Chapter 19

The young woman approached and couldn’t help but stare at Xu Zhao. “There are only a few lower berths in this carriage, and you three are taking up two of them. We’re not asking for much—just to swap one berth. Since soldiers are supposed to serve the people, if you’re unwilling, surely he can switch with us, right? What do you think, soldier?”

This soldier looks quite good—tall, handsome, and well-built, much better than her partner. She had heard that soldiers were generally poor and stationed in difficult conditions, making marrying a soldier not very worthwhile. With this in mind, she found her partner’s minor flaws more acceptable.

It was quite shameless of her to demand this directly.

Jiang Suihan couldn’t stand such behavior. She chuckled and said, “Just because someone is a soldier doesn’t mean they have to swap seats with you. Why should they? Just because you have a big face? If there were no soldiers fighting bravely to protect our country, you wouldn’t be standing here so arrogantly today. You should be grateful, not demanding and rude. Has your conscience been eaten by dogs?”

“What peaceful times we enjoy are only possible because some people bear the burden for us. They are the most respectable and admirable people. And you? What have you done for this country? Why do you think everyone should accommodate your demands? We’re not your parents, why should we sacrifice ourselves to satisfy you? Agreeing to swap seats is not a soldier’s obligation; if we do it, it’s out of kindness. Refusing is simply human nature.”

The young woman, overwhelmed by Jiang Suihan’s words, broke down in frustration, repeatedly emphasizing, “You’re bullying people. If you won’t switch, fine. But how dare you say my face is big? Where’s my face big? Are you blind? My face is not big at all.”

Jiang Suihan was speechless. After a moment, she said, “Why don’t you look in the mirror now?”

“What do you mean?”

Wasn’t this an argument? Why was she suddenly being asked to look in the mirror?

The young woman was momentarily confused but then realized that Jiang Suihan was mocking her indirectly.

Fuming, she wanted to retort that Jiang Suihan’s face was the one that was big, but seeing Jiang Suihan’s delicate face, her anger deflated instantly.

She touched her own face and turned to her partner, asking uncertainly, “Does my face really look big?”

She couldn’t remember if anyone had ever said her face was big, but if her partner agreed, she would immediately show him what a swollen face looked like.

Her partner hurriedly reassured her, “It’s not big. She’s just jealous and talking nonsense. Don’t take it to heart.”

The young woman gave her partner a scornful look. “Jealous of me? What nonsense. It’s obvious who is better looking. Anyone with eyes can see.”

She glared at her partner and snapped, “If you can’t speak properly, then don’t say anything.”

The young man, feeling abashed, rubbed his nose and retreated silently.

Jiang Suihan’s eyes glinted with cunning. “Let me tell you one more thing. I bought these train tickets and paid for them. If I say no, he won’t dare to swap.”

The people in the carriage were shocked to see Xu Zhao being so submissive.

Strangers from different places, at that moment, thought the same thing.

Xu Zhao maintained his calm demeanor, a small smile at the corner of his mouth. He followed Jiang Suihan’s lead, “Yes, I’ll do as she says.”

The young woman stared at Xu Zhao, unable to believe he was like this. She disdainfully said, “Hmph, so you’re a kept man. A grown man relying on a woman to support him—how useless.”

Jiang Leyun regarded Xu Zhao as family. Seeing him being insulted, the child couldn’t contain his anger.

He glared back and shouted, “You’re even more useless and rude, only knowing how to snatch things from others.”

The young woman’s face flushed red as she stared in disbelief, mouth open, and after stuttering for a while, she stormed off angrily.

Arguing with a child, regardless of winning or losing, was shameful.

The two of them left without achieving anything. The young man took a submissive posture, receiving a lengthy scolding.

“You should have bought the train tickets earlier. You dawdled and made me lose face,” the young woman complained angrily.

She was embarrassed by the ridicule from those two siblings. She regretted going out today.

The man comforted her quietly, “The factory work was busy and I couldn’t leave. Let it go. Actually, they’re right. They paid for the tickets, and swapping is up to them. We can’t force them.”

The young woman was dissatisfied and defended herself, “I wasn’t demanding they switch, just discussing it. I even thought of offering extra money to make it fair for everyone. Who knew that woman would be so temperamental, making it impossible for me to back down. Her brother even mocked me in front of everyone, saying I was impolite. It’s infuriating.”

She angrily pinched her partner’s arm. “You still have the nerve to say anything. It’s all your fault. You stood by while I was bullied without offering any help. What use are you?”

Her partner, although not showing it outwardly, was somewhat resentful. “You’re so fierce and couldn’t handle her. I’m even less capable. Look at that soldier’s physique—one punch would knock me out. I’d better not get involved to avoid getting hurt.”

Across from them sat a middle-aged couple, around fifty years old. The man wore glasses and gray clothes, appearing refined and scholarly. The woman had her hair pinned up and looked elegant.

The middle-aged man sighed, “Well said. Soldiers fight valiantly on the battlefield, risking their lives to protect our country. They are truly the most respectable people. Without them, we wouldn’t have our peaceful lives today.”

“Nowadays, people don’t seem to understand this. Not only are they ungrateful, but they’ve also become selfish and self-centered. It’s disheartening to see people focused only on their own enjoyment. If the soldiers on the front lines knew, they would be deeply saddened.”

He worked at a research institute. Seeing the situation deteriorate, his friend wrote to advise him to apply for a transfer to a more remote location to avoid the current disaster. Many of his friends had already fallen into trouble, and he didn’t want to be seen as a coward fleeing from danger, but he was even more reluctant to give up his research.

After repeated persuasion from his friend, he packed up and, with his wife, boarded the train to Li Province. Ahead lay an unknown journey. His son, who was serving in the army, hadn’t been in touch for several months, leaving him feeling anxious and unsettled.

The middle-aged woman agreed, saying, “Especially that line about how our peaceful times are possible because some people bear the burden for us—it really struck a chord with me. My son joined the army a few years ago. Honestly, I didn’t want him to go. Bullets don’t discriminate on the battlefield; it’s like tying your life to your belt.”

“But then I thought, someone has to do these things. If not him, then someone else. If he finds a career he loves and dedicates his life to it, I should be happy for him.”

When her son said he wanted to join the army, she disagreed and refused to communicate with him. She and her husband had only this one son, and they couldn’t bear the thought of him risking his life in places they couldn’t see, leaving them as two lonely old people.

At night, her son knelt by their bed, talking about his dreams and plans for the future, saying a lot in general. Over time, she began to accept it. She couldn’t keep him shut away forever and turn him into a useless person.

Because of her son, she naturally had a positive view of soldiers. Seeing Xu Zhao as a soldier, she inclined towards his side. Moreover, the young woman was unreasonable and hard to like.

Jiang Suihan’s face reddened slightly, and she modestly said, “I’m just repeating what others have said. I don’t deserve such praise. Every profession has those who quietly work without seeking reward. Without them, there wouldn’t be the peace and prosperity we have today. I genuinely admire these people; they are truly great.”

She knew that in the early days of the Republic, China faced various blockades from Western countries. Many people silently devoted themselves to the country, not seeking fame or fortune, only wishing to build their homeland well, hoping the nation would thrive and no longer be bullied by other countries.

Hearing this, the middle-aged woman grew fond of Jiang Suihan. “I’m Zhang Hui, and this is my husband, Zhou Junkang. Where are you heading?”

Jiang Suihan replied, “We’re going to Li Province.”

Zhang Hui smiled, “What a coincidence, we’re going to Li Province as well.”

“Indeed, what a coincidence,” Jiang Suihan responded with a smile.

During the conversation, it was learned that the couple was engaged in research. They didn’t reveal what they were researching, and Jiang Suihan, feeling a sense of respect, tactfully avoided probing further, instead chatting about other topics with Zhang Hui.

Zhang Hui joked, “It seems like you’re newlyweds. Li Province is quite harsh, but as long as you’re together, you can overcome it. Relationships need nurturing and management. If you only meet twice a year, even the best relationship might not withstand the test. Comrade Xu seems like a good person—handsome and attentive to you, right?”

Zhang Hui guessed that Jiang Suihan’s earlier remarks were meant to deal with the young woman, and Xu Zhao was playing along, showing good rapport between the couple.

Zhang Hui glanced at Zhou Junkang and said pointedly, “Unlike certain comrades who promise one thing but find it difficult to even arrange a meal.”

Zhou Junkang chuckled awkwardly, “It’s different outside; some things are better said at home. I don’t often skip meals.”

He felt embarrassed that his shortcomings were revealed in front of others.

For researchers like them, inspiration is crucial. They’re always short on time, wishing they could stretch a minute into an hour, often forgetting to eat.

**