Ning Shu waited until noon, but Lin Guodong hadn’t returned, so she decided to handle lunch herself.

She left the compound, asked a sentry for directions to a state-run restaurant, and went there for her meal.

Compared to state-run restaurants outside, those in the capital were much busier at mealtime.

By the time Ning Shu arrived, it was already late, and it was crowded.

When it was her turn, there were not many good dishes left, so she ordered a bowl of pickled vegetable noodles.

The sour dish was quite appetizing.

After finishing lunch, Ning Shu inquired about the housing authority’s location to check on the house.

Since she didn’t have any acquaintances in the capital, she needed to go to the housing authority for information.

However, she wasn’t only focusing on the housing authority; once they settled in, she could also look around privately.

Previously, when searching for housing in the old county town and in the city after joining the army, she relied solely on the housing authority due to the chaotic situation at the time.

It was easier to avoid trouble with properties that were not clearly documented.

But now, she wouldn’t buy a house without proper documentation.

The capital had many houses, and many sellers might not yet be accustomed to registering with the housing authority.

With the idea of buying a house in mind, Ning Shu was not in a hurry.

She also visited nearby schools to gather information.

For their situation, where children accompanied their parents, as long as they had the proper documentation, enrolling the children in school was quite convenient.

After learning about the enrollment procedures, Ning Shu returned to the compound.

As she approached Building 11, she saw Lin Guodong and Xiao Hou sitting on the doorstep.

Ning Shu said, “You’re back.” Since the keys to the house were with her, they had to wait outside.

“Mm,” Lin Guodong replied, “Have you had lunch?”

“I’ve already eaten. How about you?” Ning Shu asked.

Lin Guodong: “… Not yet.”

Xiao Hou, smiling, said, “The commander was worried about you being alone outside and declined the invitation to eat.”

Ning Shu: “Then Comrade Hou, you haven’t eaten either, right?” She took out money and tickets. “You should go to the state-run restaurant and get something to eat.”

Lin Guodong: “Give the money and tickets to Xiao Hou and let him buy something to eat here.”

“Alright.” Ning Shu handed the money and tickets to Xiao Hou.

Xiao Hou took the money and tickets and hurried off to buy lunch.

After Xiao Hou left, Ning Shu said to Lin Guodong, “After you left this morning, I chatted with the local residents. They said the previous occupant was a brigade commander with the surname Lu. After the commander retired, he and his son and daughter-in-law moved to a nearby courtyard house. That courtyard house is rented, and several families live together there. Since there wasn’t any room to move the furniture there, it was left here temporarily.”

Ning Shu frowned. “Should we buy them?”

Lin Guodong responded, “I’ve looked into it in more detail. After I reported, I also inquired about the situation. It turns out that this former Regiment Leader Lu was involved in a reporting incident.

Now that the person who was reported has been exonerated, Regiment Leader Lu was retired.

As for the belongings here, the military only reclaimed the house and didn’t handle the items. When Xiao Hou came to clean, he didn’t know what to do with the furniture and left it as it was.

The military’s stance is to contact Regiment Leader Lu about the disposal of the items.

If we can’t reach him, we should turn these items into money and give the money to him when we finally get in touch.” The retirement was merely a formality; in reality, it was a dismissal.

Ning Shu’s brow furrowed.

The idea of having someone else’s belongings in their new house was quite bothersome to her.

“I heard from the aunt next door that she knows where Regiment Leader Lu’s family lives and can take us to find them,” Ning Shu said, clearly frustrated.

Although she didn’t want to seek them out, she had no choice but to deal with the situation.

Lin Guodong said, “Let’s have lunch and then go.”

“Looks like that’s the only option,” Ning Shu agreed.

Xiao Hou returned with lunch from a state-run restaurant.

However, because he arrived late, he didn’t manage to get noodles or good dishes, only two vegetarian dishes and rice.

“Comrade Regiment Leader, please have your meal,” Xiao Hou said as he placed the food on the table.

Lin Guodong noticed and asked, “Aren’t you eating?”

Xiao Hou smiled and said, “I already ate outside.” His gaze was a bit evasive.

Lin Guodong said nothing more but went to their luggage to retrieve a lunchbox.

He divided his portion of rice into half and put it in the lunchbox.

Xiao Hou knew that men usually eat more, so the rice portion was considerable.

Lin Guodong also divided the two vegetable dishes into halves and put them in the lunchbox, then pushed it toward Xiao Hou. “Eat. This is my first order to you.”

He was perceptive enough to see through Xiao Hou’s lie.

Even Ning Shu could tell Xiao Hou was lying; it was obvious that a subordinate wouldn’t eat before their leader.

Xiao Hou looked embarrassed, knowing his lie was exposed. “Thank you, Regiment Leader.”

He accepted the food gratefully.

In reality, he was hungry but didn’t have any ration tickets, so he hadn’t bought more food.

As an ordinary soldier, he sent all his tickets home each month.

Ning Shu looked at the limited food and felt that two grown men would not be satisfied with just this.

It seemed she would need to buy some more substantial food if there was an opportunity.

Lin Guodong and Xiao Hou finished eating quickly, thanks to their training in the military, which had honed their eating speed.

They devoured their food in a few big bites and quickly finished lunch.

After eating, Xiao Hou eagerly started cleaning up.

Ning Shu and Lin Guodong didn’t rush to help; instead, they continued to observe the small Western-style house and discussed how to arrange it.

Although it was a small house, it wasn’t very large.

The house had two floors: the first floor consisted of the kitchen, living room, dining room, one room, one bathroom, and a storage room.

The storage room was quite small, which is why it was designated as such.

The second floor had one bathroom, a tea area, three rooms, and a study.

The old furniture was almost all still in place except for the beds and wardrobes.

It seemed that the items needed for the rental house were moved out, and the things that were not needed were left behind.

After looking around for a while and checking the time—it was around two o’clock—Ning Shu said, “Let’s go next door and ask for Brigade Commander Lu’s address.”

Lin Guodong nodded and then added, “I’m only free today. Tomorrow I have to report in; they’re very urgent over there.”

Given how quickly his transfer order came, Ning Shu could imagine the urgency.

She fully understood the importance of his work. “It’s fine. If we can sort it out today, then we will. If not, I can handle it on my own later.”

Lin Guodong continued, “I also know a few people in the capital from when I was in college. Although we haven’t met since graduation, we’re still on good terms. Some work locally, while others work elsewhere. If you need help while I’m busy at the base, you can contact those who work locally.”

“Okay.” Ning Shu wouldn’t refuse useful connections.

Moreover, she was concerned about Lin Guodong developing on his own.

The capital was different from the military base; there were many officials, and a higher rank meant greater influence.

Good connections were very important for Lin Guodong’s development.

“Should we invite them over once you have some free time?” Ning Shu asked.

Lin Guodong nodded, “Yes. I met one of my classmates today while reporting in; he’s also based here. My transfer here was partly thanks to his connections.”

“Really?” Ning Shu was a bit surprised.

Lin Guodong explained, “His family has strong connections here. He recommended me to relevant personnel, who then passed it up the chain… I didn’t know this initially; I only found out when I met him at the base.”

“Did he mention it to you directly?” Ning Shu asked.

Lin Guodong shook his head, “No. He didn’t say it at first. I realized it later.”

Lin Guodong noticed her concern and smiled. “Don’t worry. Even without this matter, if he ever needs my help in the future, given our relationship, as long as it doesn’t violate any principles, I would still assist him.”

Ning Shu understood from Lin Guodong’s words that their relationship must be quite close.

“I didn’t mention those friends to you before because we were in a different place, and it was not practical to bring them up as we couldn’t meet them. Now that we’re in the capital, there will be opportunities for interactions. I’ll tell you more about those friends and also some of my teachers in the capital… I’ll explain more in detail tonight.”

“Alright.” For now, they needed to address the issue with Regiment Leader Lu.

---

They then went to the neighbor’s house with Xiao Hou.

“Is anyone home?” Arriving next door, since the gate was open, and they could see the door of the house ajar, they called out from the courtyard.

“Yes, yes…” A woman came out from the house.

She was the aunt Ning Shu had met earlier in the morning. “Oh, it’s the neighbors from next door. What brings you here? Is there something you need?” Her tone was as warm as it had been in the morning.

Despite her warmth, she didn’t invite them in to sit, which was a bit surprising.

Ning Shu didn’t think much of it at the moment.

She was focused on the task at hand and said with a smile, “Auntie, we want to find the previous occupants of this house. You mentioned earlier that you knew their address and could take us there. Is it convenient now?”

“Oh, it’s convenient, convenient.” The woman replied quickly upon hearing Ning Shu’s request. “Please wait a moment. I’ll go close the door.”