Chapter 36: Family Quarters

Hearing Shen Huaixu’s voice, Tang Xiaorou was delighted. “Shen Huaixu, you’re back!”

Shen Huaixu hadn’t expected to see Tang Xiaorou at the unit. Seeing her with an unfamiliar boy, he asked, “Didn’t we agree I’d pick you up? Why did you come directly? Where are the children?”

“Xiaoliang, Xiaoyan, my mom, and Grandma Yao are at the guesthouse.”

Tang Xiaorou briefly explained the situation. “I came directly after handling things. I called your unit earlier and asked them to let you know when you returned.  We just arrived, and you came back too.”

She pointed to Yao Bingcheng. “This is Grandma Yao’s grandson, Yao Bingcheng.” She introduced them to each other.

Yao Bingcheng greeted him respectfully.

“Brother-in-law.”

Shen Huaixu nodded at Yao Bingcheng, then turned to Tang Xiaorou. “Since you’re here, I’ll tidy up the family quarters in the next couple of days, and you can move in.”

Tang Xiaorou mentioned renting a house.

“We have a lot of people this time, so we plan to rent a house nearby. The family quarters won’t be enough.”

Shen Huaixu considered this. “There’s a house with a yard in the family quarters. It’s large enough. But if you don’t want a house, we can stay in an apartment building.”

Tang Xiaorou immediately said, “We want the house.”

Shen Huaixu nodded. “Okay, I’ll apply for the house.” He went to Tang Xiaorou’s side. “Let’s go to the guesthouse now.” His mother-in-law had arrived, and he wanted to see them.

“They’re resting.  Why don’t you go ahead and get things ready? We can have dinner together later.”

Shen Huaixu agreed. “Okay, I’ll go make arrangements.”

“Okay, we’re at the military guesthouse. See you tonight.”

“Okay.”

Tang Xiaorou waved goodbye to Shen Huaixu and returned with Yao Bingcheng.

After they left, Shen Huaixu quickly went inside. Two guards saluted him, and he nodded before heading to the leader’s office.

“Huaixu, you’re here! Didn’t you say you’d pick up your new wife and two children after this mission? Why haven’t you left yet? I thought you’d already gone.”

Wang Guoqiang teased him.

“Leader, my family is already here with Xiaoliang and Xiaoyan. I don’t need to pick them up. But she also brought two elders.” He explained about the housing request. “So I want to apply for the house.”

“Of course! The house has a yard, giving the children more space to play.” Wang Guoqiang readily agreed. “It’s not easy for your family to travel so far with two children. You must treat them well.” He asked, “Your wife doesn’t mind you adopting Xiaoliang and Xiaoyan, does she?”

“Don’t worry, Leader. She doesn’t mind and is very kind to them.”

Wang Guoqiang was relieved.

“That’s good. I was worried the children would cause problems between you two.” He had advised Shen Huaixu against adopting the children, but Shen Huaixu was firm in his decision.  Fortunately, his wife was understanding.

“I’ll approve this immediately. Then you can choose the largest house, and they can move in.”

“Thank you, Leader.”

Shen Huaixu acted quickly, securing the largest house with a yard in the family quarters. After receiving the keys, he hurried to the guesthouse.

“Mom, you must be tired from the journey. Would you like to rest some more?”

Shen Huaixu saw Qin Xueqiong and greeted her.

Qin Xueqiong smiled. “Xiaoshen, Xiaorou said you’d come tonight. I didn’t expect you to come so soon. Come in and sit.” She called Tang Xiaorou.

“Mom, I’m coming.”

Tang Xiaorou was taking the children to the restroom.  Afterward, she brought them to meet Shen Huaixu.

“Dad…”

Xiaoyan, excited, ran to Shen Huaixu and hugged his leg.

Xiaoliang was also happy but more reserved.  He quietly called, “Dad.”

Shen Huaixu smiled at the affectionate children. “I was planning to pick you up, but you’re already here.”

“Mom and Grandma brought us,” Xiaoliang said excitedly. “And Grandma Yao. They’re amazing! Mom even saved someone on the train!”  He’d heard the story from Yao Bingcheng and was fascinated, regretting he hadn’t seen his mother save the person.

Shen Huaixu looked at Tang Xiaorou in surprise. Their journey hadn’t been peaceful.

Grandma Yao and Yao Bingcheng arrived.

Tang Xiaorou introduced Grandma Yao.

“Hello, Grandma Yao.”

Since Tang Xiaorou called her Grandma Yao, Shen Huaixu followed suit.

Grandma Yao nodded at Shen Huaixu. “Hello, Xiaoshen. Xiaorou is a wonderful girl. You must treat her well.” She presented a small box. “This is a small gift for our first meeting.”

Shen Huaixu was about to refuse, but Grandma Yao interrupted.

“We’re family. No need to be so polite.”

Shen Huaixu accepted the gift. “Thank you, Grandma Yao.” He put it away and said, “It’s getting late. Let’s go to dinner.”

“Okay.”

During dinner, Shen Huaixu asked about Tang Xiaorou saving someone.

Before Tang Xiaorou could speak, Yao Bingcheng vividly recounted the event. “Brother-in-law, you should have seen it!  Sister immediately went to help, ignoring the others’ doubts and objections.

She gave the old man acupuncture, and thanks to her quick thinking, she saved him. If she had listened to them, the old man might have died.”

Shen Huaixu was astonished. “You know medicine?”

“Yes.”

Tang Xiaorou nodded. “I learned a little before. When I saw someone collapse, I had to help.”