Chapter 233

In the following days, Shi Tingyu learned a little every day and gradually became capable of solving common minor issues on her own.

The instructor sighed with admiration, “No wonder you can be a university teacher, Shi Tingyu. Your learning ability is impressive.”

Shi Tingyu had become somewhat immune to such compliments by now.

After thanking the instructor for his praise, Shi Tingyu asked, “Instructor, do I still need to come over in the future?”

The instructor handed Shi Tingyu a book about the structure and repair of jeeps. It was a book he had used during his own learning. “You don’t need to come over anymore. What you’ve learned so far is sufficient. If any more serious problems arise, they wouldn’t be something you could learn to fix in just a month anyway.”

Shi Tingyu agreed.

She had been in a crash course, only able to handle simple issues. More severe problems would require a professional.

“I’ve made notes in the book from when I was learning. I hope it will help you if you encounter any issues.”

The knowledge in the book was already well-mastered by the instructor, so it wasn’t much use to him anymore.

He gave the book to Shi Tingyu instead of his soldiers because he had so many of them, and he was always there to teach them directly, making the book unnecessary for them.

For Shi Tingyu, who had limited learning time, the book would be a valuable resource for troubleshooting future issues.

Shi Tingyu expressed her sincere gratitude to the instructor.

The instructor waved it off, saying, “Think of it as a complimentary service for buying the car. Even when we buy a home appliance, they provide training and support.”

He added, “Teaching you car repair skills doesn’t mean the car will definitely have problems. It’s just a precaution. The quality of the car is good and durable.”

Shi Tingyu was confident in that.

After finishing up, Shi Tingyu drove the car back to the family compound.

As an unfamiliar military vehicle approached, the guards at the gate scanned it with sharp eyes.

Seeing Shi Tingyu driving, they were momentarily stunned but quickly allowed her through.

Many in the family compound knew about Shi Tingyu learning car repair at the camp, and while some scoffed at the idea of a woman driving, many were actually envious.

After all, it was a jeep.

Even a tractor was rarely driven by women, let alone a jeep.

Many of the men’s families didn’t even get the chance to touch a jeep, yet Shi Tingyu, a woman, was doing something they could only dream of. It was quite a shock for the family compound.

Some had doubted the rumors, but seeing Shi Tingyu drive into the compound with such skill convinced them.

Watching her maneuver the vehicle so adeptly, many military wives were impressed.

Though there were a few who liked to criticize, the majority felt proud of Shi Tingyu’s achievement.

“No wonder the leaders say women can hold up half the sky. Look at how well Shi Tingyu drives, not any worse than the men,” one of them said.

“I saw her handle the steering wheel just now. It looked so smooth!” another added.

“Do you think I could learn to drive too?” a young wife asked her companion.

“I doubt it,” the other replied. “You can’t even ride a bicycle yet, so you probably aren’t cut out for it.”

The young wife felt disheartened but still entertained the idea of learning to drive.

If Shi Tingyu could drive, it meant women could be drivers too. Why not her? Determined, she decided to start with learning to ride a bicycle.

As Shi Tingyu drove through the short road of the family compound, she garnered unprecedented attention.

Seeing a military jeep wasn’t uncommon here, given the number of officers’ families. But just by driving the jeep home, Shi Tingyu drew a large crowd of onlookers.

Mrs. Zhang, hearing the commotion, came out and saw Shi Tingyu getting out of the car.

“Are you done with your lessons?” she asked.

Shi Tingyu’s car repair lessons were no secret, which was why Mrs. Zhang asked.

“Yes, I’m done. I don’t need to go back anymore,” Shi Tingyu replied.

Mrs. Zhang smiled, “You’re really something.”

She walked around the jeep, admiring it. “I have to say, you driving this car looks even better than when the men drive it. It looks more impressive and powerful. It really stands out.”

Shi Tingyu thought to herself, could it be because she is much smaller than men, which makes the car look bigger by comparison?

At that moment, Lu Weiguo came out of the house holding Shen Shen.

Today was his day off, so he was at home taking care of the child.

As soon as he came out, he saw the gate bustling with excited children.

While the adults were too embarrassed to chase after the car, the kids had no such reservations.

Seeing so many children, Shen Shen got excited and kept bouncing in Lu Weiguo’s arms.

Quickly securing the child, Lu Weiguo called his wife to come inside.

As for the car, he left it by the gate for the kids to gawk at.

After the children gradually dispersed, Lu Weiguo installed a “safety seat” in the car.

This “safety seat” was something Lu Weiguo had someone make based on Shi Tingyu’s description.

It wasn’t as sturdy or safe as those in the future, but it was better than nothing. Its main purpose was to secure the child, since the car’s seatbelt wasn’t suitable for someone so small.

With hardly any cars on the road and low speeds, safety wasn’t a major concern.

Once the seat was fixed, Lu Weiguo placed Shen Shen in it to try it out and made minor adjustments according to Shen Shen’s size.

Sitting in the safety seat, Shen Shen looked around curiously and excitedly.

Lu Weiguo playfully tapped his son’s little nose, “Do you like sitting in the car that much?”

Shen Shen giggled and made a happy sound.

Shi Tingyu drove the car around the compound with Lu Weiguo and Shen Shen to see how Shen Shen handled being in the car. She also occasionally glanced back through the rearview mirror.

Just one lap around the compound, and the little one was already asleep.

When they got home, Shi Tingyu noticed the silence in the back. Turning around, she saw her son asleep and her husband gazing at their son’s rosy, sleeping face with a smile.

Shi Tingyu didn’t expect Shen Shen to fall asleep so quickly. Did her driving really resemble a cradle?

Worried about Shen Shen getting cold in the car, Lu Weiguo gently unbuckled him, cradled him in his arms, and tucked him into his military coat.

Feeling the warmth, Shen Shen snuggled in deeper and slept even more soundly.

Shi Tingyu went ahead to prepare Shen Shen’s crib, carefully removing his coat and pants.

Seeing this, Lu Weiguo quickly took off his military coat and laid it on the crib.

The coat still retained some warmth, ensuring the child wouldn’t get cold.

Once the child was settled, Shi Tingyu urged Lu Weiguo to put on his clothes quickly. Catching a chill in winter was no small matter.