Chapter 5

The climate in Chengdu is humid and cold.

As soon as Lin Ting stepped outside, the chill seeped into her body. She shuddered and quickly buried her head in her scarf, leaving only her eyes exposed.

Seeing this, Zhao Fengying smiled. “It’s only minus 2 degrees Celsius today, much warmer than your hometown. What will you do when you go back?”

With her head still buried, Lin Ting mumbled, “There’s a heated brick bed in my hometown. I stay on it all winter.”

Of course, sometimes work had to be done, like digging dams, but she had been studying most of the time. After dropping out of school, she worked in the fields a few times, but her family kept her inside out of concern.

They called it housework, but in reality, she hardly did anything, let alone work outside in winter.

Noticing her pale face, Zhao Fengying muttered, “Young people usually have more energy. What’s wrong with you? You’re too afraid of the cold. Move around more when you get back, or see a doctor.”

Lin Ting assumed it was just a lack of exercise but didn’t argue. She smiled. “Yeah, I know.”

_

Captain Deng’s house was at the northernmost end of the townhouses.

Whether it was because they left early or the cold weather, they saw no one on the way. The two chatted as they walked, and by the time they arrived, Deng’s wife, Lu Jingjing, was already waiting.

She wore a thick, loose cotton jacket. Despite its dull gray color, her natural beauty shone through. She seemed much younger than Captain Deng.

Noticing Lin Ting’s surprise, Zhao Fengying led her to a seat and smiled. “Old Deng and Jingjing are only five years apart. They don’t look it, do they? They were childhood sweethearts. One looks young, the other older—people often mistake their age gap for over a decade.”

Lu Jingjing was used to this reaction, but she was more surprised by Lin Ting’s appearance. She hadn’t expected Deputy Captain Huo’s wife to be so striking.

She pushed a plate of melon seeds and peanuts toward them and poured two bowls of sweet tea. Sitting down, she smiled. “I’m already 32, but my Old Deng looks older. He never takes care of himself. I beg him to use vanishing cream, but he acts like he’s dying.”

Zhao Fengying sighed. “All men are like that.”

Lin Ting had always been known for her beauty and had many suitors.

Before adulthood, her family kept a close eye on her. In college, she briefly dated a campus heartthrob from a neighboring university. But on the second day of their relationship, when they went out for a meal, he hinted at getting a hotel room.

She was so angry that she broke up with him on the spot.

At just 20, she felt it was too soon. She had imagined romance filled with affection and care, not something so fast-paced.

As someone with little dating experience, she wasn’t sure how to respond to such conversations. Thankfully, the topic soon shifted.

_

After some casual chatting and finishing their tea, Lu Jingjing took out two packages and handed Lin Ting a thick envelope.

“This is from Old Deng. A little gift from the soldiers.”

Lin Ting held the envelope, confused. Could it be what she thought?

Seeing her hesitation, Zhao Fengying patted her hand and reassured her. “Don’t feel burdened. This isn’t just for you. In the past, Huo Xiao also donated money and ration tickets to the families of fallen soldiers.”

Zhao Fengying kept her words vague, not wanting to bring up Lin Ting’s grief. But Lin Ting understood what was in the envelope.

Still, she couldn’t accept it.

She had come for personal reasons. Even though she had no choice, she didn’t feel justified in taking this money.

Besides, she knew the army had already provided a pension. Her late husband’s mother, Hu Xiu, was strict and principled.

If she accepted this money, everything she had worked to repair back home in Xiangyang Brigade would fall apart.

With that in mind, Lin Ting stood up and pushed the envelope back to Lu Jingjing. Seeing the puzzled look on her face, Lin Ting firmly refused. “Sister-in-law, I can’t take this money.”

Zhao Fengying frowned. “This is from the soldiers. It’s a tradition. How can you refuse?”

Lin Ting believed her, but she remained resolute. “Sister-in-law, I don’t mean to be difficult, but our family isn’t struggling. And even if we ignore my mother-in-law’s stance, Huo Xiao wouldn’t have wanted me to accept this money.”

Even though she still felt conflicted about suddenly finding herself as someone’s wife after traveling through time, she had to have principles.

She didn’t know how much was in the envelope, but from its thickness, she knew it was significant.

If she took it, knowing that the Huo family was well-off, it would tarnish Huo Xiao’s heroic reputation.

Determined, Lin Ting’s expression grew even more resolute.

Zhao Fengying hadn’t expected this reaction.

The young woman had fair skin, red lips, a straight nose, and slightly upturned peach blossom eyes. A scarlet teardrop mole at the corner of her eye made her look even more stunning and alluring.

At this moment, her eyes were firm, her expression dignified, completely suppressing any trace of charm.

It was this determination that made her realize the other party wasn’t just making excuses to decline.

Since this was Lu Jingjing’s first time meeting Lin Ting, she couldn’t insist too much. But as a military wife, she couldn’t help but consider other ways to assist.

Meanwhile, Lin Ting sincerely refused. “Sister-in-law, I’m telling the truth. I don’t need donations, but I appreciate the kindness of my comrades on behalf of Huo Xiao.”

Seeing her insist, Lin Ting hesitated for a moment before saying, “If I accept, I’d start doubting whether coming here was a mistake.”

Hearing this, Zhao Fengying frowned and scolded her disapprovingly. “Don’t say that.”

Lin Ting looked apologetic. “I can’t help it.”

Zhao Fengying sighed. “Let’s not talk about this now. We’ll ask Lao Wei later.”

Lin Ting didn’t want to push further and nodded. “Thank you, sister-in-law.”

Zhao Fengying looked at her and teased, “It’s too early to thank me. Are you rejecting it because you think it’s too much?”

Naturally, everyone values money, and Lin Ting wasn’t an exception. But she sincerely believed they weren’t struggling enough to need donations. If possible, who wouldn’t want to live with dignity? Especially since this dignity belonged to Huo Xiao. She had no right to reach out for it.

Still, she knew Zhao Fengying meant well. So, she took her hand and said warmly, “I know you’re doing this for my own good.”

Zhao Fengying smiled and patted her hands. “As long as you understand.”

Seeing this, Lu Jingjing changed the subject. “We heard you were coming yesterday, and all the military wives wanted to meet you. But we figured you’d be tired, so we waited. Now that you’ve rested, we should all get to know each other.”

What she didn’t mention was that she had already visited the night before, but Lin Ting had been asleep.

She brought this up because Lin Ting refused the donation, so she wanted to introduce her to more people. Military families all had connections, and knowing these wives could be helpful.

Zhao Fengying understood Lu Jingjing’s intent and agreed. “Yes, we won’t do anything formal—just a simple gathering.”

Lin Ting didn’t think much about it. After hesitating, she nodded. “It’s only right to meet.”

Normally, she would have treated everyone to a meal, but given the funeral, it wasn’t appropriate to make a fuss. She would wait until she returned to Xiangyang Brigade and send something to those who helped her.

Especially Zhao Fengying, who refused to take her money and treated her so kindly.

Zhao Fengying was quick to act. Knowing Lin Ting was eager to go home, she took her on a walk around the staff quarters. By the time they returned, over a dozen women had gathered in the small living room.

No one came empty-handed—some knitted sweaters, others sewed shoe soles, shelled peanuts, or held young children on their laps. The scene was lively and warm.

As the center of attention, Lin Ting sat beside Zhao Fengying while the wives bombarded her with questions: how she met Huo Xiao, where she was from, how long her journey took, and if anything unusual happened on the way.

By modern standards, some questions would seem intrusive, but Lin Ting knew this was just the way things were. She tried her best to adapt.

Of course, not everyone was friendly. But before Lin Ting could react, Zhao Fengying casually dismissed any hostility by saying, “Xiao Lin refused the donation.”

Only then did Lin Ting realize that not everyone had been eager to contribute. But it wasn’t surprising—times were tough. Even officers had to support children and elderly family members.

When the wives, dressed in patched clothes, lamented how most of their husbands’ salaries had to support in-laws, Lin Ting understood just how much struggle was behind those donations.

Time passed quickly as they chatted.

Before long, it was lunchtime. After the gathering ended, Lin Ting helped Zhao Fengying prepare lunch.

After the meal, the wives went home for their usual noon nap.

Lin Ting returned to the second bedroom to sort through Huo Xiao’s belongings. To her surprise, after ten years as a soldier, he owned very little. Aside from a few worn military uniforms, most of his belongings were books and papers.

According to Mrs. Lu, Captain Deng had personally packed everything, folding the clothes neatly—even the patched underwear.

Lin Ting, worried about messing up the organization, carefully went through them. Among the items, she found two letters she had written to Huo Xiao.

She didn’t open them since she already remembered their contents.

Lin Ting found it hard to believe that two people who had never met could get engaged through just two letters.

But strictly speaking, it wasn’t their decision—it was Huo Xiao’s mother, Hu Xiu, who had chosen her. Once the two confirmed their willingness, they submitted their marriage application.

However, such arranged engagements were common in this era.

In addition to the letters, Lin Ting found a small tin box containing several 2-inch black-and-white photos. Though the images were slightly blurred, Huo Xiao’s sharp eyes, strong brows, and dignified presence were clear.

Especially in his military uniform and cap, he looked exceptionally handsome.

He had a cool, upright temperament that added to his charm.

Lin Ting thought about how the original owner of her body had been so proud yet willing to be a stepmother. It was probably not just because Huo Xiao was a military officer but also because of his outstanding looks.

But now, she was the stepmother.

Oh, not only that—she was also a widow.

Thinking about the challenges awaiting her in Xiangyang Brigade, Lin Ting lost interest in admiring the handsome man. She quickly packed up her belongings.

After gathering her clothes and squeezing them into two packages convenient for travel, she washed up and lay down.

She hadn’t slept well the night before and needed rest for tomorrow’s journey.

_

Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, Zhao Fengying had just fallen asleep when her husband, Wei Tao, returned from his lunch break.

She wasn’t surprised and shifted inside the bed. “Lie outside; I’ve warmed the quilt for you.”

Wei Tao took off his coat, settled into the warm bed with a sigh of comfort, then asked, “How was it? Did Comrade Xiao Lin give you a hard time?”

As the wife of a leader, Zhao Fengying often had to take care of the families of subordinates. Some were difficult and unreasonable.

Sensing the guilt in his tone, she smiled and shook her head. “Don’t worry, Xiao Lin is easygoing—too easygoing, actually. She’s very polite.”

Wei Tao took a sip of tea from the bedside table and relaxed. “That’s a good thing.”

Zhao Fengying rolled her eyes. “She’s too naive. Why wouldn’t she accept donations from the army?”

Wei Tao was surprised. “She refused? That’s quite a sum.”

Huo Xiao was well-liked, highly capable, and had many friends. Many people donated money for Lin Ting. With him and Lao Hong leading the effort, the total must have been several hundred yuan—a considerable amount.

Of course, this money was meant to be repaid once Huo Xiao returned.

Zhao Fengying, unaware of her husband’s thoughts, repeated Lin Ting’s words. She sighed, “I was always curious about what kind of woman would match Huo Xiao. Now that I see her, they’re a perfect match… It’s just a pity they weren’t meant to be.”

Wei Tao said nothing, knowing that fate would soon prove otherwise.

Zhao Fengying patted her husband. “Either lie down or sit up properly. You’re half-leaning like this, and I feel a chill.”

Wei Tao glanced at the tightly closed doors and windows but didn’t argue. He said in a good-natured tone, “I will, after I drink a little more. The cafeteria food was too salty.”

Zhao Fengying nagged, “I told you to come home for lunch, but you insisted on staying at the base. You’re probably older than Xiao Lin’s father—what’s the point of avoiding suspicion? Besides, I’m here at home. There’s no need to be so cautious. Oh, I got Xiao Lin’s commune’s phone number and address. We’ll keep in touch.”

Wei Tao raised an eyebrow. “You two get along well?”

Zhao Fengying turned to face him. “She’s a good girl… Old Wei, I was thinking—should we adopt the twins?”

Wei Tao’s eyelids twitched. He had a bad feeling. “Why?”

Zhao Fengying sighed. “Lin Ting is two years younger than our daughter. She won’t stay single forever. There aren’t many good candidates in the countryside. If I meet a decent man, I could introduce him to her.”

Wei Tao nearly choked on his tea. “Cough… What did you just say?”

*

T/L Notes:

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