Chapter 28

Mrs. Zhang observed all the subtle interactions between the couple and smiled.

Since Lu Weiguo and Shi Tingyu got married, people in the residential area secretly pitied her, saying that such a beautiful girl like Shi Tingyu marrying into the military was a loss. With her looks, she could have found anyone she wanted.

While many praised the life of a soldier, only military spouses truly understood the hardships of being married to one. Apart from the demanding training schedules, there was the constant worry about their safety during missions. Being a soldier’s spouse was like being married to a shadow; when facing challenges like illness, difficult situations, or even childbirth, they had to handle it all alone.

For those whose husbands were of lower ranks, the situation was even more challenging. Dealing with a difficult in-law meant managing the household single-handedly, without seeing their husbands for extended periods throughout the year.

So, being a military spouse might look glamorous on the surface, but the challenges within were known only to the spouses themselves.

However, Mrs. Zhang observed that Shi Tingyu didn’t seem indifferent towards her husband. As someone experienced, she could sense the genuine atmosphere between the couple, which didn’t match the rumors.

With the ingredients prepared, it was nearing 5 o’clock. Mrs. Zhang brought some firewood, and Shi Tingyu planned to use both the coal stove and the earthen stove for quicker cooking. With Mrs. Zhang’s help, they could manage the fire effectively, and Lu Weiguo assisting, they didn’t worry about any chaos in the kitchen.

By 6 o’clock, when the guests finished their training and arrived at Lu’s small courtyard, the rich aroma of the food greeted them.

Captain Li from the first battalion couldn’t contain his excitement, “We are in for a treat today. Sister-in-law’s cooking is incredibly fragrant. You have no idea—I’ve been looking forward to this day for so long.”

Second Battalion Commander Zhang nodded in agreement. They were the only two who knew about Lu Weiguo’s new wife’s excellent cooking skills.

Captain Wang, a tall and sturdy man from the Northeast, couldn’t resist asking Captain Li, “What’s going on? How do you know that the sister-in-law cooks well? Have you tasted her cooking?”

Captain Li, with a wistful expression, raised his eyebrows and then seemed to drift off into thought.

“I know, don’t I?” Captain Li reminisced about the times he visited his parents and smelled the delicious aroma wafting from the floor below where Shi Tingyu’s family lived.

As he shared this, Captain Li couldn’t help but swallow his saliva.

“Just the smell alone makes me want to eat an extra bowl of rice.”

The others were surprised to discover the background of Lu Weiguo’s wife, who was the daughter of such culinary excellence.

However, their attention was mostly focused on what Captain Li had mentioned about the food, making them even more excited for dinner that evening.

Due to the dinner gathering, Lu Weiguo had opened the main gate early. The guests entered the courtyard as soon as they arrived.

As soon as Captain Li and the others stepped inside, they called out, “Captain, Sister-in-law, we’re here!”

Lu Weiguo brought a bowl of spicy lobsters out of the kitchen and glanced at the guests, saying, “Since you’re here, come on in.”

Acknowledging his words, Captain Li eagerly took the bowl from Lu Weiguo’s hands, captivated by the aroma of the spicy lobsters. “The food cooked by Sister-in-law is simply divine.”

Curious, the guests peeked into the kitchen to catch a glimpse of the beautiful wife of the first company commander.

In the kitchen, two figures were busy at work. They recognized the person tending the fire in front of the stove as Mrs. Zhang, the wife of the second battalion commander. The person cooking with her back to them was likely Lu Weiguo’s wife.

Even from just their backs, they could tell that she was different from the typical image of a wife in the kitchen.

The misty kitchen lacked the usual smoky scent, instead exuding a more ethereal vibe.

Hearing the commotion, Shi Tingyu turned around. For cooking convenience, she had tied her hair up in a bun, and her beautiful face was fully exposed. Her peach blossom eyes were clear and bright, her skin fair from the cooking. She smiled at them, the dimples at the corners of her mouth radiating sweetness.

The scene seemed to slow down for a moment, with a brief sense of euphoria as they listened to her speak.

However, it was Captain Zhang and Captain Li who recovered first. Captain Zhang was mentally prepared, while Captain Li had caught a glimpse while visiting his parents.

“Sister-in-law, thank you for your hard work,” Captain Li said.

Shi Tingyu greeted them with a smile, “Please come in and rest. Dinner will be ready once this dish is done.”

As the guests regained their composure, they eagerly responded, and the urge to rush the meal had dissipated.

Seeing the reactions of the guests, Mrs. Zhang couldn’t help but straighten her posture, feeling superior to them. Compared to their responses, she seemed much more composed.

It wasn’t about infatuation with Shi Tingyu; everyone knew she was Lu Weiguo’s wife. Being invited to dinner indicated a close relationship, at the very least.

Entering the main hall, everyone finally regained their senses. Captain Chen Qiang, the oldest among them at thirty-eight, patted Lu Weiguo on the shoulder and joked, “Well done, young man, quietly marrying such a beautiful wife. I was worried you’d remain single.”

Lu Weiguo coughed lightly, “Please have a seat; I’ll check on the kitchen.”

Captain Feng Wei, reading Lu Weiguo’s expression, remarked to everyone, “Looks like Old Lu is feeling shy.”

As they were all familiar with each other, there was no need for formal hosting; they simply sat down and chatted.

Lu Weiguo relieved Mrs. Zhang in the kitchen, instructing her to bring Damao over. With the dishes almost ready, he could manage the fire by himself.

Mrs. Zhang didn’t hesitate and returned to fetch her son. While helping, she was dressed in clothes suitable for housework but needed to change into something more appropriate for the meal.

As the final dish was served, Mrs. Zhang and Damao arrived. Damao was taken aback upon seeing Shi Tingyu for the first time.

“Is this auntie so beautiful because she makes such delicious pancakes?”

With a slap from Mrs. Zhang, Damao finally snapped out of his daze and enthusiastically exclaimed, “Auntie is great!”

His voice was loud and clear.

Feng Wei couldn’t help but chuckle, “Good lad, a soldier’s kid.”

Upon being praised, Damao’s face instantly turned red.

Shi Tingyu was about to get some wine when Lu Weiguo stopped her, saying, “We’re not allowed to drink in the camp.”

Not fully understanding the rules regarding alcohol, Shi Tingyu let it go, mentioning how Lu Weiguo didn’t remind her when she forgot to buy wine. She was relieved they had some in stock.

The wine was brought from her mother’s home. Before the Shi family’s assets were seized, the wine was brought to the residential area.

Apart from Mrs. Zhang, Feng Wei was the person Shi Tingyu was most familiar with. He said, “Sister, you’ve been busy all day. We don’t need to be entertained. Come and sit down.”

Lu Weiguo looked at his wife, who had a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead from her busy day. He raised his hand to wipe it away but felt the intense gazes around him, so he reluctantly lowered his hand.

Shi Tingyu said, “Weiguo, you entertain the guests first. I’ll go change my clothes.”