Chapter 31 Delivering Letters

Liutao naturally slipped her arm through hers, looking completely puzzled.
“That’s his relative — shouldn’t he be thankful to you?”

“Maybe Captain Gu doesn’t want outsiders to get involved in his family’s affairs. If you were in his place, would you want your wounds opened up for everyone to see?”

“That’s true…” After a bit of banter, successfully diverting Liutao’s attention, Su Niannian pressed her forehead with force, quietly complaining inwardly — that man was really heavy-handed, as if he wanted to break her head. Was he displeased that she had gotten involved in the matter?

Su Niannian seemed to forget that her skin was delicate and tender, and even a slight pressure could leave a red mark. Even if Gu Zhiye tried his best to be gentle, he couldn’t avoid adding a few traces — much to Liutao’s dismay, fueling her unfavorable opinion of him.

…
The departure was soon upon them. After breakfast, with Liutao’s help, Su Niannian slipped into the clinic to see Su Zhaodi. Perhaps due to the presence of a big shot, the people at the farm made sure to take proper care of Su Zhaodi — washing her, changing her into clean clothes, and putting medicine on her wounds. When Su Niannian sneaked in, Su Zhaodi was drinking her medicine.

Looking up and seeing her beautiful cousin, Su Zhaodi felt a rush of warmth. She put down her bowl and said softly, “Niannian, I didn’t…”

“Shh! Keep your voice down. We’re leaving soon… Are you… are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” Su Zhaodi’s tears fell in streams. At that moment, she truly understood why their grandmother chose Su Niannian instead of her — because she was not worthy of someone as pure and righteous as Gu Zhiye, nor was she qualified to be envious of a person a thousand times better than her.

“How about you? Is… Is Captain Gu not kind to you? Why is he letting you show your face in public? I think he’s a bit cold… you two…”
For the first time, Su Zhaodi acted like an older sister.

“That’s not something you need to know.” Su Niannian pressed her lips together and said quietly, “Cousin, if you really appreciate my kindness, then do me a favor — do not ask me about this. All I can tell you is: in this world, 90% of men are unreliable. Some things, you can only rely on yourself. Do you understand?”

The army green uniform made Su Niannian look even more pure and delicate. This was supposed to be the brightest pearl of their Su family, yet it still hadn’t captured that man’s heart. At this moment, Su Zhaodi felt a strange rush of relief. If it had been her, a man would surely be less forgiving — just look at their current situation…
She quietly held back her tears. “I… I understand your struggles.”

While the two were talking, no one noticed that someone quietly lifted the corner of the clinic’s curtain and then let it drop.
…
Gu Zhiye hadn’t come alone — he even made sure that the soldiers’ art troupe members were transported together in army jeeps and trucks, much to the envy of the people at the farm. The green-colored vehicles slowly disappeared into the distance. Meanwhile, Su Niannian and Liutao sang familiar folk songs alongside the other young women — their youthful voices filled the countryside, causing the nearby farmers to frequently lift their heads and look up in awe.

The truck paused briefly, and Su Niannian turned to look outside — just in time to pass by a group that included Shen Xiu’e — their dark-colored faces filled with urgency. Obviously, they were there to bring back Su Zhaodi. So much for this matter; it was a conclusion.

Su Niannian turned back and gave Liutao a comforting smile. This trip hadn’t been in vain. But neither of them expected a greater surprise waiting for them. The team that had gone to the imperial capital came back, talking non-stop about famous landmarks, food, glamorous ceremonies, and meetings with delegates from other countries — all stories that drew everyone’s envy. Jiang Xiaofei, in particular — a remarkable talent — had gone to perform in the capital, and Liao Yu was also a participant. Perhaps thinking of Liao Yu’s unusual relationship with Su Niannian, or influenced by that fleeting moment, Jiang Xiaofei, who normally kept her distance, openly challenged Su Niannian in front of everyone.

“Did you gain anything from your trip to A city? Did you see anything…?”

“Mountains, rivers, freedom.” Su Niannian responded honestly, oblivous to Jiang Xiaofei’s intent to undermine her. Just as Jiang Xiaofei was about to sneer, the postman, Li Xiang, rushed in, excitedly holding up a letter. “Is Su Niannian here? Su Niannian… Comrade Su Niannian…!”

Su Niannian casually turned her head. “What’s up?”
With just that single glance, Li Xiang fell into a moment of awe — his throat tightened, his pulse raced, and a rosy color rushed up his face. His smile was nearly blinding. “There’s a letter of commendation for you — from the neighboring military region.”

“To our esteemed Su Niannian, Liutao, and our comrades in the art troupe: women, too, can hold up half the sky…”
Li Xiang normally delivered the soldiers’ messages and the troupe’s letters. All other letters were kept safely by him, but letters of commendation were different — those meant to be celebrated openly. So without asking Su Niannian’s opinion, he boldly read it aloud. The content was fairly standard — but the signature made everyone’s jaw drop, Jiang Xiaofei included. The person who had written it was even more powerful than her own father.

Jiang Xiaofei turned to He Bi and whispered, “Did you… see a high-ranking official at the farm?”
He Bi fell into a moment of disbelief. “Who? We… we didn’t see anyone — there were only people from the farm. The only person present was Captain Gu.”
He paused, then fell silent. Everyone suddenly connected the dots. So that’s why Captain Gu went to that seemingly inconspicuous farm — someone much more important was there. Oh, if we had only known… If we had only known…

Su Niannian was unable to think much more — with both hands, she accepted the letter of commendation. Her rosy lips slowly curved upward, and a ray of mischievous sunlight fell across her face, reflecting sparks in her glimmering eyes — a moment of pure radiance. Li Xiang fell into a brief daze. His pulse stumbled, and a rush of color filled his face, creeping down his neck.