Chapter 94.1

Just as Quartermaster Luo was about to explain things to Wen Nuan, General Xu and Political Commissar Li arrived, followed by Gu Qinghan and Liang Guoan.

In an instant, Quartermaster Luo’s already cramped office felt even more crowded. The atmosphere shifted to one of seriousness and pressure due to the presence of the high-ranking leaders.

Wen Nuan and Quartermaster Luo both stood up, exclaiming in unison, “General Xu, Political Commissar Li.”

“Sit down, sit down, no need to be formal,” General Xu waved his hand, signaling them to take a seat. “I just came to have a meal with the Flight Team comrades and to take a look at your factory.”

Wen Nuan did not dare to sit; she offered her seat to Political Commissar Li, while Quartermaster Luo relinquished his chair to General Xu.

The two leaders then sat down as well, and there was one empty chair left in the office, which everyone insisted the only female comrade present should occupy.

General Xu looked at Wen Nuan and said, “Comrade Wen Nuan, you have unconditionally developed so many good things for the army and provided such convenient ingredients for the Border Defense troops’ research institute. On behalf of our Border Defense soldiers, I would like to express my gratitude to you.”

When the factory was established, it was to solve the logistical difficulties faced by the research institute. At that time, he had taken a chance, letting the Kitchen Unit operate freely.

He had not expected that Wen Nuan would research frozen dumplings and various quick dishes. This not only solved the problems faced by the Border Defense troops and the research institute due to environmental challenges but also created considerable income for the troops.

General Xu intended to publicly commend her at the Spring Festival gala, but he also wanted to personally thank her.

Moreover, General Xu had heard that Wen Nuan had shared the method for making down jackets with the border troops in the northwest, and Major General Shen had given her a certain technical fee for it.

With Major General Shen setting this precedent, it could be considered a demonstration for their troops.

Since Wen Nuan received compensation for providing a method for down jackets, how could they not express their gratitude for all the effort she had put into the factory?

Wen Nuan glanced at Gu Qinghan, who stood nearby, his eyes filled with pride. He offered her a look of trust, urging her to speak her mind.

Wen Nuan then stood up and said, “General Xu, you are too polite. As a military wife, this is my duty. Moreover, I have only made a small contribution; the real effort comes from the comrades working in the factory.”

Wen Nuan glanced at a document on the desk and boldly continued, “Regarding the profit-sharing, I think General Xu could reconsider.”

Just a moment ago, she had quickly seen that General Xu intended to allocate thirty percent of the factory’s net profit to her.

The factory was still small-scale, but if it were to truly develop, it would become a significant asset with the surrounding Border Defense troops, generating a substantial amount of income in the future.

Moreover, receiving a large share would attract even more attention, making it easy for others to become envious and scheming.

Most importantly, Wen Nuan had her own plans—she might not stay in the North forever.

Hearing Wen Nuan’s words, General Xu looked at her and smiled, “You are a selfless comrade, and your awareness makes you a source of pride for our Air Force.”

“It’s precisely because of your selflessness that the troops cannot remain idle, for we must not let any soldier or their family feel neglected. Without you, there would be no factory today. So, you should sign this profit-sharing agreement.”

As he spoke, General Xu placed the agreement in front of Wen Nuan. Political Commissar Li, seeing this, pulled a pen from his pocket and handed it to her.

Wen Nuan accepted the pen from Political Commissar Li but did not sign it right away; instead, she placed it on top of the agreement.

She looked at the two leaders and said, “General Xu, Political Commissar Li, 30% is too much. I only need 10%; the other can be used to upgrade the factory’s equipment. As for the remaining 10%, I think it should be distributed according to the labor contributed by each comrade in the factory and those who helped from the Kitchen Unit. It would be like giving everyone a year-end bonus.”

After finishing her words, Wen Nuan smiled and asked, “What do you think? Is that acceptable?”

Everyone present was momentarily stunned, while only Gu Qinghan looked at his wife with a slight smile—as if he had already guessed Wen Nuan’s purpose.

If everyone shared in the profit, naturally, there would be no imbalance among them.

People from outside wouldn’t target only Wen Nuan, as all these agreements were confidential.

Moreover, by saying that the distribution would be based on labor, it meant that the exact amounts each person would receive would still be unknown, maintaining confidentiality.

Every employee in the factory would benefit from this, and in the end, Wen Nuan would earn the support of everyone, making it a win-win situation.

General Xu and Political Commissar Li exchanged glances.

They had considered that Wen Nuan wouldn’t want such a large share, but they never expected her to distribute a portion of her profits to everyone in the factory.

Unable to hold back, they asked, “Are you sure?”

Wen Nuan smiled and nodded, “I’m sure.”

No one noticed Quartermaster Luo standing nearby, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Wen Nuan…

Was she really trying to secure benefits for the entire Kitchen Unit and the factory?

This windfall had clearly fallen to her alone, yet she chose to share it with everyone.

Such generosity and noble qualities were something Quartermaster Luo believed he could never achieve.

Deep admiration for her welled up inside him.

It wasn’t just Quartermaster Luo; General Xu and Political Commissar Li couldn’t help but study the young, upright woman before them, whose gentle yet determined gaze impressed them. They all gave her a thumbs-up.

General Xu clapped his hands decisively, saying, “Alright, let’s proceed according to Wen Nuan’s suggestion. Old Li, you can revise the agreement tomorrow!”

Then, General Xu turned to Quartermaster Luo and said, “Little Luo, it’s your good fortune that Comrade Wen Nuan is assigned to your Kitchen Unit.”

Suddenly called out, Quartermaster Luo, a grown man, found himself choking up. “I… I…”

“Really, thank you so much, Comrade Wen Nuan.”

Straightening his posture, Quartermaster Luo raised his right arm and saluted Wen Nuan. “Comrade Wen Nuan, I represent every comrade in the Kitchen Unit and the factory in thanking you!”

Wen Nuan smiled back at him and said, “Quartermaster Luo, you’re being too formal; I’m not used to it. But I want to thank you as well. We are partners in this endeavor, and it’s your support that has made this factory possible.”

Wen Nuan rarely saw such a serious side of Quartermaster Luo. Usually, in the kitchen, everyone got along heartily, and he was often the target of Old Zhong’s teasing—the two of them acting like clowns.

In the Kitchen Unit, they don’t care much about the class or position, everyone was treated equally, which was something Wen Nuan particularly appreciated.

Hearing Wen Nuan’s words, Quartermaster Luo suddenly felt bashful. The fact that she considered him a partner in their mission filled him with excitement.

He wanted to shake her hand, but before he could step forward, Gu Qinghan interjected, “Old Luo, that’s enough.”

Quartermaster Luo scratched the back of his head and chuckled, “Well, I just got a bit too emotional!”

Wen Nuan laughed and tugged on Gu Qinghan’s sleeve, urging him not to make things difficult for Quartermaster Luo.

Observing the interactions among the group, General Xu stood up and walked toward the door, sighing, “Ah, had I known, I would have let Comrade Wen Nuan join our army earlier…”

Wen Nuan thought it might be better not to; given her physique, she probably couldn’t even do ten push-ups.

Everything was still good now.

—o—o—o—

After General Xu returned to the office, he called Beijing and said, “General Lu, your granddaughter Wen Nuan is truly a great comrade; she has your charm.”

General Lu was a bit puzzled. What had happened to his granddaughter in the North?

Why hadn’t anyone informed him?

He put down the documents he was holding and urged, “Quickly, tell me what happened to Xiao Nuan!”

Recently, Wen Nuan had been busy and hadn’t called him; all the messages had come through that boy Gu Qinghan.

If it weren’t for his own busy schedule, he would have visited the North to see his granddaughter and great-granddaughter long ago!

When Xiao Zhang entered General Lu’s office, he saw the commander smiling so wide his eyes nearly closed. General Lu kept saying, “Of course! Just look at whose granddaughter she is!”

“Xiao Nuan is my granddaughter; she doesn’t resemble anyone but me!”

He thought for a moment, then turned back to his drawer and pulled out the most challenging document he had to deal with today, planning to let General Lu handle this matter first.

At this moment, there was no need to feel anxious about asking General Lu to handle the most difficult issue.

Xiao Zhang silently wished for good news about Comrade Wen Nuan from the North!

Hehehe!

—o—o—o—

Wen Nuan and Gu Qinghan returned to the family compound with Lele.

Throughout the journey, Wen Nuan felt a bit unreal, even when Lele spoke to her, she seemed somewhat out of touch.

Fortunately, Lele had hawthorn cakes to eat, so he didn’t fuss over Wen Nuan’s distraction.

After walking for a while, Wen Nuan finally asked the man holding their child beside her, “Do you think I’m being foolish?”

After all, it was money!

Gu Qinghan slowed his pace, looked at her and smiled before shaking his head, “No, you must have conducted thorough analysis on various aspects.”

Gu Qinghan was not surprised at all that Wen Nuan would act this way. With so many eyes watching in the family compound, receiving too many benefits might not necessarily be a good thing.

Moreover, Wen Nuan had secured benefits for the comrades in the factory; from a long-term perspective, it was definitely more advantageous than disadvantageous.

As they approached home and given the freezing weather, there were not many people around. Gu Qinghan reached out to hold his wife’s hand and said, “Whatever decision you make, I will support you.”

Wen Nuan felt the warmth from his fingertips and smiled, “Thank you. You’re really great.”

—o—o—o—

When they got home, Lele went to turn on the radio, eager to listen to the broadcast.

Wen Nuan took off her coat, which had collected a bit of snow, and suddenly grabbed Gu Qinghan, who was heading to the kitchen. She looked at him and said, “Qinghan, come here.”

Gu Qinghan, though a bit puzzled, approached her. As soon as he locked eyes with her bright, dark ones, Wen Nuan smiled and said, “Lower your head.”

Gu Qinghan obediently followed her instruction. The closer he got to her face, the more obvious his smile became.

“Lower it a bit more.”

“Lower it even more!”

As Gu Qinghan found himself face-to-face with Wen Nuan, his heart raced.

Just as he thought Wen Nuan was about to give him a sweet kiss, she suddenly pinched his cheek.

Gu Qinghan winced slightly, feeling a twinge of pain. Confused, he looked at her and thought, “??? ”

Wen Nuan laughed joyfully, then cupped Gu Qinghan’s face in her hands, kissing each side before saying, “So you do feel pain. That means I’m not dreaming!”

“???”

Gu Qinghan was amused by Wen Nuan’s adorable demeanor. As she started to pull away, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pinched her palm gently, and lowered his head to do what he had wanted to do.

“Fool, it’s real. Can’t you feel it?” he said, then leaned down to softly kiss her rosy lips.

Wen Nuan was held tightly in his embrace, and she rose up on her toes to respond to him. However, he didn’t give her a chance to breathe, completely enveloping her soft protest.

Wen Nuan had no choice but to reach up and clutch his broad shoulders, moving in rhythm with him.

The cold wind howled outside, but the room was filled with warmth. When Wen Nuan felt the constraints around her chest loosen, his warm hand pressed against her heart, making her shift a bit awkwardly.

Just as Gu Qinghan moved in closer, Lele suddenly called out, watching their entwined figures, “Dad, Mom, are you planning to have a little baby?”

Wen Nuan instinctively pushed away Gu Qinghan, whose face was slightly flushed. Covering her slightly swollen lips, she denied, “Of course not!”

Perhaps still a bit too excited from earlier, her words sounded somewhat sulky.

Lele cupped her chubby cheeks with both hands, furrowing her brow. “But Auntie said that kissing will make you have a little baby.”

Wen Nuan: “…”

She couldn’t believe Gu Qinglan, a nurse, was spreading such nonsense!

Wen Nuan gently patted the child’s soft, plump face and smiled, “Don’t listen to your Auntie. It’s not like that.”

“Exactly!” Gu Qinghan, who had finally regained his composure, chimed in, “Your Auntie is just talking nonsense.”

“Really?” Hearing her dad and mom, Lele pulled over a little stool, gazing up at them with curiosity. “Then how do you get a little baby?”

Gu Qinghan was at a loss for words; this wasn’t exactly his area of expertise, so he chose to remain silent.

However, Wen Nuan crouched down to meet Lele’s eyes and asked seriously, “Lele, do you want a little baby?”

Lele, hearing this question, wrapped her arms around Wen Nuan’s neck and nodded eagerly, “Mm!”

“Really?” Wen Nuan lifted her up and walked towards the sofa, brushing her cheek against Lele’s. “Then we’ll have to live with the little baby, eat, and sleep together, okay?”

“Of course!” Lele’s smile grew even brighter. Her round eyes squinted into little crescents as she tilted her head and said, “A little baby is part of our family!”

Wen Nuan was taken aback by Lele’s words. Perhaps the child had heard it from someone else, or maybe, at such a young age, she was already beginning to understand the meaning of family.

Wen Nuan had seen many parents tell their children: “If Mom has a little brother/sister, she won’t love you as much,” or “You won’t be needed anymore with a new baby…”

Little ones often don’t understand; they are like blank slates. Whatever you say to them, whatever lessons you teach, will leave an imprint.

Gu Qinghan leaned against the wall, arms crossed, listening to their conversation, and slowly a smile spread across his face.

Wen Nuan exchanged a glance with him before teasingly looking back at Lele, asking, “If Mom doesn’t have as much time for you after the little baby comes, will you be unhappy?”

Lele’s dark eyes rolled as she contemplated the question. Looking up at her mom, she quietly asked, “But will Mom still love Lele?”

“Mom will always love Lele.” Wen Nuan held her tightly, planting a firm kiss on her slightly red, chubby cheek from the cold. “Forever and ever.”

Wen Nuan basically told her child that she loved her every day.

Although many people were shy about expressing love, Wen Nuan was not at all stingy with that phrase.

“Lele also loves Mom,” Lele exclaimed happily, hugging Wen Nuan’s neck and planting a kiss on her cheek, grinning as she said, “Mom is the best!”

Gu Qinghan walked over and embraced both his wife and child in his arms, smiling as he said, “There’s still me, you know.”

Lele found herself sandwiched between Dad and Mom once again, her chubby little face squished like a dumpling. Annoyed, she pushed her dad and huffed, “Dad, don’t squeeze!”

Gu Qinghan couldn’t help but laugh, grabbing Lele’s hand and tickling her palm, saying, “You’re being biased again. You didn’t say you loved Dad.”

Lele pouted, shaking her head like a rattle drum, and declared, “I don’t love Dad!”

“Hmm?” Gu Qinghan was not going to let her off that easily this time. He furrowed his brow and asked, “Why not? Is Dad not good to you?”

Lele immediately threw herself into Wen Nuan’s embrace, holding on tightly before stealing a glance at Gu Qinghan.

“Because Dad, you can’t have babies…”

After saying this, she buried her face in Wen Nuan’s arms, laughing uncontrollably.

Wen Nuan was also amused by Lele, holding her and glancing at Gu Qinghan, recalling how Sister Ju had previously suspected that her man was not capable in that regard…

Gu Qinghan reached out and tugged at Lele’s braid. Over the year, Lele’s hair had grown significantly, now reaching her neck. Wen Nuan tied two cute little braids for her every day.

Gu Qinghan helplessly remarked, “You’re just biased.”

Lele hugged Wen Nuan’s shoulders and smiled, whispering to her, “Lele is biased toward Mom, hehe.”

Wen Nuan laughed happily.

Gu Qinghan huffed, no longer wanting to speak.

Lele was perceptive and realized that Gu Qinghan was upset. She wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling her head against his shoulder, and sweetly said, “Dad, don’t be angry.”

“Even if you can’t have babies, I still love you.” Then Lele held up a few fingers and cheerfully declared, “I love you a hundred percent!”

This time, Gu Qinghan was completely defeated. He embraced Lele and kissed her cheek, saying, “Thank you, Dad loves you too.”

—o—o—o—

After putting Lele to sleep at night, Wen Nuan still felt wide awake.

She turned on her side to look at the man lying beside her. Leaning closer to him, she lowered her voice and asked, “Qinghan, can I discuss something with you?”

Gu Qinghan raised a hand, resting it behind his head. Hearing Wen Nuan speak, he turned slightly to glance at her, then silently extended a foot, inviting her to rest hers on it.

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

Wen Nuan skillfully placed her foot on his leg. Her feet were no longer so cold; she had soaked them before bed, and now, with their limbs touching, they felt warm together.

Wen Nuan let out a soft “Hmm” and took a moment before asking, “Do you want to have another child?”

Her voice was low and gentle, her breath brushing against him like hair tickling his ear, which felt a bit tingly.

Feeling her draw closer, Gu Qinghan adjusted his position to face her.

His eyesight was good; even in the darkness, he could see Wen Nuan’s eyes wide open, looking at him. He placed a hand on her waist and softly said, “Wife, this is something you should consider yourself; you’re the one who decides on this matter.”

Actually, since Sister Guihua had her baby, Lele had been bringing up the topic of little babies around them. Wen Nuan must have had some thoughts on it already.

Noticing she was silent, Gu Qinghan tightened his hold on her and lowered his voice further, saying, “You don’t need to listen to Lele or worry about what others say. If you feel that one child is enough, then we won’t have any more.”

In the dark, Wen Nuan reached out and touched Gu Qinghan’s face, unable to resist teasing him, “Don’t you want a son?”

There were so many who favored boys over girls; even in their neighborhood, it was common. Those who had several daughters were often pressured to try for a boy.

Although Gu Qinghan was not like other men who held traditional views, doing his share of housework and caring for children, it seemed he had never expressed an opinion about wanting a son.

So, taking this opportunity, Wen Nuan decided to ask him.

In the darkness, Gu Qinghan slightly curved his lips into a smile and replied, “Our chief said, one child is not too few, two is just right; it doesn’t matter if it’s a daughter or a son. In the end, it’s still just the two of us living together.”

Gu Qinghan had considered it, but since Wen Nuan had never brought it up, he assumed she didn’t want another child.

Since she didn’t want one, then there was no need for it.

After all, one Lele was more than enough; she was so obedient and adorable.

“Oh.” Wen Nuan felt relieved.

She then turned over, lay on Gu Qinghan, kissed him softly, and slowly said, “Then… why don’t we have another child?”

She leaned in closer to his ear and whispered, “You don’t need to use that thing anymore.”

Wen Nuan had thought it through.

Since the college entrance exam hasn’t resumed yet, and Lele was about to start kindergarten, it seemed like a good time.

More importantly, she was now financially ready!

The factory’s profit-sharing came every year, and based on the current earnings, even if she didn’t work for a year, she would still have enough money to live comfortably in the neighborhood.

If the factory continued to do well, perhaps after a few years, she could even buy a courtyard house in Beijing!

Wen Nuan actually liked children, but raising one alone had been too exhausting; she hadn’t dared to think about it before.

However, now she felt it was manageable.

If it really became too much, Wen Nuan could always ask her grandpa for help.

Gu Qinghan’s eyes darkened, almost like ink, and in a hoarse voice, he asked, “Really?”

Gu Qinghan felt a tingling sensation brush against his ear, and his body tensed up. The hand he had resting on Wen Nuan’s waist tightened considerably.

While Wen Nuan waited for him to respond, Gu Qinghan suddenly lifted her from the bed with one arm, wrapping a coat around her as he headed toward the small room.

Outside, the cold wind howled, but inside, it was warm and passionate. Wen Nuan felt as if she were floating in a sea of waves, losing track of the directions.

—o—o—o—

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