expertise above all else. Even though he knew Lin Xiang was deliberately flattering him, her words still stirred his competitive spirit.

However, he wasn’t that easy to fool. He immediately said, “Fine, I’ll give it a try. But you’ll have to keep translating those foreign manuals for me.”

Not only did Master Feng need her translation skills, but he also appreciated Lin Xiang’s quick mind. Even though she claimed not to be knowledgeable about equipment, she grasped concepts instantly when explained. If she were willing, he would have even considered bringing her onto the maintenance team.

Lin Xiang, of course, had no interest in joining the maintenance team, so she politely declined his offer.

With a mix of coaxing and persuasion, she successfully convinced Master Feng to help. This made the workers at Factory No. 2 see her in a new light. After all, Master Feng had never hidden his disdain for their factory—yet Lin Xiang had managed to win him over.

True to his word, Master Feng didn’t do things half-heartedly. Over the next three days, he practically lived at Factory No. 2, meticulously dismantling and inspecting the soda production line. What he found was alarming.

These machines, in use for decades, were like elderly people on their last legs. The fixes Lin Xiang had previously made, based on the translated manuals, had only addressed surface-level issues. Underneath, the real problems were far more extensive.

No wonder—the equipment had been used for far too long, passed through multiple hands, and tinkered with repeatedly. Over time, it was impossible for it to remain in perfect condition.

For three days, Master Feng was nowhere to be found in Factory No. 1. Any equipment issues had to be handled by his apprentices. When people found out that he had gone to Factory No. 2 to repair their equipment—and had been there for three whole days—they were utterly shocked.

No one could understand why the usually proud and hot-tempered Master Feng was suddenly so willing to work hard for Factory No. 2.

“Master Feng, have some soda and take a break. There are also some sunflower seeds and peanuts.” The soda was from the factory, and the seeds and peanuts were brought by the workers. Lin Xiang simply took the opportunity to offer them as if they were hers.

Master Feng had been busy for three straight days, barely touching the ground in his rush. But he still disapproved of Factory No. 2’s leisurely, snack-filled work culture. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he put on a stern face and warned, “Comrade Lin, don’t say I didn’t warn you—be careful, or Factory No. 2 will corrupt you!”

Lin Xiang: “…”

Honestly, she thought Factory No. 2 was pretty nice.

Of course, she wouldn’t say that out loud. No need to offend this big shot.

Despite his temper, Master Feng was undeniably skilled. Over the past three days, he had cleaned and repaired the aging equipment, significantly improving the soda production line’s efficiency. The conveyor belt, which often got stuck, now ran smoothly. The juice extraction and sterilization processes were also much more efficient.

Director Zhao and the workers surrounded Master Feng like a hero. Who cared about past grievances? Right now, anyone who could fix their equipment was a good comrade!

Director Zhao grabbed Master Feng’s hand, shook it firmly a few times, and praised, “Master Feng, you really are the most capable one in our food factory!”

Master Feng had no interest in the flattery from Factory No. 2, especially when he looked at these people—who were practically hoping the equipment could run itself so they could leave work early.

Before leaving, he made sure to remind Lin Xiang, “Comrade Lin, think carefully. Staying one more day in Factory No. 2 is like being lured in by capitalist sugar-coated bullets! Your ideological awareness will suffer!”

Lin Xiang escorted him to Factory No. 1’s entrance and responded diplomatically, “Master Feng, I’m just following the factory’s regulations. They originally planned for me to transfer in October. If I go back early, wouldn’t that be taking someone else’s spot?”

“Hmph!” Master Feng snorted and walked off. He was convinced—Comrade Lin had been thoroughly corrupted!

Whether he liked it or not, Factory No. 2’s equipment had been repaired and was running much better. While it couldn’t compare to the most advanced models on the market, it was far more efficient than before, improving productivity.

With the new equipment setup, the production orders were assigned. The workers, operating what felt like brand-new machinery, were full of energy. They were hoping for higher wages and bonuses—and, most importantly, fewer overtime hours.

Lin Xiang knew this setup would only last a few years at most. She approached Director Zhao. “Director, these machines are too old. I’d say they won’t last more than a few years. Our orders are increasing. Sooner or later, we’ll have to upgrade.”

Director Zhao waved his hand as if she had just cracked a joke. “New equipment is way too expensive. Factory No. 1 would never approve it.”

Lin Xiang, however, remained unconcerned. Factory No. 2 had always been looked down upon because it never made much money. But who could say what the future held?

As soda production ramped up, Lin Xiang finally received her bonus.

Thanks to her packaging redesign, Factory No. 2’s soda had gained unprecedented popularity. Sales skyrocketed, orders surged, and Director Zhao successfully applied for a bonus from Factory No. 1. Fifty yuan was handed to Lin Xiang.

On top of that, Director Zhao straightened his back, rubbed his hands together, and shamelessly declared, “Next year, I’m going to fight for Factory No. 2 to have an Advanced Worker and Model Employee. I’ll put Xiao Lin’s name in!”

Factory No. 2 had never produced an Advanced Worker or Model Employee before. Given their previous reputation, they hadn’t even been eligible to apply.

Lin Xiang wasn’t too concerned about the title. Holding the five crisp fifty-yuan bills, she beamed with joy—this was real money!

Back home, she placed the bills together with the money she had saved from selling her old job position. She counted them three times over and felt like a rich woman!

If this were the modern era, a few hundred yuan wouldn’t mean much. But in the 1970s, a few hundred yuan was more than many ordinary families’ entire savings.

The day after tomorrow was Sunday. Remembering that she would be dining with He Hongyuan’s comrades, Lin Xiang set aside ten yuan—just in case.

On Saturday, as she went to work, she felt noticeably more relaxed.

The day before a break was always hard to focus on. The best-case scenario was a quiet day with no unexpected tasks so she could ease into her rest.

Unfortunately, the more you dread something, the more likely it is to happen.

At the last leadership meeting at Factory No. 1, Lin Xiang had declined the director’s offer to transfer her back immediately but had expressed willingness to help with the shrimp paste production line if needed.

And so, on Saturday afternoon, Secretary You showed up and asked her to attend a meeting in the shrimp paste workshop to brainstorm solutions.

A meeting on the afternoon before a break? Lin Xiang cursed under her breath but had no choice but to go.

The shrimp paste production facility at Factory No. 1 consisted of four massive workshops—spacious and impressive. Inside, rows of large fermentation machines gleamed with a silver-gray sheen, looking expensive and high-end.

It was Lin Xiang’s first time setting foot inside. She secretly asked Secretary You for details and was stunned to learn that every piece of equipment in the shrimp paste workshop had been purchased separately. A single set cost over 100,000 yuan. That was an astronomical sum!

Lin Xiang felt a bit envious—if the soda production workshop had such advanced equipment, efficiency and output would increase significantly, making everything much easier.

The shrimp paste workshop, usually full of energy and enthusiasm, now seemed lifeless. The workers didn’t dare to say anything outright, but they were all quietly worried. Production tasks had been decreasing, and everyone could see the problem. They were all counting on Workshop Director Qin Yangbo to come up with a solution.

Director Qin was a tall and burly man with a square face, dark complexion, and thick, furrowed brows that exuded authority. Under pressure from both the higher-ups and the murmuring workers, he bore a heavy burden.

He smoked half a pack of cigarettes a day, puffing out smoke ring after smoke ring. When the time came to discuss countermeasures in a meeting, he saw that the young woman from Factory No. 2 had also shown up. His face darkened even further. “This is an internal meeting—why is just anyone allowed in?”

This meeting was strictly for the shrimp paste workshop, with no factory leadership involved, yet Secretary You had brought Lin Xiang along.

Knowing Director Qin’s strong personality, which stemmed from years of being a top workshop leader, Secretary You calmly explained, “Director Qin, this is the factory director’s decision. He believes Comrade Lin Xiang is young and capable—perhaps she’ll bring a fresh perspective. Having an extra person means having an extra idea, doesn’t it?”

The truth was that the Food Flavor Factory had been making bold moves lately. Their improved shrimp paste tasted better and had a wider distribution, catching 119 Food Factory off guard. They had yet to come up with an effective countermeasure. Otherwise, the factory director wouldn’t have directly intervened in the shrimp paste workshop’s affairs.

Qin Yangbo’s face remained grim. He didn’t argue further, but he didn’t bother acknowledging Lin Xiang either.

Unlike formal factory meetings, this internal workshop meeting was more casual. Led by Director Qin, the attendees were all workshop veterans, including team leaders responsible for different production stages. They were highly experienced and had been with the factory for years.

Lin Xiang sat quietly in a corner, alongside Secretary You, who was also just observing.

At 29 years old, Secretary You had worked under the factory director for eight years and was known for his composure. However, he hadn’t expected Lin Xiang—who had just been dismissed by Director Qin—to be just as unshaken, sitting quietly in the corner, listening to everyone discuss strategies.

During the discussion, the fermentation team leader dismissed the competition from Food Flavor Factory, scoffing, “Who cares! I don’t believe they’ll stay popular for long. We’ve been making shrimp paste for years, while they’re just a bunch of newcomers. They’ll fizzle out soon enough.”

This was the “do nothing and wait it out” approach.

However, the mixing team leader disagreed. “We can’t just ignore this! If Food Flavor Factory keeps growing, what happens to our shrimp paste? And what about all the workers here?”

The shrimp paste workshop produced over ten thousand bottles per month and employed many workers. If orders dropped significantly, fewer workers would be needed, which meant lower wages—or worse, layoffs.

Everyone relied on this stable “iron rice bowl” job.

With the room split into two factions, it was up to Qin Yangbo to make the final decision. “We have to change,” he declared. “The real question is how.”

The issue had been keeping him up at night. Finally, he had an idea: “Our shrimp paste tastes great, but over time, people might get tired of it. I’ve been thinking—why don’t we improve the recipe?”

His words immediately sparked excitement. “How would we change it?”

Director Qin had tasted Food Flavor’s shrimp paste. It was rich, salty, and highly appetizing. “We’ll increase the salt content and take them on directly!”

He had analyzed the situation carefully. One key element of Food Flavor’s formula was its noticeably higher salt content, which made the taste stronger and more appealing.

Lin Xiang, quietly observing, slightly raised her eyebrows. She thought to herself that Director Qin was so rattled by the competition that he had come up with a terrible idea.

In the center of the room, Director Qin and the team leaders eagerly discussed the new formula. Meanwhile, in the corner, Secretary You turned to Lin Xiang and quietly asked, “Comrade Lin, what do you think of Director Qin’s proposal?”

Lin Xiang smiled. Her position was awkward—she wanted to help Factory No. 1, but her voice carried little weight. She chose a tactful response: “It seems like a viable plan, but I don’t think it’s the wisest choice.”

Qin Yangbo and the leaders continued their intense discussion, growing more convinced that their idea was brilliant. If Food Flavor Factory could improve their formula, why couldn’t they?

But when a worker from the workshop overheard Lin Xiang’s whispered conversation with Secretary You, he immediately reported it to Director Qin.

Qin Yangbo’s face darkened.

“Comrade Lin Xiang,” he interrupted loudly, silencing the room and calling her out directly. This young girl really thought she was someone important? She had the nerve to say his plan was unwise? He wanted to hear exactly what made her think that. “Tell us, what’s wrong with my plan?”

Lin Xiang had expected someone to snitch—after all, the workshop was full of Director Qin’s people. Knowing there was no avoiding it, she simply went ahead, hoping to finish quickly so she could leave.

“Director Qin,” she said clearly, “I believe Food Flavor Factory’s success in modifying their recipe was because their original taste wasn’t good. They were able to completely transform their product and present it to the market as something entirely new—so they had nothing to lose.

“But our factory is different. 119 Shrimp Paste has been famous for years, well-known across the market, and its taste is deeply ingrained in the public’s memory. Now, just because Food Flavor’s competition has put pressure on us, we’re panicking and changing our formula. That means abandoning our biggest advantage.

“If we make this change, we might struggle to fight back effectively. Worse, we could alienate the loyal customers who have relied on 119 Shrimp Paste for years. We might end up losing even the customer base we still have.”

Lin Xiang spoke in a clear, pleasant voice, not rough or hurried like some others, which unexpectedly resonated with many of the workers. Several of them nodded in agreement, whispering among themselves, “That makes sense.”

Recklessly altering the recipe was a risky move—it could lead to a major comeback, or it could be self-destructive.

Qin Yangbo’s face alternated between red and blue. He understood the logic, of course, but being called out by a young girl in front of everyone was humiliating.

He said in a deep voice, “So, you’re saying you have a better idea?”

Lin Xiang smiled at him and, noticing that it was almost the end of the workday, didn’t want to waste more time. “Not necessarily a better idea, but if you think it’s feasible, you can give it a try. Since we know the weaknesses of Shiwei’s shrimp paste, why not highlight them? We can widely promote the fact that our 119-brand shrimp paste doesn’t leave people feeling so parched and thirsty after eating it. That way, consumers can even save money on soda.”

Her lighthearted tone, mixed with a bit of playfulness, made everyone in the workshop chuckle.

Lin Xiang continued, “That’s the first point. Another thing we can do is innovate our shrimp paste product. Right now, everyone is selling shrimp paste in cans, which is considered a high-end product. Why not take this opportunity to introduce a more affordable version—shrimp paste in dried blocks? Dried shrimp paste can be sold in pieces, making it more accessible to the general public. If we offer both premium canned shrimp paste and budget-friendly dried shrimp paste, we can cover both markets. That’s the second point. As for the third…”

She paused, and Secretary You, who was listening intently, quickly asked, “What’s the third?”

“Shiwei’s aggressive expansion is largely due to its wide distribution network. They probably have connections in the Industry and Commerce Bureau, which is why they’re competing so fiercely with our factory. So why don’t we take a longer-term approach and expand beyond just these southern provinces? Why not aim for the whole country?”

“Ridiculous!” Qin Yangbo dismissed the idea outright. To him, Lin Xiang was just talking nonsense, trying to show off. “Do you really think our shrimp paste can be sold all the way to the capital? To the northwest? We’re struggling enough just to maintain our local market.”

Lin Xiang didn’t take offense. She had said everything she needed to say, and all she wanted now was to leave on time. “Director Qin, this kind of opportunity won’t last forever. If we don’t expand, Shiwei will definitely try to take their product nationwide. They’re ambitious. I’ve shared all the ideas I have—see if any of them are useful. The Factory No. 2 has a lot going on, so I’ll be heading back now.”

Secretary You: “…”

The Factory No. 2 wasn’t that busy!

He suddenly realized that Lin Xiang was starting to act just like Director Zhao. Back when Director Zhao attended meetings at Factory No. 1, if they looked like they’d run past the end of the workday, he’d always find an excuse to leave early.

After Lin Xiang left, the office fell into silence. The workers exchanged looks before turning their attention to Director Qin.

Qin Yangbo, of course, wasn’t about to listen to a young girl’s ideas. “Ignore that girl from Factory No. 2. She doesn’t know the first thing about shrimp paste production but acts like she’s an expert. Let’s continue the meeting! We need to focus on the recipe modification!”

—

On Saturday, Lin Xiang left work on time, finally wrapping up a busy week.

The Factory No. 2’s soda production had reached a new milestone, and Director Zhao had run the numbers—this month’s salary plus bonuses would give each worker a 30% raise.

That was incredible news!

Lin Xiang was in a great mood as she left work. Even being brushed off by Director Qin at the shrimp paste factory didn’t bother her. She had made her suggestions; whether they were implemented wasn’t up to her.

But she was certain of one thing: if 119-brand shrimp paste really altered its recipe to resemble Shiwei’s, it would be digging its own grave.

Back at the Zhou family’s home, after dinner, Lin Xiang went through her wardrobe, picking out an outfit. Tomorrow, she and He Hongyuan were officially meeting his comrades and their partners for a meal—she had to dress appropriately.

After working for so long, she couldn’t just wear anything casual.

After careful selection, on Sunday, Lin Xiang stepped out in a white floral blouse and black high-waisted straight-leg trousers.

She had styled her hair into two loose braids, quite different from the usual neatly combed and tightly braided styles popular among women of the time. Her soft, countryside-inspired braids complemented her floral blouse beautifully.

The high-waisted black trousers accentuated her long, straight legs, making them seem endless as she walked toward He Hongyuan, who was waiting at the entrance of the residential compound.

He Hongyuan had thoughtfully worn the black shirt Lin Xiang had given him. Without his military uniform, standing beside her, he exuded a strong, masculine aura.

That afternoon, they went on a date before heading to a state-run restaurant for dinner with Zhang Huafeng and his partner Yan Min, as well as Jiang Weijun and his partner Song Qingya.

The six of them—three couples—had a clear sense of their roles as hosts, with He Hongyuan and Lin Xiang taking the lead in ordering. They pointed to the small blackboard listing the daily menu and asked what the others wanted to eat.

At state-run restaurants, the dishes were written on a blackboard and changed daily based on availability.

Zhang Huafeng and Jiang Weijun didn’t hold back at all. Everyone was used to this—naturally, they ordered the best and most expensive dishes.

Song Qingya tugged at Jiang Weijun’s uniform sleeve and whispered, “Are you ordering this much?”

And so expensive, too—but she left that part unsaid.

Jiang Weijun laughed heartily. “Don’t worry, the three of us can easily finish it.”

Soldiers trained hard and had big appetites—it wasn’t an issue.

Lin Xiang smiled at Song Qingya, her eyes crinkling. “It’s fine! Captain He said to eat to our hearts’ content!”

Song Qingya returned a shy smile.

Jiang Weijun’s partner, Song Qingya, was a former educated youth from an island. A few months ago, she had met Jiang Weijun there, and it had been love at first sight. Jiang Weijun was a man of decisive action—he pursued her quickly, and before long, they had become a couple.

Lin Xiang was intrigued when she heard that Jiang Weijun and Song Qingya’s relationship had started with a romantic love-at-first-sight moment. Seeing Jiang Weijun’s tall, strong build alongside Song Qingya’s petite and gentle demeanor, she thought they were the perfect contrast, an ideal match. Her curiosity piqued, she asked a few more questions.

The couple had already submitted their marriage application and were waiting for approval from the military. Jiang Weijun had even arranged a job for his soon-to-be wife—once they were married, the educated youth Song Qingya would become a teacher at the military elementary school.

Their future sounded promising.

Lin Xiang admired teachers. She didn’t have the patience for it herself—just the thought of dealing with a group of energetic children made her feel overwhelmed.

“I think you have the right temperament to be a teacher,” Lin Xiang commented. Song Qingya spoke gently, had a high school education, and carried herself with an unhurried grace. “Just be careful not to get bullied by the kids.”

Song Qingya shook her head. “That shouldn’t be a problem. I have several younger siblings at home—I practically raised them.”

As they waited for the food to arrive, Zhang Huafeng joined the conversation. “Comrade Lin Xiang is working in the food factory, and Comrade Song Qingya is set to become a teacher—this is great! The military families are being well taken care of.”

His fiancée, Yan Min, was a member of the cultural troupe’s dance team. She had striking features, with an undeniable beauty, but when she looked at Lin Xiang, her expression was far from friendly.

“What are you worrying about?” Yan Min elbowed her fiancé. “You talk as if you arranged it all yourself.”

Since Lin Xiang and He Hongyuan were the hosts of the gathering, she made an effort to chat with Yan Min. “Comrade Yan Min, is your troupe busy? I heard you have annual performances.”

Yan Min’s expression shifted subtly. She seemed to hesitate before replying in a flat tone, “It’s alright, the same as always.”

Throughout the meal, everyone was lively and engaged—except for Yan Min. Lin Xiang keenly noticed the subtle hostility directed at her.

Thinking back, she and Yan Min had never had any interactions before. But then she remembered what had happened at the social gathering, and everything became clear.

After that realization, she didn’t go out of her way to speak to Yan Min, focusing more on her conversation with Song Qingya.

When the meal ended, Zhang Huafeng raised his teacup, rallying the group with enthusiasm. Even without alcohol, he acted as if he was tipsy. “Comrade Lin Xiang, Weijun and I are entrusting you with our dear He Hongyuan!”

He started off sounding like a parent about to give away their child.

Then, his tone took a dramatic turn as he winked at Lin Xiang and added, “Make sure you keep him in line! Don’t go easy on him! Weijun and I have suffered under his tyranny for years. You have no idea how infuriating this guy can be. You must avenge us!”

Lin Xiang nearly burst out laughing. She pressed her lips together, trying to hold back a smile, and cast a playful glance at He Hongyuan before teasingly whispering, “Did you hear that~?”

He Hongyuan didn’t bother arguing with his comrades. He simply took a sip of tea and replied with a hint of feigned surrender, “Of course, I will follow Leader Lin’s orders.”

Lin Xiang grinned, her eyes crinkling with amusement.

By the time the group parted ways, night had fallen. As Zhang Huafeng and Yan Min walked away together, they nearly started arguing.

Zhang Huafeng could easily tell that his fiancée harbored some unspoken resentment toward Lin Xiang. “Come on, was that really necessary? My brother just introduced his girlfriend to us and treated us to dinner—”

Yan Min had a fiery temper and immediately snapped back, “What did I do? I didn’t even give Lin Xiang a hard time.”

“No, but your attitude was completely different from how you treated Weijun’s fiancée. Anyone could see you weren’t happy.” Zhang Huafeng sighed, unable to raise his voice at his own fiancée, so he softened his tone. “Look, Jiang Xiurong asked you to matchmake her with Hongyuan. It didn’t work out, and that’s that. Hongyuan just wasn’t interested in her. Why are you still hung up on this?”

Yan Min huffed. “I just don’t get it. How is Lin Xiang better than Xiurong? She’s pretty, sure, but Xiurong is even prettier. And her family background is way better too. Why would Captain He choose Lin Xiang over her?”

In Yan Min’s mind, He Hongyuan must have been blind to have overlooked her friend.

Zhang Huafeng sighed helplessly. “My dear Comrade Yan Min, do people choose their partners based on a checklist? Hongyuan likes Lin Xiang. He doesn’t like Jiang Xiurong. It’s as simple as that. You feel that?” He placed her hand over his chest. “That racing heartbeat? That’s how you know it’s real.”

Yan Min snorted. “And who makes your heart race?”

Zhang Huafeng glanced around at the people passing by, then quickly replied, “You, of course!”

They bickered for a few more moments before making up, but Zhang Huafeng took the chance to add, “So please, don’t get involved in this. This is the first time Hongyuan has ever been this serious about a girl. Just look at the way he looks at Lin Xiang—it’s different. Even if you’re good friends with Jiang Xiurong, don’t turn this into a rivalry. It’ll make things difficult for me and the others.”

“Alright, alright,” Yan Min muttered, exasperated. “You’re so naggy.”

…

After parting ways with He Hongyuan’s comrades, Lin Xiang and He Hongyuan took a slow stroll along the beach, savoring the rare moment of leisure.

“You see? You’ve got too many admirers, and now I’m the one getting the cold shoulder for no reason.” Lin Xiang gazed at the gently rolling waves and sighed, feigning a complaint.

He Hongyuan wasn’t familiar with the phrase “too many admirers,” but he understood her point. “Yan Min isn’t usually like that… I don’t know what got into her today.”

He had noticed her attitude as well, but since she was his comrade’s fiancée, he didn’t intend to interfere. “We’ll just keep our distance from her in the future.”

Lin Xiang was amused by how obvious it was—Yan Min was clearly standing up for her good friend, Jiang Xiurong. Seeing that no one around was paying attention, she reached out and poked He Hongyuan’s arm.

The man’s arm was firm and muscular, with an undeniably good feel.

He Hongyuan frowned, surprised by the reason behind Yan Min’s attitude. “I have nothing to do with Jiang Xiurong.”

“I know.” Lin Xiang began listing the man’s romantic entanglements. “You also have nothing to do with Meng Jing.”

She knew from the novel that He Hongyuan was indeed cold and emotionally distant, always keeping female comrades at arm’s length. Otherwise, she would have had a headache dealing with it.

The sun had already dipped below the horizon, and the salty sea breeze drifted around them as they walked along the beach toward the military base. When they reached a path lined with coconut trees, Lin Xiang was still counting the number of admirers He Hongyuan had unknowingly attracted. She hadn’t realized it before, but now that she was going through them one by one, it was shocking.

Among them, the novel’s original female lead, Meng Jing, was the most persistent.

Thinking about Meng Jing, Lin Xiang suddenly thought she heard her voice.

She paused, wondering if she was imagining things.

When she turned to look at He Hongyuan, he seemed to understand her gaze and nodded. “It’s Meng Jing and Jiang Zhenghao.”

Up ahead, the sound of Meng Jing and Jiang Zhenghao arguing reached their ears.

“Jiang Zhenghao, mind your own business! Whether I like He Hongyuan or someone else, it has nothing to do with you!” Meng Jing, dressed in a white coat, had her silky hair tied in a ponytail at the back of her head. Her beautiful face was tinged with the flush of frustration from the argument.

Jiang Zhenghao seemed unusually exasperated, his lips curling in irritation. “Why shouldn’t I care? With your taste in men, you’ll probably bring home some unworthy nobody and embarrass yourself—and your parents!”

“What do you mean Yang Mingwei is unworthy?! Watch your mouth!” Meng Jing had recently been pursued by Yang Mingwei, the battalion commander of the first unit. He was humorous and charming, and Meng Jing had exchanged a few words with him—only for Jiang Zhenghao to witness it.

Originally, she hadn’t thought much about Yang Mingwei, but she couldn’t stand Jiang Zhenghao acting like he had a say in her life. Out of sheer defiance, she blurted out that she was going to date Yang Mingwei.

A full-blown argument erupted between them.

“Meng Jing, Yang Mingwei is bad news. You need to open your eyes.”

Meng Jing huffed in frustration. “I can judge for myself. Jiang Zhenghao, if you have so much free time, go find yourself a girlfriend instead of hovering around me all the time. Who I date is none of your concern.”

Lin Xiang watched with great interest as the novel’s main characters quarreled. Excitedly, she tugged at He Hongyuan’s sleeve. “Look at them! Even when they argue, they’re such a perfect match!”

He Hongyuan: “……”

Watching the two of them bicker, He Hongyuan couldn’t understand why Lin Xiang found this so fascinating.

But his girlfriend was practically bouncing with excitement.

“Ahhh, look, look!” Lin Xiang suddenly gripped He Hongyuan’s sleeve and shook him vigorously. “They’re kissing!”

Up ahead, Meng Jing had turned to storm off after throwing out a harsh remark, but Jiang Zhenghao grabbed her wrist and yanked her back. He tilted forward—and kissed her, cutting off her angry rant.

Lin Xiang hadn’t expected to witness such a dramatic scene from the novel in real life. Just as she was reveling in her excitement, everything suddenly went dark.

He Hongyuan had covered her eyes with one hand and quickly led her away, guiding her to a quieter area before stopping. He scolded in a low voice, “A soldier behaving like that in public—completely disregarding discipline and decorum! Unacceptable!”

Lin Xiang pulled at He Hongyuan’s hand until she could see again.

Oh, right. She suddenly remembered that during this time period, the boundaries between men and women were taken very seriously. Public displays of affection—especially such physical interactions—were frowned upon, let alone outright kissing.

For a rigid and serious soldier like He Hongyuan, this kind of behavior must be intolerable.

“I think the military should strengthen its discipline training. Jiang Zhenghao is completely disregarding propriety,” He Hongyuan said with undisguised disdain.

A true soldier should have self-restraint and strong willpower. How could he act so recklessly in public?

As night fell, the surroundings grew darker. Lin Xiang glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then recalled how, just a week ago, He Hongyuan had held her tight in the kitchen and refused to let go.

Now, seeing him act so righteous, she couldn’t resist playing a little trick.

She quickly leaned in, stood on tiptoe, braced herself against his arm—and kissed him.

Her lips brushed against his warm, slightly damp ones. She playfully flicked out her tongue, teasing him before retreating.

He Hongyuan froze, his entire body stiffening. He seemed caught off guard by her sudden action. A second later, he parted his lips slightly, as if about to respond.

But just as he was about to return the kiss, Lin Xiang swiftly pulled away, turning to flee while throwing back a cheeky remark: “Comrade He, I was wrong. We’re outside—we must uphold military discipline. We can’t engage in inappropriate behavior…”

Before she could get far, she was abruptly yanked back.

In one swift move, He Hongyuan spun her around and pinned her against an old red brick wall along the dimly lit forest path.

The same man who had just been denouncing Jiang Zhenghao’s lack of discipline now had Lin Xiang trapped under his firm grip, pressing in close.

Lin Xiang’s eyelashes quivered as her breath quickened. She had only meant to tease him—who knew he had such little self-control?

As her breath was captured and devoured, she hastily pushed against his chest, gasping as she protested, “Captain He… what about military discipline… mmph… you’re a soldier!”

The air between them was filled with the sound of heated entanglement. He Hongyuan’s body was as taut as a straight white poplar, his gaze dark and smoldering with desire.

“I’m not wearing my uniform today,” he murmured. “So it doesn’t count.”