The residential compound.  

The families had suddenly received news—today was the day their combat heroes would return. After the military commendation ceremony, the news spread like wildfire back to the residential compound.  

Good tidings came one after another: Artillery Company Two and the elite Air Force squadron, the “Falcon Unit,” had both been awarded Collective Third-Class Merits!  

Due to confidentiality requirements, the families didn’t know the exact reasons for the honors, but they did know which of their loved ones had been out on missions recently.  

Sure enough, upon asking around, it turned out that some time ago, Regimental Commander Shao had led a team on an external mission and achieved remarkable feats in battle. He himself had been awarded a Second-Class Merit!  

This collective glory set the entire residential compound, which had basked in the reflected honor, abuzz with excitement. As soon as the news arrived, the families began actively preparing to welcome their heroes home.  

Dusting and cleaning were just the basics. They even dug out cabbages, radishes, and winter melons stored in the cellar, along with eggs and cured meat they had been reluctant to use.  

“I heard they’re almost back at the compound!”  

The families chattered cheerfully, their faces beaming. “Where are they now?”  

The residential compound was a flurry of activity. “Sister Wang, later you’ll be the one to hand this to our Regimental Commander Shao. If you give it to him, he won’t dare refuse…”  

A round-faced sister-in-law laughingly shoved a hefty winter melon into Grandma Wang’s hands.  

Even members of the cultural troupe, after finishing their shifts, came to the residential compound to join the excitement.  

Several young women with braids held up large red paper flowers they had made themselves, their faces flushed with shyness. They craned their necks and stood on tiptoe, looking toward the gate, ready to present the flowers to the heroes returning from their mission.  

In these times, who wouldn’t admire heroes?  

Especially the Air Force—the rarest branch in the military district, with exceptionally high standards of living, extremely stringent selection criteria, and top-tier physical fitness. Dressed in the specially tailored uniforms for pilots, they cut particularly dashing figures.  

Their food allowances, subsidies, and salaries were impressive, and with frequent missions, they earned military honors every now and then. The numerous rewards bestowed by the military were even more enticing.  

Of course, these rewards weren’t for everyone—the most crucial factor was the capability of the commanding officer.  

Shao Qingfeng was exceptionally driven. Whenever he led a mission, the units under him often returned with honors. This time, wasn’t it just another case of “sharing the spoils”?  

With such joyous news right before the New Year, there would surely be additional rewards, giving the families something to look forward to during the holidays.  

“Whoosh—” The family members at the front exhaled puffs of warm breath. “They’re here, they’re here!”  

A group of officers, just off duty, strode into the residential compound with proud chests. Their families rushed forward to embrace them, slapping their shoulders, wives blushing as they held their husbands’ hands, children leaping joyfully onto their fathers’ backs.  

“Huh? Why don’t I see Regimental Commander Shao and his comrades?”  

One of the officers coughed lightly. “They went home through another gate. Next time, don’t make such a fuss. Standing here in the middle of winter is freezing. Hurry back inside…”  

His eyes sparkled with amusement as he thought to himself, Didn’t they anticipate you’d block the main gate?

Not to mention Regimental Commander Shao, even he found it a bit over the top…  

But while Regimental Commander Shao and his team missed out on the welcome, they got to enjoy it. The taste of earning military honors was truly sweet…  

“What kind of talk is that? You’re out there risking your lives on the front lines, and we can’t even come out to greet you? Even if it were raining knives or shells, we’d still come to welcome you!”  

Everyone waited a while longer but still didn’t see the ones they were hoping for. Eventually, they happily led their own family members back home, though they couldn’t help feeling a little regretful at not being able to welcome the members of the “Falcon Unit.”  

The young women from the cultural troupe, upon hearing this, dispersed in disappointment.  

…

As soon as Shao Qingfeng stepped out of the auditorium, he removed the red sash from his chest and stuffed it into his pocket. The decorative flower that had been pinned to his chest was also nowhere to be found. Right after the commendation ceremony, his excited subordinates had swarmed around him, lifting him into the air for a celebratory toss.  

Now, he looked thoroughly disheveled, his military uniform wrinkled and messy. Hearing that the residential compound was also in a frenzy, the entire Falcon Unit had no choice but to slip in quietly through the side gate, avoiding the main crowd returning home.  

“They’re probably all gathered at my place right now,” Han Weidong said cheerfully, suggesting, “How about we head to your place this time? We can also take a look at that fiancée of yours from the countryside.”  

He teased.  

While earning military honors was certainly cause for joy, a sudden, never-before-seen fiancée from the countryside was nothing but trouble.  

Han Weidong knew Shao Qingfeng was struggling with this messy engagement.  

For the past while, Shao Qingfeng had given up his own home for his fiancée to live in, while he himself had been crashing in Han Weidong’s dorm.  

“Yeah, Boss Shao, your place is bigger and can fit more people. Our bachelor dorms are tiny. Tonight, we’ve got to celebrate properly!”  

Shao Qingfeng was twenty-eight this year. In the past few years, he had either been busy studying abroad in the Soviet Union or buried in work, which had delayed his search for a partner. Since he had been considering marriage in recent years, when applying for housing, the military—taking his marital status into account—had specially approved a residence for couples, so he wouldn’t have to change dorms after getting married.  

Combined with his rank and military achievements, the home he was assigned was relatively spacious—over forty square meters.  

The dormitories for single officers were indeed small. Once a few big men crowded around a table, there was barely any room left to move.  

“Brother Feng, what’s the plan?” The others looked at Shao Qingfeng.  

The two months spent away on the mission had provided a buffer for this relationship, giving Shao Qingfeng time to think.  

Shao Qingfeng nodded and decisively made a decision. “Let’s go to my place.”  

……  

Knock knock.

Lin Hongying was stewing meat by the stove. The bubbling sound of boiling water drowned out the knocking, and she faintly thought she heard something, but after a moment, there was silence again.  

Then, suddenly, the door swung open.  

Standing at the entrance was a tall, strikingly handsome stranger in a military uniform. His sharp, sword-like eyebrows arched upward, and beneath them were a pair of peach-blossom eyes. Yet, the intensity in his gaze—like tempered steel forged in fire—neutralized any hint of frivolity that such eyes might otherwise convey.  

The man froze, then immediately turned around, covering the eyes of the person behind him, and slammed the door shut with a bang.  

Lin Hongying hadn’t expected Shao Qingfeng to return so abruptly.  

She glanced down at her outfit. It should be… acceptable? Not too outrageous?  

She was wearing a men’s cotton shirt she had just changed into, though the size was far too large for her, making it hang loosely and unevenly on her frame.  

But this era simply didn’t have bras or proper undergarments, so Lin Hongying had no choice but to go without. She looked down again. Though she wasn’t exactly voluptuous, there was still a noticeable swell.  

To people of this time, that must have been quite the scandalous sight.  

Her face burned with embarrassment as she quickly grabbed the coat draped over the chair and threw it on.  

In the dimly lit hallway, Han Weidong was the first to ask, “Bro, what’s going on? Why aren’t we going in? Why’d you cover my eyes?”  

Was there something inside that shouldn’t be seen?  

Shao Qingfeng’s reflexes were simply too fast—Han Weidong hadn’t seen a thing, only catching a vague glimpse of someone in the living room.  

After a moment, Lin Hongying, now fully dressed, took a deep breath and opened the door.  

She saw the unfamiliar man before her. Though his expression was calm and composed, his ears were suspiciously red.  

Lin Hongying cleared her throat. “Please, come in.”  

Even though Shao Qingfeng was returning to his own home, it felt as if everything inside had changed. Walking in, he couldn’t help but feel a little awkward.

The usually tidy sofa was now strewn with women’s clothes, the table cluttered with seasonings and ingredients, and books from the shelf had been taken down and casually left open on the rocking chair.  

The stove in the house burned fiercely, filling the room with a sweet, meaty aroma. A pot of fragrant stew simmered on the fire, with flour cakes stuck to the sides of the pot, sizzling softly.  

It was a little messy, but also somewhat cozy.  

A few officers who had followed Shao Qingfeng into his home came in afterward, carrying cured meat, potatoes, eggs, and live fish—all rare and precious goods.  

When they saw Lin Hongying, they greeted her one after another, “Hello, Comrade Lin!”  

“We’ll be troubling Comrade Lin today.”  

Facing these upright and spirited officers, Lin Hongying politely returned their greetings, “Hello, leaders.”  

Shao Qingfeng glanced at Lin Hongying, his dark gaze withdrawing as he said, “We just got back and plan to celebrate with a meal at home.”  

Lin Hongying could sense Shao Qingfeng’s aloofness toward her and had no interest in forcing warmth. She responded indifferently with a faint “Hmm.”  

Han Weidong, sharp-eyed, noticed that Lin Hongying was wearing Shao Qingfeng’s jacket—not just the coat, but even the shirt collar peeking out from underneath looked familiar.  

This timid-looking rural wife was unexpectedly bold and uninhibited in private! For a moment, he was at a loss for words.  

Lin Hongying’s gaze fell on the insignia embroidered on Shao Qingfeng’s shoulder—two bars and two stars, indicating he was at least a regimental-level officer.  

The other officers were also meeting Shao Qingfeng’s “notorious” little wife for the first time.  

At first glance, she seemed plain and unremarkable, likely from a famine-stricken area, her features gaunt and hard to discern, though her silhouette suggested she wasn’t ugly. Only her eyes were sharp and clear, full of vitality.  

They had only heard rumors before, but now, seeing her in person and recalling the gossip, they couldn’t help but sigh inwardly for Regimental Commander Shao.  

Deputy Regimental Commander Wang had met Lin Hongying once before and knew she was very fond of Shao Qingfeng—her eyes always followed him, full of attachment.  

Wang Gang was particularly warm toward her. “Comrade Lin, have you eaten yet? If not, join us.”  

Lin Hongying scooped the meat out of the pot. “I just made a stew, traded from a local. If you don’t mind, you’re welcome to try it.”  

“Thank you, Comrade Lin!”  

“Comrade Lin, no need to be so polite. We’ve all brought food…”  

The officers addressed her as “Comrade Lin”—partly because they weren’t sure about her relationship with Shao Qingfeng, and partly because the two weren’t married yet. Calling her “sister-in-law” would be too soon, reflecting their reluctance to acknowledge her.  

Only Han Weidong, who understood the situation, called her “little sister-in-law.”  

After some small talk, they swiftly got to work slicing the cured meat and stewing the fish. Soon, the house was filled with the rich aroma of food.  

Neighbors quickly realized they had returned and flocked to the Shao household—grandpas from the east, aunties from the west, the pretty girl next door, and all sorts of relatives poured in.  

The crowd of well-wishers grew rapidly, and before long, the house was packed, leaving barely any room to stand.  

A rosy-cheeked girl handed flowers to Han Weidong, though her eyes lingered on Shao Qingfeng as she chirped, “Brother Shao, Brother Han… you’re finally back!”  

At the mention of Shao Qingfeng, no fewer than five young girls in the room looked up.  

Lin Hongying watched in amazement.  

The family members thanked Shao Qingfeng and the others, praising their bravery and how they had helped everyone secure extra New Year’s subsidies. Only then did Lin Hongying learn that they had returned with military honors—this meal was their own celebration of victory.

Aunt Wu from the neighboring building knew her stuff. At the sight of the big fish in the bucket, she clicked her tongue in admiration. “What a huge fish! Impressive—where did you get it?”  

“One of my comrades chiseled through the ice in a riverbed out in the wild to catch it!” an officer said with a grin, his eyes crinkling.  

Shao Qingfeng teased, “Thanks for looking after Hongying while we were away. She must have caused you some trouble.”  

Aunt Wu blushed and stayed silent, but another auntie spoke up bluntly, “Xiao Lin here just keeps to herself, holed up in the house all day. We hardly had a chance to look after her!”  

“Well, Li Sanya from the Qian family loves to pick fights, but that’s just how she is!”  

Shao Qingfeng understood immediately. He glanced at the ingredients on the ground, then took out a stack of loose change from the cabinet and paid each of them the market price.  

“This is for you to nourish yourselves. I couldn’t possibly take it!” they protested, shaking their heads.  

Shao Qingfeng insisted, “Alright, we’re about to eat. Uncle, aunties, you should head back now. We won’t keep you.”  

“Go ahead and eat, no need to mind us. We’ll be on our way…”  

But the girls from the cultural troupe stayed behind. “Brother Weidong, Brother Gang, and Brother Qingfeng—we don’t have to leave, right?”  

Han Weidong, considering the eager looks of the bachelors around him, took the initiative and answered for Shao Qingfeng: “Stay and help out, then!”  

They swiftly got to work in the kitchen—chopping vegetables, steaming cured meat, and stewing fish.  

Dinner was a lively affair with over a dozen people. The meal was lavish, and one of the pretty girls from the cultural troupe even brought out an erhu and played Ten Farewells to the Red Army on the spot. The atmosphere was boisterous, with cheers and applause breaking out now and then.  

Another girl took out a harmonica and asked if Lin Hongying could play. Lin Hongying took one look at the saliva-glazed mouthpiece and decisively shook her head. “No.”  

The girl smirked and played a little tune triumphantly.  

Despite the lively atmosphere, Lin Hongying felt like an outsider—unwanted, partly due to the deliberate coldness from others.  

After dinner, people gradually left in small groups, leaving only a few close friends of Shao Qingfeng chatting. But with Lin Hongying still present, they hesitated to speak openly, clearly wanting to share some heartfelt words.  

Sensing this, Lin Hongying tactfully put on her coat and went out for a walk.  

When she returned after a while, she found they still hadn’t left. Before she even got close, she could hear the conversation inside.  

“Qingfeng, I don’t think Comrade Lin is right for you. She’s uneducated, has nothing in common with you, and is selfish and sharp-tongued. Just the other day, she got into a fight at Sister-in-Law’s place. It’s not that I look down on her—she’s just not a good match.”  

“Ask Weidong, Gangzi, and the others—they’ll tell you the same.”  

One of the men chimed in, “Well, arranged marriages are one thing, but having nothing to talk about is tough.”  

In the kitchen, Shao Qingfeng had his sleeves rolled up as he washed dishes, his profile strikingly handsome under the soft light.  

Cui Yan stared at him, mesmerized, wishing she could imprint this moment in her heart forever.  

After a pause, Shao Qingfeng’s cold voice cut through. “Lack of education can be remedied. She didn’t choose her background. Don’t bring this up again.”  

Han Weidong, who had stayed silent the whole time, suddenly spotted Lin Hongying’s shadow outside the window. He coughed loudly.