Chapter 24: Seeing Dad, We’ll Have a Place to Live

Lu Zhengan skimmed the rest of the letter, his attention fixated on the first sentence.  He reread it several times, shocked.

His memory of Su Yuanyuan was hazy, but he remembered her as soft-spoken and frail due to ill health. He could believe she couldn’t work, but he didn’t believe she’d run off with another man.

But then he thought of Song Han’s words.  He hadn’t been home in over three years; he’d even forgotten what she looked like. A woman, especially a sickly one, alone in the village for years, must have suffered.

If the man treated Su Yuanyuan well, Lu Zhengan wouldn’t condemn her actions.

“Lu, they’re waiting,” Song Han called from a distance.

The mission was urgent; they were leaving in half an hour.

“Alright,” Lu Zhengan put the letter away. He’d deal with family matters after the mission sending money home, filing for divorce granting Su Yuanyuan her freedom.

Since he’d started, he might as well read both letters. He wanted to know why they were sent separately and what the second one said.

Opening the second letter, Lu Zhengan froze, a look of surprise in his eyes. It was from his wife.

“My husband, Lu Zhengan, I am your wife, Su Yuanyuan…”

Su Yuanyuan didn’t mention family matters, only their long separation and her decision to leave home and find him, intending to live with him in Beijing and not return to the village.

The letter was short, simply stating her plans to join him, without mentioning family issues.

The two letters contained contradictory information.

Lu Zhengan was confused. Which one was true?

He checked the time. Both letters were from Bajiao County, but sent on different days.

Su Yuanyuan’s letter asked him to meet her at the station, but he’d been on a mission and hadn’t received it.

She should have arrived in Beijing by now, but he had an urgent mission and couldn’t go find her.

There must be a misunderstanding. He’d talk to her when she arrived.

Remembering their brief time together, Lu Zhengan found it hard to believe she’d run off with another man.

If she had, it meant she’d suffered greatly. He’d been too busy and neglected her. A sickly woman in the village would face gossip and judgment.

He sent most of his salary home to ensure she was cared for.

But he hadn’t been home in over three years. He knew his parents and brother’s personalities.

Whether she came to join him or to finalize a divorce, he’d handle it after the mission.

Lu Zhengan quickly put away the letters.  He saw Han Xiao walking by.

“Lao Han,” Lu Zhengan called him over.

Lao Han wasn’t on this mission; this was convenient.

“Zhengan, aren’t you leaving?” Lao Han was surprised he hadn’t gone to assemble.

“Lao Han, do me a favor. Check the various unit lobbies. If someone claiming to be my wife comes looking for me, and they have their marriage certificate or a letter of introduction, please arrange for her to stay at the house I applied for in the family housing area.”

Lu Zhengan paused, adding, “She’s frail and unwell. The house isn’t fully furnished yet.  Take this money; get her whatever she needs.  I’ll reimburse you later if it’s not enough.”

Lu Zhengan had applied for housing in the family quarters some time ago, already considering having his wife join him.

A letter from home the previous year mentioned his wife’s poor health, and he’d been worried.  It would be better to have her closer.

If Su Yuanyuan wasn’t there to discuss a divorce, she could stay in the family quarters, and they could live together in Beijing.

The house wasn’t ready yet, and this urgent mission meant he had no time to spare.

His comrades knew he had a wife but hadn’t met her; he rarely mentioned her.

This was unprecedented.  Lao Han readily accepted the money. “Leave it to me. Focus on your mission; I’ll keep an eye out.”

They often helped each other; excessive politeness was awkward.

“Lu!” Song Han called urgently.

“Thanks, I have to go,” Lu Zhengan thanked Han Xiao and hurried to catch up with Song Han.  It was almost time to leave.

“Lu, what’s going on at home? If you need help, just ask.”

They reached the assembly point; their gear had been taken there by their comrades.

Lu Zhengan shook his head. “My wife is coming to Beijing to join me.”

Song Han stumbled, regaining his balance before exclaiming, “That’s great!  No couple should be separated for years.  Is she arriving soon?”

He’d seen Lu Zhengan’s urgent conversation with Lao Han.

Lu Zhengan nodded, hoping the mission would end quickly so he could return.

Their comrades were already on the truck.  After confirming their presence, Lu Zhengan sat in the passenger seat, and Song Han in the back.

The truck left the base and sped towards its destination.

Passing the Beijing train station, Lu Zhengan glanced towards it, wondering if his wife had arrived.

…

“Achoo!” Su Yuanyuan sneezed, washing her hands and bringing out the cooked noodles.

She’d made vegetable noodle soup, small portions to maintain her “pitiful” appearance.

The portions were small, but the broth was rich, with a few drops of oil, making it fragrant.

The children ate well, washing their hands and eating politely without prompting. Su Yuanyuan ate her noodles as well.

The Beijing autumn air was dry and cold. Su Yuanyuan wanted to apply some cream to her children’s faces, but she wanted them to look delicate when they met Lu Zhengan, not like they’d been suffering.

She applied a little; chapped skin wouldn’t do.

After eating, Su Yuanyuan cleaned up. Lu Mingzhu and Lu Siyuan had washed their faces and hands and were sitting patiently.

Seeing them so well-behaved, Su Yuanyuan found it amusing. “You’re eager to see Daddy?”

Both children nodded in unison. “When we see Daddy, we’ll have a place to live.”

Su Yuanyuan chuckled, hugging them and kissing their foreheads.

“Let’s go find Daddy and see which unit he’s in.”