Chapter 8 Reunion Dinner

Everyone was chatting and laughing, while the kitchen filled with the aroma of cooking. Before they knew it, it was time to eat. Elder Dai and the others, drawn by the smell, approached the door, the scent immediately making their stomachs growl.

“Oh, this smells incredible! Just by sniffing it, you can tell these dishes aren’t ordinary!” Elder Dai joked as he strode inside, warmly greeting everyone.

Fang Yingyue nimbly removed her apron and began placing steaming dishes on the table. Jiang Qingzhou got up to help, and the two worked seamlessly together. In no time, the once-empty table was filled with a colorful spread of meat and vegetable dishes, each looking delicious.

Everyone gathered around the round table, just about to start, when Elder Dai pulled out a bottle of wine from behind him.

“Everyone, today’s a good day. I’ve brought some fine wine that’s been in my collection for years. Normally, I wouldn’t drink it, but since we’re all here together, we must try it and make this meal even more special!”

As the wine was uncorked and poured, the fragrance of wine mingled with the aroma of food, filling the entire room.

Fang Yingyue didn’t forget to greet Elder Xu and Grandma Lin, who had just arrived, her sweet voice as if smeared with honey, making the elders beam.

Grandma Jiang smiled and said, “Everyone, dig in! My granddaughter-in-law has really put in effort! Take this braised pig’s trotters with yellow wine—it’s exceptional. The trotters are tender and flavorful, melting in your mouth. The rich wine perfectly balances the fat, not greasy at all, with a subtle aroma of wine.”

Grandpa Xu picked up a bite of cold salad, chewed, and brightened, giving a thumbs-up. “This dish is excellent too—refreshing and tasty.”

After the meal, everyone gathered, sipping tea, cracking sunflower seeds, and sharing trivial stories from daily life. Elder Dai and his companions, noticing the time, got up to leave.

“Ah, that was a satisfying meal. We’re energized, so back to work!”

Fang Yingyue watched their departing figures, a mix of emotions stirring in her heart.

After the lively meal, it was time to part ways. Grandpa and Grandma Jiang stood at the door, eyes full of affection, hugging everyone goodbye. Jiang Qingzhou stepped forward, holding both their hands tightly.

“Grandpa, Grandma, we’re leaving. Take good care of yourselves, and call immediately if anything happens.”

“You’re a good kid. Don’t worry, and you travel safely too.”

Back home, the clock quietly passed nine. Exhausted, Fang Yingyue quickly washed up and collapsed into bed. Jiang Qingzhou, returning from his own wash, saw her fast asleep. He quietly tiptoed to the bed, carefully slipped under the covers, and held her in his arms. Listening to her even breathing, he drifted off to sleep with her.

The next day, Jiang Qingzhou and Fang Yingyue returned to Fang’s family to celebrate the New Year together. Time passed quickly, and the holiday was almost over. The days to be with family were limited. He had already bought train tickets for the fourth day of the Lunar New Year to return to the island.

On that day, Jiang Qingzhou held the luggage firmly in his left hand, tightly grasping Fang Yingyue’s small hand with his right, carefully moving through the crowds. She tugged at his hand, anxiety and helplessness in her eyes. Following her gaze, he saw her feet trapped between luggage and people, unable to move.

Without hesitation, Jiang Qingzhou extended his arms and lifted Fang Yingyue into his embrace. The sudden movement made her body tremble, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. Being so small, held in his arms, attracted many curious glances from passersby.

They made their way through the crowded station and finally reached their sleeper car. Compared to the chaos outside, the carriage was relatively quiet. The bunks were neat and spacious. Around them, people whispered and stared enviously.

“Look at these two—who are they to be in a sleeper cabin?”

Indeed, sleeper tickets cost over a hundred each and aren’t easy to get; only those who meet certain requirements can purchase them. His rank just qualified him for the ticket. Normally, he didn’t care whether he sat or lay on the train alone, but with Fang Yingyue, it was different. The long journey from Yandu to the island took three days, and he couldn’t bear to let her endure discomfort.

Once settled, Jiang Qingzhou straightened her slightly messy hair. “Tired from all that commotion? Rest a bit.”

Fang Yingyue looked up, softly replying, “With you here, I don’t feel tired.”

Soon, the train slowly started moving. Fang Yingyue sat by the window, her gaze caught by the passing scenery—fields, trees, streams—fading quickly behind the glass.

When the train reached Shencheng Station, the platform teemed with people, a tide of movement. A brief moment of quiet was broken as someone climbed into their sleeper cabin.

“Ah! A young couple!” a cheerful voice exclaimed. A woman had entered, scanning Jiang Qingzhou and Fang Yingyue with a broad smile.

Jiang Qingzhou remained calm, nodding slightly. “Mm.”

“Where are you two headed? Maybe we’re going the same way!” She waved her hand. “Don’t worry, I’m not a bad person.”

“We’re going to Longcheng,” Jiang Qingzhou replied.

Her eyes lit up. “Oh, what a coincidence! I’m headed to the island! Do you know where the troops are?”

The moment Jiang Qingzhou heard “troops,” his nerves tensed, his expression became stern, and his gaze sharp. During such sensitive times, anyone asking about military units could have ulterior motives. He had to be careful.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, watching the woman cautiously. “Why are you asking this?”