Chapter 14 Family

Su Niannian was filled with exasperation. She handed Su Jianshan a handkerchief to wipe his mouth before continuing, “The army isn’t just soldiers like Gu Zhiye. There are also messengers and art soldiers — dancers, singers… The teacher who taught me before I came to Xiangyang Village even wrote me a letter of recommendation for the art troupe in the imperial capital. Brother, I want to become an art soldier…”

Su Jianshan was momentarily dazed, then he began to applaud. “Excellent! That’s great! I think it’s impressive.”

Su Niannian couldn’t help but break into a smile, her eyes glimmering. “The art troupe has different teams and positions, but I’m confident I can find my place in the dance team. Brother, I hope that one day you’ll see me on TV — that’s the greatest wish of my life.”

Sunlight fell in from the window, casting a soft glow upon Su Niannian’s porcelain-like skin, adding a halo to her already delicate appearance. Su Jianshan unconsciously held his breath. After a moment, he honestly asked, “But we… we don’t have a TV at home. What then?!”

…the rest fell into place. The following day, Principal Chen personally took Su Niannian to the county’s art troupe. They passed through the large rehearsal hall on the first floor and entered a training room where Teacher Fu was already waiting. The moment she saw Su Niannian, a look of satisfaction crossed her face, then she chided, “Comrade Chen, you’re really causing me trouble.”

Principal Chen smilingly pushed Su Niannian forward. “Such a fine seedling — it’d be your loss to miss her.”

“Su Niannian?”
“Yes.”
Teacher Fu opened the registration book and warmly said, “Would you show me a piece?”

Su Niannian slipped into her well-prepared white soft-soled practice shoes — small jumps, high kicks, and turning circles. Her movement was initially a bit stiff, but muscle memory soon fell into place. She fell backwards gracefully, flipped, grabbed her ankle, and arched her back into a dramatic bridge — demonstrating her remarkable flexibility.

Teacher Fu hadn’t expected someone not only beautiful but with a strong technical foundation. She was close to clapping directly. “Excellent! Very good!”

Su Niannian stood up, drops of glimmering sweat still resting at the tip of her nose. Shortly after, Teacher Fu made a decision: “Go report to the training department tomorrow. Run, march, and blend in with the new soldiers. After two weeks of adapting to army life, we’ll carry out the preliminary selections. Su Niannian, is that all right? You’re someone Principal Chen recommended, but you’re strong enough to hold your own.”

Su Niannian nodded in affirmation. In her previous life, thanks to Jinchuan’s intervention, she was excused from training, which made her a target for gossip — no matter how much progress she made, there were always rumors tying her to the Jin family instead of recognizing her own efforts. This time, there would be no shortcuts. She would prove herself honestly.

Therefore, there was no need for her to remain in the guesthouse. She decided to let Su Jianshan go back first and bring a message to their grandmother. The day he left, Su Jianshan was reluctantly boarding the train, only after Su Niannian repeatedly assured him that she’d call home every week. She hadn’t used the sum left by Gu’s mother — the army provided food, and once she formally became a soldier, there would be subsidies and ration stamps. Her eyebrows glimmering with happiness, she quickly put the man who had disappeared — her husband — out of her mind.

Freedom — it was hers now.

Meanwhile, a jeep drove into the army base. Gu Zhiye hadn’t even had time to change his uniform before the political commissar called him into his office. Gu Zhiye’s expression turned solemn upon learning his marriage application had been turned down. In the face of the commissar’s questioning, he suddenly stood up and saluted. “It’s not a feudal arrangement, nor a capitalist match. She comes from a family of poor peasants. Please approve it, Commissar.”

“Zhiye, you’ve just been recognized for your service. Some words may be unpleasant to hear, but you’re someone Old Yan trained. He’s worried sick, and I can’t ignore that. Currently, your wish to get married to this comrade Su Niannian might directly undermine your future. Are you sure about this? If your parents have any worries, I can phone them myself…”

“I must marry her. Thank you for your concern, but there’s no need.” Gu Zhiye was brief but resolute. With that, he turned, placed his report on the table, and walked away. This mission was a dangerous one; he hadn’t come back unharmed — the wound at his side was still seeping blood — but that didn’t affect his discipline. Gu Zhiye kept his back straight as he made his way to the hospital.

The doctor, already used to this, began cleaning his wound. His skin was injured and raw — a dramatic sight — yet Gu Zhiye remained expressionless, his back stiff.

He had just finished when a green silhouette darted back toward the hospital ward’s entrance. “Company Commander Gu?!” Gu Zhiye turned his gaze toward the doorway — a soldier who was a bit familiar, although he couldn’t recall his name. Gu Zhiye nodded in acknowledgement.

The soldier rushed forward warmly. “Company Commander Gu, did your wife come back with you this time?”
“What wife?” Gu Zhiye caught the key word.

“There was a really beautiful woman a few days ago — said she was your wife! Everyone in the company knows you’re single — this is ridiculous! After following instructions from above, we didn’t collect her contact information… Oh, but you…”

“Thank you!” Gu Zhiye’s expression suddenly tightened. Without another moment’s delay — ignoring his wound — he grabbed his jacket and rushed toward the nearby guesthouse. The landlady, who was acquainted with their army, honestly told him the two had already checked out this morning, probably on their way back home.

Gu Zhiye pressed his lips together — his mind in chaos. And just then, another piece of heavy news fell upon him: his mother was gravely ill, requiring him to return home immediately. The moment the communicator finished delivering all the messages, Gu Zhiye’s face grew heavy. He didn’t even want to contemplate the severity of the situation. Fortunately, his mission was complete; he was currently on leave.

“Buy me a ticket for the earliest train. I’m going back to Lotus Village.”