Chapter 28

That evening, when Xing Guoqiang got home, he didn’t see his wife and children in the living room, but there was a steaming bowl of dumplings on the table.

Delighted, he called toward the bedroom, “Comrade Wen Lan, what’s the occasion? You made dumplings again?”

Two boys ran out of the bedroom. Ten-year-old Xing Jianjun excitedly said, “Dad, Aunt Lin from next door sent these. They’re still hot!”

Seven-year-old Xing Jianbing climbed onto a stool. “Dad, let’s eat! Aunt Lin said it’s shepherd’s purse and bacon!”

Shepherd’s purse was in season, and mixed with bacon, it was irresistible. Xing Guoqiang pulled out a stool and sat down, calling toward the bedroom, “Wen Lan? It’s time for dinner.”

Tang Wenlan, still looking dazed, walked out.

Xing Guoqiang handed her chopsticks and asked casually, “What were you doing in the room? You didn’t even eat.”

He popped a dumpling into his mouth. The bacon’s rich, salty taste was delicious. Before he could swallow, he reached for another but almost choked at his wife’s next words.

“I was writing a self-criticism. I feel my ideological awareness isn’t high enough.”

Xing Guoqiang nearly dropped his chopsticks. Silent for a moment, he looked at his sons. “What’s wrong with your mother today?”

The boys shook their heads. “No idea. She was already writing when we got home.”

He turned back to his wife.

Tang Wenlan looked righteous. “I think I judge people too one-sidedly. That’s not the quality of a good revolutionary comrade!”

Xing Guoqiang waited patiently.

Tang Wenlan sighed. “I thought Captain Huo’s wife was from a mountain village, so she must be poor, and we’d have nothing in common.”

Xing Guoqiang chuckled. “And then?”

She looked embarrassed. “Captain Huo’s mother asked me if there was a vacancy for a junior high teacher. I thought they were dreaming and said the position required at least a high school diploma. I didn’t expect…”

Xing Guoqiang laughed. “You didn’t expect she had one? Lan, not all rural families are poor or neglect education.”

Tang Wenlan’s expression turned smug. “See? You underestimated me too! I’m a college student!”

Since he and Huo Xiao were at the same level, Xing Guoqiang hadn’t seen Lin Ting’s records. He was surprised.

College students were rare, especially those from mountain villages with few schools. She was unique in their compound.

Tang Wenlan added regretfully, “But Tingting said she only studied for two years before the university shut down. Such a pity. She even speaks English! Amazing.”

Thinking about the chaotic situation outside, Xing Guoqiang felt uneasy. In recent years, tensions with the “big brother next door” ^[1]refers to the Soviet Union, reflecting the Sino-Soviet split. had grown, and many places had stopped teaching Russian. Lin Ting’s English skills could be useful.

Tang Wenlan snapped him out of his thoughts. “Eat before the kids finish everything.”

Realizing half the dumplings were gone, he quickly dug in. “This bacon and shepherd’s purse filling is great. Let’s make some ourselves soon.”

Tang Wenlan nodded. “I’ll buy flour tomorrow.”

Next door, the same topic was being discussed.

Lin Ting slumped in a chair, holding her stomach. Her mother-in-law’s dumplings were so delicious she had eaten too much.

She eyed the last few dumplings longingly as Huo Xiao ate them.

Seeing this, Huo Xiao, who was cleaning up, laughed. “Want me to make more tomorrow?”

Lin Ting thought for a moment. “We’re out of flour and bacon.”

Huo Xiao replied, “I’ll get more from the kitchen. They should have some.”

Refrigerators weren’t common, and food was preserved with salt. The kitchen steward loved stockpiling, so there was always extra bacon.

Lin Ting was tempted but felt it was unnecessary to trouble so many people just for food. “Wouldn’t that be too much?” she asked.

“Not at all.” Huo Xiao didn’t mind. He stacked the dishes and turned to his wife. “Come wash the dishes with me?”

Lin Ting, cradling her belly, refused. “I don’t want to move.”

Huo Xiao coaxed her. “Walking a bit will help digestion.”

That made sense, so while he washed the dishes, Lin Ting strolled by the well, chatting with him.

Huo Xiao mostly listened while she spoke about whatever came to mind. The atmosphere was warm.

Just then, the door of the Xing family’s house next door opened. Tang Wenlan stepped out with dishes and saw Captain Huo washing dishes by the well.

She watched enviously before throwing her own dishes at her husband, who was lounging with a book. Hands on her hips, she complained sarcastically, “Not only are you not as handsome as Captain Huo, but you’re also not as considerate. Comrade Xing, your ideological awareness ^[2]a term used in communist societies to describe political consciousness. is lacking!”

Xing Guoqiang…?

After cleaning up, Huo Xiao took Lin Ting for a walk. She wanted to bring the twins, but her mother-in-law insisted they stay home.

To avoid gossip in the crowded family compound, they walked toward the back mountain, holding hands.

On the way, Lin Ting told Huo Xiao about Sister Lan’s visit to discuss work.

Huo Xiao knew she had always wanted to be an English teacher. He considered it and said, “There’s no English course at the military junior high school, but the principal might add one.”

English teachers were rare, especially those like Lin Ting, who had a strong background and could openly teach it.

Lin Ting had thought it through. “Sister Lan said they need junior high school teachers in general. It doesn’t have to be English. I’ll start with anything.”

By then, they had reached the back mountain.

The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills. The tranquil air carried the scent of grass and earth.

Lin Ting took a deep breath, enjoying the moment. “Can we watch the sunrise from here?”

Huo Xiao had only been in this unit for a month and hadn’t explored much. “If you want, I’ll take you hiking early in the morning.”

Lin Ting, more fond of autumn leaves, thought about it and shook her head. “Forget it. I can’t climb, and I don’t like waking up early. Maybe later.”

Huo Xiao glanced at her thin frame, held her soft hand, and suggested, “Then wake up early and do morning exercises with me.”

Startled by the sudden touch, Lin Ting tried to pull away and looked around.

Huo Xiao chuckled and reassured her. “No one’s here.”

She rolled her eyes. “What if someone sees us?”

“We’re husband and wife.” He didn’t mind and continued walking toward the foot of the mountain.

There was a secluded spot in the thorn bushes with large rocks—a good hiding place.

Lin Ting was unaware of his thoughts. As she confirmed they were alone, a sweet feeling arose in her heart.

It felt like they were in love.

She turned to look at her handsome husband, but his expression suddenly changed.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

Huo Xiao lowered his voice. “Someone’s ahead.” The secluded spot he had in mind was already occupied.

Lin Ting saw nothing but was about to ask if they were on a date when a sharp female voice rang out:

“Cao Wenze, what’s your attitude? Don’t act high and mighty. I don’t even like you! If my dad hadn’t said you were a good man, do you think I’d look at you twice?!”

A calm male voice responded, “Comrade Liu Wenyan, I’ve said this before. Thank you and the commander, but I just want to serve the motherland and have no interest in dating.”

Lin Ting and Huo Xiao exchanged glances, feeling awkward. They turned around at the same time, trying to leave unnoticed.

Before they could, an even sharper voice cut through the air:

“What are you so proud of? You’re just a battalion commander. If Huo Xiao weren’t already married, do you think you’d have this opportunity?”

Lin Ting froze and turned to glare at Huo Xiao.

Huo Xiao’s face darkened. Without explaining, he grabbed her waist, pulled her into his arms, and ran.

Lin Ting was furious, punching him repeatedly.

If you can run so fast, why can’t you talk properly?!