Chapter 56

What should they do?

At this moment, Du Hongyi and the others were facing a dilemma as they stood outside Colonel Wang Chengping’s office, unsure of what to do, and they were caught in a situation where they couldn’t advance or retreat.

“I say, you little bastards, what are you dragging your feet for? Are you trying to hide something?” Just as Du Hongyi and the others exchanged looks, trying to figure out what to do, the window of Colonel Wang’s office was suddenly pushed open, and Wang Chengping’s loud voice echoed in the night sky.

Well, since the Colonel had spoken so clearly, Du Hongyi and the others didn’t dare to hesitate any longer. They quickly moved towards the office.

There was no need to knock. It was as if Colonel Wang had timed everything perfectly. As soon as Du Hongyi and the others reached the door, it swung open, and Wang Chengping inside waved to them.

Du Hongyi and his two companions, carrying a large wicker basket and holding lunchboxes, walked into the room with blank expressions.

As they passed by Wang Chengping, who was wearing a big cotton-padded jacket, he suddenly wrinkled his nose.

Du Hongyi and Zuo Gaopeng’s expressions grew even stiffer.

It seemed the Colonel must have known about their drinking.

“Xiao Du, Xiao Zuo, Xiao Yuan, come quickly, sit down.” Political Commissar Zhang greeted Du Hongyi and the others warmly, urging them to sit by the stove, while also quickly scanning the items they were holding in their hands.

The wicker basket was large, and it was clear it was quite heavy.

“Colonel, Commissar, these dumplings are a gift from Comrade Wei Ling and his wife.” Du Hongyi explained honestly as he brought the wicker basket closer to Political Commissar Zhang and the others and lifted the cloth off the basket.

Inside was a full basket of frozen dumplings that didn’t look particularly appealing.

“Raw?” Wang Chengping sounded slightly dissatisfied, but then he thought about it for a moment. If they were to fry each dumpling individually, it would require a lot of oil, and he quickly understood the Wei Ling couple’s reasoning.

“Colonel, they can be eaten just by boiling.” Du Hongyi quickly added, speaking on behalf of Wei Ling. “Colonel, don’t be fooled by how the dumplings look. They’re actually very delicious, with three different fillings: mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, and sauerkraut.”

“Good thing I prepared ahead of time.”

Wang Chengping was very pleased with Du Hongyi’s explanation. After saying this, he glanced at the master chef, Huang, who was standing beside him.

Master Chef Huang may have lost his sense of taste, but his nose and ears were still sharp. Under Wang Chengping’s watchful gaze, he picked up a large soup pot from the side and placed it on the stove, which had already been heated to a high temperature.

Du Hongyi and the others watched as Wang Chengping poured a pot of boiling water into the soup pot.

The lid was placed on the pot, and it wouldn’t be long before it started to boil.

From this, it was clear that the Colonel had prepared in advance, perhaps already expecting them to bring back dumplings.

“What’s that you’re holding?” Wang Chengping’s sharp eyes quickly spotted the large lunchboxes in Zuo Gaopeng and Yuan Xiangyang’s arms.

“These are dishes that Wei Ling and the others asked us to bring. They’re the same as what we’re having today.” Zuo Gaopeng and Yuan Xiangyang immediately placed their lunchboxes on the stove, opening them one by one. Inside were generous servings of braised pork belly, lamb, and stewed pig’s feet.

The dishes in the lunchboxes had already cooled down on the way back to town, but as soon as they were placed on the stove, the heat immediately began to thaw them, releasing a mouth-watering aroma.

Seeing these flavorful and aromatic dishes, Wang Chengping and Political Commissar Zhang, who had both already tasted Qin Qingman’s cooking, subconsciously pressed their lips together.

They were clearly tempted.

“Commissar… Commissar.” Du Hongyi tried to seize the opportunity to bring up his desire to marry.

Since the office only had the Colonel and Master Chef Huang present, the Commissar would likely not scold him.

“By the way, Xiao Yuan, go quickly and bring Hong Wei back. We’re all waiting for him to celebrate the Winter Solstice.” Political Commissar Zhang ignored Du Hongyi and directly gave an order to the silent Yuan Xiangyang.

Yuan Xiangyang had stayed behind on duty today, which was why he could accompany Du Hongyi and the others to the Qin family’s meal.

“Yes, Commissar.”

Yuan Xiangyang immediately stood to attention and saluted before quickly leaving the office.

Not only did he leave, but he cleverly pulled Du Hongyi and Zuo Gaopeng along with him.

Zuo Gaopeng had no objections or complaints about leaving, but Du Hongyi was reluctant. It was only when Yuan Xiangyang and Zuo Gaopeng simultaneously pulled him out of the Colonel’s office that he finally gave in.

Once they were far from the Colonel’s office, Du Hongyi couldn’t help but ask, “Why did we leave with you? And why did you stop me from speaking?” He wondered if he had stayed, he might have already brought up his request to the Commissar.

Zuo Gaopeng rolled his eyes and didn’t answer Du Hongyi.

Yuan Xiangyang helplessly said, “Do you want to be punished?”

“Talking about marriage is a normal need. We can’t be punished for that. Even if the Commissar dislikes us bringing it up, he wouldn’t punish us right now.” Du Hongyi said, confident in his position as a favorite in the division and his standing.

“We drank today.” Zuo Gaopeng reminded Du Hongyi.

“And Colonel already smelled it.” Yuan Xiangyang added, looking at Du Hongyi with more helplessness.

Lao Du was really sharp when he needed to be, but when he was oblivious, he could be completely clueless.

Du Hongyi, being looked at by both of his comrades with caring eyes: … Damn, he had really forgotten that they had drunk today.

“Lao Zuo, Lao Yuan, lucky I have you two good friends. Otherwise, I would’ve ended up stepping into the trap again today.” Du Hongyi said, looking at Zuo Gaopeng and Yuan Xiangyang with deep gratitude.

“Alright, stop talking. You two should hurry back to the dorm and get some rest. You’re all heated up from the alcohol. The earlier you sleep, the better.”

Yuan Xiangyang waved goodbye to the two of them.

He had to go and swap shifts with Hong Wei.

Watching Yuan Xiangyang leave, Du Hongyi and Zuo Gaopeng rubbed their cold hands together and stomped their feet before heading toward the dorms.

The weather here was really cold, and even after all these years, they still hadn’t quite gotten used to it.

“Lao Du, didn’t your parents try to find a marriage match for you back home?” As they walked through the dimly lit division, Du Hongyi, who had drunk, was having a bit of trouble holding back his words.

“Why didn’t you find someone back home?” Zuo Gaopeng countered, asking Du Hongyi.

“My parents are farmers, always careful and cautious. I’m the best off in the family, and they’re afraid their judgment isn’t good enough to find a decent wife for me, so they never dared to arrange anything.” Du Hongyi said, letting out a long sigh after speaking.

“Really?” Zuo Gaopeng was somewhat skeptical.

He didn’t believe that Du Hongyi’s parents were those kinds of people.

Du Hongyi stopped in his tracks and looked at Zuo Gaopeng seriously. Zuo Gaopeng met his gaze with equal seriousness.

They stared at each other for a few seconds, and then Du Hongyi lowered his eyes and continued walking toward the dormitory.

Zuo Gaopeng didn’t press the issue further. Instead, he responded to Du Hongyi’s earlier question, “I’ve mentioned a little before, my parents have some issues with their background. While it doesn’t affect me directly, they’re too cautious to try and find me a match.”

That was the reason he had remained single until now.

If it hadn’t been for the few stable years they had spent here, and seeing Wei Ling get married, he might not have considered marriage so soon.

“I’m sorry, Lao Zuo.”

Du Hongyi was taken aback by this answer. He stood still for a few seconds, then apologized.

“Lao Du, why are you apologizing to me? This isn’t some secret. Anyone paying attention would know about it.” Zuo Gaopeng said, not at all as petty as Du Hongyi might have thought. Instead, he laughed heartily.

He even gave Du Hongyi a friendly pat on the shoulder.

Seeing that Zuo Gaopeng had no reservations, Du Hongyi didn’t hold back either. He finally revealed the real reason he hadn’t married yet, “My parents don’t have much education, but they’re very stubborn. They firmly believe that my good job and the treatment I have now is because the whole family has supported me. They think I should keep repaying them.”

This was the first time Zuo Gaopeng had heard this, and he was stunned.

He then understood that despite how things might seem in their division, the reality of their lives wasn’t quite as glamorous.

“You think Lao Yuan not being married at his age has something to do with the same struggles we have?” Zuo Gaopeng thought about Yuan Xiangyang, who was just one year younger than him. At twenty-seven, it wasn’t exactly young.

“I guess Wei Ling didn’t get married earlier for a reason too. Otherwise, why would he travel all the way here? You, me, Lao Yuan—each of us has our reasons for being here, but we were all assigned here. The only one who came voluntarily was Lao Wei.” Du Hongyi said, his voice soft.

“I know Lao Wei has an average relationship with his family.” Zuo Gaopeng pointed out.

“Sigh, every family has its own difficulties.” Du Hongyi said with a bitter smile.

“Lao Du, with your situation at home, are you worried that your Sister-in-law will suffer if she marries you?” Zuo Gaopeng found it hard to imagine that Du Hongyi, usually so cheerful, hadn’t married because of his parents.

Du Hongyi shook his head. “It’s not so much about suffering, the real concern is that I worry she’ll feel wronged. I’ve got a lot of brothers. I’m the fifth, and the four older ones have all treated me like a father figure.”

With a sigh, Zuo Gaopeng fully understood Du Hongyi’s dilemma. “So why do you want to get married now?”

“This time is different.” Du Hongyi suddenly brightened up. “Our division might be building a family district soon. If that happens, my wife will be able to follow me, and I can take care of her.”

He spoke of his future wife as if it were already a done deal.

“Military personnel’s parents can also be moved with them.” Zuo Gaopeng reminded Du Hongyi, cautioning him not to get his hopes up too easily.

“My parents won’t leave the land, and they definitely won’t leave behind their grandchildren.” Du Hongyi knew his parents well.

“Lao Du, don’t be careless. Didn’t the Chairman say we should approach everything with suspicion? We need to be the most cautious in all things, so we can reduce bloodshed and sacrifice.” Zuo Gaopeng now fully understood what kind of people Du Hongyi’s parents were.

“You’re right. I should be more cautious.” Du Hongyi said, stroking his chin. He had decided that he would be cautious—extremely cautious.

“By the way, Lao Du, I need to remind you of something.” Zuo Gaopeng’s expression turned serious.

“What is it?” Du Hongyi tensed up, sensing something important.

“If you really plan to get married, you’d better act fast. Like Wei Ling, when you find someone you like, just go for it. Get your marriage certificate, then tell your family back home. Otherwise, I’m worried that if your parents catch wind of it, they’ll panic, thinking they can’t control you anymore, and they’ll try to find you a wife back home.” Zuo Gaopeng said seriously.

“That’s impossible, I’m a soldier. Military marriages need to be approved by the organization.” Du Hongyi replied, alarmed by Zuo Gaopeng’s words.

“You really think so? Don’t forget, some of our old comrades went off to fight, and when they came back, their wives had been married for three or four years already. It’s quite common. So when you have this wife that your parents and everyone back home accept, will you recognize her or not? If you don’t, you can bet she’ll make trouble and go straight to the organization. If you do, you’ll have to spend your life with a wife you don’t even have feelings for, just keeping up appearances.” Zuo Gaopeng continued, his voice heavy with experience.

Zuo Gaopeng came from a family with a complicated background and knew about the lives of some of the older generation.

Du Hongyi broke out in a cold sweat from Zuo Gaopeng’s words.

The alcohol he’d had earlier at the Qin family’s house had completely worn off.

Du Hongyi and Zuo Gaopeng walked back to the dormitory, deep in thought. Meanwhile, Hong Wei, who had swapped shifts with Yuan Xiangyang, hurried to Colonel Wang Chengping’s office.

He had heard from Yuan Xiangyang that Wei Ling and his wife had brought a lot of food for them.

This was something that definitely required a feast.

Hong Wei rushed to the office door, and as he pushed it open, the delicious aromas instantly hit him in the face, making him sneeze and causing his stomach to grumble loudly.

“Old Hong, hurry up, we’ve been waiting for you.” Colonel Wang Chengping and Political Commissar Zhang both waved at him in unison, their voices matching.

Despite the overwhelming scent of food filling the room, they were indeed waiting for Hong Wei. In the meantime, they had boiled a few dumplings to eat, but the meat dishes that Wei Ling and his wife had brought remained untouched.

“Old Hong, come on, come warm up!” Political Commissar Zhang moved his chair aside and squeezed next to Chef Huang.

Colonel Wang Chengping also placed his lunch box in front of Hong Wei, with a pair of chopsticks following right after. “Old Hong, you’ve got to try these dumplings. They taste absolutely amazing. The filling isn’t too much, but it’s even better than pure meat.”

Wang Chengping was rarely one to praise anyone, so it was evident how much he was satisfied with Qin Qingman’s cooking.

“Indeed, it’s really delicious.” Hong Wei, who had tasted Qin Qingman’s cooking the day before, trusted her culinary skills completely. After taking a bite of the dumpling, his whole body immediately warmed up.

“Come on, Lao Hong, this dish was specially brought to us by Wei Ling and his wife. It hasn’t been touched yet. You should try it.” Wang Chengping said as he called everyone to eat once they had all gathered.

While serving himself, he didn’t forget to serve Master Huang a piece of braised lamb with a bit of skin.

The lamb, tender and fragrant, had been stewed to perfection. With one bite, he felt completely satisfied.

“Delicious!” The first to praise was not Wang Chengping, nor was it Hong Wei, but Master Huang, who was tasting Qin Qingman’s cooking for the first time.

“Lao Huang, didn’t you lose your sense of taste? How did you manage to taste something good?” Wang Chengping, surprised, looked at Master Huang with wide eyes. For a moment, he even wondered if Master Huang’s sense of taste had somehow returned.

Huang Xingye glared at Wang Chengping in displeasure. “I lost my sense of taste, but that doesn’t mean I can’t smell anything. I might not taste the food, but I can definitely smell it, can’t I?”

“If I really made the food that bad, the soldiers in the department would never just tolerate it out of respect for you and the others. I can assure you, the food I make is well within everyone’s tolerance.”

Political Commissar Zhang and Hong Wei stared at Master Huang in shock.

“So, you know that everyone has been dissatisfied with the taste of the food you make, yet you’ve kept it the same for over ten years?”

Wang Chengping’s face darkened. “Lao Huang, are you doing this on purpose?”

He had been eating Huang’s food for over ten years, enduring the torment of his cooking skills. That his sense of taste hadn’t failed him yet was already a huge stroke of luck. If Master Huang was doing this intentionally, he would definitely make him pay for it.

Hong Wei started cracking his knuckles at Master Huang.

The sound echoed through the room.

Originally, it was Political Commissar Zhang’s role to prevent violent incidents from happening, but instead of speaking up to stop it, he lowered his eyelids and slowly ate his dumplings.

This attitude seemed to imply that he tacitly approved of Wang Chengping and Hong Wei handling Master Huang.

Master Huang froze upon seeing the situation, breaking into a sweat as he hurriedly explained, “I can’t taste the food, but I can smell the aroma. How else would I distinguish between soy sauce and vinegar?”

Wang Chengping and the others: …That does make sense.

“Lao Huang, uh, sorry about that. Here, have some pig’s trotters. They’re chewy and soft, really delicious.” Wang Chengping, feeling embarrassed, served some food to Master Huang. He still remembered how Master Huang lost his sense of taste.

It was from a hand grenade explosion, where shrapnel had passed through his jaw, causing the loss.

And during that injury, Master Huang had saved their lives.

“Lao Huang, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have thought poorly of you.” Hong Wei said apologetically, his eyes looking at the ugly scar on Master Huang’s cheek.

“It’s fine. I know all of you.” Master Huang said with a carefree smile, stopping Political Commissar Zhang, who was about to speak.

It was nothing really. Their relationship hadn’t been built in a day or two, and he could still take a joke. He didn’t mind at all that they invited him to eat food that wasn’t cooked by him.

Though he couldn’t taste the food, just by smelling the aroma and seeing the expressions on Wang Chengping and the others as they ate, he could tell how delicious the specially delivered meal was.

“Actually, it’s me who owes you all an apology.” Master Huang said after thinking for a moment, putting down his chopsticks and seriously looking at Wang Chengping and the others.

“Lao Huang, what are you talking about?” Wang Chengping said, giving Master Huang an unhappy glare.

Master Huang didn’t shy away from his gaze. He continued, “It was my own stubbornness that pushed me into the kitchen. I thought I could still fight alongside all of you, but instead, I made everyone eat food that probably didn’t taste right for all these years.”

“Lao Huang, don’t overthink it. Honestly, your cooking might not be the best, but it’s definitely not inedible. On the contrary, because you’ve been in charge of the kitchen, our division has been highly praised by the military district and the regional military.” Political Commissar Zhang said, his words as smooth and flattering as ever.

“Lao Zhang, don’t comfort me. I’ve heard plenty of people secretly say that my cooking is terrible.” Master Huang said, his smile tinged with bitterness.

“That’s nonsense. Lao Huang, you know me well. If your food was so bad that even dogs wouldn’t eat it, I’d definitely tear down your kitchen.” Wang Chengping said, gnawing on a pig’s trotter.

“Lao Huang, your food is definitely edible. In fact, it’s because of your cooking that the old leaders in the military district think we haven’t forgotten our roots. They believe our division still holds on to the hardworking spirit of the Red Army. Every year, we get the fastest and most complete supply of materials.” Wang Chengping added as he put down his pig’s trotter and gave Master Huang a solid punch on the shoulder.

It was a punch of recognition from a brother.

Master Huang’s eyes instantly welled up with tears. He no longer brought up the idea of stepping down, knowing full well that if he did, he’d surely be in for a beating that day.

“Come on, eat up. It’s Winter Solstice today. We can’t drink alcohol, so let’s substitute it with water. Let’s drink a toast.” Wang Chengping said, raising his enamel mug.

With the soft clink of their mugs, the Winter Solstice celebration for Wang Chengping and his friends had only just begun.

—

At the Qin household, when Qin Qingman woke up the next morning, everything had returned to normal.

Chuchu and Wei Ling were still asleep, and the steel stove was still faintly glowing red. She immediately knew that Wei Ling must have added more coal in the middle of the night. Without adding coal, the room wouldn’t be so warm, and the stove wouldn’t be this red.

Surprised that Wei Ling was still asleep, Qin Qingman carefully studied his features.

Wei Ling was very handsome, not only in a way that matched the aesthetic of this time but also in a way that would appeal to future generations.

His handsomeness made her heart flutter. Every time she looked at Wei Ling’s face from up close, her heart raced.

Thump, thump, thump—

Qin Qingman glanced over at Chuchu, who was sound asleep not far away. She then carefully leaned closer to Wei Ling’s lips.

His lips, flushed from drinking, were glossy.

She wanted to kiss him.

With that thought in mind, Qin Qingman’s face flushed slightly as she leaned in closer to Wei Ling, inching nearer, until their lips were just a breath away from touching.