Chapter 445: Mutual Transfers Between Military Districts

With only a week left before leaving for Beijing to report for duty, Shi Tingyu wanted to pack everything that Lu Weiguo might need. After all, they wouldn’t see each other for more than two months. She was worried that he might not take care of himself well while he was there alone.

Over the past few days, she had been packing a large number of items, then feeling it was too much and not convenient to carry, she would remove some, only to feel it was insufficient and start over again. This cycle repeated, but Shi Tingyu did not feel tired.

Lu Weiguo’s parents watched their daughter-in-law with loving expressions and let her fuss over the packing. Lu Weiguo followed behind his wife, fetching whatever she needed. She mentioned many things in passing, and he found them all, occasionally putting items back in their place when she changed her mind.

Lu Weiguo did not feel tired, but after a long time, Shi Tingyu did, and eventually gave up on her relentless packing.

On the third day after receiving his transfer order, Shi Tingyu received a call from her brother, Shi Muhuan, while she was at school.

Shi Muhuan was unusually playful, “Xiaoyu, guess why I’m calling you this time?”

Shi Tingyu played along, “From your tone, it sounds like good news. Did you get promoted?”

Shi Tingyu wasn’t just making a wild guess; recently, many people in the military district had been promoted, and it was about time for her brother as well.

Shi Muhuan was immediately deflated, “My sister is too smart, it’s no fun.”

Shi Tingyu laughed, “Your promotion is great news. I also have good news: Weiguo has been promoted too. In a few days, he’ll be reporting to his new military district, so you’ll get to see him.”

Shi Muhuan was stunned, “Do you mean that Weiguo is being transferred to Beijing?”

Their military district only knew a brigade commander was being transferred in, but the specific person had not been announced.

“Yes,” Shi Tingyu said excitedly, thinking how nice it would be to be in the same military district as her brother.

But then Shi Muhuan dashed her excitement with a cold splash of reality, “If Weiguo is being transferred to Beijing, we won’t be able to reunite. With my promotion, I’ve been transferred to Jinling and promoted to regiment commander.”

This time, Shi Tingyu was truly stunned.

Her brother and Weiguo were essentially swapping military districts.

However, after thinking it through, she felt more at ease.

Her parents were in Jinling. She wondered if those in charge had considered this and thus transferred her brother to Jinling. Regardless, this was good news—if anything happened with her parents, there would be someone close by to help.

Moreover, Lu Weiguo and Shi Muhuan were brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Having two high-ranking young officers from the same family in one military district would certainly draw attention.

Even if there were no explicit laws or regulations prohibiting family members from serving in the same military district, avoiding such a situation was preferable if possible.

Thinking this through, Shi Tingyu congratulated her brother, “It’s good you’re coming to Jinling; you’ll be closer to Mom and Dad.”

“I thought the same. I just didn’t expect Weiguo to be transferred to Beijing,” Shi Muhuan sighed and then asked, “When is Weiguo’s train? I’ll see if I can go pick him up.”

“The train is on May 10th at 3 PM,” Shi Tingyu said, sharing the details with her brother without hesitation.

“Brother, when are you reporting to Jinling?”

“I’ll be there around the 15th,” Shi Muhuan replied.

Shi Tingyu was delighted, “That’s great! When Weiguo goes to Beijing, you can help him get acquainted with the Beijing military district’s environment and relationships. When you arrive here, I’ll still be around and can help you meet people.”

Shi Muhuan readily agreed. Though he sometimes had a bit of a competitive streak with Lu Weiguo, it was only occasional. Most of the time, their relationship was very good.

These matters were only proper.

After inquiring about the well-being of both sets of parents and his niece and nephew, Shi Muhuan ended the call.

When Shi Tingyu got home from school, she shared the news about her brother taking a post in Jinling. The whole family was very happy for Shi Muhuan.

After talking with Shi Muhuan, Shi Tingyu’s anxiety about the separation diminished significantly, and her constant packing behavior gradually returned to normal.

Although she stopped packing, in the last two days, she did bake a considerable amount of beef jerky for Lu Weiguo to take with him. The weather was a bit warm, so she didn’t dare make too much—just a few jars, enough to share with colleagues and her brother.

On May 10th, Lu Weiguo said goodbye to their two children and parents and was taken to the train station by his wife.

As the car stopped in front of the train station, Lu Weiguo looked at Shi Tingyu.

Although it seemed like his wife had been a bit anxious these past few days, he was actually more anxious. The thought of not seeing his wife for more than two months made him feel an indescribable longing, but he was accustomed to hiding his feelings and didn’t want his emotions to affect her. Instead, he let his affection show in their daily interactions.

Ahead was the bustling train station. Rarely letting himself be so unrestrained, Lu Weiguo leaned in and kissed Shi Tingyu’s lips.

After a long moment, Lu Weiguo released her, lifted his hand to caress her face, and planted a few more gentle kisses.

“Wife, it’s going to be tough for you to take care of things at home during this time. I’ll be waiting for you in Beijing.”

Shi Tingyu nodded, wanting to walk him to the train, but Lu Weiguo stopped her. “Don’t get out. There are too many people and it’s chaotic outside. I don’t want to worry about you.”

Shi Tingyu said, “Alright.”

After getting out of the car, Lu Weiguo grabbed his luggage and walked into the station until he was swallowed by the crowd.

Shi Tingyu waited until the train had departed before driving back home.

The farewell was indeed sad, but it was just a fleeting emotion, and she quickly adjusted herself.

For these last two months, she planned to finish her work well and send off the first batch of graduates to various places.

When Lu Weiguo arrived in Beijing, Shi Muhuan drove to pick him up.

Lu Weiguo was somewhat familiar with the Beijing military district.

The two drove straight to the military district, and after arriving, Shi Muhuan went back to training.

Even if he was about to be transferred, he still had to perform his duties until the last moment.

After a day’s training, Shi Muhuan went to find Lu Weiguo at his temporary quarters.

Taking advantage of dinner in the canteen, he introduced Lu Weiguo to the leadership, making sure he was recognized.

Lu Weiguo was already well-known in the military district, and now, being assigned here as a brigade commander, everyone naturally showed him respect.

After meeting several people, they finally reached Captain Shen’s table.

Shi Muhuan felt a momentary… frustration.

Captain Shen usually dined at home, and Shi Muhuan wasn’t sure why he was in the canteen today. Having introduced Lu Weiguo to so many people, he couldn’t just ignore Captain Shen and had to greet him.

Truthfully, ever since his sister had advised Shen Ziming, the Shen family had stopped causing trouble.

It was Captain Shen who approved his leave last time, so they weren’t completely estranged.

Captain Shen stood up and extended his hand to Lu Weiguo as they approached.

“Captain Lu, long time no see.”

Lu Weiguo shook his hand. “Captain Shen, you look as impressive as ever.”

Shi Muhuan realized there was no need for him to say anything; the two men were already engaged in conversation.