Chapter 31

At the same time, in the officers’ dormitory—

“Lao Cao, where have you been?” Wang Yinghua asked with concern.

Officers above the company level could apply for private dormitories. As a battalion commander, Cao Wenzhe had his own room. But Wang Yinghua, a close comrade, wasn’t surprised to see him there.

Instead of answering immediately, Cao Wenzhe took off his belt, hung his uniform, poured a glass of water, and drank it in one gulp. Then he sighed, “I just went for a run.”

Several unmarried officers who had been watching the commotion next door gathered around.

One of them advised, “Lao Cao, you really embarrassed Political Commissar Liu today.”

Another added, “We all get how you feel, but you should have handled it better. So many people were watching.”

“Exactly. She’s still a female comrade. Even if Political Commissar Liu doesn’t care, his wife certainly will.”

At this, everyone’s expressions changed.

Political Commissar Liu was a capable leader and fearless on the battlefield. Otherwise, an illiterate farmer wouldn’t have risen so high.

But his household was a mess.

His wife, Wen Hui, was a former nurse at the health center. She was about ten years younger than him and from the city, with some education. Naturally, Political Commissar Liu spoiled her.

But Wen Hui, already arrogant, became even worse after her husband was promoted to brigade commander. Apart from the brigade commander’s family and higher-ups, no one wanted to deal with her.

Her attitude was unbearable. If anyone visited their house, she would start sweeping and wiping the moment they left, as if she was cleaning up filth.

Because of this, officers dreaded going to Political Commissar Liu’s home, even for official matters.

Now, with Cao Wenzhe openly walking away earlier, it was like a direct slap to Political Commissar Liu’s face.

Even though Political Commissar Liu was mindful of his reputation and tried to avoid trouble for his subordinates, he couldn’t ignore the influence of pillow talk ^[1]phrase used to describe the influence a spouse or partner has over someone, especially in decision-making..

Cao Wenzhe might face difficulties ahead. There’s a chance he could be transferred to a remote post. If that happens, his chances of reaching the battalion level would be slim. If he remains sidelined for a few more years, he might even be forced into a different career.

A battalion commander oversees soldiers, but transitioning to a civilian job isn’t easy. His comrades, whether genuinely concerned or envious, looked at him with sympathy. Fortunately, they weren’t in his position.

Facing their sympathetic or worried gazes, Cao Wenzhe gradually calmed down. He knew that if he ignored Liu Wenyan’s advances for another month or two and made his stance clear, Political Commissar Liu would eventually intervene. After all, if the situation got out of control, it wouldn’t benefit anyone.

But Liu Wenyan’s persistence was frustrating. She acted as if he should be grateful just because she liked him. He wasn’t her father—why should he indulge her?

Cao Wenzhe wouldn’t have reacted so openly if he hadn’t been provoked. However, he wasn’t acting purely on impulse. If this issue became public, Political Commissar Liu would have no choice but to restrain Liu Wenyan. Additionally, Captain Huo would support him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have invited him on the fishing trip with the brigade commander today.

Though he never mentioned Liu Wenyan’s harassment, the brigade commander was a seasoned officer and understood the situation. If Brigade Commander Wei mediated, the problem would be resolved. Cao Wenzhe began to see Captain Huo in a better light—he was willing to protect his soldiers, which earned his respect.

Even if Captain Huo failed to convince the brigade commander, Cao Wenzhe wasn’t powerless. After all, he had reached battalion commander status by 27.

Considering his next steps, he thought about Wen Hui. A domineering woman like her might have weaknesses he could exploit.

At that moment, his comrades sighed, “I used to envy Lao Cao. Liu Wenyan may not be pretty or have a good temper, but with Political Commissar Liu as her father, his career path would’ve been smooth. Now… well, not everyone gets such an opportunity.”

Someone disagreed, “A man should stand tall and rely on himself. What’s the point of using a woman for success? Captain Huo is lucky—he’s capable and married well. His wife is beautiful, has a good temper, and is a college graduate. If I find a wife like Sister Lin, I’d rather work hard than take shortcuts like Liu Wenyan.”

“Be careful! Huo Tuan ^[2]nickname for Captain Huo. might punish you for saying that. His wife is precious!”

Everyone laughed, recalling how Captain Huo, strict in the army, was completely devoted to his wife at home. He even had to ask permission to drink more wine at dinner.

In the army, secrets don’t last long. By the next day, everyone—from soldiers to their families—was gossiping about two things.

First, Captain Huo’s wife was a college-educated beauty, personally invited by combat hero Principal Huang to teach English at the junior high school.

Second, Liu Wenyan, Political Commissar Liu’s daughter, was publicly rejected by Captain Cao, causing her humiliation.

The second rumor was more explosive—Captain Cao had rejected wealth and status! Some admired him, while others thought he was foolish for not seizing the opportunity.

Lin Ting was also among the spectators. She swore she wasn’t usually nosy, but entertainment was scarce, making even minor events widely discussed.

That morning, while eating breakfast, Lin Ting listened to her mother-in-law, who had just returned from the supply store, share the latest gossip.

Huo Xiao cut a boiled egg, took the yolk for himself since his wife disliked it, and handed her the egg white. “This won’t last long. Political Commissar Liu won’t let it continue.”

Previously, few knew about Liu Wenyan’s interest in Captain Cao. Now that it was public, her father would suppress the rumors.

The only question was whether Liu Wenyan would back down.

“We’re just spectators, but Xiao Cao is unlucky. Good thing you married Tingting. If my daughter-in-law were like Liu Wenyan, I don’t know how I’d survive,” Hu Xiu said as she prepared a small box with biscuits and candies.

Handing it to Lin Ting, she explained, “Teaching isn’t easy; you have to stand a lot. Here are some snacks if you get hungry. They’re not as good as homemade ones—I’ll make red date cakes later.”

Lin Ting sniffled, stepped forward to hug her mother-in-law, and said playfully, “Mom, why are you so nice?”

Hu Xiu had never experienced this kind of affection before. Her face turned red, and she pushed Lin Ting away in embarrassment. “Go away, go away! You’re so clingy, and you’re not a child anymore.”

Even so, when she saw Lin Ting picking up her bag to leave, she still followed, holding the twins’ hands. “Do you want me to take you to school?” she asked with concern.

Lin Ting chuckled. “Mom, I’m not a child anymore. Don’t worry, I’ll be back by noon.”

Huo Xiao added, “Mom, I’ll take Tingting to school.”

Hu Xiu relaxed upon hearing that. “That’s good. It’s her first day at work, after all.”

It wasn’t actually Lin Ting’s first day, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she bent down and kissed the twins on their cheeks. “Be good and listen to Grandma. If you behave, I’ll tell you the story of the Great Sage^[3]refers to Sun Wukong, the main character in Journey to the West, a famous Chinese novel. when I get back.”

Miaomiao, always quiet and obedient, nodded. Guoguo, on the other hand, looked excited. “I’m the best! Mommy, come back soon!”

“Okay! I’ll be home by lunchtime!” Lin Ting promised.

On the way to school, she glanced at her husband and suggested, “Tonight, when the brigade commander invites you to dinner, you should discuss the twins’ kindergarten with Mrs. Pang.”

Huo Xiao’s gaze drifted to his wife’s waist, made even slimmer by the belt she wore. “It’s time to talk about that,” he agreed.

Lin Ting, unaware of his distraction, smiled. “I think we’ll both be busy soon. If the twins start kindergarten, they’ll meet new friends, and Mom will get some rest too.”

Huo Xiao nodded. “You’re right.”

Lin Ting noticed him glancing at her repeatedly in just a couple of minutes. She assumed it was because she looked good in her outfit. Proudly, she asked, “I look good, right? If I were a soldier, I’d be pretty impressive too!”

To match the image of female soldiers she had seen on posters, she had tied her hair into two pigtails. The dress she wore was one her mother-in-law had made last year, but she hadn’t worn it before because of the cold weather. Now, since she was going to teach at a military middle school, she had ironed it last night, borrowed a belt from her husband, and put it on.

Huo Xiao’s eyes followed her graceful figure, thinking she looked more like a dancer than a soldier. Smiling, he said, “I’ll teach you how to march when we get back to the house tonight.”