Chapter 30: Can’t Wait a Moment

Yu Zian was a curious little guy. Usually, after meeting Song Huaiwen, he wouldn’t know when he’d get to see him again—maybe not until some far-off time.

“Really?” he asked with a puzzled look.

Yu Hongfang smiled. Of course it’s true—your future aunt is still here, after all.

Since the kids were still young, he didn’t want to say too much in front of them, so as not to spoil them.

The Song family patriarch lived in the Army Headquarters’ military family compound. Among the children, only Song Huaiwen was unmarried and still living at home. The others had moved out shortly after getting married, occasionally bringing their kids back to stay for a few days.

Now only Song Huaiwen remained living at home.

It was the weekend. Song Huaixi and his wife Gan Nianwei brought their son and daughter to visit their father-in-law, Song Qi.

“Dad, what does the fourth brother’s girlfriend look like?” Song Huaixi asked, gossiping.

Song Qi frowned, his newspaper trembling slightly in his hands. He glared at his second son and said gruffly, “Are you like this at work too?”

“Of course not! I’m just curious,” Song Huaixi replied.

Song Huaixi was the director of the Yandu Economic Committee. Usually, he had a serious, official demeanor, but only around family did his curious and gossiping side show.

He stroked his chin and continued guessing aloud: “Mom’s been wearing herself out talking about the fourth brother’s marriage, but he hasn’t agreed to anything yet. Now that he’s suddenly got a girlfriend, anyone would be curious.”

“I heard from our third sister that the girl is the star performer of their troupe. She must be talented and gentle—only a girl like that could tame our fourth brother, that wild horse.”

The more he talked, the more excited he got. But the old man was growing more and more displeased.

After hearing from their daughter that their youngest son had a girlfriend, the couple was overjoyed. The old man even called the fourth son, asking him to bring her home for a visit, but the rascal flatly refused.

Actually, Song Huaiwen wanted to bring Shen Nanqing home, but she said she didn’t want to marry so soon—she just wanted to enjoy their sweet romance for now.

He respected Shen Nanqing’s wishes. If she wanted to date, he would accompany her. If she wanted to marry, he would marry her immediately.

He avoided bringing her home to prevent any pressure from family. As long as she was happy, that was all that mattered.

Unaware of these complications, the old man assumed his youngest son was some kind of player who only dated without the intention to marry, and thus he never showed him a friendly face.

The more the old man thought about it, the angrier he got. He put down his newspaper, grabbed a cold herbal tea from the table, and took two big gulps to calm himself down a bit.

In the kitchen, Gan Nianwei, who was helping out, overheard the conversation. Her eyes lit up as she quietly asked, “Mom, have you met the fourth brother’s girlfriend?”

Song Qi was more easygoing about this. As long as his son was seeing someone, he was already very pleased and prayed for their happiness.

People would meet sooner or later—there was no need to rush.

“No, I haven’t met her yet, but I heard from Xiaozhi that she’s an outstanding girl,” Song Qi smiled.

Speaking of the devil, here she comes.

The family compound where Song Huaizhi lived was only about an hour’s drive from the old man’s place. Song Huaiwen had come by bus, so it took a bit longer.

The old man glanced at Song Huaiwen standing at the door and snorted coldly. He pretended to read his newspaper but his ears perked up.

Song Huaixi peeked behind the newcomer and saw it was only his younger brother. He felt a bit disappointed.

He stood up and stepped forward, throwing an arm around Song Huaiwen’s shoulder, asking, “Why are you alone? Where’s your girlfriend?”

---

“She went to the grassroots to perform for the troops,” Song Huaiwen said, leaning forward slightly to dodge the arm his second brother reached out to put around him.

The weekend bus was packed, and the hot weather made it feel like a steam room. Song Huaiwen’s clothes were soaked with sweat, and he felt like he was being marinated in the unpleasant smells on the bus.

Song Huaixi missed his chance to grab him but didn’t mind and kept asking, “Then after the performance is over, bring her back so we can meet! Your sister-in-law is pretty curious about your girlfriend.”

“We’ll see,” Song Huaiwen answered lightly, unbuttoning his shirt with one hand as he prepared to go upstairs and shower. He was just too hot.

The old man’s newspaper remained unmoved on the table as he quietly listened to the brothers’ conversation. Hearing Song Huaiwen’s indifferent response, his anger flared up again instantly. He slammed the newspaper on the table, stood up with hands behind his back, and started to walk out.

Song Huaiwen paid no attention to the old man’s anger. At his age, acting all grumpy and cold was like a child throwing a tantrum.

As he stepped up the stairs, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked down at Song Huaixi. “Second brother, isn’t your childhood friend the police station director?”

“Yes!” Song Huaixi was a little surprised by the sudden question but quickly recovered, his expression changing. “Something happened?”

“No. I want to look someone up. Give me their contact info later.”

Song Huaixi let out a small breath of relief. “Okay.”

Today was Shen Nanqing’s fourth grassroots performance.

The temporary stage was simple, and the backstage was even more cramped. Costumes and props were scattered everywhere in disarray, and the air was thick with the mixed scents of sweat and makeup.

Shen Nanqing had already changed into her performance outfit and was applying makeup to the other performers.

The troupe’s makeup was generally heavy, with bright, exaggerated blush that looked like a monkey’s red butt—something Shen Nanqing really didn’t appreciate. So she insisted on doing her own makeup.

At first, some people mocked her for being picky. But when she stood up after finishing her makeup, the whole backstage went quiet.

She stunned everyone.

Shen Nanqing’s features were already outstanding, and with the refined makeup, she shone even brighter—preserving her unique characteristics while adding the vividness needed for the stage.

Those who had made snide remarks were utterly proven wrong.

Everyone loves to look beautiful, and Shen Nanqing naturally took over doing everyone’s makeup. After a few performances, her relationships in the troupe clearly improved.

Just then, the previously noisy backstage suddenly quieted as a tall figure appeared at the door.

He wore a military uniform and stood straight and proud, seeming completely out of place amid the noisy, chaotic backstage.

Shen Nanqing was focused on applying eyeshadow to a performer and hadn’t noticed the scene. It was another troupe member who caught sight of Song Huaiwen’s reflection in the mirror and tugged at Shen Nanqing’s sleeve.

“Am I being too rough?” Shen Nanqing stopped her work and asked.

The troupe member shook her head and pointed outside.

Following her gaze, a rush of joy filled Shen Nanqing’s heart. She handed her eyeshadow palette to someone nearby to continue, confident that after her crash course, most of the girls could manage on their own.

She hurried over to Song Huaiwen and, unable to help herself, pulled him to a quiet corner, her voice a bit excited: “Why did you come?”

Song Huaiwen always knew she was pretty, but seeing her made up was breathtaking. His eyes were full of admiration and affection as he replied, “My sister has stomach problems. Mom knows she’s out at the grassroots and worries she’ll get so busy she’ll forget to eat, so she had me bring some food over.”

At that moment, Song Huaizhi, who was coordinating timing with others, sneezed: “Huh? Who’s talking about me?”

“I also brought some for you,” Song Huaiwen said, unloading the backpack from behind him.