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As a special recruit with no background, he had entered solely because of his good looks. Naturally, he had faced resistance from those with real qualifications.
For him to establish himself so quickly, it meant he had worked hard and had real talent.
Lin Ting wanted to ask more—was he eating well? Had he adjusted to the living conditions? Was he getting along with his peers?
Unfortunately, time was short. They exchanged a few more words before the operator signaled the call’s end.
Even though there was much left unsaid, Lin Ting couldn’t help but feel excited.
Everyone was working toward a better future…
“…Is that so? I think so too.”
“If you ask me, she may not be pretty, but her thoughts are pure. Doesn’t Liu Wenyan ever look in the mirror? How dare she chase after Captain Cao?”
“Even Captain Cao himself isn’t interested in her. She’s just clinging onto him without taking action—it’s really frustrating.”
“Well, it’s all over now. Captain Cao is being transferred. Such a shame. I was hoping to introduce my eldest niece to him.”
“Everyone knows Captain Cao is a good catch. Who can blame him? With a father like his, who would dare compete?”
“Hey, Feiyan, isn’t that hypocritical? I’ve seen you cozying up to Political Commissar Liu’s eldest daughter lately. Should you really be saying that?”
Ding Feiyan wiped her tears. “What can I do? My husband is just a deputy chief of staff with no real power. He pursued me first—how could I refuse?”
No one believed her, but as neighbors, they chose not to argue over it.
Later that evening, Lin Ting and her mother-in-law set out for the military camp. On their way, they passed through a quieter area of the family compound and overheard a conversation among a few military wives.
Lin Ting exchanged a glance with her mother-in-law, both finding the gossip ridiculous. Unlike Lin Ting, who rarely socialized in the compound, Hu Xiu was well-connected and immediately identified the voices. She eagerly whispered the names to Lin Ting, excitement in her tone.
Lin Ting twitched her lips, amused by her mother-in-law’s enthusiasm. But she wasn’t interested in meddling, so she quickly pulled Hu Xiu away, despite her obvious regret at leaving mid-eavesdrop.
Still, Lin Ting had heard about Ding Feiyan’s recent desperation to ingratiate herself with Liu Wenyan and Wen Hui’s family.
Honestly, she didn’t despise such efforts—people did what they had to for survival. Liu Wenyan and Wen Hui’s family were not easy to please. Ding Feiyan had gone to great lengths, practically sacrificing her pride, just to secure her husband’s military career. Not everyone could do that—Lin Ting certainly couldn’t.
However, publicly flattering someone while badmouthing them in private was disgraceful.
Then again, neither side was particularly likable, so there was no reason to feel sympathetic.
As Lin Ting smirked to herself, she noticed a familiar figure in the dark. “Principal Huang!”
Principal Huang, coming from the single dormitory, turned his flashlight toward them. The three then made their way together to the brigade commander’s office.
Brigadier General Wei had just returned, covered in mud. Unconcerned with appearances, he motioned for them to sit as he hastily finished a steamed bun.
After downing half a cup of tea, he finally looked at them. Lin Ting and Hu Xiu felt a pang of sympathy—despite being a brigade commander, he didn’t even eat as well as they did.
His uniform was so filthy it was nearly unrecognizable, proof that he had spent the afternoon working in the disaster zone. Thinking about their own husbands and sons still helping people, their hearts grew heavier.
“Why didn’t you go home to eat? No matter how busy you are, you need to take care of yourself,” Principal Huang scolded, knowing full well that Wei hadn’t had the time. Still, with most soldiers suffering from stomach issues, he couldn’t help but remind him.
Brigadier Wei waved it off. “It’s nothing. Soldiers at the grassroots level eat like this all the time.” He clearly didn’t want to waste time on trivial matters. Instead, he got straight to business. “The issue has been handled. You and your classmate don’t need to reach out to the factory anymore. The division commander has already arranged for several major city factories to accept you as military representatives. How does that sound? Also, all translation earnings will go directly to you.”
Lin Ting’s heart leaped with joy—this was better than she had hoped!
With the division’s backing, they wouldn’t be seen as seeking handouts. Instead, they would be treated with respect. More importantly, if anyone criticized this arrangement in the future, the division would bear responsibility, not her. That distinction made all the difference.
The more she thought about it, the happier she became. Eagerly, she asked, “When should I go?” She didn’t want anyone else to claim the opportunity first.
Brigadier Wei smiled. “Tomorrow morning. The troops will drive you there. Oh, and you won’t be alone—reporters from Tianjin newspapers and the division’s Propaganda Department will be following along. Is that okay with you?”
“Of course!” Lin Ting was surprised by the speed, but this was an incredible opportunity—how could she refuse?
Wei, pleased by her enthusiasm, threw in another benefit. “On your way back from the factory, the reporters will stop by the disaster zone to take photos and conduct interviews. You can bring some food for Xiao Huo.”
Lin Ting hesitated. “Will that be inappropriate?”
Wei waved dismissively. “It’s fine. The locals often send food to the soldiers. Just don’t linger too long.”
Lin Ting was thrilled. “Thank you, Brigadier!”
She would get to see Huo Xiao on the way!
Back home, she and her mother-in-law rummaged through drawers, thinking of what food to bring.
They couldn’t just prepare something for Huo Xiao alone, but feeding the entire group was impractical.
As they struggled with the decision, Lin Qing suggested, “Why not fry some fruit? It’s small but juicy. Each soldier could get one or two—not enough to fill them, but at least a treat.”
It was a great idea, but it would require a lot of oil.
Still, they decided it was worth the effort to show appreciation to the soldiers on the front lines.
Finally, to ensure every soldier got more noodles, they not only used all their own but also borrowed from familiar neighbors.
The aroma of fried fruits lingered until late at night before fading.
Lin Ting helped for two hours before her mother-in-law and eldest sister sent her back to rest.
There were two reasons:
一 Pregnant women shouldn’t stay up late.
一 She had to work as a translator at the factory the next day, a great honor for the family, so she needed enough sleep to present herself well.
With the fragrance of fruit and excitement for tomorrow, Lin Ting fell asleep.
***
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